I am conducting a review for Chicken Soup for the Soul as I received Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living with Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias: 101 Stories of Caregiving, Coping, and Compassion in exchange for a review although the thoughts in the report are all mine and mine alone.
As a child, I remember growing up and my grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and ending up in a Nursing Home. Once this happened my grandfather didn’t recognize anyone. I can still see my dad standing by his bed just looking at him not knowing what to say. One day my dad wanted to take my grandfather out for Strawberry Ice Cream.
When we got out to the car my grandfather got scared and started to fight my dad so the nurses had to take him back inside the Nursing home and we had to leave. My dad didn’t cry in front of us, but you knew he was hurting. He just sat in the car staring straight ahead not talking to anyone. None of he knew what to say to my dad or how we could help him.
The next time we went up to see my grandfather my grandmother asked him if he knew who my brother was and he told her exactly who he was. That is the last time he remembered any of us or even spoke to us. Also though this happened, my Uncle went to the Nursing home every day to help with his care. Not one time did he know who he was or why he was there.
I Pray we never have to deal with Alzheimer’s again as it hurts so much to watch someone you love deal with Alzheimer’s. It is scary as the individual can turn on you and beat you or themselves up as the person with Alzheimer’s doesn’t know what they are doing. My dad has a sister and brother, I worry about them getting Alzheimer’s as well. Because both of them are getting older and I am not sure, I would be able to handle someone else going through Alzheimer’s like my grandfather and my father are facing.
Losing my daughter when she was only 16 and my mom back in August is about all I can handle to lose. Although I know someday my dad will follow. By reading this new book I know it is okay to share my concerns with others as someone else might be going through the same thing. Being able to talk to you someone helps because I don’t have to keep my feelings all bottled inside.
My father forgets things now more and more, and it scares both my sister and me. I have noticed he is always telling me the same things over and over.
Which is what happens at his age but also a side effect from the Strokes he has had in the past. As much as I hate to admit it can be Alzheimer’s as well. I Pray it isn’t but even I am getting older as I am turning 50 and one days Alzheimer’s may happen to David or myself.
All I can do is read to prepare and myself educate myself. When I found out Chicken Soup had Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living with Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias: 101 Stories of Caregiving, Coping, and Compassion, I knew it would be one I would read as well as share with my sister. I am so glad I did as I learned so much from Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living with Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias: 101 Stories of Caregiving, Coping, and Compassion. I think you would as well if you took the time to read it. I think Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living with Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias: 101 Stories of Caregiving, Coping, and Compassion should be in every doctor’s office as well as in Nursing Homes and Retirement Centers.
So all in all this was a massive hit for both my sister and me and something I would keep always. As well as purchase for Gifts for anyone that has to deal with Alzheimer and I think you should do the same.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie, and David Cates
