Question:
Will you please tell me your story?
Answer:
I am writing a book called Creative Care Partnering,
showcasing creative care partners we at Alzheimer Coaching
Services have met with in the last eight years. Since I
believe we respond more to and learn better from the stories
of real people, I’d like to feature your story in the book.
Families have taught me more than I could ever have gleaned
from books and seminars.
There are a number of things it would be helpful to know.
What has been your experience? Where have you found the best
information that helped you care for your family member with
dementia? How have you adapted, or not, to the limitations
of the disease or condition that has changed your family
member’s thinking and behavior? How have you handled
the sadness and disappointment that a diagnosis of dementia
brings to your relationship?
My goal in writing the book is to give information about
dementia, and helpful guidelines and principles of dementia
care so care partners can experience and sustain a vital
relationship in spite of the changes.
It is hard to change a lifetime of relating to a person in
view of the deficits that dementia brings. It takes a
willing and creative spirit, commitment to the person’s well
being, and motivation to practice of a new way of relating.
I am anxious to hear from you. I’d like to meet you or have
you send me an email, a letter or phone me. Tell me your
story; how you are making the transition from the diagnosis
being a ‘catastrophe’ to its being a family matter to
work through together. I wait for your contribution to my
understanding. You are the experts; I am the messenger to
others who need to know.
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