About a year ago, we were introduced to an English couple who have since returned to the UK. He's in the advanced stages of AD, restricted verbally but, when given the chance, still able to enjoy himself socially. She's his highly competent and loving wife and carer. We had some good chats and I often … Continue reading SIDELINED?
Category: Social help
CREATURE COMFORT
Back in the ‘80’s, I remember reading moving stories of how animals were being introduced into hospitals and retirement homes. The book was called ‘Creature Comfort’ – I don’t remember the author. It has disappeared from our bookshelves, which is sad as I would’ve liked to read it again now that the idea is being … Continue reading CREATURE COMFORT
GET READY TO LIVE IN THE NOW
How often have we heard ‘we must live in the moment’, ‘live as though today is our last day’? Nowadays it’s called ‘living in the NOW’. For those who are lucky enough not to be suffering from a crumbling brain or other chronic or potentially fatal condition or disease, the message is straightforward - don’t … Continue reading GET READY TO LIVE IN THE NOW
ACROMANIA?
This post is primarily for Dementia sufferers and carers living in France but could be interesting to those who have other long-term health problems requiring help or live elsewhere and would like to know what’s available here. The below list is for the GERS department. I do not know if the organisations are the same … Continue reading ACROMANIA?
LEARNING HOW TO CARE
Last Monday I completed the fifth of five sessions of ‘FORMATION AIDANT’ – training for Dementia carers organised by France Alzheimer. It was certainly helpful despite the lousy acoustics in the Mirande Mairie conference room. When Yolande Serra (psychologist), in charge with Catherine Lafaille (therapist), turned away from me, her voice became muffled. Nonetheless I gained … Continue reading LEARNING HOW TO CARE
UNDER SURVEILLANCE
Here in France, it’s routine to keep a watch on the rate of deterioration of Alzheimer’s patients – the gerontologist every six months and the full team once a year. We went this week for Leaf’s annual check-up; a 7-hour session at the local hospital. They’re certainly thorough and we’re grateful for that. JUST A … Continue reading UNDER SURVEILLANCE
HELP, HELP!
(For English-speakers living in France and others who are interested to know what’s available to dementia sufferers and carers in this country) LA BELLE FRANCE We’re so often told to ‘follow the dream’. Go for it, take the risk, don’t just talk about it – feel the fear and do it anyway*. Here we are … Continue reading HELP, HELP!
doodahtwo.home.blog 