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Alzheimer's Support Network News |
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January 1999 |
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As I See It . . . From Chuck's Desk Dear Friends, Isn't it odd to write "1999?" As a new year begins, most of us tend to look back at the year now gone and forward to the year ahead. For those caring for someone with Alzheimer's or other dementia, it may be hard to feel good about the accomplishments of the past year or to be enthusiastic about the challenges of the new year. Life may seem to be spiraling downward. There is certainly reason for caregivers to feel this way with the constant demands of caregiving and the decreasing abilities of the care receiver. I am reminded of the words of Reinhold Neibuhr that have become known as the "serenity prayer:" God grant me the courage to change those things that I can change, the serenity to accept those things I cannot change and the wisdom to know the difference. Caregivers sure do need courage! We must muster every bit of courage and strength we can find just to make it through each day. Where are we to find extra courage to change those things that can be changed? Your answer to that question may be "faith" or "God." Or you may realize that courage and strength come from taking good care of yourself. How much stronger we are when we have enough rest or when we take time for ourselves to replenish our energies! Perhaps that is something we can change. Perhaps 1999 will find you renewing your faith or making changes that allow you to replenish your energies. Can we identify a small goal in that direction and work on it in the coming months? "Serenity to accept" -- what a tall order! Once again, caring for the caregiver, eating a well balanced diet, exercising, seeing the doctor when we need to, helps us to feel better. And when we feel better, our ability to find serenity increases. Caring for someone with dementia demands endless serenity -- or patience. Accepting those things we cannot change can seem impossible. Where do we find the "wisdom to know the difference?" Wisdom is an interesting concept. The older I get, the more I realize that wisdom comes from knowledge and experience. Knowledge about Alzheimer's and other dementias is now plentiful. The Caregivers' Resource Center in the 660 Building has a wealth of materials to answer your questions. Experience as well as knowledge is shared freely at support group meetings and through the staff at the Alzheimer's Support Network. Why not let us help you figure out which things you can change and which you must learn to accept? Terry, Suky and Nellie join me in sending you warm wishes for good things, including courage, serenity and wisdom in 1999. Chuck Pollard In this issue: What Makes Communication Challenging Please click here to continue reading |