Book Review: Memory Lessons, A Doctor's Story

I recently had the opportunity to review Memory Lessons, A Doctor's Story. Through the pages of this book a doctor describes his father's experience with Alzheimers.

Leonard Winakur's words "Let that be a lesson to you", ring our loud and strong in this loving memoir of a relationship that although unique is common to all of us - the changing responsibilities and the shifts in roles as we, our parents, and society in general ages-in-place.

Many people prefer to have their heads in the sand hoping they will never have to cope with the issues that are raised in Memory Lessons. Unfortunately to a greater or lesser extent we will all have to face some form of age related care, whether giver or recipient, so we ALL need to be prepared.

What I found so touching was the perspective of someone you would think would have all the advantages, a doctor, who could handle the aging process with supernatural knowledge and skirt the mistakes that the average person would walk into blindly. However, that was not the case and the candid admission of this journey is sobering.

All should take note and act shrewdly and learn from these lessons.

For more information on this book, check out the Amazon link in the sidebar.

"Ask the Experts"

With the unsteadiness of the economy and the high cost of health care, many elderly, who may at one time wanted to enter a retirement community are now opting to age-in-place, that is utilize their existing home. The challenge here comes with getting the proper assistance for medical and non-medical needs and to make safety updates to the home.

If this seems like an option you may be interested in investigating for your family member we would like to announce a new segment to Careliving Solutions - "Ask the Expert".

From time to time we will be featuring guests bloggers in the fields of real estate, finance, nutrition, exercise and aging. Feel free to submit questions directly to this blog on subjects that effect you most.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Toxic Environments

I read recently that if you are in a toxic relationship, one that is primarily negative, then you should "take measures to change it as soon as possible". That can be easier said then done.

For instance, as a caregiver taking care of a chronically sick person is for the most part negative, especially if the sickness causes the patient to have down moods. Day after day can be extremely frustrating for them and they begin to see the world as "everybody hates me, nobody loves me." You can't just tell them to snap out of it and sometimes in the case of spouses you can't exit the situation.

What can you do? The only thing to do is change your attitude. I'm not saying that you should pretend that everything is rainbows and moonbeams but actually realistically evaluate the situation and try to find the positive that can be reinforced.

Just as a healthy body can easily eliminate potential toxins so can a healthy attitude toward life help you not be overwhelmed with the negative. Taking the time to take care of yourself and focusing on upbuilding, positive things can help you as a caregiver.

Tell me how you feel about the subject.