To Walk in Another's Shoes...

Nightline aired this story the other night. It's only 5 minutes and a real eye opener. Can we really imagine what it is like to have Alzheimer's? This exercise goes a long way towards that end. Caregiver empathy is deeply sharing another's experience and this video shows how to walk in another's shoes so that empathy can grow.
It also gives a little glimpse into the lives of the caregivers and we need to all develope empathy for their situation as well and this video is a great first step.

Taking the time to care for the Caregiver

I just stumbled on this website called Partners in Care. What a fabulous idea! Check out the site to get some ideas for what you can do. Don't wait for this agency to come to your area. We can already offer our services to those who would surely appreciate a break, no matter how small. A friend used to walk with Alan while I ran ahead. That was the only 20 minutes I had to myself all week. Imagine......Read more in my memoir Living on the Verge of Insanity
If you aren't close by you can send a nice Hug a Caregiver gift.

Relationship Capital, it's already here......

See if you can take an hour out of your busy day in this world of money and making ends meet and hear about an entirely different way.......the social economy way based on relationships, trust and what is truly needed. The show is To the Best of our Knowledge: Future Perfect - Dreamers, Schemers and Visionaries. I listened to part 2. I see there is a part 1 and 3. That's what I'll be listening to today! Enjoy..........

Thinking profound thoughts on a rainy day

I just found the small piece of paper where I had written this thought.
There will always be someone richer, better looking, more talented and smarter.
Instead of striving to be the best in those areas how about we work on being the most patient, kind, courageous, curious, satisfied and proud of ourselves. Let's include being the best listener too.
Then if there is someone better than us at these things we all benefit.

Check out my friend's blog on Understanding Dementia

Seniors and Their Families in Crisis

There's always good news...you just have to look

Improves brain function....what? Say that again! My favorite food group......chocolate.

It ain't Oprah but hey.....

I wanted to let everyone know about a bunch of stuff coming up related to my book.

1) I'll be on the TV show Senior Forum which airs on 5/13 @ 10 a.m. Cablevision. Channel 74.
It's the Yorktown schedule.

2) I'll be speaking for AARP at the Yorktown Senior Services
1 p.m. Wednesday 5/13.
Yorktown Nutrition Center
1974 Commerce Street
Yorktown, New York 10598

3) I'm speaking this Sunday 4/26 at 2:30 p.m. room B at the Tarrytown Marriot.


4) Also NYC book signing is this Saturday in Tribeca. Let me know if you can be there.

Here's the info.:
"Acclaimed author of “Living on the Verge of Insanity: Loving lessons Learned From My Sweetie's Early-onset Alzheimer's Disease - A Caregiver's Memoir” will be making a rare personal appearance and conducting a book-signing along with a special movie screening at Manhattan’s trendy Dylan Prime Restaurant at 62 Laight Street (just south of Canal Street) on April 25th from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The screening will be Andrew Jenks, Room 335 a heartwarming documentary about a 19 year old college student who moves into an assisted living home for the summer.The movie will be followed by the book signing party.

This very special event will be taking place during the internationally famous Tribeca Film Festival, and will offer hor d’oeurves and a cash bar. Because of the anticipated attendance at this gathering, guests should register in advance either by email to sotmary@gmail.com, or by telephone message at 917-273-1308 as soon as possible. Although there is no admission fee, reservations are required. There will be a suggested donation of $5 for the movie screening."