Carol Howell's Blog

Let me introduce you to Zoe.  She is a pie-bald, soft wired-hair, miniature dachshund.  That is way to many adjectives for a seven pound dog.  She entered our lives in July of this year, and she has rocked our world.  This picture shows her resting comfortably on her "sofa".  She is lying on a pink blanket next to a bone that belongs to her. 

From looking at the picture, it would seem Zoe is saying, "These things are mine.  Leave them alone."  Of course, my husband and I had no desire to take these items from her.  The picture made me think....

I often see caregivers remove items from people with dementia and I wonder.  "Why couldn't they keep that item?"  One such experience occurred when a caregiver removed an apple from the hand of a man whose main job each day was to walk up and down the hall.  This man saw the apple, picked it up, and he proceeded to examine it quite intensely.  The caregiver did not want the man to eat the apple so close to lunch time, so the caregiver proceeded to remove the apple from his hand.

This man was much like Zoe.  Maybe he was thinking, "This is my apple.  You are not getting it."  However, and unfortunately, the caregiver was persistent.  The apple was removed from his hand, and the man became agitated. 

If the man had been left to examine the apple, and maybe even eat the apple, would his life had been changed in a negative way?  Would it have resulted in some tragedy that must be avoided?  I think not. 

Give serious consideration when making demands of your loved one with dementia.  This is especially true when they are living in the mid to late stages of their disease.  Ask yourself, "Is this necessary?  Does it really matter?  Would life be just as good or even better if I backed off?"   

Often it is easier and more productive to just leave well enough alone.  Hope that gives you something to ponder. 

Black bean burger on a whole
wheat bun, spicy mustard and “petchup”, sliced tomates and onions, steamed
asparagus with garlic and herb seasoning, and corn on the cob.  That was the menu for dinner recently, and it
is safe to bet the picture is making you hungry!

The entire menu met the
requirements for plant-based eating, and the results were delicious.  Why eat plant-based?  Anything that is good for the heart is good
for the brain.  Further, studies have
shown that plant-based eating will actually help improve the health and size of
the hippocampus.  As a reminder, the
hippocampus is located in the center portion of the brain, and it is the first
area of the brain affected by Alzheimer’s. 
Anything that improves the health of the hippocampus is a good thing.

The recipe for black bean
burgers follows, but an explanation of “petchup” might be in order.  Petchup is a combination of black pepper and
ketchup.  Mix well, and say “YUM”.  Actually, a similar product can be purchased,
but this version is much less expensive and oh so good.  Hope that gives you Something To Ponder.

Dad-Gone Good Black Bean Burger2 cups cooked black beans (I used low sodium canned beans)1 cup oatmeal1 onion chopped fine1 tablespoons McCormick Garlic and Herb seasoning1/4 to 1/2 cup vegetable broth2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons warm water

Mix it all together while crushing some of the beans, and then you are ready to sample your creation.  There are no raw ingredients, so sampling is safe.  If you like a little heat, add chopped jalapenos or a hot sauce.  If you like a Mexican taste, add a Mexican blend seasoning.  Whatever works for you!  

Now make patties and either (1) fry in a non-stick skillet, or (2) bake at 400 degrees until patties are firm - about 20-25 minutes.  I double and triple the recipe to allow for a greater yield.  The burgers freeze well, and they make for a quick dinner on a busy night.   

Happy Plant Based Eating! 

 

This week's Blog is written by Ada Brownell, and her thoughts are right on target!

Only a few days ago Science News featured a study in Hungary that found dogs have long-term memory. I could have saved them the money and the trouble. We had a male poodle named Macho who remembered the vet’s office from the parking lot, even though he hadn’t been there for six months. He dragged the leash the wrong way with his brakes on when I headed for the door.

Macho could detect what was ahead when I started gathering up towels and doggie shampoo. He’d head for the hills--a spot on the couch under a pillow or anywhere, in an attempt to keep from taking a bath.

I haven’t been around many animals, but I’ve seen chickens who could recall how to peck a certain place and receive food, and I’ve seen all sorts of critters, bugs and slimmey things that have memory. Then why, when a human gets old, will a name he knows as well as his own escape him?

One day I couldn’t think of the word “pretzel.” I burned my brain going through the alphabet, but it wouldn’t come. In the middle of the night I woke, and there it was. I had it! Pretzel! No longer was it that little squiggly thing we deep fry and sprinkle with salt or cinnamon and sugar.

Am I developing Alzheimer’s Disease or another form of dementia? How could I tell? But I’ve heard if you can’t remember something important and you know it, you’re probably safe.

One blessing I’ve discovered is being married helps. When we take off in the car, one of us might point and say, “Where are you going? It’s that way.” Or one of us might yell, “Look out!” and prevent an accident.

Sometimes it takes two of us to prepare a meal. But being married comes in handiest when we’re talking. We fill in the blanks for each other when one person can’t think of a name or word.

When God created marriage, he said “Two shall be one flesh” (Genesis 2:24).

I’ve discovered when you’re senior citizens, it takes two to be one.

 

ADA BROWNELL is a free lance writer who has sold more
than 300 articles to 45 publications. A retired journalist, she spent most of
her career at The Pueblo Chieftain in
Colorado.

Her books:

Joe the Dreamer: The Castle and the Catapult
http://buff.ly/XeqTvH

Swallowed by LIFE: Mysteries of Death,
Resurrection and the Eternal: http://amzn.to/Jnc1rW

Confessions of a Pentecostal: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0088OP460

      Blog: http://inkfromanearthenvessel.blogspot.com

 

 

Everyday I spend time with
folks who have dementia.  The cause of
their dementia may vary from person to person, and the symptoms of the dementia
may change daily.  However, as different
as each person is, they are all similar and can get along quite nicely.

This picture shows my
bed.  Yes, I really do put all these
pillows on my bed each  morning, and my
husband removes then nightly.  There is a
total of ten pillows and six fabrics on my bed. 
Each of these fabrics is unique and totally different from the other,
but each of these fabrics blend quite nicely to make the pretty bed I admire
each day.  Different yet the same.  Individual yet common.

People with dementia are
different, yet they are the same people we have always known.  While they are constantly changing and
shifting, deep within them is the individual we have always loved. 

People with dementia are
common.  The symptoms they experience are
often seen repeated in other people. 
Don’t think your loved one is unusual or strange when you see a certain
behavior.  Chances are it is a behavior
that has been observed many times before.

Being different can be
good.  Being the same can be good.  I hope that gives you Something To Ponder.

 

It is always impressive when an individual takes their job seriously.  When the tasks being performed are enjoyable, and the individual is working to the best of their ability, then everyone's life is enriched through the process.  This is true in caregiving, also. 

Caregiving is often exhausting work.  However, the work is made more enjoyable and the tasks easier when genuine interest and concern are part of the experience.  Learning about the individual, hearing stories from the past, discovering their likes and dislikes, can all prove to enhance the caregiving experience.  For example, what side of the bed do they normally sleep on?  Do they put a small amount of milk on their cereal, or do they like a large amount?  What high school did they attend?  Who was their first date with?  

We can't make friendships with people we meet unless we talk and find out about one another.  There has to be a sharing of life values and concerns in order to form relationships.  The same is true for caregivers.  Most senior citizens are happy to share stories about their lives, and they delight in having someone take interest in them.  

Ask questions that will lead to pleasant stories.  Be prepared for long stories, but they will be stories that produce a better caregiving situation.  Hope that gives you Something To Ponder. 

There are facts about life that will always remain the same regardless of age.  These facts can be personal.  One such fact regards toiling. 

If you have ever changed a baby' diaper, it was most likely not something routinely done in a public setting.  From infancy through potty training, teaching children the importance of privacy in regards to bathroom activities is important.

We never want a child to feel nature is anything less than normal, however we do not necessarily enjoy the experience of cleaning a child after "nature" has paid a visit.  There is no denying it, diaper changing is not always a pleasant experience. 

As we age, we often lose the ability to control the bladder and bowels.  This incontinence can be embarrassing and frustrating for both the senior citizen and their caregiver.  It brings back reminders of earlier years when nature called.  The odor that accompanies the need for a change is the same no matter the age of the individual.  The difference between a cute little infant or toddler needing special attention, compared to that of a mature adult, can be hard to accept. 

Showing respect to the individual and their needs, remembering bodily functions continue throughout life, and recognizing the limitations of each individual will make the process of caregiving easier.  Babies, toddlers, or mature individuals... we all deserve proper respect when "nature" calls.  I hope this give you Something To Ponder.

 

Are we, as a nation, unable to show kindness?  Are we too busy to show kindness?  Are
the statistics regarding violence in our society upsetting, or do we become
hardened to the sadness around us?  Is it
possible many of us are lacking something meaningful in our lives? 

If we treat others the way we
want to be treated, then we are putting kindness to work.  Scriptures teach us, “Do to others as you would
have them do to you.”  (Luke 6:31)  Kindness is not a fix for the problems we
face, and there are always going to be those individuals who make life
difficult.  However, as Momma always
says, “Kill them with kindness”.  Most
individuals are caught off guard when kindness is presented during a stressful
or volatile situation.  This same
kindness can diffuse the situation and allow peace to permeate the environment.

The
kindness we show and share will make an impact on those around us.  Children and adults, friends and
acquaintances, co-workers and bosses, teenagers and senior citizens all benefit
from these acts of kindness.  Who can you
reach out to today?  Hope that gives you
Something To Ponder.

 

I enjoy reading recipes
online and seeing the pictures that show the food in various stages of
preparation as well as the completed product. 
This picture shows my healthy granola bars in a stage of their journey.  That stage is known as ALMOST GONE!  These little squares are so dad-gone good
(yes, that’s a good Southern phrase and I have no clue what it means!), and
they don’t last long around my house. 

Eating healthy and exercising
reduces your chances of Alzheimer’s by 50%! 
Get started today by making these healthy granola bars for breakfast or
a snack!  If you don’t like raisins,
substitute craisins or leave them out entirely.  

Hope that gives you Something
To Ponder (and something to eat!). 

Dementia Busting Granola Bars

1 cup unsweetened applesauce

2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
meal mixed with ¼ cup water

1 cup raw sugar

1 tablespoon Ener-G egg
replacer mixed with ¼ cup water

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 ½ cups whole wheat pastry
flour

3 cups rolled oats

1 cup raisins

1 cup bran meal

¼ cup sunflower seeds

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

Preheat oven to 375
degrees.  Combine the flaxseed meal
mixture and the Ener-G mixture with the applesauce and vanilla.  Add the remaining ingredients.  Spread into one large piece on a cookie
sheet.  Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until
the desired crunchiness for granola bars. 
Some people like them soft, and some people like them crunchy.  Let cool. 
Slice into squares or bars.  Hold
yourself back, or you might eat them all!

This recipe is adapted from a
recipe in THE ENGINE 2 DIET.  Click here to order this wonderful book and learn about plant-based eating.  I HIGHLY recommend you add it to your library and your recipe book collection.  

 

This has been an exciting week at my house.  A decision was made, and action was taken.  I am still a little in shock about the entire process.

Let me back up in time a bit.  For fifteen years, my husband and I were the parents to a beautiful Miniature Dachshund name Pretzel.  This little fellow brought joy, hugs, smiles, and the best Dachshund kisses ever into our world.  In March of 2012, Pretzel passed away.  Life has not been the same since then.

Recently, I began wondering what it would be like to have a puppy.  I have thought about the pros and cons, the kisses and the work, and hugs and the expense.  I have talked myself out of exploring the idea several times.  Finally, I felt I might be ready to open my heart, yet again, to just the right dog.  Then the email arrived, and my favorite realtor wrote, "I think it might be time for you to have a puppy again."  I wondered when my realtor started reading my mind! 

This week, Michael and I visited a Dachshund rescue group in our hometown, I was overwhelmed.  Over 30 Dachshunds greeted me.  All asked to go home with us, but one little baby caught my eye.  There she stood.  A soft wired-hair, pie-bald miniature dachshund.  That's a ton of adjectives for just 8 pounds of puppy.  She came to me, allowed me to pick her up, was not surprised when I turned her over on her back, and just stayed in whatever position I placed her.  I was sold!   

Zoe Howell joined our family that day, and I have spent a great deal of time doing my very own Pet Therapy.  Pet Therapy actually reduces blood pressure, aids with digestion, decreases agitation, and just makes a person feel better.  This is true for folks who have dementia, also.  For me, I have realized how much I needed time to relax and not think so much.  I enjoy watching Zoe run around the house, and then I thrill to have her jump on my lap and snore.  Soothing.   Peaceful.  Loving.  

I can't wait to get home tonight! 

Hope that gives you Something To Ponder.  

This poem is said to have originated in the News Magazine of the North Ireland Association for Mental Health.  

What do you see, nurses? 
What do you see? 
What are you thinking, 
When you’re looking at me? 

A crabby old woman, 
Not very wise, 
Uncertain of habit, 
With faraway eyes. 

Who dribbles her food, 
And makes no reply, 
When you say in a loud voice, 
“I do wish you’d try!” 

Who seems not to notice, 
The things that you do, 
And forever is losing, 
A stocking or shoe 

Who, resisting or not 
Lets you do as you will, 
With bathing and feeding, 
The long day to fill? 

Is that what you’re thinking? 
Is that what you see? 
Then open your eyes, nurse, 
You’re not looking at me. 

I’ll tell you who I am, 
As I sit here so still, 
As I do at your bidding, 
As I eat at your will. 

I’m a small child of ten, 
With a father and mother, 
Brothers and sisters, 
Who love one another. 

A young girl of sixteen, 
With wings on her feet, 
Dreaming that soon now, 
A lover she’ll meet. 

A bride soon at twenty, 
My heart gives a leap, 
Remembering the vows, 
That I promised to keep. 

At twenty-five now, 
I have young of my own, 
Who need me to guide, 
And a secure happy home. 

A woman of thirty, 
My young now grown fast, 
Bound to each other, 
With ties that should last. 

At forty, my young sons, 
Have grown and are gone, 
But my man’s beside me, 
To see I don’t mourn. 

At fifty once more, 
Babies play round my knee, 
Again we know children, 
My loved one and me. 

Dark days are upon me, 
My husband is dead, 
I look at the future, 
I shudder with dread. 

For my young are all rearing, 
Young of their own, 
And I think of the years, 
And the love that I’ve known. 

I’m now an old woman, 
And nature is cruel, 
‘Tis jest to make old age, 
Look like a fool. 

The body, it crumbles, 
Grace and vigor depart, 
There is now a stone, 
Where I once had a heart. 

But inside this old carcass, 
A young girl still dwells, 
And now and again, 
My battered heart swells. 

I remember the joys, 
I remember the pain, 
And I’m loving and living, 
Life over again. 

I think of the years, 
All too few, gone too fast, 
And accept the stark fact, 
That nothing can last. 

So open your eyes, people, 
Open and see, 
Not a crabby old woman; 
Look closer - see ME!!  

Hope that gives you SOMETHING TO PONDER.