Welcome and thank you for reading my first website newsletter. I pray that you are doing well and that you remain encouraged. A lot has transpired since I met many of you at the Philadelphia Dementia Conference in May. 

My focus has been my passion, which is to share my book H.O.P.E. for the Alzheimer’s Journey to make the journey for caregivers less stressful and more rewarding. I have had multiple speaking engagements, I provided H.O.P.E. to some retirement and Alzheimer’s Association libraries, and my editorial was published in the Wilmington News Journal. In June, I travelled with the Alzheimer’s Association to Capitol Hill to advocate for increased research funding. I have also sold the book for fundraisers like the Alzheimer’s Association’s The Longest Day. Pictures from these events and useful caregiver information are on my website at www.carolbamos.com.

I have increased my presence on social media where I share useful caregiver information. Please follow me on: 

• LinkedIN at Carol B. Amos
• Facebook @hopeforthealzheimersjourney
• Twitter @Carolbamos

Share or retweet some of my posts with your network.

H.O.P.E. for the Alzheimer’s Journey: Help, Organization, Preparation, and Education for the Road Ahead launched October 16th. It is available at Amazon.com, some bookstores, and my website. At Amazon.com you can preview the book and read the many positive reviews from family and professional caregivers. Please purchase H.O.P.E. for yourself or a caregiver for a less stressful, more rewarding journey. 

Christmas holidays can be difficult for those caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease. Although caregivers long for holidays of the past, caregivers can shift their thinking and create new traditions. These new traditions may be a less stressful Christmas such as a simpler Christmas dinner and reduced gift giving.

Caregivers can make the holiday enjoyable for their loved one. Possible activities to celebrate the season are:

• A car ride to view Christmas light displays in the neighborhood
• A visit to view Christmas decorations at the mall (select less busy times)
• A hayride in the park (depends on weather and physical ability)
• Christmas concerts at church, mall, library, etc.
• A visit to a live Nativity scene
• Participate in neighborhood or church Christmas caroling

Friends and church members can give the gift of help to caregivers during this season and throughout the year. Some suggestionsare:

• Offer to stay with or do an activity with the person with Alzheimer’s giving the caregiver a break,
• Offer to prepare a meal for the family.
• Offer to run errands for the caregiver.
• Offer a ride.
• Offer to take the person with Alzheimer’s to an event.

Talking, listening, and providing encouragement to caregivers are always in season.
This is the season of giving. Reach out to a caregiver and show the love of Jesus Christ.

It is extremely difficult caring for someone with any of these behaviors. Caregivers must reach out to God, family, friends, and others for help.

Our relationship with God is the most valuable resource for life’s journey, especially the Alzheimer’s journey. God will give you the grace that you need for this season of your life. “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121: 1-2)  Worship, prayer, and staying in the word can give you the strength and wisdom to manage difficult situations.

Another valuable resource is the Alzheimer’s Association. Their website (www.alz.org) has an extensive virtual library of information for all aspects and stages of the illness and is updated regularly. There are librarians available by phone, email, or in a chat room to answer questions. There is online training for families. Visit the local office, located at 240 North James Street, Suite 100A in Newport, DE. Browse through their pamphlets and library. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and willing to help. The Alzheimer’s Association also provides a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week helpline (800 272-3900).² This helpline is extremely useful for advice when encountering Alzheimer’s behaviors in your loved one. Seriously consider joining one of the caregiver support groups. Support groups meet monthly and allow you to share and learn from other caregivers.

There are multiple books available to equip caregivers for their responsibilities. Three useful resources are:

• Personal Care: Assisting a Person with Middle- or Late-Stage Dementia with Daily Needs, © 2016 Alzheimer’s Association, Rev. Dec 16, 770-10-00191, (http://www.alz.org/national/documents/brochure_personalcare.pdf) ^(18-2)
• The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer’s Disease, Related Dementias, and Memory by Nancy L. Mace and Peter V. Rabins
• Learning to Speak Alzheimer's: A Groundbreaking Approach for Everyone Dealing with the Disease by Joanne Koenig Coste.

With God’s help, education, and help from others, family members can become better caregivers and reduce some of the stress associated with caregiving. 

^1,2 Alzheimer’s Association website, www.Alz.org