Alzheimer's Hero
by Valerie
Stephenson
You entered my world extending your hand,
Reaching for the
“me” that I had lost.
You helped me remember who I am
With kind and gentle reminders
Of the memories
composing my life.
You took the time to know me
Beyond the intricacies of my disease—
You
helped me find my way, each day,
Easing my fears,
Helping me feel that I still belong.
You overlooked
my daily confusion,
Understanding the rage, giving me comfort.
You walked along with me, not for me,
Helping
me face the day
With a sense of dignity and a semblance of pride.
My memory fades,
But I know when
someone cares.
And I know when I look into your eyes
That you are my hero.
For you are faithful, you are strong,
And you respect the best of who I am.
And I know that your belief and steadfastness
Have allowed me to rediscover
The strength and courage
Of the hero that lies within me.
This was sent to us from Pat White, Betty White's daughter in law.
Thank
you.
I found this today..I think if Granny could have expressed to you Valerie, and Sara, what you meant to her it would
be that you two were her Heros.
An Alzheimer’s Disease Bill of Rights
To be informed
of one’s diagnosis.
To have appropriate, ongoing medical care.
To be productive in work and play as long as
possible.
To be treated like an adult, not a child.
To have expressed feelings taken seriously.
To be free
from psychotropic medications if at all possible.
To live in a safe, structured and predictable environment.
To
enjoy meaningful activities to fill each day.
To be out-of-doors on a regular basis.
To have physical contact including
hugging, caressing, and hand-holding.
To be with people who know one’s life story, including cultural and
religious
traditions.
To be cared for by individuals well-trained in dementia care.
