TechCare and Dementia

You know the word. Dementia. The illness affecting more than 5 million adults in the United States.

The illness that increased 68% between 2000- 2010.

The illness which lays along a diverse spectrum of severity and impact.

Because of the high projection rates, countries are looking into innovative technological solutions for both caregivers and patients. One of the many options is an active monitoring system, comprised of small wireless sensors placed around the main rooms of the home, which ultimately monitor movements and display them on a secure online chart. Family members and professionals can watch activities, for example, number of times someone gets up in the night. It creates a picture of life and motions.

Many people argue that such technology encourages a 'hands-off' approach, watching from afar, plus removing the need to visit. Also, just 12% of the population said they would use such telecare - unless prices changed and the general consensus rose in favor of the technology.

However, with the current tide of technology sweeping over the globe, it's safe to say that some such version will become integral to dementia care. Regardless of the camp you fall in, such tools have the potential to be objectively useful, not as a care replacement, but as a care-aid. ACCFamily promotes such care-aids, in fact, we have an activity monitoring system entitled "BeClose" that is used for tele-care.

Would YOU use an activity monitoring system?

Put That on the Map

Do you find interactive maps and graphs as enticing as I do? Whether it's a colored map showing which states are more ethnically diverse or an interactive video showing the numerical increase in the consumption of asparagus, call me a sucker for such tomfoolery. In many ways a map grabs the information and attempts to form the chaos and data into a creative and compelling image.

Take the article I stumbled upon this week discussing the the growing age median from state to state and the resulting changes in healthcare. In a 1200 word article encompassing many nuanced and layered issues, maps helped add some clarity to the issue.

Did you know eight of the eleven states in the northeast region of the U.S. contain the oldest populations? The median age in Maine is 42.7, with Vermont and New Hampshire trailing close behind. In the last 20 years, the median has jumped around 8 years for these states, as the younger demographic takes flight for the Southern and Western Regions of the States. Florida, which used to take the prize for highest median age, has stayed about the same. The Baby Boomer generation tends to be geographically stationary, which has sent the median numbers soaring.

What does this mean? Well, given the sharp rise in elder populations, states will have to devote larger percentages of their budges to social services, in addition to crafting creative ways to keep the younger demographic from fleeing. Retaining residents and attracting transplants has become a state governmental goal.

To read more about this fascinating issue AND peruse the accompanying maps, check out this article at the Washington Post.

Here at ACCFamily, we're glad to be apart of the business solution in aiding the growing elderly demographic. We are here for the long haul, regardless of age medians. And you can put that on the map.

Mars & Venus Caregiving

Let's face it, folks, men are from Mars, women are from Venus. You don't need a best-selling book for enlightenment on THIS particular issue. Whether it's reality TV, chore lists, or simple communication, the vast majority of the population have personal experience to back up the statement. What woman ever classified football as a meteorological season? What man ever pined for a pair of Jimmy Choos?

Even the contrast of Mars and Venus, evoking the 75 million miles difference between these planets, shows how dramatically different our histories, perceptions, and experience can be.

Huffington Post published an article this week entitled "Mars Vs. Venus: Are the Sexes Different when Battling Caregiver Stress?"

What do you think ladies and gentlemen of the jury? Can there be an answer other than YES?!

The fascinating article began with relaying some background, such as the fact while women are natural nurturers, the dark flip side is the accompanied worrying. Conversely, men emotionally distance themselves from some of the pain, but are verbally praised and affirmed as it's not a typical male role. Regardless of the background, stress plays a high factor on the list of daily living.

ACCFamily wants to encourage you, caregiver title in hand or not, to manage stress. As gleaned from the article, here are some basic ways in which to alleviate stress and care for your body that work for BOTH SEXES - whether you are from Mars or Venus:

1. Sleep
2. Sunshine
3. Super Foods
4. Soothe -- Bath? Massage? Epson Salts? Yes, to all of the above.
5. Scents
6. Socia contact and support
7. Setting limits -- You can say no.

Navy Yard Tribute

Farewell to Thee! But not farewell To all my fondest thoughts of Thee;

Within my heart they still shall dwell

And they shall cheer and comfort me.

Life seems more sweet that Thou didst live

And men more true Thou wert one;

Nothing is lost that Thou didst give,

Nothing destroyed that Thou hast done.

Anne Bronte, novelist, poet and youngest of the three Bronte sisters (1820 - 1849)

The nation was shocked on Monday with the events at the Navy Yard, none more so than ACCfamily who lives and works in the shadow of DC. Words cannot explain the innate sadness that such an event spurs, let alone the social repercussions of feeling intimately connected to such a tragedy. With the tornado of feelings following a calamity, we wanted to link back to a previous article on the scars of grief. Ultimately, however, we want to offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to our geographical friends and neighbors. Events happen, but, like Anne Bronte stated, actions are left behind forever. Nothing is lost.

A Zamperini-Like Story

Have you ever been distractedly having a conversation with a grandparent or parent when all of a sudden they hit you with the news that they dated a famous boxer back in the day? Or perhaps pulled a random fact about Europe based on their time served in a faraway war? Knocking you off your feet with statements showcasing a vibrant history, said with an air of boredom?

Some stories are published in a very public manner. Take the life of Louis Zamperini, a track star in the '30s, World War II plane crash hero, and survivor of a Japanese POW camp. After years of living in and around Hollywood, CA, being locally known and applauded, a famous author made his story accessible by a best-selling book of "Unbroken." Not only does it read like an adventure fiction, the themes of forgiveness and redemption light the soul. From a respected community member to a revered hero, Zamperini''s exploits were not exposed until a brave author took the time to listen, ask questions, and seek stories of the past.

So many times the mundane dulls our interest in the stories of times ago, because, honestly, Pops was an ordinary, perhaps even BORING figure during our growth years. Putting loved ones in boxes is a task done quite often, as the daily tasks of landscaping, errands, and bills takes over the mind. It's life. It happens. But when the old pictures are pulled out or an offhand comment is made, take time to listen to that story and explore a new vision of your loved one.

You never know. It could be a Zamperini-like story.

MedManager Robot to the Rescue

Imagine as your grandmother comfortably hums a favorite show tune and absent-mindedly cleans, a sudden trip elicits a stumble. Her foot starts to turn shades of blue and purple, swelling to twice the size as she sinks to the couch in pain. She is uncertain if there is a complete fracture, but after an un-answered phone call, she resorts to her MedManager Robot. After all, grocery shopping must be done today, and the knowledge of her condition is necessary. The MedManager Robot scans her foot, beeping in a way reminiscent to R2:D2, and the results formulate on a computer screen.

"Whew," your feisty grandmother thinks to herself. "Just a bruise."

Can you legitimately imagine this scenario? The future may be closer than you think. Mayo Clinic and Northern Arizona University are partnering to test the medical viability of a telemedicine robot to assess athletes with concussion-like symptoms in real time. This collaboration will last throughout the football season to determine if this innovative tool can meet the highest expectation of care.

The future is at our fingertips. Next on the agenda? Formulating a creative name better than "MedManager Robot."

What will Wii do next?

Wii Nintendo, that is. Besides pumping oxygen to lax muscles in the WiiFit to shaking out dance moves in the Just Dance game, Nintendo Wii is one of the various video game interfaces that allows active participation. Why, these days, it's even helping surgeons sharpen their skills. Goodbye, stationary gaming that preludes carpal tunnel - Hello fitness!

Don't get us wrong over here at ACCFamily - we are not getting paid to advertise for Nintendo Wii. With a mindset to prompt creative alternatives to exercise, hand eye coordination, and community building, the Wii is a possible solution for those house-bound. Forget about figuring out the transport to the community pool or bemoaning those uneven sidewalks - an archery lesson is waiting in your front room! The tennis court is awaiting your killer backhand! The golf course has never looked greener!

The path of active creativity is strewn with outrageous ideas, (some) expensive equipment, and a treasure chest of spunk. Wii like it that way.

Frazzled? There's An App for That.

In an era of burgeoning technological innovation, it's so easy (and fun!) to grab a new app, or game, or a map that is convenient for daily tasks. These SmartPhones seem to have infiltrated every part of our routine, so why not listen to music AND do something useful at the same time?! Care-givers, in particular, can benefit from such technology. Whether an employed care-giver by profession or merely lending a hand to family members, there are numerous tools to help with daily care and health regimens. In the past, keeping track of pills, accountability, timeframe, and forgetfulness morphed into towers of sticky notes, frazzled phone calls, and journals that sputtered and stopped. Now, for the most part, beleaguered caregivers can get some help from organizational apps!

Tim Watt, blogger at Sunrise Senior Living, outlined some of the top apps that stood above the rest of the crowd.

CareZone

This useful app is free on both iPhone and Android devices, and it has earned rave reviews from caregiving experts. It includes a large number of features such as a log of your loved one's personal information - birth date, blood type and social security number, to name a few. The app also can store insurance information and medical history logs as well as share caregiving information with family members and other caregivers. The only potential drawback is that users need to subscribe to the web app, which costs $19.95 per month, to fully take advantage of the app, A Place For Mom notes.

Unfrazzle

There's no denying caregiving is a stressful endeavor, and between being responsible for the well-being of a loved one and all your other duties, it can be easy for some things to get lost in the shuffle. Unfrazzle can help take some of the stress out of caregiving. Experts say it is particularly appealing because you can easily customize it. You can create to-do lists, track anything that's important to you and share information and responsibilities with other family members.

iPharmacy Pro

Medication management is among the most challenging aspects of caregiving. It can be difficult to keep track of a long list of drugs, and adverse reactions can be a significant health risk. The free iPharmacy Proapp can help make managing medication a little bit easier. This program provides a comprehensive list of each drug's purpose, potential side effects and interactions with other medications. It also features information from the Food and Drug Administration as well as a search function that allows you to locate recent clinical journal articles on particular medications.

If you are interested in a larger list comparing pros and cons, check out the 7 Best (And Worst) Apps for Caregivers.  Now, whip out your Smartphone or Tablet and prepared to get UN-FRAZZLED.

Blogs and Community

Do blogs fuel relational and community ties? In the current state of affairs, the Internet is proving a forum for the exchange of ideas; the upkeep of relational communication; and source of organic knowledge. A multitudinous array of blogs, ranging from the inane to innovative can be found instructing one in the next DIY (Do-It-Youself) craft project or reflecting on the tumult of life in the 21st century.

Although the benefits and drawbacks can be debated at will, the fact is that blogs increase compassionate support. Empathy. Shared stories.Even a faceless comment on a blog doesn't negate the supportive emotion portrayed. Now, I am not going to delve into the negative and rude commenters (labeled 'haters'), although the negativity can abound. I want you, dear reader of such a blog, to consider the gentleman suffering from Alzheimers chronicling his journey on a blog. Would such a person kindle feelings of shared suffering? Of memories? Of current is

sues? Of course!

A retired physician named David Hilfiker, a resident of Washington DC, started a blog called Watching the Lights Go Out to chronicle this period of his life. He quotes, "Blogging creates a community of support. Also, the fact that other people's experience mirrors mine is really quite reassuring." His quote is merely a small dose of icing on the proverbial cake: the cake being a study by Stephen A. Rains and David M. Keating titled "The Social Dimension of Blogging about Health: Health Blogging, Social Support, and Well-being" (2011) which suggests blogs foster social support for patients, enhancing their existing clos relationships and increasing their number of relationships overall.

Social support. Affirming stories of identity and self-doubt,

encouraging one in the discussion about the daily struggles of cognitive impairment, and feedback convincing one that "You Are not Alone."

You are not Alone. ACCFamily blogs these visually cold, typed words with warmth flowing through cyber-land to your heart. This blog was created as an avenue showing support of care communities, in addition to providing a forum of issues. So. Keep checking back for shared support in this journey of life!

Overwhelmed in Legal Lingo?

Communication between parents and children can be fraught with minefields, as simple topics are able to ignite dormant feelings, soothe the most gut-wrenching of issues, or spur a deluge of  snarky comebacks. Just as parents instructed teenage children with a bossy patience (most likely laced with uncertainty), adult children find themselves initiating tough conversations in the same manner. When physical limitations enter the picture, even the most mundane of issues can become something to avoid.

Regardless of the frequency of topics and the nerves and reactions to such issues, there is a time and a place to discuss legal documents associated with your parents future. Even though the word 'will' sets off an emotional roller coaster, such legalities are a necessity. Key medical decisions, care and maintenance of their possessions, and ultimate provision for their children are issues to be talked about in love, care, and reason. Three major documents to be discussed are:

• Durable Power of Attorney
• Advance Directives
• Will

Don't be intimidated by 'legalese' lingo or emotional reactions. ACCFamily encourages you to check out sites to properly research and carry out official documents. One great resource is: http://www.parentgiving.com/elderly-care/caregiving/legal-ease/.

A Peek Into Pinterest

In a day and age where terms like "Re-Tweet" and "Status Update" and "Filter" are thrown about like candy at a parade, it's no wonder the Baby Boomers and elder generations want to run for the hills when thinking about social networking sites. The vast possibilities of connection are humbling; the learning curve is daunting; the terminology is intimidating. Add in uncertainty about privacy issues, and there are fewer grandparents engaging with family, friends, and networks online. While most sites are based around a cyber conversation or sharing thesis, one site stands apart for it's unique demographic and manifestation into our tactile lives. Pinterest.

What is it exactly?

Pinterest is a virtual 'pinboard' if you will, a website that allows users to create and manage image based collections. Each 'pin' is linked back to it's home site, whether it's instructions for a recipe, details for a Do-It-Yourself Project, or a retail site with the exact price.

What's the big deal?

Besides having an organized board of delicious desserts? Or physical exercises? Or beautiful photographs?

Pinterest is an online portal that starts with an INTEREST, encourages INTERACTION, and ultimately has the possibility of PHYSICAL ACTION

Some family members are bed-ridden; some have specific food allergies; some are bored and need DIY whimsical crafts. ACCFamily wants to recommend checking out Pinterest as an avenue for some engaging projects! Start with our boards and happy pinning!

Don't Take "NO" for an Answer

Is there a topic or activity ingrained in your heart to such a passionate degree that you would walk across America? How about pushing a wheelchair for 3,300 miles? Many people desire to take adventurous trips, road trips, hikes, and other journeys, yet the majority of such ventures are usually innately selfish in nature. While I am not condemning such actions (I, myself, love thinking of a cross-country road trip), there is a special respect for people who undertake such missions for a specific cause. Even more applaudable is the fact that many of these trips have a bottom line: a WALK across America. POGO-JUMPING across America. WHEELCHAIR racing through the plains.

Young Ryan Chalmers, a young man with spina bifida, did just that. Eager to help the organization Stay-focused (a non-profit providing scuba certification to teens with disabilities), the athlete pushed his wheelchair 3300 miles across the States. He does not take "NO" for an answer, regardless of his physical circumstances, and pursues his passions at all cost. Because of this passion, an beneficent organization was rewarded, ultimately impacting the lives of thousands with disabilities.

ACCfamily applauds this story, this young man, and this journey. Do not take "NO" for an answer - and reap the benefits.

When the title of "Daughter" is Compromised

In 2007, a book entitled, "Mothering Mother: A daughter's Humorous and heartbreaking Memoir" was published, a work that portrayed the experience of looking after a mother suffering from Alzeimer's and Parkinsons's disease. Carol O'Dell's book is laced with a brutal honesty, grace, and humor. The concept of 'role reversal' is rampant in our current society, with the elder-population increasing, and hard decisions weighing down. From decisions made in the inner circle of family members (should WE take on the responsibility of care-giving? Are nursing homes an option? Do my parents have the cognitive capabilities to make such a decision?) to large-scale law and policy decisions (Seen the new elder-care laws in China?), care-giving is never far from the current hot topic.

This memoir is an open invitation into the shifting roles that men and women play in a family's typical routines, the prominent role being women. Identities are shifted as daughters become 'mothers,' nurturing different generations, adapting to roles, and nuances of daily lives. It's difficult. It's bittersweet. It's hard to compromise.

Role Reversal is a subject close to ACCfamily's heart and ingrained in our ethos: We want the DAUGHTER to retain her role as the DAUGHTER. Instead of letting bitterness take hold and grief become the crown, ACCfamily's business is attending to the needs of family members in a way that supports the family. Keep your role as a daughter. Keep your role as a son. Explore questions of faith, hope, death, life as a devoted family member, not as a medical care-giver.

Vibrant Mania: Vacation Season

We are smack-dab in the middle of summer, with sunshine continuing and dreams of vacation on the brain. Summer brings about new routines, refreshed adventures, and altered lifestyles. What is the crux of this vibrant mania? TRAVEL.

Vacation. Beaches and mountains. Rich food and organic farmer's markets. Tours of Greece, camping in the Smokies, family reunions, or simpe day trips to the countryside mark the highlights of the season. The best thing about all this? There are HEALTH benefits. Besides decreasing stress, travel opens up the mind to new experiences and cultures, increases physical activity, and stimulates the mind. You also make new friends!

Age, however, brings about new difficulties that might previously never would have been imagined. From navigating airports to traveling with medications, there are numerous issues to identify and address.

For the elderly still in a state of vibrant health, websites such as www.eldertreks.com offer travel packages to locations of an exotic taste, with physical adventures.

Other family members perhaps in a frail physical states need more planning. There are several resources that list tangible and practical lists of traveling.

www.agingcare.com/Articles/Traveling-Tips-for-Elderly

tripogogo.com/m/articles/view/Top-10-Tips-for-Traveling-with-Elderly-Parents

ACCFamily encourages you to take advantage of the benefits of travel (DO IT. ADVENTURE.) while also being wise. Happy vacationing!

Cook-Out Caregiving

Firecrackers popping; children squeaking in delight; meat sizzling on the grill – onomatopeia is rampant not only at 4th of July cook-outs, but summer BBQs in general. The air overflowing with scrumptious smells; conversation ebbing and flowing; silverware clinking.

Whether it's our nation’s birthday or plain good weather, summer is a cause for familial and neighborhood festivities, centered around community, with everyone wanting to participate.

How do you juggle caregiver requirements, either for a client, parent, or grandparent for such events?

June Fletcher at AgingCare.com gave a list of some simple ideas to help integrate your loved one into the merriment, which ACCFamily encourages you to read, and ultimately, follow. Holidays can be lonely times for many people, so use the list as a tool to strengthen communal bonds.

Before the barbecue:

• Talk to the host or hostess about dietary limitations your elderly relative may have. If the menu is too spicy, fatty or hard to chew, plan to bring some food that the senior can eat, and request that the meal be served at the same time as everyone else's.
• Find out what sort of seating the hosts will have for guests. If they just have backless picnic benches, which can be difficult for an elderly person to sit on and provide no back support, ask if you can bring a folding chair or stackable plastic chair.
• If your relative is in a wheelchair, find out in advance if your hosts' gates are wide enough and slopes gentle enough to maneuver it into the back yard.
• Ask if there's any shade in the backyard; if not, ask if you can also bring a portable beach umbrella.
• Lay out comfortable clothes that include layers, since some seniors feel cold even when it's warm out. Include sturdy shoes to prevent trips and falls.
• Before you go, make sure that the senior has put on some sunscreen.

At the barbecue:

• Set up a spot for your relative away from the hot grill and any areas where children are likely to be throwing balls or rough-housing.
• Find out the location of the closest bathroom, and if accidents could be a problem, seat the senior near it. If your relative needs assistance using the restroom, you might want to arrange a discreet hand sign or code word between you so you can excuse yourself to help without embarrassing him or her.
• If your relative can't get around much but is sociable, bring other partygoers over for brief chats.
• Since dehydration can be a problem with elderly people, make sure that a glass of water is always at hand. Avoid alcoholic beverages, which are not only dehydrating but also can conflict with medications.
• If you must cut some meat off a bone or corn off of a cob, do it in the kitchen and then bring the plate to the senior. Cutting up food in front of other partygoers puts the senior in an embarrassing, child-like position.
• If your relative can't get around much but is sociable, bring other partygoers over for brief chats. And ask other family members or friends to sit down with the senior from time to time so you can mingle, too.
• If your loved one can't communicate well, bring headphones, a CD player and some music. He or she will be able to enjoy being around others without being under pressure to talk.
• Watch your loved one for signs of restlessness, overheating or other distress, and be prepared to leave before the festivities end.

Having "The Talk"

Erratic calls from creditors and mounds of paper did not mark my realization that Mom's finances were not in order. The house was as tidy as it always was, floors scrubbed, dust abolished, and papers neatly in folders. The knowledge came with my simple, distracted, superficial inquiry about bills in general. The prompt change of subject and dismissal, akin to a child trying to point out Fido's mess rather than the broken vase, made my attention re-focus and concentrate on her.

"Mom, how are you managing your finances?"

Such conversations are usually put off, as finances can be a touchy and nuanced subject. It's inextricably linked to our independence, so any reply comment seems to signify defeat, which many parents will do anything to avoid. However, if a sudden take over of management was to occur after an illness or some such travesty, are you and your parents prepared?

Marlo Sollito at agingcare.com prepared a helpful checklist to assure organization should something happen to financial abilities. It's better to be informed and organized in the healthy periods rather than trying to deal with illness, finances, rent, and other bills at one stressful time.

• Have they named a durable power of attorney to manage their finances?
• Where do they keep their financial records?
• What are their bank account numbers and names of their financial institutions?
• What are your parent's monthly expenses?
• How do they pay their bills currently?
• How much is their annual income and where does it come from?
• Do they receive Medicare, Medicaid, or Social Security?
• What kind of medical health insurance do they have in addition to Medicare?
• Do they have long-term care insurance?
• Do they have an accountant or financial planner?

If you are interested in further details, the full article can be read at www.agingcare.com/articles. The time for awkward financial discussions should not be delayed until an emergency prompts it. Don't look for signs of trouble or wait for the 'perfect time.' Have a memorable dinner and talk money!

Cheers to Our Fathers

Google "Father's Day Gift." The miraculous Internet will list a myriad of gifts, ranging from monogrammed golf balls, bow-ties, to techie gadgets. Unlimited materials and resources are right at our fingertips, supposed manifestations of the deep love we have for our fathers. Some of these gifts are given in person, as families gather for barbecues and family time, while others are shipped off from Amazon with a simple click. Although the holiday usually passes with a calm and relaxed manner, reminiscent of a Father's Demeanor in general, (yes, inserted stereotype), ACCFamily wants to recognize the daughters, sons, and mothers who spend the day remembering.

The son, remembering countless fishing trips with his father. The lull of the waves on the boat, the wriggling grub, the calm but content silence during the wait for the catch.

The daughter, remembering the yells of, "Turn the TV down, you'll ruin your eardrums!" as she purchases a hearing aid for her Father.

The son, sitting at his Fathers bedside in the assisted living facility, trying to weave the memory of his father with the person in front of him now.

The daughter, visiting her deceased Father's favorite cafe, ordering his favorite steak, and remembering.

As Fathers Day approaches this Sunday, use the day of entertaining gifts and smoky BBQ to compose a mental scrapbook of memories, always available to conjure and dwell upon. Tuck away that special laugh, the eyes that light up in affection, the mischievous manner of flipping burgers. And remember the families that are celebrating Father's Day doing just that: walking through the land of memories.

Many cheers and regards to the courageous Fathers of our nation.

                                          

A Story to Never Forget

Coffee cups launched like shaky missiles. Stuffed animals cuddled like real children. Memories fleeting as bubbles. Personalities re-sharpen, like a chocolate bar left in the sun to melt and lose form. The mysterious Alzheimers Disease impacts families, caregivers, and communities in ways which are hard to quantify. Numbers prove unmoving: over 54 million Americans suffer from the disease, and a new person develops Alzheimer's disease every 68 seconds. However, the financial, physical, and most especially, emotional toll can be proven, not only by copious amounts of news articles, but affirmed by blogs and testimonials. My neighbor has a story; the Internet has a story; my pastor has a story.

Take the account of David. His mother Margaret is quickly losing her capacities, and more often than not reacts in belligerence. Thrown coffee cups. Accusations that he is a thief. He is angry.

Take the account of Marie. After months of visiting her soul mate, Ed, without recognition, a simple game with stuffed animals restored the childlike joy of their relationship. Is it the same? Of course not. But a relationship was transformed from bitterness to a simple, loving acceptance.

Take the account of an aerospace engineer and grandfather, Bob, diagnosed with Alzheimers in 2008. As his memories fade, he tries to live in the moment, in the present. He quotes, "Well, I think one thing that I experience with Alzheimer's is, I live in the moment — because I can't remember what happened yesterday. I can't remember what happened 10 minutes ago. But I'm much more present, I think."

Stories able to continue for days. Stories of tear soaked pillows; stories of memories serving as the sustenance of a relationship; stories of resigned acceptance; stories of righteous vigor to promote discovering a cure.

On June 21st, the Alzheimers Association is sponsoring "The Longest Day" in order to honor those living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. This sunrise-to-sunset event raises funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Teams from all over the world come together to bike, sing, swim, and walk, amongst many activities, standing strong as one. To learn more about this event, check out the link here.

Not only is this a good cause, but also an opportunity to come together in support and tell stories, stories we never want to forget.

What's your story? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeHTTonG6co

When Song Sets You Free

"Larry was an artist, a musician, sculptor, and jewelry maker. There wasn't anything he couldn't do." A sheen of tears layered his wife's eyes as she started a video monologue, detailing their charmed life of the past, the seizure which happened out of the blue, and the reality of their life now. The story doesn't end in heartbreak, however.

Music therapist Moreen Borsch began working with Larry, singing, playing the piano, and strumming guitar, using these activities to improve speech and strengthen muscle coordination. As his wife reconciled her memories of the past with the harsh edges of the present, watching her husband come alive through music was an unsurpassed joy. His cheerfulness and upbeat manner were completely attributed to music acting as the spur.

Music therapy can enhance the quality of life for people with conditions ranging from dementia, chronic pain, cancer, addictions, anxiety disorders, and numerous others. The American Music Therapy Association relays music therapy interventions can be designed to:

• Promote Wellness
• Manage Stress
• Alleviate Pain
• Express Feelings
• Enhance Memory
• Improve Communication
• Promote Physical Rehabilitation

Music is a unique and special tool which can be used to benefit all members of a family unit. Heavens, who WOULDN'T want to experience all of the bullet points above?! The truth of the matter is, you don't need to be a professional music therapist to utilize it in a daily routine. Being in the elder care business where compassion rules and sometimes music is just sensible, ACCFamily encourages you to creatively implement music in the fabric of your life. Caregivers especially can benefit from this specific therapy.

AARP blogger Amy Goyer gives a list of practical ways, acting as caregiver or loved one, to incorporate music into the everyday:

• I keep a CD player on the back porch where Dad likes to sit in the sunshine and listen to his favorite tunes — everything from classical to World War II-era music to Josh Groban. It transforms a solitary time into a fun, relaxing or stimulating experience and activity for him.
• I keep a DVD library and I use the DVR to tape musicals (hint: TCM airs them frequently!). We watch them often as the plots are easier to follow, they keep Dad’s attention and Mom enjoys them … and Dad and I sing along! Dad and I frequently have spontaneous dance contests as we view them. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, The Sound of Music and Oklahoma are just a few of our faves.
• Dad likes to take the dog for several walks every day, and I turn our walks into musical adventures. Physical activity and music are a golden combination for brain stimulation. It’s amazing to me the songs that Dad will remember when we’re walking — the other day he sang one of his college fraternity songs for me that I had never heard before — when we got home he sang it for Mom. He’s so adorable! When we walk, if he begins to drag his feet, I encourage him to play drill sergeant (he’s a WWII veteran) and he calls out the march and then we sing patriotic songs. His pace instantly picks up and the shuffling stops.

So let's get snappin', foots'a tappin', hands'a clappin' - because song will set us free!

The Quiet Intruder of Grief

Barely a month ago, the nation mourned together over the events that unfolded at the Boston Marathon. Social media and news sites were hit every hour to gather information, and the country mourned together. Monday brought about another national event, this one showcasing the power and unpredictability of nature, rather than people. A F4 tornado slammed through the town of Moore, Oklahoma in a violent display of natural power. When the thunder stopped and the rain slacked to a drizzle, a path of flattened destruction stretched to the horizon and the death tally changed at every hour.

Homes gone. Heirlooms shredded. Families marred. Care needed.

So grief begins.

After the events in Boston we posted a blog on the subject of grief (Read it HERE) which was well received. The initial shock fades and rebuilding begins, but grief is a quiet invader that gains emotional control and momentum as time passes. A quote by a first responder hits it on the head:

"We have not yet reached the coping state. We still have not processed what has happened."

It's survival time. Then the news crews will disappear, and the debris will be cleaned up, and the town will have to pull themselves up by their bootstraps and start rebuilding. While the exterior re-building will take time and sorrow, the internal rebuilding will be a different story. It will take time. Grief will be in their honey, their lives, their milk, their conversation.

ACC Family resolutely sends out prayer and support for the victims in Moore. We pray for the initial time of clean up and sorting, while also praying for a journey of grief-care. Our hearts are with you.