December 27, 2012

HI, some of you might be wondering if I was still around, and I am.  This month has been hard to use my writing.  I need help and everyone had times to need help, for their family, for their friend, work, church and for people that we do not know.  Yet, I am able to laugh, smile, work, be with my family a friends and people that I met so many new friends.  My friend Rumi who is the Co-founder & Managing Director at New Hope Valley asked me if I would  be on their Advisory Council.  ‘WOW’  I said Me?  I wanted to say: Yes. Yet I needed to go home, and my brain is going fast, I ask Butch what he thought about and he said: up to me and I went on my knees, and I said: YES and called Rumi and said again yes.     

I am inviting to you to come to the New Hope Valley for the ribbon cutting.   Rumi is also in inviting you to!

You will see the information on New Hope Valley.  You will Like it!

  

 Dear community member,

Hope you are well.  I would like to invite you to visit New Hope Valley Assisted Living Home. Our contractors, Geiersbach Construction of Saginaw, have almost completed construction of our community. We will be welcoming our first residents at the start of the new year and we are eager to share our excitement with you. We hope you will drop by for a visit between the hours of 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. on any Friday or Saturday during December, for a tour and refreshments.  Alternatively, we can arrange for a private tour for you, just let me know when during December, would be a good time to schedule this.  We are also planning the ribbon cutting on the 7^th of January, 2013 at 11:30am and it would be great if you can join us for this event. 

You will have a chance to meet Executive Director Lori Haapala, who brings great expertise and compassion to our community, having previously run another premier assisted living facility in the area. I will also be there to greet you.

In case you missed it, Saginaw News and the Township View covered our Community in their publications and the links below will provide you more color on New Hope Valley.  Also, included is a link to our community website and facebook pages.

News Coverage

http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2012/12/new_hope_valley_assisted_livin.html

http://townshipview.mihomepaper.com/news/2012-12-13/News/New_Hope_Assisted_Living_nearing_completion.html

Webpage & Facebook page

http://www.newhopevalley.us/

https://www.facebook.com/NewHopeValley

  New Hope offers a wholesome living alternative for seniors in need of constant care.  Our mission is to create an energetic yet safe and comfortable environment.  We honor the security, independence and dignity of our residents. We believe that each person has his or her own panorama of rich life experiences, and our nurturing environment will celebrate the continuation of this panorama. Our founders have conducted nationwide research of practices of the most forward thinking assisted living homes in the nation. We have adapted the learnings of neurological scientists and university experts to our plan of care for the seniors who will live in our home. New Hope’s carefully selected staff will focus on helping our residents enjoy a balance of the spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual and social dimensions of their lives.

I am also attaching an article that Lori LaBrie, and I co-wrote on the concept of Life Long Learning.  We feel strongly that the resident centered model with Life Long Learning infused at its core is a good starting point for New Hope Valley’s eco-system.  You can contact Lori at 989-225-8216 or me at 617-872-4267, with any questions.

 

Sincerely,

K. Rumi Shahzad

Co-founder & Managing Director

New Hope Partners, LLC

3785 N. Center Road

Saginaw, MI 48603

Optimal Aging - Lifelong Learner of Life, December 2012

As the population of the world and the United States ages, patterns have started to emerge around what optimal aging looks like.  As we know, there is no “right path” to aging that works for everyone.  However, there are ingredients of success we can observe and learn from. This series of articles aim to highlight those ingredients.

The recognized concepts of human wellness include caring for our physical, emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual wellbeing.   Nourishing these needs by taking a lifelong learning approach to life is a good starting point to optimal aging, that is seeking ideas that stimulate and support our wellness needs.   Lifelong learners open their senses to a vast array of outlets like music, poetry, dance and philosophy.  The key is to dive into learning without having it overwhelm you.

An optimal aging idea that cuts across cultures, religions and geographies is starting the day with an individual practice such as meditation, prayer, reading, movement or playing a music instrument, practices that lead to a peaceful inner state.  For some people deep breathing exercises, morning walks and praying to God, for example are great way to welcome a new day.

In the Great Lake Bay Region, several opportunities are available to lifelong learners. They range from enrolling in some of the 200 classes of Saginaw Valley State University’s Osher Life Long Learning Institute (OLLI)  http://www.svsu-cbed.net/olli/ to participating in the Saginaw and Midland chapters of People to People,  an organization founded in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to promote international understanding and friendship through educational, cultural and humanitarian activities. 

Lifelong learning can be wonderful way to stimulate intellectual capabilities.  Research on Alzheimer’s has shown that a brain-healthy lifestyle may prevent Alzheimer's symptoms and slow down, or even reverse, deterioration.  Lumosity.com is a great website that enables individuals to improve brain health and performance through various exercises.  Lumosity founders have worked with researchers from several universities including Stanford and John Hopkins to create games and exercises that improve core cognitive abilities and enable users to remember more, think faster and perform better.

Another universal wellness concept is helping our fellow human beings.  As the Dalai Lama said, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.  If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”  A simple act of kindness not only connects us with a fellow human being, it usually has a multiplier effect that improves our lives and of those around us.  So let’s engage in at least one act of impromptu kindness today, and make it a habit to do so each day.-------------------------------------------

K. Rumi Shahzad, who aspires to be a lifelong learner, is a co-founder of New Hope Valley, an Assisted Living Community in Saginaw, MI and Lori LaBrie is the Executive Director of New Hope Valley. Rumi can be reached at rumi@newhopevalley.us and Lori can be reached at lorih@newhopevalley.us

ESTE SER Wiii uma ótima semana Nov-19-12

 Deus me disse que: eu ainda estou vivo, tenho coisas para fazer e assim vamos. Eu faço as coisas através da semana e, vou compartilhar o que fizemos. Aqui vou eu.

 Esta vai ser uma grande semana, um dia de cada vez.

19 Hoje, Butch e eu estarei indo para chegar a alimentação para a semana, pegar comida do cão, almoçar, ir trabalhar em casa, no meu blog, jantar e para fora da porta para uma reunião, e depois voltar para casa. Sim!

20 Olhando para o meu blog, tem café da manhã, ir para Temporada Serviços Sênior 2 voluntariado, eu faço: regar as plantas, conversar com os clientes e ouvir a sua história no período da manhã. É maravilhoso. Voltar para almoçar em casa,! Mamãe e eu vamos CUIDADOR demência, & ESPIRITUALIDADE em Sevices Senior em Midland. Tempo de 1:00 pm-3: 12:00 na esquina da norte Saginaw e Estrada Dubln.

21 º Ir a uma reunião em Saginaw no 10-11:30, em seguida, almoço no Harvey com os amigos. A próxima coisa que vai ser incrível. Na nossa maneira de ver o interior do recém-construído: Vale Nova Esperança, Casa Assisted Living. http://www.newhopevalley.us Meu Penny irmã me ajudou a configurar a exibição de Alzheimer, então quando eu ir para a casa aberta no dia 23 vamos ser capazes de interagir com as pessoas. E quando chegamos ao interior, Wow! Os trabalhadores estão trabalhando duro para conseguir os tapetes e pisos de madeira instalada. Rumi, nos mostrou os quartos. Mais uma vez, Wow! Penny e eu então deixou a nossa exibição em um canto e vamos buscá-lo no sábado.

22 de Ação de Graças! Isso me lembra a compartilhar as bênçãos, os presentes, o amor, Deus me deu. Eu Te agradeço Senhor, Obrigado Obrigado. Obrigado! Deus, você é nossa família. Você começou-o, Senhor. E ele ainda está acontecendo. Ajuda-me a ajudar os outros para que eles vão conhecer.

23 Black Friday! Às 12:00 h estarei no Vale Nova Esperança para a Open House e eu vou estar lá até 06:00. Será dia maravilhoso.

24 Resto dia! Dia 25 de Deus! Na verdade, todo dia é dia de Deus. Obrigado Senhor.

 DIA 25 de Deus! Na verdade, todo dia é dia de Deus. Obrigado Senhor.

THIS WIII BE A GREAT WEEK

Blog 2

                                                                                             Nov-19-12

 God told me that: I am still alive, I have things to do and so let's go. I do things thru the week and, I will share what we did.   Here I GO.

 This is going to be a great week, one day at a time.

19th   Today, Butch and I will be going to get our food for the week, pick up the dog's food, have lunch, go home, work on my blog, dinner and out the door for a meeting, and then coming home.  Yea!

20th     Looking at my blog, have breakfast, go to Senior Services Season 2 volunteering , I do: water the plants, talk with clients and hearing their story’s  in the morning.   It is wonderful time.  Back to home, lunch!  Mom and I are going to DEMENTIA, CAREGIVER & SPIRITUALITY  at Senior Sevices in Midland, MI.  Time-   1:00pm-3:00pm   On the Corner at north Saginaw and Dubln Road. 

 21th     Going to a meeting in Saginaw at 10-11:30, then lunch at Harvey’s with friends.  Next thing will be Awesome.  On our way to see the inside of newly constructed:  New Hope Valley, Assisted Living Home. http://www.newhopevalley.us       My sister Penny helped me to set up the Alzheimer’s display  so when I go to the Open house on the 23^rd  We will be able to Interact with the people more.   And when we got to inside, Wow!  The workers are working hard to get the rugs and the wood flooring installed.  Rumi, showed us the rooms.  Again,Wow!  Penny and I then left our display in a corner and we will pick it up on Saturday.

22th        Thanksgiving!  It reminds me to share the Blessings , the Gifts, the Love, God gave me.   I thank You Lord, Thank you Thank you. Thank you!   God, you are our Family.  You started it, Lord.  And it is still going on.  Help me to help others so that they will know You.   

23^rd               Black Friday!   At 12:00pm I will be at New Hope Valley for the Open House and I will be there  until  6pm.  It will be wonderful day.          

24^th           Rest day!     25^th           God’s Day!   Actually, every day Is God’s day.  Thank You Lord.

25^th           God’s Day!   Actually, every day Is God’s day.  Thank You Lord. 

GOD, THANK YOU FOR PRAYERS

Prayer,    Good Morning, Lord     

God, you have showed us what Unconditional Love means.  So we can do the same, for All of your  Children’s  around the world

Jesus came to us to teach others to know they have an Unconditional Loving God.

And we Praise you Lord for the gifts you gave us so we share to others, we are able to serve your Children. And this morning we came to you, to serve.   Sometimes we forget to serve because we don’t think we are worthy.  But we came, and we were blessed.  We are worthy. 

As we singing, laughing, hugging, sharing our stories, the message, Scriptures, it can go on.

We love you Lord, We Pray to you that we need help, to help others.   Not about us.  It is about You and Your children.

 _____________________________________________________________________________________

Today when going to my friend’s house to work on this blog, I dropped my cell phone in the garage and the case fell off doing some damage to it. Then after, I’d left in my car, my husband called me and said, “Sara, I thought you were taking your laptop with you.”  I said, “Oh, I forgot it, I’m coming back to get it.” Then after making my way back to pick it up and while driving, someone was driving very close to me and because I was watching them so closely, I missed the road I was to turn off on and had to turn around and come back. This is just some of the frustration I deal with. When I got to the house and saw the beautiful trees, the colors around the yard, it made me feel good and I just let go….Yes, I am here!

_____________________________________________________________________________________

September was awesome. This is what we have done through September 30, 2012.  There are lots of things we can do around our area and make a difference in someone’s life.  

For instance, we had a fabulous response to this year's walk at the Saginaw Township Soccer Complex, Genesee County/Grand Blanc ‘s Nature Trails at Genesys, and in Midland’s Emerson Park.  The weather was great, a couple of hundred families participated and raised over $122,000 (still coming in) for the Alzheimer's cause.  The Saginaw Soccer complex was buzzing with activity throughout the morning and several families had brought along young kids to participate in the walk.  The photographs for the walk can be seen using this link.  Thank you so much to each individual who participated for this cause.

new link for photos of walk http://rickthomas.smugmug.com/Events/2012-Walk-To-End-Alzheimers/2012-Walk-To-End-Alzheimers/25260258_4X9svQ#!i=2074786304&k=Rv4vhtb

My presentation at the World Alzheimer’s Awareness Day

 Early Stage Alzheimer’s Candidate.   What does that mean?

I can still work, volunteer, share with others, and help people. Alzheimer’s is a disease, but it is not who we are.  It is a gathering of people who care.  They care enough to share their lives and to support and they listen to those who need to be heard with the disease. 

I was at the walks in Saginaw, Grand Blanc and Midland.   I heard laughter, joy, happiness, dancing, sharing with others, tears sad and joy, helping, walking, and an Amazing day. We are here to support for many reasons: some to remind us that we are still a life, fundraising, sharing stories.  Everyone is a child of God, and if you are afraid to speak He will help you.  I know because God gives me the words that I need to use.    If you have a form of Alzheimer’s disease and you are alive, God is with you and will walk with you.  Share your stories.   Care Giver’s you can speak for them.  . 

Like others who are getting older, I would forget names, places, words, lose keys.  We all do it and we all tend to laugh these things off.  I thought, “this is normal.” So, I let it go. 

Maybe we begin to notice these things happening more frequently.  We may blow it off.  We may become sad, depressed, mad, angry, wonder why me?”  Or maybe we don’t talk about it at all … because it is scary to think about what is happening in our bodies/ and even scarier to say it out loud.  

, Do not delay!  Talk to your doctor!  I didn’t, I waited too long. 

  It started a long journey.

I met with a Geriatric Physician who specializes in Alzheimer’s  Disease.   I have a form of Alzheimer’s Disease. 

 Believe it or not this was good news! .  It was confirmed:  I am not crazy.  I am not stupid we are freed.  It is a healing experience to finally know that our suspicions were correct:  There was something wrong. 

We can do things Now that I know, putting plans in place to visit places and people, and to do things I have wanted to do.   Even without them, I know I will never be alone, for I have a loving God on this journey with me. 

So, yes … this diagnosis was a blessing.  I am still alive and able to do things.  ” and live my life, and help others in need.  I thank God for all these blessings. 

 Speak Out

If you have questions or start to wonder if your forgetfulness is excessive, speak to your family, your friends, any one.  If you think you might be exhibiting symptoms, speak to your doctor, to caregivers. Speak to your Higher Power. 

 And if you find you do have Alzheimer’s, start sharing your stories with others, and find friends with whom you can share what you are going through your anger, your frustration, your love. 

Thanks to all of you who are here for the Alzheimer’s Walk.  Your caring can make a difference to someone you know who has been or will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. 

For Me, God said, Sara your still alive, things to do and lets go.

Speak Out.  Do not delay.  Don’t give Up.   We are freed.

Minha Apresentação nenhum Mundial Dia do Alzheimer da Consciência

Minha Apresentação nenhum Mundial Dia do Alzheimer da Consciência
Candidato Early Stage Alzheimer. O Que significa ISSO?

Eu ainda POSSO trabalhar Há, voluntariamente, compartilhar com OS other, e ajudar como PESSOAS. Alzheimer E UMA Doença, mas NAO E o Que Somos.

E hum Encontro de Pessoas Que se significativos importantes. Ellis significativos importantes o Suficiente parágrafo SUAS VIDAS e compartilhar parágrafo APOIAR e Ouvir aqueles Que precisam Ser ouvidas com uma Doença.

Eu estava sem Caminhadas los Saginaw, Blanc Grand e Midland. Ouvi o riso, a alegria, a Felicidade, Dançar, compartilhar com OS other, lágrimas e alegria triste, ajudando, Andando, e hum dia Incrível. Aqui ESTAMOS parágrafo APOIAR, POR muitas Razões: alguns parágrafo nn lembrar Que ainda ESTAMOS Vida, captação de Recursos, compartilhar Histórias. Todo Mundo E hum Filho de Deus, e se Você. ESTA COM Medo de Falar marca Ele Vai te ajudar. Eu sei porqué Deus me da As Palavras Que Preciso USAR. Se Você. TEM UMA forma de Doença de Alzheimer e Você. Está vivo, Deus ESTA COM Você e Vai andar com Voce. Histórias Compartilhe SUAS. Cuidador E Que Você. PODE Falar parágrafo enguias. .


Como other Que estao envelhecendo, nomos ue Iria esquecer, Lugares, Palavras, como Perder chaves. Todos NÓS fazemos ISSO NÓS e Todos tendem a rir dessas Coisas fóruns. Eu pensei, "normal ISSO é." Entao, eu Deixa-lo ir.

Talvez a gente COMECA perceber uma essas Coisas acontecendo com frequencia Mais. NÓS PODEMOS explodi-lo fóruns. PODEMOS nn tornar triste, deprimido, louco, com Raiva, me pergunto POR Que eu? "Ou talvez NÓS NAO Falamos sobre ISSO ... porqué E assustador Pensar sobre o Que ESTA acontecendo los nossos Corpos / e ainda Mais assustador parágrafo DiZer ISSO los Voz Alta.

, Nao demora! Converse com Seu Médico! Eu nao, eu esperei Muito tempo.
Elementos começou UMA longa jornada.
Encontrei-me com hum Médico Especialista los Geriatria Doença de Alzheimer. Eu tenho UMA forma de Doença de Alzheimer.

Acredite OU NAO, ESTA FOI UMA boa notícia! . Confirmado FOI: Eu Nao sou louco. Ue NAO SOU estupido libertados SOMOS. E UMA Experiência de cura parágrafo Finalmente sabre Que nossas suspeitas ERAM corretas: Havia Algo de Errado.

PODEMOS Fazer Coisas Que Eu Sei Agora, colocando Planos parágrafo Visitar Pessoas e Lugares, e Fazer Coisas Que eu queria Fazer. MESMO SEM enguias, eu sei Que Nunca eStara Sozinho, POIs tenho hum Deus amoroso Nesta jornada Comigo.


Entao, sim ... Este Diagnóstico FOI UMA Bênção. Eu ainda ESTOU vivo e Capaz de Fazer Coisas como. "E Viver a Vida minha, e ajudar OS Necessitados. Agradeço a Deus POR TODAS como bênçãos.

Falar parágrafo fóruns

Si voce Tiver Dúvidas UO Comecar um SE Perguntar si Ô Seu esquecimento E amigos excessivo, Falar com SUA Família, SEUS, QUALQUÉR hum. Se Você. Acha Que PODE Estar apresentando sintomas, fale com o Seu Médico, parágrafo OS cuidadores. Fale com o Seu Poder Superior.
E se Você. Acar Que Tem Alzheimer, Comecar a compartilhar SUAS Histórias com OS other, e encontrar com amigos QUEM PODE Você. compartilhar o Que Você. ESTA POR SUA Passando Raiva, frustração SUA, o Seu amor.

Obrigado a Todos Voces Que Aqui estao Pará uma Caminhada fazer Alzheimer. O Seu carinho PODE Fazer um Diferença parágrafo alguem Que Você. Conheça Que tenha Sido UO Serao diagnosticados com a Doença de Alzheimer.

Pará MIM, Deus Disse, Sara SEUS ainda vivos, parágrafo Coisas a Fazer e Vamos.

Falar. Nao demora. Nao desista. ESTAMOS LIVRES.

Good Morning,

We had a fabulous response to this year's Walk to End Alzheimer's in Saginaw.  With made to order weather, a couple of hundred families participated and raised over $30,000 for the Alzheimer's cause.  The Saginaw Soccer complex was buzzing with activity throughout the morning and several families had brought along young kids to participate in the walk.  The photographs for the walk can be seen using this link.  Thank you so much to each of the individuals who got together for the walk this past weekend.

 http://rickthomas.smugmug.com/Events/2012-Walk-To-End-Alzheimers/2012-Walk-To-End-Alzheimers/25260258_4X9svQ#!i=2074786304&k=Rv4vhtb 

This next Saturday, Sept 15 at Genesee County/Grand Blanc  at Nature Trails at Genesys.  Act.alz.org/geneseecounty  

                                                                                                                                          

The next walk will be at Midland, Emerson Park, Sept 22      act.alz.org/midland

Registration  9:OO a.m.   Opening ceremony and walk   1O:OO a.m.

New Hope Valley

              http://www.newhopevalley.us/

  Hi, this blog will be different.  There will be two people, K. Rumi Shahzad (Rumi) and me as we tell a story how a building can go on a Journey with God and Alzheimer’s.  The story is about how two people in different Religions, Muslim and Christian and how we will help each other.  This story started in Apr 23-12 and it to 2013. Rumi will write what his doing and I will write also.  Every Month we will share our Journeys as we go along.  

  APR 23,   I received an email from a man that I never heard and I called my sister to ask hear if I should open the email. Penny went to check on him and it was would ok. I read this:    Hi Sara - Hope you are well.  I came across your blog as I was doing research on best practices in Alzheimer's.  I am an adjunct faculty member at Saginaw Valley State University and founder of a company New Hope Partners that is building an assisted living facility in Saginaw Township.  Schedule permitting, I would like to meet with you and discuss your thoughts on Alzheimer's and how to develop a caring environment to provide for folks who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Please let me know what your schedule is like and perhaps we can grab coffee / lunch together over the next week or so.  

                  Rgds,Rumi     K. Rumi Shahzad    New Hope Partners

I called Rumi and we set up a time to meet on April 25th.  Rumi will come to Midland and Butch and I will met him at Molly’s Restaurant.   We talked and talk.  I was scared that I could not get my words out to make them to understand me.  No problem!  We talked about families, I heard the words God and Higher Power and in my brain I heard we can work together. We talked about New Hope Valley and my blog.  Wonderful Day!  I had in my bag one of my shirts that said “At my age I have seen it all, heard it all, done it all, I just can’t seem to remember it all”.  He laughed hard when he saw it and said that my sense of humor was infectious.  I told him that the best thing about Butch is that he makes me laugh every day.  He wanted to know what makes me tick and keep going on, I said my faith in God. 

Apr 25   to Sara - It was really nice to meet you and Butch today.  I learned a lot from our conversation and look forward to a continued exchange of thoughts and ideas.  Thanks for passing the workshop info.  I will plan on visiting the Midland office of the Alzheimer's Association next week.
Rgds,
 Rumi

BY PATTI BRANDT            

http://mtv.mihomepaper.com/news/2012-03-01/Business/Construction_set_to_begin_on_New_Hope_Assisted_Liv.html

Construction set to begin on New Hope Assisted Living Center.

A conceptual drawing of the front of New Hope Assisted Living Center.

Construction will start in April on a new 45-unit, 27,000-square foot assisted living home in Saginaw

During May, June and July we emailed back and forth or cell phones.  Rumi was getting close to start a building called New Hope Valley.  Also, I was able to Introduced Rumi to Erin at Midland’s Seasons Adult Day care center in Midland,   He visited the center and called me to thank me for introducing him to this caring community center environment.  We were able  to connect with one of the Alzheimer’s  Support  Group. 

Now we will start on what we did through August.

 September will be awesome.  There are lots of things we can do around our area and make a difference in someone’s life.   Here are 3 Walks in our area, 

Saginaw:  Sept 8, Saginaw Township Soccer, Complex.  

Genesee County/Grand Blanc:  Nature Trails at Genesys, Sept 15.

Midland Emerson Park, Sept 22. 

 

Thank You God!

New Hope Valley

New Hope Valley http://www.newhopevalley.us/
 Oi, este blog vai ser diferente. Haverá duas pessoas, K. Rumi Shahzad (Rumi) e eu como contar uma história como um edifício pode ir em uma jornada com Deus e Alzheimer. A história é sobre como duas pessoas em diferentes religiões, muçulmanos e cristãos e como vamos ajudar uns aos outros. Esta história começou em abril 23-12 e para 2013. Rumi irá escrever o seu fazer e eu vou escrever também. Todo mês vamos compartilhar nossas viagens à medida que avançamos.  23 de abril, recebi um email de um homem que eu nunca ouvi falar e eu chamei a minha irmã para perguntar se eu ouvir deve abrir o e-mail. Penny foi para ver como ele seria e foi ok. Eu li este: Oi Sara - Espero que você esteja bem. Eu vim através de seu blog como eu estava fazendo uma pesquisa sobre as melhores práticas na doença de Alzheimer. Eu sou um membro do corpo docente adjunto na Saginaw Valley State University e fundador de uma empresa de Parceiros nova esperança que está construindo uma instalação de vida assistida em Township Saginaw. Agendar o permitir, eu gostaria de encontrar com você e discutir seus pensamentos sobre a doença de Alzheimer e como desenvolver um ambiente de cuidado para fornecer para pessoas que foram diagnosticadas com Alzheimer. Por favor, deixe-me saber que sua programação é como e talvez possamos pegar café / almoçar juntos durante a próxima semana ou assim.  Rgds, Rumi K. Rumi Shahzad Nova Esperança Parceiros
Liguei Rumi e montamos um tempo para conhecer em 25 de abril. Rumi virá a Midland e Butch e eu o conheci no restaurante de Molly. Nós conversamos e conversar. Eu estava com medo de que eu não poderia chegar em minhas palavras para torná-los a me entender. Não tem problema! Nós conversamos sobre famílias, ouvi a Deus palavras e Poder Superior e no meu cérebro Eu ouvi que podemos trabalhar juntos.Nós conversamos sobre New Hope Valley e meu blog. Dia maravilhoso! Eu tinha na minha bolsa uma das minhas camisas que diziam "Na minha idade eu já vi de tudo, ouviu tudo, fez de tudo, eu só não consigo lembrar de tudo". Ele riu muito quando a viu e disse que meu senso de humor era contagiante. Eu disse a ele que a melhor coisa sobre Butch é que ele me faz rir todos os dias. Ele queria saber o que me faz assinalar e manter em curso, eu disse a minha fé em Deus.
25 de abril de Sara - Foi muito bom conhecer você e Butch hoje. Eu aprendi muito com a nossa conversa e esperamos uma troca contínua de pensamentos e idéias.Obrigado por passar a informação oficina. Vou planeja visitar o escritório de Midland Associação de Alzheimer na próxima semana.Rgds,
 Rumi
  Por Patti BRANDT

Construção deve começar em Nova Esperança Centro Assisted Living.Um desenho conceitual da frente de Nova Esperança centro de vida assistida.Construção será iniciada em abril em uma nova unidade de 45, 27.000 metros quadrados casa de vida assistida em Saginaw.
Em maio, junho e julho de nós tiver falado frente e para trás ou telefones celulares.Rumi estava chegando perto de começar um edifício chamado Vale Nova Esperança.Além disso, eu era capaz de Introduzido Rumi de Erin no Seasons Midland centro de atendimento Adulto Dia em Midland, Ele visitou o centro e me chamou para me agradecer por apresentá-lo a este ambiente de cuidado centro comunitário. Fomos capazes de se conectar com um do Grupo de Apoio ao Alzheimer.
Agora vamos começar com o que fizemos até agosto.
 Setembro vai ser incrível. Há muitas coisas que podemos fazer em toda a área e fazer a diferença na vida de alguém. Aqui estão 3 Passeios em nossa área,Saginaw: 08 de setembro, Saginaw Township Futebol, Complex.Condado de Genesee / Grand Blanc: Trilhos da Natureza em Genesys, 15 de setembro.Midland Emerson Park, 22 de setembro.
  Obrigado Deus!

Good Morning 8-28-12

I feel great this morning.  It is 5:40am and I am in my bed sitting up and talking to God.  I woke up at 4:20am, went down on my knees and asked God what do I do today.  God said, Sara, listen in my quiet time.  The answer was: share your information that you should have done 4 weeks and 3 years also.

So, here we go.  Every year I go to my doctor to find out how well I’m doing, going up or going down.   First he checked my eyes, ears, nose, mouth and teeth.  Next was, feeling my head and my neck.  So far, OK.  Then he checked the rest of my body.  We talked about meds ok, foods ok.  Are we done, no!  Now we talk about my feelings.  Hmm, sometimes good and sometimes not and it is normal for Alzheimer’s.  

Now we come to the test: the test is Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) with maximum score.   I don’t like it, yet I want to do it.  The test is to see if I am holding my own or if I go up or down on my list.   Probably down, normally!  First time I did the test my score was 23.  The doctor then had me try a pill called Aricept  and gave me a prescription. I was to use the pills, one a day for three months and then come back.  I did.  I took the test and I was a 29!  I was so happy, so happy.   Thank You God! I don’t have to go back till next year.  The next year I was at 27 and not so happy. I can deal with it.  God is with me.

So last 4 week, my doctor did the test, It’s hard to say as the tears are starting and am trying to stop them.    I tested a 23.  I knew that I was losing more words, slowing down, my writings and my readings and I hoped that it would be a 26 or 25, even 24.   But no it is 23 and again I will deal with God.  Yea, He makes me to remember that He will be with me.

Now I want to apologize to all of my friends who read my blog, because I promised to you that I would share what is happing in my Journey with God and with Alzheimer’s.  I didn’t.  I wanted to share everything and the words would not come out.  

Well today, I woke up this morning asking God, what do I do today.  We now have the answer.  Again, God lifts us up so others can get the answers from God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  

Love to all.

Sara

Bom dia 8-28-12

Eu me sinto ótimo, esta manhã. É 05:40 e estou na minha cama sentado e conversando com Deus. Acordei às 4:20 da manhã, caiu de joelhos e pediu a Deus o que eu faço hoje. Deus disse, Sara, ouvir no meu tempo quieto. A resposta foi: a informação que você deveria ter feito 4 semanas e 3 anos também.Então, aqui vamos nós. Todo ano eu vou para o meu médico para descobrir o quão bem eu estou fazendo, indo para cima ou descer. Primeiro ele verificou meus olhos, ouvidos, nariz, boca e dentes. Em seguida foi, sentindo minha cabeça e meu pescoço.Até agora, OK. Em seguida, ele verificou o resto do meu corpo. Nós conversamos sobre medicamentos ok, ok alimentos. Terminamos, não! Agora vamos falar sobre os meus sentimentos. Hmm, às vezes bem e às vezes não, e é normal que a doença de Alzheimer.
Agora vamos para o teste: o teste é Mini-Exame do Estado Mental (MMSE), com pontuação máxima. Eu não gosto, mas eu quero fazer isso. O teste é para ver se eu estou segurando a minha própria ou se eu ir para cima ou para baixo na minha lista.Provavelmente para baixo, normalmente! Primeira vez que eu fiz o teste minha pontuação foi de 23. O médico, então, tinha-me tentar uma pílula chamada Aricept e me deu uma receita. Eu era usar as pílulas, uma por dia, durante três meses e depois voltar. Eu fiz. Fiz o teste e eu era um 29! Eu estava tão feliz, tão feliz. Obrigado Deus!Eu não tenho que voltar até o próximo ano. No ano seguinte, foi a 27 e não tão feliz. Eu posso lidar com isso. Deus está comigo.Então, na semana passada quatro, meu médico fez o teste, é difícil dizer como as lágrimas estão começando e estou tentando detê-los. Eu testei um 23. Eu sabia que estava perdendo mais palavras, abrandar, meus escritos e as minhas leituras e eu esperava que seria um 26 ou 25, mesmo 24. Mas não é 23 e de novo eu vou lidar com Deus. Sim, Ele me faz lembrar que Ele vai estar comigo.Agora eu quero pedir desculpas a todos os meus amigos que lêem o meu blog, porque eu prometi a vocês que eu iria partilhar o que está a acontecer na minha jornada com Deus e com Alzheimer. Eu não. Eu queria compartilhar tudo e as palavras não saem.
Bem, hoje, eu acordei esta manhã pedindo a Deus, o que eu faço hoje. Nós agora temos a resposta. Mais uma vez, Deus nos levanta para que outros possam obter as respostas de Deus, Jesus eo Espírito Santo.Amor a todos.
Sara

New Hope Valley Assisted Living Home is proud to support Sara Parkin’s “Overactive Brains” team for the Alzheimer’s Association walk in Midland, MI on September 22nd @ 9:00 am. Come join us at Emerson Park, 911 West Main Street to raise awareness and funds to fight Alzheimer’s disease.
http://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk/MI-GreaterMichigan/106578871?pg=team&fr_id=1736&team_id=51977

What a Blessing. Rumi, a friend of mine and he is on my Team He is on my team to walk with me and others. I will be there, hope you can come too.

2012 Walk to End Alzheimer's - Midland, MI: Overactive Brains - Alzheimer's Association

act.alz.org

2012 Walk to End Alzheimer's - Midland, MI

July Volunteer Training Tip

Hi, it is Sara, my friends.  On July 24^th, I received an email from Emily Harwood in Midland, MI.  She is an Activity Specialist at Seasons Adult Day Service at Senior Services.  I volunteer in this program and I love doing it.  What do I do?  I water the plants inside and outside in the garden once a week.  The last 3 weeks I did not water outside because the rain took my place.  Now don’t laugh, OK.  The first time this year I went outside and got out the hose and started watering the plants, it felt so good.  Then I was feeling some drops on my arms and legs and it was getting wetter and I thought it was raining.  No, no rain.  Just the sprinkler system was watering me.  I still had the hose in my hand and I tried to shut it down, but I couldn’t, so I threw it down and ran, and all the way I was laughing.  I like being there. 

There are many ways we can help and I like to talk, walk, laugh, sing, and assist anyone in need.  Also, being out in the garden we can pick some fruits and veggies.

Now it is time for Emily to take over!  (This is from the July 24^th email I mentioned.)

 

Hello Volunteers,

 Back in May, Renee discussed suggestions to keep in mind when doing activities with people with dementia. This month, I would like to highlight different types of activities and 30 successful downtime activities that can be performed while volunteering at Seasons. Remember, activities should bring meaning, purpose, joy and hope to the person's life. Activities should also use the person’s skills and abilities along with being enjoyable! Don’t forget to focus on the process, not the end result. Try out one of these activities next time your leading a small group or friendly visiting.  

 Types of Activities:

Creative: Painting, playing the piano

Intellectual: Reading a book, doing crossword puzzles

Physical: Taking a walk, playing catch

Social: Having coffee, talking, playing cards

Spiritual: Praying, singing a hymn

Spontaneous: Going out to dinner, visiting friends

Work-related: Making notes, typing, fixing something

Chores: Dusting, sweeping, doing laundry

Mealtime: Preparing food, cooking, eating

 30 Successful Downtime Activities:

1.  String beads

2.  Dry/wash dishes

3.  Dust

4.  Arrange flowers

5.  Fold laundry

6.  Bake/Cook

7.  Sand wood

8.  Sort fabrics

9.  Sort silverware

10. Vacuum/Sweep

11. Wash windows

12. Water plants

13. Large piece puzzles

14. Ball yarn

15. Clip Coupons

16. Shine Silverware

17. Walk outside

18. Manicures/ Makeup

19. Look through old records

20. Balloon tap or toss

21. Dance

22. Read short stories

23. Rake leaves

24. Look through photo albums

25. String cheerios for birds

26. Paint

27. Sort costume jewelry

28. Play Uno

29. Peel potatoes

30. Husk corn

Volunteers are seldom paid; not because they are worthless, but because they are PRICELESS!

Emily Harwood

Activity Specialist

Seasons Adult Day Service

989-633-3734

eharwood@mccoa.org

Our Communication is Essential

Talking Points for Helpful Communication with Family and Friends created by Dublin Club at the Senior Service in Midland, Michigan

 I want to talk about what communication is for those who have trouble trying to talk to anyone.  It is hard.  Erin and Monica asked if we would like to write down thoughts we would share with our family and friends. We said YES.   I will share some of the thoughts that were close to me.  It is getting harder for me to talk with another person.  To communicate with my family and friends and anyone else we have to be on the same page.  There are times that I can talk and talk and make sense, sometimes I don’t.  Those times can be, funny, and we laugh or get angry, crying or not understanding each other.  I could walk away or you could walk away, or we can work it out.   In my journey with God and  Alzheimer’s Disease, there are many diseases in the Dementia group and also those who have memory loss.  How do we communicate with our families and friends?  When we go out of our homes, we will be dealing with meetings, coworkers, restaurants, in cars, buses, beauty parlors, church and everywhere we go.  Because of the Dublin Club I have been learning how to communicate slowly and kindly. So, here we go (you and me) on our journey to find the words that keep us liking each another.

 

In the Winter of 2012 at the Dublin Club we were working on a list to take home to our family and our friends.  We brought the list home to share what we needed to have good communication with you.  It is hard for us to communicate with people who don’t understand us.  We know you want to help us and you do, and we thank you and then there are other times you don’t. The following examples are from the Dublin Club, not just those with Alzheimer’s or experiencing memory loss and could be helpful to all communication.

Examples:

Be open and ready to Hear & Listen (they are different).

 If I am having trouble with words, wait, be patient, and give me time to retrieve the word on my own.  Let me and my brain relax.  If I admit that I cannot think of the word, then it is okay to help.  Ask if you can help versus taking over.

Slow down your communication. Why? My brain can’t go that fast, by the time you stop talking, I have lost what was said.  If I call on the phone for a friend’s phone number and the person starts giving the number very fast, I have to stop them and slow down.

One idea at a time is all I can do.  So, when you want to help, first ask me if I want it.   Please do not assume what I need. 

Ask me how I can help you; I am able and willing.

Please don’t use the phrase, “I just told you that” or “don’t use the word “Remember”.  Sometimes, too many times I hear,” Sara, didn’t you remember to close the oven, the water running or the garage door left open”.  Then I want to say, “no honey I like it that way”.  But I would say,” I’m sorry and I cry”.  

Remember that our words and actions can be interpreted as negative and hurtful, despite good intentions. 

Don’t let emotions shut down communication.  I do shut down the communication when I can’t understand what you are talking about. I walk away from groups when my brain can’t keep the words and when I can’t find my words or names, when I want to do things myself and I can’t.  Listen to me, let me talk and when I really need help, I can ask you if you can help me, that would mean that is your time to talk.

        

Now it is my time to say to you, “ Forgive me”.  When you talk to me I need to listen to you.  In my past, if you wanted to tell me about your new job, I would jump into asking questions and I would take over the communication.  If you were having trouble I had the answer to fix it, and you just wanted me to listen as you worked it out yourself.  If we were having different ideas at church, I would think my idea was better than yours and I would not let it go.  I would walk away, argue back in forth, or lose you as a friend.  I don’t want you to leave. I want to listen and hear your thoughts.

As my disease is slowing down, my brain will make changes in my life and I don’t know how.   I do know that I want you in my life.  I do know that I love you.  I can get cranky, get happy, can cry, and laugh all at the same time.  God is in our life and that keeps us going when we know we need help.  For me, Yes! He has given me help throughout my life. Thank You all!  It is a great Journey with Alzheimer’s and God!        

Let there be laughter!  Laugh with me, not at me.  I love to laugh, I love to smile, I love to laugh when I screw up and not worry about it and start again.  So when we are talking communication, let us laugh     out loud.  Make me laugh and I will make you laugh too.

Next blog:  Reflective Listening: Can you hear me now?