I’m Still Here

by Dr. John Zeisel

Liv Fun: Vol 2 – Issue 3

My grandfather Alexander — we called him Apus, the Hungarian word for Papa — was a gentle man. Every morning Apus toasted his bread and buttered it right up to the edge all around so as not to waste even the crust. He cut each filterless Pall Mall cigarette in half before he smoked it to not waste any precious tobacco. He lived next door with my grandmother and spent most of his old age either in the apartment or in the park nearby. People said he was senile. His life was limited, but it did not have to be. I don’t remember my grandmother being burdened by caring for him, but she must have been. She did not need to be.

Today, communities around the country are giving people with dementia a life worth living and alleviating the burden of their care partners by joining a movement called It Takes a Village. In an Alzheimer’s-friendly “village,” there are weekly museum tours with specially trained guides who know how to engage even those with memory challenges in stimulating conversation. In the Alzheimer’s-friendly “village,” there are planned conversations at a coffee shop each week, Alzheimer’s-friendly poetry readings at the public library, group story creation at the local bookstore, cooking classes at a centrally located restaurant, and safe and organized walks in a nearby park.

It Takes a Village programs are organized by trained staff and a volunteer Village Advisory Board made up of those interested in providing everyone in the community access to public venues like these — their human right.

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Liv Fun

by Leisure Care
Autumn 2013
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I’m Still Here
Dr. John Zeisel

Today, communities around the country are giving people with dementia a life worth living and alleviating the burden of their care partners by joining a movement called It Takes a Village.
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The Same River, Twice
by Pam Mandel

He was tall, good looking, and had attended an expensive prep school where he learned to talk pretty. He was sarcastic and smart — a reader. I sometimes imagine going back in time to talk to my former self. “He’s attractive, but he’s bad news. Run for it.”
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Advice for the Journey
by Evan Kimble

Q: Our son married a crazy, needy woman with no boundaries and no recognition that other people have needs too. He and I end up fighting every time we try to talk about it. How do I deal with this?

A: Once you are clear on your needs and hopes, and you have flexible options if solutions fall through, you are ready to attempt communication.
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