The Keep In Mind™ Mission
We are dedicated to developing innovative products for the memory impaired, while supporting their caregivers through resources and coaching.
Memory Magz™ is now available for online purchase!
Thank you for sharing your Memory Magz stories with us. We love hearing about all the ways our Magz impact the people that view them.
This letter from Beth at Wake Forest Baptist Health touched our heart.
Dear Dan & Ellen,
We have an 88 year old woman (originally from Yugoslavia) on our brain injury unit after suffering a massive stroke. She is demonstrating absolutely no verbal communication, does not seem to understand the point of rehab, is extremely inattentive, and is resistant to almost everything we do in terms of care or therapies. She looks bewildered and often frustrated. One afternoon earlier this week I pulled her off to a quiet corner, didn't say a word to her, but started showing her the pictures of the adorable little girls in the Happy Faces Memory Magz (this woman had 3 daughters of her own). She was clearly engaged by the pictures and sat there paying attention, as I showed her every page in the book. She smiled broadly at each picture, pulled her hands up to her heart several times, and once even reached out and touched my face. It may not seem like much but from my role as Rehab Psychologist, I know we shared a good moment together. Probably the best moment this woman has had since her hospital admission. I used that experience to educate her daughters on how best to communicate with her -- without using words but to simply "be present" with her as often as possible.
Thank You!
Beth Sparks,
Winston-Salem, NC
Rehab Psychologist
Acquired Brain Injury Unit
Wake Forest Baptist Health
CAREGIVERS CORNER
Providing in-home care for someone with memory impairment is a full time job. Often, caregivers lose sleep, don’t eat right and may neglect their own health while providing care for someone else.
Caregivers consider this; what would happen to your loved one, if something happened to you? In the New Year, please make a commitment to taking care of yourself as well. Be sure to maintain your physical well-being. See your doctor for a regular check up. Take time for yourself, away from your care giving duties. Go for a walk, visit with a friend, see a movie or participate in any activity that gives you joy and peace.
As difficult as it is to provide care, it’s much more challenging when you are not feeling your best. Taking time away is beneficial to your overall well-being. You are a better care provider when you are at your best.
You may need to ask a friend or family member to help you, while you take time for yourself. Having someone assisting you, even a couple hours a week will provide you the necessary break that is beneficial for your mind/body health.
Consider Adult Day Services. This is an affordable option and available in most towns and cities. Adult Day Services provide day-time supervision, meals and activity programs. Some even provide weekend respite services.
Adult Day Services are a fabulous resource and beneficial for memory impaired individuals. They’ll be interacting in a safe environment with other folks just like them. And, while they are attending, you can use that time to work on taking care of you.
Remember, your well being and state-of-mind has a direct affect on your memory impaired loved one. When you are stressed and anxious that may have a negative impact on someone with memory impairment. Avoid that dynamic and be sure to take time for yourself. Not only will it benefit you, but the one you care for as well.
Providing in-home care for someone with memory impairment is a full time job. Often, caregivers lose sleep, don’t eat right and may neglect their own health while providing care for someone else.
Caregivers consider this; what would happen to your loved one, if something happened to you? In the New Year, please make a commitment to taking care of yourself as well. Be sure to maintain your physical well-being. See your doctor for a regular check up. Take time for yourself, away from your care giving duties. Go for a walk, visit with a friend, see a movie or participate in any activity that gives you joy and peace.
As difficult as it is to provide care, it’s much more challenging when you are not feeling your best. Taking time away is beneficial to your overall well-being. You are a better care provider when you are at your best.
You may need to ask a friend or family member to help you, while you take time for yourself. Having someone assisting you, even a couple hours a week will provide you the necessary break that is beneficial for your mind/body health.
Consider Adult Day Services. This is an affordable option and available in most towns and cities. Adult Day Services provide day-time supervision, meals and activity programs. Some even provide weekend respite services.
Adult Day Services are a fabulous resource and beneficial for memory impaired individuals. They’ll be interacting in a safe environment with other folks just like them. And, while they are attending, you can use that time to work on taking care of you.
Remember, your well being and state-of-mind has a direct affect on your memory impaired loved one. When you are stressed and anxious that may have a negative impact on someone with memory impairment. Avoid that dynamic and be sure to take time for yourself. Not only will it benefit you, but the one you care for as well.
_____________________________________
Are you a professional care provider, organization or individual that would benefit from learning more about Frontal Temporal Dementia? Keep In Mind highly recommends this affordable DVD for staff training and individual information purposes!
Planning for Hope: Living with Frontotemporal Disease
Keep in Mind™ is Seeking Photographers!
We are currently developing more Memory Magz and are searching for talented photopgraphers who specialize in food photos and men's interest images like hunting, fishing, antique cars and other tasteful pictures that men would appreciate.
If you would like to see your images in an upcoming Magz edition, we want to hear from you.
Contact us directly at: keepinmindinc@gmail.com
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