We hope to soon have these resources available for you to purchase online, however they are available now in our office.  You can stop buy to purchase or if you are from out of the Wiregrass area we can ship your selections via USPS Media or FedEx.
Download Order Form Here
                                                                                                                       

The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide To Caring                               Jolene has a vision that looks beyond the challenges of Alzheimer's
for People With Alzheimer Disease, Other                                 disease and helps the reader focus more energy on creating moments
Dementias, and Memory Loss In Later Life $12                           of joy.  A must read!  $25

                                                                         

A simple and practical guide that takes                                Help for caregivers trying to discover why the person with dementia
you through all the steps of home care.  $23                        is acting a certain way.  If caregivers can determine what may                                                                                         cause or trigger the behavior, it may then it may be possible to 
                                                                                       to figure ways to prevent the difficult behavior from re-occuring. $20

Written for the author's own children when
her mother-in-law was diagnosed with AD. 
A sweet story to help children cope.  $5

The Center keeps many useful resources on-hand at all times. 
Feel free to contact us if you have a specific need or if you are just in need of inspirational or informative documents. 
Most of our resources are provided free of charge because of the generosity of our friends, supporters, and local businesses.

Are there children or teens in your family who are also confronting the emotions surrounding the care of a loved one?  Below is information you may find beneficial and we hope you will encourage your child to visit our Kids and Teens page.
We also can recommend the following books that can be found online for purchase (or we have a copy you can borrow in our office):
Grandpa Doesn't Know It's Me by Donna Guthrie  ISBN: 0-89885-308-7
What's Happening to Grandpa? by Maria Shriver   ISBN: 0-316-00101-5
The Stranger I Call Grandma by Swanee Ballman  ISBN: 0-9702959-4-4

Talking to Children and Teens


Alzheimer's disease has a significant impact on family life, especially if the person with the disease is being cared for in the home. It is important to take the time to talk with children and teens so they understand what is happening to the person with the disease.

The degree to which children and teens are affected by the disease depends on who has the disease (a parent, grandparent, relative or friend), how close they are to the person, and where that person lives (in the same home, nursing home, out-of-state, etc.). The impact of the disease is usually the greatest when a parent has the disease, and when the person with the disease lives in the same home.

Feelings of Children and Teens

When someone in the family has Alzheimer's disease, oftentimes children and teens receive less attention, have their normal routine disrupted and are involved in the caregiving responsibilities. Children and teens may experience a wide range of emotions. They may feel:W

  • sad about changes in a relative's personality and behavior
  • confused about how people get the disease and why the person behaves differently
  • afraid of the behaviors that the person with the disease exhibits worried that they or their parents may develop Alzheimer's disease
  • angry and frustrated by the need to repeat activities or questions guilty for getting angry or being short-tempered with the person
  • jealous and resentful because of the increased amount of time and attention that is given to the person with the disease
  • embarrassed to have friends or other visitors to the house

Common reactions to Alzheimer's Disease

Children and teens may exhibit their emotions in ways you may not easily recognize. It is important to watch for signs, such as changes in behavior that will help you to understand what they are feeling.

If they are having difficulties understanding the disease, children and teens may:

  • withdraw from or lose patience with the person who has the disease
  • verbalize vague physical complaints such as a stomachache or headache
  • perform poorly in school
  • spend more time away from home
  • stop inviting friends to the house

Helping Children and Teens to Cope

The most important way to help children and teens cope is to maintain open lines of communication. Comfort and support them by offering the opportunity to express their feelings and let them know that what they are feeling is normal. Begin the education process early and encourage them to ask questions.

Always respond honestly and in terms that can be easily understood.

Questions you may be asked:

  • What is Alzheimer's disease?
  • Why does Grandpa call me by my dad's name?
  • Will my mom get Alzheimer's too?
  • Why is Grandma acting differently?
  • What are some things we can do together?
  • Why does Grandma keep asking the same question?
  • How can I help Grandpa?

  • Remember to answer questions honestly.  Try not to sugar coat your answers.  Children accept simple, straightforward answers and teens respect such answers.
  • Discuss the disease with your child using technical and simplified terms.  Reassure him/her that many researchers and doctors work everyday to find a cure and that by the time they are adults, hopefully dementia and Alzheimer's will no longer exist.
  • Reassure them that the condition is not "catching" and it does not mean that other family members will necessary have Alzheimer's.
  • Above all, make sure your child understands that dementia is not a fault.  The patient did not "do anything" that caused the disease nor does the child "do anything" that makes the patient (or caregiver) agitated or upset; that is just part of the emotions the surface in any sickness and caregiving situation. 
  • Prepare your child or teen for changes.  We all handle things better when we know what to expect.

Activities Children and Teens can do with the Person with Alzheimer's Disease

Activities can be a fun and simple way for children and teens to interact with the person who has Alzheimer's disease. Doing basic chores, daily routine tasks and other activities together may provide a positive experience for both young people and the person with the disease. People with Alzheimer's disease or related disorders usually respond best to activities that are familiar and not too challenging.

Make sure the tasks are comfortable and not too overwhelming for children and teens. For example, requesting children and teens to help with bathing and dressing may be an uncomfortable experience for them and the person with disease.

Suggested activities:

  • Walk around the yard or neighborhood if the child is old enough to be alone with the person with dementia
  • Fold laundry
  • Listen to music, dance or sing
  • Look at old photographs
  • Read a favorite book or the newspaper
  • Watch movies or musicals

Books:

"Grandpa Doesn't Know It's Me", by Miriam Aronson, Donna Guthrie, and Katy Keck Arnsteen – appropriate
for children 4 – 8 years of age.

"The Terrible Thing that Happened at Our House", by Marge Blaine

"What's Wrong with Grandma?", by Margaret Showver

"Great-Uncle Alfred Forgets", by Ben Shecter, appropriate for children 4 – 8 years of age

"The Stranger I Call Grandma", by Swanee Ballman

"Nan's New Home", by Kristi Cargill

"When Meme Came to Live at My House", by Mary Janine Langdon

"What's Happening to Grandpa", by Maria Shriver

Source: Alzheimer's Disease & Related Disorders Association, Scholastic News, and varied other public sources.