Posted by Larry Jordan on December 14, 2014, 1:53 pm
I only became aware of this video today, although it was posted 5 years ago. It offers the best glimpse of what I experienced with my dear Mother, Olga Martha Buseman Jordan. I took care of her for 9-1/2 years in my home after she got Alzheimer's, providing her hands-on care 24/7. I journaled this experience and hope to write a book about it, to help other caregivers. A lot of people write off those with Alzheimer's but I never did. Even at the end my mother was pulling me close, hugging me, and bestowing kisses. This video offers a glimpse into an Alzheimer's patient and how it is possible to still break through the gauze curtain and touch them at times. The lady in this video does the very things I used to do, in communicating with my Mother. No one told me to do it -- I instinctively would stroke my Mom's cheek, or hold her hands, and always try to smile and be bright when I entered her room even though my heart was breaking. I gave her encouragement and praise for the things she could still do. She would respond with big smiles and even after verbal communication became greatly diminished, she still understood things, would laugh at funny things on old "Lucy" reruns, loved watching the Food Network (even the night before she died), recognized people (and always me), and would even give me a kiss if I asked her to. (And other times as well). So she DID understand a lot. Anyway, this video should be viewed by EVERY person who has a loved one or friend suffering from this terrible disease. No one has ever come back from Alzheimer's so we don't fully understand the mental processes or state of mind. But I learned a lot and this video certifies many of the impressions I formed in caring for my own Mom.
The bottom line here is: Music can break through the barriers and touch people in ways that nothing else can. Jim Reeves' soothing songs are even used in nursing homes to help calm and uplift patients. I hope you watch the entire video to see the surprise ending, at the link below.
Posted by Gary Bryson on December 15, 2014, 7:11 pm, in reply to "Beautiful music"
Larry, I admire you for taking care of your Mom. My Mom and Dad are both in Heaven now, and neither one had Alzheimers, so I don't have any real experience dealing with it, but the video was very enlightening for me. It proves that by caring and taking some time, we can help people that might seem beyond help. Thanks.
Re: Beautiful music
Posted by Mike Slater on December 15, 2014, 9:37 pm, in reply to "Re: Beautiful music"
Thanks for sharing this video, Larry. It was very touching. My Dad didn't have alzheimer's, but he did have dementia in the last few years before he passed away, so I know what it's like to have a parent who is slowly fading away mentally. It's a sad and helpless feeling. I think it's wonderful that you were always there for your Mom, Larry. I always tried to be there for my Dad as often as I could too. He was in a nursing home not too far from where I lived, and I usually went there to see him every other day. I know it meant a lot to him. It's tragic when an elderly person ends up alone or forgotten. We need to give greater attention to them, like the woman in the video did for the old woman. Her care and loyalty really reached this woman at the end of the video, and it was a beautiful sight to see. Anyone who hasn't seen this video should take a look. You will find it very inspiring, especially if you have an elderly parent or relative who means a lot to you.
Re: Beautiful music
Posted by Shevanthi Perera on December 16, 2014, 3:19 pm, in reply to "Beautiful music"
Wow, that was a beautiful video of love and compassion. This woman's dedication in dealing with patients on an emotional and spiritual level and thus serving God is beyond belief. Two of my family members fell victim to this terrible disease. And, I know the pain and agony it can cause. Larry, I applaud you for taking care of your mother, for being there for her and giving her the love and comfort she needed. That was wonderful.
Alzheimer's disease is currently at epidemic proportions. Even though there is no cure for this devastating disease, and no effective treatment - - there is compelling research to show that our brain has great plasticity, which can be controlled thru diet and lifestyle changes.
Friends, I want to share with you all a book that I read and which I follow now. It is called "Grain Brain" written by Dr. David Perlmutter. He is a board-certified neurologist and also a fellow of the American college of nutrition - the only doctor in the country with both credentials. He exposes the surprising truth about wheat, carbs, and sugar – your brain’s silent killers. It's a great book and reading and ultimately following it is a challenge, however, it is worth every penny!
Music does break the boundaries and touches tender hearts that nothing else can. And Jim's voice does work wonders in time of pain, grief, etc. - it unquestionably lifts you up.
Thanks Larry for sharing this video.
Re: Beautiful music
Posted by Manendra Pedris on December 17, 2014, 1:15 pm, in reply to "Beautiful music"
Larry,
Thanks for sharing that video and for sharing with us your experiences. Very enlightening!
Re: Beautiful music
Posted by Paul on December 18, 2014, 8:36 pm, in reply to "Re: Beautiful music"
....and if you are reading material by Perlmutter you should also consider reading the books by Dr Russell Blaylock ,also a board certified Neurologist and an "expert in nutrition".In particular, his book entitled "Excitotoxins" explains why alzheimers (which is affecting our family as well) is an epidemic and will not get better until we address what we eat and drink in a serious fashion .
Re: Beautiful music
Posted by David MacBeth on December 28, 2014, 7:46 am, in reply to "Beautiful music"
Remarkable film,remarkable woman!Thank you for posting it Larry,it was touching,moving but not sloppy,it gave Gladys dignity, not sympathy,must admit I was close to tears,again thank you!