Alzheimer's: Communicating in Pictures

Excellent idea on doing a photo album and such a way to get them to remember things

Every AD pt. should be so lucky to have someone do this for them. Good stuff.

Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. I wish I had thought of something so simple when my dad was still alive. His memory for things past was remarkable but near the end I wasn't sure he knew who I was. He was an avid photographer in his younger days. He had tons of slides from the places we visited. I had so many questions about where he served in the Navy and how he won his Purple Heart....years AFTER he died. How simple it would have been to bring in old photos and let him reminisce. You are so fortunate to have had this time with your mother.

How wonderful!

What a touching story...I wish I had did this with my mom!!!

I am a unit coordinator for a Alzheimer's unit. we just started making a picture scrap book "this is my life" its good for the families and the residents....

Ruby,I really enjoy your stories and postings. That must have been an absolutely wonderful week with your mother. I am so happy you received that gift.

I made a picture album for my mother-in-law when she was in the nursing home and started forgetting who we were. I titled it "Merval's Family" and wrote the names and relationships under each picture. That way the staff could go through it with her when we weren't there and know who everyone was. The staff really appreciated me doing this. When she died I got the album back and still have it - it brings back some very pleasant memories of the little time we could spend with her. Like you, my husband and I live 1800 miles from where she was and did not get to see her very often. In my positions in nursing homes, I have always encouraged the families to bring in pictures and tell me who they were so I could try to help the resident remember. It has given me some very special times with my residents, especially on nights when they were restless and could not sleep. I would get out some of the pictures or look at pictures on the walls. It usually helps them relax and go to sleep better than any medication I could give them. Thanks for sharing your experience with your Mom. Keep up the good work!