Yesterday, I was able to take my Dad to the ground-breaking ceremony for the new Veteran's Memorial which will be built at Chicano Park under the San Diego - Coronado Bay Bridge in the Logan Heights neighborhood in San Diego. My uncle Juan Manuel (former Marine)was the Master of ceremonies for the outdoor ceremony which was attended by more that 100 people. Even though the monument is being built at Chicano Park, the monument is intended for all veterans from the neighborhood; it was great to see Anglos, Filipinos, African-Americans an (obviously) a lot of Hispanics at the ceremony.
Moreover, there were people from multiple generations, from seniors to teenagers; from active military to retired World War Two, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm and Iraqi vets.
I was able to seat my father in the front row next to all of the dignitaries and elected officials. It was so funny to see all these important people come and greet my father assuming that he too was some dignitary. And, of course, in my eyes he is. Even the commanding Marine General for the San Diego Recruiting center came up and shook my dad's hand with great respect. It was fabulous!
And when an attending congress-woman gave her speech then asked for all attending military veterans to stand up for a public acknowledgement of their service to their country, my father stood up with great pride. It made his day. And it made me cry with even more pride. My Dad served in the Korea conflict.
More later, I have to take my pop to his doctor --- Later allegators.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Dear Abby Gives Advice for Alzheimer's Caregiver
Today's Dear Abby
MOM'S DESCENT INTO ALZHEIMER'S CONSUMES HER DAUGHTER'S LIFE
DEAR ABBY: My beautiful, loving mother is now in the middle stages of Alzheimer's disease. This cruel disease has robbed her of her memories as well as the ability to reason and function.
She held my hand through every trial and triumph in my life, and I want to support her the way she has always supported me. But caring for Mama is becoming more and more difficult as she drifts further and further away. Not only am I caring for my mother, I also have a career and three children.
I have so little time to myself. From the financial considerations to the behavioral challenges to safety concerns, I can't keep my head above water. Please tell me what to do. -- OVERWHELMED IN CINCINNATI
DEAR OVERWHELMED: I'll try. I know from personal experience how difficult it is to see a loved one face the changes that Alzheimer's disease brings. Although you feel alone and overwhelmed right now, the truth is you are not.
Today, an estimated 10 million Americans are caring for someone with Alzheimer's or another dementia. More than 40 percent of them rate their emotional stress level as high or very high, and it is a danger to their health.
Some signs to be aware of: feeling you have to "do it all yourself" and that you should be doing more; withdrawing from family, friends and activities that you used to enjoy; worrying that the person you care for is safe; feeling anxious about money and health-care decisions; denying the impact of the disease and its effect on your family; feeling grief or sadness that your relationship with the person isn't what it used to be; becoming frustrated and angry when the person continually repeats things and doesn't seem to listen; and having health problems that are taking a toll on you.
If any of these apply to you, it is important that you take care of your own physical and mental health. Make time to talk to your doctor and contact the Alzheimer's Association because it offers a full range of services. The toll-free number is(800) 272-3900 or visit www.alz.org and take the Caregiver Stress Check interactive quiz. You will find with it a list of helpful referrals there.
FOR MORE "DEAR ABBY" advice visit this web site: http://www.uexpress.com/dearabby/?uc_full_date=20081112
MOM'S DESCENT INTO ALZHEIMER'S CONSUMES HER DAUGHTER'S LIFE
DEAR ABBY: My beautiful, loving mother is now in the middle stages of Alzheimer's disease. This cruel disease has robbed her of her memories as well as the ability to reason and function.
She held my hand through every trial and triumph in my life, and I want to support her the way she has always supported me. But caring for Mama is becoming more and more difficult as she drifts further and further away. Not only am I caring for my mother, I also have a career and three children.
I have so little time to myself. From the financial considerations to the behavioral challenges to safety concerns, I can't keep my head above water. Please tell me what to do. -- OVERWHELMED IN CINCINNATI
DEAR OVERWHELMED: I'll try. I know from personal experience how difficult it is to see a loved one face the changes that Alzheimer's disease brings. Although you feel alone and overwhelmed right now, the truth is you are not.
Today, an estimated 10 million Americans are caring for someone with Alzheimer's or another dementia. More than 40 percent of them rate their emotional stress level as high or very high, and it is a danger to their health.
Some signs to be aware of: feeling you have to "do it all yourself" and that you should be doing more; withdrawing from family, friends and activities that you used to enjoy; worrying that the person you care for is safe; feeling anxious about money and health-care decisions; denying the impact of the disease and its effect on your family; feeling grief or sadness that your relationship with the person isn't what it used to be; becoming frustrated and angry when the person continually repeats things and doesn't seem to listen; and having health problems that are taking a toll on you.
If any of these apply to you, it is important that you take care of your own physical and mental health. Make time to talk to your doctor and contact the Alzheimer's Association because it offers a full range of services. The toll-free number is(800) 272-3900 or visit www.alz.org and take the Caregiver Stress Check interactive quiz. You will find with it a list of helpful referrals there.
FOR MORE "DEAR ABBY" advice visit this web site: http://www.uexpress.com/dearabby/?uc_full_date=20081112
Friday, November 7, 2008
A VERY Important Passage from the BIBLE
John 10:1-18
1) " Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber; 2) but he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3) To him the gatekeeper opens; the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4) When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5) A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers." 6) This figure Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. 7) So Jesus again said to them, " Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8) All who came before me are thieves and robbers; but the sheep did not heed them. 9) I am the door; if any one enters by me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. 11) I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12) He who is a hireling and not a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13) He flees because he is a hireling and cares nothing for the sheep. 14) I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me, 15) as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16) And I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd. 17) For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again. 18) No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again; this charge I have received from my Father."
1) " Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber; 2) but he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3) To him the gatekeeper opens; the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4) When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5) A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers." 6) This figure Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. 7) So Jesus again said to them, " Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8) All who came before me are thieves and robbers; but the sheep did not heed them. 9) I am the door; if any one enters by me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. 11) I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12) He who is a hireling and not a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13) He flees because he is a hireling and cares nothing for the sheep. 14) I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me, 15) as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16) And I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd. 17) For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again. 18) No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again; this charge I have received from my Father."
Take Action!
Action Alert!
what:Email your state legislators to stop Alzheimer's cuts now. when:By November 12, 2008
Dear Ricardo:
Key decisions will be made on Alzheimer's care next week and we need your help to fight more cuts. Please email your legislators by November 12.
Tell them that Azheimer's programs have been cut 10% this year. Needed family services have already been lost.
Don't forget:
Email your state legislators now. Stop more cuts to Alzheimer's programs.
Forward this message to family and friends >>
Background
On Nov 5, the Governor called a Special Session of the Legislature. The amount of funding for programs that help families living with Alzheimer’s are threatened, including the Alzheimer’s Day Care Resource Centers, the Alzheimer’s Research Centers and the Caregiver Resource Centers.
These programs have already been cut 10% this year.
Another cut will mean:
*Many more family caregivers will not get respite, support and education
*Many more people with memory loss will not get an accurate diagnosis
*Many more people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias will not be able to attend a day care program that understands their needs.
Thank you!
As an advocate, your voice makes a difference for our lawmakers.
Questions? Email martha.ranon@sanalz.org
what:Email your state legislators to stop Alzheimer's cuts now. when:By November 12, 2008
Dear Ricardo:
Key decisions will be made on Alzheimer's care next week and we need your help to fight more cuts. Please email your legislators by November 12.
Tell them that Azheimer's programs have been cut 10% this year. Needed family services have already been lost.
Don't forget:
Email your state legislators now. Stop more cuts to Alzheimer's programs.
Forward this message to family and friends >>
Background
On Nov 5, the Governor called a Special Session of the Legislature. The amount of funding for programs that help families living with Alzheimer’s are threatened, including the Alzheimer’s Day Care Resource Centers, the Alzheimer’s Research Centers and the Caregiver Resource Centers.
These programs have already been cut 10% this year.
Another cut will mean:
*Many more family caregivers will not get respite, support and education
*Many more people with memory loss will not get an accurate diagnosis
*Many more people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias will not be able to attend a day care program that understands their needs.
Thank you!
As an advocate, your voice makes a difference for our lawmakers.
Questions? Email martha.ranon@sanalz.org
Friday, October 31, 2008
Happy Halloween!
My father and I put up Halloween decorations throughout the front yard this past Wednesday. I was putting it off and off; but, then I remembered how he and my Mom would put up those decorations every year without fail. My Mom put away all the decorations and brought them out each year; they are truly vintage (Mom passed away in 2007).
Anyway, I thought that it would be therapeutic for my Dad to put up the Halloween decorations as a gentle reminder of better times. And, I was right! He didn't remember that Halloween was coming up. Now he is excited about dressing up in a cowboy costume and handing out candy to the neighborhood kids later tonight.
It felt good to bring out all of the decorations; in a way it as though Mom's spirit was all around us. We really miss her. She used to say that her spirit would visit us in the form of flying butterflies. Her name was Blanca; which means white. And for the past few weeks (as my father points out daily) we have been visited by several white colored butterflies on a daily basis. Probably just a coincidence; yet, we like to believe that it may be something more. And at the end of the day, you gotta believe. Happy Halloween!
Anyway, I thought that it would be therapeutic for my Dad to put up the Halloween decorations as a gentle reminder of better times. And, I was right! He didn't remember that Halloween was coming up. Now he is excited about dressing up in a cowboy costume and handing out candy to the neighborhood kids later tonight.
It felt good to bring out all of the decorations; in a way it as though Mom's spirit was all around us. We really miss her. She used to say that her spirit would visit us in the form of flying butterflies. Her name was Blanca; which means white. And for the past few weeks (as my father points out daily) we have been visited by several white colored butterflies on a daily basis. Probably just a coincidence; yet, we like to believe that it may be something more. And at the end of the day, you gotta believe. Happy Halloween!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
No Excuses
No excuses; just explanations: I have been so busy with my Pop and pets that I have not had any free time to enter this blog site. Moreover, September and early October are busy months with multiple birthday celebrations for several family and friends. Be sure to check out www.thebajabugs.com; cousin Xavier and his band are taking off!
Also, listen to The Baja Connection radio show on KOOL-1040 AM in the San Diego area or on www.thebajaconnection.com on the Internet. The show airs Monday through Friday at 4PM (PST). It is hosted by friend Patrick Osio (although, I do substitute host for him from time-to-time).
More later...
Also, listen to The Baja Connection radio show on KOOL-1040 AM in the San Diego area or on www.thebajaconnection.com on the Internet. The show airs Monday through Friday at 4PM (PST). It is hosted by friend Patrick Osio (although, I do substitute host for him from time-to-time).
More later...
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Sept. 21st is World Alzheimer's Day
Letter from The Alzheimer's Association:
Dear Ricardo,
Our heartfelt thanks go out to all who took part in our World Alzheimer's Day Matching Gift Challenge, and made it such a resounding success!
We raised over $500,000 to help us advance our mission to fight Alzheimer's disease. If you donated during the Challenge, thank you. If not, you can still make a generous gift to the Alzheimer's Association to help us do even more to realize our dream of a world without Alzheimer's disease!
Ricardo, World Alzheimer's Day only comes once a year on September 21, but our fight against this terrible disease goes on every day… We need your generous support to help us do even more to bring about additional Alzheimer research, enhanced care and support programs and increased advocacy and awareness.
So please, send a generous gift today and join our fight to defeat Alzheimer's, the sixth leading cause of death in America
Thanks again for answering our urgent plea in commemoration of World Alzheimer's Day on September 21, when the world comes together to voice concern and need for more vital Alzheimer research and essential support programs and services, and to spread awareness and demand action against this devastating disease.
Sincerely,
Angela Geiger
Vice President
Alzheimer's Association
Dear Ricardo,
Our heartfelt thanks go out to all who took part in our World Alzheimer's Day Matching Gift Challenge, and made it such a resounding success!
We raised over $500,000 to help us advance our mission to fight Alzheimer's disease. If you donated during the Challenge, thank you. If not, you can still make a generous gift to the Alzheimer's Association to help us do even more to realize our dream of a world without Alzheimer's disease!
Ricardo, World Alzheimer's Day only comes once a year on September 21, but our fight against this terrible disease goes on every day… We need your generous support to help us do even more to bring about additional Alzheimer research, enhanced care and support programs and increased advocacy and awareness.
So please, send a generous gift today and join our fight to defeat Alzheimer's, the sixth leading cause of death in America
Thanks again for answering our urgent plea in commemoration of World Alzheimer's Day on September 21, when the world comes together to voice concern and need for more vital Alzheimer research and essential support programs and services, and to spread awareness and demand action against this devastating disease.
Sincerely,
Angela Geiger
Vice President
Alzheimer's Association
Friday, September 12, 2008
Dogs, Birds, Horses & More
My father, Jesus, loves animals; he has as long as I can remember. A few months ago I bought him a couple of lovebirds; we named them Jesus and Blanca (in honor of my Pop and my late mother). In addition, we have two dogs,a chihuahua mix named: Canelo and a Schnauzer named Rusky.
Canelo is nine years old; which makes him a senior citizen in dog years. While Rusky is barely past three; which makes him an energetic teenager (in dog years).
Watching my father with his menagerie of pets makes me a firm believer in the therapeutic benefits of owning pets. Dad enjoys talking to his animals. And, I could swear that they understand him. He whistles alongside the birds during the afternoon hours. I even think that the birds look forward to their whistling sessions as they tend to follow his movements along their cage. It is quite a whimsical site.
The dogs are another matter. You see, the two dogs do NOT get along. Since we cannot get rid of neither canine (Canelo was my Mom's dog who was at her side at the San Diego Hospice when she passed away) and Rusky is just too darn adorable and attached to Pop; well giving either one away is just out of the question. The solution has been to segregate them from one another. Rusky owns the fenced in backyard; while Canelo resides in the also fenced-in front yard. They are, therefore, equal but separate (literally).
Meanwhile the birds reside in our very fancy garage (it has flooring, cabinets, even a pianola - quite nice); yet, if it is sunny, the cage hangs just outside by the garage door. My father likes to read the paper sitting in that area to hear the lovebirds sing; which they do enthusiastically on a daily basis.
Canelo, the Senior, is extremely mellow and is quite content to sleep as much as possible; taking a break now and again to eat and to rub against my pop's legs (I think that he thinks that he is a cat).
On the other hand, Rusky, the teenager, is tireless and obsessed with fetching his tennis ball to the point that I have to take it away from him to give us a rest. Rusky loves to play golf-fetch; where the ball is hit by a golf club, chased down by him and then he returns it exactly to the point where the ball was hit from.
My father loves all of these animal interactions; and he enjoys relating these stories to visitors and strangers alike. Truly, truly I feel that it helps him use his cognitive abilities in a better manner than he would if we didn't have the dogs and the birds.
In addition, my friends own the Happy Trails Horse Ranch near Border Beach. It is a five acre spread with more than fifty horses that are available for rentals. My Pop and I try to get there at least once a week. He enjoys feeding the horses carrots and such.
Bottom line: I truly believe that beyond medications and physical therapy; animals release a sort of invisible energy that Alzheimer's patients absorb in a very positive manner. I can literally see it in my father's eyes. He enjoys it; so I enjoy it.
Canelo is nine years old; which makes him a senior citizen in dog years. While Rusky is barely past three; which makes him an energetic teenager (in dog years).
Watching my father with his menagerie of pets makes me a firm believer in the therapeutic benefits of owning pets. Dad enjoys talking to his animals. And, I could swear that they understand him. He whistles alongside the birds during the afternoon hours. I even think that the birds look forward to their whistling sessions as they tend to follow his movements along their cage. It is quite a whimsical site.
The dogs are another matter. You see, the two dogs do NOT get along. Since we cannot get rid of neither canine (Canelo was my Mom's dog who was at her side at the San Diego Hospice when she passed away) and Rusky is just too darn adorable and attached to Pop; well giving either one away is just out of the question. The solution has been to segregate them from one another. Rusky owns the fenced in backyard; while Canelo resides in the also fenced-in front yard. They are, therefore, equal but separate (literally).
Meanwhile the birds reside in our very fancy garage (it has flooring, cabinets, even a pianola - quite nice); yet, if it is sunny, the cage hangs just outside by the garage door. My father likes to read the paper sitting in that area to hear the lovebirds sing; which they do enthusiastically on a daily basis.
Canelo, the Senior, is extremely mellow and is quite content to sleep as much as possible; taking a break now and again to eat and to rub against my pop's legs (I think that he thinks that he is a cat).
On the other hand, Rusky, the teenager, is tireless and obsessed with fetching his tennis ball to the point that I have to take it away from him to give us a rest. Rusky loves to play golf-fetch; where the ball is hit by a golf club, chased down by him and then he returns it exactly to the point where the ball was hit from.
My father loves all of these animal interactions; and he enjoys relating these stories to visitors and strangers alike. Truly, truly I feel that it helps him use his cognitive abilities in a better manner than he would if we didn't have the dogs and the birds.
In addition, my friends own the Happy Trails Horse Ranch near Border Beach. It is a five acre spread with more than fifty horses that are available for rentals. My Pop and I try to get there at least once a week. He enjoys feeding the horses carrots and such.
Bottom line: I truly believe that beyond medications and physical therapy; animals release a sort of invisible energy that Alzheimer's patients absorb in a very positive manner. I can literally see it in my father's eyes. He enjoys it; so I enjoy it.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
David Hyde Pierce's recent CBS interview about Alzheimer's
This is an important Early Show Interview on CBS: Actor David Hyde Pierce talks about the devastating effect that Alzheimer's has on the family and the importance of spreading awareness during an election year. Maggie Rodriguez reports.
Watch CBS Videos Online
Watch CBS Videos Online
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Things Are Not Always What They Appear
"Judge not, lest ye be judged..." is one most important and probably best known of the many quotes from the Bible. Yet, apparently in our modern day American culture; judging others has almost become an institutionalized form of behaving.
Judging other people's morals, lifestyles, behaviour, and so forth has become the norm. In reality, things are not always what they appear. Giving our family, neighbors and friends the benefit of the doubt has become the exception, rather than the rule.
Taking care of my father, Jesus, has greatly enlightened me as to how other people can be extremely judgemental. For example, most of my aunts on my father's side of the family (he has seven sisters) are in extreme denial as to his Alzheimer's situation. Some deny that he has it at all. They think this regardless of all of the medical evaluations that he has had during the course of these past eighteen months.
Funny enough, they all profess to be serious Catholics, yet rather than demonstrating compassion towards me as his caregiver, they demonstrate devout sarcasm. They judge me for how I take care of my Pop.
I find this most ironic since very few of them have actually found it in their hearts to find the time to visit us to see how we live and how I actually do take care of him. Instead they base their "judgements" on hearsay and innuendo.
Oh yes, they are very, very Catholic. After all, anyone can read the Bible and do the Rosary, yet it takes more; it takes having respect for others, it takes having a bit of compassion and it takes treating people with the dignity that we all deserve. It is said, actions speak louder than words.
Moreover, I have always tried to please my aunts in many diverse ways. Obviously, no one is perfect. Yet, aging and bitterness are no excuse for not actually practicing Catholic virtues; especially if you profess to be a "practicing Catholic" (see the irony).
Please note that some of my aunts have been very supportive, but most have not.
Judging other people's morals, lifestyles, behaviour, and so forth has become the norm. In reality, things are not always what they appear. Giving our family, neighbors and friends the benefit of the doubt has become the exception, rather than the rule.
Taking care of my father, Jesus, has greatly enlightened me as to how other people can be extremely judgemental. For example, most of my aunts on my father's side of the family (he has seven sisters) are in extreme denial as to his Alzheimer's situation. Some deny that he has it at all. They think this regardless of all of the medical evaluations that he has had during the course of these past eighteen months.
Funny enough, they all profess to be serious Catholics, yet rather than demonstrating compassion towards me as his caregiver, they demonstrate devout sarcasm. They judge me for how I take care of my Pop.
I find this most ironic since very few of them have actually found it in their hearts to find the time to visit us to see how we live and how I actually do take care of him. Instead they base their "judgements" on hearsay and innuendo.
Oh yes, they are very, very Catholic. After all, anyone can read the Bible and do the Rosary, yet it takes more; it takes having respect for others, it takes having a bit of compassion and it takes treating people with the dignity that we all deserve. It is said, actions speak louder than words.
Moreover, I have always tried to please my aunts in many diverse ways. Obviously, no one is perfect. Yet, aging and bitterness are no excuse for not actually practicing Catholic virtues; especially if you profess to be a "practicing Catholic" (see the irony).
Please note that some of my aunts have been very supportive, but most have not.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Even in Spanish...
Ricardo Gomez-Roji ha destacado como mercadólogo, locutor y productor de TV y radio para varias empresas de gran relevancia, por mencionar solo algunas Pillsbury, Ocean Spray, Miller Brewing, General Motors. Pero hoy, desarrolla el cargo más importante de su vida; cuidar a su padre Jesús que sufre de Alzheimer's.
Fue en agosto del 2007, cuando murió su querida madre Blanca Elena Roji de Gómez, que el decide renunciar a su trabajo con Univision/Palm Springs y dedicarse de tiempo completo a cuidar de su padre, quien es veterano de la guerra coreana, carpintero, excelente esposo, padre, tío, compadre, padrino y amigo. "Primeramente, lo veo como mi obligación y sobre todo mi deseo de atender a mi padre, tal como él me atendió a mi durante mi niñez y sorprendentemente hasta la fecha", dijo Gómez.
PARA MAYOR INFORMACION: r.gomez.roji@gmail.com
Fue en agosto del 2007, cuando murió su querida madre Blanca Elena Roji de Gómez, que el decide renunciar a su trabajo con Univision/Palm Springs y dedicarse de tiempo completo a cuidar de su padre, quien es veterano de la guerra coreana, carpintero, excelente esposo, padre, tío, compadre, padrino y amigo. "Primeramente, lo veo como mi obligación y sobre todo mi deseo de atender a mi padre, tal como él me atendió a mi durante mi niñez y sorprendentemente hasta la fecha", dijo Gómez.
PARA MAYOR INFORMACION: r.gomez.roji@gmail.com
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Alzheimer's Facts & Figures
(from: http://www.kpbs.org/news/local;id=10909)
•Every 72 seconds someone develops Alzheimer’s Diseas
•The direct and indirect costs of Alzheimer’s and other dementias amount to more than $148 billion annually
•A person with Alzheimer's disease will live an average of eight years and as many as 20 years or more from the onset of symptoms.
•More than 7 of 10 people with Alzheimer's disease live at home. Almost 75% of the home care is provided by family and friends. The remainder is "paid" care costing an average of $12,500 per year. Families pay almost all of that out-of-pocket.
•Half of all nursing home residents suffer from Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder.
•The average cost for nursing home care is $42,000 per year but can exceed $70,000 per year in some areas of the country.
•Every 72 seconds someone develops Alzheimer’s Diseas
•The direct and indirect costs of Alzheimer’s and other dementias amount to more than $148 billion annually
•A person with Alzheimer's disease will live an average of eight years and as many as 20 years or more from the onset of symptoms.
•More than 7 of 10 people with Alzheimer's disease live at home. Almost 75% of the home care is provided by family and friends. The remainder is "paid" care costing an average of $12,500 per year. Families pay almost all of that out-of-pocket.
•Half of all nursing home residents suffer from Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder.
•The average cost for nursing home care is $42,000 per year but can exceed $70,000 per year in some areas of the country.
The PBS and YouTube Interviews
These are the links to the interviews and the PBS program that features both my Pop, Jesus and myself. Check them out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTeXqE6slXY
http://www.kpbs.org/news/local;id=10909 - Later...
http://www.kpbs.org/news/local;id=10909 - Later...
I'm Back!
Wow, I cannot believe that I have not posted anything since March, but I have been so busy with Pop and recording spots (commercials) that I have not paid much attention to my blog.
Nevertheless, I have much to report and I shall begin by saying that I will update a bit later in the day. Call me a procrastinator, but do call me.
Nevertheless, I have much to report and I shall begin by saying that I will update a bit later in the day. Call me a procrastinator, but do call me.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
What's Next?
I was raised a Roman Catholic and I am a member of the Knights of Columbus. Every year during Lent, we celebrate the season through three different practices: 1. Prayer 2. Fasting 3. Generosity. This year my father and I have decided to attend Mass every single day during the 40 days of Lent.
It really is not as difficult as it may sound. The weekday Masses are only 30 minutes and Sunday Mass is one-hour long. More important, for my Dad, it is giving him a routine and he has an opportunity to meet with people closer to his age. We attend the 8AM morning celebration which allows us the rest of the day for other activities.
Yesterday, we went to Jimmy's for breakfast (after church). Just as we were arriving to the restaurant my Pop informed me that he had to go to the restroom (he urinates quite frequently). So he went ahead to the restroom, while I got a table. Ten minutes later, he had still not returned. I smelled trouble. I went to look for him. I passed a line of women waiting to enter the Women's restroom, and discovered my Pop was NOT in the Men's room. No, in fact, he had inadvertantly entered the Women's room.
Hence, the ladies waiting in line. I asked my Dad why he went in the wrong restroom, he said it was an honest mistake and that it was "no big deal" (in his reality nothing is a "big deal"). I apologized to the ladies, who all took it in stride and I made a mental note to never let him go to the restroom alone again.
It really is not as difficult as it may sound. The weekday Masses are only 30 minutes and Sunday Mass is one-hour long. More important, for my Dad, it is giving him a routine and he has an opportunity to meet with people closer to his age. We attend the 8AM morning celebration which allows us the rest of the day for other activities.
Yesterday, we went to Jimmy's for breakfast (after church). Just as we were arriving to the restaurant my Pop informed me that he had to go to the restroom (he urinates quite frequently). So he went ahead to the restroom, while I got a table. Ten minutes later, he had still not returned. I smelled trouble. I went to look for him. I passed a line of women waiting to enter the Women's restroom, and discovered my Pop was NOT in the Men's room. No, in fact, he had inadvertantly entered the Women's room.
Hence, the ladies waiting in line. I asked my Dad why he went in the wrong restroom, he said it was an honest mistake and that it was "no big deal" (in his reality nothing is a "big deal"). I apologized to the ladies, who all took it in stride and I made a mental note to never let him go to the restroom alone again.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
The Trouble with Jesus Updates
It has been more than a month since I have posted anything; it has been a very busy time. We celebrated my father's 8oth birthday on Feb. 2nd with a live band playing 60's pop and rock. We had over 100 guests throughout the day! I even rented a dance floor and everyone was up dancing at one time or another. Even my dad was dancing, at one point he was dancing with three lady friends at the same time.
On another note the local PBS TV station (KPBS) came out in late January to film a segment on both my pop and me. It was for a one hour special on Alzheimer's which will air on February 21st on KPBS at 8PM (PST). It will also be available on the web. The show is called Envision San Diego.
The reporter and cameraman actually spent over six hours following us around. My dad really comes off quite gracious and humorful during his interviews.
I will post instructions on how to view it via the Internet once I figure it out. I also promise to post more frequently now that things have settled down. Groovy.
On another note the local PBS TV station (KPBS) came out in late January to film a segment on both my pop and me. It was for a one hour special on Alzheimer's which will air on February 21st on KPBS at 8PM (PST). It will also be available on the web. The show is called Envision San Diego.
The reporter and cameraman actually spent over six hours following us around. My dad really comes off quite gracious and humorful during his interviews.
I will post instructions on how to view it via the Internet once I figure it out. I also promise to post more frequently now that things have settled down. Groovy.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
2008 Has to be Better
It has been well over a month since I have posted anything on this blog. My only explanation is that it was the first holiday season without my mother. The holidays were busy enough, but Christmas Eve would have been my mother's 75th birthday as well. Needless to say, my pop and I were a bit sentimental to say the least. As if that were not bad enough, we went to visit my mom at the cementary on her birthday early on the 24th. That is when my cousin Gabriel informed me that our other cousin Abram, had lost his seven-year-old daughter to a kidney infection. Destiny (her name) had passed-away two nights before Christmas. Obviously, 2007 was a terrible year for our family.
My father somehow comprehended that things were not right. Somehow we managed to survive the holidays. I only hope that 2008 will be better for all of us.
There were some good moments, I got to see all three of my daughters and my grandson Julian. Nevertheless, it is amazing to me how much my mother's presence is stll felt among both my father and me. We miss her very much.
My father somehow comprehended that things were not right. Somehow we managed to survive the holidays. I only hope that 2008 will be better for all of us.
There were some good moments, I got to see all three of my daughters and my grandson Julian. Nevertheless, it is amazing to me how much my mother's presence is stll felt among both my father and me. We miss her very much.
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