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Hello Everyone and Happy Holidays, This will be our final post for the week. We’ll be back with new updates next Monday, December 31st. We are deeply grateful for your support—it’s the foundation of everything we do. If you’d like to make a tax-deductible donation, please consider contributing through our PayPal link below. Even $5 or $10 can make a meaningful difference in helping us achieve our goals. Here’s how your donations make an impact:
If you or someone you know is interested, please email us at [email protected]. Thank you for being part of our mission, and we wish you a joyful holiday season! Robin L. https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/5358781 Hello Everyone and Happy Holidays,
This time of year is perfect for reflecting on accomplishments and planning for the future. As I look back, I am amazed by all that Evergreen has achieved during our "year zero." Jenny Turner and I started this nonprofit back in March 2024 with just an idea. Since then, we have: Attended two expos and connected with many organizations. Achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Raised enough funds to provide 22 hours of End-of-Life Doula/ Music Therapy/ Massage Therapy support for families. Educated the public about end-of-life care and options in Michigan. We could not have done this without the incredible support of our board of directors, advisors, and the many individuals who contributed to our GoFundMe campaign. Your generosity has been instrumental in getting Evergreen up and running, and we are beyond grateful. Looking ahead, Evergreen has big plans for 2025. We already have six expos and presentations scheduled, with several more in the works. To make these plans a reality, we need your continued support. Here’s how your donations help: 70% of each donation goes to our Compassionate Fund, which supports services provided by End-of-Life Doulas, Massage Therapists, and Music Therapists for patients and families in need. 30% supports administrative costs, including fundraising, expo fees, and essential expenses like accounting software. Below is a link to our PayPal account. If you are able, please consider making a donation. If you’re unable to donate, that’s okay—sharing our message and helping spread the word is just as valuable. Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Your support makes all the difference. Warm wishes, Robin L. Link:https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/5358781 In this post I like to discuss the 7 stages of Dementia. This disease is a complex and progressive neurological disorder that affects cognitive function, memory, and daily activities. The condition is characterized by a series of stages, each representing a different level of impairment. Understanding these stages is important for caregivers, healthcare professionals, and family members to provide the best support and care for individuals with dementia.
Normal Functioning: At this stage, an individual experiences no cognitive decline, and their memory and cognitive abilities are intact. There are no signs of dementia, and daily life functions are carried out without any significant difficulties. Age-Related Memory Decline: In this stage, individuals may start experiencing mild cognitive impairment, often associated with normal aging. Memory lapses may occur, but they do not significantly interfere with daily activities. It's essential to differentiate between age-related decline and early signs of dementia. Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): MCI is a transitional stage between normal aging and more severe cognitive decline. Individuals may experience noticeable memory problems, forgetfulness, and difficulties in finding the right words. However, these symptoms are not severe enough to be classified as dementia. Early-Stage Dementia (Mild Alzheimer's Disease): At this point, cognitive decline becomes more apparent. Individuals may struggle with memory loss, have difficulty concentrating, and face challenges in performing familiar tasks. They might start withdrawing from social activities and may exhibit mood swings or changes in personality. Moderate-Stage Dementia (Moderate Alzheimer's Disease): Moderate dementia is characterized by a significant decline in cognitive function. Memory loss becomes more pronounced, and individuals may struggle with recognizing familiar faces, places, and objects. Daily activities, such as dressing and eating, require increased assistance. Behavioral changes, such as wandering or agitation, may also emerge. Severe-Stage Dementia (Severe Alzheimer's Disease): In the severe stage, individuals experience a profound loss of cognitive function. Communication becomes extremely challenging, and they may lose the ability to speak coherently. Mobility is severely impaired, and individuals often require assistance with basic activities of daily living. Behavioral symptoms can intensify, and there is a high dependence on caregivers. End-Stage Dementia (Late-Stage Alzheimer's Disease): The final stage is marked by a profound loss of physical and cognitive function. Individuals may lose the ability to recognize family members, experience severe communication difficulties, and become bedridden. The body's overall function declines, and individuals are highly dependent on others for all aspects of care. It is important to note that while these stages provide a general framework, the progression of dementia can vary from person to person. Additionally, other forms of dementia, such as vascular dementia or Lewy body dementia, may exhibit slightly different patterns of progression. Caregivers and healthcare professionals should tailor their approach based on the unique needs and experiences of each individual with dementia. If you would like more information about Dementia; the book Dementia with Grace by Vicky Noland Fitch is a great starting point. By Robin L. The holidays are here. It is time to gather everyone together and visit grandparents and other elderly relatives, and while you're there, why not initiate a Legacy project? A Legacy project, as defined by willied.com, encapsulates the essence of a family's history, values, and aspirations through tangible creations, such as personal messages, life events, biographies, accomplishments, wisdom, faith traditions, and dreams. These projects not only serve as cherished family heirlooms but also foster deeper connections among generations. However, there are certain guidelines to follow when undertaking such endeavors.
First and foremost, establish clear goals for the project and create a realistic timeline. Whether it's compiling a family history or crafting a memoir, these endeavors often require considerable time and effort. Setting achievable milestones helps ensure that the project progresses smoothly and is completed within the desired time frame. Secondly, embrace creativity and think beyond conventional notions of legacy projects. While writing a book or quilting may be traditional approaches, there's a ton of innovative avenues to explore. Consider recording video messages, illustrating a family tree, knitting a massive scarf, or assembling a scrapbook filled with memories and anecdotes. The key is to tap into your imagination and tailor the project to suit your family's unique dynamics and interests. Above all, remember to infuse the process with enjoyment and bonding. Engaging in a legacy project offers a rare opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones while delving into their life stories and beliefs. Though the endeavor may occasionally feel overwhelming , don't forget to savor the moments of connection and discovery along the way. Conversely, it's important to ensure that everyone involved in the project is genuinely enthusiastic about participating. While the idea of preserving family history may appeal to some, others may find it overwhelming or burdensome. Prior to embarking on the project, engage in open dialogue with all family members to gauge their interest and willingness to contribute. Ultimately, a legacy project should be a collaborative endeavor rooted in mutual enthusiasm and respect for each individual's preferences and boundaries. In conclusion, consider embarking on a legacy project that will not only preserve cherished memories but also strengthen the bonds that unite your family across generations. With thoughtful planning, creativity, and a spirit of collaboration, you can create a lasting tribute to your family's unique legacy for generations to come. Written by Robin L. When a death occurs, whether it was expected or unexpected, it greatly disrupts the daily life of those affected. Simple everyday tasks such as cleaning, cooking, or even getting out of bed can feel overwhelming as the person navigates the complex and often disorienting process of grief. During this time, many people naturally want to help the grieving individual. However, offering support can be challenging; it’s important to avoid overstepping boundaries or accidentally creating more stress by providing unhelpful or overwhelming assistance.
The most effective way to help is to reach out to the grieving person and ask a simple, empathetic question: “How can I help?” This approach allows the person to express their specific needs, if any, and empowers them to accept support on their terms. If the individual responds that they don’t need or want help, it’s still possible to provide support in gentle and unobtrusive ways. For instance, you might offer to check in periodically or take on small, practical tasks that ease their burden. Providing Meals or Snacks One of the most impactful ways to help a grieving person is by assisting with food. During times of loss, preparing meals often becomes a low priority, even though proper nutrition is vital for maintaining strength and energy. When offering food, it’s essential to check with the person regarding any dietary restrictions, allergies, or preferences to ensure the meals are suitable. Opt for meals that are easy to reheat and require minimal preparation, such as casseroles, soups, or pre-portioned dishes. Frozen meals that can be conveniently heated in an oven or microwave are particularly helpful. Additionally, you might consider organizing a meal train with others in the community. This can provide the grieving individual with a steady supply of meals over an extended period. Online tools and apps are available to help coordinate schedules and avoid overlapping deliveries. Assisting with Household Tasks Household chores can quickly become overwhelming for someone in mourning. If you’re close to the grieving person, offering to help with cleaning can be a thoughtful gesture. Simple tasks like taking out the trash, washing dishes, or picking up mail can make a significant difference. If you’re not comfortable performing these tasks yourself or the person would prefer not to have someone in their home, consider paying for a professional cleaning service to come in and take care of the household Providing Emotional Support Perhaps the most enduring way to support a grieving person is simply by being present. Grief doesn’t end with the funeral or memorial service; it’s a journey that can last months or even years. Regularly checking in with the person to see how they’re doing—whether through a phone call, a text message, or an in-person visit—demonstrates that you care and are there for them. Listening without judgment and without rushing to offer solutions can be immensely comforting. It’s also important to remember that grief is deeply personal, and everyone experiences it differently. Be patient, and let the grieving person lead the way in expressing their feelings and deciding how they want to move forward. Your presence, compassion, and thoughtful gestures can provide a sense of stability and comfort during a profoundly difficult time. Written by Robin L. |
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Evergreen End of Life Care of Michigan is a registered 501(c)(3). Donations to Evergreen End of Life Care of Michigan are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
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