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SPOTLIGHT ON
Linda Ross, M.S.
Interim Director of Programs and Services
Alzheimer's Association of Greater Dallas
Preparing Families Ahead of Time
My advice: “..talk about future care plans- especially in the case of an early diagnosis."
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More on Linda
On Her Bookshelf |
36-Hour Day (Mace & Rabins, Johns Hopkins Press, 2006) describes what it is like to care for a family member with Alzheimer’s. You can look up a particular problem without reading the whole book (because you don’t have time to read the whole book!)
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Like Trees Walking (Sigloh, Cowley Publications, 2007) is a series of beautiful meditations about the second half of life. It reflects on aging, retirement, and what people want.
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Old Dogs are the Best Dogs (Weingarten & Williamson, Simon & Schuster, 2008) is a beautiful book. I have and love two old dogs. I’m determined that when I grow older, I will only take rescued older dogs.
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The Boomer Century (Croker & Dychtwald, Springboard Press, 2007) sets the stage for what people getting Alzehimer’s are going to be like. Baby Boomers (and I’m one of them) have a distinct personality.
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On Her Web Browser
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www.alz.org/greaterdallas
(Alzheimer’s Association of Dallas)
www.alz.org
(National Alzheimer’s Association)
www.owl-national.org
(The voice of midlife and older women)
www.wellnessletter.com (Nutrition, fitness and healthcare)
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| On Her Mind |
“Quality of life is defined, not that you can still do what you want when you are twenty or forty, but by what meaningful thing you can do at the age you are.”
“I encourage young people to go into the field of aging. There are not enough students going into gerontology—and they will be needed!”
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Linda Ross has been a social worker for thirty years. She says she’s “worked her way across the life cycles.” First, she helped young children, but now Ross has fallen in love with the aging population. As Interim Director of Programs and Services for the Alzheimer’s Association in Dallas, she is part of a network that seeks a world without Alzheimer’s disease. Until that happens, Ross is an advocate for caregivers who wish to provide their loved ones with the best possible situation.
“Much of my work is done with family members,” Ross said. “I encourage everyone with an aging adult to talk about future care plans—especially in the case of an early diagnosis.” She sees many caregivers struggling to maintain someone at home “because they think Mom or Dad wouldn’t want otherwise.” However, early discussions might have revealed different wishes.
Ross bases this on her work experience and her personal experience. “My mom was a role model,” Ross said. “She didn’t have Alzheimer’s, but she had health problems. She insisted that we have conversations about the future, and had it lined out so that when the time came, we knew what Mom wanted.” Ross admitted that it was still tough, but she had a direction. “It takes away the guilt,” she explained. “Those patients who are mentally able will often tell their families at what point they want to be placed in a care center, like when they start falling, or can’t get out of bed, or are a danger to themselves.”
For patients who are beyond making decisions, Ross recommends that caregivers contact the state or national Alzheimer’s Association for assistance at 1-800-272-3900 or www.alz.org. A 24/7 health line is available for live discussions about education, medical conditions, safety-return programs, and other topics related to caregiving.
Interview and article byAmy Dee Stephens
The Alzheimer's Association of Dallas provides programs and services to over 30 counties in the North and East Texas area. To learn more about this and other resources for Alzheimer's care, visit www.alz.org/greaterdallas
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More from Linda Ross:
Selecting a Center for Alzheimer's Care
Silver Tsunami Preventative Care
Do you know someone with a Silver Story to share? Send to a Friend |
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