Yorkton This Week | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Wednesday, November 24, 2021
A9
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SENIORS Our Monthly Feature
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Local author shares stories in new book By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer A recent book release; Navigating Eldercare & Dementia, highlights 101 stories for family caregivers. Two of those stories were contributed by area writer Brenda Leppington, who grew up at Bredenbury and now lives in the city. The book is part of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and that is how Leppington first became involved. “Chicken Soup publishes a list of titles that they will be publishing and do a “call out” for stories,” she explained. “When I saw the title ‘Navigating Eldercare and Dementia’ it got me thinking about all the experiences that I went through having both my grandparents and mother living in care homes. “Getting old is something that we all think we can avoid, but it is inevitable. “So helping people understand how to cope and how to help, is vital. “It is an area that is starting to get some attention due to COVID, but it is long overdue.” Still, Leppington headed into the process as something of a neophyte in terms of writing. “I have no formal training as a writer, but I do contribute my love of telling stories ‘through someone else’s eyes’ to my Grade 8 teacher Irene Badowich from Bredenbury,” she explained. “One particular assignment was to pretend we were a vegetable and to write a story about our life, as that vegetable. That just resonated with me, and now I try to write stories Boothat project the emotions of other people and animals. “I would write stories just so I wouldn’t forget them, but then I would tell my stories to other people and love to see their reaction. “I never considered having them published until another friend, Susan Harris (an author from Melville) encouraged me to submit one of my stories to Chicken Soup for the Soul. They rejected that story, but that just made me more determined to fine-tune
my writing skills and try again, and again and again. “Chicken Soup has now published five of my stories in four separate books.” So what are the two pieces in the latest book about? “The first story; ‘More Than Just a Blanket’, is about a Christmas gift to my mother -- a blanket -- that ending up being so much more,” explained Leppington. “My sister had a blanket made with old family photos stamped on the material. At mom’s insistence, we hung it on the wall in her room at the care home. Mom said it was wonderful to wake up in the morning and the first thing she saw was the faces of the people she loved, and when she went to sleep at night she knew she was surrounded by her family. “The second story; ‘Who am I Hurting?’, is about understanding that a person with dementia might have some limitations, but it does not take away from the person that they have always been. “I would get frustrated when mom would forget who was dead and who was still alive. “I was focused on the dementia. “But my mom patiently explained that if she thought about it hard enough, she knew that most of the people that she loved, were gone. “But she explained that her coping mechanism was to pretend that they were all still alive and it gave her the continuing opportunity to ‘relive a wonderful life, where she wouldn’t have changed a thing’. “After that conversation, I realized that I no longer pitied her, I envied her. “From that point forward, we spent hours looking at old photos and reminiscing about all the wonderful memories.” Obviously the stories are very personal and close to Leppington’s heart, so what was the reason she chose to share them in a very public way? “COVID-19 was the inspiration to put these two stories in writing,” she said. “My mother passed
away several years ago, so she didn’t have to endure the stresses of COVID and the various lockdowns, (but) visits from her friends and family, meant so much to her. “I was reflecting on how excited people in care will be, when they are finally able to spend time with family again. I was also reflecting on ‘if I knew then, what I know now’. There were some things that I think as a family we did well, to support mom. But I don’t think there is a good enough understanding of dementia so that people know how to best deal
she passed away. “The thing that I noticed most was that when we talked about things from 20 years ago, she just came to life. “However, if I asked her questions about who visited or mentioned a current news event, she would withdraw. “Friends stopped visiting because they didn’t know how to cope with mom not responding. A few times, I witnessed that when I would pop in to see her and someone was visiting. Mom would just sit there and I couldn’t understand why she wasn’t participating in the conversation when Submitted Photo
Brenda Leppington
with it. “The last few years of mom’s life, we concentrated on what she did remember and not what she couldn’t remember. She might not remember what she had for lunch or who came to visit that day, but she could still remember details of funny stories of when we were growing up, or her own life as a child. “I am so grateful that I recognized that and was able to change my focus and enjoy sharing coffee and humorous stories, until one week before
people had made the effort to come and visit. “Mom later told me that she was ‘too afraid of making a mistake’. “From that point forward, I started visits by bringing an old photo and asking mom if she remembered it? Ninetynine per cent of the time she did. “Remembering something even if it was from 30-years ago, gave her confidence that I didn’t understand at the time. “Once she was relaxed and confident, we would have a lovely visit. I
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learned to either live in the moment and discuss the weather or rabbits on the lawn, or we would regress and talk about a period of time that I knew she remembered. “So I guess, I am just hoping that I can help someone else by sharing what lessons I learned.” Was there a reason for the two stories in particular as there were likely many Leppington might have written about? “I guess those were just the two memories that stood out to me the most as to how seemingly little gestures can make so much difference to a person with dementia and how much more enjoyment you can get out of the time you have left with that person,” she said. “One story is about what we did right, and one story is about learning something about myself and my own attitude towards dementia. But it was my mother with dementia, who shared a valuable life lesson with me. Don’t focus on what you have lost, focus on the memories of a life well lived.” The process was also “cathartic,” said Leppington, adding “the feed-back from others has been very positive.” The writing process itself was actually rather straightforward for Leppington who was manager of Health Information and worked in Kamsack, Regina, Melville and Yorkton. “The writing of the stories was actually quite easy, as they were events that I thought about many times and it was now just a simple matter of recording them,” she said. “I guess one contributing factor was my involvement in policy development and writing instruction manuals, during my career. I learned how to make something readable, and easy to understand through trial and error, of course.” The stories are ultimately part of a much larger collection, a collection which shows a common bond among the writers. “When I read the entire book and submissions by other people, I realized just how much we all had in common,” said Leppington. “You think you are alone in dealing with someone with dementia, but you are not. “I read many of the stories and could identify with what they were going through. “What a person doesn’t realize is that dementia can come in many forms, and range from
mild dementia to the late stages of Alzheimer’s. The education and information is improving and I believe that people are getting better at dealing with a diagnosis of dementia, but there is still an element of fear. You hear that someone has ‘dementia’ and you are afraid to visit them. There is still that element of fear and lack of understanding that exists. “I could also see that in staff. Some staff members had such compassion and insight into what a resident was dealing with. Others, either didn’t understand or didn’t care, and watching the response of the resident -- I am not referring to just my mother -- was so interesting. Just observing two different approaches, made such a difference to the reaction of the person with dementia. “I will give you one example. My mother had a toy cat. She always loved cats so her toy cat, was precious to her. She would hold and stroke that toy cat for hours. It was calming for her. “Some staff members would come to take mom to the dining room for supper and ask her where she thought the cat would like to sleep while she had supper? Generally, mom would point to her bed and she would hand the cat to the staff member to place on the bed. They would proceed to supper. “Other staff members would grab the cat from mom and throw it on a chair and when mom would object, they would say ‘It’s just a toy!!’ Mom’s objection would be viewed as aggression and treated as such. “The staff who are caring and treat residents like family, do not get as much credit or recognition as they deserve. There are some wonderful care givers that added so much to mom’s last years. They have very difficult jobs and tend not to be the ones in the media.” Reaction to the stories, and the book, have been good too. “I have actually had quite a bit of feedback,” said Leppington. “The first person to read my stories was a close friend. She was a nurse at the Nursing Home and cared for my mother. She was familiar with the blanket that I referred to, and was the one that strongly encouraged me to try to have it published. “I shared the stories with family and close friends and got the same encouragement. Continued on Page A10
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Wednesday, November 24, 2021 | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Yorkton This Week
just for SENIORS
November 2021
What is atrial fibrillation? The human heart beats 60 to 100 times per minute on average, which equates to between 86,400 and 144,000 beats per day. Over the course of a lifetime, an individual’s heart may beat more than two billion times. A fully functional heart is like a well-oiled machine. However, various conditions can affect the heart and its ability to function at peak capacity. Individuals with an irregular heartbeat, also known as arrhythmia, may experience a common condition known as atrial fibrillation. To understand what atrial fibrillation, often referred to as “Afib,” entails, it helps to learn how a healthy heart works. When the heart is working properly it pumps blood to the body
with a normal heart rhythm. The two upper chambers of the heart (atria) contract, followed by the two lower chambers (ventricles). When timed perfectly, the beats allow for efficient pumping of blood. The electrical impulse that guides the heart’s pump-
ing action is located in the sinoatrial (SA) node in the right atrium. That impulse causes the left and right atria to contract and force blood into the ventricles. Afterward, the electrical impulse travels into the atrioventricular node (AN) located near the middle of the
heart. During Afib, the SA node doesn’t direct the electrical rhythm and many other impulses may fire at once. This causes the atria to beat irregularly and quiver. The atria then beat chaotically and not in coordination with the ventricles.
While not typically life-threatening, Afib can cause shortness of breath, light-headedness and may increase the risk of heart-related complications. Afib may lead to blood clots from blood not pumping efficiently. Should a clot break off and enter the bloodstream, it could lodge in an artery leading to the brain, resulting in stroke. Roughly 15 to 20 percent of people who have strokes have Afib, and this is why many people with this type of arrythmia are placed on blood thinners. Awareness of Afib symptoms is imperative since it is such a serious condition. People should visit their doctors if they experience any of the following: · Extreme fatigue · Irregular heartbeat · Chest pain
· Light-headedness · Rapid, fluttering or pounding heart palpitations · Shortness of breath Individuals who are at higher risk for Afib include seniors and people who have been diagnosed with obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and/or hyperthyroidism. Smoking and moderate to heavy alcohol use also increase the risk for Afib. A doctor can assess risk factors for Afib and educate patients about reducing their risk. Atrial fibrillation is a common health concern that affects the beating of the heart and efficient pumping of blood throughout the body. People who suspect they have Afib are urged to contact their physicians immediately.
Choosing palliative care options Modern medicine works marvels, though some conditions remain a mystery. When afflicted with a condition that has no cure, individuals suffering illnesses or other ailments may need to look for ways to feel better. This is the basis behind palliative care. Palliative care is specialized medical care that focuses on providing relief from pain and other symptoms of serious illnesses. Palliative care is not exclusively end-of-life care, but it can be. In fact, hospice care is a form of palliative care for terminally ill people. Palliative care may include emotional, spiritual and physical support. In addition to pain management, palliative care may help
relieve symptoms such as shortness of breath, anxiety, fatigue, nausea, and depression. According to The World Health Organization, palliative care improves the quality of life of patients, their caregivers and their extended families. However, only 14 percent of the estimated 40 million people across the globe who need palliative care currently receive it. Those with access to care can use these guidelines when selecting palliative care services. · Start with your primary care physician to acquire the best care possible. He or she can put you on a path to building a palliative care team. · Have a list of ques-
AUTHOR
Continued from Page A9 “Once the stories were published, I reached out to the Saskatchewan Population Health and Evaluation Research Unit and donated 10 copies of the book. They responded that they enjoyed the stories and intended to share with various caregivers. They also informed me that Yorkton-area organizations are collaborating on a U of R project to support older adults living with dementia, so my interaction with them was timely. I was also contacted by Alison van Schie of Alongside Caregiver Consulting from Vancouver Island. She read my stories and felt they had so
tions at the ready. These can include asking about the criteria for palliative services. What treatments will you have to discontinue and what can be continued? What to do if diagnosis/prognosis changes? Which professionals will be on the palliative care team? · Decide where care will take place. Some palliative services, such as end-of-life hospice care, may take place in a hospice center or in a special wing of a hospital. Other palliative services occur at home. Specify where you want to be cared for so that you can choose the right program. · Determine if you can get assistance with advance directives. Some palliative care teams will work with volunteers in
much relevance to the services that she is trying to provide. She provides supports to caregivers, both family and professional, who are caring for someone with dementia. She also has a podcast (Island Treasures) where people can tell their stories and provide encouragement and insight to listeners who may be in the midst of their own caregiving journey. “It is a source of wisdom and empowerment so that caregivers do not feel they are alone. I have listened to many of her podcasts and with my permission, she has referred to my story about the blanket, in one of her most recent podcasts.”
the legal and accounting fields to provide peace of mind. Chronic, lifethreatening or serious illnesses may require individuals to document their plans while they’re still of sound mind. They also can spell out desires and goals for treatment, in addition to establishing a health care proxy when the future may make decisions challenging. · Interview and get to know potential palliative care providers. Assess more than an individual’s credentials. Choose people who are compassionate and exhibit genuine concern for your well-being. Palliative care is an important component of feeling well for as long as possible. It takes research and knowing what you want from care to find the best options.
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Yorkton This Week | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Wednesday, November 24, 2021
A11
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November 2021
Find your passion at any age Age isn’t a barrier to learning new things. In fact, once you retire, you’ll have more time to explore your passions. Here are some tips for how to follow your bliss. Ask yourself the right questions Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to help you identify your interests: • What did you love as a child? • What do you enjoy talking about with your friends? • Do you have a secret dream? • What are you good at? Now is the time to take up that hobby you’ve always wanted to try. Explore the possibilities Do you want to learn something new or increase your knowledge
about a particular subject? If so, you may want to take an online course or go back to school. In addition, taking up a hobby such as swimming, walking, gardening, cooking, painting, writing, pottery or woodworking can allow you to connect with a newfound interest. Inspiring people Here are three inspiring people who found success later in life: • Colonel Harland Sanders was more than 60 years old when he succeeded in franchising his fried chicken restaurants. • Laura Ingalls Wilder published her first novel, Little House in the Big Woods, at the age of 65. • At 77, John Glenn became the oldest person to go into space.
5 uses for technology in a seniors’ residence
Stress-relieving activities As you age, the stresses of everyday life can become difficult to manage. For example, planning a move, waiting for medical test results, worrying about the health of a loved one and watching the news can all cause you to worry. To help you cope with the strain, here are some stress-relieving activities you may want to try. 1. Being outdoors A great way to boost your spirits and get a bit of exercise is to garden. You could try planting herbs on your balcony or vegetables in your backyard. In addition, walking, biking and photography are all relaxing hobbies you can do outdoors. 2. Making art Creating works of art can be both comforting and rewarding. Needlework,
such as knitting, crocheting, sewing and embroidery, will keep your hands and mind busy. Alternatively, you may want to draw, colour, paint or do crafts. These activities can be done alone or with someone else. 3. Practising meditation Meditating is a great way to relax and clear your mind. You may want to try a simple breathing exercise or guided meditation. Alternatively, you could listen to melodies accompanied by nature sounds such as running water and singing birds. Just close your eyes and imagine yourself in a beautiful oasis. Though stress-relieving activities can be beneficial, if you’re dealing with crippling anxiety, it’s best to consult a health-care professional.
Kitchen gadgets that will make your life easier If you love to cook but are finding it difficult to complete certain kitchen tasks as you get older, here are four gadgets that may come in handy. 1. Pitter. This tool allows you to remove the pit from cherries, olives and other small fruits with ease. Plus, it’s much faster to use than a paring knife. 2. Jar opener. This inexpensive gadget is ideal for any cook with reduced mobility, and there are numerous options available. However, it’s best to choose a device with a non-slip silicone grip that can open multiple sized lids. 3. Electric can opener. If you have limited mobility or reduced grip strength, this is the gadget for you. All you have to do is position the can and let the device do
Many seniors living in retirement residences benefit from technology. Here are five ways that older adults can use modern devices in their everyday lives. 1. To stay in touch. No matter the distance, seniors can continue to stay connected with their families and attend important events such as birthdays and anniversaries thanks to video conferencing technologies. 2. To facilitate planning. Residents can easily register for activities, view the dining room menu or reserve a table for lunch via a dedicated website or application. 3. To improve safety. Technology can be used to detect falls, send residents medication reminders and allow seniors with reduced mobility to attend virtual medical consultations. 4. To enhance cognitive abilities. Reading, watching movies and listening to music can help residents maintain their cognitive abilities. In addition, sudoku-type games and crossword puzzles are excellent for exercising the brain.
5. To maintain autonomy. Smart devices, including voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, can help simplify certain daily tasks, provide remote assistance and remind residents of appointments and special events.
If you’re planning to move to a retirement residence, you should first find out about internet access at the facility. In addition, many residences offer introductory computer courses, so you don’t have to worry if you aren’t very tech savvy.
A retired man who volunteers to entertain patients in nursing homes and hospitals went to one local hospital and took his portable keyboard along. He told some jokes and sang some funny songs at patients’ bedsides. When he finished he said, in farewell, “I hope you get better.” One elderly gentleman replied, “I hope you get better, too.”
the rest. 4. Egg breaker. This tool can help you crack open eggs without any mess or bits of shell falling into your food. Some models also come with a bonus attachment that makes it easy to separate yolks from whites. To find other accessories that will make it easier to prepare the recipes you love, visit your local kitchen supply store.
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