The article was about a book by Kathryn Harrison, Weeds in Nana's Garden. This book was written from personal experience, when Kathryn's mother was diagnosed with dementia. After watching the impact the disease had on her kids, how her kids were "empowered" through education in how to care for their Nana, and through understanding the nature of the disease, she was inspired to write her book.
It is a picture book that explains dementia and the effects it has on the life of those who are diagnosed with it. She saw that the more her kids understood, and the more they were exposed to their Nana's reality, the more confident they felt in how to care for her and love her best.
This reminded me of my husband's grandmother. He is incredibly close to his grandparents, and his grandmother has suffered with dementia for most of his life. She is now in the final stages and her time here could end at any moment. I have only been in the family for six years, but I have come to love them very much. It is difficult to see someone you love suffer confusion and frustration, feeling like there is little you can do to help. It is also hard to watch those that they love endure the sadness and loss of the wife, mother, grandmother, and friend that they once knew. As an OT, and as a member of the family, I want to help grandmother Grace. I want to help the family members that care for her day after day, and I want to help her loving husband by her side understand the love she has for him, even though she doesn't recognize who he is. I want to feel that I can provide insight and encouragement, if nothing else. It is a difficult experience, especially for children, and I think we could all benefit from learning more about how to best care for those with dementia, and for their caregivers and family.
F. (2016, July 08). OT's Role in Helping Kids Understand a Grandparent's Dementia. Retrieved May 16, 2017, from https://www.seniorsflourish.com/kidsanddementia/
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