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Use Sticker Charts to keep track of important information
To keep track of Richard’s most important activities and accomplishments of the day, we use a weekly sticker chart. Dr. Pam, Richard’s psychic healer, had this idea, and we have expanded upon it. It’s a great way for me to keep tabs on how each day and night are...
read moreBasketball and Muscle Memory
Richard was a fine basketball player. He started with the varsity team when he was a freshman in high school, and it was his passion. His friend George put it this way: “Richard did things that no one else did. Hit the open man, dribble through any defense, and hand...
read moreAn Excellent Resource: Treasures in the Darkness: Extending the Early Stage of Lewy Body Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s Disease
I highly recommend Treasures in the Darkness: Extending the Early Stage of Lewy Body Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s Disease by Pat Snyder. This is a memoir with lots of practical advice, especially in the final chapters. I especially like Pat’s neurologist,...
read moreThe Roly-Poly Visitor
28 April 2016 Several friends and even doctors have been saying that Richard should have a companion dog. My response has always been the same: hell no. I hate dogs. OK, hate is a strong word. How about despise? Let’s just say I don’t like dogs. In general, Richard...
read moreComing Home
December 2015 I live in a condo on the second floor, and the woman below me died of Parkinson’s back in July. Mary lived there with live-in caregivers. I could tell she was an elegant woman with style. But it’s hard to be elegant and with style when you have advanced...
read moreLetter from long time friend, Mike
Richard's long time friend, Mike wrote this letter after a trip to see us while Richard was in assisted living. Good friends meant so much and stuck with us every step of the way. 19 August 2015 Dear Richard: It was really great to see you last week. I enjoyed seeing...
read moreAn excellent resource: The Caregiver’s Guide to Lewy Body Dementia
I wish I had known about this book years ago when my dear husband Richard was just starting to exhibit the signs of Lewy body dementia. At the time, I didn't even know what Lewy body dementia was. I could have learned faster and been smarter with less anxiety of the...
read moreTwelve Ways My Dear Husband’s Dementia Taught Me to Be a Better Consultant
June 21, 2015 Article for the MJFF (Michael J. Fox Foundation) and my blog http://www.avasbutler.com I am an organizational development consultant specializing in transformational change. I’m also the wife of my dear Richard. We’ve been happily married for almost 24...
read moreMoving to Assisted Living
January 2015 I discovered there are people who specialize in finding care facilities for your loved ones—like a real estate person for those with special needs. This is a fantastic notion and a tremendous help. Margaret Roberts came to our home to interview us and...
read moreI Want My Husband Back, But He Can’t Make It
26 December 2014 My best friend and love for 23 years has Parkinson's disease and dementia It seems long ago when we were happy and healthy Full of joy and adventure Blessed with a life of travel and good fortune Many were envious The perfect couple Smart, good...
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