Alzheimer's Association of Greater Missouri

There are a number of local resources available for a caregiver of someone with dementia/Alzheimer's, and advocate/volunteer LOIS LONG is here with that information! Lois also shares with us an original poem titled 'Pepper Chain' (no relation) at [4:21]. January 9, 2023

The changing weather means the option to go outside and experience nature is becoming less and less of an option for those with dementia who rely on caregivers for day-to-day activities. Advocate/volunteer LOIS LONG has written a poem titled 'Looking Out My Window' with the hope that it brings a little bit of the outdoors indoors. October 28, 2022

The life of a caregiver, especially one who's looking after someone with Alzheimer's or dementia, can be a seesaw at times. Advocate/volunteer LOIS LONG says it's that idea of living with ups and downs that inspired her to write a poem she calls - appropriately enough - 'Seesaw', and includes the line: "when frustrations become disabling, I'm reminded of how I am abled." Lois tells us how to find a support group in your area. July 15, 2022

Be thankful for your short-term memory! Persons with #dementia advocate/volunteer LOIS LONG says often times people "remember years ago, but they can't remember where the bathroom is in a house they've lived in for years." Lois shares her poem titled 'Memories' at [1:17]. February 15, 2022

Persons with #dementia advocate and volunteer LOIS LONG has come up with a list of "gifts" that caregivers can share with those they're caring for as the 'twelve days of Christmas' roll on on this first Monday of the new year. Before she shares that list, she shares her poem titled 'Where is Hope?' at [2:05]. January 3, 2022

A longtime advocate for persons with dementia, LOIS LONG uses today's visit to talk about the differences between dementia, an "organic brain disease," and mental illness. "Instead of saying, 'I'm losing my mind', be kind to yourself." Lois shares an original poem titled Pansies at [1:30]. October 27, 2021

Everyone's experience with persons with dementia is different, but the best thing you can do - no matter the situation - is be patient, that's according to advocate/volunteer LOIS LONG. She says because it's usually short-term memory that's affected, to listen to the person "even though you've heard the story a hundred times." Lois reads another of her original poems at [6:40]. September 9, 2021

"There are funds available for what's called 'respite', for persons who are caring for someone at home, and it is to cover expenses...to allow the caregiver to be out of the house for a short time." -- LOIS LONG, advocate/volunteer for persons with dementia. Lois's poem, 'When?', starts at [1:37]. July 8, 2021

"We will respect one another, and I think that word - and holding respect for one another - is part of what is ours to do. No matter how well we function, whether we can do what we used to do or not, we need to figure how we're going to take care of one another." -- LOIS LONG, caregiver and persons with dementia advocate/volunteer, speaking broadly to those affected by Alzheimer's Disease May 18, 2021

Memory Day is going to look a little different this year. Alzheimer's Association volunteer LOIS LONG tells us instead of the usual trek to the Capitol to…