Sunday, June 20, 2010

Teens Benefit from Helping Ailing Grandparents

When we consider the care of a family member with memory impairment, we often think of adult children and elderly spouses as the key players in the caregiving. Younger family members often go unrecognized for their role in this journey.

Including younger family members in the caregiving journey creates lasting memories and teaches life lessons about the value of life, health and family ties.
Intergenerational projects help shed light on this sensitive topic of educating young people about Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

The scholarship program offered by the Dubin Alzheimer's Resource Center and Magnolia Court is one way our community reaches out to young family members. The stories high school seniors write in their applications are full of inspiring lessons learned through their experiences in caring about an older family member with memory impairment.

On May 25, the Dubin Alzheimer's Resource Center awarded scholarships to Kelsi Coffman and Rachel Lundgren, graduates of the class of 2010. Each wrote a touching narrative about her family's experiences caring for a grandmother with dementia.

Full Article and Source:
Teens Benefit From Helping Ailing Grandparents

9 comments:

Betty said...

This is so true. And the experience will be helpful later when it becomes time to care for their parents.

Steve said...

Taking care of ones grandparents is an honor.

Anonymous said...

Nice story.

Thelma said...

I think it's wonderful when young people get out and do good.

Donna said...

Congratulations to both of these teens who are setting a fine example.

wisernow said...

Applause and standing ovation!

Anonymous said...

This is great, and will benefit young people in many ways, including teaching them patience and tolerance.

Anonymous said...

This sounds like a great program but until the State of Florida does something about their guardianship system with NO protection to the vulnerabe... a feeding frenzy for hungry sharks, these girls too... could loose a loved one very easily in the state of florida!

timlahrman said...

might be a good thing on the surface and in theory ...

just hope they are not grooming these young adults to join in the "business as usual" program that goes on behind the scenes .....

ya know, a fresh coat of paint makes things look all nice and new ---- but rot still exists beneath ....