Sunday, October 25, 2009
Appointments still available!
I still have appointments available for the Picture the Cure campaign. It's in just a couple weeks, on Nov. 6, 7 and 8- and I want to be booked! So give me a call! 815-499-1307
Alzheimer's Patients and photographs
Here's a fantastic article I found. Full version is found here.
Scrapbook photo albums are therapeutic for Alzheimer's patients
Mark B. Mizen, Ph.D.
Director of Technology
Creative Memories
Saint Cloud, MN 56301
Available studies on the use of scrapbook photo albums when working with Alzheimer’s patients are typically either anecdotal or involve only a small number of patients and are not well controlled. Several published reports document patients’ response to albums.
This review summarizes available information and suggests ways in which scrapbook photo albums might assist patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
In general, published studies show that scrapbook photo albums enhance the well-being of both
Alzheimer’s patients and others affected by the disease.
Photographs comfort patients
Photographs from the past allow patients to reminisce about pleasant times in their lives. Photographs from the present help patients relate to their current situation. The patient experiencing memory loss is able to “remember or recognize someone they love and know in a world where so many things are now unfamiliar to them.”2 A study by Ellen Mahoney of Boston College found that, in one instance, photos distracted the Alzheimer’s patient from the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.3
Photographs provide additional information that allows Alzheimer’s patients to become comfortable with their environment. In one study, an Alzheimer’s patient in the United Kingdom used photographs to remember the names of members of his social club.4
Scrapbook photo albums are therapeutic
Scrapbook photo albums assist trained professionals in treating patients with Alzheimer’s disease. A yearbook format scrapbook can serve as a therapeutic restorative biography. A biography of this type can make, “a profound difference in how late stage [Alzheimer’s disease] patients are perceived and understood.”5 Families relate to the patient through photographs
and memories. Caregivers develop empathy and are able to see the patient as a human being.
Albums provide trained professionals with information about the patient for use as part of reminiscence therapy.6 These albums stimulate remote memories, which do not deteriorate
as readily as current memories, to help patients deal with Alzheimer’s disease and improve general well-being. The aim of reminiscence therapy is to empower the patient, provide pleasure and improve both the quality of life and the quality of care.7 Reminiscence therapy targets the patient’s self esteem and confidence and results in short-term improvements. 8 Talking about the past can also facilitate communication and improve the patient mood.9 More comprehensive
studies are required to better understand the benefits of reminiscence therapy.10
Scrapbook photo albums are therapeutic for Alzheimer's patients
Mark B. Mizen, Ph.D.
Director of Technology
Creative Memories
Saint Cloud, MN 56301
Available studies on the use of scrapbook photo albums when working with Alzheimer’s patients are typically either anecdotal or involve only a small number of patients and are not well controlled. Several published reports document patients’ response to albums.
This review summarizes available information and suggests ways in which scrapbook photo albums might assist patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
In general, published studies show that scrapbook photo albums enhance the well-being of both
Alzheimer’s patients and others affected by the disease.
Photographs comfort patients
Photographs from the past allow patients to reminisce about pleasant times in their lives. Photographs from the present help patients relate to their current situation. The patient experiencing memory loss is able to “remember or recognize someone they love and know in a world where so many things are now unfamiliar to them.”2 A study by Ellen Mahoney of Boston College found that, in one instance, photos distracted the Alzheimer’s patient from the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.3
Photographs provide additional information that allows Alzheimer’s patients to become comfortable with their environment. In one study, an Alzheimer’s patient in the United Kingdom used photographs to remember the names of members of his social club.4
Scrapbook photo albums are therapeutic
Scrapbook photo albums assist trained professionals in treating patients with Alzheimer’s disease. A yearbook format scrapbook can serve as a therapeutic restorative biography. A biography of this type can make, “a profound difference in how late stage [Alzheimer’s disease] patients are perceived and understood.”5 Families relate to the patient through photographs
and memories. Caregivers develop empathy and are able to see the patient as a human being.
Albums provide trained professionals with information about the patient for use as part of reminiscence therapy.6 These albums stimulate remote memories, which do not deteriorate
as readily as current memories, to help patients deal with Alzheimer’s disease and improve general well-being. The aim of reminiscence therapy is to empower the patient, provide pleasure and improve both the quality of life and the quality of care.7 Reminiscence therapy targets the patient’s self esteem and confidence and results in short-term improvements. 8 Talking about the past can also facilitate communication and improve the patient mood.9 More comprehensive
studies are required to better understand the benefits of reminiscence therapy.10
Monday, August 10, 2009
Make your Appointment Now!
I am now taking appointments for the Picture the Cure Campaign.
What is it exactly? I will be doing 15 minute mini photo sessions in a studio setting. From this session, you will get 3- 4x6 proofs that you can order additional prints, christmas cards, or other items from. There is a maximum of 6 people per session.
How much does it cost? The sitting fee for the photo session costs $20. 100% of that will be donated to the Alzheimer's Association. If you choose to order additional prints (which is completely optional), it will be done on an a la carte basis- no package purchase is neccessary. 15% of any products purchased will also be donated.
When and Where will this be? I will be set up inside of Northland Mall in Sterling, IL on November 6th, 7th and 8th. The sessions will be by appointment only, so please call early to set up your appointment. You can do this by calling 815-499-1307 or e-mailing me at heather@heatherlanell.com
When will I get to see the pictures? The proofs will all be available for online viewing on November 20th. There will also be printed proofs that can be picked up at the Alzheimer's Association's Dixon branch at the same time.
What is it exactly? I will be doing 15 minute mini photo sessions in a studio setting. From this session, you will get 3- 4x6 proofs that you can order additional prints, christmas cards, or other items from. There is a maximum of 6 people per session.
How much does it cost? The sitting fee for the photo session costs $20. 100% of that will be donated to the Alzheimer's Association. If you choose to order additional prints (which is completely optional), it will be done on an a la carte basis- no package purchase is neccessary. 15% of any products purchased will also be donated.
When and Where will this be? I will be set up inside of Northland Mall in Sterling, IL on November 6th, 7th and 8th. The sessions will be by appointment only, so please call early to set up your appointment. You can do this by calling 815-499-1307 or e-mailing me at heather@heatherlanell.com
When will I get to see the pictures? The proofs will all be available for online viewing on November 20th. There will also be printed proofs that can be picked up at the Alzheimer's Association's Dixon branch at the same time.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Who I am and Why I'm doing this
To start out with, my name is Heather and I'm a young professional photographer. What started out as taking photos for friends and family turned into a passion and a job when I received my business license at 22. Since then I've expanded into doing weddings and events as well.
I live with my husband, our 2 dogs, 4 ferrets and numerous fish in Sterling, Illinois.
That's pretty much me in a nutshell.
As for why I'm doing this, the answer isn't quite as simple.
For the last year and a half or so, my grandmother, Minnie's, Alzheimer's got progressively worse. She started out asking the same questions a few different times, or forgetting simple things like phone numbers. I was very close to my grandma and visited with her often- so it was easy to see the change. She babysat with me through all of my childhood when my parents were at work. She'd lived by herself for many years in an apartment and was very independant, so when the difficult decision of placing her in a care facility had to be made, it was not taken in stride.
I visited her in the nursing home at least once a week. We would usually have the exact same conversation about 4 or 5 times in the hour or so that I stayed. She always asked if it was warm enough (or cool enough) in my house, if I had eaten, how the dogs were. She was always more concerned about her family rather than herself. She would demand that I take her last dime if I needed it. Her other biggest concern was that she made it til my wedding. On the mother's side, I was to be the first grandchild to be wed. All of the redundant talk didn't bother me- she enjoyed my company and that was all that mattered.
In January 2009, she had a few stents put in her heart. The woman was 80 and had never been on medication or had any type of surgery or medical problems aside from general aches and pains and the Alzheimer's. And she smoked like a chimney.
After the surgery she started to get worse. We found out that her kidney's were failing and we wouldn't have much time left with her. The Alzheimer's was getting worse as well, which is where the real reason of why I'm doing this fundraiser lies.
I had never dealt with Alzheimer's before, and I can say that after the experience with my grandmother, I feel it is one of the cruelest diseases. The worst part was the look of frustration on her face when she couldn't remember where she was or what we were talking about mid-conversation. It's absolutely heart-wrenching to know that she was a prisoner in her own mind. I started to avoid asking questions because I knew she wouldn't know the answer. Leaving her was always the hardest part because she thought I had just arrived.
She passed away May 1st of this year. I was at her bedside hours before she left us, and was able to say my goodbyes. I'm not sure if she heard me, but I hope she did. She made it months after her doctor said she may only have a few weeks. She made it to my wedding as well. The picture under the "About Me" section is from that day, and my favorite of her.
Shortly after, I realized that I had found a cause that I wanted to give to. I got in touch with the Alzheimer's Association branch in Dixon, IL and told them my idea and story. Picture the Cure was born. Through this campaign, we will raise money to help find a cure for this awful disease. I encourage you to follow this blog for more information on dates for the event.
Thank you.
I live with my husband, our 2 dogs, 4 ferrets and numerous fish in Sterling, Illinois.
That's pretty much me in a nutshell.
As for why I'm doing this, the answer isn't quite as simple.
For the last year and a half or so, my grandmother, Minnie's, Alzheimer's got progressively worse. She started out asking the same questions a few different times, or forgetting simple things like phone numbers. I was very close to my grandma and visited with her often- so it was easy to see the change. She babysat with me through all of my childhood when my parents were at work. She'd lived by herself for many years in an apartment and was very independant, so when the difficult decision of placing her in a care facility had to be made, it was not taken in stride.
I visited her in the nursing home at least once a week. We would usually have the exact same conversation about 4 or 5 times in the hour or so that I stayed. She always asked if it was warm enough (or cool enough) in my house, if I had eaten, how the dogs were. She was always more concerned about her family rather than herself. She would demand that I take her last dime if I needed it. Her other biggest concern was that she made it til my wedding. On the mother's side, I was to be the first grandchild to be wed. All of the redundant talk didn't bother me- she enjoyed my company and that was all that mattered.
In January 2009, she had a few stents put in her heart. The woman was 80 and had never been on medication or had any type of surgery or medical problems aside from general aches and pains and the Alzheimer's. And she smoked like a chimney.
After the surgery she started to get worse. We found out that her kidney's were failing and we wouldn't have much time left with her. The Alzheimer's was getting worse as well, which is where the real reason of why I'm doing this fundraiser lies.
I had never dealt with Alzheimer's before, and I can say that after the experience with my grandmother, I feel it is one of the cruelest diseases. The worst part was the look of frustration on her face when she couldn't remember where she was or what we were talking about mid-conversation. It's absolutely heart-wrenching to know that she was a prisoner in her own mind. I started to avoid asking questions because I knew she wouldn't know the answer. Leaving her was always the hardest part because she thought I had just arrived.
She passed away May 1st of this year. I was at her bedside hours before she left us, and was able to say my goodbyes. I'm not sure if she heard me, but I hope she did. She made it months after her doctor said she may only have a few weeks. She made it to my wedding as well. The picture under the "About Me" section is from that day, and my favorite of her.
Shortly after, I realized that I had found a cause that I wanted to give to. I got in touch with the Alzheimer's Association branch in Dixon, IL and told them my idea and story. Picture the Cure was born. Through this campaign, we will raise money to help find a cure for this awful disease. I encourage you to follow this blog for more information on dates for the event.
Thank you.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Welcome!
I'd like to welcome everyone to the blog dedicated to the first annual Picture the Cure campaign. This blog is still being worked on so check back soon for updates on dates, location, and the story I have to tell about my experience with Alzheimers.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
