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Welcome to this home.

Comfy chair

Comfy chair for you

It’s a place to take a deep breath, find resources and hope, and have company on the journey with Alzheimer’s.

Please settle in this chair, put your feet up, wrap an afghan blanket around you like your grandmother made, have a virtual cup of tea, read awhile…and have hope.

I am nearby, getting another cup of tea, or available for chatting in between passages. When you go to your own home, take my book with you, and know that I always welcome another visit, any time.

Take care, and stay in touch,

Tryn Rose Seley,

Author, 15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders To Bring You Both Back to Solid Ground at www.caregiverheart.com

trynrose@gmail.com

Purchase PDF version of 15 Minutes of Fame

For those of you who prefer Amazon Kindle versions, Click Here.

For those of you who prefer Nook versions, Click Here.

Request printed copies at trynrose@gmail.com

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Firebird Book Award

Award winning book cover

Firebird Book Awards Inspiration winner, November 2022

Thank you, Firebird Book Awards, for the “Inspiration” category prize this year! I wrote the book to inspire professional and family caregivers to gain energy for the journey ahead, creating solid ground under your feet and sparking ideas in your mind and daily life to benefit all of you. Follow the link at the top of the website to purchase this book, and email me for special rates: trynrose@gmail.com

Creativity comes in many forms: Photographs, music, life stories, dancing, poetry, Bible readings, art experiences, and more. Try them, you’ll like them, and it will give you lovely things to do during the day, bring an authentic joyful connection between you, and grow the trust between you to accomplish your daily goals of eating well, exercising, reducing stress, and honoring a person’s true life interests. It works for me as a practitioner, and I’d like to hear how these ideas work for you.

Take care, and stay in touch,

Tryn Rose Seley,

Author, 15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders To Bring You Both Back to Solid Ground at www.caregiverheart.com

trynrose@gmail.com

Purchase PDF version of 15 Minutes of Fame

For those of you who prefer Amazon Kindle versions, Click Here.

For those of you who prefer Nook versions, Click Here.

Request printed copies at trynrose@gmail.com

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Connecting in the Land of Dementia: Creative Activities to Explore Together

“The experts I interviewed offer many ways to stay connected and creative. Across the globe, writers, painters, musicians, gardeners, dancers, expressive therapists, and other innovators are using the arts, creativity and imagination as connecting points, tapping into the spirit that thrives in those living with dementia.” Deborah Shouse

My chapter is called “Honor Personal History” and I’m honored to be included in this beautiful book.

Published by Central Recovery Press, available on Amazon.com or email me at trynrose@gmail.com

Take care, and stay in touch,

Tryn Rose Seley,

Author, 15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders To Bring You Both Back to Solid Ground at www.caregiverheart.com

trynrose@gmail.com

Purchase PDF version of 15 Minutes of Fame

For those of you who prefer Amazon Kindle versions, Click Here.

For those of you who prefer Nook versions, Click Here.

Request printed copies at trynrose@gmail.com

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Tony Bennett: Music Saves His Life Every Day

Piano to go wtih post

“Linus and Lucy” piano piece always brings a smile!

I watched an interview about Tony Bennett coming back to life as he weathers the storm of Alzheimer’s. It’s on YouTube, look for it. The conversation with his wife, and Anderson Cooper, says it all! As soon as his accompanist starts playing intro music on the piano, Tony stands up from his quiet period, walks briskly to the keyboard, and belts out his iconic songs like all is well with the world!

I’ve seen and created environments that bring out the best in every person experiencing deep dementia. In my book, “15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders,” I tell the story of a man who has the very same experience; he came back to life when he stopped by the piano on his way to his room, and played his favorite tunes with no problems at all. And he was a lawyer by day, a person just like your parent, your brother or sister, your spouse… this kind of miracle can happen for any of us. Famous people inspire a wider circle, but you too can bring light to your home and daily life to remember musical experiences. We *are* what we love, so bring him to the piano, bring her to the guitar or violin or dulcimer (or quilt or other creative pursuits), or play Bach, Beethoven, The Beatles, or the Beach Boys on public radio or whatever streaming service you use these days, and watch what can happen! It creates joy for you, and joy for them. I encourage you to spend your time this way more often! And look up my book for ideas on how to do this every day at home to bring you all a positive and energized experience, which helps you do the regular tasks with a lift in your step and a smile on your lips.

Take care, and stay in touch,

Tryn Rose Seley,

Author, 15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders To Bring You Both Back to Solid Ground at www.caregiverheart.com

trynrose@gmail.com

Purchase PDF version of 15 Minutes of Fame

For those of you who prefer Amazon Kindle versions, Click Here.

For those of you who prefer Nook versions, Click Here.

Request printed copies at trynrose@gmail.com

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Dementia-Friendly Worship: A Multifaith Handbook

I’m honored to share a chapter in this book! It’s for anyone who has family members at home, or living in care communities who love worship settings. From Native American to Christian to Buddhist to Jewish faiths and more, this collection of inspirational stories and specific worship strategies will give you ideas and encouragement to provide worship for you and your family or care community. Whether you’re a family caregiver or a professional caregiver, you’ll find inspiring answers in this book about how to lift your spirit and the spirit of the ones you care for. Find it on Amazon.com or email me at trynrose@gmail.com

Take care, and stay in touch,

Tryn Rose Seley,

Author, 15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders To Bring You Both Back to Solid Ground at www.caregiverheart.com

trynrose@gmail.com

Purchase PDF version of 15 Minutes of Fame

For those of you who prefer Amazon Kindle versions, Click Here.

For those of you who prefer Nook versions, Click Here.

Request printed copies at trynrose@gmail.com

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Preview of 15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders To Bring You Both Back to Solid Ground

Take care, and stay in touch,

Tryn Rose Seley,

Author, 15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders To Bring You Both Back to Solid Ground at www.caregiverheart.com

trynrose@gmail.com

Purchase PDF version of 15 Minutes of Fame

For those of you who prefer Amazon Kindle versions, Click Here.

For those of you who prefer Nook versions, Click Here.

Request printed copies at trynrose@gmail.com

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If It’s Not Alzheimer’s, What is it?

As a full-time caregiver, I didn’t always know what caused dementia for the people I cared for. I just cared for them. Creativity with photos, music, and storytelling, which support the social and emotional/heart aspects of ourselves always makes life better, no matter the cause of dementia. Dementia symptoms of confusion, disorientation, and the inability to function in daily routines of living and working can be caused by many things. When I worked for a service agency, I learned it really is essential to know the cause of these symptoms. Why? Because if it’s not “Alzheimer’s-related dementia” then it could be something treatable.

Several kinds of dementia, like vascular or frontal temporal (FTD), or seemingly non-related health issues like heart conditions, high or low blood pressure, thyroid problems, urinary tract infections, the flu, dehydration-these are all potential causes of dementia symptoms that may be improved by treatments, herbs, homeopathy, chiropractors, medical procedures or medications. If it’s not Alzheimer’s, you want to be able to take steps towards healing, which is a good idea anyway. See alzheimersprevention.org for some more specific tips on maintaining one’s health.

At this time in our world, we are learning much about what our conditions, and actually healing what ails us. This is a wider and potentially more successful approach for wellness.

If you or someone you love is having memory and function problems, be the advocate for yourself or for him or her, and ask a doctor you trust to give a full medical exam. Tell the doctor to check all your physical systems, even if he or she seems driven to diagnose you with Alzheimer’s, and make sure you are honest about your health history. We can damage our bodies over the years, and we can heal them too, with proper care. If you are otherwise healthy, but have dementia symptoms, then it’s called “Alzheimer’s-related dementia.” But this is the last thing on the list, so let the doctor check everything, and perhaps turn the tide back to wellness for you. And show a photo of a grand day together, or sing a song that soothes the heart or brings a memory of a special life event, or write down a significant life story and keep it on an index card next to the morning cup of coffee, and energize the heart space for both of you. It will bring a smile or a happy tear, and often brings a calmer sphere to the day’s events to ‘remember the good stuff.’

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Take care, and stay in touch,

Tryn Rose Seley,

Author, 15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders To Bring You Both Back to Solid Ground at www.caregiverheart.com

trynrose@gmail.com

Purchase PDF version of 15 Minutes of Fame

For those of you who prefer Amazon Kindle versions, Click Here.

For those of you who prefer Nook versions, Click Here.

Request printed copies at trynrose@gmail.com

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AlzAuthors Team Gives Gifts to Caregivers!

AlzAuthors at the Alzheimer’s Association Conference

Click on the colored link above to see our great giveaway adventure! The AlzAuthors team is happiest when we can put our books straight into caregivers’ hands. That’s exactly what we did in North Carolina, and continue to create events coast to coast. Thank you to Ann Campanella and Jean Lee for hosting this generous giving event! I wrote a book based on my years of full-time caregiving. Now, I’m happiest when I lead musical, storytelling, and art-creating sessions, and train young people to do the same, and see the spark returning for people, both caregivers and the one they care for.

How can you benefit too? Please look us up at alzauthors.com for a caregiving story that resonates with you. We have a hundred and a half titles; one or more are sure to catch your eye. You are not alone. May we help light the path of hope for you and the one you love on the journey with Alzheimer’s.

My book among many wonderful raffle giveaways at the conference! Found at caregiverheart.com

Take care, and stay in touch,

Tryn Rose Seley,

Author, 15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders To Bring You Both Back to Solid Ground at www.caregiverheart.com

trynrose@gmail.com

Purchase PDF version of 15 Minutes of Fame

For those of you who prefer Amazon Kindle versions, Click Here.

For those of you who prefer Nook versions, Click Here.

Request printed copies at trynrose@gmail.com

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AlzAuthors: “15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders”

Special Offer!

I’m proud to be an AlzAuthor, a wonderful group of men and women who know what you’re going through, and have written books with heartfelt understanding, life stories, ideas, and inspiration. There are 150+ authors in this group, so some of these collections are sure to catch your eye and inspire you on the journey with Alzheimer’s.

And please know, we are here for you every day of the year. You are not alone. We have walked our paths, and we light the way for you.

Take care, and stay in touch,

Tryn Rose Seley,

Author, 15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders To Bring You Both Back to Solid Ground at www.caregiverheart.com

trynrose@gmail.com

Purchase PDF version of 15 Minutes of Fame

For those of you who prefer Amazon Kindle versions, Click Here.

For those of you who prefer Nook versions, Click Here.

Request printed copies at trynrose@gmail.com

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I Get It About Caregiving

When one is a full time caregiver in an acute situation…

It’s not important if the forks are all in the right drawer slot. Some spoons spill over.

It’s not critical to recycle or use everything efficiently. If there’s one more scoop of rice protein in the jar, I’m throwing it away right now just to get it off my counter. If I could have gotten one more wear out of that shirt, I’m just adding it to the laundry and washing it today, so it’s out of the way. I could have washed those dishes by hand, but I used the dishwasher and I’m not ashamed to use a little more water today, to take a little longer hot shower today.

It’s not the priority to get everything handled.

The priority is to be present, to mourn, to cry, to tell the truth, to breathe, to ask “why?” and let it go unanswered for now, to acknowledge that this path is hard. It’s challenging. It’s heart-breaking.

And that this too shall pass.

The bad day will pass. The grief will pass, and joy will come in the morning. The condition of “no answers” will evolve into some kind of answers.

I have a caregiver book that can make the load lighter while you’re in the thick of it, with the tears and confusion and sadness alongside the rays of sunshine that peek through. May it be true for you, fellow caregiver. 

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Take care, and stay in touch,

Tryn Rose Seley,

Author, 15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders To Bring You Both Back to Solid Ground at www.caregiverheart.com

trynrose@gmail.com

Purchase PDF version of 15 Minutes of Fame

For those of you who prefer Amazon Kindle versions, Click Here.

For those of you who prefer Nook versions, Click Here.

Request printed copies at trynrose@gmail.com

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The Foot-Up View Just Got Better: Holidays and Alzheimer’s

Great idea! Bring the tree to you

Great idea! Bring the tree to you

This picture was taken by my minister friend in PA. He’s had some physical issues at Christmas, but what better way to handle it than this?

My sister-in-law called on my birthday, always near Thanksgiving, and shared this thought: she was missing last year’s celebration, saying she thought it was “the best gathering we ever had.” Then, this year, when she and her family celebrated, she changed her mind. “No, *this* is the best holiday celebration ever!”

My dad said a similar idea: “My favorite holiday is the one I’m having.” Adjust, enjoy what you have, create some new traditions, like bringing the Christmas tree into the bedroom.

I hope at this time of year, you are having a new but wonderful holiday
with the one you care for.

Take care, and stay in touch,

Tryn Rose Seley,

Author, 15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders To Bring You Both Back to Solid Ground at www.caregiverheart.com

trynrose@gmail.com

Purchase PDF version of 15 Minutes of Fame

For those of you who prefer Amazon Kindle versions, Click Here.

For those of you who prefer Nook versions, Click Here.

Request printed copies at trynrose@gmail.com

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