JOAN’S UPDATES – Friday, May 09, 2008 – The Airport Letter, Congratulations to our reader Ruth, and Future Blog Topics

I am doing double preparing today - for my trip to Washington DC on Monday, and upcoming Blog topics.  While I am getting those ready, I am posting two interesting and informative pieces. The first is the letter “baltobob” discussed on our message boards. If you write one that is specific to your own spouse’s difficulties, and ask your doctor to sign it, I think it is an excellent, appropriate, and invaluable document for airport (or any) travel. I plan to show it to my Support Group, and I am writing one for Sid’s neurologist to sign.

The second piece is about our reader Ruth Boshart, who won the Senior Citizen of the Year Award for her tireless efforts to bring Project Lifesaver (see topic on left side of website ) to as many counties in New York as possible.

TRAVEL LETTER –  Our Message Board writer “baltobob”, graciously shared this letter with us. In the “diagnosis” portion, your doctor can fill in “Alzheimer’s Disease”, and list “difficulty communicating; confusion; angry outbursts; wandering;” or whatever your spouse’s problematic areas may be. I particularly like that the doctor stated that the AD spouse must not be separated from the caregiver spouse.

Department of Neurology
Phipps 126 Neurology,
600 North Wolfe Street
Baltimore, MD  21287
(410) 614-2381, (410) 614-2379
(410) 1614-9807 FAX 

April 22, 2008

To Whom It May Concern:

Mrs. “Jones” is under my professional care in the Neurology Department of Johns Hopkins Hospital.  She has been diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia.  Due to this dementia, she has considerable difficulty expressing herself and may not be able to understand and follow directions.  She may become confused in unfamiliar situations.  She functions well with the assistance of her husband, “John Jones”.  It is important that they not be separated as she depends upon him for direction and guidance.

Any special consideration that can be extended such as pre-boarding or understanding during the screening process will be helpful.

Sincerely,

Argye Elizabeth Hillis, MD

Thank you, “baltobob” for sharing this with us.

SENIOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – CONGRATULATIONS TO RUTH BOSHART

Ruth is the reader who brought Project Lifesaver to my attention – If you have not already done so, please read about it – one of the topics on the left side of the website. She has made it her mission to educate caregivers and police departments about this lifesaving service, and she has worked tirelessly to bring Project Lifesaver to counties all over New York. Below is an excerpt from an e-mail she sent me when she found out about the award:

"…………The lady on the phone was Cynthia Stevenson - with Office of Aging and Youth.  She called to tell me I had been named "Senior Citizen of the Year" from Onondaga County.  I have to go to Albany, NY on May 6th to receive the award.  They are having a special brunch for all the folks from the (62) Counties in NYS, and then the awards ceremony in the afternoon.

This call left me speechless, I can not imagine being chosen for such a prestigious award.  I am humbled.  All I am trying do is help people keep track of their loved ones when they wander away from their homes.  The anxiety that wandering causes is beyond belief.  I never expected anything like this happening as a result of AD - but I guess that is what has led me down the path that I walk daily."

Harry Lewis, Ruth Boshart, Undersheriff Warren Darby  May 6, 2008

Michael Burgess, Aide to Gov. Paterson, Harry Lewis, Ruth Boshart - May 6, 2008

UPCOMING BLOG TOPICS:

Are you preparing for your spouse’s care in the event of your death- and I don't mean just the legal papers.
More on Sexuality
My Washington trip

My Mother’s Day present from Sid is an R&R Day at the Spa – manicure, pedicure, and full body massage – that is where I will be today, and I am sure you can imagine how much I am looking forward to it! 

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