By Us for Us Guides

Submitted by: Laura Bramly

For quite some time now I've been meaning to pass along information about the "By Us For Us" Guides, a set of inspirational and informative booklets put together FOR people with dementia BY people with dementia. A group of talented and passionate people got together and created guides for people with dementia to pass along what they have learned about strategies for coping and living their lives to the fullest.

There are currently five booklets available for order for a cost of $1 each on the Murray Alzheimer's Research and Education Program (MAREP) Web site at http://www.marep.uwaterloo.ca/products/bufu.html. Detailed descriptions of each booklet are provided on this Web site.

The five booklets cover the following topics:

Memory Workout: An exercise guide for your mind based on activities that the authors found helped them to improve or maintain their memory and quality of life.

Managing Triggers: Triggers that people have experienced and strategies for gaining back control after becoming agitated.

Enhancing Communication: Different ways of communicating, hidden meanings, tips on communicating with loved ones and for expressing emotion.

Enhancing Wellness: Helpful tips for eating well, taking care of your body, being physically active, staying centered and connected with others, and living in peace.

Tips & Strategies: Ideas and suggestions for daily living with dementia, provided BY people living with dementia based on their own experiences.

Each booklet is full of helpful tips and strategies, all based on real life experiences of those with dementia and therefore tried and tested. The booklets are clearly laid out and easy to navigate.

Laura Bramly is a communications consultant specializing in education programs about dementia. She is author of ElderCareRead Life Scenes 1, a book for people with moderate to advanced dementia to read and enjoy. Learn more about Laura