How do you deal with a family member who has Alzheimer's? With lots of support! And one of the best ways to support children is with children's books, as I realized during a recent experience.
Luckily, when my mother was in the beginning phases of Alzheimer's, I stumbled into the office of Kate Barrett, a licensed clinical social worker with the Orange County Department on Aging. In May, the department offered a program in partnership with Jewish Family Services and UNC's Memory Clinic and School of Social Work. They gave a slew of resources and showed three of HBO's The Alzheimer's Project films, each followed by discussion panels.
But no one talked about children's books. Children's books about Alzheimer's fall into the didactic category I generally disdain. But these books open difficult conversations and support children with role models and opportunities to voice feelings. I'd advise scanning these books to make sure they match your child's experiences and emotional readiness. Always follow your family read-alouds with discussions.
Books for ages 4-6
The earliest Alzheimer's books are positive and warm. Comfort is crucial for a child confused by this strange situation. Four books listed below offer a range of experiences, each provides solid support for young listeners.
"Still My Grandma" by Veronique van den Abeele (Eerdmans, 2007)
Young Camille, who has a special relationship with her grandmother, begins to notice strange memory lapses. Camille's parents tell her "She won't get better. You have to love Grandma the way she is." And Camille does, even when her grandmother moves to a "big house with lots of grandmas and grandpas like her." Illustrations help prepare children for nursing homes and the characters' actions suggest ways to aid transitions to institutional living.
"Little Mama Forgets" by Robin Cruise (FSG, 2006)
Vibrant illustrations and a tender text shows Lucy and her Hispanic family warmly dealing with the forgetfulness of her grandmother, Little Mama. Little Mama may forget that bread is toasting, but she remembers to tickle Lucy and pour lots of cream on her rice pudding. The book's positive, reassuring approach balances memory losses with the continuous family love.
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