Alzheimer's Poems and Resources: A Poem for Grandpa.

A Poem for “Grandpa”.

Alzheimer’s Poems and Resources.

Little Man Lost is a poem I wrote for my Grandfather back in 1993. Grandpa had been suffering from the effects of Alzheimer’s disease for quite some time when it became clear that he could no longer live on his own and that his live-in assistance was no longer enough.

We were with him the day before he went into the home, and my mom and Uncle Bob were to help him move the following day. I was so restless and emotional the night before the move that I just had to find a way to deal, knowing that it would be the last time he would ever see his home again was just unbearable to me.

A poem started popping into my head and was finished within about an hour. I shared it with my roommate Lisa, and then drove over to my mom’s to share it with her as I just couldn’t sleep.

Alzheimer’s Poems and Resources: A Poem for Grandpa ~ Little Man Lost.

This picture was taken of “Grampa” with his grandchildren at his surprise 70th birthday in 1987.
He lost his battle in 1997. We will always miss this incredible man.

Little Man Lost

The little man
With a heart as big as the sky.
We look at you now,
And ask God, “Why?”

Why would such pain
Be cast upon you?
Such anger and confusion,
Not knowing what to do.

You were always there for us,
With support and love,
And stories of the old days;
We could never get enough.

Life has its way of changing,
Though it’s hard to understand,
But we’re here for you Grampa,
Holding out our hands.

They say, “Time is a teacher”.
You’ve taught us to be true,
Little Man Lost,
We sure do love you.

By: Kimberly Funk

Written July 28, 1993

Alzheimer’s Poems for Loved Ones.

There are many beautiful poems and stories written about loved ones with Alzheimer’s Disease. Sometimes reading another’s words can help by providing you with the feeling that someone else has been through the same thing and that you are not alone.

Here are a few that come highly recommended:

Alzheimer’s Resources.

Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60 percent to 80 percent of dementia cases (as of April 2020 – source: Alzheimer’s Association website).

If you think a loved one may be showing signs of dementia, you may find these websites extremely helpful.

Not only are they informative on the disease itself, but both provide excellent resources and training for caregivers!

Click to visit:

Alzheimer’s Association

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

Alzheimer’s Disease Support in the Community.

Back in the early ’90s, our family hadn’t heard of many families dealing with a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease.

My mom and I attended a seminar at the local hospital and found it so helpful.

We learned little things that were “big” things.

We learned that agreeing with whatever our loved one said to keep him happy was a big deal for his peace of mind.

We learned that incorrect dates and confused memories didn’t mean a thing. Time spent together was more important than correcting him.

I remember my grandpa saying, “Kimmie, I think I’m losing my mind.” When an Alzheimer’s patient is aware that things are changing, it can be extremely confusing and frustrating.

Sometimes Alzheimer’s patients act out in anger, but they don’t mean it. Love and understanding can mean everything during that time.

My mom also joined an Alzheimer’s Support Group, which allowed her to interact with others dealing with the same emotional challenges. The time she spent in the group helped her immensely.

Elderly-lady-with-Alzheimer's-Disease — Photo by Cristian Newman on Unsplash

**The Best Alzheimer’s Disease Resource**.

I’m not sure if it was at the seminar we attended or if Mom learned about it in her support group, but we found a gem of a resource.

The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss is now in its 6th edition and a must-have for families dealing with Alzheimer’s.

Initially published in 1981 by Nancy Mace and Peter V. Rabins, it is still considered the “bible” for families with loved ones dealing with Alzheimer’s.

We learned what “sundowning” was. Although we didn’t know what it meant, we soon discovered it was something Grandpa had already dealt experienced.

People with dementia often have trouble sleeping or become irritated in the late afternoon or at night. Sometimes they get their days and nights confused and wander in the home late at night while others are asleep.

Grandpa had dealt with sundowning and had even headed out to his early morning donut shop visit in the middle of the night. Little did we know at that time, this was the first sign of Alzheimer’s.

We highly recommend this book as we learned so much from it. (Also available audiobook!)