The give and take of Alzheimer's | Susan Tereba | TEDxUbud
Of 350 people aged 65 or older at least 33 will have dementia. And another 99 will be family or friend caregivers. Caregivers suffer as much, if not more, caring for a loved one who's brain is using a foreign operating system that doesn’t match with ours. After 15 years of caring for her husband, Susan shares the joys and sorrows of caregiving and how to live in the land of Alzheimer's.
Susan and her husband Bob had a dream to live in another country and learn another language. Together they forged a life in Bali. Ten years later Bob showed signs of Alzheimer's disease.
Susan vowed to keep Bob with her in Bali and give him the best life possible. From that experience she created a blog called Alz World, writing about being a caregiver and hoping to inspire other caregivers. "Tell your loved one you love him, over and over, each time you visit," Susan writes in one of her blogs, "Don't expect anything in return. But know that your love seeps in and caresses his or her spirits".
Susan is an American artist, jewelry designer, and writer, has lived in Bali for 26 years. She has 14 years experience as the primary caregiver for her husband, Bob. Her book Piece by Piece: Love in the Land of Alzheimer's is now available.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx
Пікірлер: 13
Susan, I stumbled upon your art through Garchen Rinpoche. I am one of the people caring for my grandmother, who has mid-late stage Alzheimers and has been a lifelong follower of Garchen. Her name is Rosemary, I don't know if you'll see this, but perhaps you and your husband knew her once upon a time. Thank you for taking the time to share your story. Your talk reminds me the world is smaller than we think, and so many of our experiences more common than we realize, even though, when caregiving, it's easy to feel very alone. Sending you lots of love and wishing you all the best.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Your genuine words were touching. The love and care you showed to your husband was aboce and beyond. My dad just waa recently diagnosed with the diease. My family and I are on s learning curve...day by day, moment bt moment.
Wow that was really something. You are very special. I can't imagine seeing your soulmate deteriorate in front of your eyes and you can only try and comfort him. I don't think people realize what caregivers have to go through. It opened my eyes.
Jack here. This was perfect and very moving. Thanks. I remember Bob well from the gym, he was always so very nice and friendly. My Balinese grandmother had dementia - what you said about the Balinese way of handling it is very true. She went from being one of my best friends ever to not having a clue who I was. Much love to you.
@susantereba5102
7 жыл бұрын
Thank you Jack. See you at the gym!
dearest Susan, your story, which I knew a part of, really took me to tears. You are an incredible honest and real storyteller. Thank you so much for sharing this intimate life of you and Bob. I love you
@susantereba5102
7 жыл бұрын
Thank you Sandeh. Your support has meant so much. Now I need to get the book more visible - Piece by Piece: Love in the Land of Alzheimer's. It's a good read.
This was a wonderful presentation - thank you so much Susan for an honest and beautiful story about your love and life affair with your husband. You are a precious storyteller! It was an honour to listen and cry with you.
@susantereba5102
7 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for watching it! Caregivers need all the support and encouragement they can get.
I love your story and shared it with friends and family. Thank you for being honest about the good and the bad of being a caregiver to a loved on with ALZ.
@susantereba5102
7 жыл бұрын
Thank you for watching and sharing it. I feel caregivers need to be recognized and given more support.
Thank you i have some ideas now on what to do. But how do i help my mom understand her life has changed. How do i help her cope with looseing everything shes familure with her possessions and activities she cant do and she knows ot it upsets her then we cry. This is new to me this way in my life. This is hard
Amazing talk. She's very inspiring!