Alzheimer's Daughter

The Story

Alzheimer’s Daughter introduces the reader to my healthy parents, Ed and Ibby, years before their diagnosis, then recounts painful details as our roles reversed and I became my parents’ parent.


Their disease started as translucent, confused thoughts and ended in a locked memory care unit after a near decade of descent into the opaque world of Alzheimer's.

I began writing Alzheimer’s Daughter one week after my mother's death––when I was stunned, realizing Dad had no memory of her or their 66-year marriage.

I write to pay tribute to the undying spirit at Ed and Ibby's core, and with the hope that the story of their parallel decline might be helpful to others.

Friday, June 3, 2016

Meet Tryn Rose Seley, author of 15 Minutes of Fame, One Photo Does Wonders to Bring You Both to Solid Ground




One photo, one song, one story does wonders for your daily life. 

Roll out the red carpet of success for you, the one you care for and any who join your circle of care. 

My book 15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders To Bring You Both Back to Solid Ground empowers professional or family caregivers of those with Alzheimer's and other dementias. Here I share the caregiving strategies that lead me and the ones I care for back to solid ground every day. You'll find ideas that turn a stressful or regular day into an extraordinary one, sparking creativity and gratitude on this path of caregiving.

In my book I share simple yet powerful ways to engage and connect with the person you care for, creating trust between you, allowing you to accomplish your daily tasks with greater ease. I found in my full-time professional caregiving work that something was working; working to alleviate stress, confusion, sadness, and loneliness. It was to tell a person his or her best stories of life. I learned them from nurses, Executive Directors, Activities Directors, or the person themselves: What are the high points of this person's life? Can I bring back the feelings of pride and delight in one's lifetime of accomplishments? The answer is yes, and I felt strongly compelled to write about it, to empower other caregivers, family or professional, to do the same. It filled my cup when I gave full care to those who needed it, and it filled the cup of the person with dementia as well. I wrote this book, and I'm glad to share it with people on the journey with Alzheimer's. 

I currently teach a class called Mindful Art at an adult day program in Phoenix where I see people re-emerge from lost and lonely to connected and calm in each session we spend together. We sing, tell stories, and create art. Currently, the most satisfying part of my work is to share this opportunity with nursing psych students here in the Valley of the Sun; they bring their gifts of kindness, patience, and positive energy to the class, and leave with a broader and more beautiful picture of human beings with Alzheimer's or other dementias. These young people will spread the expertise around as they enter their particular careers, and I am excited that they are building authentic relationships with these people, see them as people first, and value them for who they truly are.

About the Author
Tryn Rose Seley is a professional photographer and sought-after musician. She has supported the lives of young children, those with special needs, and elders with Alzheimer's and related dementias for over 25 years. All of her projects and offerings are designed to empower caregivers and the one they care for. 

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