Sunday, July 12, 2009
3 Tips for a Celebration of Life
Celebrations of Life can and should be expanded to include the life story, not just the pictures, of a loved one.
1. Remember life stories to go with pictures shared. If you are creating a display of pictures, include a paragraph or two that describes the people, times, and places noted in the pictures. A picture is almost always worth 1,000 words (or at least a few sentences).
2. Be intentional about having people share their own memories of your loved one and record these memories. At a celebration of life or memorial service, give people cards that say... "I remember..." or "One of my fondest memories is...." or "Grandma touched my life by..." It will help people think about a special way this person touched their lives, and the rest of the family will enjoy reading these at a later time.
3. Do your best to capture the life stories of other loved ones--and celebrate their lives--before they pass away. Life celebrations are especially powerful when your loved one is there to experience it. We have found that older adults love to create autobiographies with the help of family or friends (http://www.lifebio.com/ can help). Also, they can help in creating a storyboard--a display of their pictures and life stories--to share with their children and grandchildren. Make sure everyone has the opportunity to say or write down their memories during a special birthday or anniversary celebration. It will make for a fun and interesting experience for everyone. Appreciation and love will abound!
Beth Sanders is the author of the Memory Journal (http://www.memoryjournal.com/) and the founder of http://www.lifebio.com/. She resides in Marysville, Ohio with her husband and two children.
1. Remember life stories to go with pictures shared. If you are creating a display of pictures, include a paragraph or two that describes the people, times, and places noted in the pictures. A picture is almost always worth 1,000 words (or at least a few sentences).
2. Be intentional about having people share their own memories of your loved one and record these memories. At a celebration of life or memorial service, give people cards that say... "I remember..." or "One of my fondest memories is...." or "Grandma touched my life by..." It will help people think about a special way this person touched their lives, and the rest of the family will enjoy reading these at a later time.
3. Do your best to capture the life stories of other loved ones--and celebrate their lives--before they pass away. Life celebrations are especially powerful when your loved one is there to experience it. We have found that older adults love to create autobiographies with the help of family or friends (http://www.lifebio.com/ can help). Also, they can help in creating a storyboard--a display of their pictures and life stories--to share with their children and grandchildren. Make sure everyone has the opportunity to say or write down their memories during a special birthday or anniversary celebration. It will make for a fun and interesting experience for everyone. Appreciation and love will abound!
Beth Sanders is the author of the Memory Journal (http://www.memoryjournal.com/) and the founder of http://www.lifebio.com/. She resides in Marysville, Ohio with her husband and two children.
Labels: celebration of life, funerals, life celebration, memory books, memory journal, writing an autobiography
4 Tips for Creating a Memory Book for Alzheimer's
People with memory problems can benefit greatly from creating a memory book, and many local Alzheimer's Association chapters recommend this. A memory book can benefit both the person with dementia and his or her caregivers.
1. The process is as important as the product. The creation of a memory book shouldn't be just a one-time event. Instead, the ideal situation is for the creation of the memory book to be an ongoing process where the person is asked questions over a period of time to stimulate their memory and to continually build a strong relationship with one or more caregivers. The process of capturing the memories, assembling pictures, and discussion is as important as any finished product--a beautiful memory book.
2. Pictures help a person with memory loss to remember....but this is not a quiz. It is wonderful to look through photo albums and reminisce together, but it's NOT time to quiz the person with memory loss to see who they remember and who they don't remember. Be patient and keep the questions more specific for your loved one. You don't need to start every sentence with... "Do you remember..." because the answer could be "no" a lot. Instead, ask more specific or yes or no questions. For example, instead of saying, "Do you remember your wedding day?" you could ask a few yes or no questions or more specific questions like... "Was it hot on your wedding day?" or "What did your wedding dress look like?" or "Did you go on a honeymoon? Where did you go?"
3. The more you know, the more you love. People with memory loss are sometimes difficult to care for, but a memory book helps the caregiver see this person with new eyes. They have led a rich and interesting life with people, times, and places to share. It's important to see them as a child, a youth, a worker, a parent, and a grandparent. There is always more caring and empathy when the whole person is understood. It can also help a caregiver understand behaviors that may occur with Alzheimer's--things sometimes tied to an event from the past or childhood.
4. Share what you learn in the memory book. The memory book will be an ongoing source for discussion as someone comes to visit whether in a private home or in a nursing home or assisted living setting. It works out well when there are pictures found to complement the memories and they are DISPLAYED as part of a loved one's care plan. It doesn't help anyone if these memories are hidden in a book in a drawer somewhere. Make it easy for caregivers to see and use the information gathered in daily conversation.
_____________________________________
Beth Sanders is the author of the MemoryBio Photo Album & MemoryBio Journal--designed for building relationships and capturing memories through a generic photo album containing over 200 colorful pictures and 35 themes such as Hometown & Neighborhood, Travel & Vacations, Jobs & Careers, and many more. Answers and pictures are then compiled in the MemoryBio Journal. This tool won the 2009 Caregiver Friendly Award along with LifeBio.com's other memory capturing products. See the "Shop" button at www.lifebio.com for more information.
1. The process is as important as the product. The creation of a memory book shouldn't be just a one-time event. Instead, the ideal situation is for the creation of the memory book to be an ongoing process where the person is asked questions over a period of time to stimulate their memory and to continually build a strong relationship with one or more caregivers. The process of capturing the memories, assembling pictures, and discussion is as important as any finished product--a beautiful memory book.
2. Pictures help a person with memory loss to remember....but this is not a quiz. It is wonderful to look through photo albums and reminisce together, but it's NOT time to quiz the person with memory loss to see who they remember and who they don't remember. Be patient and keep the questions more specific for your loved one. You don't need to start every sentence with... "Do you remember..." because the answer could be "no" a lot. Instead, ask more specific or yes or no questions. For example, instead of saying, "Do you remember your wedding day?" you could ask a few yes or no questions or more specific questions like... "Was it hot on your wedding day?" or "What did your wedding dress look like?" or "Did you go on a honeymoon? Where did you go?"
3. The more you know, the more you love. People with memory loss are sometimes difficult to care for, but a memory book helps the caregiver see this person with new eyes. They have led a rich and interesting life with people, times, and places to share. It's important to see them as a child, a youth, a worker, a parent, and a grandparent. There is always more caring and empathy when the whole person is understood. It can also help a caregiver understand behaviors that may occur with Alzheimer's--things sometimes tied to an event from the past or childhood.
4. Share what you learn in the memory book. The memory book will be an ongoing source for discussion as someone comes to visit whether in a private home or in a nursing home or assisted living setting. It works out well when there are pictures found to complement the memories and they are DISPLAYED as part of a loved one's care plan. It doesn't help anyone if these memories are hidden in a book in a drawer somewhere. Make it easy for caregivers to see and use the information gathered in daily conversation.
_____________________________________
Beth Sanders is the author of the MemoryBio Photo Album & MemoryBio Journal--designed for building relationships and capturing memories through a generic photo album containing over 200 colorful pictures and 35 themes such as Hometown & Neighborhood, Travel & Vacations, Jobs & Careers, and many more. Answers and pictures are then compiled in the MemoryBio Journal. This tool won the 2009 Caregiver Friendly Award along with LifeBio.com's other memory capturing products. See the "Shop" button at www.lifebio.com for more information.
Labels: how to create a memory book, interviewing grandma, interviewing grandpa, memory book, memory book for alzheimer's, memory book for dementia, writing an autobiography
5 Tips for Interviewing Mom & Dad
5 Tips for Interviewing Mom & Dad
1. Don't delay and don't talk yourself out of it. It's time to capture mom's story in print, on video, via audio, or writing via the web. Mom's life story or dad's life story is far more interesting than you can ever imagine. Really and truly, your own parents can tell you things that no one else can share.
2. Find the story behind their pictures. A great place to start is to review an old photo album together. Record what they say about a few of their favorite pictures. You aren't going to have time to get the story behind every picture, but you can get a few of mom's favorite memories or dad's favorite memories through pictures. Pick the ones that are really funny or the ones where their eyes light up as they tell the tale. A picture is worth 1,000 words.
3. Structure is good. You will probably be glad you did your homework and you know what you want to ask when you get together with mom and dad. You can always ask questions over the phone or email that tech-savvy parent with your questions. LifeBio's structure for example would have you ask about people in their lives, childhood memories and historical events, the real world of adulthood, and end with values, beliefs, life lessons, and more.
4. Pick a quiet place for an interview. If you are planning to use a video camera, you'll want to pick a quiet spot free of distractions for interviewing mom. If you are interviewing dad and the phone rings or someone walks in the room, it just takes away from the video. Post a sign on the door--do not disturb. Test your equipment and test the spot where you are recording. You want the video to show up well with the lighting in the room. LifeBio's Video Recording Kit may be something you want to consider because it includes our Guide to Interviewing and Recording and all the equipment you'll need.
5. Smile a lot and speak up. Mom and dad want to know that you are glad to be recording their stories. Also, be sure you are speaking loudly and clearly so you don't have to repeat questions. Mumbling is not a good idea when you are the interviewer. Have confidence in yourself and make sure they know how much you want these life stories told. You can help them do something important by capturing mom's life stories or dad's life stories for all time. This is a priceless gift to both of you--and it just might change your life!
www.lifebio.com
1. Don't delay and don't talk yourself out of it. It's time to capture mom's story in print, on video, via audio, or writing via the web. Mom's life story or dad's life story is far more interesting than you can ever imagine. Really and truly, your own parents can tell you things that no one else can share.
2. Find the story behind their pictures. A great place to start is to review an old photo album together. Record what they say about a few of their favorite pictures. You aren't going to have time to get the story behind every picture, but you can get a few of mom's favorite memories or dad's favorite memories through pictures. Pick the ones that are really funny or the ones where their eyes light up as they tell the tale. A picture is worth 1,000 words.
3. Structure is good. You will probably be glad you did your homework and you know what you want to ask when you get together with mom and dad. You can always ask questions over the phone or email that tech-savvy parent with your questions. LifeBio's structure for example would have you ask about people in their lives, childhood memories and historical events, the real world of adulthood, and end with values, beliefs, life lessons, and more.
4. Pick a quiet place for an interview. If you are planning to use a video camera, you'll want to pick a quiet spot free of distractions for interviewing mom. If you are interviewing dad and the phone rings or someone walks in the room, it just takes away from the video. Post a sign on the door--do not disturb. Test your equipment and test the spot where you are recording. You want the video to show up well with the lighting in the room. LifeBio's Video Recording Kit may be something you want to consider because it includes our Guide to Interviewing and Recording and all the equipment you'll need.
5. Smile a lot and speak up. Mom and dad want to know that you are glad to be recording their stories. Also, be sure you are speaking loudly and clearly so you don't have to repeat questions. Mumbling is not a good idea when you are the interviewer. Have confidence in yourself and make sure they know how much you want these life stories told. You can help them do something important by capturing mom's life stories or dad's life stories for all time. This is a priceless gift to both of you--and it just might change your life!
www.lifebio.com
Labels: Alzheimer's, creative memories, genealogy, interviewing dad, interviewing grandma, interviewing grandpa, interviewing mom, memory books, scrapbooking, writing an autobiography
Whose story do you want to capture?
Maybe you're thinking about telling and sharing your own life story. You've always wanted to write a book and LifeBio can help you take that first step by moving you step-by-step through the autobiography process.
Maybe you're thinking about helping a loved one (parent, grandparent, best friend, or other people) tell and share his or her life stories. LifeBio's questions change out your conversations and give you something interesting to talk about.
We want you to know that LifeBio is useful in both situations. In fact, you can start your own LifeBio and work on someone else's too--with one password-protected LifeBio membership.
Life stories are a priceless gift. You'll be surprised at the new information you learn about yourself and the people you love. LifeBio helps people write what other people would like to read.
People who use LifeBio:
1. Parents
2. Grandparents
3. Genealogists
4. Scrapbookers
5. New Writers
6. Students/Grandchildren
7. Teachers
8. Adult children (with parents/grandparents)
9. Social Workers
10. Home Visitation Volunteers
11. Chaplains
12. Hospice Volunteers
13. Nurses
14. Activities Directors
15. Wellness Directors
16. Geriatric Care Managers
Maybe you're thinking about helping a loved one (parent, grandparent, best friend, or other people) tell and share his or her life stories. LifeBio's questions change out your conversations and give you something interesting to talk about.
We want you to know that LifeBio is useful in both situations. In fact, you can start your own LifeBio and work on someone else's too--with one password-protected LifeBio membership.
Life stories are a priceless gift. You'll be surprised at the new information you learn about yourself and the people you love. LifeBio helps people write what other people would like to read.
People who use LifeBio:
1. Parents
2. Grandparents
3. Genealogists
4. Scrapbookers
5. New Writers
6. Students/Grandchildren
7. Teachers
8. Adult children (with parents/grandparents)
9. Social Workers
10. Home Visitation Volunteers
11. Chaplains
12. Hospice Volunteers
13. Nurses
14. Activities Directors
15. Wellness Directors
16. Geriatric Care Managers
Labels: aarp lifestyles, biography, creative memories, memory book, memory books, write biography, writing an autobiography, writing your life story
Grandma and granddaughter connect long distance using LifeBio.com
J.D. Whitman discovered the life of an amazing person, her grandmother--Mary Katherine O’Grady Coombs, when she began a school project using LifeBio.com.
Every Sunday for about five months, 17-year-old J.D. called 83-year-old Mary on the telephone because their homes are separated by hundred of miles—from western to eastern Pennsylvania. They also spent a week together working on the project. Using the more than 250 questions available at LifeBio.com as a guide, J.D. began typing her grandmother’s life story into LifeBio’s web template. Here are excerpts from Mary Coombs’ 83-page, hardcover LifeBio Book.
Read Mary's LifeBio....
http://www.lifebio.com/LifeBiooftheMonth/Mary%20Coombs%20Story.pdf
writing an autobiography, memory book, interviewing grandma
Every Sunday for about five months, 17-year-old J.D. called 83-year-old Mary on the telephone because their homes are separated by hundred of miles—from western to eastern Pennsylvania. They also spent a week together working on the project. Using the more than 250 questions available at LifeBio.com as a guide, J.D. began typing her grandmother’s life story into LifeBio’s web template. Here are excerpts from Mary Coombs’ 83-page, hardcover LifeBio Book.
Read Mary's LifeBio....
http://www.lifebio.com/LifeBiooftheMonth/Mary%20Coombs%20Story.pdf
writing an autobiography, memory book, interviewing grandma
Labels: how to interview dad, interviewing grandma, interviewing grandpa, interviewing mom, memory book, writing an autobiography, writing my life story
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
$1,000 Tell Your Life Story Contest
Visit www.tellyourstorycontest.com to enter the $1,000 LifeBio Tell Your Life Story Contest site. Deadline 8/1/2009
Labels: Alzheimer's, autobiography, interviewing grandma, interviewing grandpa, memory book, writing an autobiography
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Marketing to Baby Boomers
David Weigelt's book is a must read. Brilliant. Check this out if you want to impact the Baby Boomer market and reach them online.
Labels: Baby boomer marketing, David Weigelt, ImmersionActive, marketing to baby boomers, social media
Monday, June 29, 2009
Take a Memory Journal to your family reunion
Reunions are a great place to use LifeBio's thought-provoking, carefully-crafted biography questions....Read on and start planning YOUR next reunion.
Judy writes, “We were planning a very special family reunion for the immediate family members & spouses only – the first one following the passing of our mother a few years earlier.
I was quite aware of LifeBio and its diverse applications at capturing and sharing family information, so I decided to pull certain pages from LifeBio's Memory Journal and use these as talking points for one designated evening gathering. Each sibling received the information in advance and had ample time to think about what was appropriate to share. On this special evening of sharing, the emotional thermometer was high as we used the thought-provoking questions to stimulate our memories. Because the age span was a 12-year range, there were things discovered by the older and the younger siblings about our parents, in particular. We learned so much more about each other as well. In fact, in some cases, healing occurred because of misinterpretations or not knowing information. It was a GREAT way to revisit our past, a wonderful venue for some hearty laughter, a time for reflection, and an exercise to embrace and appreciate each other and our family heritage. Most important, the LifeBio evening became the catalyst for us to set the next family reunion, which we did that evening!”
Judy writes, “We were planning a very special family reunion for the immediate family members & spouses only – the first one following the passing of our mother a few years earlier.
I was quite aware of LifeBio and its diverse applications at capturing and sharing family information, so I decided to pull certain pages from LifeBio's Memory Journal and use these as talking points for one designated evening gathering. Each sibling received the information in advance and had ample time to think about what was appropriate to share. On this special evening of sharing, the emotional thermometer was high as we used the thought-provoking questions to stimulate our memories. Because the age span was a 12-year range, there were things discovered by the older and the younger siblings about our parents, in particular. We learned so much more about each other as well. In fact, in some cases, healing occurred because of misinterpretations or not knowing information. It was a GREAT way to revisit our past, a wonderful venue for some hearty laughter, a time for reflection, and an exercise to embrace and appreciate each other and our family heritage. Most important, the LifeBio evening became the catalyst for us to set the next family reunion, which we did that evening!”
Labels: autobiography book, interviewing grandma, interviewing mom, memory book, memory journal, reunion, writing an autobiography
Monday, June 22, 2009
Twittering away & created a Twibe too
Twitter is fascinating me. In about 1 week, I have over 300 followers and I've found a ton of people I'd like to follow too. See my Twitter account at www.twitter.com/lifebio
I also created a new thing called a "Twibe". A Twibe is like a specialized group that people want to follow. So the twibe I created is... http://www.twibes.com/group/aging
Please feel free to follow either the Twitter account or the Twibe. Remember that LifeBio makes writing an autobiography easy. We also have a terrific memory book called the Memory Journal.
I also created a new thing called a "Twibe". A Twibe is like a specialized group that people want to follow. So the twibe I created is... http://www.twibes.com/group/aging
Please feel free to follow either the Twitter account or the Twibe. Remember that LifeBio makes writing an autobiography easy. We also have a terrific memory book called the Memory Journal.
Labels: aging, Lifebio certified community, twibes, twitter
Sunday, June 07, 2009
LifeBio receives caregiver award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact:
Beth Sanders
LifeBio.com
937-303-4574
bsanders@lifebio.com
http://www.lifebio.com/
Marysville, Ohio – LifeBio, Inc. is the recipient of the 2009 Caregiver Friendly Product Award by Today’s Caregiver magazine.
LifeBio helps people to tell and share life stories, preserving memories and relationships to last for generations. LifeBio.com simplifies the publishing process so that anyone can create their own autobiography book by using LifeBio’s carefully-crafted questions either online or in a Memory Journal. In addition, LifeBio's new MemoryBio program works for those with Alzheimer's Disease or other forms of dementia--an excellent photo-based tool for caregivers to use when conversing with a loved one. LifeBio's group offerings provide curriculum for local LifeBio 101 classes to be offered in the local area to older adults and caregivers.
Beth Sanders, LifeBio founder and CEO, said, “LifeBio provides great products that bring people together to build relationships while capturing and sharing life stories. The result is an opportunity for people of all ages to see and appreciate each other in a new and remarkable way.”
"The Today’s Caregiver award signifies that LifeBio.com and Ms. Sanders understand the value of supporting family caregivers and have created something that not only helps a caregiver care for their loved ones but also improves his or her quality of life in the process,” said Gary Barg, CEO/editor in chief of Today's Caregiver Magazine.
For more information about LifeBio.com, go to http://www.lifebio.com/ or contact Ms. Sanders at LifeBio.com, 246 W. Fifth St., Suite 204, Marysville, OH 43040. Her telephone number is (937) 303-4574.
Learn more about LifeBio.com by visiting http://www.lifebio.com/ or learn more about LifeBio's Certified Community Program by clicking here:
http://www.lifebio.com/Communities.htm
Contact:
Beth Sanders
LifeBio.com
937-303-4574
bsanders@lifebio.com
http://www.lifebio.com/
Marysville, Ohio – LifeBio, Inc. is the recipient of the 2009 Caregiver Friendly Product Award by Today’s Caregiver magazine.
LifeBio helps people to tell and share life stories, preserving memories and relationships to last for generations. LifeBio.com simplifies the publishing process so that anyone can create their own autobiography book by using LifeBio’s carefully-crafted questions either online or in a Memory Journal. In addition, LifeBio's new MemoryBio program works for those with Alzheimer's Disease or other forms of dementia--an excellent photo-based tool for caregivers to use when conversing with a loved one. LifeBio's group offerings provide curriculum for local LifeBio 101 classes to be offered in the local area to older adults and caregivers.
Beth Sanders, LifeBio founder and CEO, said, “LifeBio provides great products that bring people together to build relationships while capturing and sharing life stories. The result is an opportunity for people of all ages to see and appreciate each other in a new and remarkable way.”
"The Today’s Caregiver award signifies that LifeBio.com and Ms. Sanders understand the value of supporting family caregivers and have created something that not only helps a caregiver care for their loved ones but also improves his or her quality of life in the process,” said Gary Barg, CEO/editor in chief of Today's Caregiver Magazine.
For more information about LifeBio.com, go to http://www.lifebio.com/ or contact Ms. Sanders at LifeBio.com, 246 W. Fifth St., Suite 204, Marysville, OH 43040. Her telephone number is (937) 303-4574.
Learn more about LifeBio.com by visiting http://www.lifebio.com/ or learn more about LifeBio's Certified Community Program by clicking here:
http://www.lifebio.com/Communities.htm
Labels: aarp, caregivers, caregiving, creative memories, Lifebio certified community
