By Tryn Rose Seley
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.
Purchase 15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders to Bring You Both Back to Solid Ground
4 Responses
So impressive! Tryn Rose Seley is a creative force, inspired to give so generously of her talents to those living in the shadows of Alzheimer’s and dementia. She helps them to emerge into a new light, connected, happy, fulfilled. Tryn, keep up the good work with your Mindful Art class and other enterprising work to celebrate the human spirit!
This is a beautifully written book with photos that show just how much impact one story or one song can have on both the person with dementia or Alzheimer’s and the caregivers. Highly recommend. 🙂
Thanks for writing Tara.
Just checked out your website Tryn, I love the home page – what a wonderful idea to welcome people in.