From the Crater Community Hospice August/September 2022 Newsletter.

For a teen, a relative’s dementia can turn a close relationship into one that’s now awkward, confusing, and embarrassing. And creates feelings of guilt.

Teens and tweens benefit from learning the basics of grandma or grandpa’s condition, such as “There are diseases of the brain that change memory and thinking. We should expect that [grandparent] will have repetitive questions, emotional outbursts, and may even forget our names.” Reassure your teen that these behaviors are a result of the disease. They are not intentional. Also let your teen know that dementia is not contagious.

Support the relationship with activities focused on what your loved one can still do. Explain to your teen that memories of the distant past are the strongest. This is a great opportunity to learn about family history. Engaging the present also works well, especially activities using all the senses (sight, taste, smell, touch, and hearing). Calm activities are more appropriate than fast-paced stimulation. Steer clear of games involving strategy.

• Music is almost always a hit. Try putting on music from your relative’s teen years. Consider dancing. (Remember the twist?)
• Try a walk in nature. Bring attention to the sights, sounds, and smells. Take time to pause and appreciate each sense. (In Japan it’s called “forest bathing.”)
• Visit with animals. Go to the dog park and watch the antics. Or have your teen bring over a favorite pet. Focusing on the animal together can alleviate awkward silences.
• Bring lotion and nail polish for a manicure. Your teen might really enjoy giving grandma a mani-pedi. Grandpa might like a hand massage.
• Watch old movies together. Is your teen a film aficionado? Perhaps you know some favorite classics from your loved one’s youth they could watch.
• Interview your relative. Consider making a scrapbook or memoir so your relative can pass along family stories. Plus, it’s a great gift to the family.

Share emotions. Acknowledge how sad you are to see your loved one slipping away. Also, that you are sometimes angry or frustrated by things they do. Describe what helps you cope with your feelings. Let your teen know they can be frank with you, including if they are embarrassed or uncomfortable and don’t want to visit. Let them have space if they need it. No judgments. Pushing them could backfire, and your loved one will feel it.

Open to All Middle & High School Students in Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District

Richmond, VA – Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) announced the launch of the 2022 Congressional App Challenge for all middle and high school students in Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District.

The annual competition challenges students to create an original software application. The winner will be eligible to have their app displayed in the U.S. Capitol, featured on the U.S. House of Representatives website, and will be invited to attend the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill reception.

“The Congressional App Challenge is an exciting annual competition that encourages students to strengthen and showcase their skills in coding and computer science,” said Rep. McEachin (VA-04). “STEM fields are burgeoning industries with strong career prospects, so I am thrilled to host this competition and provide a unique opportunity for young minds in our district. I encourage any interested students to participate in this year’s Congressional App Challenge and begin working on their applications now.”

The Congressional App Challenge is an opportunity for students to compete against their peers and test their abilities in coding and computer science. The competition provides students with the chance to hone their skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) disciplines and begin exploring new industries and potential future career paths.

The Congressional App Challenge is open to all students who reside in or attend school in the Fourth Congressional District. Students may begin registering for the event today on the Congressional App Challenge website. The deadline to submit an original app is November 1st, 2022.

For more information, visit Rep. McEachin’s website.