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Pulse Rate - Tells us so Much!

by Clarence Davan on 02/04/11

Again, thanks to all who have called and written heartfelt condolences on our website.  The support is very much appreciated!

The BIG question that often always comes up is: "Does the Alzheimer's patient realize what is going on around them?"

Martha was unable to comprehend any questions and could not speak in her final stage 3. Her vitals were critical and deteriorating on Dec. 15th, 2010. I had decorated Martha's private room at the nursing home for Christmas. We, the Davan family, decided to push Christmas exchange from Dec 25th to Dec 19th. She was kept warm with her Christmas blanket that Aunt Marlis gave her many years ago. The entire Family gathered at Mom*s bedside for Christmas exchange on Sunday Dec. 19, 2010.

I took Martha's pulse before the family arrived, it was 55. After they all were there, I talked to Martha, just like I always did and told her about each and every one of the Kids and Grandkids. They were talking and laughing, eating snacks; just like we always did at Christmas - I decided to take Martha's pulse again; it was up to 85!

This message was very clear to all of us that Martha knew what was going on; however, could not express her emotions in any other way than her pulse. These moments are irreplaceable and priceless!

Alzheimer's patients should always have interactions with people- because they do understand!

Pick Up the Paper

by Clarence Davan on 01/15/11

I now reminisce about past funny experiences that Martha produced. This one in particular makes me laugh every time I tell it!

Martha and I went to see a neurologist for Alzheimer's diagnosis. The Doctor ran various tests on Martha.

The test I remember was when the Doctor wrote this on a piece of paper; "Martha, please hand this paper back to me." Then the Doctor folded the note; threw it on the floor by Martha's feet and said to her; "Martha, pick-up the paper and read what I wrote". Martha looked down at the paper then looked at the Doctor, with those BIG blue eyes and said; "You pick-it-up, you threw it down there!"

I laughed and said; "She still has her great sense of humor!" The doctor didn't laugh or even smile.

"What a memory" :-)

She Was Laid To Rest

by Clarence Davan on 01/03/11

Thanks to all for your supporting positive comments and condolences about Martha's death.

Martha's funeral services were held on December 30th 2010 and she was interred at Fort Logan Military Cemetery; section 45; grave 155. Many attending the funeral services indicated that it was outstanding.

Martha was a very beautiful lady, just like the roses she loved so much.

The Davan family's last "Tribute" was a single red rose on her casket pillow and a verse placed near the red rose that read:

This Red Rose represents LOVE,    

Love endures all things,    

Martha was our gift from Heaven 

Now it is time,    

To send our Gift back to Heaven,    

Thank you God,    

"The Davan Family"  

In Memory of Martha

by Clarence Davan on 12/24/10

Thank you to all for your overwhelming support and positive comments.


Martha passed on December 23rd, 2010 from Alzheimer's.


Martha's service will be held on Thursday morning December 30th, 2010; 9:30 AM at Horan & McConaty Funeral Chapel. The viewing will be Wednesday evening December 29th from 5 - 7 PM. Her Burial will be following the services at 11:15 AM; Fort Logan Military Cemetery.


A buffet reception will be held at Horan & McConaty at Noon (12:00 PM)


Horan & McConaty

3101 S. Wadsworth Boulevard

(South of Yale Avenue)

Lakewood, CO 80227

Phone 303-986-9615


Viewing: Wednesday December 29th 5 - 7 PM

Services: Thursday December 30th 9:30 AM

Burial: Thursday December 30th 11:15 AM

Reception: Thursday December 30th 12:00 PM


In lieu of flowers the Family would like to ask for donations to be made to the Alzheimer's Association in memory of Martha Davan.


Online donations in Memory of Martha Davan can be made by  Clicking Here  or go to www.Alz.org


To donate By mail:


Alzheimer's Chapter Headquarters Colorado

455 Sherman Street, Ste. 500

Denver, CO 80203

303-813-1669


Thank you to all for your prayers and support; Martha will be missed by her Family, Friends and all those who had the privilege to know her. God bless.

Martha's Update

by Clarence Davan on 12/16/10

Martha and I want to wish all our Family and Friends a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year 2011. Our Children and Grandchildren will gather with Martha and I to celebrate Christmas. It is wonderful for Martha and me to have all our Family living so close to us. Thank you to all for your thoughtfulness, support and prayers!

I'm  sad to report; Martha had a massive seizure on November 29th and was in the hospital for 9 days. The seizure was so massive it broke both her femurs above her knees. Martha's Alzheimer's condition did not permit the doctors to do orthopedic surgery. She is in the Life Care Center in Littleton, CO with outstanding Hospice care. The staff there has been over the top. Her room is decorated with a Christmas tree and some of her favorite figurines, including a Nativity scene that has adorned our home for many years!  One of Martha's favorite Holidays is Christmas. My Family and I will always cherish the "Good Times" we spent together at Christmas. God Bless you all!

Hiding Things

by Clarence Davan on 11/30/10

I received many contacts on the usefulness of the Caring For Martha Guidelines- Thanks!

Also, I received a number of calls from caregivers asking how I handled the symptoms of hiding things in unfamiliar places. When Martha wanted to hide things, (purse, rings, checkbook, clothing, etc) I told her I would help her find a good hiding place. I got a box and put Martha’s name on it-she really liked her name on the box. We both placed the box in my office closet. She thought this was great! She even trusted me enough to help her hide the things she wanted to hide. Keep it simple.

 

 

So Much to be Thankful For

by Clarence Davan on 11/24/10

It is a privilege for me to care for Martha. She is doing very well. I was thinking that we all have so much to be thankful for during this thanksgiving season. God made loving people to show us day by day how far the wonders of his love can go. Good people and their help makes for a better world and a little bit of Heaven.

Remember, the most precious gift any of us can give, is caring for a loved one.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

"More Stories"

by Clarence Davan on 11/20/10

Thanks to all for your kind comments! An update on Martha:

Martha is eating very well - she is getting 1,600 nutritional calories per day.

When I feed Mart; I like to talk to her and tell her stories while she is eating. Even though, She really doesn't know anyone, can't interpret questions or speak a sentence. However, one day after I stopped telling her my stories during her meals, She put her hand on my arm and softly said, "more stories". "This was a moment to savor!" I realized and knew she was comprehending my stories all along - Therefore, I continue to talk to her during her meals and many times during the day. Over and out!

Thank you! I remember...

by Clarence Davan on 11/15/10

Thank you Doug and Rossie for your kind words. I remember the years Martha and I have spent together making a home and building a life. Each stage of life has been and is quite unique. We have had a wonderful fulfilling life together with our family and friends. Caring for Martha is possibly the most precious gift I can give her; she is my gift from heaven. Again, thank you - love you. Dad

High School Senior Prom

 

 

Welcome To Caring For Martha

by Clarence Davan on 11/14/10

I want to honor my Father-In-Law Clarence Davan, Jr. for his dedication and care he has given his wife, Martha who was diagnosed in 2004. He has been Mom's sole caregiver and she could not get better care anywhere. Dad wrote guidelines for Caregivers, because he saw the need for the question that always came up; "But, what do I do?" On behalf of my husband, Doug and I, thank you Dad for your perseverance! We love you!!