Grandma, Don’t Forget How Much I Love You: A Teaching and Learning Resource Embedded in the Rich Jamaican Culture

Authors: Gerdner LA* and Witter JA

DOI: 10.23880/artoa-16000120

Volume 7, Issue 1

Abstract

Culture affects the personal meaning underlying the experience of chronic conditions, such as Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Health care providers must strive to accommodate the variations of these needs. There is also growing recognition that persons with AD are members of mutigenerational families and must be treated within context of the whole. Children and family picture books on AD have been published for a variety of cultures and ethnic groups to promote understanding and awareness. However, up until now, none of these books have focused on the people of Jamaica. The authors have combined their unique skills to fulfill the critical need for a culturally responsive story, embedded in the rich Jamaican culture. This book is not limited to persons living in Jamaica, but also persons of Jamaican heritage who are living in another country. This book also has potential as an important resource for the Caribbean population. Importantly, this story is theoretically grounded in empirical and clinical evidence for the care of persons with AD. This knowledge is translated into an age-appropriate story that is engaging and empowering to the child. The story uses a problem-solving approach to better understand behaviors associated with the disease and how to make the necessary adaptations. Amancia and Mother help to build upon Grandma’s preserved abilities such as singing hymns, keeping her Bible close, and enjoying regional fruits and traditional family meals. Grandma is treated with respect and love. The story is intended to raise understanding and awareness as well as eliminate the negative stigma that may be associated with the disease. Author notes are included for parents and healthcare providers to assist them to enhance the learning experience for the child. Five hundred hardcopies of the book are being donated to public libraries and schools in Jamaica.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s Disease; Dementia; Jamaica; Children; Family; Picture Book; Culture; Promote Understanding

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