Grace, a classic program on Alzheimer's disease, follows seven years in the life of Grace Kirkland and the inspirational caregiving efforts of her husband. It provides a documentation of Alzheimer’s disease from near the time of diagnosis to death.
Tracking Grace from the first stage of the disease where she’s already having short term memory problems, to where she loses her ability to speak and finally her ability to walk and eat. Grace provides the extraordinary opportunity to witness first hand the progression of dementia and the related symptoms.
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Case Presentation
Grace Kirkland was a caring wife and mother, an acomplished seamstress, a generous hostes and an excellent cook. She genereously gave of herself to church activities and to welcoming new members to the congregation. Her lovely vivacious personality and quick smile made people respond positively to her.
When Grace was 66 years old her family noted memory problems. In church, the choir director noticed a deterioration in her highly regarded music ability.
She would often misplace her car in crowded parking lots and would not recognize friends that she met unexpectedly.
The family physician, in consultation with a neurologist, suggested a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. At age 72, Grace was having difficulty preparing meals. A year later, she was no longer independently participating in family life. At times, she sat and stared into space, or cried for no particular reason. Dramatic and abrupt mood swings were continuous. At 74 years of age, Grace had nearly total absence of short-term memory and she could no longer be left at home alone safely. She attended an adult day care center until her behavior became too disruptive for the staff to handle.
Ten years after the diagnosis, Grace no longer talked
except for a rare word.
She would pace up and back to the kitchen or sit quietly in an armchair. Through this period Glenn cared for Grace in their home. In these later years, his responsibilites included all domestic chores and personal care of Grace who was no longer able to look after her own needs. Despite her deterioration, Glenn made extensive efforts to involve Grace in family life, and to challenge her to participate in such activities as dressing. He continued to provide daily cognitive stimulation.
After retiring from his career as a physicist, Glenn became very involved in statewide and national educational efforts on Alzheimer's disease. On occassions when he needed to be out of town, Grace was placed in a foster care home. At foster care, Grace was one of several ladies who were cared for in a family home environment. Grace appeared to be generally relaxed in this environment as evidenced by diminished pacing, minimal displays of agitated behavior, and general responsiveness.
Glenn was faced with the prospect
of placing Grace in a different environment for the final stages
of the disease.
This is a most difficult decision for all family caregivers. In the 11th year from the time of diagnosis, Glenn placed Grace in a foster care home. On weekends he brought Grace home and they enjoyed walks together.
On May 22, 1990, at age 79, Grace Kirkland died peacefully in her sleep. Glenn Kirkland continued to work with great energy to educate community and professional audiences on Alzheimer's disease until his own death on August 11, 2008.
It is with heartfelt sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Glenn I. Kirkland on August 11, 2008. Glenn was the beloved husband and inspirational caregiver of the late Grace Kirkland, who touched so many of us as her progression withAlzheimer’s disease was documented. We at Video Press are grateful for his tireless efforts and contributions in to the understanding of 
Alzheimer’s disease.
And like so many others, we miss him very much.
Glenn is survived by his wife, Barbara, daughter Evelyn Smith, step-daughters, Elisa Moriarty, Shannon Price and Lori Knowles, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Greater Maryland Chapter, 1850 York Rd, Suite D, Timonium, MD 21093.
Grace
Order# AD200
After its release as a film, Grace was aired on public television and won a regional Emmy award for best documentary as well as top awards in numerous other competitions.
56 minutes
$200 purchase; $75 rental
”Grace is one of the greatest love stories you are ever going to see...”
--The Baltimore Sun
SPECIAL OFFER - Grace DVD Set
For a limited time only, get Grace and the newly released Grace Notes featuring Dr. Peter Rabins, a $350 value, for only $275.
Purchase this special today!
Grace Notes
Order# AD201
Using excerpts from the film Grace, leading national expert, Dr. Peter Rabins, presents the progression of dementia; the related symptoms and behaviors; and the changing caregiver role. Staff join in the discussion suggesting positive ways they handle similar behaviors in long-term care. Highly recommended for all our Grace clients. Lecture with Grace vignettes and nursing staff discussion.
20 minutes
$150 purchase; $75 rental
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