“I couldn’t have imagined the highs and lows that lay ahead as I cared for my mother during her decade-long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Like many other Alzheimer’s caregivers, I learned a lot along the way, including how important it is to help educate and support fellow caregivers through shared experiences. Now it’s your turn. Enter the “Words of Wisdom” contest!” – Leeza Gibbons
Shield HealthCare’s 1st Annual Readers’ Choice contest is now underway. Click on the image below to be taken directly to the contest details page or find the link on our home page at www.shieldhealthcare.com.
In the Readers’ Choice Contest, there are 12 finalist stories from our “What Makes Caregiving Rewarding?” contest for the voting public to choose their favorite. The Top 3 stories, chosen by voters will receive an American Express Gift Card for $150.
Come back to the web page often to see real time voting results. Contest runs through January 31, 2012.
Note: SHC employees are not eligible to cast a vote.
Caregiving requires a level of attention unmatched by most endeavors. Add to that the inherent stress of the holiday season—with the travel, family visits, huge meals, and of course, gift-shopping and giving—and you may find yourself overwhelmed. That said, being a caregiver doesn’t mean you can’t get into the holiday spirit.
As a caregiver it is important to be prepared. Here are some tips to be ready for the New Year:
1) Stay up to date on what’s current in healthcare, including laws (i.e. the Affordable Care Act), new medical devices, medicines, and treatment options. Mayoclinic.com has a “Research” tab on its homepage dedicated entirely to advances in the health profession and Healthcare.gov is a great source for legal information.
2) Be sure you have respite care, or at least understand how to access it in the case of an emergency. There are many resources at the local and regional level. Also check out the ARCH National Respite Network.
3) Develop an emergency plan (if you haven’t already done so) to ensure the safety of your patient if you are unable to provide care. A comprehensive Google search will uncover many resources, including the National Association’s for Home Care and Hospice emergency preparedness packet.
4) Arm yourself with the right “tools,” including appropriate medications, no-rinse pre-packaged cleansing cloths to making bathing easier, and essentials like one-step barrier cream cloths to cleanse and protect the skin.
This blog was provided from http://www.sageproducts.com/. By sharing this blog and posting with our readers, the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation in no way whatsoever endorses the opinions, products and services provided by Sage Products.
Holiday Tips for Alzheimer’s Caregivers
By ALICE SAWAYER
Taken from: MyPlainView.com – http://www.myplainview.com/news/article_6090d666-17b4-11e1-aa95-001cc4c03286.html
The holiday season for many baby boomers will not be the same this year. Things have changed. Instead of “going home” for the holidays, a growing number of baby boomers will be caring for an elderly parent who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.
If you find yourself in this situation, I don’t have to tell you that things will never be the same again. You probably didn’t read a textbook or take a class that prepared you for your new role. You may be feeling overwhelmed.
So, what can you do? How can you cope? One important thing you can do is to learn as much as you can about Alzheimer’s disease. A lot of good information has been written about the disease. Ask your doctor for some literature or check out information on the Internet.
In the meantime, to help make the holiday season a special time for you and your loved one, try utilizing some of the following tips that I found in “News in Research,” a medical research guide:
If you are the caregiver:
•First and foremost, don’t hesitate to ask for and accept help from other family members and friends.
•Set limits as to what you are able to do and make sure your family understands your needs and wishes.
•Stop feeling guilty about things you can’t control or change.
•Talk about your feelings with a close friend, minister, relative or counselor.
•Join a support group if one is available in your area.
•Encourage friends and relatives to visit, but ask that they call ahead.
•Familiarize visitors ahead of time of behaviors and the condition of your loved one who has Alzheimer’s.
•Try not to have too many visitors at one time.
•Celebrate early in the day to reduce the likelihood of Sundowner Syndrome.
•Take a break regularly and, most important, take care of yourself!
It is also important to prepare the person who has Alzheimer’s disease before visitors arrive:
•Talk about and show pictures of the people who are coming to visit.
•Use name tags – the person with Alzheimer’s may recognize faces, but may be unable to recall names.
•Serve traditional foods and play familiar holiday music.
•Prepare for possible distractions beforehand.
•Have a “quiet” room if things get too hectic for your loved one, and have a familiar friend or relative stay with the person to prevent feelings of rejection and isolation.
•Slow the pace of activities to allow your loved one the time to comprehend as well as enjoy the sensory pleasure of the activity.
If you plan to visit in the home of a person who has Alzheimer’s disease, try to learn as much as you can about the disease before your visit. During your visit:
•Bring photos, holiday treats or some familiar music.
•Don’t talk about your problems, and avoid depressing topics.
•Encourage reminiscing. Talking about the past will often get a better response than asking about things that may have happened in recent days.
•Avoid making judgments.
•And last but not least, offer to do something for the caregiver.
Life will never be the same, but if you understand the process of Alzheimer’s disease, redefine some of your goals and allow others to help, you will be able to cope and enjoy the days ahead. Be patient with yourself and hold on to hope.
Alice Sawayer is a Licensed Professional Counselor.
