Take the time to thank a CNA {Certified Nursing Assistant}. While everyone’s job is important and the facility should work as a team, the CNA’s take on the bulk of the work for a fraction of the cost.
I often hear frustrations over how long it takes to answer a call light or about a need. In my position, I can listen but I do not have the skills to assist with activities of daily living {such as dressing, toileting, etc}.
While there are some CNAs that may not pull their weight, the majority of CNAs work hard. They often have ten or more residents to care for at a time.
So the next time you visit your loved one I encourage you to take a moment to thank a CNA.
Today, I am thrilled to welcome Kathleen Brown to Caregiving Monday. She is going to share lessons she has learned from being an Alzheimer’s Caregiver. This seemed very apropos today, because Wednesday is World Alzheimer’s Day. Welcome, Kathleen!
3 Everyday Lessons for an Alzheimer’s Caregiver by Kathleen Brown
I discovered Mom had Alzheimer’s during a September trip. September. Its flower is the forget-me-not; its gemstone, the sapphire. Sapphires were
once associated with clear thinking. As I began caring for Mom, in the house where I grew up, I hoped the clear thinking part was for me.
If you’re an at-home caregiver, you know it presents unique challenges. My first weeks with Mom felt like one emergency after another; I was on adrenaline overload. Then I began noticing the miracles: tiny ones (finding one of Mom’s shoes in the trash can), and huge ones (Mom suddenly agreeing to a long-needed bath). Feeling the Lord’s presence and help, I calmed down and began to learn. Fear not—you’ll see miracles, too.
Three of the Biggest Everyday Lessons
#1-You always have options.
In the beginning I thought there was only one right way to accomplish any care task. Wrong. There will always be more than one way to do what you need to do. Finding the best way, however, means we must look at all the options.
Example: Doctor to Mom: “Exercise.”
Mom to doc: “No.”
Solution: Two carts at the mega-store. While Dad shopped with one, Mom used the other like a walker, happy to stroll with me all around the store.
#2-Be ready to laugh.
Laughing in the face of Alzheimer’s is absolutely necessary for survival. The day Mom opened her mouth and I saw her dentures were in upside down, I smiled when I wanted to cry. After I fixed them, I laughed. Her poor gums were no longer being bitten by false teeth! Humor is an invaluable companion in caregiving.
#3-You will make it, even through the most difficult times.
When you need strength, you’ll have it. When you need words, they’ll come to you. When there’s nothing you can do to help your loved one, she will, against all odds, help herself. I can’t tell you how it happens—who can explain a miracle?—but I can tell you that resolution
always comes. Expect it.
Expecting solutions widens your field of vision. You’ll find resources and strategies you won’t see if your eyes are closed in despair.
We hope effective treatments for Alzheimer’s will come—someday. Ways to cure and even prevent it. Until then, our peace will be in knowing we can help our loved ones through it. We can.
In the process of moving my grandmother, we came across a couple who at first appeared to be very helpful and considerate. However, the more time spent together the more we discovered how much they were attempting to take advantage of the situation. Even when boundaries were set in place they attempted to cross over these boundaries.
They were very good at what they had done and we heard enough tales from others to discover this couple had their act down to a science.
Thankfully we were there to protect and watch out for my grandmother. However, dealing with these individuals was a great headache and very stressful.
Sadly, this couple is not alone and there are numerous individuals out there willing and ready to take advantage of the elderly in a variety of ways.
So how can we prevent this?
Be aware of who the elderly are talking with
Block soliciting calls
Assist with their bills to make sure they are not sending money to scammers
Be the front person for any transactions
Instruct your elderly parent not to allow strangers in the house
How have you protected your loved ones from being taken advantage of?