Alzheimer's and Dementia | Trinity Christian Life Coaching

Caregiving Monday: Dealing with Trauma

Posted on June 8, 2015August 24, 2016 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

The love of family can make a difference

Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease and there are times when traumatic moments and horrific memories return to traumatize the patient.

So what are some ways to calm the patient?

Redirect the patient and see if you can get their mind on something else
Allow the patient to speak about the incident—some need to express their feelings and what was experienced in a safe and loving environment. Never judge or push for information, but allow the patient to share what s/he is comfortable with.
Music—sing a song or hymn that is comforting to the patient. If you can’t sing, put on some soothing music, whether it is a collection of hymns or instrumental {especially piano} music.
Pray—if the patient is a praying person, ask them to pray or if you can pray with them. I have seen amazing changes happen with prayer in a person with Alzheimer’s.
Prayer changes things
Love—sometimes the patient just needs to feel loved and safe
Touch—the power of touch is powerful. Often a hand on the shoulder or a pat of the hand does amazing wonders in soothing a patient that is troubled. This is a comforting act to him/her.
Family—sometimes seeing a familiar face is all that is needed. I have seen Alzheimer’s patient’s entire demeanor change when they are able to see a spouse, child or grandchild. This brings comfort and assures the patient that s/he is not alone and not forgotten.

What has worked for you in dealing with traumatic situations in an Alzheimer’s patient?

Caregiving Monday: It’s Not Personal

Posted on June 1, 2015August 24, 2016 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

When dealing with Dementia/Alzheimer’s patients we get a variety of responses.

One moment the resident may be the sweetest and calmest person, and a moment later s/he may be cussing you out.

This is not personal. This is not a personal attack on the second party in any way.

The important thing to remember is this is the disease.

So how do you respond?

First and foremost, with love—stay calm and answer in a calm, loving manner
Step away if the stress of the moment becomes too much
Do not take it personally
Observe the environment—is there something that may be setting the individual off? Knowing the person really helps to understand the triggers. Does noise irritate the person, was there a bad night, is there a person that sets the person off, etc.
Soothe the individual. I have found that music is always a wonderful healer, but sometimes you have to try different techniques to find the right one for that individual
Check with your physician to discuss medications and the effects on the resident
Take away any triggers—if possible

Above all, remember this is the frustration and disease speaking and not your loved one.

How do you deal with outbursts?

Caregiving Monday: The Power of Jesus Loves Me

Posted on January 26, 2015August 24, 2016 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

Last week, I shared the power of music over Alzheimer’s.

When I began performing years ago, I made the decision to end every performance or musical session with Jesus Loves Me.

I have discovered this is a song everyone knows. I have even had Alzheimer patients that did not claim to be a Christian, but was still able to sing every word to Jesus Loves Me.

Everyone knows the words to Jesus Loves Me. This is one of the first songs children learn. Even in their twilight years, they still remember this song.

I have seen patients whom were bed bound and unable to speak, but as I began to sing Jesus Loves Me, the patient began to sing along.

This often surprises family, but I’ve seen this transformation on numerous occasions, and recognize not only the power of music but the power of God and His love.

If anyone needs to be reminded of this simple promise, it is these patients that are lost behind the prison of Alzheimer’s, and their families.

In what ways have you seen Jesus Love Me break through the barriers of Alzheimer’s?

Caregiving Monday: The Power of Music on Alzheimers

Posted on January 19, 2015August 24, 2016 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

I’ve always believe music is the universal language. Music can reach through time and cultural barriers to unite the listener.

Time and again I have worked with Alzheimer patients that are completely lost to the disease. Often the patient is unable to speak or move and has to have everything done for him/her.

However, I begin to play or sing a hymn or old song and I began to see a spark that wasn’t there before.

On many occasions these women and men, many who rarely speak, began to sing the words to the song or hymn being performed.

That song is reaching through the barrier of time to a memory deeply buried otherwise.

Music has the power to break through the barriers of Alzheimer’s and minister in ways we may not be able to.

In what ways have you seen music break through the barriers of Alzheimer’s?

Caregiving Monday: 10 Simple Activities for Advancing Alzheimer’s

Posted on September 8, 2014August 24, 2016 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

Are you looking for simple activities for your loved one? Is your loved one in the middle to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s?

String items on a string...you may want to use edible items if you are concerned with being put in the mouth — String items on a string…you may want to use edible items if you are concerned with being put in the mouth

These are a fun ideas you may want to try:

Folding—while you are doing laundry, ask to help you fold washcloths and socks. If they are able to do more advanced folding, that’s also great. Even if you have to redo these tasks, thank them and praise them.
Stringing—take a handful of cheerios, fruit loops, etc. and ask your loved one to slide these on the screen. Then you can either save them for Christmas {if it’s near} or put out for the birds to feed on.
Sorting—gather a collection of buttons, rocks, spoons and forks, bottle caps, etc. and ask to sort these items. One reminder is to make sure they do not place these smaller items in the mouth.
Coloring—working with dementia patients, I discovered they love to color
Play Dough—allow them to make something out of play dough or even clay. This is a great activity for their hands.
Name that….—whether you have a stack of pictures of Presidents, family members, friends or celebrities, you can play
Cut out coupons, pictures, or scriptures. You may want to considerable child’s scissors.

“Name that Person” and ask to name. If the loved one doesn’t know, give them gentle hints and prompts.
Dolls—you can cut out and color paper dolls, or find a doll or stuffed animal your loved one can hold and cuddle. We did this with one lady and just holding a doll helped her anxiety.
Play Cards or Games—pick activities and games your loved one will enjoy playing and be able to follow and understand
Roll a Ball of Yarn—take a ball of yarn and let your loved one roll it up into a ball
Cut out pictures—give a magazine and ask your loved one to cut out pictures for you

Bonus Idea: What in the bag?—put a collection of various items in a bag and pull one out at a time. Allow your loved one to touch and feel and tell you what the item is.

Join the Conversation: What other activities have you tried?

Caregiving Monday: 10 Things to Never Say to an Alzheimer’s Patient

Posted on July 28, 2014August 24, 2016 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

Having a conversation with an Alzheimer’s Patient can be very frustrating at times. Often they do not have the ability to carry on a conversation, do not remember what you are discussing or cannot find the proper word they are searching for.

However, there are some things we should never say to an Alzheimer’s patient.

I know you remember—they honestly don’t remember; instead reminisce with them, you could say “the address was 10” and see if they can finish the address
I know you can do this—allow them to try, but if they can’t then don’t force them
You could just do this if you would try–they want to but are not able
You’re stupid, lazy, dumb, etc.—they honestly have no idea how to do what you ask; that cognitive ability is gone
You’re wrong—even if they are there is no need to stress them out or argue with them
That person is dead—unless specifically asked I never told; instead use therapeutic lies “they are not here right now, etc”
Don’t bring up any subject that might upset or anger them
Why can’t you remember—again reminisce; don’t make them feel bad
Don’t you remember when you used to…; don’t you remember Uncle “so and so”—they don’t; maybe ask “Was it Uncle Arthur that drowned in the fishing hole?” and then see if they remember
Well you can do it if you’d only try—sometimes they can do it if they’d try, but often they just don’t have the cognitive ability

What else would you never say to an Alzheimer’s patient?

Tweetables:

10 Things to Never Say to an Alzheimer’s Patient

Caregiving Monday: 5 Activities You Can Do to Keep Your Loved One Active with Alzheimer’s

Posted on July 7, 2014August 24, 2016 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

Do you struggle with finding activities for your dementia patient? Often it is difficult to find activities they are able to do or to keep their interest for long. None of these activities have to be very long, but are a couple of ideas of activities to help keep the brain active and interacted.

Music is always great. It soothes the soul and reaches into the recesses of the mind where other avenues may not be able to reach. Put on a CD with your loved one’s favorite music or sing along with them. Even if all they remember are songs you learned as a child, this is a great device to keep them active. Depending on their capabilities you can add activity to the music such as tossing a balloon, using scarves, using instruments, etc.
Puzzles are a great way to keep the mind active. This can be a physical puzzle, cross word puzzle or Sudko {depending on the person’s interest}. Depending on the individual’s capabilities even easy puzzles designed for toddlers are worth the effort.
Picture books are a great way to help a person remember family, friends, and places. You can help them flip through the picture book and ask who that person in. Begin to talk about memories of that person or place and allow your loved on to fill in some of the blanks.
For more advanced cases of dementia when they are limited in their ability, ask to help you fold washcloths and socks. Even if you have to refold them, at least you are making the person feel useful. Please wait until you’re in another room to refold them.
Older people love to dance. Even if they are not physically able to stand up and dance, you can hold their hands and swing your hips. For them this is dancing. They may not want to do this for long but even a short song like Let Me Call You Sweetheart or On Moonlight Bay is a start.

What activities have you done with Alzheimer’s patients?

Tweetables:

5 Activities You Can Do to Keep Your Loved One Active with Alzheimer’s

10 Activities to Engage an Alzheimer’s Patient

Posted on March 15, 2014March 15, 2014 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease that slowly steals our loved one away from us. By the time the disease has run its course, our loved one can become completely incapacitated. By engaging the patient and allowing them to participate in activities, we are attempting offsetting the movement of this disease.

When endeavoring to engage the patient in these activities, make sure that the exercise is within the capability of the patient. You want this to be something that is as fail proof as possible.

Music—music is very therapeutic for most people. Choose music your loved one enjoys and can relate to. This may be a specific style or specific songs that have a special meaning. While the patient is listening to the music you could introduce movement activities such as dance, play instruments, sing or exercise. {Depending on the patient’s capability}.
Puzzle—puzzles are a great way to keep the mind engaged. Depending on the capability of the patient will depend on the complexity of a puzzle. Just remember that even a simple child’s puzzle is a great activity.
Pictures and Memory Books—using pictures of special places, events and people in the patient’s life is a great way to help the patient to remember and connect. You never know what memories may surface.
Reading—reading is a great way to engage the patient. If the patient is willing to read to you, this is a wonderful outlet for them. However, don’t forget that you could also read out loud to the patient. Stop and ask questions throughout the story make sure they understand the storyline.
Crossword Puzzles—Crossword puzzles, Sudoku and other similar games are a great activity to engage the patient. Allow them to do as much as possible and gently prod when and as necessary.
Old Hobbies—did your loved one enjoy knitting, crafting, cooking, singing, gardening or another hobby? Incorporating these activities into the patient’s day is a great way to keep them active. Depending on their capability you may have to make adjustments to meet their current needs. {Ex. Bring in a pot and allow your loved one to plant into the pot.}
Draw or coloring books—drawing or coloring in coloring books are great utilities to keep the patient active and engaged. You can discuss what they are drawing or coloring and relate it to various memories.
Play ball—using a balloon or soft ball you can toss the object back and forth. Maybe with each pass of the ball ask a question {ex. What is your favorite hobby, what is your favorite color, etc.}
Shuffle a prayer or poem—write out a prayer {ex. Lord’s Prayer}, favorite scripture or poem and print it out in large type. Then cut this into pieces {ex. Our Father; who art in heaven; etc}. Have your loved one put the verse back together.
Pets—pets are very therapeutic for many people. Spending time and playing with a family or neighbor dog is a great activity. Remember to take into consideration how the patient reacts to animals and/or any allergies.

When introducing an activity, decide the best time of day for the patient. When is your loved one at his/her best or have the most energy? In closing, I want to encourage you not to grow discouraged. If one activity doesn’t work, another may. The best way to know what is a success is through trial and error.

What activity works best with your loved one?