Tag: caregiving

Christmas and Alzheimer’s

Christmas and Alzheimer’s

Posted on by trinitychristianlifecoaching

I have one resident that says “Merry Christmas” every morning. Merry Christmas

Christmas is a special time and no one wants to be alone for the holiday.

However, we have to remember that the holiday can be overwhelming for those with Alzheimer’s.

Just make it simple.  Don’t overwhelm your loved one.

Carefully observe your loved one and if they are overwhelmed or tired, allow them the time to rest.

Understand that while your celebration may not be over, the time may come for your loved one to make an early exit.

How do you make Christmas special for your loved one?

12 Christmas ideas for the elderly

12 Christmas ideas for the elderly

Posted on by trinitychristianlifecoaching

Often it is difficult to know what to buy senior adults for Christmas.

Some suggestions include:christmas

  1. Socks
  2. Clothing
  3. Night clothes
  4. Robe and slippers
  5. Lotion
  6. Baby powder
  7. Kleenex
  8. Stamps
  9. Calendar with family pictures
  10. Blankets or throws
  11. Gift certificate for grocery store or favorite restaurant
  12. Family pictures {frames, blanket, pillow, coffee mug, etc}

Often the best gift is just time with those they love.

What do you give your elderly loved one for Christmas?

How Alzheimer’s changes people

How Alzheimer’s changes people

Posted on by trinitychristianlifecoaching

Alzheimer’s changes people.  The person we love is slowly slipping away before us.

Dementia changes the behavior of our loved ones
Dementia changes the behavior of our loved ones

Often people with Alzheimer’s will do or say things they may never have done before the disease.

For example, I had one lady whom her family said never cussed before she had the disease.  However, she will begin cussing at various times now.

Other times interest and taste may change over the course of the disease.

Sadly, the person we knew and loved is slowly disappearing before our eyes into a different person that is dictated by the disease.

How has your loved one changed due to Alzheimer’s?

7 Reasons for Anger in Alzheimer’s

7 Reasons for Anger in Alzheimer’s

Posted on by trinitychristianlifecoaching

Sadly, anger is prevalent at times in those that suffer from Alzheimer’s.

Sometimes this is due to their personality and life issues.  Often, this is because the person knows something is wrong, but can’t find the words to express what is wrong.

Dementia leads to anger in those with the disease
Dementia leads to anger in those with the disease

Some reasons for the anger may include:

  1. Unable to find words to express him/herself
  2. Is bothered by something but can’t express what
  3. Knows something isn’t right but isn’t sure what
  4. Is confused
  5. Is frustrated
  6. Is irritated by limitations {physical and/or mental}
  7. Paranoid of being talked about

Staying calm and helping the resident find ways to express him/herself is the best way to work through these bouts.

What do you do when your loved one expresses anger?

What I learned from People with Alzheimer's

What I learned from People with Alzheimer’s

Posted on by trinitychristianlifecoaching

Spending my days with senior adults, many of them have Alzheimer’s.

So what have I learned from this wonderful group?

Most of it boil down to one fact that is not all that different from the rest of us.  They want to be loved.

People with Alzheimer's aren't that different than the rest of us. They just want to feel loved.
People with Alzheimer’s aren’t that different than the rest of us. They just want to feel loved.

Some examples include:

  • I have one lady that sighs every time a hand is placed on her shoulder.
  • I have another man who constantly says “I love you.”
  • I have a lady that claps her hands when she sees a familiar face.
  • I have another lady who will take your hands and kiss them.
  • I have a lady that is a recluse, but a hand on the shoulder and kind word will elicit a smile

 

These are just some of the common responses I see on a daily basis.  They just want to know they are not forgotten and that someone cares.

We often think that they don’t know when family visits.  However, I’ve seen time again the way a face lights up when family appears.  I’ve also seen the sadness of watching a peer with his/her family.   We may not think so, but they are aware of whether loved ones visit on a regular basis or not.  Again, they know if they are loved and wanted or not.

No, they may not remember who you are and they may have forgotten what you’d just said, but they also know how you make them feel.

10 Types of dementia

10 Types of dementia

Posted on by trinitychristianlifecoaching

We hear the terms dementia and Alzheimer’s, but exactly what do they mean.

There are actually several types of dementia.

First let’s define the term dementia.  It is a general term for a loss of memory or other mental abilities that are severe enough to interfere with day to day life.

So what are the types of dementia?types dementia

  1. Alzhiemer’s disease—most common type of dementia.
  2. Vascular dementia-often occurs after a stroke
  3. Dementia with Lewy bodies—have abnormal aggregations of the protein alphasynuclein
  4. Parkinson’s disease
  5. Mixed dementia—linked to more than one kind of dementia
  6. Frontotemporal dementia
  7. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
  8. Huntington’s Disease—progressive brain disorder
  9. Normal Pressure hydrocephalus
  10. Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome—caused by severe deficiency of vitamin B-1

 

For a more in-depth view of symptoms, causes and treatments check out Alz.org and Alzheimers.net

7 stages of Alzheimer’s

7 stages of Alzheimer’s

Posted on by trinitychristianlifecoaching

There are 7 stages of Alzheimer’s

  1. No impairmentStages of Alz
  2. Minor memory problems, such as losing things
  3. Mild memory and cognitive problems
  4. Poor short term memory
  5. Significant confusion and more help with day to day activities
  6. Need for constant supervision
  7. Nearing death

For more detailed information on these stages check these links at: Alzheimer’s.net and Alzheimer’s.org

10 early warning signs of Alzheimer’s

10 early warning signs of Alzheimer’s

Posted on by trinitychristianlifecoaching

Are you wondering if a loved one has Alzheimer’s?

Some of the early warning signs include:know the signs

  1. Challenges in planning or solving problems
  2. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, work or leisure activities
  3. Memory loss that disrupts day to day life
  4. Problems with speaking and writing words
  5. Confusion with time and place
  6. Trouble understanding visual images, distance and colors and other spatial relationships.
  7. Poor judgement calls
  8. Withdrawal from work or social activities
  9. Misplacing things and the inability to find them
  10. Changes in mood or personality

What other warning signs have you noticed?

Alzheimer’s awareness month

Alzheimer’s awareness month

Posted on by trinitychristianlifecoaching

Alz awarenessNovember is Alzheimer’s Awareness month.

President Ronald Reagan suffered from Alzheimer's disease for a decade
President Ronald Reagan suffered from Alzheimer’s disease for a decade

This was designated by President Ronald Reagan in 1983.  Ironically, President Reagan would go on to battle Alzheimer’s himself in later years.

According to Alzheimer’s.org, less than 2 million Americans had Alzheimer’s in 1983.

Today, more than 5.4 million suffer from the disease.

How have you been effected by Alzheimer’s?

How can you spread the word about Alzheimer’s?

Caregiving Monday: Dealing with Trauma

Caregiving Monday: Dealing with Trauma

Posted on by trinitychristianlifecoaching
The love of family can make a difference
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?

Music has a healing power
Music has a healing power

 

  1. Redirect the patient and see if you can get their mind on something else
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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
    Prayer changes things
  5. Love—sometimes the patient just needs to feel loved and safe
  6. 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.
  7. 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

Caregiving Monday: It’s Not Personal

Posted on 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.missing puzzle

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

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

Posted on 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.

  1. I know you remember—they honestly don’t remember; instead reminisce with them, you could say “the address was 10” and do not ask me to remembersee if they can finish the address
  2. I know you can do this—allow them to try, but if they can’t then don’t force them
  3. You could just do this if you would try–they want to but are not able
  4. You’re stupid, lazy, dumb, etc.—they honestly have no idea how to do what you ask; that cognitive ability is gone
  5. You’re wrong—even if they are there is no need to stress them out or argue with them
  6. That person is dead—unless specifically asked I never told; instead use therapeutic lies “they are not here right now, etc”
  7. Don’t bring up any subject that might upset or anger them
  8. Why can’t you remember—again reminisce; don’t make them feel bad
  9. 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
  10. 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: 10 Ways to Care for the Caregiver

Caregiving Monday: 10 Ways to Care for the Caregiver

Posted on by trinitychristianlifecoaching

walk              Being a caregiver is very exhausting.  When you add these responsibilities on top of work, children and other responsibilities, it is easy to become overwhelmed.  I’ve discovered it is important to care for yourself, because if not you’re not good in caring for your loved one.

Tips to care for yourself are:

  1. Take a walk or exercisemassage
  2. Read a book
  3. See a movie
  4. Go out to eat with friends
  5. Find a hobby or craft  {such as gardening, etc}
  6. Get a massage or medi/pedi
  7. Join a support group {even if it’s online}
  8. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.  Implement a support team.
  9. Keep a journal to write in
  10. Eat right and get plenty of sleep

What do you do to care for yourself as a caregiver?

Tweetables:

10 Ways to Care for the Caregiver 

Caregiving Monday: 10 Tips for Putting a Caregiver Plan in Place

Caregiving Monday: 10 Tips for Putting a Caregiver Plan in Place

Posted on by trinitychristianlifecoaching

Becoming a caregiver can be very overwhelming.  This is especially the case if the shift has been sudden instead of gradual.  Although it’s always best to discuss your parent’s wishes with them long in advance, there are times when that is not possible.  Here are a few tips to help you in putting a caregiving plan in place.

  1. Keep a list of important phone numbers of people to call.  Have one for both you and also a list for your loved one of phone numbers.lifeline
  2. Decide who will make the decisions.  Obtain a Power of Attorney. Even if it is just for medical needs, it is important to have one in place.
  3. Decide who will pay all of the finances and add them to the checking account.  Determine what can and cannot be afforded.  How much {if anything} are you or siblings able to assist financially?
  4. Determine what your loved one’s wishes are for the future as far as a nursing facility, funeral plans and if they want to be buried or cremated.  Go ahead and determine all of this in advance and it will not be as difficult later on.
  5. Obtain or update wills, living will, power of attorney, etc.
  6. If the individual is living alone {or with an older spouse} invest in a lifeline that can be used in case of falls.  If the individual is known to wonder you may want to invest in an electronic tracking device.
  7. Keep a list of the individual’s medicines for any future hospital or Dr visits.  Also determine if you need to prepare the medicine. medicines
  8. Access what your loved one is capable of.  Do they need meals prepared, someone with them at night, help with household and yard duties, are they even able to stay by themselves are all questions you need to take into consideration.  Then plan accordingly.
  9. Have a current picture on hand of your loved one if they have a tendency of running off.  You may also want to look into ID Jewelry.
  10. Investigate any needs to prevent falls.  Do they need handles at doors or in the shower?  A shower chair?  Are they in need of a walker or cane?  Do certain rugs need to be removed?  Determine the best course of action for fall prevention and implement

 

What else have you done to put a caregiver plan in place?

 

Tweetables:

10 Tips for Putting a Caregiver Plan in Place

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

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

Posted on 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.

  1. Music is always great.  It soothes the soul and reaches into the recesses of the mind where other avenues may not be able to elderly dancingreach.  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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.puzzle
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Caregiving Monday: A Rite of Passage

Caregiving Monday: A Rite of Passage

Posted on by trinitychristianlifecoaching

90Friday is a very big day in our family.  GG* will turn 90.  This a huge rite of passage and milestone.

GG has been looking forward to this moment for the past year.  The day after she turned 89, she would tell people “I’ll be 90 in 364 days.” From that time on she has been counting down.

GG is slowing down and I don’t know how many more years she will be with us, but we are going to honor and celebrate this milestone with her while we have the opportunity.  We have a number of events included and surprises for her on this special day.

I’ve discovered that the older an individual becomes, the greater the bragging rights.  As senior adults grow closer to 90 and even 100, the greater the bragging rights they have.  I’ve even sat among a room of senior ladies, who do their best to outbid one another in their age.

“Well, I’m 89 years old and 6 months.”

“I’m 89 and 10 ½ months.”90 years

“I’m 91 years old.”

“I’m 94 years old and 9 months.”

“Well, I’ll be 100 in three days.”

This is just some of the conversation you hear among these senior adults.  I find it very sweet and heartwarming to see how proud they are of their age and the wisdom these individuals extol on the younger population.

Just as turning 16, 21, 25, and 40 were rites of passages for many of us in our younger days, each birthday becomes a rite of passage and bragging rites as you grow older.

What birthday was a rite of passage for you or a loved one?

*Name Altered

Tweetables:

The Rite of Passage for Senior Adults

Bragging Rights for Senior Adults 

Caregiving Monday: The Longest Day

Caregiving Monday: The Longest Day

Posted on by trinitychristianlifecoaching

longest dayJune 21st, is the longest day of the year.  It is also the day that the Alzheimer’s association brings light to this devastating disease.

Their slogan is “Grab your friends.  Do what you love.  Honor those facing Alzheimer’s.”

In essence, they ask that you take this one day, form a team, do something that you love and raise money for Alzheimer’s from sunrise to sunset.

The longest day is this coming Saturday.  One of GG doctors brought this to my attention.  He will be participating in a sport’s camp that day.

Other suggestions are dance, rock climb, hike, cook, swim, craft, music, walk, paint, cycle, garden, card games, theatre, rollerblade,  golf, or combine multiple activities together.  This is an opportunity to put on your creative thinking cap and come up with something you love to do to support this cause.alz

A few facts according to Alzheimer’s organization:

  • Every 67 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s
  • 1 in 3 seniors die with Alzheimer’s or a form of dementia
  • More than 5 million American’s are living with the disease
  • Alzheimer’s is the 6th leading cause of death in the US
  • In 2013, more than 15.5 million caregivers provided unpaid care hours
  • Almost 2/3 of those with Alzheimer’s are women
  • More than 60% of Alzheimer’s/dementia caregivers are women

What will you do to remember those suffering from Alzheimer’s on Saturday?

 

 

Tweetables:

The Longest Day, raising Alzheimer’s Awareness 

Caregiving Monday: When You're Next in Line

Caregiving Monday: When You’re Next in Line

Posted on by trinitychristianlifecoaching

Within the last month, GG* has said goodbye to two of her first cousins.  One of these cousins she was very close to.  For the last year, all the two of them talked about was turning 90.  Their birthdays were only 29 days apart.  Sadly, our cousin died four days before her 90th birthday.            90

Her birthday was a bittersweet day for all of us.  We knew she was better off and no longer in pain, but we missed celebrating this monumental milestone with her.  When her son asked her what she wanted to do for her birthday, she said one word, “Home.” We knew she was at her eternal home and that was where she wanted to be.

sadness        With the loss of both of these cousins, GG said “I’m the oldest now.” What she didn’t verbalize, but hung in the air was the statement “I’m next in line.  I’m next.”

Just as our cousin was ready, we know that GG is ready when the time comes.  However, verbalizing this to ourselves isn’t easy.  The biggest lesson I’ve learned in caregiving, is you can’t sweep things under the carpet.  It’s best to deal with the current situation and accept it, instead of living in denial.

There are days when I am exhausted from caregiving, but I keep reminding myself to love and appreciate this time with GG*.  Her statement rings in my ears from time to time, but I chose to be appreciative for this time we’re together.

What are you thankful for as a caregiver?

 

*Name Altered

Tweetables:

When A Senior Citizen Loses All of Her Friends

The Loss of Friends for Senior Adults