I apologize for neglecting this blog. Life just
got in the way. I hope you understand.
I just wanted to wish you a good 2008.
Reach out for all the help available to you.
In your community, your network of friends
and all the helpful websites and forums you
will find online.
And, please take care of yourself.
Happy New Year...
-Karen
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Monday, October 1, 2007
Alzheimer's Disease: Behavior Problems
Behavior problems in Alzheimer patients
is often said to be the most distressing to
family members or caregivers.
We must remember. The brain is damaged.
The patient cannot make sense or use logic
to what they see and hear. Scary, right?
The patient has no control over what they
are doing. They can't prevent themselves
from doing or saying things they would have
never done when their brains were healthy.
Truly, I believe Alzheimer's disease to be
the most devastating illness for the patient,
the family members and the caregivers.
Every patient is different. Symptoms one
may experience may never occur to another.
For family members and caregivers, some
suggestions would be:
1. Learn everything you can about the dementing
illness. We can't begin to understand anything if
we just don't know about it. This understanding
of the dementing illness will help us cope.
2. Talk to the patient if the illness is mild to
moderate. You'll both be able to share your feelings,
memories and concerns for the future.
3. Solve problems one at a time. Choose one thing
that has you in turmoil and make little changes
until you see a difference. Everything can't be
conquered at once.
4. Rest. The caregiver must have respite care. They
have to take care of themselves. It's been reported
that chronic caregiver stress leads to a shortened
life span for the caregiver. Serious stuff!
5. Adapt. Always ask yourself, "Is it that big of a deal?"
If the patient wants to do something like sleep in their
clothes, is the frustration of trying to force them into
pj's really worth the stress?
6. Laugh. You must find ways to make what you can
funny. Talk to other caregivers and find the humor in
the situation. The patient needs laughter as well!
If you'd like to learn more about this painful disease,
http://www.clickaudit.com/goto/?66427
Blessings,
Karen
is often said to be the most distressing to
family members or caregivers.
We must remember. The brain is damaged.
The patient cannot make sense or use logic
to what they see and hear. Scary, right?
The patient has no control over what they
are doing. They can't prevent themselves
from doing or saying things they would have
never done when their brains were healthy.
Truly, I believe Alzheimer's disease to be
the most devastating illness for the patient,
the family members and the caregivers.
Every patient is different. Symptoms one
may experience may never occur to another.
For family members and caregivers, some
suggestions would be:
1. Learn everything you can about the dementing
illness. We can't begin to understand anything if
we just don't know about it. This understanding
of the dementing illness will help us cope.
2. Talk to the patient if the illness is mild to
moderate. You'll both be able to share your feelings,
memories and concerns for the future.
3. Solve problems one at a time. Choose one thing
that has you in turmoil and make little changes
until you see a difference. Everything can't be
conquered at once.
4. Rest. The caregiver must have respite care. They
have to take care of themselves. It's been reported
that chronic caregiver stress leads to a shortened
life span for the caregiver. Serious stuff!
5. Adapt. Always ask yourself, "Is it that big of a deal?"
If the patient wants to do something like sleep in their
clothes, is the frustration of trying to force them into
pj's really worth the stress?
6. Laugh. You must find ways to make what you can
funny. Talk to other caregivers and find the humor in
the situation. The patient needs laughter as well!
If you'd like to learn more about this painful disease,
http://www.clickaudit.com/goto/?66427
Blessings,
Karen
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Is It Alzheimer's Disease?
You noticed changes in a loved one and you
wonder and worry if it could be Alzheimer's
Disease.
**Things To Watch For In Behavioral Changes**
1. onset of depression
2. not able to finish projects
3. can't continue to be responsible at work,
family matters or in the community
4. outbreaks of unreasonable rage
5. being hostile for no good reason
6. telling stories of people doing terrible things
7. growing fearful and suspicious of others
8. not be able to follow through on thoughts
9. abusing alcohol
10. unable to process "logic"
These are just guidelines. Taken by themselves,
it could mean many different things. Everyone
is different.
However, is you notice many of the above changes
in your loved one's behavior, it's time to seek
professional help.
Take care,
Karen
wonder and worry if it could be Alzheimer's
Disease.
**Things To Watch For In Behavioral Changes**
1. onset of depression
2. not able to finish projects
3. can't continue to be responsible at work,
family matters or in the community
4. outbreaks of unreasonable rage
5. being hostile for no good reason
6. telling stories of people doing terrible things
7. growing fearful and suspicious of others
8. not be able to follow through on thoughts
9. abusing alcohol
10. unable to process "logic"
These are just guidelines. Taken by themselves,
it could mean many different things. Everyone
is different.
However, is you notice many of the above changes
in your loved one's behavior, it's time to seek
professional help.
Take care,
Karen
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Alzheimer's Patients: How To Help The Caregiver
Being a caregiver is emotionally draining.
Caring for an Alzheimer's patient, even
more so.
If you're a friend or family member of a
caregiver, you probably have said many
times..."If there's anything I can do to help,
just let me know."
And that's wonderful! But...did your friend
ever take you up on that? Most don't. It's
not because they don't need the help. They do!
First, it's hard for many people to come right
out and ask for help. Many caregivers have the
attitude that they can do it all alone. Of course,
that is sliding down that old slippery slope.
So if you really mean it when you say, "Call
me if you need anything."---I'll give you some
tips that will make it easier for the over-burdened
caregiver to accept your valuable help.
***Tips To Being A Caregiver's Best Friend***
1. If you're going to the grocery store, call your
friend and say, "I'm heading out for groceries.
Is there anything you need that I can pick up
for you?"
2. Same as with drugstores and pharmacies...
3. "I have to go to the dry-cleaners today. Is there
anything I can drop off for you?"
4. "I have some hours to spare. How about I come
by and you can go and do something you'd like
to do?"
5. If the caregiver has dogs that need walking, offer
to take them for a run.
Getting the idea? If you offer concrete suggestions,
you are being a real friend. It makes the caregiver
feel better about accepting your generosity. Of course,
you may have to go over and revive them. The sheer
delight may cause them to pass out!
Thanks for being a good friend,
~~Karen
Caring for an Alzheimer's patient, even
more so.
If you're a friend or family member of a
caregiver, you probably have said many
times..."If there's anything I can do to help,
just let me know."
And that's wonderful! But...did your friend
ever take you up on that? Most don't. It's
not because they don't need the help. They do!
First, it's hard for many people to come right
out and ask for help. Many caregivers have the
attitude that they can do it all alone. Of course,
that is sliding down that old slippery slope.
So if you really mean it when you say, "Call
me if you need anything."---I'll give you some
tips that will make it easier for the over-burdened
caregiver to accept your valuable help.
***Tips To Being A Caregiver's Best Friend***
1. If you're going to the grocery store, call your
friend and say, "I'm heading out for groceries.
Is there anything you need that I can pick up
for you?"
2. Same as with drugstores and pharmacies...
3. "I have to go to the dry-cleaners today. Is there
anything I can drop off for you?"
4. "I have some hours to spare. How about I come
by and you can go and do something you'd like
to do?"
5. If the caregiver has dogs that need walking, offer
to take them for a run.
Getting the idea? If you offer concrete suggestions,
you are being a real friend. It makes the caregiver
feel better about accepting your generosity. Of course,
you may have to go over and revive them. The sheer
delight may cause them to pass out!
Thanks for being a good friend,
~~Karen
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