by Alzheimer's Care at Home | Jan 29, 2015 | Alzheimer's & Communication, Alzheimer's Activities, Alzheimer's Behavioral Problems, Alzheimer's Care at Home, Alzheimer's Care Boca Raton, Alzheimer's Care Resource Center, Alzheimer's Care West Palm Beach, Alzheimer's Caregiver, Dementia, Recommended Reading, Videos, Training & Education
Making Moments Matter With Biography Based Care
The Alzheimer’s Care Resource Center, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, has entered into a partnership with Mara Botonis, the author of When Caring Takes Courage, to adapt her book into DVD format.
When Caring Takes Courage is a compassionate, interactive guide for Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers that offers simple solutions to some of the more common challenges that caregivers face.
The Alzheimer’s Care Resource Center has also been granted the exclusive right to bring Biography Based Care and When Caring Takes Courage to all caregivers in South Florida via their Making Moments Matter™ program. This will allow them to train family caregivers, as well as home health agency personnel, and caregivers working through nurse registries, to utilize Mara’s techniques to improve the quality of life for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Biography Based Care® offers caregivers practical strategies to help them capitalize on their loved one’s current abilities and preferences. It gives context to daily tasks that relate back to the people, places and times in you loved one’s life that are most familiar to them right now. And it provides care in a way that can decrease agitation and promote a sense of well-being and fulfillment for the caregiver and the care receiver.
You can purchase the book here! Be sure to sign-up to receive the latest news from the Alzheimer’s Care Resource Center and updates on the release of the new DVD’s!
by Alzheimer's Care at Home | Oct 26, 2014 | Alzheimer's Caregiver, Caregiver Health
Caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other memory impairment face huge health risks. It’s likely that if you are a caregiver, you’ve heard this before, but WAIT! Before you stop reading, please remember that your health is too important to risk.
I want to get your attention by reminding you that as a caregiver your own mortality and life expectancy is at a greater risk than your loved ones. This isn’t necessarily because you don’t try to take good care of yourself. It’s often because caregivers devote so much time and energy caring for their loved one and their own family, that they simply run out of time to focus on their own needs.
This, coupled with managing the huge toll that stress takes as the disease progresses on your physical and emotional well-being, is not something to be ignored. Remember that study after study has shown that it is irrelevant how old you are, what race you are, or what your socioeconomic status is – you can expect a drastically shortened life expectancy if the stress of caring for your one is not managed.
So what can you do about it? How can you figure out how to manage your own health and stress and still manage to care for your family and your loved one?
First, reach out for help. I know that for some of us this isn’t an easy thing to do. But I promise you, you need to do it. If you live in Palm Beach, Broward, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River or Okeechobee counties in South Florida, call the Alzheimer’s Care Resource Center, a not-for-profit organization that provides a host of programs and services just for Alzheimer’s caregivers, at 877-760-9199. They offer a free Coaching for Caregivers session that you can arrange right away. If you live outside of South Florida, visit your local Alzheimer’s Association’s website or call them directly. They can help you find similar resources in your area.
Second, try to make time between now and the time you meet with a care manager or other professional who will help you create a plan that will actually work for you, to carve out some time each day to take a walk or get some sort of exercise. This is so important to your health and to reduce your stress.
Third, you must sleep. Not in bursts. But a solid 6-8 hours per night. If your loved one is up all night and you are helping them, you will never get the sleep you need to stay healthy and be an effective caregiver during the day. Consider asking other family members to give you time to sleep by providing you with respite relief. Or contact a nurse registry to help you find affordable private duty care.
In South Florida we recommend ElderCare at Home. Some of their referred caregivers who specialize in Alzheimer’s disease, charge as little as $13.50 per hour. You can reach them at 888-285-0963. Outside of South Florida, call your local Area Agency on Aging for referrals to affordable home care providers.
Fourth, you must eat right. Even if this is easier said than done, you can try throwing some vegetables and meat into a crock pot to reduce your time in the kitchen. Most grocery stores offer pre-made meals that if paired correctly, will offer a healthy and quick alternative to a drive-through fast food joint. Take advantage and learn to say “yes, thank you”, to friends or neighbors who offer to bring in meals, run to the store or cook for you.
Fifth, see number one. Reach out today. You are so important to the person you care for. They need you. Your family needs you. There are some wonderful professionals in our South Florida community, and in other communities throughout this country who can guide you, support you, and help you create a healthy plan that works best for you!
by Alzheimer's Care at Home | Oct 7, 2014 | Alzheimer's Caregiver, Caregiver Support
When Roles and Relationships Change Due to Alzheimer’s Disease
Changes in relationships with the person with Alzheimer’s, family members and friends are quite normal, yet can be difficult to understand. You may find yourself taking on a new role in your relationship as the person’s memory declines.
He or she may no longer be able to perform certain tasks, such as balancing a checkbook, doing taxes, handling financial and legal matters or doing certain household chores. Making important decisions on your own may feel overwhelming.
To be prepared for this role, you may need to turn to family, friends, professionals or community resources for assistance.
You may feel socially isolated because your family and friends have pulled back from your relationship or you have little time to spend with them. Your family and friends may hesitate to spend time with you and the person with Alzheimer’s disease because they worry about not knowing what to do or say.
Take the initiative to contact family and friends and explain that while Alzheimer’s disease has changed your lives in some ways, you value their friendship and support.
It’s important that you have a strong support network as you provide care for your loved one.
by Alzheimer's Care at Home | Sep 17, 2014 | Alzheimer's Care at Home, Alzheimer's Caregiver, Caregiver Health
Being a Healthy Caregiver
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease take a tremendous amount of emotional and physical strength. You may be so overwhelmed by taking care of your loved one that you have neglected your own well-being.
If you find yourself without the time to take care of your own needs, you may be putting yourself and your health at risk.
Be sure to visit your physician regularly, and listen to what your body is telling you. Any exhaustion, stress, sleeplessness or changes in appetite or behavior should be taken seriously. Ignoring these symptoms can cause your physical and mental health to decline.
Studies show that almost one-third of Alzheimer’s caregivers get less exercise than they did before taking on caregiving duties. It’s important to keep your mind and your body in shape.
Get moving! Getting enough exercise is important for you and your loved one. You can get a quick workout and involve the person with dementia at the same time. There are plenty of ways you can both be active:
- Take a walk together outside to enjoy the fresh air
- Go to your favorite mall and take a stroll indoors
- Do seated exercises at home
- Dance together to favorite music
- Garden or do other routine activities that you both enjoy
For more information on Alzheimer’s and dementia care in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton or Palm Beach Gardens, call 561-588-4545
by Alzheimer's Care at Home | Aug 25, 2014 | Alzheimer's Caregiver, Caregiver Support, Caring for the Caregiver
When someone you love is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it’s important to recognize that Alzheimer’s will affect the whole family, and in particular, you, the primary caregiver.
Here are 17 things caregivers can do when their loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease:
- Get help as soon as possible. Call the Alzheimer’s Care Resource Center for a free consultation with an experienced Alzheimer’s Care Manager or Registered Nurse Consultant at 561-588-4545
- Seek adult daycare services.
- Take care of yourself
- Recognize that caring for someone with Alzheimer’s exacts a toll.
- Do your best to avoid conflict.
- Keep a journal. It’s a good place to describe feelings and record memories.
- Create a Storybook or Heritage Book of your loved one’s life.
- Attend a support group or seek online counseling and guidance.
- Plan ahead.
- Read.
- Laugh. Keep your sense of humor.
- Take time for yourself. Utilize respite services.
- Don’t sweat the small stuff.
- Appreciate the small stuff.
- Remember that you are going through a grieving process.
- Breathe deeply.
- Don’t give up doing the things you enjoy.
by Alzheimer's Care at Home | May 20, 2014 | Alzheimer's Care at Home, Alzheimer's Care West Palm Beach, Alzheimer's Caregiver
Tips for Alzheimers’ Caregivers
Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease at home is a difficult task and can become overwhelming at times. Each day brings new challenges as the caregiver copes with changing levels of ability and new patterns of behavior. Research has shown that caregivers themselves often are at increased risk for depression and illness, especially if they do not receive adequate support from family, friends, and the community.
One of the biggest struggles caregivers face is dealing with the difficult behaviors of the person they are caring for. Dressing, bathing, eating—basic activities of daily living—often become difficult to manage for both the person with Alzheimer’s and the caregiver.
Having a plan for getting through the day can help caregivers cope. Many caregivers have found it helpful to use strategies for dealing with difficult behaviors and stressful situations. Through trial and error you will find that some of the following tips work, while others do not. Each person with Alzheimer’s is unique and will respond differently, and each person changes over the course of the disease. Do the best you can, and remind yourself to take breaks.
Dealing with the Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
- Finding out that a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease can be stressful, frightening, and overwhelming. As you begin to take stock of the situation, here are some tips that may help:
- Ask the doctor any questions you have about Alzheimer’s disease. Find out what treatments might work best to alleviate symptoms or address behavior problems.
- Contact organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Care Resource Center, Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center for more information about the disease, treatment options, and caregiving resources. Some community groups may offer classes to teach caregiving, problem-solving, and management skills.
- Find a support group where you can share your feelings and concerns. Members of support groups often have helpful ideas or know of useful resources based on their own experiences. Online support groups make it possible for caregivers to receive support without having to leave home. The Alzheimer’s Association and other organizations sponsor support groups.
- Study your day to see if you can develop a routine that makes things go more smoothly. If there are times of day when the person with Alzheimer’s is less confused or more cooperative, plan your routine to make the most of those moments. Keep in mind that the way the person functions may change from day to day, so try to be flexible and adapt your routine as needed.
- Consider using adult day care or respite services to ease the day-to-day demands of caregiving. These services allow you to have a break while knowing that the person with Alzheimer’s is being well cared for.
- Begin to plan for the future. This may include getting financial and legal documents in order, investigating long-term care options, and determining what services are covered by health insurance and Medicare.
Tips for Alzheimer’s Communication
Trying to communicate with a person who has Alzheimer’s disease can be a challenge. Both understanding and being understood may be difficult.
- Choose simple words and short sentences and use a gentle, calm tone of voice.
- Avoid talking to the person with Alzheimer’s like a baby or talking about the person as if he or she weren’t there.
- Minimize distractions and noise—such as the television or radio—to help the person focus on what you are saying.
- Make eye contact and call the person by name, making sure you have his or her attention before speaking.
- Allow enough time for a response. Be careful not to interrupt.
- If the person with Alzheimer’s is struggling to find a word or communicate a thought, gently try to provide the word he or she is looking for.
- Try to frame questions and instructions in a positive way.
- Be open to the person’s concerns, even if he or she is hard to understand.
