The Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging brings us this video on "The Paradox of Alzheimers Caregiving." Staying connected while letting go at the same time are subjects caregivers struggle with daily. The video features Sandy Braff, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. This excellent video is 45 minutes long and provides in-depth information about coping, finding support, what to expect, and understanding your loved one's behavior if you are an Alzheimer's caregiver.
Showing posts with label Alzheimers caregivers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alzheimers caregivers. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Safe Caregiving and Home Health Equipment - 5 Items That Can Make a Difference
These five pieces of home health equipment can make a big difference for people with mobility challenges and for their caregivers. Of course, before using them consult with your doctor to see if they are appropriate for the condition.
1. LIGHTER WEIGHT WHEELCHAIRS - Lighter than the 40 or 50 pound heavy wheelchairs, these are easier for a caregiver to lift into and out of a car, helping to avoid caregiver injuries.
Search the internet and you'll see there are wheelchairs weighing closer to 30 pounds or even less. There are ultralight weight folding wheelchairs with removable backs and legs. When you take them apart it only takes a few seconds and is easier to lift. They are also easier to push either by a caregiver or by self-propulsion.
They are often more expensive, but used wheelchairs or demos can be found.
2. ROLLATOR WALKERS WITH SEATS - Taking a walk around the neighborhood or into a store can be tiring and a walker with a seat provides an emergency resting place. The rollator type walkers have handbreaks and wheels on all four legs. To fold them up, you pull up the seat, and then push or pull a button on each side to fold the legs in.
3. SHOWER CHAIRS WITH LEGS ADJUSTED TO A COMFORTABLE HEIGHT - Getting up from a low chair is one of the difficulties faced by people with mobility challenges. Assisting with a manual lift can be difficult for a caregiver too. The plastic shower chairs have adjustable legs. If you raise the chair to a height that is easier for the person to rise from this can make it less of a struggle to get up. It will be safer for the caregiver as well if there is less lifting.
4. RAISED TOILET SEATS WITH SIDERAILS - Again, rising from a low area, such as a regular commode, can be difficult for people who are frail, who have arthritis in the knees, or who have difficulties with their hips or backs. Caregivers can help save themselves from lifting injuries if the person they assist has higher seating and can get up more easily.
5. BEDSIDE COMMODE - Visits to the restroom in the middle of the night, especially, can be difficult or risky when people are sleepy and might feel wobbly on their feet. Avoiding a fall is always important.
Many people feel the need to visit the commode several times a night. A bedside commode makes this safer by reducing fall risk. Also, it can be safer for the caregiver who is doing a transfer assist or ambulation assist. Again, the commode legs can be adjusted so the person does not have to struggle to rise from a low position.
1. LIGHTER WEIGHT WHEELCHAIRS - Lighter than the 40 or 50 pound heavy wheelchairs, these are easier for a caregiver to lift into and out of a car, helping to avoid caregiver injuries.
Search the internet and you'll see there are wheelchairs weighing closer to 30 pounds or even less. There are ultralight weight folding wheelchairs with removable backs and legs. When you take them apart it only takes a few seconds and is easier to lift. They are also easier to push either by a caregiver or by self-propulsion.
They are often more expensive, but used wheelchairs or demos can be found.
2. ROLLATOR WALKERS WITH SEATS - Taking a walk around the neighborhood or into a store can be tiring and a walker with a seat provides an emergency resting place. The rollator type walkers have handbreaks and wheels on all four legs. To fold them up, you pull up the seat, and then push or pull a button on each side to fold the legs in.
3. SHOWER CHAIRS WITH LEGS ADJUSTED TO A COMFORTABLE HEIGHT - Getting up from a low chair is one of the difficulties faced by people with mobility challenges. Assisting with a manual lift can be difficult for a caregiver too. The plastic shower chairs have adjustable legs. If you raise the chair to a height that is easier for the person to rise from this can make it less of a struggle to get up. It will be safer for the caregiver as well if there is less lifting.
4. RAISED TOILET SEATS WITH SIDERAILS - Again, rising from a low area, such as a regular commode, can be difficult for people who are frail, who have arthritis in the knees, or who have difficulties with their hips or backs. Caregivers can help save themselves from lifting injuries if the person they assist has higher seating and can get up more easily.
5. BEDSIDE COMMODE - Visits to the restroom in the middle of the night, especially, can be difficult or risky when people are sleepy and might feel wobbly on their feet. Avoiding a fall is always important.
Many people feel the need to visit the commode several times a night. A bedside commode makes this safer by reducing fall risk. Also, it can be safer for the caregiver who is doing a transfer assist or ambulation assist. Again, the commode legs can be adjusted so the person does not have to struggle to rise from a low position.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Alzheimer's Quality of Life - Ten Caregiver's Tips
Ten tips for creating the best quality of life for your loved one who has Alzheimer's are offered below. Not only can these tips help an Alzheimer's sufferer to have a better day, but it will help you, as the caregiver, to enjoy your day too.
1. ROUTINE. Establish a regular routine so a daily schedule is followed. If meals, bedtime, and exercising are at regular times confusion and frustration will be decreased.
2. PAIN CONTROL. Alzheimer's sufferers may not be able to communicate or verbalize when they are in pain. Chronic arthritis and other sources of pain need to be addressed by treatment from a medical doctor.
3. MEALS THAT APPEAL. Knowing the foods and cooking styles that the person always enjoyed will help the caregiver prepare favorite foods that will be willingly consumed as well as enjoyed. It makes a big difference in terms of enjoyment and consuming a balanced diet.
4. RESTING COMFORTABLY. Positioning someone who has chronic pain and stiffness from arthritis, joint replacements and other sources is an art. For example, someone sitting in an easy chair with a footstool may feel more comfortable with pillows behind the back and neck, under the arms on the armrests, and/or under the knees on the footstool. Experiment with extra body pillows for comfort in bed to enable a good night's rest.
5. EXERCISE. A regular daily exercise schedule might include a variety of physical therapy and range of motion exercises. The physical therapist can show the caregiver how to assist and provide illustrations of the exercises. Exercise relieves stiffness, pain and stress among other things, and may help to calm agitation.
6. LEAVING THE HOUSE FOR OUTINGS - Plan and prepare ahead because often at the last minute the person suffering from Alzheimer's will think of more things that need to be done before leaving. If you prepare everything, then rest for a half hour or so before actually leaving, this breaks up the flow of activity and allows time to relax before leaving.
7. AVOID CAREGIVER BURN-OUT. Having caregiver relief lets the caregiver have some time out when he or she is not assisting someone or poised to do so. The stress level can become chronic for caregivers and finding a way for relief is critical.
8. ROTATE CAREGIVERS. Each person offers a different specialty and personality. Rotating caregivers can give the Alzheimer's sufferer a change of pace, and relief from boredom. It's important to have good caregiver notes so when the caregivers rotate they can follow the same routine.
9. ACTIVITIES. Finding ways to spend quality time day after day is one of the biggest challenges. Adding a variety of activities will make the day have quality time for the Alzheimer's sufferer, and for the caregiver. Arts and crafts, conversation and visiting, container gardening, puzzles, movies, outings, cooking, and other interests can make a dull day into a good day. Frustration and wandering may be decreased by focusing on involvement with activities.
10. TRAINING CAREGIVERS. Studies have proven that a trained caregiver experiences less stress and is more able to provide quality assistance. Caregivers can contact the Alzheimers Association or the American Foundation for Alzheimers in order to receive training and to join a support group.
1. ROUTINE. Establish a regular routine so a daily schedule is followed. If meals, bedtime, and exercising are at regular times confusion and frustration will be decreased.
2. PAIN CONTROL. Alzheimer's sufferers may not be able to communicate or verbalize when they are in pain. Chronic arthritis and other sources of pain need to be addressed by treatment from a medical doctor.
3. MEALS THAT APPEAL. Knowing the foods and cooking styles that the person always enjoyed will help the caregiver prepare favorite foods that will be willingly consumed as well as enjoyed. It makes a big difference in terms of enjoyment and consuming a balanced diet.
4. RESTING COMFORTABLY. Positioning someone who has chronic pain and stiffness from arthritis, joint replacements and other sources is an art. For example, someone sitting in an easy chair with a footstool may feel more comfortable with pillows behind the back and neck, under the arms on the armrests, and/or under the knees on the footstool. Experiment with extra body pillows for comfort in bed to enable a good night's rest.
5. EXERCISE. A regular daily exercise schedule might include a variety of physical therapy and range of motion exercises. The physical therapist can show the caregiver how to assist and provide illustrations of the exercises. Exercise relieves stiffness, pain and stress among other things, and may help to calm agitation.
6. LEAVING THE HOUSE FOR OUTINGS - Plan and prepare ahead because often at the last minute the person suffering from Alzheimer's will think of more things that need to be done before leaving. If you prepare everything, then rest for a half hour or so before actually leaving, this breaks up the flow of activity and allows time to relax before leaving.
7. AVOID CAREGIVER BURN-OUT. Having caregiver relief lets the caregiver have some time out when he or she is not assisting someone or poised to do so. The stress level can become chronic for caregivers and finding a way for relief is critical.
8. ROTATE CAREGIVERS. Each person offers a different specialty and personality. Rotating caregivers can give the Alzheimer's sufferer a change of pace, and relief from boredom. It's important to have good caregiver notes so when the caregivers rotate they can follow the same routine.
9. ACTIVITIES. Finding ways to spend quality time day after day is one of the biggest challenges. Adding a variety of activities will make the day have quality time for the Alzheimer's sufferer, and for the caregiver. Arts and crafts, conversation and visiting, container gardening, puzzles, movies, outings, cooking, and other interests can make a dull day into a good day. Frustration and wandering may be decreased by focusing on involvement with activities.
10. TRAINING CAREGIVERS. Studies have proven that a trained caregiver experiences less stress and is more able to provide quality assistance. Caregivers can contact the Alzheimers Association or the American Foundation for Alzheimers in order to receive training and to join a support group.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
AlzheimersWeekly.com Caregiver Boards - "How to Dance in the Rain"
At AlzheimersWeekly.com forum moderator Ann writes on 12-23-07, "Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain." She relates a forwarded story about a man who kept going to the nursing home every morning to visit his wife, even though she didn't know who he was anymore. The point was that HE knew who SHE was, and true love never dies.
No longer do Alzheimers caregivers need to try to cope alone, now that they can connect online with others in the same situation. Recently a forum member at AlzheimersWeekly.com discussed coping with an alzheimers sufferer who keeps asking the same questions, saying "I am always calm and gently answer but my insides are churning and I wonder how many days, weeks, months , years I can continue this." The forum members offered their suggestions and plenty of good ideas.
AlzheimersWeekly.com offers "support and insight for the Autumn of life" and includes news articles, groups, forums, and a wealth of resources. The caregiver boards even offer a section for "Poems and Musings."
No longer do Alzheimers caregivers need to try to cope alone, now that they can connect online with others in the same situation. Recently a forum member at AlzheimersWeekly.com discussed coping with an alzheimers sufferer who keeps asking the same questions, saying "I am always calm and gently answer but my insides are churning and I wonder how many days, weeks, months , years I can continue this." The forum members offered their suggestions and plenty of good ideas.
AlzheimersWeekly.com offers "support and insight for the Autumn of life" and includes news articles, groups, forums, and a wealth of resources. The caregiver boards even offer a section for "Poems and Musings."
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research - Says "Interact With The Afflicted Person Within His or Her Own Frame of Reference"
The Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation, directed by Nobel Laureate Dr. Paul Greengard at The Rockefeller University, says "interact with the afflicted person within his or her own frame of reference for the world, even if it has little to do with reality." Different stages of Alzheimer's or Dementia require different approaches to interaction and communication.
When I was working at a skilled nursing facility that specialized in Alzheimers and Dementia there were three main sections in the building for the residents. Each wing was for residents at a different stage. The style of communicating was according to the stage of their illness.
(1) Early Stage. One wing had residents in the early stages of Alzheimer's or Dementia, who might be forgetful or confused sometimes, but still recognized people and places much of the time. Part of the time they might seem as if there was nothing wrong with the way the brain was functioning, and then part of the time some confusion or forgetfulness would occur.
People in the earliest stages might still be gently cued or prompted to bring them back to our usual reality when they became confused. If this did not seem to work, or it caused agitation, then we would just go with their reality.
(2) Mid-Stage. A second wing had people in the mid-stage of Alzheimer's or Dementia. In a way, this was the most challenging wing for the staff. One moment someone might be completely lucid, and perhaps later in the day, when fatigue or sundowners began, the person might be in another world.
For example, there was one resident who would be fine in the morning, but in the late afternoon she would ask for some dressy clothing, her fancy hat and a dress purse. She would want to get ready to put on her fanciest outfit to get on a plane later for "the trip."
We might say something like "OK, but let's just eat dinner first, before you go, then we'll get ready." Moment by moment the reality changes and after dinner everything would be different again.
The residents in the mid-stage wing were sometimes agitated or combative, and we learned to relate to them in their own reality, not to argue or contradict.
(3) Advanced Stage. The third wing had residents who were in advanced Alzheimer's or Dementia. They usually had severe difficulty with the ability to speak, to perform simple tasks of the activities of daily living, and to walk.
However, some could walk very well, but had severe sundowners and agitation. When they were in a sundowners episode they might walk and walk. Up and down, and all around the halls of the facility they would go, which was locked to protect them from wandering outside and getting lost.
We learned to determine what the person's reality was, and to speak and interact with each unique person by referring to his or her reality.
When I was working at a skilled nursing facility that specialized in Alzheimers and Dementia there were three main sections in the building for the residents. Each wing was for residents at a different stage. The style of communicating was according to the stage of their illness.
(1) Early Stage. One wing had residents in the early stages of Alzheimer's or Dementia, who might be forgetful or confused sometimes, but still recognized people and places much of the time. Part of the time they might seem as if there was nothing wrong with the way the brain was functioning, and then part of the time some confusion or forgetfulness would occur.
People in the earliest stages might still be gently cued or prompted to bring them back to our usual reality when they became confused. If this did not seem to work, or it caused agitation, then we would just go with their reality.
(2) Mid-Stage. A second wing had people in the mid-stage of Alzheimer's or Dementia. In a way, this was the most challenging wing for the staff. One moment someone might be completely lucid, and perhaps later in the day, when fatigue or sundowners began, the person might be in another world.
For example, there was one resident who would be fine in the morning, but in the late afternoon she would ask for some dressy clothing, her fancy hat and a dress purse. She would want to get ready to put on her fanciest outfit to get on a plane later for "the trip."
We might say something like "OK, but let's just eat dinner first, before you go, then we'll get ready." Moment by moment the reality changes and after dinner everything would be different again.
The residents in the mid-stage wing were sometimes agitated or combative, and we learned to relate to them in their own reality, not to argue or contradict.
(3) Advanced Stage. The third wing had residents who were in advanced Alzheimer's or Dementia. They usually had severe difficulty with the ability to speak, to perform simple tasks of the activities of daily living, and to walk.
However, some could walk very well, but had severe sundowners and agitation. When they were in a sundowners episode they might walk and walk. Up and down, and all around the halls of the facility they would go, which was locked to protect them from wandering outside and getting lost.
We learned to determine what the person's reality was, and to speak and interact with each unique person by referring to his or her reality.
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