Adapted from the article by Dr. Amy D'Aprix
Dementia can test the unity of even the most cohesive families. It is very stressful because of the behavioral changes associated with the disease. Those who have dementia are so often behaving in ways unfamiliar and unpleasant and, in some instances, inappropriate. Seniors may linger with the disease for years. The daughter of former President Ronald Reagan - in a book about her father - called it the long goodbye.
In addition to these behavioral changes, families are dealing with emotional issues. Regular communication - whether it's by email or phone - is the single biggest key to helping families cope with Alzheimer's disease. The following, based on my experiences working with older adults and their family caregivers, are tips to help families stick together through the ups and downs of Alzheimer's disease:
1. Get an accurate diagnosis: Make sure there is an accurate diagnosis so a family knows what it is dealing with, and what to expect.
2. Communicate regularly: Keeping family members updated and informed of all changes in a loved one's condition can help alleviate confusion and hard feelings.
3. Confer with professionals: A family meeting with a professional may be needed to ensure that everyone shares the same information and gets the resources they need. The main caregivers sometimes unwittingly become the keeper of the information because they are the ones dealing with the situation.
4. Learn skills and techniques: The behavioral changes that come with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias can be difficult to manage. The resources of the Alzheimer's Disease or Other Dementias CARE program can help.
5. Ask for help if you're the primary caregiver: Perhaps you're the only one of your siblings in town with a parent. Or maybe you're the oldest daughter and the one expected to care for everyone. Maybe you're a spouse. Whatever the circumstance, caregivers of seniors with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias shouldn't try to go it alone.
6. Tune in to the main caregiver's needs: If you're not the main family caregiver, be attentive to the one who is. Otherwise, resentment can fester. Look at what needs to be done and how the primary caregiver can get respite.
7. Consider the family legacy: What will the family dynamic be after your senior loved one is gone? What do you want the legacy of this caregiving experience to be? What kind of relationships do you want with your siblings? Make sure the stress of caregiving doesn't damage your relationships with extended family loved ones.
8. Tap into resources: Families can't have too much information when it comes to trying to manage the potential behavioral changes of Alzheimer's disease or other dementias. The Alzheimer's Disease or Other Dementias CARE program provides family caregivers with a ground breaking free training program that can help.
For more information about the Family Caregiver Training go to
www.HelpForAlzheimersFamilies.com
Dr. Amy D'Aprix is an expert in aging, retirement and caregiving who lives in Canada and works throughout North America. She served on the expert panel that developed content for the Alzheimer's Disease or Other Dementias CARE: Changing Aging through Research and Educationsm Training Program for the Home Instead Senior Care network.
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FREE Alzheimer's Support Group:
If you are a husband, wife, son or daughter, or any one that is a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer's (all stages) or other dementias, then this is the support group for you.
We are currently enrolling family caregivers for a support group that will meet the second Tuesday evening of every month at our Northborough office location beginning in September 2012 from 6pm - 8pm.
The support group will be facilitated and conducted by Home Instead's CAREGiver Training and Retention Supervisor , Felica Cardone, an Alzheimer's Association Certified Support Group Leader.
Felicia has unique personal experience with Alzheimer's. As her mother's caregiver for over 13 years, she has experienced the disease through all of its phases.
Felicia will be able to help attendees with the emotional aspects of caregiving and living with someone who has Alzheimer's disease or other dementias. Discussions will be facilitated and guided towards understanding individual situations and creating solutions to the many different needs of the group. It will be a place to share your feelings, hear from others in similar situations and get help solving mutual problems.
Light refreshments will be served. You must register to attend.
If you are interested in attending please call 508-393-8338 and ask for Felicia or email Felicia at felicia.cardone@homeinstead.com.
The group will consist of a maximum of six people.
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Join us in The Walk to End Alzheimer's!
On Sunday, September 30, for the 8th year in a row, we will be participating in The Worcester County Walk To End Alzheimer's.
The Walk will take place at Quinsigamond Community College and begins at 10:30am.
Unite in a movement to reclaim the future for millions. The Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's™ is the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds to fight Alzheimer's disease. Together, we can advance research to treat and prevent Alzheimer's, and provide programs to improve the lives of millions of affected Americans.
The Alzheimer's Association is almost entirely privately funded. Awareness is our hope. Join in the movement to end Alzheimer's disease!
TO DONATE or JOIN OUR TEAM for the WALK CLICK HERE
All team members will be provided a team -t-shirt for the day of The Walk!
If you have signed up to walk with our team, please email Wendy Nollman at wendy.nollman@homeinstead.com with your t-shirt size.
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For more information about this and other senior issues related to health and well being please visit our website:
www.hearthside-homeinstead.com
Home Instead Senior Care:
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