Pinellas Update 

May 2013

Joel Carrier, Guest Columnist

Family Caregiver

Volunteer, AAFGCC 

Caregiver burnout. Google it: it's a real condition, at least according to WebMD, AARP, the American Heart Association and numerous other organizations and websites. Even Dr. Oz says so.

The signs are numerous, the symptoms similar to those for anxiety and depression. And if you're feeling the stress, you're not alone.

Whether you're a daughter or son, parent or spouse, sibling, or even a friend, if you're reading this, chances are you're one of more than 15.4 million Americans providing care to someone living with Alzheimer's disease. This means that you are partly responsible for providing 17.5 billion hours of unpaid care valued at $216 billion, according to the Alzheimer's Association 2013 Facts and Figures report.

That's a big responsibility.

I get it: Caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease can be overwhelming at best and, if you're like many other caregivers, tending to yourself is last on your ever-growing to do list.

But take a moment to think through what would happen to the person for whom you're caring for if you're suddenly not there. What value do you place on your role as caregiver?

A lot, obviously, or you probably wouldn't still be reading. 

Click here to read the full column including tips.  

A caregiver in planning for a cruise with their loved one went to a local hospital and asked for a couple of plastic patient wristbands. (Every hospital may not be as accommodating). She then wrote her husband's name on the band, cruise ship name and cabin number.

The husband wore the waterproof wristband throughout the cruise, which provided him an easy memory cue if needed but also a layer of safety for shore excursions if he became separated from group.

This tip could also be applied to travel tours (name of Travel Company and cell phone number) and airline travel (airline name, flight number and gate).

People with mild memory loss can enjoy travel but careful planning is essential and often a travel companion is recommended. For people with more advanced memory loss, travel may no longer be wise. The change in routine, crowds, noisy situations can trigger agitation and disorientation (even in familiar places).

Planning carefully can help ensure a pleasant travel experience for someone with mild memory loss.

1. Keep it simple! Avoid itineraries where you're in a different place every night. Try to book a direct flight.
2. Don't try to fit too many activities in one day and schedule rest periods.
3. Write down travel plans, i.e., flight details, airline phone numbers, hotel addresses and phone numbers, confirmation numbers, etc., and include a list of emergency contact numbers. Provide a copy of this list to family and friends and keep a copy with you.

For more travel tips please click here.

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About this column

Caregiver Jewels is a column featuring caregiving tips by family and professional caregivers throughout our 17 county service area.  These "golden nuggets" represent caregiving strategies and tricks of the trade.

Note: The information in this column is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

www.alz.org/flgulfcoast