Often families call our Caregiver Helpline wanting to know how to deal with someone in their lives who has some form or Dementia. As their caregiver coach, I listen to their story and together we figure out a plan to support the person with Dementia and the caregiver with resources, information, and guidance. But we go another step further to empower the caregiver by encouraging them to connect directly with wonderful experts who have answers to their situations. Together we are making a difference in the quality of life for our caregivers and their family members.
Here's one of a thousand examples of caregivers needing support, information and guidance:
Recently, Senior Helpers came to the rescue when a caregiver, named Nancy, called the Caregiver Helpline asking for some guidance. Her mother, Roberta, was taking care of her father, James, who had Parkinson's and Dementia. Each day a home care company who had assigned a male caregiver for James visited the home. But recently James became bored and Roberta was wondering if it was time to move her husband into a facility. She was beginning to feel like a failure when she said, "I just can't entertain him all day long. I need a break."
They asked if I would visit them in their home. This way I would be able to assess the situation firsthand and have time to visit each family member. Nancy greeted me at the door and quickly introduced me to Roberta who was sitting next to James. For the next 90 minutes I divided my time with each family member to gain some insight to their current situation and how I may help them.
One of the first questions I asked Roberta and Nancy was, "Do you know if the current home care company is trained to be with someone with Dementia." They didn't know the answer, but were delighted that I had asked the question because it was making sense to them. The next day Roberta found out that their current home care company did not have the additional Dementia Care training that James required.
Then we decided to explore a few possibilities:
a. We considered Maria's Adult Day Care Center, but it was too far.
b. We contacted Arden Courts, but the wife was not ready to make a long-term commitment yet.
c. We decided to connect the family with Senior Helpers because of their Senior Gem Program led by Teepa Snow, nationally renowned Dementia Care Specialist, would be the best solution of keeping James at home and giving family peace-of-mind.
Because we take a holistic (whole person) approach to caring for everyone involved with their caregiving journey, we offered Nancy and Robeta some additional tips so they were able to feel more empowered, less stressed and guilty for not having all the answers. Roberta was pleased that she could keep James home with excellent care. Slowly she began to go out with her friends for lunch, take a swim once a week and enjoy her moments with James.
Personally, I was trained by Teepa many years ago when I worked in an Assisted Living Facility and know firsthand how effective her expertise can bring ease to a family's mind and empower them to care for their loved one who has Dementia. We invite you to take a look at Teepa Snow's video on Senior Helpers website: http://seniorhelpersinhomecare.com/UDC-Seminar-Series and see how you can become more aware, more educated and less fearful.
I am excited to be highlighting Senior Helpers.
Warmly,
We all start out in the Sapphire stage. This gem was chosen because of its beautiful blue color. The person may feel blue about the changes caused by aging. There are no significant changes in cognition, but they have difficulty learning new things.
The next stage is Diamond which was chosen for being the hardest gem. At this stage the person can do old habits and routines and has much difficulty with change. They become more territorial and less aware of boundaries. A Diamond will tend to tell the same stories and ask lots of questions. Give tasks that make them feel competent and valued. Try to include activities that give that person a sense of control.
Our next gem is Emerald which was chosen for its green color associated with go. They will go back in time and get lost in past life experiences which can make them more emotional. The Emerald quite often loses important things, but thinks somebody has stolen them. They will need assistance with various activities, but believe they can still do it on their own. Give the Emerald familiar tasks to do including helping others. They do well when they are given a job or a purpose. Be their friend not their boss. 
In the Amber stage we need to exercise caution as the person will need sensation and may start to get into things that could be dangerous for them. They can also tend to be impatient. Give them textures, shapes and colors to manipulate and explore. In any stage music is always a wonderful way to engage a care recipient. 
As we get into our later stages we come to Ruby which was chosen for its red color symbolizing stop. The Ruby has lost fine motor skill. It is difficult for them to start and stop. They have limited visual awareness and can only move forward. Walk with them on a familiar path. Let them observe others and again focus on music including rhythmic movements and actions.
Our last stage is Pearl chosen for the fact that it is hidden inside a shell. The Pearl is not typically aware of the world around them. The can hardly move and have trouble with getting connected. In this final stage of this horrible disease you want to make the person as comfortable as possible. Focus on familiar and pleasant sounds and voices. Make sure to use smooth and slow movements. In any stage it is important to treat the care recipient with respect and compassion. Always ask yourself is this how you would want someone to care for you.
