Back to School!
Knowledge about this illness you and your loved one are facing can lower your stress and provide peace of mind and confidence in your knowledge that, no matter what, you are ready for what’s next.
Dear Caregivers,
As a long-time student myself, with two of my kids now in graduate school, I can’t help the feeling that comes over me after the Labor Day holiday signals the unofficial end of summer: It’s time to get ready for school! I immediately have a deep sensation of wanting to get some fresh notebooks and sharpen some pencils — though I at least have now grown out of having the urge to purchase a new lunchbox.
You too, are probably not returning to school this fall, but we are never too old for learning! As a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s, you have an ongoing task that is made easier the more you learn about the disease, its effects, and what to expect going forward. It's been said that "knowledge is power" and at NAN, we know that is true. Knowledge about this illness you and your loved one are facing can provide more predictability about what's to come. We hope that predictability lowers your stress and provides peace of mind and confidence in your knowledge that, no matter what, you are ready for what’s next.
The good news is that, between your NAN Navigator and the www.NANforCaregivers.com website, you have available some terrific learning resources. So, get into the season, and dig in and grow your knowledge!
Here are some tips for the best way to learn:
Slow and Steady: Study after study shows that trying to learn something all at once doesn’t work as well as spacing out learning sessions on a short but regular basis. Set aside a particular time of day, for perhaps just a half hour or so, and explore a topic. If you do just a little learning each day, you can make big progress.
Mix It Up: There are many aspects of caregiving, such as medical, emotional, and legal issues, as well as the all-important aspect of caring for yourself. As you educate yourself on these important topics, switch between subjects instead of focusing intensely on just one element. Also important is to break down the information you are learning into smaller “chunks” of learning, to make it more manageable and easier to learn. And mix up your media, too: Here at NAN we have a variety of ways that we convey information, including text, graphics, worksheets, video, and of course interacting personally with your NAN Navigator.
Strive for Understanding: The important part of learning is to have a deeper grasp of the core concepts, not an exact memory of a host of tiny details. When you understand a particular concept at a foundational level, it’s easier to remember and apply to your specific needs.
Aid Your Memory: Everyone has different learning styles, and so create a structure of learning that works best for you. Some people create mental pictures, use diagrams, or draw things on paper. Other tricks are acronyms (such as FAST), rhymes, song jingles, and other kinds of visual associations.
Create and Environment for Learning: Some people need complete silence for learning; others prefer to have background sounds or music. Try to limit the number of distractions such as email and other mobile phone alerts, so you can focus completely, even if it is only for 30 minutes or so.
Get Your Mind and Body Ready for Learning: A good night’s sleep helps consolidate memories, and a healthy lifestyle including diet, exercise and relaxation sessions helps with cognitive function and concentration.
Stay Curious: Above all, be willing to explore and spark your interests. Ask questions of your NAN Navigator if you are curious about something.
Caregiving is one of the hardest jobs in the world, but if you regard your learning as a way to grow your understanding and build your confidence, your caregiving journey will be all the more meaningful and rewarding.
Here are some more guidance for educating yourself:
Common Caregiving Challenges in Alzheimer’s and Dementia:
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease affect both the patient and those who interact with them -- especially caregivers. As Alzheimer’s alters the ability of the patient to think and function, those changes can impact others. Here’s a refresher overview of some common challenges you may face, and the strategies that can help.
Time Management for Caregivers:
While there isn’t a way to create more time in the day, there are methods that can help you get the most out of every minute. Here are some strategies to help manage time effectively and free up time for yourself.
Understanding Stages and Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease:
While Alzheimer's disease develops slowly over many years and every person has a unique path through the illness, there are some common symptoms. These collections of symptoms have been grouped into various stages of disease progression. Here’s an overview of what to expect in every stage of the process.
Remember, if you can’t find the information you need on our website, you can always “Ask NAN” by clicking on this link.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
“Anyone who stops learning is old, at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.”
— Henry Ford
