Planting a Seed
Dear Caregivers,
With the warmer weather and sunnier skies of April, much of the nation’s attention is turning green with thoughts of gardening. This week marks the “last frost” — the final time this spring, based on historical records, when the temperature could potentially dip below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. And with the threat of freezing weather now gone, people everywhere are tilling their soil and planting seeds with hopes of a bountiful harvest.
As Family Caregivers we too can learn the value of planting seeds for future growth. The seeds you plant today with your loved one will no doubt bear fruit down the road. Here are a few tips on how to prepare the way for your caregiving journey.
Lay the groundwork:
Falling is a major source of injury for aging loved ones. Many falls can be prevented, however, by making some changes around your home that will make your loved one’s environment safer. Here are some Tips for Preventing Falls.
Plan ahead:
Among the many difficult aspects of being a family caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease is observing the decline in their ability to care for themselves. Eventually, someone else will need to be legally assigned to advocate, speak, and make decisions on their behalf. With that in mind, speak to your loved one to help them understand the need for appointing someone to legally represent their interests and protect their rights. Learn more about having Conversations on Legal Affairs.
Plant yourself in a bed:
Sleep complaints are among the top concerns reported among Caregivers, with 50–70% saying they experience some kind of sleep disturbance such as shortened sleep times and more frequent awakenings during the night. This is concerning, because the quality of your sleep is strongly connected to your overall physical, cognitive, and emotional health. Though it may not seem to be, sleep is an active time for the body when repair and restorative activities ready the body for the next day’s activities. Here are some guidelines for how to Sleep Your Stress Away.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
“They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”
— Carl W. Buechner
