From the desk of Rosemary Laird, MD
Founder of Navigating Aging Needs (NAN), LLC
The Dangers of Wandering
One of the more challenging aspects of caring for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s is the behavior known as wandering. The illness can change aspects of thinking that keep a person oriented and aware, and so your loved one may simply leave the house, lose their bearings, and end up wandering through the neighborhood without any specific purpose or destination in mind.
It’s Hot Out There!
Summer hasn’t even begun yet, and parts of the world are engulfed in sweltering, even dangerous, heat. So far it looks like Florida won’t heat up much more than usual during this current heat wave, but it’s a good reminder of the need to make preparations and make sure you and your loved one are safe during our hot summer months. Here is some key advice on staying safe as the sun bears down on us this summer.
Protect Yourself!
Knowing that you have in place a blanket of protection for you and your loved one can lead to an intense feeling of security, calm, and even bliss, perhaps. There is nothing that does more for the reduction of stress in your life than knowing you have the right plans and documentation in place, so that if a storm should hit in your and your loved one’s life, you already have the systems you need at the ready, to protect you from harm.
Giving Thanks, and Getting Help
Thanksgiving as a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the blessings of our lives with family and friends. As a caregiver of someone suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, there are many challenges to consider in the upcoming holiday season. But with a little preparation and awareness, you can make it a holiday that everyone, including your loved one, will enjoy.
Safe Home!
As Alzheimer’s disease erodes your loved one’s memory, their perception of what they see, and their reasoning powers, a house can become a far more hazardous place for them to be. But with the right changes to the environment you can make their home far safer, and give your loved one a greater sense of security and independence.
Thanks, Partner!
The hard work you are doing, every day, is truly making a difference, and paying off in better outcomes for your loved ones
Is It Safe To Leave My Loved One Alone?
One of the biggest responsibilities that comes with caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease is keeping them safe. This can be challenging as Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, and so it can be hard to know when your loved one’s capabilities have declined to the point that you can no longer leave them alone by themselves in the house while you run an errand, for example, without risking a safety hazard.