From the desk of Rosemary Laird, MD
Founder of Navigating Aging Needs (NAN), LLC
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.
Storms Ahead!
As tropical storm Idalia bears down on Florida this week, it’s a good time to take a few moments to refresh your knowledge about the risks of big storms, and how to protect yourself if necessary.
Coping with Family Dynamics
When a loved one is stricken with Alzheimer’s, the dynamics of a family can undergo big changes. As the challenges and responsibilities of caregiving grow deeper, already-existing tensions between some members of a family can increase, particularly if one or more family members feel that they are shouldering a greater part of the burden. Here are a few tips on how to manage family dynamics:
Shine Brightly, But Don't Flame Out!
As a caregiver, you need to be aware of the dangers and risks of your role, as taking on the additional burden and stress of caregiving can have tangible, negative health consequences. And if you aren’t healthy, you won’t be in a condition to help your loved one. Here is some important guidance on keeping healthy as a caregiver.
Stay in Touch!
Maintaining communication is critically important. Because of the changes of Alzheimer's, sometimes your loved one can seem like they are a billion miles away when you try to get through to them. By adhering to a few basic guidelines, however, you can keep the critical lines of communication open.
Time to Get Organized!
The hot “dog days” of summer is a good time to relax, find a little breathing room, and enjoy the slower the pace of activities. It can also be a perfect time for some organizing.
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
Stay Safe This Summer!
It’s Memorial Day, the unofficial kick-off day for summe. For many people around the country, this means heading to the beach, firing up barbeque grills, and having picnics. But there is something else that you should absolutely begin doing around this time of year: Preparing for the dangers of Florida’s summer weather.
Managing Anger
All of us, at some time, will experience and express anger at our loved one. You are, after all, human, and feeling angry is part of the human experience. The recognition that this very human trait occurs in all of us is the cornerstone of how you can cope with it.
Don’t Just Survive, Thrive!
Being a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s is typically not something anyone plans for, and can represent a sudden, unexpected, and prolonged commitment to care. But, as Supreme Court Justice Jackson points out, “if you make the most of the resources you have, use your strengths to make your mark, and play the long game in your interactions with others, you will not only survive – you will thrive.”
Seeing the Light
As a caregiver, it’s often hard to actively seek out the flashes of pleasure and joy that come from your everyday efforts. However, if you are able to relax and open yourself to opportunities, those wonderful moments will come to you.
There’s No Place Like Home
For our loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, the familiarity of home can hold added importance. The routine of daily home activities can bring them a sense of comfort and calm. Here are some tips for helping create a sense of routine.
How to Find Your Way
Being in unknown terrain can result in unpleasant surprises That’s why it’s handy to have a roadmap at hand for the journey ahead.
How To Better Communicate
For caregivers, communication is critical to your loved one’s health and wellbeing. It is important that you make sure you have a clear means of passing along information, comfort, and encouragement to your loved one. But you also need to serve as the centerpiece of your loved one’s caregiving universe, gathering and coordinating information from doctors and other healthcare experts, service providers, and others in your loved one’s caregiving “village”.
Coping With the Coming Holidays
For caregivers of a loved one with Alzheimer’s, navigating the holiday season can come with challenges. The key to success is to be prepared. Here are some tips on how to get ready.
Keeping Your Balance
While change is inevitable, how you respond to these changes is under your control, and can make a big difference for you and your loved one. Here are some ideas to help you maintain balance in your life emotionally, physically, and mentally.
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.
Communicating with Your Caregiving Village
It is important to effectively communicate with healthcare professionals, outside experts, and helpers you rely on to give your loved one the best possible care along this journey.
Coping with Changing Behavior
For caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer's disease, coping with change can be a major challenge. As the disease progresses and ravages the mind, your loved one can experience a range of behavioral and psychological changes including bouts of agitation, aggression, anxiety, depression, and hallucinations. Review this list of strategies today and you will be better prepared to face your loved one’s challenging mood or behavior in the future.