Ask NAN blog
Teachings and tips for family caregivers navigating the needs of their aging loved one.
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Sundowning and How To Manage It
Sundowning is a state of increased agitation, activity and negative behaviors which happen late in the day through the evening hours. When sundowning, the person may become demanding, suspicious, upset, or disoriented, see or hear things that are not there, and believe things that are not true. They may pace or wander around the house while others are sleeping. Here are some tips for potentially reducing the occurrence of sundowning and softening its effects when it does happen.
Understanding Clinging and Shadowing
For caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders (ADRD), clinging and shadowing behaviors happen more often than not over the course of a day. Being followed everywhere and being repeatedly interrupted when trying to complete a task is a common source of frustration for many caregivers of loved ones with ADRD.
I’m a Caregiver, Now What?
No matter what illness you and your loved one are facing, planning ahead can increase your knowledge and understanding, and will often allow for a wider range of care options and provide an overall peace of mind for everyone.
Finding your Caregiving Village
There is a lot we can all learn from each other as we endure our individual journeys as caregivers. There are some needs and feelings that are universal and learning how others manage and navigate can often be hugely comforting.
Finding the Joy as a Family Caregiver
The challenge that family caregivers face is to learn acceptance, to live in the present moment, and to let go of things you cannot control. This is a challenge to be sure, but if there can be any joy in caregiving, this is where it is.
Strategies to Reduce Caregiver Depression
It would seem to be a given that many caregivers would be "depressed,” given all the challenges they are facing. But it is critical to separate the expected sadness from the effects of Alzheimer's disease and the emotionally and physically debilitating illness that "Major Depression" is in its worst form.
Strategies to Reduce Caregiver Anxiety
It’s important to understand that anxiety is triggered by physical reactions to stress signals the body receives. Here’s how to reduce these effects.
Sleep the Stress Away
The quality of an individual’s sleep is strongly connected to their overall physical, cognitive, and emotional health, and lack of sleep is a leading complaint of caregivers. Here are some tips on how to get some quality sleep.
Caregiver Tips
New to caregiving? Here are some basic caregiving tips in 6 essential categories.
How to Practice Daily Meditation
Over the last 20 years, extensive research, at Harvard and other prestigious universities, has shown that only 20 minutes of daily meditation has dramatic effects on physical health.
3 Tips for Caring for Loved Ones in Assisted Living Facilities During the Coronavirus Pandemic
This pandemic is requiring all of us to find a “new normal” way to do everything. Your loved one living in an Assisted Living Facility is facing that reality in a dramatic way. Mealtime is different, the activities are limited, and visitors are not allowed. It is vital to their well being and yours that you carefully adjust to this new reality to ensure your loved one still feels comfortable and cared for. Here are 3 ways to help you on your way:
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