Ask NAN blog
Teachings and tips for family caregivers navigating the needs of their aging loved one.
Have a question that’s not answered? Submit your question for us to consider including in the Ask NAN blog.
Making Brain Games Your New Hobby
To find a way to keep your loved one’s brain active and healthy, start by thinking about the types of activities or hobbies your loved one likes best. No matter what activity it is, pursuing hobbies regularly will keep their mind and body active, and in some cases allow them to engage more deeply in social activities.
Getting to Know Your Caregiving “Village”
Identifying and engaging with a medical team that you can count on can make a big difference for you and your loved one. Here is an overview of the types of healthcare professionals you may want to seek out as part of your “caregiving village”.
Opciones de Atención Residencial para su ser querido
Si su ser querido se encuentra en un punto de la progresión de su enfermedad en el que ya no puede vivir por sí solo, debe elegir un centro que le brinde lo que se denomina atención “residencial”. Existen varios tipos de este tipo de centros y conocer las opciones para cada tipo de centro le ayudará a considerar las necesidades de su ser querido. A continuación, se ofrece una descripción general.
Hacer de los juegos mentales tu nuevo pasatiempo
Para encontrar una manera de mantener activo y saludable el cerebro de su ser querido, comience pensando en los tipos de actividades o pasatiempos que más le gustan a su ser querido. No importa qué actividad sea, dedicarse a pasatiempos con regularidad mantendrá su mente y su cuerpo activos y, en algunos casos, les permitirá participar más profundamente en actividades sociales.
Ta importancia de las lagrimas
Como cuidadores, es fundamental no reprimir nuestros sentimientos. El camino del cuidado puede estar lleno de tristeza, frustración y duelo. Llorar es una respuesta natural y saludable a esas emociones. Las lágrimas benefician a las personas de muchas maneras, incluyendo la desintoxicación del cuerpo. Descubre más sobre la importancia de las lágrimas.
Cómo ayudar a su ser querido a disfrutar la temporada navideña
El caos, la emoción y la alegría típicos de la temporada navideña pueden resultar abrumadores para alguien con la enfermedad de Alzheimer. Pero con un poco de planificación por adelantado, puede hacer que las reuniones navideñas sean más placenteras y menos estresantes para todos los involucrados.
Disfrutando de las Navidades como Cuidador
Durante la temporada navideña, es crucial que los cuidadores dediquen tiempo a cuidarse. Aquí encontrará consejos para su autocuidado durante las fiestas y un enlace a una hoja de trabajo que puede ayudarle a organizar sus ideas y planificar.
Órdenes de no resucitar (DNR): ¿Qué son y debo discutirlas con mi ser querido?
Muchos cuidadores familiares identifican asumir el papel de tomadores de decisiones médicas para un ser querido como uno de sus mayores desafíos. A continuación se presentan algunos pasos que un cuidador familiar puede seguir para apoyar con confianza los deseos de su ser querido en cuanto a las decisiones médicas al final de su vida.
Un Cuaderno de Trabajo para Preparar su Autocuidado durante Las Fiestas Navideñas
Durante la agitada y a veces estresante temporada navideña, es crucial que los cuidadores dediquen tiempo a cuidarse. Aquí tienes un cuaderno de ejercicios para ayudarte a reflexionar y planificar tu autocuidado durante las fiestas.
Cómo hacer respiraciones de relajación
Si se siente ansioso, el primer paso a seguir es romper el ciclo de respuesta al estrés de su cuerpo. La respiración de relajación es una técnica poderosa para lograrlo.
Testing for Alzheimer’s Genes
There is scientific evidence that in some cases, genes can play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. The most common gene that increases the risk of Alzheimer’s is known as “APOE”. Here’s a list of commercial companies that test for the presence of the gene.
How to Help Your Loved One Enjoy the Holiday Season
The typical chaos, excitement, and joy of the holiday season can be overwhelming for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. But with a little planning ahead, you can make holiday gatherings more enjoyable and less stressful for all involved.
Enjoying the Holiday Season as a Caregiver
During the holiday season it is crucial for caregivers to make time to take care of themselves. Here is some guidance for your self-care during the holidays, and a link to a worksheet that can help you organize your thoughts and plan.
A Workbook for Planning Your Self-Care During the Holiday Season
During the busy and sometimes stressful holiday season, it is crucial for caregivers to make time to take care of themselves. Here is a workbook to help you think through and plan your self-care during the holidays.
Traveling with Your Loved One
Travel can be an especially challenging activity for your loved one. Still, with careful planning and consideration, you can make the journey safe and comfortable for you and your loved one.
Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders: What Are They, and Should I Discuss Them With My Loved One?
Many family caregivers identify taking on the role of medical decision maker for a loved one as one of their greatest challenges. Here are some steps that a family caregiver can take to confidently support their loved one’s wishes for end-of-life medical decisions.
How To Do Relaxation Breathing
If you're feeling anxious, the first step to take is to break your body's stress response cycle. Relaxation breathing is a powerful technique to achieve this.
The Basics of Adult Day Centers
Adult day centers offer supervised care and activities that are tailored to meet the needs of people living with Alzheimer's. Adult day services can help provide respite to caregivers, while at the same time ensuring that your loved one receives safe, compassionate, and attentive care. Here’s a guide to how to find the right fit for your loved one.
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.
Caregiver Burnout: How to Cope
Caregiving for someone suffering from Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most challenging jobs in the world, and it comes with a risk of what is known as “Caregiver Burnout.” With caregiver burnout, you are in a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that may also be coupled with a change in your attitude towards your caregiving role, from one of positive, caring, and rewarding to one of feeling negative, unconcerned, and resentful.
Start your journey with NAN
Schedule a consultation to discuss the needs of your aging loved one.