Ask NAN blog
Teachings and tips for family caregivers navigating the needs of their aging loved one.
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The Impact of Alzheimer’s Disease on Appetite, Taste and Eating Habits
Alzheimer's disease can impact various aspects of a person's health, including changes in appetite and taste. Here’s an overview of what to expect.
Supporting a Loved One with a Diagnosis of Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease
Getting a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can be a shock, both for the patient and for their caregiver. Respond by taking time to build a foundation of support for your loved one and yourself that will help you during the coming months and years, no matter where this difficult illness leads.
¡Cuido Personal Acciones QUE PUEDES TOMAR!
Una parte esencial de ser cuidador es cuidar de uno mismo. Tienes que sacar tiempo para cuidar de ti mismo, sin importar cuánto o poco tiempo tengas. Aquí hay algunas ideas.
Some Self-Care Actions YOU CAN DO Right Now!
An essential part of being a caregiver is caring for yourself. You have to make time to tend to yourself, no matter how much or little time you may have. Here are some ideas.
Diez Consejos Para una Mejor Comunicación con una Persona con Demencia
Con la enfermedad de Alzheimer, la capacidad de su ser querido para comprender, procesar y comunicar información cambiará. A continuación se presentan algunas estrategias y habilidades que puede utilizar para reducir los desafíos de comunicación que podrían frustrarlos a ambos.
Setting Boundaries as a Caregiver
As a caregiver, it is essential that you remain committed to your personal boundaries, making sure that you give yourself time and space to address your personal needs for rest, relaxation, and fulfillment. This foundation for positive self-care is vital in improving your well-being. Here’s how to do it.
The Importance of Tears
As caregivers, it is especially important not to suppress our feelings. The caregiving journey can be filled with sadness, frustration, and grief. Shedding tears is a natural and healthy response to those emotions. Tears benefit people in numerous ways, including helping to detoxify the body. Find out more about the importance of tears.
The Importance of Water
Lack of water, called dehydration, can be quite dangerous and can lead to decrease blood volume, which lowers the amount of blood sent to the major organs of the body, especially the kidneys. Therefor it is especially important for an older adult to keep up his or her fluid intake. Here’s how to do it.
Residential Care Options for Your Loved One
If your loved one is at a point in their disease’s progression that they can no longer live on their own, you need to choose a facility to provide what is called “residential” care. There are several types of such facilities, and knowing the options for each kind of facility will help as you consider your loved one’s needs. Here’s an overview.
How to Deal With Alcohol Issues
For a caregiver, coping with a loved one who has been a heavy drinker all of their life is a challenge, including the loved one’s hampered cognition, heightened emotions, and physical impairment. Caregivers need to deal with the issue on many fronts. Here’s how.
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”.
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.
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