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As often as I mention what you should do to remedy a situation, another important thing you can provide is peace and quiet. Loud noises, fast reactions, chaos and busy lifestyle are difficult for anyone with dementia or Alzheimer's.
The most enjoyable times for someone with Alzheimer's are the quiet intimate moments that are shared with loved ones. Sitting on the swing, couch or at the kitchen table enjoying music, coffee and a loving smile. Maybe a walk around the neighborhood pointing out the beautiful flowers and landscapes, and enjoying the beautiful sunset together in the evening.
Don't ask them too many questions during this time, just make statements and short descriptive sentences. Not having to come up with an answer is a relief at the end of the day.
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This blog is about providing elder care with an emphasis on Christian values; showing respect for seniors and their surroundings; and, providing an opportunity for family members and friends to maintain a loving and healthy relationship.
Welcome
There are many different issues that families face with middle aged and elderly family members with either early onset dementia or Alzheimer': depression, memory loss, elopement, hygiene, dressing, nutrition and outside caregivers to name just a few.
In this blog, I plan to address all these issues and more. I have been an administrator and a marketing director of assisted living facilities, worked with Hospice and been a caregiver to many seniors for the past 12+ years in Huntsville, Alabama.
The issues that families face can be daunting, isolating and down right scary. Helping your loved ones to feel important and needed is difficult when they need so much help. I hope to offer helpful advice from my years of experience as well as provide you a few options for help and support. You are not in this alone. There are many organizations just waiting for you to contact them for help.
In reality, I have been diagnosed with MCI-mild cognitive impairment. I have a slight knowledge of what people go through in the very beginning of dementia or Alzheimer's. When I was diagnosed, my neurologist at Mayo Clinic told me to enjoy everyday (he said that if I was 80, he would diagnose me with early onset dementia). My therapist told me to stop looking for a diagnosis and just accept that I had challenges and to stop trying to fix them. Cope with them, adjust, learn new things and prepare in case my diagnosis changed from MCI to dementia or Alzheimer's, he said. I was diagnosed with the MCI in my early 40's. I was terrified. I knew something was wrong, I wanted a pill, a surgery or whatever it took to fix my problems. There was none. The kindest thing anyone ever said to me was to accept, cope, stay active and reach out for help.
Due to the good advice I received, my husband's help in accepting and not denying, and by God's grace, I live a fairly normal life. I still need help sometimes. I call my husband and ask questions with no fear of embarassment. I still take care of the elderly and people with Alzheimer's. When I take care of someone, it usually has to be done with a routine that I come up with vs someone else's routine, or I have very little chance of being successful. I am okay with all of this. I consider myself smart, successful and very driven.
In essence, this blog is a love letter to my husband for if, and when, my MCI becomes more severe.
Please feel free to post any comments or questions that you have and I will offer as much support as possible.
With much love and compassion,
Cara
Blog Archive
Caregiver Issues
Alzheimers Safety Tips
Caring Today
Taking The Car Keys Back
Pet Therapy
Seniors And Wandering
If Tomorrow Never Comes
Good Book
Coach Broyles Playbook
About Me
- Cara K. Mason
- Meridianville, Alabama, United States
- GO BUCKEYES
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