Begin the day with a thankful heart. It sounds trite and almost impossible if you are caring for a loved-one with Alzheimer’s /dementia. We see this saying on signs, refrigerator magnets and almost everywhere these days. Gratitude is a crucial key to keeping a caregiver’s life in balance. In fact, numerous studies have shown a…
In the beginning, caring for a loved one with dementia is seemingly a good idea and the right thing to do. It is certainly something we think we can handle on our own. Caregivers are devoted and determined. Our life is now different than before this disease, but we adjust. Even when we don’t really…
While caregivers all have good intentions, we sometimes find ourselves listening only half-heartedly. All too often we’re doing a hundred other things, or our mind is elsewhere when we should be actively listening. We hear what a loved one is saying but are not consciously listening with the purpose of understanding. Be authentically interested. Actively…
When someone has never been to a caregiver’s support group meeting, the notion of attending can be a bit daunting. The misconception and thought of having to bare your soul and shortcomings in a room filled with strangers is not something that anyone in their right mind would look forward to doing. But the reality…
Well…how much does a feather weigh? If you were to hold a feather in your hand, it might seem insubstantial. It shouldn’t be difficult to hold it in your hand, palm up, and arm extended for several minutes. But, what if you continued to cradle it in your hand, unsupported, for an hour or a…
Using the principles of DIRM can greatly minimize or even prevent many of the upsets and frustrations that caregiver’s encounter each and every day. Very simply, DIRM is an acronym for “Does It Really Matter?” And, if one takes the time to ask this essential question, before reacting or responding, they find the answer is…
Holidays are full of families and traditions, but can be a challenge for families living with dementia. With a little planning and adjustments, the holidays can still be an enjoyable time for your family. Update others of your current status with a short note or phone call to briefly explain some of the changes visitors…
Feelings of guilt typically occur when a person believes that they have done something wrong or have violated a certain personal code of conduct. For a multitude of reasons, it is rare to find a family caregiver that is not consumed with guilt about something. Some guilty feelings can be avoided by accepting some basic…