Whenever the topic of preventing dementia comes up, one item that seems to rise to the top of the list is rest – usually in the form of sleep. As in ‘get enough sleep each night’. While that is great advice, there are aspects of rest that need to happen in your waking hours as well. The secret is to somehow find the balance between all the responsibilities you have for your loved one, and your own well-being.
Tag: caregiver
Capturing Your Caregiver Story
Wayne and I recently met with a group of ladies who want to write a book. We were invited to attend the gathering by Venitra White-Dean, a lovely lady and founder of The Frankie Mae Foundation, a non-profit organization advocating for the caregiver as a whole person.
Each one attending realized they had a story to tell about their experience with caregiving. While everyone’s story shared similar elements, each was also unique. Their motto was, “We’re all singing the same song – just different verses.”
The Journey of Helping a Loved One with Dementia …
Finding Your Way
We had limited resources to help us when we first began our journey down the road of dementia with Mama. It was back in the early 2000s, and although the terms, dementia and Alzheimer’s were well known, the only books we could find at the time on the subject were medical journa
Unexpected Blessings during the COVID-19 Quarantine
Now that we’ve reached one of the milestones of sheltering in place, I know that some restrictions are beginning to be lifted, others are still under stay-at-home orders. None of this is easy, but I’d like to share some of the strategies we employed in the days that my Mama could not get out and about as much due to dementia.
Resources, Applause, and Help for Caregivers
As we move closer to the end of the year, take a moment to consider and celebrate the contribution of friends and family members who care for loved-ones – not by a pat on the back, but in concrete ways. Family Caregivers are certainly heroes, but not ‘Superhero’s (meaning they can go on endlessly and never tire).
Find a sense of balance in your busy life
In order to find a sense of balance in our busy lives, it is first important to define what balance actually is. One definition is a condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions.
Road Scholars
The Road Scholar programs provide learning adventures with a warm and welcoming camaraderie.
Less Taxing
We have a knowledgeable, kind and caring crew of volunteer counselors who look forward to assisting you file your taxes.
“What can she do?”
At the end of the day, your loved one simply wants what we all want – to know we’re loved. Some days will be better than others, but remember: You’re doing the best you can, and so are they.
Activity ideas to help when your loved-one is bored or fidgety
Once you begin to look, you will discover a whole world of items designed to help give loved ones’ fingers something to do and perhaps reduce periods of agitation.