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Dear Caregiver,

1/10/2017

I'm not writing new articles here, but hope you'll find something useful on this site. Please look around to learn more about Alzheimer's caregiving.

If you're new to Alzheimer's, read the warning signs first. Then, get yourself some caregiver tips.

I wish you well on your caregiving journey. It isn't easy, but it's important and meaningful.

World Alzheimer's Day

9/21/2016

Today we're taking time to say THANK YOU to all the caregivers around the world who are doing their best to care for someone they love who has Alzheimer's disease.

Important information about Alzheimer's from the Fischer Center for Alzheimer's Research:

• Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, a group of disorders that impairs mental functioning.

• Every 68 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer’s disease.

• At current rates, experts believe the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s will quadruple to as many as 16 million by the year 2050.

• Alzheimer’s disease is often called a family disease, because the chronic stress of watching a loved one slowly decline affects everyone.

• 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and the only cause of death among the top 10 in the United States that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed.

• With the increases in life spans and baby boomers coming of age, support for Alzheimer’s research is more critical to our families than ever.

Who's Planning Your Day — Caregiver or Patient?

8/22/2016

When you care for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia, they become the main focus — everything revolves around them.

It begins by trying to keep the patient calm, safe and happy. Who doesn't want to avoid an angry outburst or tearful crying episode? So, routines and obligations gradually are relaxed to keep the peace.

You may skip doctors appointments because you can't get your person in the car. You may prepare and eat extra meals because just consumed food is forgotten, and dining is a pleasant activity. You may stay up all night to keep your now nocturnal person company and out of danger.

This seems okay, and even necessary at first. But, before you know it you're immersed in a world that doesn't make sense.

Don't let the person with dementia call the shots.

Make a Daily Plan

It's hard to stick to a routine when caring for someone with Alzheimer's, but there is a payoff.

Notebook and pen for planning daily activities.

If you're active during the day, your Alzheimer's person may sleep longer at night.
Planned pursuits will give you pleasant ways to spend time together.
Structured activities that match interests and abilities can improve mood and reduce anxiety.
It doesn't matter how well the activity is performed, it matters that your person enjoys it.

Caregiver and mother with Alzheimer's shopping for vegetables.

A regular schedule of outings — such as walks around the block, or rides in the car — can make it easier when you have appointments because it will be part of your routine to get up and go.

A planned day will keep everyone occupied and can reduce undesirable behaviors like overeating, or sleeping during the day.

The Alzheimer's Association suggests you create a daily plan based on your person's likes and dislikes. Click here for a sample plan and more ideas. It's also important to choose activities you enjoy, too.

Yes, there will be days when your plans are discarded.

But, when possible, try to have a rough outline of a schedule to make your caregiving experience easier and more enjoyable for both of you.

Baby, You CAN'T Drive My Car.

8/8/2016

When someone you love has Alzheimer's, driving privileges can be one of the most difficult decisions you must face.

Is your person safe behind the wheel?

Driving is a symbol of independence and adulthood. It means self-reliance and freedom to many people. The idea of losing the right to drive is upsetting. But safety must be your priority.

Some people will recognize the risks and stop driving on their own. However, many people refuse to accept they are no longer safe drivers. You must intervene when driving puts your person and others at risk.

What should you do?

Discuss the situation with compassion and empathy. Be kind, but be firm and consistent.
Decide together. A person will adjust better if they are part of making the decision.
Watch for behaviors that indicate unsafe driving. Getting lost in familiar places, driving at improper speeds (too fast/too slow), disregarding traffic rules, or getting confused are indicators driving should stop.
Ask your doctor to help by writing a prescription that says, "no driving allowed."
Arrange for alternate transportation to reduce the need to drive so it becomes a non-issue.
Ask friends and family to help with driving, have groceries and prescriptions delivered, arrange for in home hair appointments.
If you must, take away the car keys. Hide them or substitute fake keys on the key ring.
Disable the car, or move it out of sight so the person cannot access it.

If you have a stubborn person who insists they can drive safely, arrange for a driving evaluation.

Contact your State Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Don't hesitate to let the examiner know your person has dementia.

Some states require physicians to notify the DMV of any patient diagnosed with dementia. The person with dementia is required to report to the DMV for a driver re-examination. Individuals diagnosed with moderate or severe dementia may have their licenses automatically revoked. To find out about driving and dementia laws, you can call the Department of Motor Vehicles for the state where your person resides.

Alzheimer's is scary enough without worrying about a traffic accident.

This is a difficult and emotional decision, but ultimately, safety is the priority. Do what you must do to prevent a tragedy.

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