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Is It Dementia?

Have you noticed your loved one experiencing recent memory loss? How about a loss for words in a loved one who is usually quite verbose? These may or may not be some of the tell-tale signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia which might also include disorientation, unintentional misplacing things, loss of initiative to do regular activities. There can be noticeable mood and personality changes. How can you be sure it’s Alzheimer’s? Get your loved one to a neurologist, preferably at a research center — not your regular family physician. Order a series of test for the proper diagnosis. Other ailments may have symptoms similar to those of dementia such as diabetes, atherosclerosis or hypertension. As caregivers continue to provide unconditional love and attention to their loved ones, it is easy to overlook symptoms. Sometimes caregivers wait until they find keys in the refrigerator, loved ones dressing inappropriately for weather conditions, the inability to write checks before they take action. Watch for the early signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s. Get diagnosis and seek support. There is a widespread community to help, support and assist you on this journey.

Remember, caregivers need care too. Send me an email about your experiences.
www.newbeginningstoday.com
310 673 3349

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The Next Step For Caregivers

Have you carefully evaluated your giving situation? How much care does your love one require? How much of that care are you able or willing to provide? Is it time for you to take more time for yourself? Is your love one no longer able to live at home alone? These are some of the questions that caregivers often ask themselves and their family members. These questions demand thought, and carefully thought out plans for the future of everyone involved. I remember being the dominant caregiver for my aunt who lived alone in another state. Initially, I started making daily phone calls. Those calls soon increased to several times per day. She was pleased I was checking in on her. I also enlisted neighbors to personally check in. This worked for a while. The next step was providing in-home- support services. I felt better knowing someone would be there with her several hours each day. We chatted each night before her bedtime. She assured me all entrances were safely locked and secured. After several falls, hospital visits and summoning a neighbor to enter with a spare key, it was time for another step. This was the most challenging decision. My aunt who had lived alone for more than 2 decades after the loss of her husband, could no longer live in her home alone and care for herself. It was not financially feasible to hire 24 hour assistance. She would have to be admitted to a long-term care facility. Perhaps you are making decisions about moving a loved one into your home, or you have contemplated moving into the home with your loved one. Take the time to carefully process your thoughts. We often know the answers. “Tell me about the thought processes to reach a major caregiving decision.

Remember, “Caregivers Need Care Too”.
www.newbeginningstoday.com
310 673 3349

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Caregivers and Siblings

Ideally as a caregiver, we thought we had one big happy family. When a loved one becomes ill or disabled, everyone would pitch in to do their share. Initially, it started out that way. Maybe it lasted for a few weeks or a few months. Eventually others had reasons not to share the ongoing responsibilities and obligations that are a part of caregiving. Brotherly and sisterly love seemed to disappear. Siblings start to remember other commitments. Anger and resentment start to creep into relationships. Old hurts start to show up. Suddenly someone remembers a grade school incident that was never really settled. Have any of your siblings played the “favorites game” insisting that your parent favored one sibling over the other? The caregiver wonders whose family is this? Sometimes, the dominant caregiver is the one who is geographically the closest to the loved one. Sometimes the youngest or the oldest child becomes the caregiver. Or it can be the child the other siblings consider to have less outside responsibilities. How should we choose a dominant caregiver? Should we choose one? Caregiving is a shared responsibility among family members. Perhaps one member is more suited to other tasks than others. However as caregivers, let’s allow each family member to do his or her part and to accept the role in which they are best suited. Is this an easy task? Of course not. Is it possible to perform with less strain and drain on all family members? Yes. Are you willing to do your part? The focus is on you.

Remember, “Caregivers Need Care Too”.
www.newbeginningstoday.com
310 673 3349

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Caregivers Want More

Can you think of any reason or anything caregivers might want more? Caregivers are so busy caring for their loved ones, they don’t often focus on themselves. While the caregiver is not focusing on her or himself, neither are other family members and friends. It’s usually not because they are not concerned about the health and well-being of the caregiver, it is generally because the caregiver has not mentioned or acknowledged that more time and attention devoted to him or herself is necessary and even wanted. If you have a caregiver in your life who is doing the day-to-day care of a loved one who is aging, take some time to reward that caregiver. What would a reward look like? How about offering to do some of the routine chores assumed by the caregiver. How about just spending a little more time with the caregiver to ask how she or he is really doing. Have you thought about preparing a meal or taking the caregiver one of their favorite healthy treats? A special surprise might be allowing the caregiver to get a few hours of uninterrupted peace and quiet. It really is about the little things. The things that non-caregivers take for granted. A hug, a gentle touch, a prolonged smile, a wink, 2 thumbs up, a non-rushed telephone call — most caregivers would welcome this attention. Why? Because Caregivers Need Care Too

Angela Mozelle
www.newbeginningstoday.com
310 673 3349