Everyone wants to be loved. No one wants to be hurt. We all strive for acceptance. As adults, it still makes our day when we do or say something that gets approval. Caregiving is a part of that loving, caring, acceptance and approval. My recent participation in the Memory Walk for Alzheimer’s demonstrated that love and acceptance. There were so many people walking for the cause. Some were there because they wanted to show their loved ones they cared. Others were there to offer support for the friends and family who had been affected by Alzheimer’s. I would imagine some walkers were even there because they enjoyed walking. Did I forget to mention those who wanted to be noticed. Whatever the reason, we all benefited. There were walkers wearing t shirts with photos of their loved ones. Walkers were carrying banners, posters, wearing necklaces, singing, running. Some participants were in wheelchairs, strollers, on skates,skateboards. Do our loved ones appreciate we are champions for this cause? Does it make a difference to them? Many people care about Alzheimer’s and are doing their part to make a difference?
Who is Caring for You
I was assisting a friend who is a caregiver. I was amazed at the co-dependency between her and her mother. Neither had very much independence. They both have health issues that may be related to this lifestyle.Are they aware of this situation? Are they willing to discuss it? The most important question is, are they willing to act on it to make their lives more balanced? I suggested activities to free them on occasion from their usual routine. Neither of them were receptive. This isolation can cause anxiety, confusion, stress and even depression. I will continue to offer ideas that may encourage them to take breaks from each other.
Conference Recording
Caregiving
During a recent conversation with a caregiver, she mentioned the challenges of caring for her mother who is 87. Her mother is unpredictable. How, I asked, do you respond or react to this unpredictability? The caregiver was at a loss for words. She had never thought about it. After spending sometime pondering the question, she said, it’s my mother. I never considered her behavior. This has just become a part of my responsibilities, and I just accept whatever comes. How does that make you feel, I asked? She had not given this any thought. It was part of her routine schedule. How would you have responded to this caregiver? Was anything acceptable? What methods do you think she uses to distract herself from this situation? Share your thoughts with me.