Maintain Enjoyment Of Caregiving
By Beverly Moore

Q: I am so frustrated thinking up ways to entertain my mother and have it fun for me too. Do other caregivers have this problem?

A: Yes, it is one of the main challenges for a caregiver; spending quality time with a person with dementia. Without a plan this is a daunting task. The ability to generate pleasurable activity and sustain interest and attention is lost early in the disease. So, if no one engages them some way, the person may pace, wander, rummage or follow the caregiver around asking questions over and over like, “What do we do now?” This kind of nervous activity, although it uses up some energy, is not the best way to spend socially and cognitively stimulating days. The best activity is one that is enjoyable, success oriented and shared with another person or persons. Here are some ideas to explore.

1. Adult day programs and social day programs are wonderful for structuring days for a person with dementia. Activities are adjusted to the person’s ability. Socialization is a natural by-product. Activity that is enjoyable and is shared with others is the best way to keep cognitively sound and emotionally healthy. Dance or exercise to music with others creates a fun social time for participants. Call your local Aging Service Access Point for a list of those in your area. There are phone numbers of all twenty seven in Massachusetts at www.800AgeInfo.com or call 1-800-872-0166.

2. Lynn Lazarus Serper has a product called the Serper Method, a fun cognitively stimulating set of workbooks that are done with a trained coach or a family caregiver. Go to www.SerperMethod. com for more information.

3. My Way Village of Quincy has developed a wonderful computer program called Connected Living that is a bit like Facebook but simple and best done with a caregiver. It stimulates reminiscence and subject directed conversation. It is presently in assisted living residences but will soon be available for private homes. Go to www.MyWayVillage.com.

About The Author

Beverly Moore is president of Sweet Grapes, Inc. a licensor for StilMee™ coaches. Stil- Mee™ is the leader in Alzheimer coaching. For more information, you may visit Beverly’s web site at www.StilMee.com. Beverly’s book Matters of the Mind…and the Heart is available on line at www.StilMee.com and you may read her blog at www.stilmeecoach. blogspot.com.