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The Heart of The
Alzheimer's Caregiver
By
Beverly Moore |
 Quincy
- Not all caregivers have a willingness to give care when
their family member is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other
memory disorder. They are scared and unsure what to do and
say. Can being invested in caring in a positive way be
learned?
I know it can; I’ve seen a very reluctant caregiver daughter
develop a heart for caring for her mother who had not been
there for her in the past. How is this accomplished?
Caregivers need three things to care willingly. The first is
having a sense of competence in managing the changes to
their family member that Alzheimer’s brings. The second is
validation; being appreciated for what they do. The third is
finding satisfaction in the job. Often this is a challenge
if going it alone.
It becomes doable with the help of a coach, especially if
family support is lacking. A coach teaches you the ‘why’ of
the changes in ability and behavior of your family member.
They teach you new ways to respond to those changes that
preserve dignity for them and ease caring for you. They
point out your successes and celebrate them with you. You
find satisfaction in doing things that, although different,
work.
The reluctant daughter mentioned above found healing when
she gave the care and attention to her mother and realized
her mother hadn’t had the capacity to give at the time of
the daughter’s childhood. As a result the daughter mended
her relationship and rid herself of old resentments and
hurts. |
About The Author
Beverly Moore is president of Sweet Grapes, Inc. a
licensor for StilMee™ coaches. StilMee™ The leader in
Alzheimer coaching™. Beverly’s book Matters of the Mind…and
the Heart is available on line @ www.StilMee.com for an
autographed copy or go to www.strategicbookpublishing. com/MattersOfTheMindAndTheHeart.
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