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New Beginnings
By
Beverly Moore |
 Quincy
- The New Year is time for new beginnings. Make it a
priority to change your focus of Alzheimer caregiving. One
cannot sustain pessimism at the same time they feel hope.
Learning about Alzheimer caregiving is as challenging as
learning about parenting. At least it was for me. As a
nurse, I knew infant care and some about growth and
development, but I needed a deeper understanding of my role
as a parent with the big job of helping produce a competent
caring adult. My two adult children are about as opposite as
any two can be. One is passive, easily overwhelmed when life
hands him a challenge. The other is actively involved in her
life, grabbing opportunity and meeting challenges head on.
She sees caring for others as a learning experience. She is
flexible, positive in her outlook, and ‘other’ oriented.
Alzheimer caregiving is like parenting children; the parent
must keep up with the child’s growth to relate well.
Similarly, relating with someone with Alzheimer’s, has to be
flexible because the progressive nature of the disease. The
caregiver must recognize when changes occur and learn how to
respond accordingly. What worked last year may not this
year; things have changed. See it as a new beginning. Here
are some suggestions to get you on your way:
Observe the level of
frustration they expresses when trying to do something.
Offer to help but ask
permission. “Do you need some help?” “May I help you?”
Give only as much help as
they need to proceed with the task. Often all that they
needs is a ‘jump start’
and then can figure out the rest.
Don’t take over!
Visual reminders are
great ways to give them the jump start. Simply putting
something in eye’s view
prompts them to begin a task.
Structure their day;
thinking up something to do and organizing is hard for them.
It might be time to think
of a day program to offer that
structure.
Keep the person socially
engaged but not overwhelmed. Doing things with others has a
double benefit.
It adds purpose to the day and offers
socialization.
The person with Alzheimer’s needs to feel in charge of their
life, feel valued and emotionally safe. It is up to the
caregiver to provide these. |
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 at www.StilMee.com. Beverly welcomes email
questions about the holidays. Write her at Beverly.Moore@StilMee.com.
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