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Family Awareness Month
By
Beverly Moore |
 Quincy
- Every month, it seems, is dedicated to a specific
population; May was Older Americans Month, November is
Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. July is Family Awareness Month.
I would combine them all and recognize families who are
Alzheimer caregivers. Having worked with Alzheimer families
for almost 20 years; I find them special and with unique
needs. When one person is ill; two (or more) need care. My
focus for these 20 years has been on caring for the
caregiver. The role of the Alzheimer caregiver is hard. One
caregiver said “It is impossible so you do the best you
can.” There are ways to ease the burden. I have been an
Alzheimer caregiver twice and will share with you some
things I’ve learned.
First, examine yourself; are you expecting perfection? You
will set yourself up for burnout. Balance what needs to be
done with what you expect of yourself. Find an area in which
you have control. Practice the art of the “possible,” small
steps toward change. That may be direct care giving or
taking on a role that relieves that family member of one or
more tasks. In healthy families, the tasks get shared; one
handles the financials, another the medical needs like
doctor’s appointments or picking up prescriptions, another
perhaps offers socialization for the person with
Alzheimer’s, giving the direct caregiver time to give to
themselves.
Second, develop a proactive stance; educate yourself about
what your family member is experiencing. If you are the one
with them most of the time, this is a must. You must learn
how to enter their world, not try to pull them back into
yours. It will cause both of you frustration. They are often
bewildered with your world. Relate to the emotion they are
expressing. Slow down; stay in the moment with them. Listen
to them; reassure them. Creating positive moments (often
this moment is all there is for them) eases care giving and
makes it more enjoyable for them and you.
Lastly, “change your oil,” renew yourself through exercise,
meditation, prayer, or activities that are relaxing for you
personally (books, friends, walks, sports, gardening, or
doing something creative like painting). You cannot continue
to care well unless you care for yourself. A good piece of
advice: care giving is hard with so much to do. Move slowly. |
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.
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