We all have those family members who just aren’t showing up or who act like the diagnosis doesn’t exist!
What do you do? Should you be angry, talk about them, give them the cold shoulder, or allow them to come around when they can? We all handle things differently, but one thing I’m trying to teach everyone (myself included) is that love covers so much. Lead with love.
Give them time. Be patient. Give them educational materials. Listen to them. And if all else fails 👉🏾CONTINUE TO DO THE WORK!
Our LOs need us, and fighting and trying to make someone accept what they aren’t ready to see YET diminishes the work.
For more information, visit incaseiforgetconsulting.com
#alz #alzheimersfight #alzheimerscare #dementia #dementiaawareness #dementiacaregiver
One of the most FAQs I receive from caregivers is, “Will I get Alzheimer’s?”
Friends, no one has a way of knowing what your future holds. We can’t control what will happen, but we can control how we live. Live well. Think about the risk factors and focus on living a lifestyle that doesn’t put you at risk. Are there genetic factors 👉🏾yes!? Consult with your PCP for genetic testing.
The only thing we can do is take care of ourselves and keep living, laughing, and loving. 🩷
#alz #alzheimersassociation #alzheimers #dementia #dementiacare #dementiaawareness #dementiasupport #dementiafriendly
When someone with Alzheimer’s or other dementias hallucinates, they may see something that’s not there. For example, they may hear, smell, taste, or feel something you (the caregiver) cannot identify.
There are different types of hallucinations. You may see one type occur in your LO, or you may see a few.
Mommy has visual hallucinations. She loves that tree because she thinks it’s a person, and the pillows on the couch are her children. She’s about to get an F for messing with my tree. 😩
Before giving your LO medication, 😉 make sure it’s not a safety issue. Observe them and make a wise decision. If you feel the hallucinations are causing your LO to do something dangerous, consult your primary care physician immediately.
Here are a few ways to help.
💜Always remain calm and support them.
💜Redirect their behavior to reduce the hallucination.
💜Acknowledge what they see, hear, feel, smell, or touch.
💜If need be, please modify the environment.
For more info, visit incaseiforgetconsulting.com
We have to remember that home is not a destination but a place where your LO feels safe at that moment. Certain activities or times during the day can trigger feelings of confusion, anxiety, frustration, or sadness. For them, asking to “go home” is a way out, and it will bring them to their safest memory.
Make sure you always provide a safe place, go down memory lane with them and observe to see when this statement is made to pinpoint what’s happening during that time.
The goal for someone with Dementia is ALWAYS to show compassion. We don’t have all the answers, but implementing strategies, patience, and, most importantly, showing love can help so much.
Visit incaseiforgetconsulting.com for more information.
#alz #gertrudejordan #dementia #alzheimersassociation #alzheimers #dementiaawareness #dementiacare #caregiver
Whew. This is a tough one. One of the last things our LO wants is for their independence to be taken away from them.
As always, please use the strategies that work best in YOUR home. These are suggestions. You may have to go through a few to find what works best.
1. Talk with your LO and be compassionate and empathetic.
2. Get assistance from a medical professional.
3. Suggest alternatives like driving them, public transportation, or rideshare.
4. If there is resistance, remove the vehicle or replace it with keys that are fake or don’t work with that vehicle.
What have you done in this scenario?
Telling your loved one that someone has passed when they keep asking for them can cause confusion, agitation, memory loss, sadness, and disease progression. Instead of telling them about the person's death, talk about the person like they are still here. As hard as that may be, you want to think about the person you care for.
I will never forget Mommy overhearing a convo about a friend who passed, and she started freaking out and crying. I didn’t mean for her to hear it, but it did shift her day. As much as we hate lying. We have to protect our LO. Redirect them and answer with love. _____ is dead, ____passed away, or ______ is no longer here is not the answer.
As always, please use wisdom and discernment. My opinions and suggested strategies are just a guide.
You’ve got this.
#alz #dementia #care #caregiver #dementiacare #gertrudejordan #alzheimersassociation
✨3 simple steps when thinking about memory care✨
Create a care directive. This is a simple document that explains your LO’s diagnosis, medications, contacts, doctors, present level of functioning, and needs. It doesn’t need to be a lengthy document. It just needs to outline the above-mentioned items.
Visit your LO often. When you’re a familiar face, the facility likely won’t play about your LO. Now, don’t go at the same time every day. Switch that thing up.
Create a plan for emergencies. Keep your contacts updated and create a plan. What does your LO want? What hospital are they going to? Who should be the first point of contact?
This isn’t everything you need to do, but it’s a start.
For more info visit incaseiforgetconsulting.com
#dementia #memorycare #alz #alzheimers #alzheimersassociation #gertrudejordan #FTD #caregiver
Hello, my name is Ty Lewis, and I’m a Certified Dementia Care Practitioner. I look forward to creating content to enjoy while helping you on this journey with your loved one. Remember, you’ve got this!
As stated in the video, please remember that I am not a lawyer! One of the first things you want to do after receiving a diagnosis is contact an attorney specializing in elder law or estate planning. Please don’t draft a document from a website that advertises “legal” planning. Laws vary from state to state.
Here are a few standard legal documents that individual with dementia and their families consider.
Advance Directive or Living Will
Power of Attorney (POA)
Guardianship & Conservatorship
You can quickly search for elder law attorneys in your state or get a reference from a trusted source.