As the primary caregiver, should I journal my feelings about Alzheimer’s disease?Written by William Hammond, J.D.
Being a caregiver is stressful and difficult. It involves contradictory feelings, thoughts and frustrations. When you have to care for a loved one who has Alzheimer’s, you have to be patient, talk with a calm voice and never “talk down” to your loved one.Journaling your thoughts and feelings will definitely help you cope with situation. Write in your journal all that comes through your mind and your heart; nobody but you will read it. It is between you and your journal. Let your pen guide you through pages. You may want to do some extra research on Alzheimer’s disease to better understand process and stages your loved one will pass through. If you are a little bit knowledgeable about disease, process of caring will be easier on both you and your loved one. You can keep daily notes on your loved one, such as bathing or eating changes, whether she becomes agitated, and so on. It can also help you remember things to discuss with doctor. The good thing about a journal is that it is handy and you can write whenever you feel like it, day or night. It will never contradict you. On contrary, it will aid you in dealing with your internal emotions; it will relieve your mind and your soul. If you are uncomfortable about writing, then it may be easier for you to express your feelings by recording them on a tape recorder. If you like, you can recall some family gathering you all had together, a camping trip or fishing trip where your loved one caught a BIGGGGG fish! You can read this part to him and it might trigger some memory in your loved one…a memory that was lost to Alzheimer’s.
| | Bath Time For Your Alzheimer’s PatientWritten by William Hammond, J.D.
Caring for an Alzheimer’s patient is one of most difficult things you can do. It involves a lot of energy, time and patience. It can be very frustrating. People with Alzheimer’s may refuse help from caregivers. This is a sign that they are actually trying to communicate with you. Refusal to accept care is a sign that something is missing or not right. It’s up to caregiver to assess situation.If your loved one refuses to take her bath or shower, this might be a clue that something is bothering her. It may be embarrassment. Remember that your loved one used to do all these things alone before she had Alzheimer’s and now she has to depend on another person. It is very frustrating. You may have to limit bath time. Approach situation one step at a time in a non-threatening manner. While you help your loved one undress, use a smooth calming voice. As you bathe her, you can talk about old memories you used to share. It will make process more enjoyable and pleasant for both of you. If this does not work and your loved one still resists your help, then you might need try again later. When people with Alzheimer’s do not like to bathe, it often stems from fear. Make sure lighting in bathroom is adequate for your loved one to see. If she cannot see well, her fear will increase. Let shower or bath run for a while to warm up room. It will make it more comfortable. No one likes to undress in a cold room. If your loved one is using a shower, you might want to put a chair in it so she can sit down. You can purchase one of those at a medical supply store or drug store. Use a hand held shower head. This will take water up to her level and will be less threatening.
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