Don't miss Friday's devotional Blog. Go to More on the menu bar and hit Blog.
Don't miss Friday's devotional Blog. Go to More on the menu bar and hit Blog.
Knowing what to expect equals less stress. Think about an upcoming event or activity that we have never experienced…we can become nervous about what to wear or what is expected from us. So much more for the memory patient who is finding so many things confusing. Each day their surroundings become less and less is familiar to them. Routine gives them a sense of comfort, control and independence.
How do you develop a routine? Write down their current times for their activities of daily living (sleep, eat, bathe, dress, toileting, etc.) or remember their pre-dementia routine. What time do they usually go to bed or get up? Do they need more sleep? The same with what time they bathe, dress, or eat. Should some of these activities be modified to work with their current skill level and needs? Incorporating their favorite colors, clothing, foods, music, TV shows, and other activities builds familiarity. From your notes a daily routine should begin to emerge, one that will need adjusting from time to time.
Even routines should be fun. Approach each day with a good attitude, play music, or sing songs with them. Incorporate fun activities. More on that in my next newsletter.
*The Importance of Routine and Familiarity to Persons with Dementia by the Alzheimer’s Project.
Erasing the stigma of memory disease is another area where great progress has been made. Because past presidents, such as former President Reagan and other public figures have been open about their diagnosis, much of the shame has disappeared. But there is still work to be done for the sake of the memory patient and their families. Knowledge is power and there are powerful answers that will make the journey with memory disease easier. There is help for family members. The Alzheimer’s Association has a 24/7 helpline (1.800.272.3900). Our goal should be to help those family members to accept the A word and reach out for help.
Temperature of not only the water but also the room temperature became an issue. I kept a warm towel nearby as she undressed and then wrapped her in it as I got the water temperature just right. Remember how you used to test the temperature of the formula for a baby with the inside of your wrist? Do the same with shower or bath water. Water that seems suitable to our fingers can be too cold or too hot on our wrist.
Another problem I encountered with my mother is that she did not like me administering the bath. Before her Alzheimer’s diagnosis she had observed my husband and I caring for his parents and she would tell me, “If I am ever like them, I do not want my family bathing, toileting, or dressing me. I want strangers doing that.” She meant it too. Her caregivers had an easier time helping her in those areas than I did. I had to give up her hygiene care to avoid agitating her.
Then there are the unique reasons why seniors do not want to bathe. Like a gentleman I met in the mid-west. His daughter approached me after my presentation, frustrated with the situation. She and the professional caregivers had tried everything. For several months we emailed back and forth trying to come up with a solution. Finally a male caregiver at the community hit on the answer. He knew how much being in the military meant to the patient. So he found a uniform from the branch of the military the patient had been in and marched into the gentleman’s room. When he gave a firm order that it was bath time the patient marched right alongside the caregiver to the shower. No rebuttal or resistance at all. A unique solution but it worked.
It takes more planning, but bigger breaks are also needed. A few days to even a week to recharge helps us see the big picture, address needed changes and take better care of our loved one.
Breaks are not selfish they are required to be the best caregiver we can be. After all, even Beagles know how to veg so they can take good care of their people. Follow their example. :-)
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Most photos are taken by Stanley J Lonseth, capistranobeachphotography.com