April Caregiver Connection: Communication Tips

One of the greatest struggles for caregivers is communicating with the person with dementia.  Luckily, there are proven strategies for avoiding conflict and making yourself understood.  Use these “do’s and don’ts” to refine your caregiving communication style. DON’T Don’t reason Don’t argue Don’t confront Don’t correct Don’t question recent memory Don’t take it personally

March Caregiver Connection: The Importance of Advocacy

The Alzheimer’s Association has made major impact its services and education for caregivers, funding for research, and dedication to enhancing awareness of this sinister illness.  However, we know that we’ll need the support of our state and national governments to truly change the course of this disease. That’s why advocacy is another central part of our mission.  We work to …

February Caregiver Connection: UTIs, Risks and Detection

If you asked a random sample of people to list the possible dangers that threaten the health of a person with dementia, chances are that few would name urinary tract infections.  But senior citizens, and particularly people with dementia, are especially vulnerable to this common infection, and may suffer greater health consequences if the infection goes undetected.  Learn more about …

January Caregiver Connection: Handling Guilt

It is normal to feel guilty during the process of caregiving.  But feelings of guilt aren’t always healthy or appropriate; we may set unrealistic expectations for ourselves, and feel guilty when we don’t meet these expectations.  In this case, guilt can drain our emotional energy and make us less effective caregivers.  Luckily, there are things you can do to deal …

Holiday Tips from Wimberley Support Group Leaders

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”] For many years, caregivers in Hays County have had access to a truly caring and supportive peer community.  That’s thanks to the hard work of Linda Germain and Annette Dunn, facilitators of the Wimberley Caregiver Support …

December Caregiver Connection: Holiday Caregiving Issues

The holidays can be a stressful time for us all, but those caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s face an added set of challenges, both practical and emotional. Dealing with grief during this cheery season, whether you’re grieving a deceased loved one or grieving the many daily losses of dementia, is very difficult.  Furthermore, attending to holiday shopping, hosting …

Nobel Prize Winning Research Sheds Light on Alzheimer’s

This year’s Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine is being awarded to three scientists for their contributions to our understanding of the brain’s internal “GPS system.”  Their findings may have groundbreaking implications for Alzheimer’s disease research. The research shows that certain cells in the brain help us mark our position, understand where we are in space, and help us learn spatial …

September Caregiver Connection: Wandering

As many as 60% of the 5.1 million Americans with Alzheimer’s disease will display wandering behaviors at some point in the disease process.  Sometimes wandering is little more than continual pacing within a small area, but it can often lead to the individual becoming separated from their caregiver. People that display this behavior may wander around the room, from room …