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 …
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 …
November Caregiver Connection: Different Types of Dementia
Sometimes, you hear the words “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s” used interchangeably, but they aren’t the same thing. Dementia is a condition that can be caused by many different diseases or medical conditions, of which Alzheimer’s disease is one. Learn more about the many other types of dementia after the jump!
October Caregiver Connection: Shadowing
Many caregivers can relate to this unsettling experience: waking up in the middle of the night, still in the hazy with sleep, to find the person you care for standing over your bed watching you. This is one of the behaviors associated with “shadowing,” when the care recipient wants to remain near the caregiver at all times. Living with the …
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 …
August Caregiver Connection: Partnering with Facility Staff
As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, the person’s needs change, and the time will likely come when you aren’t able to care for your loved one at home. Ensuring that your loved one receives the care they need by finding an appropriate long-term care setting doesn’t mean that you’re no longer a critical component of their care team. On the contrary, you …