It is natural and commendable for people with early stage Alzheimer’s disease to want to play an active role in their treatment and care plan. Many seek out alternative treatments, like herbal remedies, dietary supplements, or “medical foods.” Some older people may benefit from augmenting their diet with vitamin B12, B6, D, and calcium supplements, but for the most part, …
CENTRAL TEXAS LEADERS IN ALZHEIMER’S CARE, EDUCATION, SUPPORT AND FUNDING ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCH SEPARATE FROM NATIONAL ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION
Austin, Texas (January 13, 2016). Austin and Central Texas’ leading experts in Alzheimer’s care, education, support and the State of Texas’ preeminent leader in the advancement of state funding for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia research announced today that the organization is separating from the national organization, effective immediately. Formerly known as Alzheimer’s Association – Capital of Texas Chapter, the nonprofit …
Things to Watch for on a Holiday Visit
It’s increasingly common for people to make their home in a different city than their parents. For many, the winter holidays are the only time of year when they can enjoy an extended stay with their older relatives. You may notice that your elderly loved ones’ memories aren’t as sharp as they used to be, or may seem more frail …
Managing Family Conflict
Throughout the course of a person’s experience with Alzheimer’s, those closest to them will experience complicated emotions. Denial, anger, sadness, guilt, despair, and resentment are all par for the course. The members of a care team or family unit may be processing their grief at different rates and in different ways, meanwhile, important decisions about the person’s care need to …
Activities for People with Alzheimer’s
Activities are the “things that we do.” These include getting dressed, doing chores, playing cards and even paying bills. They can represent who we are and what we’re about. Therefore, allowing the person with Alzheimer’s to participate in these activities can help him/her to maintain feelings of value and importance. Activities can structure time and make the best of retained …
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 …