Preparing to Care for Aging Loved Ones

Posted on Tuesday, April 24th, 2012 at 10:39 am and filed under Caregiving, Caregiving Support, Family Caregiving

There are many joys families experience within the relationships they have with senior relatives. Grandma and Grandpa are often able to tell the best tales of times past. The memories they impart during family get-togethers, along with valuable family history seniors recount, become the ties that bind many families together. Our elder ancestors are the very roots that strengthen each relative’s sense of place, comfort and knowledge of how they came to be in this world.

Along with the joys seniors bring to our lives come hard decisions that may eventually need to be made regarding their ability to live alone. Some seniors suffer mental or physical limitations that make it difficult for them to safely care for themselves. In these instances, family members find themselves in the position of deciding who can provide the best care for their loved ones. Typically, this decision-making process – from recognition to solution – can take approximately a year and a half. Usually a female family member such as a daughter or granddaughter is the one who makes the final decision of care.  In families where there is no daughter, this role often falls on the shoulders of the oldest son’s wife (the daughter-in-law).

There are two types of caregiving scenarios to consider – choosing a willing family member to provide care or hiring a home care company to deliver caregiving services for seniors. Deciding to become a family caregiver can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Family caregivers often find their relationships with their senior loved ones enriched and satisfying beyond words. It feels good to give the gift of time. Even so, becoming a family caregiver can have a negative impact in some ways, as well. Many family caregivers experience financial difficulties by either having to miss work to care for their loved one or by supporting two households. Family caregivers also become susceptible to suffering depression due to the physical and emotional impact caregiving for a family member can have. Careful consideration of all parties involved should be taken before a family member takes on a caregiving role.

An alternative to family caregiving is to hire a professional and experienced agency to provide care and support. Comfort Keepers^® is one such home care agency that focuses on  serving the senior population. Comfort Keepers perform duties ranging from occasional housekeeping to daily companionship for seniors who need close monitoring.

Comfort Keepers is an expert in helping families make these crucial decisions. As a leader in the home care industry, the company has devised a list of critical questions for families to ask when interviewing caregiving companies. That list can be found here: http://www.comfortkeepers.com/information-center/news-and-highlights/in-home-care-for-mom-and-dad. Choosing a company that best fits a loved one’s needs and facilitates a safe environment for a senior in his or her own home is essential for success.

Comfort Keepers conducted extensive research among families and other home care resources to determine the best way to broach caregiving with a senior loved one. Simply initiating the topic can cause tension and unease. This decision can inspire guilt for the person making the decision as well as resentment from the senior who needs care. Visit http://www.comfortkeepers.com/family-education-center/starting-the-conversation to find ideas that help families understand the core issues surrounding caregiving. This article also gives helpful insight as to how to discuss the matter without hurting feelings or making a senior feel uncomfortable.

 In any event, deciding a loved one needs additional care can be a daunting experience. Deciding who can best care for a senior loved one is a very important decision. The end result should make everyone happy and provide peace of mind for all involved.

 

The Obesity Epidemic: How Does It Affect Seniors?

Posted on Thursday, March 15th, 2012 at 1:09 pm and filed under Caregiving, Healthy Living, Interactive Caregiving

Obesity, today, is a hot topic. In fact, due to the significant rise of obesity in children and the subsequent health issues it causes, health experts predict that today’s children may have shorter life spans than their parents. This projection has parents, the medical community and other health advocates promoting significant lifestyle changes and better eating habits for children in hopes they achieve brighter health statistics in their futures.

Another population suffering the effects of the obesity epidemic that is garnering widespread attention is America’s seniors. Many seniors battle weight issues, often thought of in terms of being too thin or malnourished. However, the growing population of seniors at risk of being overweight faces obesity-related serious health issues, as well, including risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, loss of memory and an even higher risk of developing dementia in later years.

In short – proper eating habits should begin early in life and continue through the golden years. The problem is – no one is that perfect and today’s fast-paced, fast-food society makes it easy to deviate from healthy choices. However, no matter what age, practicing healthy nutritional habits can make a big impact on a person’s overall health.

Caregivers of seniors play an important role in ensuring seniors consume healthy, well-balanced diets. Simply interacting with seniors by helping them shop for nutritional items at the grocery store, choosing healthy snack alternatives, and planning menus that provide adequate nourishment without unnecessary calories are key. Preparing healthy meals together can foster better eating habits and provides an activity enjoyed by all. Dining with seniors whenever possible adds another opportunity to oversee healthy food choices. This also offers seniors a bit of socialization, making seniors feel less lonely and isolated than when dining alone. Companionship during meals stimulates appetites, paving the way for seniors and caregivers, alike, to eat proper amounts of nutrient-rich foods.

The benefits of good nutrition are many:

• Improved energy and feeling of wellness
• Strengthened immunity
• Sharpened mental focus
• Stronger bones and muscles
• Improved weight control, digestion and regularity
• Better cardiovascular health
• Reduced incidence of mood swings and depression, and so much more

 

Along with good nutrition, daily exercise helps combat obesity. A stroll through the neighborhood or a bike ride in the park promotes cardiovascular health benefits for seniors while burning calories. Encourage seniors to develop an exercise regimen with their physicians’ help that offers the best benefits specific to their physical abilities.

Caregiving provides a unique opportunity for caregivers of seniors to make a difference in more ways than one. Interacting with seniors – talking together, sharing meals, and participating in other activities — cultivates overall healthy lifestyles that are crucial to helping seniors live independently in their own homes for as long as possible.

References:

YMCA of the USA. The y recognizes national childhood obesity month. Retrieved on February 7, 2012 from http://www.ymca.net/news-releases/20100827-childhood-obesity-awareness.html.

Comfort Keepers. Senior nutrition: balanced nutrition leads to a healthier life. Retrieved on February 8, 2012 from http://interactivecaregiving.com/senior-nutrition.

Caring Right at Home. Seniors aren’t spared by today’s obesity epidemic. Retrieved on February 8, 2012 from http://www.caringnews.com/pub.59/issue.1641/article.6925/

Dryden, Jim. Washington University in St. Louis – Newsroom (2012). Diet-exercise combo best for obese seniors. Retrieved on February 8, 2012, from http://news.wustl.edu/news/Pages/22091.aspx.

Testimonial from former Comfort Keeper Mary Leyendecker

Posted on Tuesday, March 6th, 2012 at 9:32 am and filed under Caregiving, Testimonial

“In reflecting on my experience with Comfort Keepers, I cannot express how much the opportunity helped me. From the fact that I was just leaving a difficult corporate experience to the fact that I needed to get in touch with who I really am. I left a corporate job not knowing what my next calling was. I was starting to look into nursing schools, however did not know if this was right for me. On a whim, I called Comfort Keepers to inquire about a position the company had available for caregivers. After only a few short months, I felt that I had heard my calling. I was employed with Comfort Keepers for 2 years & loved every minute of my work. During this time I started & finished my Masters Degree in Nursing. Words cannot express how much the experience at Comfort Keepers prepared me for school, my clinical rotations & still today in the hospital where I am working as a Rehab RN. I know I have a strong future ahead & I truly admire and respect those who allowed me a chance to try something new & realize that the best way to help myself is by helping others. Bless All At Comfort Keepers.” Mary Leyendecker

Comfort Keepers 123 Caregiver of the Year for 2011 Announced

Posted on Tuesday, February 7th, 2012 at 10:41 am and filed under Caregiving, Uncategorized

Comfort Keepers 123 announced their Caregiver of the Year for 2011.  Comfort Keeper Nancy Heslop was awarded the 2011 Caregiver of the Year on January 31, 2012 at a luncheon given for all of the monthly honored “Caregivers of the Month” in 2011.

 

Nancy has faithfully served one of our total care clients since August 2007.   Nancy applies the knowledge of her Registered Nurses’ training along with her 7+ years of past nursing experience at hospitals in Dayton & Fairfield, OH to skillfully care for the non-medical needs of her Comfort Keepers’ clients.  Nancy’s humble approach to sometimes challenging client care is obvious to all who witness her as she masterfully exceeds all expectations.  

Nancy not only provides excellent care to her clients but she has also been instrumental in training her fellow Comfort Keepers in the areas of mobility and transferring when our office has conducted in-service training for all our caregivers.  Nancy is always willing to step up and be a mentor to a new caregiver who is eager to learn all that they can to make sure their clients are getting the best care. 

Nancy says she joined Comfort Keepers 8 years ago so she would have the opportunity to provide more one-on-one care to her clients.  “I enjoy being able to give one person all my time and attention for the hours I’m with them.  It is the most rewarding job I’ve ever had”. 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Questions To Ask When Choosing An In Home Care Provider

Posted on Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011 at 3:35 pm and filed under Caregiving

Family caregivers often come to the realization they need help caring for a senior parent or other loved one when they consider their other responsibilities at work and home. However, giving up some of the responsibility to someone else can be difficult. After all, how are you going to find a caregiver who provides the same degree of quality caregiving and devotion that you provide your loved one?

To help you accomplish this, Comfort Keepers^® has assembled a list of important questions to ask as you interview prospective professional caregiving companies:

How long has your company been in business?

If an in-home care provider has been around awhile, you should have no trouble researching their reputation through the Better Business Bureau, local senior service and healthcare providers, at church, around town, and from friends and family. Well-established providers generally have higher staff retention rates than fledgling organizations and thus offer more experienced, trained caregivers.

Can you send me information about your services and fees?

This will do more than help you compare services and fees. The quality of the informational materials you receive may indicate the attention an in-home care provider gives to all aspects of its operations. Also ask for references.

How do you select your in-home caregivers?

Look for agencies that balance experience and training with a person’s innate gift to serve and care for others. No amount of experience makes up for a lack of true compassion.

It is also essential that an agency thoroughly screen and interview candidates. This should include criminal and other background checks, interviews and reference checks.

Also look for organizations that provide training to candidates who pass the screening process and require that caregivers, once hired, complete ongoing training to maintain and update skills. 

Are your caregivers bonded and insured?

Make sure the agency you choose has coverage to protect your loved one and your family. The provider should carry professional and general liability insurance, bond its employees and cover employees with workers’ compensation.

How are caregivers supervised?

Some agencies, such as Comfort Keepers, make regular quality assurance calls and visits to make certain caregivers consistently deliver quality care. To further ensure quality care, see that all caregivers are regularly and closely supervised by a qualified company representative.

Will you provide an home assessment prior to starting services?

Through a thorough in-home assessment with you and your loved one, a representative of an in-home care provider can discover needs and help you determine whether the organization can meet them to your satisfaction.

Will you provide a written care plan before you begin service?

A written care plan prevents misunderstandings. You can use it for reference when calling the in-home care provider with concerns. To be effective, the plan needs to be developed with your input and needs to be flexible so it can be updated as your loved one’s needs change.

What if I am not satisfied with the caregiver assigned to me or a loved one?

Reputable in-home care providers will assign a new caregiver when a match does not work out.

What procedures are in place for emergencies?

Ask how the agency or caregiver will deliver services in the event of a power failure, snow storm or natural disaster. Does the organization provide 24-hour telephone service for handling emergencies during weekends and holidays?

What is the process for addressing problems?

Confirm up front whom to contact—and how—when you experience problems or have questions or requests.

Click here to download a copy of Comfort Keepers’ 20 Questions to Ask Brochure.

In-Home Care: A Solution for Baby Boomers Now & In The Future

Posted on Friday, November 18th, 2011 at 10:35 am and filed under Caregiving, Caregiving Support, Technology

Baby boomers started reaching retirement age in 2011. With 78 million of them in total, they will make a significant impact in their senior years, as they have at every phase of their lives.

How will baby boomers influence how senior care is delivered?

First, consider the general characteristics of baby boomers. They are:

•       Independent and self-reliant, having grown up in a time of change, challenging the status quo

•       Expected to live longer than previous generations

•       Health conscious and physically active

•       Accustomed to technology, having grown up in a time of non-stop technological change

Because they are independent by nature, baby boomers are likely to look for alternatives to traditional facility-based senior care. In fact, many of the 13 million baby boomers now caring for their aging parents have discovered in-home care. Many are providing at least some of the caregiving themselves, relying on professional caregivers for the rest, as they help their mothers and fathers “age in place” in the comfort of their own homes.

A 2006 study at the University of Southern California’s Leonard Davis School of Gerontology reports that baby boomers are more committed to caring for their parents than were their own mothers and fathers. (This research followed two generations of 333 families in the USC Longitudinal Study of Generations.)  As they help their parents, baby boomers are seeing the advantages of aging at home and thus may be more likely to choose in-home care for themselves when the time comes.

However, baby boomers may not be as fortunate as their parents to have children to care for them. Many baby boomers have never married and as a whole have had fewer children. For instance, the Urban Institute reported in 2007 (“Meeting the Long-Term Care Needs of the Baby Boomers: How Changing Families Will Affect Paid Helpers and Institutions”) that women born between 1956 and 1960 had only 1.9 children on average, compared with 3.2 children for women born between 1931 and 1935. And between 1980 and 1998, the portion of women ages 40 to 44 without children almost doubled, to 19 percent.

This means baby boomers will have to rely more on professional in-home caregivers, since they may not have family caregivers available.

Baby boomers will be ideal candidates for in-home care because they have pursued active lifestyles and preventive health practices—and are likely to enjoy better health than previous generations of seniors. According to Health, United States, 2005, a report issued by the Department of Health and Human Services, baby boomers will age more slowly due to healthful habits that have contributed to such indicators as 60 and 70 percent drops since 1950 in the death rates for heart disease and stroke, respectively. Further, the cancer death rate has declined 10 percent since 1990.

Baby boomers will particularly feel at home with in-home care like Comfort Keepers’ Interactive Caregiving, which builds on seniors’ life-long activities and interests, helping them stay engaged in physical, mental and social pursuits that heighten their quality of life.

In-home care technology will further aid in making in-home care the ideal senior care solution for the baby boomer generation. Throughout their lives, baby boomers have been faithful adopters of the latest gadgets that have come along to make life better. Plus, in-home care technologies, such as SafetyChoiceä by Comfort Keepers, can help bridge the family caregiver gap for those boomers who don’t have children.

These technologies, which are continually being developed and improved, monitor seniors’ movements and vital signs and can alert help in emergencies when caregivers are not present in the home. Other examples include medication systems, which remind seniors to take their medicine as prescribed, and GPS tracking devices that help locate a senior who has become lost.

So, just as they have throughout life, baby boomers will make their own distinctive mark on senior care – and in a big way.

Finding Trusted Support for Caregivers

Posted on Thursday, November 10th, 2011 at 4:17 pm and filed under Caregiving, Caregiving Support, Family Caregiving

There are over 50 million informal caregivers in the United States who provide care for someone 20 years or older who is ill or disabled.[1]  According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, a caregiver is generally defined as “anyone who provides assistance to someone else who is, in some degree, incapacitated and needs help.  While the definition of a caregiver is simple, its meaning is broad and can affect every facet of the caregiver’s life. 

Levels of caring depend on the need of the care recipient, and can be as simple as running occasional errands or as complex as assisting the loved one in eating, bathing and other personal acts of daily living.  The complexities of being a caregiver may also include dealing with attorneys and estate planning, perhaps actually planning the last phases of someone’s final years – to speaking with doctors and other health care providers to be fully informed and able to assist in making decisions regarding the care of a loved one. 

Many caregivers have their own households, families, and jobs and balancing these responsibilities is stressful.  Caregivers often become depressed and isolated, which can lead to their own poor health and inability to care for others.[2]     Caregiving can become a daunting task, but the good news is there are many local and national resources available to guide caregivers through virtually every aspect they might encounter, including care and support for themselves. 

Finding trustworthy sources may seem hard, but a great place to start is at a local level, with agencies such as Health and Human Service Departments, Area Agencies on Aging, Public Health, and Mental Health Departments, and medical boards affiliated with area hospitals.  Doctors and faith-based agencies have knowledge of reputable organizations such as support groups or psychologists and other counseling services.  It is also a good idea to contact the local chapter of a disease group that pertains to the care recipient (such as Alzheimer’s Association or Parkinson’s Foundation), and reach out to home health and respite care companies like Comfort Keepers® for advice and assistance.

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[1] Family Caregiver Alliance – National Center on Caregiving.  Selected Caregiver Statistics.  Accessed 10/8/10 at http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=439.   

[2] National Family Caregivers Association; September 2010.

The Six Stages of a Caregiver’s Journey

Posted on Tuesday, November 8th, 2011 at 2:58 pm and filed under Caregiving, Family Caregiving

Caregivers travel a unique and winding road that is sometimes hard to understand unless you have travelled the same route yourself.  While it can bring great joy to be able to care for a loved one in need, the journey itself presents distinctive concerns and issues for both the caregiver and the care recipient.

Denise M. Brown, a Certified Caregiving Coach, has been working with caregivers since 1990 in an effort to help make their journeys in that realm meaningful.  She founded Caregiving.com in 1996 as a comprehensive resource that offers testimonials, resources, education, support groups, and facts regarding caregiving.  Denise also wrote a handbook called “The Caregiving Years, Six Stages to a Meaningful Journey.”  Part of this handbook defines six stages of caregiving Denise has recognized and organized to provide valuable advice and encouragement to those caring for loved ones. 

The following is a condensed version of Denise’s six steps.  In each segment of her handbook, Denise provides a keyword and purpose, along with options to consider  ensuring you stay on the right track and are able to not only survive your caregiving experience, but also cherish the time you are able to give.

Stage 1:  The Expectant Caregiver – In the near future, I may help an aging relative.  You and your loved one realize you may soon begin your caregiving role, and you both take steps to prepare for that process.  This is the time to get the care recipient’s affairs in order – visit with an attorney to set up necessary processes, consult with doctors, and discuss with your loved one the level of care he or she may need, depending on the situation.  Together, you prepare for every possible circumstance.

Stage 2:  The Freshman Caregiver – I am starting to help an aging relative.  As this stage evolves, it provides a sneak preview of the future.  You may begin providing meals and running errands at first.  At this time, you should fully educate yourself on all aspects of your loved one’s condition and decide how you can  help.   Join support groups that are specific to the illness with which you are dealing, or caregiving in general.  Support groups provide a needed outlet and help you learn how to  take care of yourself and your care recipient properly.

Stage 3:  The Entrenched Caregiver – I am helping.  You are firmly grounded in all aspects of giving care to a loved one, which plays a large part in defining who you are. Your feelings may be bittersweet – you are glad you can help, but wonder “why me?”   You are exhausted, physically and mentally.  During this stage, re-evaluation is critical, and the main focus should be  receiving help from others, like Comfort Keepers® respite care services.  Take breaks from responsibilities, so you can rejuvenate and continue on a healthy caregiving path.  Establish a routine for both you and your loved one and determine limits of care with which the two of you are comfortable.  Accept help from family and friends, or hire a respite care provider.  Lean heavily on support groups during this time.  Sharing your feelings with others will help maintain your focus, as well as your sanity.

Stage 4:  The Pragmatic Caregiver – I am still helping an aging relative.  You have been caregiving for quite some time and your purpose now is to look at yourself and ask, “Who am I?”  Allow yourself to forgive your care recipient for past grievances and find ways to add fun to your days by singing songs or other engaging activities and together finding humor in your situations.  If possible, involve your loved one in helping you determine your goals and dreams, and start thinking about your future!

Stage 5:  The Transitioning Caregiver – My role is changing.  Your caregiver duties are coming to an end, either because you can no longer continue in your role, possibly because the person you are caring for either needs a level of care you are unable to provide, or their remaining time is coming to an end.  Allow yourself to mourn and to reflect on the memories you have shared.  Openly discussing these feelings with your care recipient now will make performing the final stages of care easier for both of you. 

Stage 6:  The Godspeed Caregiver – My caregiving has ended.  Your days of caregiving have been over for several years now, and your life is ahead of you.  You may choose to become an advocate of caregiving, offering advice, writing about your experience, heading up support groups, or merely being the go-to person for other family and friends who may be embarking on caregiving themselves.  You are moving forward in your life now, and are able to look back on your caregiving years with happy thoughts and sweet memories of the one you cared for.

The caregiver’s journey is special, but full of emotional ups-and-downs.  Denise’s steps give you permission to experience caregiving at its worst, and also at its best.  Most of all, her words and advice let you know that you will get through it, and enjoy your life to its fullest after your caregiving days end.

For the complete handbook, please visit Denise’s website at www.caregiving.com.

Caregiving Across the Miles

Posted on Thursday, November 3rd, 2011 at 2:58 pm and filed under Caregiving

You did it!  You grew up, became successful, started a family of your own, and moved out…states away, even, from your Mom and Dad.  You visit from time to time and keep in touch by talking on the phone and emailing pictures of grandchildren, and possibly great grandchildren, on a regular basis. 

As your parents grow older, though, a realization may hit home – they may require more help than they used to in terms of both physical and emotional support.  If you live far away, it can be very hard to provide the type of support and care they need.  Not only is this frustrating for you, it can become frightening to your loved one. 

If you are attempting to care for a loved one from afar, rest assured you are not alone.  As one of the leading in-home care companies for adults, Comfort Keepers^® has recognized this challenge exists in many families and has devised a simple, yet important, list of ways to make caregiving from afar as easy as possible.

• Communicate.  Realize that Mom or Dad may not want to worry you with their problems or health issues.  Discuss this with them and make them understand how important it is that they be completely open and honest with you about their lives.  Also, call them often!  You do not need to discuss important issues with them every time…just call to chat and keep each other in the loop of your daily lives.  Talking often about day-to-day events fosters a closeness that you will treasure and also makes it easier to discuss critical matters as they arise.
• Ask for help.  Taking care of aging parents from thousands of miles away may require assistance.  Comfort Keepers offers a wide variety of services that can help parents like your own.  From grocery shopping and preparing meals to cleaning their house and trips to the doctor’s office – a Comfort Keeper^® , the name we call our caregivers, can assist your parents with many tasks, as well as provide company and companionship when you can’t be there.
• Keep track of their specifics.  It is important for you to know certain things about your parents.  For example: social security numbers, who their doctor(s) is, the name of their attorney, or any other important information.  Also, knowing their dates and places of birth, who their creditors are, what assets and investments they hold, etc., can help you navigate numerous matters that may arise, especially if they become victims of fraud.  This information is also essential for you to know if you end up having to help your parents manage money.

Dealing with Difficult Behavior in the Elderly

Posted on Wednesday, September 7th, 2011 at 10:11 am and filed under Caregiving, Dementia

 

Family caregivers give the greatest gift of all – their love, energy and time – often at the expense of their own families and in lieu of other things they might like to do.  Unless you have walked in their shoes, you have no idea how rewarding their jobs are.  Caregiving can be difficult, and caregivers can face challenges every hour of every day…especially when dealing with difficult behaviors exhibited by their loved ones

Difficult behavior by a care recipient can be as simple as refusing to take medicine to as frightening as your loved one wandering during the day and night.   Your loved one may become physically or verbally abusive, or both.  They may refuse to eat or drink, and if suffering from dementia, may become paranoid or exercise random periods of yelling.  Those with depression may cry uncontrollably, and refuse to dress themselves or perform other acts of personal hygiene.

Because of the unique emotional ties between a family caregiver and the care recipient, caregivers are at risk of feeling guilty, angry and overwhelmed when dealing with difficult behaviors.  They often feel the situation is their fault, but this is far from the truth.  In fact, the single-most important thing to know when dealing with difficult behaviors is recipients of care do not act out because they do not appreciate or love the caregiver.  They act out as part of their disease process. 

Whether a care recipient is suffering illness, the effects of a stroke, or simply growing old, caregivers have to adapt to broad spectrums of behavior.  Learning what triggers your loved one’s difficult behavior will help.  It is important to note in some cases, medications can cause difficult behavior, and this possibility must be explored and managed by the health care provider in conjunction with determining other triggers.

Many times, the elderly become agitated when over-stimulated by loud noise, crowds, and over-activity.  People experiencing dementia can become angry or upset when they are forgetful, become lost or realize they cannot do things they used to.  Sometimes, the elderly find themselves in a situation that frightens them, and in turn, become overly aggressive and rebellious. Those suffering from a stroke may have damage in the part of the brain that controls behavior…meaning they can no longer control their actions even if they wanted to.

Help your loved one by identifying triggers of their difficult behavior.  If noise or large crowds make your loved one nervous, play calm music set at low volume, and limit visitors to a few at a time.  Keep happy reminders, such as pictures of family, in plain view and label rooms (such as the bathroom) and cabinets (for cups and plates) if memory is an issue.  When anger rises, speak softly but calmly and try to divert your loved one’s attention, but leave the room if you have to.  In the heat of the moment, do what you can to maintain the safety of yourself and your loved one.

Alleviate the situation by:

• Remaining calm
• Reminding yourself it’s not your fault
• Remembering this moment will pass
• Requesting help from family, friends, and support groups 

 

Above all, give yourself credit by knowing that you are giving the ultimate gift in order to make the life of your loved one easier in times of need.  The reward may be bittersweet in the moment, but with a proper frame of mind and a bit of help, the benefits are worth it in the long run…for you, and your loved one.

References:

Caregiver.org.  Family Caregiver Alliance.  Frequently asked questions.  Retrieved on 4/26/11 from http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/fcn_content_node.jsp?nodeid=

2085#quest6.

Buckley, J.B.  Alzheimer’s:  dealing with difficult behavior.  Retrieved on 4/28/11 from http://www.caregiver.com/channels/alz/articles/alzheimers_difficult_behavior.htm                                  

United States Department of Veteran’s Affairs.  Caring for someone with emotional and behavioral needs.  Retrieved on 4/28/11 from http://www.rorc.research.va.gov/rescue/

emotional-needs/difficult-behaviors.cfm.