Holidays bring families together to share and observe cherished traditions. But for a relative with memory loss, the holidays can be challenging—especially as we move into our second pandemic holiday season. These thirteen suggestions can help you plan holiday celebrations that include your loved one with memory loss: Recognize that holidays are not the same […]
During the COVID pandemic, recognizing a friend, co-worker, or neighbor wearing a mask has been challenging. While a person’s eyes give us some clues to the person’s identity, it often isn’t enough. We don’t have the benefit of seeing a person’s mouth and facial expressions. And masks often muffle our voices, making it harder to […]
Like many of you we have been ordered to “shelter in place” (Beth in Michigan, Laurie in California) to help curb or eradicate the COVID-19 virus. Although it is an inconvenience, we cannot help but think of all the caregivers for relatives with dementia. Adult Day Centers are closed. Some family members are working from […]
Moving a relative with dementia from out of state is hard. So many questions are involved in the decision. Can she no longer manage alone? Is it the right thing to do? Is it the right time? Am I breaking a promise to care for my relative at home? Will she be angry at me, […]
Caregivers need breaks. Respite care can happen many different ways. You might get a break by hiring a home care worker. Perhaps other family members can step up and rotate time with your relative. Taking advantage of adult day programs or temporary stays in a residential setting is another possibility. All of these possibilities rest […]
Pat’s dad can’t remember from moment to moment that he has a brain disease affecting his ability to live alone. Sara can get herself out of bed—but doesn’t know what to do next. She needs someone to prompt her through every step and help her get them in the right order. These are frustrating situations […]
Anxiety in people with dementia can often lead to agitation, which can lead to anger, aggression, and situations that can be dangerous for caregivers. It’s easier to prevent anger and aggression in dementia than to defuse it once it has started. Using observation or behavior logs to identify patterns of behavior can help you figure out […]
Repetitive behaviors such as asking the same question again and again can be stressful and irritating for family caregivers. Sometimes it feels like your relative with dementia is purposely repeating questions or statements just to annoy you. This is rarely the case. More likely, your relative is trying unsuccessfully to feel a sense of control. […]
Getting dressed is a very personal and private activity. When people start to have difficulty with it, they often feel frustrated and embarrassed and are reluctant to accept help. Who wants to get dressed in front of someone else, or be dressed by another person? Struggles with caregivers like you can be common. And dressing […]
When should your relative with dementia no longer be left alone? There are no easy answers, and the signs are not always clear. Here are seven more red flags that can help you determine when your relative may not be safe alone anymore. (We offered eight red flags in another blog post.) As you make decisions about the […]