Category Archives: Tips

Did you know….

18 Wednesday Mar 2015

Posted by in Advocacy and Awareness, ALZ Assn - National, Cure Alzheimer's Fund, Facts & Figures, Helpful Resources, Round Up, Tips, USAgainstAlzheimer's

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  • An estimated 200,000 of the 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s are under the age of 65. Many are in their 40s and 50s.
  • When you donate to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, 100 percent of funds of your gift goes directly to research. The organization’s founders cover all overhead expenses.
  • The Longest Day is June 21st and it’s not too early to start planning a dawn to dusk activity to honor your loved one and raise Alzheimer’s awareness!
  • A comprehensive list of helpful resources is just a click away!  -> Resources
  • The Alzheimer’s Association publishes a comprehensive Facts & Figures Report annually. Check it out to learn more.
  • You can call the U.S. Capitol switchboard to make your voice heard! Simply dial 202-224-3121 and ask for your member of Congress and/or Senators. For each office, give your name, explain that you’re a constituent and an Alzheimer’s advocate, and ask to speak with the Health Legislative Assistant. If that person is not available, ask to leave a message. Share your personal story and explain why you feel it’s critical that they support increased funding for Alzheimer’s.

 

Banner Alzheimer’s Institute: 2015 Dementia Dialogues Webinar Series

18 Sunday Jan 2015

Posted by in Caregivers, Coursework & Learning Opportunities, Events, Helpful Resources, Tips

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Here are some amazing 2015 online education opportunities, straight from The Banner Institute.

Scheduled each third Wednesday, Dementia Dialogues offers a different, pertinent webinar topic each month. For those who are not comfortable with the Internet or who don’t have access, an exclusively audio version is offered as well.

The January webinar will take place this coming Wednesday, Jan 21. Click here to learn more and register!

January 21 – Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Dementia but were Afraid to Ask:  There is a lot of conflicting information, misinformation and unanswered questions surrounding Alzheimer’s and dementia. Join us to gain some clarity with dementia as our experts discuss some questions commonly posed to them. Come prepared to ask your unanswered questions.

February 18 –  Lack of Insight into Dementia:  “My person is in denial about their illness” is a phrase heard all too often in the dementia world. However, some people with this disease are simply unable to see changes within themselves – they have lack of insight. During this Dialogue, you will learn the difference between denial and lack of insight, and will receive strategies to avoid confrontation with a person who cannot accept cognitive losses.

March 18 – Planning for Care across the Stages of Dementia:  Dementia is a disease that requires planning – constantly. Each stage brings unique challenges and needs and by being pro-active rather than reactive, caregivers can help lighten their load and have the confidence they are making decisions as their person would wish. Learn about specific plans that should be made during the various stages of dementia.

April 15 – Alzheimer’s Medications:  Observing benefit of the approved medications for the treatment Alzheimer’s disease can be difficult to see as they don’t modify the course of the disease but can assist in managing symptoms.  Join this Dialogue to learn about medications, reasonable expectations for use, potential side effects and tips for common issues.

May 20 – Planning Successful Travel:  Travel is a joy that many people share throughout their lives. When someone develops dementia, many strategies for daily life can be disrupted by leaving home. While it may require extra thought, travel can still be enjoyable for someone with dementia. Just in time for summer travel, learn tactics to make your trips as successful as possible.

June 17 – Men as Caregivers:  Many men are finding themselves caring for their wife or mother with dementia. It turns out that some stereotypical male qualities can come in quite handy for caregivers of someone with dementia. Join this frank discussion to learn strategies from some successful male caregivers.

And coming during the second half of 2015: 

July 15 – Understanding Psychosis

August 19 – Maintaining Realistic Expectations as Dementia Progresses

September 16 – Best Lessons from Powerful Tools for Caregiving

October 21 – How and When to Execute Powers of Attorney

November 18 – Preparing for the Holidays

December 16 – The Gift of Presence

 

Alzheimer’s Caregiving: Thoughts for the New Year

28 Sunday Dec 2014

Posted by in Advocacy and Awareness, Books, Caregiver Burnout, Caregivers, Guilt and Regrets, Helpful Resources, Ruminations, Support system, Tips

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As 2014New Year 2015 draws to a close, I’ve been thinking a lot about the pressure caregivers feel to be perfect. I see this on a regular basis through my role as co-moderator of the USAgainstAlzheimer’s online support community. Family members find themselves drowning in guilt because they’ve set unreasonably high expectations for themselves; often these expectations are so lofty that no human being could possibly live up to them.

I think an admirable goal for 2015 is to be more gentle with yourself. Pay attention to your self-talk, and when you realize you’re beating yourself up, make a conscious decision to S-T-O-P. I know it’s easier said than done, but try and have faith in the decisions you make, for there is no doubt you are doing the very best you can.

As don Miguel Ruiz reminds us in The Four Agreements, your “best” will be different from day to day, perhaps from hour to hour. When you are sick with a winter cold or exhausted due to lack of sleep or simply at your wit’s end, your best will be different from when you are feeling 100%. That is a fact, and that, my friend, is okay.

Here are four things I hope you’ll consider in the coming year.

  • If you care for a loved one at home, seek respite. There is no shame in caring for yourself. In fact, it’s a necessity. Your ability to do what’s best for your loved one depends on your own physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. The National Respite Locator is a wonderful place to start when searching for assistance.
  • Do something to raise awareness or support other caregivers. Whether you simply share an article on social media or write a blog post, participate in your local Walk to End Alzheimer’s, or offer support to a fellow caregiver online or in person, paying it forward will give you a sense of purpose. The single thing that has helped me most in this journey has been reaching out to others.

I wish each and every person who visits this page a blessed 2015. May you find support, comfort, and peace of mind in the coming year.

With love,
Ann