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Stress-Reduction Techniques
We know small amounts of stress can be beneficial to the body, but prolonged high stress causes damage to our bodies in many different ways. Diabetes, heart problems, migraines, indigestion, and depression to name a few. Since the effects are negative, let's consider some positive steps we can take to reduce stress. 1) Take breaks: It's crucial for caregivers, (and others,) to schedule regular breaks to rest and recharge. Even short breaks can help alleviate stress and prevent burnout. 2) Seek support: Don't hesitate to reach out to family members, friends, or support groups who can provide emotional support and share in the caregiving responsibilities. 3) Prioritize self-care: …
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Let’s Lower Your Stress Levels
I have a few Questions 1) How peaceful and happy is your day-to-day life? Do you ever lose your temper? Get anxious? 2) What systems are in place to help you destress? Do you have systems to reduce anxiety? 3) How’s your attitude? Are you happy, cheerful, and thankful or do you experience some grudges, bitterness, anger, or self-pity? Before you start beating yourself up, we ALL get stressed, angry, and anxious. The difference comes in how we handle it. Stress can cause a host of issues including, but not limited to the following: Heart disease Obesity Diabetes Mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. According to…
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7 Stages of Alzheimer’s
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The Diagnosis isn’t the End
When someone is told they've got Dementia, they don't immediately lose all memories & become a shell of their former self. Receiving the news can be devastating, but it doesn't immediately change your thoughts, behaviors, or memory. My handsome son and my mom. There are upwards of 100 conditions that fall under the Dementia Umbrella.☔️ Some of the most common are: Alzheimer's Frontotemporal Dementia Vascular Dementia Parkinson's Lewy Body Dementia Multi-Infarct Dementia Huntington's Disease Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Alcohol-related Dementia Down Syndrome with Alzheimer's HIV Associated Dementia Childhood Dementia They all impact reasoning, memory & activities of daily life, but there are different symptoms associated with each different disease. Most are a…
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7 Stages of Alzheimer’s
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3 Acceptable “I cant’s”
I was raised to never say "I can't". While that's great in normal everyday life, I've found it's not the best in the world of caregiving. My dad loved us. I know he did because he worked two jobs, and sometimes three, so mom could stay home and care for his four little angels. Okay, that's a stretch. No one referred to us as "little Angels", not even our grandparents! I grew up in the no-participation trophy era. We worked hard, played hard, and got what we earned, which was sometimes swats, but I digress. Dad taught us we could do anything we set our minds to. Henry Ford stated…
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10 Ways to Reduce Stress
1) Take breaks: It's crucial for caregivers to schedule regular breaks to rest and recharge. Even short breaks can help alleviate stress and prevent burnout. 2) Seek support: Don't hesitate to reach out to family members, friends, or support groups who can provide emotional support and share in the caregiving responsibilities. 3) Prioritize self-care: Make self-care a priority by engaging in activities you enjoy. This could include hobbies, exercise, meditation, or simply taking time for yourself. For me, it's gardening. That is a happy, peaceful place where I can relax. 4) Accept help: Allow others to lend a hand. Accept help with caregiving tasks, such as meal preparation, errands, or…
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Showering when Dementia is present
Dementia is a progressive condition that affects a person's memory, thinking, and ability to carry out everyday tasks. One of the challenges that people with dementia face is maintaining their personal hygiene. Taking a shower can be particularly challenging, as it involves multiple steps and can be overwhelming for someone with dementia. However, there are several tips that can make showering easier and more comfortable for someone with dementia and their caregiver. Establish a routine Establishing a routine can help someone with dementia feel more in control of their daily activities. Try to schedule showering at the same time every other day, and stick to a consistent routine. This can…
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7 Stages of Alzheimer’s
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Can we do anything about Wandering?
For caregivers of individuals with dementia or cognitive impairments, wandering can be a significant concern. Wandering is defined as moving around without a specific destination or purpose, and it can put individuals at risk of injury or getting lost. However, there are several strategies that caregivers can use to prevent wandering and ensure the safety of their loved ones. First and foremost, it is essential to create a safe and secure living environment. This may involve installing locks on doors and windows or utilizing a security system. Removing any potential hazards, such as sharp objects or tripping hazards, from the home is also essential. Additionally, caregivers should consider utilizing…
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7 Stages of Alzheimer’s
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Anxiety Calming Strategies
We all have a certain amount of anxiety. Learning how to handle it is what’s crucial. Caregivers have a higher-than-normal amount of stress due to their circumstances, so it’s doubly important for them to learn coping techniques. You’ll find other stress-relieving articles here and here. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, over 18% of Americans struggle with some form of anxiety at any given time. Coping with anxiety can be complicated, especially since no single treatment works for everyone. So, let’s talk about five completely natural ways that you can calm your anxiety today. 1. Meditation & Deep Breathing Anxiety attacks and persistent anxiety typically come…
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7 Stages of Alzheimer’s
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My Backstory
My earliest memory is being on the phone with my mother as she told me I had a new baby sister. I was so excited! Mom said she would bring the baby home to meet me in time for my 2nd birthday in 3 days. I would grab a diaper, wipes, or burp cloth with extreme speed and accuracy. Mom could count on me to care for this tiny, often crying, sweet baby sister, who was so helpless. I was a secondary caregiver at 2 years old! A short 15 months later, it happened again! My mom was a baby-making machine! She had 4 kids in 5 years!! This time…
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10 Early Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
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Pete and repeat….
When you have a loved one with dementia, you may experience what I call "the repeats." It reminds me of an old joke I heard as a kid that was super annoying. It went like this: Pete and repeat went up a hill. Pete fell off, and who was left? When the victim says "repeat," you repeat the lines again. "Pete and repeat went up a hill..." Annoying, isn't it? As kids, we chose to be annoying by telling that joke to people. Our loved one didn't choose any form of dementia. Nor would we wish it on them! On a good day, they will ask the same question with…