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Five Ways to Flex Your Creative Muscles
Healthy Living

Five Ways to Flex Your Creative Muscles

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger
The world’s first computer programmer, Ada Lovelace, refers to imagination as a “discovering faculty,” one that “penetrates into the unseen worlds around us.” That power to see beyond what is immediately available is echoed by Dave Evans, Stanford professor. “There are lots of you,” he reminds us. “There are lots of right answers.” Things are so much more than they seem, especially for those with a fertile imagination. If your interested in keeping your brain sharp, we recommend exploring ways to enhance your creative powers. Five Ways to Flex Your Creative Muscles Five Ways to Flex Your Creative Muscles

Seeing multiple possibilities, believe it or not, was what led Italian artist Alessandro Sanna to create the beloved Pinocchio character. Idly staring out the window during a train ride, he imagined that the tree branches he saw resembled a child he knew in a pediatric hospital, a fragile, delicate human being, whose body—in his imagination—was being cradled by an older person who loved him. He began sketching and soon, the wooden puppet with the growing nose was born. Five Ways to Flex Your Creative Muscles

EINSTEIN’S WORDS:

The inspiration “Imagination is more important than knowledge.”
If we take Einstein at his words, we can multiply the importance of imagination. Here are five ways for doing that. We cam examine the behaviors commonly associated with imaginative people, those who optimize their creative talents. As you read them, consider your own behaviors in light of them.

1. Is not thrown by chaos

If you really want to test your ability to tolerate confusion, try this. Find three other people: one person is the listener. The second person whispers non-stop in the listener’s ear, while the third person delivers a “speech” (e.g., views on a controversial topic, such as a Presidential election). The fourth person takes notes on the speech. Then ask the listener what he or she remembered. Compare what the speaker said and what the observer noted.

2. Likes to explore, to experiment

List a number of What If questions. Start with whimsical questions, such as this: what if women ruled the world? (One answer might be that toilet seats would always be down.) These “iffy” questions will help you keep an open mind and will help you remain receptive to the possibilities that abound in the world around you.

3. Welcomes new thoughts

There are places that do their hiring via a group project. To illustrate, they might gather a group of candidates, have them form teams, and then issue a challenge like this: “You have exactly five minutes to complete this task. List 25 ways to improve a stove.” To develop your own imaginative powers and even those of a group of friends, contemplate a challenge that requires speculation. Get those cerebral juices pumping with a question that demands new thoughts.

4. Can see what isn’t visible

An excellent way to “see the invisible” is to find new uses for old things. Example: What can be done with leftover flowers from a bouquet you’ve received, other than making potpourri? List 15 ways to use the flowers. Or, take another object and come up with 15 new ways to use it.

5. Sees value in problems

List the most serious problems you’ve had in the last ten years. What benefits or opportunities resulted from those difficulties? Ask your friends to share their insights as well. Five Ways to Flex Your Creative Muscles

GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER’S WORDS:

This scientist is best known for his many uses of peanuts. Carver went from being a slave to being an internationally respected botanist in one lifetime. He observed that “when you can do a common thing in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world.” You may not be interested in commanding the world’s attention, but you probably are interested in commanding your thoughts and keeping your mental powers sharp. Work on the five recommendations listed here and keep notes on your progress. After all, you are an uncommon senior citizen!
By Marlene Caroselli
This article is excerpted from Applying Mr. Einstein: 365+ Einstein-Inspired Brain Boosts. Her 62ndbook, Applying Mr. Einsteinwill be released by HRD Press later this year. You can reach the author at msmccpd@gmail.com.
Five Ways to Flex Your Creative Muscles Five Ways to Flex Your Creative Muscles Five Ways to Flex Your Creative Muscles Five Ways to Flex Your Creative Muscles Five Ways to Flex Your Creative Muscles Five Ways to Flex Your Creative Muscles Five Ways to Flex Your Creative Muscles Five Ways to Flex Your Creative Muscles

Five Ways to Flex Your Creative Muscles

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Understanding Financial Powers of Attorney – Are They a “License to Steal”?
Estate Planning

Understanding Financial Powers of Attorney – Are They a “License to Steal”?

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

A financial power of attorney is a valuable legal document that ensures that your financial matters will continue to be handled – should you become incapacitated and unable to do so yourself. However, placed into the wrong hands, these documents can become a license to steal. Understanding Financial Powers of Attorney – Are They a “License to Steal”?
In your power of attorney, you’re called the “principal” and the person you select to have authority over your finances is called the “agent” (or “attorney-in-fact”).

A general power of attorney allows your selected agent to do everything that you could do with your assets. They can sell your home, execute a new deed and transfer title, take out a loan, and access your bank accounts. It’s a very broad and powerful document.

A special power of attorney limits your agent’s authority. You might choose to grant them the ability to access only one of your bank accounts, or to sign specific real estate documents while you’re out of the country.

Your agent’s authority becomes effective either immediately or only when you become incapacitated. Granting immediate authority is generally not advisable (except in the limited capacity of a special power of attorney). Why give someone the authority to access and control your finances when you’re perfectly capable of doing it yourself?

A “springing power” gives your agent financial authority only if you become incapacitated. The test to determine “incapacity” should generally require that two medical doctors state, in writing and under penalty of perjury, that they have examined you and concluded that you are unable to make sound financial decisions. Your agent’s authority then “springs into being”. Your agent can then literally staple the two doctors’ declarations to the back of your power of attorney, and have full authority to handle all financial matters.

You can see where this could lead if the agent you selected turns out to be a crook.

A typical scenario is a widowed mom who is becoming more and more forgetful and is developing signs of dementia. Years earlier, she signed a financial power of attorney and named her son as her agent. At the time, all was fine because son was financially stable and trustworthy. However, he’s now lost his job, his house is about to go into foreclosure, and his wife is pressuring him to use the power of attorney to access “just a little” of mom’s money to get them through this hard time.

Of course, once the son and his wife enjoy this newly found cash cow, it gets easier and easier to continue to take money. Mom has no clue what’s going on.

It can get worse. When the checking and savings are gone, there’s still a lot of equity in mom’s home. “We’ll just take out a small loan”, says the son. Not much later, he and his wife need to take out a second loan to use that money to make the monthly mortgage payments. Before long, mom’s house is being foreclosed on.
Perhaps 9 out of 10 financial elder abuse cases involve a family member as the perpetrator – usually a son or daughter. And in many such cases, a financial power of attorney was the vehicle used to accomplish the rip-off.

These documents are important and can be very useful. Many a conservatorship (or guardianship) can be avoided if valid financial powers of attorney are in place.

Obviously, the key point is to make absolutely certain that the selected agent is honest and trustworthy. Placed into the wrong hands, these documents can become a license to steal.

George F. Dickerman is a Riverside, California elder law attorney. His practice focuses on advocating for, and protecting, the elderly and their loved ones. For more information, please visit: elder-law-advocate.com.

Understanding Financial Powers of Attorney – Are They a “License to Steal”?

Understanding Financial Powers of Attorney – Are They a “License to Steal”?

Understanding Financial Powers of Attorney – Are They a “License to Steal”? Understanding Financial Powers of Attorney – Are They a “License to Steal”? Understanding Financial Powers of Attorney – Are They a “License to Steal”?

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Caregiving

Sharing Caregiving With Siblings

by Kathy Macaraeg
written by Kathy Macaraeg

Does your parent suddenly need care and you and your siblings are struggling with how to manage caregiving duties? While it can be difficult to figure out a system that will work for your family, once you create a plan that includes everyone, the burden will be lighter for all involved.

Define the Caregiving Tasks

Let’s face it. There is always going to be one sibling who lives closer or has more free time – or makes more free time – who will take the leadership role. That doesn’t mean that person has to do everything all alone. If you don’t stop to figure out what needs to be done, you’ll always be plugging holes. So, right now, stop and make a list of everything that needs to be done for your parent.

Here are some ideas you may forget about. It doesn’t mean that the person responsible has to actually do the task, but they need to be in charge of hiring a provider and overseeing the tasks.

  • Schedule appointments
  • Research providers and manage application processes
  • Review and pay medical bills
  • Track medical situation
  • Manage housekeeping
  • Manage meals
  • Manage grocery shopping
  • Handle finances
  • Provide transportation or find a transportation provider and oversee the service
  • Manage personal care (including hair appointments and personal care needs)

 

Depending on your parent, there may be much more, including social activities. While maintaining your parent’s social life seems like something that should be relegated to the bottom of the to do list, remember that loneliness in the elderly can cause a host of physical and emotional problems.

Choose Your Caregiver Roles

This is the hard part. Everyone wants to take on the “easy” tasks like booking appointments or managing meal services, but you’ll all need to do some of the dirty work. The good news is, many hands equals less work for all.

Sit down together and realistically discuss what each of you can handle. If someone lives far away, make that person handle the research and financial tasks. While research may not seem time-consuming, trust me, it is. There isn’t a one-stop spot to find all of the services available and the application process for many government programs can be extremely time-consuming with many phone calls and follow-up.

An example of a workable responsibility split is, if there are two siblings who live close to your parents and one who lives farther away, the sibling who is farther away handles finances and research and one of the close siblings handles grocery shopping and meal preparation while the other handles transportation to medical and dental appointments and personal errands. Consider your schedules and other responsibilities and find ways to make it work for everyone.

If you all work full-time and can’t take time away from work, decide how much your parent and each of you can contribute to fund outsourcing services. I have also known families who pay the family member with the lowest income to quit their job and become the caregiver.

Caregiver Communication

If you can, decide on roles from the start so that there isn’t confusion, balls aren’t dropped and no one is stuck scrambling at the last minute. While you are deciding on roles, also decide how you will all communicate caregiving updates.

Will you share a Google drive account so that appointments are all on a master calendar and you can share a contact sheet? Will you exchange information via email, phone or text? Will you have a binder at your parent’s house with all of the details? It doesn’t matter how you share the information, it is just important that you have a consistent system so that anyone can find what they need easily.

You will also need to discuss how you will handle big decisions such as when to hire a caregiver, whether your parent should live alone, medical care, etc. I worked with a family who handled big decisions like a business. They would discuss the pros and cons and vote. Of course, there were three of them so they always had a tie-breaker.

There is no right or wrong way to work together for your parent’s care. Do what works best for your family. And remember, you are family. While it can be difficult working together and old rivalries tend to resurface, remind yourself that you are family and are doing this for your loved one. There will come a time when your services will no longer be needed and your siblings will be the family you have left. This is a season of your lives that you are all living through together.

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Caregiving

Survival Guide for New Caregivers

by Kathy Macaraeg
written by Kathy Macaraeg

Whether you saw it coming or not, caring for an aging parent can be a challenge. Your parent may have been on a gradual decline, giving you the opportunity to plan ahead and implement care strategies a little bit at a time; or your parent may have taken a fall and broken a hip, resulting in the need for immediate care.

Whatever the case, jumping into the role of caregiver can be overwhelming. What steps do you need to take to ensure your parent is properly cared for? How can you fit it into your already full life? Where can you turn for help?

Assess the Situation

Before you jump in head first, step back and decide what your parent needs. If your parent has his/her cognitive functioning intact, consult them to decide what type of care they would prefer and what is needed.

Some questions to consider:

  • Do they need short term or long term assistance? Even if this is a new injury, bear in mind that as we age, it takes longer to heal. Your parent may need help getting to physical therapy appointments, performing certain activities of daily living, etc. for more than a few weeks. I had a client who had a broken hip, that resulted in surgery and three months of recovery. Even after the three month recovery time, a year later, she still lamented about her challenges getting up and down stairs.
  • What type of assistance do they need? Do they need someone to assist with activities of daily living? Do they need food delivered? Do they need transportation to medical appointments or physical therapy?
  • Is their home suitable for them to age in place or do they need to make changes, or explore other housing options?
  • What is your budget? Are there funds available to tap into? If not, are there other family members who can assist and/or help cover costs?

Make a Plan

Once you’ve assessed the situation, you can develop a plan of action. Whether you need long- or short-term assistance, you will need to decide who will do what activities and how frequently. If you are working with siblings or other family members, you should consider all sitting down together to develop a schedule and plan. Just in case, you may want to refer to my sibling rivalry post before having your family meeting.

Here are some things you can do to make caregiving run smoother:

  • Create a shared calendar (Google offers free calendars that you can share) to post medical appointments, physical therapy appointments and any other transportation needs that will require a volunteer or service.
  • Decide who will handle researching services and benefits available to your parent and agree on a timeline.
  • Determine which tasks can be handled by family members and which tasks to outsource and set up a schedule. If you lay out all of the possibilities ahead of time and address expectations, there is less room for confusion and frustration later.
  • Decide how long you will need outside support and how much you will use. If you will be using outside support indefinitely, decide how you will ensure your parent is receiving proper care.
  • If your parent will ultimately need to move into an assisted living facility, work together to decide on timing and how to make the transition easier for your parent.

Common Caregiving Tasks to Discuss

  • Who is purchasing groceries and how frequently?
  • How will meals be handled? Will you use a service or will someone provide meals for your parent?
  • Who is hiring and overseeing hired caregivers? What are the expectations and how frequently will you use outside help? Who will pay?
  • Who is handling bill paying? How frequently will bills be paid and how will your parent can access funds for incidentals?
  • Who will handle cleaning/maintaining your parent’s home?
  • Who will handle transportation needs (either providing transportation or securing transportation)?
  • If your parent needs personal care (bathing, dressing, feeding), who will handle those tasks?

 

You will have many other tasks to consider, this is just a general list to get the ball rolling. If you are in need of long-term assistance, check out my resources page for links to benefits for seniors. Bear in mind that many services take several weeks to start, so the earlier you get the application submitted, the better.

 

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6 Important Reasons to Keep Hydrated this Summer
Health Tips

6 Important Reasons to Keep Hydrated this Summer

by Silverado
written by Silverado

Our bodies are over seventy percent water, so the importance of drinking enough H2O goes far beyond cooling down on a hot day or quenching your thirst. The human body needs to be properly hydrated to function. Not enough water can affect things like muscle function, joint and brain protection, immune health, digestion and even mood. 6 Important Reasons to Keep Hydrated this Summer
Here are just a few reasons it’s important to get your eight* glasses of water a day!

  1. Keep Bladder and Kidneys Healthy –
    Because water helps to flush out any unwanted microbes, well hydrated people have fewer bladder or kidney infections.
  2. Weight Control –
    Drinking water instead of soda or sugary juices helps eliminate empty calories from your diet.
  3. The (Drinking) Fountain of Youth –
    Keeping hydrated helps ensure that your skin keeps elastic, that it can properly rid itself of toxins, lessening your risk of conditions like dermatitis, aging skin and infection.
  4. Maintaining Energy Levels –
    Water is essential to the biological processes that turn food and stored fat into energy. If there isn’t enough water to make that happen, lethargy and sleepiness can follow.
  5. Mood Enhancement –
    Feeling a little grumpy? Make sure you’ve had enough water, since it aids in body regulation and brain function, which is related to balancing mood and emotions.
  6. Keeping on the Move –
    Most of the padding in cartilage is made up of water, so if we don’t drink enough of it, our bones will feel stiff and our joints sore. Getting enough water also helps joints bounce back faster after workouts, and expedites healing of injuries.

* Your water needs may vary — please ask your doctor about your optimal water intake.

6 Important Reasons to Keep Hydrated this Summer

6 Important Reasons to Keep Hydrated this Summer

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Caregiving

Normal Caregiver Emotions

by Kathy Macaraeg
written by Kathy Macaraeg

Guess what? You’re not alone. Anyone who tells you they are happy every minute of every day is probably lying. Not all caregiving tasks are fun and not all moments are pleasant.

Negative Caregiver Emotions

You may feel guilty feeling these emotions, or not want to express them out loud, but these emotions are totally normal and it is highly likely that every caregiver has felt them at one time or another.

Resentment:

Whether you resent the situation (why did my spouse have to get in an accident) or you resent the cause (if my mom didn’t smoke, she wouldn’t have been this sick) or the change to your lifestyle (I used to have time to go out with my friends or travel), feelings of resentment are common.

Accepting these feelings and understanding that they are normal is the first step to feeling better. Once you’ve accepted these feelings, find a way to re-frame your mindset. Instead of thinking, why did my spouse have to get into an accident, think, I’m so glad I still have my spouse in my life. Instead of thinking, why did mom have to smoke and cause these health problems, think, I am going to take better care of myself so that my later years aren’t filled with doctor appointments and illness. Instead of thinking, I used to have a full life and now I am just a caregiver, think of ways to bring joy back into your life. It may not be in big ways like in the past, but find daily ways to feel happy.

Anger:

It is perfectly normal to feel anger when you are dealing with tasks that you don’t want to do or your caree is less than grateful for what you do. You may also feel anger if you are dealing with a financial impact of caregiving. It can be expensive to be a caregiver. Loss of work, out of pocket expenses that are not covered by insurance and paying for conveniences because you are too busy to do things yourself can all add up.

If you feel anger over doing tasks that are difficult or that you don’t enjoy, consider hiring a caregiver to assist with those tasks. Perhaps you bring someone in just for personal care or certain cleaning tasks. Practice shortcuts and cost-cutting tips to help with the fact that you’re bleeding money. And finally, consider keeping a gratitude journal to focus on the things you are thankful for or do some of these three minute stress busters to help blow off steam.

Anxiety:

Anxiety can be a normal emotion for anyone in these crazy busy times. We are expected to be accessible all the time, thanks to smart phones, and life is moving at a faster pace than ever before. Add in the stress of caregiving and the fear of your loved one falling more ill or watching their health decline and it’s no wonder your anxiety levels are at an all-time high.

Try coping techniques to reduce your anxiety. Meditate, go for a walk, take a hot shower or do whatever helps you relax. You can also join a caregiver support group either in person or online to speak to others in the same boat. If your anxiety is unusually high and self-care is not working, see your doctor. You may need to re-set your body through medication. There is no shame in reaching out for help.

Boredom or Impatience:

It is not strange to feel bored with your new role. You probably had a full-time job where you interacted with people on a daily basis and a full social life. Suddenly, you’re spending the majority of your time with someone who needs your help with menial tasks and not feeling challenged. You may also get impatient with how slowly your loved one moves or their inability to do simple tasks. These are normal feelings.

To cope with the boredom or impatience, find ways to challenge yourself or engage with others. If you can’t get away for several hours, consider online courses or support groups. You don’t need to leave the house to interact with others.

Loneliness:

Caregiving can be isolating. There aren’t enough hours in the day to foster friendships, so you tend to spend all of your time with your caree, who may not be the best company. If you had a full social life in the past, it can be even more frustrating to be left out of your social circle.

If possible, enlist other family members, friends or neighbors to provide you with time away. Whether you get a lunch away or a night in a hotel, just getting out of the house, among others will help with loneliness. You can also reach out to your friends via phone, email or text. Sometimes, they stop reaching out because they don’t know if it’s a good time to chat or what you need. Take the first step. If you are having trouble relating to people from your former life, join a support group either on- or off-line.

While these may feel like terrible emotions to admit to when caring for someone you love, they are totally normal and you should not feel embarrassed that you feel them. Find ways to re-frame them and pull yourself out of the funk. If you feel that you can’t do it on your own, reach out to a counselor for help. You don’t have to live an unhappy life while you are caring for others.

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Caregiving

How to find Caregiving Support for Low Income Loved Ones

by Kathy Macaraeg
written by Kathy Macaraeg

Caregiving isn’t just emotionally and physically demanding. It can get expensive. On average, caregivers spend between $5,000 and $20,000 per year on caregiving expenses.

Between co-pays for medication or medical appointments to caregiving support or devices and equipment, the expenses add up quickly. This isn’t even including general housing and nutritional needs.

If you are lucky, your parent planned ahead or was employed by a company that offered a pension. If not, where do you turn to get assistance with the overwhelming costs?

National Resources For Low Income Seniors

While it may take time to get set up in the federal systems, it is well worth your time to get your parents into the system for support. Caregiving is a marathon, not a race. Most caregivers are in their role for 5 years. Taking the time to apply for programs that provide financial assistance will help you in the long run.

National Council on Aging Benefits Check Up: Visit this site to find out what federal programs are available to your aging parents.

Medicare: Visit this site to find out insurance benefits and programs available to your aging parents.

Department of Health and Social Services: Your local branch will have information on local services available to your aging parents.

Administration on Aging: Your local branch can help you access services in your community.

Meals on Wheels of America: this organization will provide your parents with one meal per day. There is a fee associated with this service, however, they have options for low income seniors.

Local Resources for Low Income Seniors

Once you’ve figured out what federal options are available to you, it’s time to turn to your local community. Every community is different, so there may be more options in your community.

Chamber of Commerce or Senior Center: Reach out to these organizations in your city or county for a list of low cost or volunteer services in your community. For example, I knew of a senior center that did free grocery shopping for the elderly in their community. The client had to pay for the groceries, but not for the shopping fee. My local senior center has a program where volunteers call home-bound elderly people to check in on them. Every community is different. Find out what is available in your community. Just taking one or two items off your list will give you a few hours back every week.

Local Churches: If your parent, or you, are a member of a church, reach out to the spiritual leader with your needs. There may be a group or person within the church who can assist with some of the challenges of caregiving. Even getting help with meal delivery or transportation could impact your budget. That’s one less meal you are preparing or one less ride you are paying for or taking time off work to do.

Local Youth Programs: If there are local service-oriented youth programs in your community, reach out to find out if they provide senior services. Perhaps they can assist with yardwork or errands. You don’t know if you don’t ask.

Your Parent’s Doctor: Reach out to your parent’s doctor’s office if you are struggling with covering the co-pay or prescription costs. There may be ways they can assist. Some pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance. Your parent may also be able to take a generic prescription to lower the cost.

As someone who lives with a chronic condition, I know how expensive it can be to deal with healthcare expenses. Finding financial relief is time-consuming and you will feel like you are banging your head against the wall when you repeat the same information to the 45th person, but the long-term cost savings will be worthwhile. Additionally, bringing in support for certain tasks can free up a few hours here and there in your own schedule, giving you the opportunity to practice self-care, or at least take better care of yourself.

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How to Help a Senior with Parkinson’s
Caregiving

How to Help a Senior with Parkinson’s

by Kendall VanBlarcom
written by Kendall VanBlarcom

If you are taking care of a loved one with Parkinson’s, you are not alone. Here are a few suggestions on how to help a senior with Parkinson’s.

Educate Yourself

When there is a new diagnosis, often families don’t know where to turn. Getting all the information you can may help. Particularly if you are feeling a lack of control. Talk to a health care professional about exercise options, learn about various medications and treatments, and learn about the progression of Parkinson’s, so you will be aware of what changes may occur over time. In addition, reach out to support groups in your area, often there are other individuals experiencing what you are experiencing nearby. They can help lead you to resources.

Take Care of Yourself

Your day-to-day life will change when you are living with someone with Parkinson’s. It’s important you take care of yourself so you can provide the best support for the person you love. Talking through your problems with a counselor can be very healing. Being kind to yourself, and having your own thoughts and feelings heard, is essential to a healthy home environment.

Enjoy Time Together

Parkinson’s affects motor skills and you may not be able to have the lifestyle with your loved one that you’ve had in the past. Do your best to accept and understand that an individual with Parkinson’s is living with a disease that can change daily. There may be days when a walk around the neighborhood is possible, but there will likely be other days when you’ll need to help them with basic tasks, such as getting dressed. So, when an opportunity to do something you enjoy together is possible and available, enjoy it.

Adapt Your Home

It is essential to have your home be a safe place, and to help a senior with Parkinson’s you will likely need to make some adjustments. Open pathways are important and as physical skills deteriorate, walkers or wheelchairs may be needed. Other things to keep in mind is that floor rugs can be tripping hazards along with standing lamps. Also, it is helpful to remove statues and side tables that could inhibit movement. Making adjustments to your home before they are absolutely needed provides more safety and allows everyone to acclimate to the new layout over a period of time.

When to Explore Assisted Living

In the later stages of Parkinson’s, a family might opt for the transition to an assisted living facility. There are many factors that go into a decision to move. When possible, families should try to make a decision that everyone can support. Often, when a facility is found that is trusted and viable financially, it can be a healthy option. It is estimated over half of individuals who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s will, at some point, develop dementia in connection with the disease. For some, it is possible to have home care, perhaps with a professional who can come to help out, but for others, assisted living is the best solution.

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Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving
Caregiving

Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving

by Silverado
written by Silverado

Caring for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be an incredibly tiresome job. From the long hours, to psychological exhaustion, to the physically demanding environment, there are very few ways to actively prepare for and predict the responsibilities that caregiving entails. Silverado’s Director of Clinical Education Sue Kruse shares key tactics for managing the day-to-day challenges of dementia caregivers.

Communication Through Understanding

According to Kruse, one of the most frustrating problem areas for individuals with dementia and their caregivers is communication. Many times, the person living with dementia may be unable to express their needs, leading them to become increasingly frustrated.
Kruse says that it can be easier to identify the need by attempting to understand what the person with dementia is trying to express. For example, if an individual protests taking a shower, Kruse suggests thinking of alternative ways of presenting a solution.
“Postpone the shower until later in the day, or give the person a reason to take the shower, ‘Your son Bob is coming for lunch today, so we need to take a shower.’” Kruse says.

Acknowledgement is Key

Typically, when a person with dementia says something that may not be true, it’s best not to rationalize and correct their thoughts. “If the person says they need to go to school today, make a simple statement such as, ‘Today is Saturday, isn’t it wonderful that we have no school today?’” Kruse says. Because dementia patients can have a false sense of reality, trying to explain something may confuse or frustrate them even more.

Know your Own Limits

With the physical and psychological demands that come with dementia caregiving, studies show that caregivers are at risk for increased health problems, such as chronic fatigue, loss of appetite or even depression. “Caring for someone with dementia is a 24 hour a day job and is overwhelming for anyone.” says Kruse. Therefore, knowing your limits and practicing self-care is critical in order to fully be present and care for your loved one. Kruse advises to take help offered by friends, family, or day care programs.

Minimize Disrupted Sleep

Kruse explains that as dementia progresses, sleep disturbances can often occur for both the person with dementia and their caregiver. “The person with dementia can be up during the night attempting to leave the house or rummaging throughout the home, causing the caregiver to be sleep deprived,” Kruse says as an example. Though uninterrupted sleep throughout the night may not always be easy to achieve, taking a few extra steps can minimize distractions so both parties can have restful nights. For example, you can switch off care during graveyard or night shifts. You can also make the sleeping environment extra comfortable by playing restful music.

Never Take Rejection or Frustration Personally

It’s important to remember that changes in mood and personality are caused by chemical changes in the brain, not by daily tasks. “Realize that the person living with dementia is often afraid and confused and this is a defense mechanism,” says Kruse. Learn to compartmentalize their behaviors with performance as a caregiver.

Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving

Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving

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