As a follow up to the December newsletter where I spoke of the challenges of Family/Professional  caregiver interaction,  I have a story to tell you which represents perhaps the flip side to that coin. After Anita brought Fred home from the hospital, she started to work with a home health aide, Naomi, who had begun a ten hour a day schedule. Naomi had two days off, Wednesday and Thursday, during which Anita was convinced that she did not need any help. By Wednesday morning, Anita was wondering how she would get through the day, when a knock at the door brought her rescue, it was Naomi.  She had taken two busses and walked a half mile to get there, since Anita usually picked her up during her work days. Anita was thrilled, but perplexed, she asked Naomi what she was doing there on her day off and Naomi replied “I knew that although you would never ask, you needed me her e today”.  I think communication, spoken and otherwise, is still alive and well in some parts of the land.

A few more Gimmicks and Gambits:

I am a caregiver for my mom who had a stroke.  It is very disconcerting to her that she drools without realizing it and cannot seem to be able to remember to swallow.  In addition to no longer being able to speak, this problem makes her uncomfortable around others.   We have discovered that if she chews on a small piece of gum, she automatically remembers to swallow. Fortunately she has no trouble with swallowing so there is no choking hazard.  It has at least helped her to cope with one of many challenges she has because of her stroke.  Now she knows that with the gum she is not drooling.  Hope this can help others. 

 L. A.

I take care of my mom full-time. She has Multiple System Atrophy and is just beginning to "see" things - usually things hidden in her briefs when I take her to the bathroom - but also when she's sitting in her lift chair (which she does all day except for her nap and bedtime). Usually she sees "moths" - purple and black moths. The doctor says this is more than likely attributed to her brain stem shrinkage and not to dementia; however, I used to tell her there were no moths. One day she told me I was lying. Ever since then I go along with the moths and she is very happy. Pick your battles is the lesson here!

J.A.

Take care
Gary Barg
Editor-in-Chief
gary@caregiver.com
 

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Feature Article
Keeping Your Balance by Hilary Gibson, Staff Writer   There are many different theories regarding the emotional impact experienced by caregivers when placing a loved one, especially one who is living with dementia, into a long-term care facility. . .....Continued
Additional Articles: Moving Right Along by Jennifer Wilson, Staff Writer Among the many challenges caregivers encounter­- from daily grooming regimes to health and safety strategies-  ...Continued Nursing Home Care By Wesley Patrick The term “nursing home” has become generic over the years, and it is used to define all facilities from a rest home to an acute care hospital. ....Continued
Guest Column
Stepping Into The Leadership Role by Daniel Kuhn, LCSW, MSW   Since the person with AD no longer possesses the mental skills to be completely independent, a special brand of leadership is called for. . ..Continued
Caretips
Tips for Buying Long Term Care Insurance By Mary Damiano The decision to buy Long Term Care Insurance should not be entered into lightly.  ...Continued
Carenotes
Any ideas on dealing with individuals that can't seem to mobilize by themselves, but don't want to be told what to do?! My son is 17 and has autism---it takes more than an hour to get him up each and every day. My sister is newly in my life as she cared for our parents in their last years of life. Even though she has OCD, I'm rather mad that my parents allowed this without helping her to establish any personal life of her own. She has never worked outside the home at age 46, never married, never built any purpose into her life. She watches TV and tends several small animals. Even then, she eats only 2 times a day (or tries to eat out) and finds it hard to upkeep housework, car, bills, etc. In helping these two, I dissolve into a harsh, directive (nagging), never fun or spontaneous task master. I seem to be the only one noticing what time it is, what is expected of us, moving us along. ICKY...I'm not even an organized person by nature and I've had to turn into an "accountant"! PLEASE help with ANY IDEAS. Thanks.   Answer This Week's CareNote: carenotes/2007/index.htm
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