FROM THE EDITOR'S PEN /
I'll Be
Sneaky for Christmas
/
Editorial List
When we last discussed the topic of the
constructive value of being sneaky, I had asked
for some examples of when sneaky works for you
as family caregivers. Now to be clear, we
are not talking about being deceitful, hurtful
or underhanded -- these are not good things.
What we are referring to are those times when you
need to bend the truth somewhat to garner the
best results for your loved ones.
I wanted to take a moment and
share some of the great and sneaky responses to
that
newsletter
request:
That was better than me telling
Grandpa that the mechanic has the car and can't
fix it for quite a while because he is waiting
for a part from Japan.
Mom (really, my
mom)
Here are some of my
"sneaky caretaker" tricks:
- I
put about 1/4 teaspoon of TANG in 10 to 12
ounces of water to "color" it and then my sister
thinks she is drinking juice and not just plain
old water; she gets her needed fluids and
doesn't get too much sugar from that much real
juice.
- She told me she would not eat
eggs, so I scrambled them and told her it
was rice.
- I also put most of
her fluids in a "SIP-A-MUG" by Arrow Plastic
Mfg. Co. It has a top that turns on
tight and a straw type handle for her to sip
from. Again, she gets her fluids, and
remembers how to use a straw, AND not as
much liquid is spilled when things get
tipped over (as they always do).
I'll probably think of more after I send
this off, but then I will just send you another
list!!!
C.M.
After taking
care of my husband for several years, it became
necessary to put him in assisted living.
I visit him five times a week. When I leave, I
always do so when it is his lunch time or dinner
time. That makes my leaving easier on both of
us. Sneaky but helpful.
Also when I
leave, I say I am going to the dentist or getting
my hair cut. As he has Alzheimer's, he does not
remember that I said it the day before. Sneaky
but helpful.
Hope this helps others in
the same situation.
M.L.
Sneaky, Smart, Loving and Fearless. Not a bad
combination for any caregiver.
Gary Barg
Editor-in-Chief
gary@caregiver.com
