Being a caregiver is hard work. Are you
a friend or family member of someone who
is the sole caregiver to an elderly parent?
If so, you have probably said many times,
"If there's ever anything I can do to help,
just let me know." Right?
How many times did the caregiver take you
up on that generous offer? I'm guessing not
many. That's because it's hard for so many
people to come right out and ask for help.
They feel they should be doing it all by
themselves. And, that's asking for major
trouble.
If you really want to help your friend, the
caregiver, you will need to offer concrete
suggestions...
***Tips On Being A Caregiver's Best Friend***
1. If you going to the grocery store, call them
and say, " I'm heading out for groceries. Is
there anything I can pick up for you? "
2. " I have to pick up items and prescriptions at
the pharmacy. Can I pick up anything for you?"
3. " I'm going to the dry-cleaners. Do you need
anything dropped off? "
4. If your friend has pets that maybe aren't getting
their usual TLC, offer to take the dogs for a walk.
Or drop by and give extra attention to the cats.
4. Call up sometime and say, " I have several hours
to spare. Why don't I come over and you take
the time to get out of the house? Go do something
you really want to do."
5. If you've noticed yard work that should be done,
jump in and do it.
6. Offer to take the care receiver out for the afternoon.
These are just a few ideas. By now, you're probably
thinking of many more. I can't begin to express how
happy and grateful your friend will feel when you offer
to do things in this manner.
You may have to go revive them. They may pass out
from sheer gratitude.
Here's to being a good friend,
~~Karen
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Friday, September 21, 2007
Elder Care: When Your Parents Have To Leave Their Home
I can still see the pain and tears on my
mother's face when she left the home
she'd lived in since she was a bride.
Even though she was moving in with me
and my then-husband, which was what
she wanted, the sadness was gut-wrenching.
But, she couldn't live alone. We lived too
far away to be there for her everyday. She
had many health issues and wasn't able to
manage on her own. Emotionally, as well,
being alone was not an option.
When the time comes to evaluate if one or
both parents can't manage in their own
home on a day-to-day basis, it won't be easy.
Many of our parents can stay in their own
homes with the help of a home-support worker
dropping by.
They can do housework, laundry and help with
bathing.
But, when safety becomes an issue, you have
to step in. If our parents have health problems
that cause forgetfulness they have to be helped
to understand the things that can happen that
can lead to dire events.
Whatever the reason they have to leave, please
keep in mind the emotional trauma they will
be going through. Put yourself in their shoes.
Whether they will be moving into an assisted-
living facility or with a son or daughter, life as
they have known it for years is going to change.
It will take kindness and patience to help guide
them through this life milestone.
To learn from top eldercare experts, Click Here!
Take care of yourself,
Karen
mother's face when she left the home
she'd lived in since she was a bride.
Even though she was moving in with me
and my then-husband, which was what
she wanted, the sadness was gut-wrenching.
But, she couldn't live alone. We lived too
far away to be there for her everyday. She
had many health issues and wasn't able to
manage on her own. Emotionally, as well,
being alone was not an option.
When the time comes to evaluate if one or
both parents can't manage in their own
home on a day-to-day basis, it won't be easy.
Many of our parents can stay in their own
homes with the help of a home-support worker
dropping by.
They can do housework, laundry and help with
bathing.
But, when safety becomes an issue, you have
to step in. If our parents have health problems
that cause forgetfulness they have to be helped
to understand the things that can happen that
can lead to dire events.
Whatever the reason they have to leave, please
keep in mind the emotional trauma they will
be going through. Put yourself in their shoes.
Whether they will be moving into an assisted-
living facility or with a son or daughter, life as
they have known it for years is going to change.
It will take kindness and patience to help guide
them through this life milestone.
To learn from top eldercare experts, Click Here!
Take care of yourself,
Karen
Sunday, September 16, 2007
How To Be A Patient Advocate
Wouldn't it be nice to know things before
we needed to act? Instead of bumbling through
by trial and error?
One of the things I found out during the hospital
stays my mother experienced is this:
You have to become an ADVOCATE.
It is a fine line you'll be walking. For one,
you don't want to make a nuisance of yourself.
But, you don't want to be a doormat, either.
*****Tips For Being An Advocate*****
1. Get in their faces. Nicely put it means:
Introduce yourself to everyone at the nurse's
station. It goes a long way if you greet the
staff by their name. Be friendly. Most of them
are doing their best!
2. Offering help is greatly appreciated by the
staff. It also makes your parent feel so much
better to have you with them, doing for them.
You can help with feeding, getting them out of
bed to move around if they are able. Helping
with toilet rituals, manicures, pedicures, massages.
The little things that mean a lot to their comfort
and emotional well-being.
3. Be educated on your parent's condition so you
can talk to the medical team without appearing
like a total idiot. This way you can discuss treatment
options and be in on decisions. You'll be treated
with respect and so will your parent.
4. Never be put off if you want to talk to the
doctor. If you can't be there when they make
their rounds, insist on an appointment.
5. Trust your instincts!!! You know your parent
better than strangers in a hospital. If the patient
is being pushed too soon to do something you
know is not in their best interests, speak up.
You know how their color is when they are well.
You know what they can do when they are well.
You can gauge things. The staff can only "go by
the book".
6. Be present. If you or a sibling can't be there,
be sure to phone and keep contact. Designate
one sibling as the "point guard". The staff can't
be answering calls from the whole family. You'll
just undo everything you're trying to do right!
If you're lucky enough to afford it, consider hiring
a private duty nurse or aide to take your place if
it's impossible for you to be there.
***************
Nobody wants to be admitted to a hospital. But,
it's bound to happen at some point for a variety
of reasons. Be prepared.
This is a case of "the squeaky wheel getting greased."
Stay strong,
~Karen
we needed to act? Instead of bumbling through
by trial and error?
One of the things I found out during the hospital
stays my mother experienced is this:
You have to become an ADVOCATE.
It is a fine line you'll be walking. For one,
you don't want to make a nuisance of yourself.
But, you don't want to be a doormat, either.
*****Tips For Being An Advocate*****
1. Get in their faces. Nicely put it means:
Introduce yourself to everyone at the nurse's
station. It goes a long way if you greet the
staff by their name. Be friendly. Most of them
are doing their best!
2. Offering help is greatly appreciated by the
staff. It also makes your parent feel so much
better to have you with them, doing for them.
You can help with feeding, getting them out of
bed to move around if they are able. Helping
with toilet rituals, manicures, pedicures, massages.
The little things that mean a lot to their comfort
and emotional well-being.
3. Be educated on your parent's condition so you
can talk to the medical team without appearing
like a total idiot. This way you can discuss treatment
options and be in on decisions. You'll be treated
with respect and so will your parent.
4. Never be put off if you want to talk to the
doctor. If you can't be there when they make
their rounds, insist on an appointment.
5. Trust your instincts!!! You know your parent
better than strangers in a hospital. If the patient
is being pushed too soon to do something you
know is not in their best interests, speak up.
You know how their color is when they are well.
You know what they can do when they are well.
You can gauge things. The staff can only "go by
the book".
6. Be present. If you or a sibling can't be there,
be sure to phone and keep contact. Designate
one sibling as the "point guard". The staff can't
be answering calls from the whole family. You'll
just undo everything you're trying to do right!
If you're lucky enough to afford it, consider hiring
a private duty nurse or aide to take your place if
it's impossible for you to be there.
***************
Nobody wants to be admitted to a hospital. But,
it's bound to happen at some point for a variety
of reasons. Be prepared.
This is a case of "the squeaky wheel getting greased."
Stay strong,
~Karen
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Elder Care: Signs Of Depression
With so many other concerns to worry about,
sometimes we miss what's right in our face.
We may brush it off. Thinking it's natural for
the elderly to be depressed. Wrong. They need
to see their doctor and discuss their depression
so they can get help.
Who needs to cope with depression, especially
if there are other medical problems?
Symptoms of Depression
(from the US Department of Health and Human Services)
1. Persistent sadness, anxiety or empty mood
2. Loss of interest in ordinary activities, family/friends
3. Decreased energy, fatigue, "slowed down"
4. Sleep problems
5. Eating problems
6. Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
7. Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
8. Thoughts of suicide or death
9. Irritability
10. Excessive crying, sometimes without reason
If you notice some or all of these symptoms in your aging
parent, please get them to their doctor to talk about it.
It didn't dawn on me with my own mother that she was
suffering depression. I was concentrating on her other
health problems. Once she was subscribed anti-depressants,
she began to feel so much better. Yay!
To get information from 12 of the top eldercare
experts...Click Here!
~Karen
sometimes we miss what's right in our face.
We may brush it off. Thinking it's natural for
the elderly to be depressed. Wrong. They need
to see their doctor and discuss their depression
so they can get help.
Who needs to cope with depression, especially
if there are other medical problems?
Symptoms of Depression
(from the US Department of Health and Human Services)
1. Persistent sadness, anxiety or empty mood
2. Loss of interest in ordinary activities, family/friends
3. Decreased energy, fatigue, "slowed down"
4. Sleep problems
5. Eating problems
6. Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
7. Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
8. Thoughts of suicide or death
9. Irritability
10. Excessive crying, sometimes without reason
If you notice some or all of these symptoms in your aging
parent, please get them to their doctor to talk about it.
It didn't dawn on me with my own mother that she was
suffering depression. I was concentrating on her other
health problems. Once she was subscribed anti-depressants,
she began to feel so much better. Yay!
To get information from 12 of the top eldercare
experts...Click Here!
~Karen
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Nursing Homes: The Hardest Part About Caring For Your Aging Parent
Nursing Homes...
Let's face it. Nobody ever wants to
be in the position of needing nursing
home care.
We hope we never need to go into a
nursing home. We hope we don't have
to see our loved ones in a nursing home.
But, there are times when it can't be
avoided. One of the main reasons for
your aging parent to need to reside in
a nursing home is that they require
around-the-clock care. Something you
are unable to provide.
If your parent is bed-ridden, the demands
of caregiving exceed what you are
capable of giving.
If your aging parent suffers from Alzheimer's,
in the advanced stages, especially, they need nursing
home care for their own safety.
It will be the hardest decision you'll have to
make. Heart-wrenching. Naturally, you'll
be doing a great deal of research to find
the best place you are able to for your loved one.
There is help available within your community.
Take advantage of every resource and referral
agency before making your choice. Remember,
the squeaky wheel does indeed get the grease!
For immediate online help, Click Here!
To learn from top experts in the field of
Elder Care...
Wishing you peace,
~~Karen
Let's face it. Nobody ever wants to
be in the position of needing nursing
home care.
We hope we never need to go into a
nursing home. We hope we don't have
to see our loved ones in a nursing home.
But, there are times when it can't be
avoided. One of the main reasons for
your aging parent to need to reside in
a nursing home is that they require
around-the-clock care. Something you
are unable to provide.
If your parent is bed-ridden, the demands
of caregiving exceed what you are
capable of giving.
If your aging parent suffers from Alzheimer's,
in the advanced stages, especially, they need nursing
home care for their own safety.
It will be the hardest decision you'll have to
make. Heart-wrenching. Naturally, you'll
be doing a great deal of research to find
the best place you are able to for your loved one.
There is help available within your community.
Take advantage of every resource and referral
agency before making your choice. Remember,
the squeaky wheel does indeed get the grease!
For immediate online help, Click Here!
To learn from top experts in the field of
Elder Care...
Wishing you peace,~~Karen
Monday, August 13, 2007
The Emotions of Caregiving
The National Family Caregivers Associations
national profile of caregivers found that 67%
of caregivers felt frustration while nearly 40%
felt sad and anxious.
Half of all caregivers experienced back pain,
sleeplessness and depression.
You are going to take on a caregiving role. After
thinking it through, you know you can do it. Or,
you may be like so many and not have a choice.
It could be thrust upon you before you've had a
chance to think.
One of the things you should be prepared for are
the wide range of emotions you will experience.
And these emotions are normal. Don't beat yourself
up.
Having my Mom live with me has shown just how
many emotions a body can experience. The ups and
downs of the caregiving rollercoaster ride.
Happiness, sadness, joy, depression, anger, frustration,
guilt, compassion and love. There will be days you'll
run through them all! And wonder how you will live
to cope another day.
Now that my mother has passed away and I've had
time to think back on our many years together, I'm
going through a lot of the same emotions.
The biggest is regret. I know the experts say that is
part of the grief process. But my regrets are that I
didn't have more information at the time. I thought
we were doing fine. Now I wish I could have the chance
to do it again.
I work in a library, for pity's sake. I help others find
information and resources they need. But not for me.
What they say about the cobbler's kids going without
shoes now makes sense to me.
What makes it extremely hard when caring for your
parent is the unresolved conflicts from the past. Put
a child and parent back together and you soon find
out that this role will never change.
Being a caregiver, I know your time is limited. But
please find out all you can. Libraries, support groups,
bookstores, senior services, etc...
If I could change anything, it would be to go back
and do it all again. But only better. I'm sorry, Mom.
I loved you. And always will...
Goodnight...
~~Karen
national profile of caregivers found that 67%
of caregivers felt frustration while nearly 40%
felt sad and anxious.
Half of all caregivers experienced back pain,
sleeplessness and depression.
You are going to take on a caregiving role. After
thinking it through, you know you can do it. Or,
you may be like so many and not have a choice.
It could be thrust upon you before you've had a
chance to think.
One of the things you should be prepared for are
the wide range of emotions you will experience.
And these emotions are normal. Don't beat yourself
up.
Having my Mom live with me has shown just how
many emotions a body can experience. The ups and
downs of the caregiving rollercoaster ride.
Happiness, sadness, joy, depression, anger, frustration,
guilt, compassion and love. There will be days you'll
run through them all! And wonder how you will live
to cope another day.
Now that my mother has passed away and I've had
time to think back on our many years together, I'm
going through a lot of the same emotions.
The biggest is regret. I know the experts say that is
part of the grief process. But my regrets are that I
didn't have more information at the time. I thought
we were doing fine. Now I wish I could have the chance
to do it again.
I work in a library, for pity's sake. I help others find
information and resources they need. But not for me.
What they say about the cobbler's kids going without
shoes now makes sense to me.
What makes it extremely hard when caring for your
parent is the unresolved conflicts from the past. Put
a child and parent back together and you soon find
out that this role will never change.
Being a caregiver, I know your time is limited. But
please find out all you can. Libraries, support groups,
bookstores, senior services, etc...
If I could change anything, it would be to go back
and do it all again. But only better. I'm sorry, Mom.
I loved you. And always will...
Goodnight...
~~Karen
Thursday, August 9, 2007
What Does Aging Look Like?
Aging. Nobody looks forward to the process.
But, as the saying goes, look at the alternative!
There are two kinds of aging:
Primary and secondary...
No, we don't get to pick which one we'll take.
We're going to get both.
Primary Aging
This is all about genetics. Here's
where we can blame someone else. Or thank
our parents for their great genes.
It's like pre-ordained coding that our bodies
follow. That's why medical doctors want to
know your family's medical history when
it's all about you.
Secondary Aging
This is when the systems of the body simply
slow down. And, where, in many cases, we
get to blame ourselves.
A healthy lifestyle will delay the effects of
secondary aging. Not stop. Just slow down.
You've heard it all before...
Healthy diet, exercise, no smoking, etc...
So as we take care of our aging parents, it
will be a learning experience of what's in
store for us. And when we think of it in
that way, we tend to have more patience
through the rough times of being caregivers.
Warmest thoughts,
~~Karen
Friday, August 3, 2007
The Care Receiver: How To Walk A Mile In Their Shoes
Caregiving is one of the most demanding roles
anyone can undertake. If you are performing as
caregiver now or you know you will be in the near
future, there are some techniques you may find
useful.
Whether you are caregiver to an aging parent,
spouse, sibling or any loved one, many emotions
will be the same.
Frustration and anger will rear up its ugly persona.
Even if you think you are as good-natured as they
come, think again.
This is natural. Don't let the guilt of these emotions
overwhelm you when they happen. Just keep
saying over and over, "I'm not a bad person.
This is normal. I'll get through it."
My mother depended on me for many years. She
was caregiver to my father for many years so I got
to see first hand what I would be doing in the future.
At first it was more psychological dependence. In the
last year of her life, she was like my little child.
Mom resided with me for more years than I care to
admit. Maybe I've actually forgotten. As you may
know, living with someone is a whole lot different
than caregiving at a distance.
Add to that the mother-daughter dynamics and you
are sitting on the proverbial powder keg at times.
We went from me getting her fixed up to go out
when she was mobile to informing her the time had
come for the adult diapers.
Emotions ranged from envy. (She looked better than
me when out socializing! Heck, there wasn't time
left over for me to primp.)
To anger. At her. At myself. At life. Then back to
sadness and depression. For the both of us.
In the final years, I'd finally figured it out. Duh!
Whatever negative emotion I was feeling, I'd
take a deep breath. Yes, it really does work.
As I looked at my mother, I'd remember the pictures
of her taken as a child and young woman. And, I'd
simply put myself in her shoes.
This woman once skipped across the hayfield. Played
with her siblings. Giggled at silly things.
She grew up. Married. Was a dedicated wife. Adopted
me. And put up with my teenage years. Sure, we had
problems. I've never known a family without dysfunction.
Then I'd look at this little old lady and see her soul.
Her aged body turned against her but her soul
was still that of the newborn baby brought into this
world where she endured many difficult years.
I know it's hard. There are times you think your
aging parent will send you off the deep end. But, stop
and remember them. The way they were.
They did not want this. My Mom used to say,
"Oh, to be 70 again!" When I would cringe when
"wiping her bottom", I'd remember the hard-working,
energetic woman who always took care of others.
Try that experiment when your emotions are doing you in.
I know it's easy for me to say. Now. Mom died last year.
And I miss her terribly. I want to hug her again.
Go hug your aging parent. And remember the good times...
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
This may be of interest and assistance to you...
http://www.clickaudit.com/goto/?64435
~Karen
anyone can undertake. If you are performing as
caregiver now or you know you will be in the near
future, there are some techniques you may find
useful.
Whether you are caregiver to an aging parent,
spouse, sibling or any loved one, many emotions
will be the same.
Frustration and anger will rear up its ugly persona.
Even if you think you are as good-natured as they
come, think again.
This is natural. Don't let the guilt of these emotions
overwhelm you when they happen. Just keep
saying over and over, "I'm not a bad person.
This is normal. I'll get through it."
My mother depended on me for many years. She
was caregiver to my father for many years so I got
to see first hand what I would be doing in the future.
At first it was more psychological dependence. In the
last year of her life, she was like my little child.
Mom resided with me for more years than I care to
admit. Maybe I've actually forgotten. As you may
know, living with someone is a whole lot different
than caregiving at a distance.
Add to that the mother-daughter dynamics and you
are sitting on the proverbial powder keg at times.
We went from me getting her fixed up to go out
when she was mobile to informing her the time had
come for the adult diapers.
Emotions ranged from envy. (She looked better than
me when out socializing! Heck, there wasn't time
left over for me to primp.)
To anger. At her. At myself. At life. Then back to
sadness and depression. For the both of us.
In the final years, I'd finally figured it out. Duh!
Whatever negative emotion I was feeling, I'd
take a deep breath. Yes, it really does work.
As I looked at my mother, I'd remember the pictures
of her taken as a child and young woman. And, I'd
simply put myself in her shoes.
This woman once skipped across the hayfield. Played
with her siblings. Giggled at silly things.
She grew up. Married. Was a dedicated wife. Adopted
me. And put up with my teenage years. Sure, we had
problems. I've never known a family without dysfunction.
Then I'd look at this little old lady and see her soul.
Her aged body turned against her but her soul
was still that of the newborn baby brought into this
world where she endured many difficult years.
I know it's hard. There are times you think your
aging parent will send you off the deep end. But, stop
and remember them. The way they were.
They did not want this. My Mom used to say,
"Oh, to be 70 again!" When I would cringe when
"wiping her bottom", I'd remember the hard-working,
energetic woman who always took care of others.
Try that experiment when your emotions are doing you in.
I know it's easy for me to say. Now. Mom died last year.
And I miss her terribly. I want to hug her again.
Go hug your aging parent. And remember the good times...
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
This may be of interest and assistance to you...
http://www.clickaudit.com/goto/?64435
~Karen
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Alzheimer's: News On Skin Patch
...Taken from News Release...
Skin Patch Approved for Treatment of Mild to Moderate Alzheimer’s
Monday, July 30, 2007
A skin patch that delivers small, continuous doses
of the Alzheimer’s drug Exelon throughout the day
was approved for sale in the United States earlier
this month. It is expected to be available in pharmacies
in the coming weeks.
The “Exelon Patch” contains the same medication,
rivastigmine, that is has been available in capsule form
since 2000 to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer’s.
The medication is also available in a liquid form.
The skin patch is replaced once a day and worn on the
back, chest, or upper arm.
Various medications have been available as skin patches,
which allow small and continuous doses of the drug to be
absorbed through the skin, but this is the first such
skin patch to be available for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
According to the drug’s maker, Novartis Pharmaceuticals,
the skin patch may be preferred by caregivers because it
may be easier to apply than taking a pill.
“The patch provides a visual reassurance for the caregiver
that the patient is receiving their medication,” they note.
Because it delivers a small and steady dose, it may also be
less likely to produce upset stomach, nausea and vomiting
than oral forms of the drug, the drug-makers say.
The Food and Drug Administration also approved the use
of Exelon Patch in treating patients with mild to moderate
dementia due to Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease
is a chronic and progressive neurological condition that
affects some 1.5 million people in the United States.
--------0--------
Yes, this is wonderful news for caregivers! Easier on them
and on the patient...
For more information on Alzheimer's...
http://www.clickaudit.com/goto/?66427
For information from noted elder care experts...
http://www.clickaudit.com/goto/?64435
Warmest thoughts,
~Karen~
Skin Patch Approved for Treatment of Mild to Moderate Alzheimer’s
Monday, July 30, 2007
A skin patch that delivers small, continuous doses
of the Alzheimer’s drug Exelon throughout the day
was approved for sale in the United States earlier
this month. It is expected to be available in pharmacies
in the coming weeks.
The “Exelon Patch” contains the same medication,
rivastigmine, that is has been available in capsule form
since 2000 to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer’s.
The medication is also available in a liquid form.
The skin patch is replaced once a day and worn on the
back, chest, or upper arm.
Various medications have been available as skin patches,
which allow small and continuous doses of the drug to be
absorbed through the skin, but this is the first such
skin patch to be available for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
According to the drug’s maker, Novartis Pharmaceuticals,
the skin patch may be preferred by caregivers because it
may be easier to apply than taking a pill.
“The patch provides a visual reassurance for the caregiver
that the patient is receiving their medication,” they note.
Because it delivers a small and steady dose, it may also be
less likely to produce upset stomach, nausea and vomiting
than oral forms of the drug, the drug-makers say.
The Food and Drug Administration also approved the use
of Exelon Patch in treating patients with mild to moderate
dementia due to Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease
is a chronic and progressive neurological condition that
affects some 1.5 million people in the United States.
--------0--------
Yes, this is wonderful news for caregivers! Easier on them
and on the patient...
For more information on Alzheimer's...
http://www.clickaudit.com/goto/?66427
For information from noted elder care experts...
http://www.clickaudit.com/goto/?64435
Warmest thoughts,
~Karen~
Alzheimer's: Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
Caregivers of Alzheimer's patients will
deal with a troublesome symptom known
as "sundowning".
This means that in late afternoon and
evening Alzheimer's symptoms become
worse.
**Causes of Sundowning**
---end of day exhaustion (both physical, mental & emotional
---"internal body clock" upset
---lighting is reduced
---inability to separate dreams from reality when trying to
sleep leads to disorientation
---less need for sleep
**Things To Do**
---reduce agitation and sleeplessness
---plan more active days if patient is up to it such
as walks, socializing, exercise, etc...
---restrict sweets and caffeine to mornings, early dinner,
light healthy snack before bedtime
---seek medical advice for bladder and incontinence problems
medication for relaxation
**When patient awakens and is agitated**
---approach loved one in quiet, calm manner
---ask what they need
---remind them of time of day
---do not argue or ask for them to explain themselves!!!
---offer reassurance, hugs, love...
Be kind to them and yourself...
~Karen~
deal with a troublesome symptom known
as "sundowning".
This means that in late afternoon and
evening Alzheimer's symptoms become
worse.
**Causes of Sundowning**
---end of day exhaustion (both physical, mental & emotional
---"internal body clock" upset
---lighting is reduced
---inability to separate dreams from reality when trying to
sleep leads to disorientation
---less need for sleep
**Things To Do**
---reduce agitation and sleeplessness
---plan more active days if patient is up to it such
as walks, socializing, exercise, etc...
---restrict sweets and caffeine to mornings, early dinner,
light healthy snack before bedtime
---seek medical advice for bladder and incontinence problems
medication for relaxation
**When patient awakens and is agitated**
---approach loved one in quiet, calm manner
---ask what they need
---remind them of time of day
---do not argue or ask for them to explain themselves!!!
---offer reassurance, hugs, love...
Be kind to them and yourself...
~Karen~
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