Are animals and Alzheimer’s a good mix?

    April 26, 2012

    Pets in general, including dogs and cats, can be very therapeutic. Many nursing facilities, in fact, incorporate “pet therapy” into their daily routines as much as they can.  However, as with many treatment or alternative therapy options, everything is contingent upon the individuals involved. Some will respond well to animals, some do not. Sometimes, responses [...]

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    Can art be therapeutic, even if a person was never an artist or very ‘artsy’?

    April 25, 2012

    Art is an excellent way someone can express himself in a non-verbal manner. It is one of the common therapies used for people with dementia. In essence, it is another way of journaling thoughts and feelings, just in pictures not words.  Caregivers should remember to savor the moment when a person with dementia is creating [...]

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    As the primary caregiver for somebody with Alzheimer’s, should I journal my thoughts?

    April 24, 2012

    Absolutely. Keeping a journal is a good idea for everyone — especially someone with a stressful and emotional burden such as caregiving. Journaling means putting your thoughts on paper and keeping them between you and the paper. Keep the journal in a secure place if you’re worried about someone else reading it. Just don’t forget where [...]

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    What kind of activities do you suggest for me and my husband (who has Alzheimer’s) at home?

    April 23, 2012

    If you step back and take a good look, there are many options for you. Just about anything you do together can be viewed as an “activity.” It often doesn’t take too much to make a person with Alzheimer’s feel useful. You can do something as helpful as go grocery shopping. Have him push the [...]

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    How do we not upset Mom’s routines if we hire an in-home helper?

    April 19, 2012

    Narrow your candidates down to two or three and then invite them into your mother’s house to observe them interacting with her. This should be very enlightening and help you trim the choices further. Look for someone who is kind and attentive. Other things can be taught, such as where things are and where they [...]

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    How do I deal with my sometimes-explosive outbursts at my mother?

    April 18, 2012

    Anger is a common emotion when caring for a loved one, especially if she or he has Alzheimer’s. When you see someone you knew as being independent and who was likely somebody you looked up to now having difficulty with simple things, it can be very difficult. Your loved one might not be able to [...]

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    My grief is nearly constant about seeing my loved one slowly slip away. How can a person cope with this?

    April 11, 2012

    First, realize that grief is natural and should be allowed to happen. You are not alone in this, and yet you ARE unique. To that end, if you know someone else in a similar situation, try not to compare yourself to him or her. They might handle the process differently. Some grieve quietly, some quickly, [...]

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    My mom has Alzheimer’s and will soon live with me, but I need to hire a caregiver. How can I make sure I get a person with the right skills?

    April 10, 2012

    This will depend heavily on how much care your mother requires. A private agency or home health provider can help determine what skill levels are needed and find you a suitable worker. You might need somebody just for housekeeping-type chores, such as cooking and cleaning. If your mother has not moved past the beginning stages [...]

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    My mother refuses to take a tub bath — something she always loved. What can I do?

    April 9, 2012

    Hygiene is often a concern as Alzheimer’s progresses. Reluctance to get into a bathtub often has to do with safety concerns for the individual involved so realize what you’re up against. A fear of falling might make her fearful about climbing into the bath. She also might be worried about the water being too cold [...]

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    My mother has Alzheimer’s and won’t shower any more. How do I keep her clean?

    April 6, 2012

    People with dementia typically are reluctant, if not downright fearful, of bathing. This is not uncommon. Take into consideration how she has always bathed and use that as a template for how to proceed. Trying to adhere to the same schedule, rituals and routine will be helpful. If she always has bathed in the morning, [...]

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