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Pay less for medications??
Some of the dementia meds are soooo expensive...I found a website that is dedicated to finding you either less expensive meds or grants for medication...http://www.needymeds.org/ - It is called NeedMeds.org
Please use it or pass it on - it is important that people are able to get what they need.
Please use it or pass it on - it is important that people are able to get what they need.
Thought for today
What have you forgotten lately? Every caregiver does it - it is the lack of sleep or juggling too many things but it happens. This guy made me laugh and I needed a laugh.
Care to Share
Humana - one of the sponsors of Eons - has formed a group called Care to Share to collect stories from Caregivers to use in their newletters in support of a new company initiative to support caregivers.
I personally like Eons and know they could not be here without successful corporate sponors so I am managing the group with some Humana folks. If you would like to post a story or two about your caregiving experiences there, we would love it. If Humana selects your story to be in their newsletter, they will get all the necessary permissions.
Here is the link
view link
I personally like Eons and know they could not be here without successful corporate sponors so I am managing the group with some Humana folks. If you would like to post a story or two about your caregiving experiences there, we would love it. If Humana selects your story to be in their newsletter, they will get all the necessary permissions.
Here is the link
view link
How to cope as an Alzheimer’s caregiver
Mary Ellen Geist left her high-powered radio job in New York City to return home to Michigan and care for her father, who suffers from Alzheimer's. In her new book, “Measure of the Heart,” she writes about how she copes and advises others in similar positions. An excerpt.
Introduction: Daughter, where are you?
I am one of millions of people who uproot their lives to help take care of parents who need them. Alzheimer’s disease is drawing more and more people home. No statistics are available right now on how many people quit their jobs to help take care of their parents, but it’s presumed that more women than men are choosing to do this each year. The National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, in a 2004 study, reported that women accounted for 71 percent of those devoting forty or more hours per week to the task of caregiving. As Jane Gross reported in the New York Times in November 2005, among those with the greatest burden of care, regardless of sex, 88 percent either take leaves of absence, quit, or retire from their jobs.
See the rest and a video at this link...
view link
Introduction: Daughter, where are you?
I am one of millions of people who uproot their lives to help take care of parents who need them. Alzheimer’s disease is drawing more and more people home. No statistics are available right now on how many people quit their jobs to help take care of their parents, but it’s presumed that more women than men are choosing to do this each year. The National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, in a 2004 study, reported that women accounted for 71 percent of those devoting forty or more hours per week to the task of caregiving. As Jane Gross reported in the New York Times in November 2005, among those with the greatest burden of care, regardless of sex, 88 percent either take leaves of absence, quit, or retire from their jobs.
See the rest and a video at this link...
view link
In ‘Sweetie’ and ‘Dear,’ a Hurt for the Elderly
I have often felt this but the New York Times article says how it is truly causing issues...comments??
Professionals call it elderspeak, the sweetly belittling form of address that has always rankled older people: the doctor who talks to their child rather than to them about their health; the store clerk who assumes that an older person does not know how to work a computer, or needs to be addressed slowly or in a loud voice. Then there are those who address any elderly person as “dear.”
“People think they’re being nice,” said Elvira Nagle, 83, of Dublin, Calif., “but when I hear it, it raises my hackles.”
Now studies are finding that the insults can have health consequences, especially if people mutely accept the attitudes behind them, said Becca Levy, an associate professor of epidemiology and psychology at Yale University, who studies the health effects of such messages on elderly people.
“Those little insults can lead to more negative images of aging,” Dr. Levy said. “And those who have more negative images of aging have worse functional health over time, including lower rates of survival.”
(see the rest in first reply)
Professionals call it elderspeak, the sweetly belittling form of address that has always rankled older people: the doctor who talks to their child rather than to them about their health; the store clerk who assumes that an older person does not know how to work a computer, or needs to be addressed slowly or in a loud voice. Then there are those who address any elderly person as “dear.”
“People think they’re being nice,” said Elvira Nagle, 83, of Dublin, Calif., “but when I hear it, it raises my hackles.”
Now studies are finding that the insults can have health consequences, especially if people mutely accept the attitudes behind them, said Becca Levy, an associate professor of epidemiology and psychology at Yale University, who studies the health effects of such messages on elderly people.
“Those little insults can lead to more negative images of aging,” Dr. Levy said. “And those who have more negative images of aging have worse functional health over time, including lower rates of survival.”
(see the rest in first reply)
Dementia and the Holidays
We are starting the holiday season soon and I thought I would post some advice from the National Institute of Health on suggestions for your family member with dementia and the holidays. I know, it's early but I wanted to get ahead of the plans...
Special Occasions/Gatherings/Holidays
When celebrations, special events, or holidays include large numbers of people, remember that it is possible that large groups may cause a person with AD some confusion and anxiety. The person with AD may find some situations easier and more pleasurable than others.
Large gatherings, weddings, family reunions, or picnics may be cause for anxiety. Consider having a more intimate gathering with only a few people in your home. Think about having friends and family visit in small groups rather than all at once. If you are hosting a large group, remember to prepare the person with AD ahead of time. Try to have a space available where they can rest, be by themselves, or spend some time with a smaller number of people, if needed.
Consider simplifying your holidays around the home and remember that you already may have more responsibilities than in previous years. For example, rather than cooking an elaborate dinner at Thanksgiving or Christmas, invite family and friends for a potluck dinner. Instead of elaborate decorations, consider choosing a few select items to celebrate holidays. Make sure holiday decorations do not significantly alter the environment, which might confuse the person with AD.
Holiday decorations, such as Christmas trees, lights, or menorahs, should be secured so that they do not fall or catch on fire. Anything flammable should be monitored at all times, and extra precautions should be taken so that lights or anything breakable are fixed firmly, correctly, and out of the way of those with AD.
As suggested by most manufacturers, candles of any size should never be lit without supervision. When not in use, they should be put away.
Try to avoid clutter in general, especially in walkways, during the holidays.
Special Occasions/Gatherings/Holidays
When celebrations, special events, or holidays include large numbers of people, remember that it is possible that large groups may cause a person with AD some confusion and anxiety. The person with AD may find some situations easier and more pleasurable than others.
Large gatherings, weddings, family reunions, or picnics may be cause for anxiety. Consider having a more intimate gathering with only a few people in your home. Think about having friends and family visit in small groups rather than all at once. If you are hosting a large group, remember to prepare the person with AD ahead of time. Try to have a space available where they can rest, be by themselves, or spend some time with a smaller number of people, if needed.
Consider simplifying your holidays around the home and remember that you already may have more responsibilities than in previous years. For example, rather than cooking an elaborate dinner at Thanksgiving or Christmas, invite family and friends for a potluck dinner. Instead of elaborate decorations, consider choosing a few select items to celebrate holidays. Make sure holiday decorations do not significantly alter the environment, which might confuse the person with AD.
Holiday decorations, such as Christmas trees, lights, or menorahs, should be secured so that they do not fall or catch on fire. Anything flammable should be monitored at all times, and extra precautions should be taken so that lights or anything breakable are fixed firmly, correctly, and out of the way of those with AD.
As suggested by most manufacturers, candles of any size should never be lit without supervision. When not in use, they should be put away.
Try to avoid clutter in general, especially in walkways, during the holidays.
New Book for Memory Challenged
I received a copy of a book called "Through the Seasons" and activity book for memory-challenged adults and caregivers and I would like to recommend it. The authors Cynthis Green and Joan Beloff have place a group of oversized pictures associated with spring, summer, fall and winter with questions and discussion topics to get your loved one talking. Then, there are activities to try.
I know I have tried to keep the discussion going using photo albums but I think these general pictures may start more memories flowing. The book is available through Amazon at this link:
view link
I just bought one for $7.00 used (like new conditon) to pass on to a friend.
I know I have tried to keep the discussion going using photo albums but I think these general pictures may start more memories flowing. The book is available through Amazon at this link:
view link
I just bought one for $7.00 used (like new conditon) to pass on to a friend.
New Blog on Dementia
I wrote a new blog on dementia - titles "Time changes Dementia". Someone asked me how long I had been a caregiver and I realized it has been 6 years now. I think if you are starting with this caregiving, you may find some good information on what I have discovered.
Remember - dementia is different for every person but there are patterns that you can see.
Let me know what you think...here's the link:
view link
Remember - dementia is different for every person but there are patterns that you can see.
Let me know what you think...here's the link:
view link
None left
I read your note,Vicki, and I was going to send a PM but I thought this was worthwhile to post as a message to the group.
I have noticed that as a caregiver for my husband with dementia - when something else happens in the family - it is almost like I have "none left" and it seems to hit me so hard. Losing other family members is so hard anyway but you are spread so thin with your concern for your loved one with dementia, it is tough to cope with other life things.
I can only tell you that Ma Katie will be fine while you are dealing with these other family issues and to save some back for you and your husband. Please accept my sincere condolences and I will look for you when you have some time to come back here. Hugs.
I have noticed that as a caregiver for my husband with dementia - when something else happens in the family - it is almost like I have "none left" and it seems to hit me so hard. Losing other family members is so hard anyway but you are spread so thin with your concern for your loved one with dementia, it is tough to cope with other life things.
I can only tell you that Ma Katie will be fine while you are dealing with these other family issues and to save some back for you and your husband. Please accept my sincere condolences and I will look for you when you have some time to come back here. Hugs.
What am I -- a pharmacist??
Okay, I am venting but have you noticed how much time and energy taking care of medications takes?? You gotta order it, pick it up, sort it out, somehow memorize the generics names from the prescribed stuff, keep a list, break them in half, crush them and sometime have fights with your insurance?
Anyone else feel my pain? Where do you get your prescriptions? Is it easy or difficult? Does your loved one still take pills easily?
