Check out these tips to help with caregiving of those with dementia.

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Caring for the Caregiver
A caregiver is always looking out for others making it difficult for them to care for themselves. Often times the health of a caregiver is overlooked because they are caring for another. We've assembled easy-to-understand advice and easy-to-implement steps for caregivers to remain at the top of their game. In this issue, you will find:
  • 8 Steps for taking care of the caregiver
  • Information about the next Town Hall Forum on Sept. 22
  • Helpful suggestions for getting a better night's sleep
  • Tips for reducing Sundowning
  • Plus some trivia to keep you entertained
Read on.
Special Events in September
 
ActivCare residents are in for some wonderful events in September. After Labor Day on Sept. 5, there's Grandparents' Day on Sept. 11 and National Assisted Living Week Sept. 11-17. Plus the activities team has come up with lots of creative events to engage residents. Click the button below to see a complete calendar of events.


Next Caregiver Support Group Meeting is  September 13 at 10 am
 
Get the latest update on Alzheimer's studies and research at A Date with a Cure on Sept 10, sponsored by Alzheimer's San Diego. Reservations are required.
 
Plan to attend the next Town Hall Forum on September 22.
8 Steps to Taking Care of the Caregiver
 
To care for someone else, you have to be at your best. We have uncovered 8 helpful steps to ensure that, as a caregiver, you are at your peak.

We found this helpful article from the Family Caregivers Alliance which identifies the steps that each family caregiver can take and provides suggestions and an action plan to garner the most benefit. The article recommends doing the following:
  1. Reducing Personal Stress - helpful suggestions for identifying stressors and taking action to resolve issues
  2. Setting Goals - provides actionable steps and suggestions
  3. Seeking Solutions - simple process to validate your decision making
  4. Communicating Constructively - guidelines for more effective communication
  5. Asking for and Accepting Help - tips to avoid feeling overwhelmed and how to enlist the support of others...who will appreciate the opportunity to assist
  6. Talking to the Physician - ideas to get the most out of your doctor's visits
  7. Starting to Exercise - understand the benefits of even the simplest activity program
  8. Learning from Our Emotions - be aware of your feelings and learn from them.
Click on the article below to learn more.

THFNext Town Hall Forum - September 22
Lessons Learned from A Caregiver's Journey
 
Join us for a free educational event for family caregivers.  At this seminar, a family caregiver and memory care professional will provide essential advice for your caregiving journey.
 
You will hear a personal account from a family caregiver of a loved one affected by Alzheimer's disease. Garner practical tips from an expert and learn how to take care of yourself while providing appropriate care and stimulation for your loved one at home.   
 
Speakers:        
Alford Claiborne - Family Caregiver
Dawn DeStefani - ActivCare Executive Director
 
More information is available here or by calling 1-888-636-5677, ext. 9.
 
Thursday, September 22, 2016
8:30 am to 11:00 am
Continental Breakfast: 8:30 am
 
Bonita Golf Course
5540 Sweetwater Road
Bonita, CA 91902
 
There is no cost to attend, but reservations are required. Call 888-636-5677 or register here, 

How to Get A Better Night's Sleep

Having trouble getting to or staying asleep? The restorative powers of a full night's rest does wonders to refresh the body and mind. But, when you cannot get restful sleep, your outlook and your abilities can be hampered.

The Mayo Clinic has suggested seven tips for better sleep. This regimen is suggested so that your non-waking hours can be just as productive as your waking ones.


Tips for Reducing Sundowning

As a caregiver, have you noticed that your loved one experiences confusion or agitation in the late afternoon? Called Sundowning, this change in behavior can be a symptom of Alzheimer's and dementia.

Irrational worry or intense desire to leave may cause anxiety or wandering. A natural increase of ambient activity in the afternoon, such as preparing for dinner or completing errands, can add to confusion and trigger disruptive behavior.

We found this helpful article from Healthline about Sundowning and how to reduce these behavioral shifts. 

7 Tips for Reducing Sundowning

Did You Know...

According to the National Sleep Foundation, sleep is just as important as diet and exercise.
 
In general, exercising regularly makes it easier to fall asleep and contributes to sounder sleep.

Man is the only mammal that willingly delays sleep.

Most healthy adults need seven to nine hours of sleep a night. How much sleep did you get last night?
 
Koalas sleep around 18 hours a day
A giraffe needs less than two hours of sleep a day
Einstein slept 10 hours a night  

Sea otters hold hands when they sleep so they don't drift away from each other.
 
The sensation of falling when half asleep and jerking yourself awake is called 'hypnic jerks.'
 
Bad News: Lack of sleep can cause weight gain of 2 pounds in under a week.
Good News:  You burn more calories sleeping than you do watching television.
 
Memories take hold better during sleep.
 
Drinking caffeine in the evening delays our brain's release of melatonin and interrupts our circadian rhythm by as much as 40 minutes.
 
People who procrastinate may be more likely to have insomnia, a study found.

Good night...

ActivCare at Bressi Ranch  |  6255 Nygaard Street  |  Carlsbad, CA  92009
800-425-2091  |   ActivCareLiving.com