As with any perplexing situation, it is wise to know WHAT we are dealing with, before we can determine the HOW of dealing with it.
The WHAT in this regard: DEMENTIA: The umbrella term used to describe a vast array of diseases that cause severe degradation of a person’s memory and ability to clearly think and correctly function. A diagnosis of dementia must include at least one of the following cognitive disturbances:
APRAXIA: An inability to perform physical motions and normal sensory functions even though motions and functions are not impaired. The inability to complete a task, or the concept of the task, itself.
DELIRIUM: The presence of confused thinking and reduced environmental awareness. Those suffering from delirium often don’t know where, or why they are there, or how they arrived where they are.
INABILITY to EXECUTIVELY FUNCTION: Inability to clearly think through a plan or grasp an abstract concept. The ability to devise, act upon, monitor, or stop a set of complex actions is lost.
APHASIA: As dementia progresses, dementia persons experience a marked decline in their ability to verbally communicate and convey ideas in a linear, cogent fashion.
AGNOSIA: The inability to recognize familiar objects, even though normal sensory functions are intact. Identifying common objects like an apple, tv remote, becomes increasingly difficult.
MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT: Difficulties concerning memory and overall decline in general cognitive functioning. (Often the first signs that present prior to an official dementia diagnosis.)
The HOW of coping as a caregiver:
When providing care for our loved ones with dementia, an increasing number of challenges must be faced on a daily basis. As our loved one’s condition worsens, so too does their ability to communicate, act and think clearly, and perform many of the regular day-to-day tasks previously taken for granted. This applies to caregiver, as well as carereceiver!
The path of caring for our loved ones with dementia is one of numerous obstacles and challenges. It is important to remember that the anger and frustration felt as a caregiver is normal and does not make you a bad person!
Some coping tips to consider:
1: Focus on what you are able to provide or accomplish for today
2. Set realistic goals, be flexible
3. Get connected to supportive people…support groups?
4. Set personal health goals
5. See your doctor regularly
6. Plan for time off, and out
7. Eat nutritious food
8. Take regular, periodic breaks
9. Get exercise, (get those wonderful endorphins activated)
10. Find ways to incorporate laughter into your daily life, fake laughter til it kicks in!
11: Be aware of negative self talk when it creeps, remind yourself that you’re doing the best you can at any given time…because you are!
13. Ask for help…remember how good it feels when YOU help someone, give them an opportunity To feel good!
