The Caregiver Connection

MARCH 2024

PREPARING TO CARE

Caregiver burnout is real and it hurts. Taking care of someone with Dementia has it's own set of unique challenges. Recently, one of our programs' caregivers described her situation as this:

"It feels like my life is being sucked away through a straw ...a little bit at a time."

In this issue, we are going to focus on Preparing to Care: the importance of being prepared early - from the first conversations - to take care of your loved one and to take care of yourself.

Reminder, our first Caregiver Colleges is April 16 in Gulf Shores. All of these events are free and open to the public. For those who worry about the drive, remember that there are options (the Foley Beach Express/Baldwin Beach Express) to help you avoid the Highway 59 traffic and make the ride shorter.

Please reach out if you would like to join one our caregiver support groups. You can reach me at 251-445-3890 or cboyington@sarpc.org. 

Take care,

Christina Boyington, LICSW, AL Cares Coordinator

HAVING THE CONVERSATION

Here are some suggestions from the Alzheimer's Foundation of America on how to have a conversation with your loved one during the initial diagnosis of Dementia:

1. First, educate yourself about memory changes and potential causes.

2. Think about personality type. Some may be happy to have their family around them during a conversation, but others may be more private.

3. Include the individual in the conversation for as long as possible.

4. Keep in mind tone, body language and try to remain calm.

5. Be considerate your language. For example, it may be more supportive to refrain from making statements like, “There's something wrong with you, and you need to go to the doctor.”

6. Be mindful of how concerns are being described. For example, instead of using trigger words like Alzheimer’s, refer to the memory changes in a less intimidating way, using examples (e.g. “I noticed that…”).

7. Recognize that this conversation may happen more than once. Try to continue the dialogue, but be considerate as this conversation can be overwhelming for everyone.

8. Be open to changing your strategy and know what resources are available.

Click Here for Educational Resources

TALKING TO THE DOCTOR

A recent study cited in the "Connected Caregiver," found that about 80% of caregivers had frustrations communicating with doctors on behalf of their loved one. Add the complexity of Dementia, and the emotions of both patient and caregiver, and it's even more difficult.

Here are a few things patient advocates recommend:

• Power of Preparation. Keep notes on changes in your loved one’s mental health. HERE’S A TIP: Smart phones have apps called “voice to text.” You can record yourself and it will be transcribed into a printable document.
• Bring Backup. Bring a friends or family member with you. If your loved one has significant cognitive impairment, you are solo and need back up.
• Take Your Time. Make a list - write down or use voice to text - of questions you want answered. Let the scheduler/nurse know you will need extra face time during the appointment with the doctor to have ALL of them answered.

Click Here for More Tips

PREPARE TO CARE: THE SELF-CARE PLAN

As we all know, the first rule on an airplane during a crisis is to put on your own oxygen mask before you assist anyone else. Only when we first help ourselves can we effectively help others. Caring for yourself is one of the most important - and one of the most often forgotten - things you can do as a caregiver. When your needs are taken care of, the person you care for will benefit, too.

Easier said than done, right? Studies have shown caregivers' behaviors include:

• Sleep deprivation
• Poor eating habits
• Failure to exercise
• Failure to stay in bed when ill
• Postponement of or failure to make medical appointments for themselves

Your personal health care, stress management and life balance are the first priority. Here is a link to the Family Caregiver Alliance plan for self care and available resources:

https://www.caregiver.org/resource/taking-care-you-self-care-family-caregivers/

UPCOMING EVENTS

Older Relative Caregivers/Grandfamilies Support Groups

June 22, Wonderful Saturdays, Mt. Hebron Church, Trinity Gardens @ 9:00- 11:30 AM

2501 E. I-65 Service Road, North

Prichard, AL 36617

Contact: Ethel White 251.303.4228

Spring/Summer Caregiver College Series

These events are free and open to public for: caregivers: 60+ caring for persons diagnosed with Alzheimer’s/other dementias; 55+ (not parents) caring for children under 18; and older relatives 55+ (including parents) caring for adults 19-59 with disabilities.

April 16 Gulf Shores United Methodist Church

May 7 & 8 14 Semmes Senior Center (classes are split over two days)

July 23 & 24 Poarch Creek Senior Center (classes are split over two days)

ODDS AND ENDS

Credit for Caring Act

On average, caregivers spend $7,200 of their own money each year caring for loved ones. In January, bi-partisan federal legislation was re-introduced to provide financial support for caregivers. The Credit for Caring Act (CCA) would provide financial support for individual caregivers by providing up to a $5,000 nonrefundable federal tax credit for eligible working family caregivers, that would cover 30% of qualified expenses they incurred above $2,000.

Click Here for More Information on CCA

https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/financial-legal/info-2024/credit-caring-act.html

Promoting Careers in Aging Among Our Youth

By the end of 2025, US providers will face an eldercare shortage of about 500,000 home health aides, 100,000 nursing assistants, and 29,000 nurse practitioners.

Alabama Cares Coordinator Christina Boyington (pictured in middle) recently served on a professional panel at the University South Alabama for National Social Work Month and Global Social Work Day. Christina spoke to students majoring in social work in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work and discussed her experiences working with older adults.

WHAT IS ALABAMA CARES?

Administered through the state, Alabama CARES provides support services to help families sustain efforts in caring for their loved one. 

• INFORMATION for caregivers and the public on resources and services available within their communities.
• SUPPORT GROUPS establishing a mutual support system for caregivers to discuss their experiences and concerns.
• ASSISTANCE to family caregivers through short-term case management in gaining access to services and resources available to them within their communities.
• RESPITE SERVICES that offer temporary, substitute support to relieve family caregivers from their daily caregiving responsibilities. Due to limited funding, this service is available for family caregivers who have the greatest burden and highest need of relief.
• COUNSELING family caregiver education, and guidance that assist family caregivers in making decisions and solving problems related to their roles as caregivers.
• TRAINING family caregivers with instruction to improve their knowledge and skills related to caregiving.
• SUPPLEMENTAL SERVICES, available on a limited basis, are intended to complement the care family caregivers provide for their loved one.

The following are eligible to participate in support services. Caregivers: 60+ caring for persons diagnosed with Alzheimer’s/other dementias; 55+ (not parents) caring for children under 18; and older relatives 55+ (including parents) caring for adults 19-59 with disabilities.

South Alabama Regional Planning Commission

Area Agency on Aging

110 Beauregard Street

Mobile, Alabama 36602

Aging and Disability Resource Center

251-706-4680 or aginginfo@sarpc.org

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