Adapting Everyday Activities to Keep Alzheimer’s Patients Active and Engaged

Agitation and frustration are common behaviors for those with Alzheimer's and can lead to a feeling of hopelessness by you, the caregiver or family member. There are a few strategies that may help, but first, as hard as it is, you must come to terms that mom's or dad's reality may be different now. Trying to meet them in their world will help you to truly empathize with their feelings and could help you problem-solve whatever behavior you are facing. The goal is creating for your loved one the best life they can live, full of as much independence and purpose, while trying to redirect frustration and keep them safe.While caring for your loved one, you may experience your own sadness and frustration or you may struggle to find balance. It's especially important for caregivers to make time for themselves. Creating an environment in which all of these tips can be performed all the time may not be realistic for you. Likely it will be exhausting, and at times, rewarding. A support group like the one we offer may help you meet other people in your same situation and offer a break away from your duties at home.Here are some quick tips for caregivers as you learn to communicate with your loved one:1. Arguments are useless. In fact, they often make matters worse. Confusion, memory loss and frustration are making the person behave irrationally, and you cant argue them out of it.2. Allow as much independence and freedom as possible, while keeping safety and comfort in mind.3. Actions help when verbal communication fails. Help by demonstrating what you mean, or by starting the activity in question.4. Assume that your loved one may understand and hear what you say even if they are confused. Do not say things in front of them as if they are not there.5. Appreciate good moments or good days even though the persons ability may not be what it used to be.6. Appropriate and productive activities help pass the time and reduce agitation, boredom, daytime sleeping and depression. Give your loved one safe, realistic tasks or activities that can be easily finished and would be something he or she would have enjoyed doing normally, such as an art project or planting flowers.7. Agitation is often alleviated when the caregiver remains calm, reassuring and respectful of the persons feelings. "Centering" can help you get control of emotions when things get to be too much. Take a deep breath and exhale slowly numerous times until you can gain composure.8. Adults with disabilities are still adults. It is important that they are always treated with respect and dignity.9. Adapt a task or activity to fit the ability of the resident. Break down the activity into separate steps; simplify tasks by eliminating parts that could be frustrating.10. Assessment is ongoing. What is safe and effective for now may change. Keep watching and reevaluating.

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia can be both rewarding and challenging. As a caregiver, it's essential to prioritize your own well-being to ensure you have the strength and resilience to provide the best possible care. Here are some practical self-care tips to help caregivers maintain their physical, emotional, and mental health while supporting their loved ones.1. Educate YourselfUnderstanding Alzheimer's or dementia can help alleviate feelings of confusion and frustration. Educate yourself about the disease, its progression, and common symptoms. Knowledge empowers you to anticipate challenges, make informed decisions, and provide better care for your loved one.2. Seek SupportYou're not alone on this journey. Reach out to family, friends, or support groups for emotional support and practical assistance. Connecting with others who are going through similar experiences can provide comfort, validation, and valuable insights.3. Take BreaksCaregiving can be physically and emotionally demanding. It's essential to take regular breaks to rest, recharge, and engage in activities you enjoy. Consider respite care services, where trained professionals can step in to provide temporary care, allowing you to take much-needed time for yourself.4. Prioritize Self-CareMake self-care a non-negotiable priority. Eat a balanced diet, prioritize regular exercise, and get enough sleep. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to reduce stress and promote emotional well-being.5. Set Realistic ExpectationsAccept that you can't do it all, and that's okay. Set realistic expectations for yourself and your caregiving role. Be kind to yourself and recognize that it's normal to experience a range of emotions, including guilt, frustration, and grief.6. Establish BoundariesSet boundaries to protect your own physical and emotional health. Learn to say no to additional responsibilities or requests that exceed your capacity. Communicate your needs and limitations openly with family members and healthcare professionals.7. Stay ConnectedMaintain connections with friends, hobbies, and interests outside of your caregiving role. Socializing and engaging in activities that bring you joy can provide a much-needed break from caregiving responsibilities and help prevent feelings of isolation and burnout.8. Utilize ResourcesTake advantage of community resources and support services available for caregivers. This may include support groups, respite care programs, caregiver training workshops, and educational materials. Don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it.9. Practice Patience and CompassionCaring for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia requires patience, understanding, and compassion. Remember that your loved one's behaviors and abilities may change over time, and it's essential to approach caregiving with empathy and kindness.10. Monitor Your Own HealthLastly, don't neglect your own health needs. Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider, and be proactive about addressing any physical or mental health concerns you may have. Remember, prioritizing your own health is essential for your ability to continue providing care for your loved one.As a caregiver of someone with Alzheimer's or dementia, self-care is not a luxuryit's a necessity. By prioritizing your own well-being, seeking support, and practicing self-care techniques, you can better navigate the challenges of caregiving while maintaining your own health and happiness. Remember, you're doing an incredible job, and taking care of yourself is an essential part of the caregiving journey.

The movement of the financial markets can seem mysterious and yet, if we look back over long periods, we can see definite patterns that consistently repeat themselves. As an investor, how should you respond to these market cycles?            To begin with, its useful to know something about the nature of a market cycle and its connection to the business or economic cycle, which describes the fluctuations of the economy between periods of growth and contraction. Issues such as employment, consumer spending, interest rates and inflation can determine the stage of the business cycle. On the other hand, the market cycle refers to whats happening in the financial markets  that is, the performance of all the different types of investments.             The market cycle often anticipates the business cycle. In other words, the stock market may peak, or hit bottom, before the business cycle does the same. Thats partially because the financial markets are always looking ahead. If they foresee an event that could boost the business cycle and help the economy, such as the Federal Reserve lowering interest rates, they may become more bullish on stocks, thus driving the market up. Conversely, if the markets think the business cycle will slow down and the economy will contract, they may project a decline in corporate earnings and become more bearish on stocks, leading to a market drop.          Once youre familiar with the nature of market cycles, you wont be surprised when they occur. But does that mean you should base your investment strategy on these cycles?          Some people do. If they believe the market cycle is moving through a downward phase, they may try to cut their perceived losses by selling stocks  even those with strong fundamentals and good prospects  and buying lower-risk investments. While these safer investments may offer more price stability and a greater degree of preservation of principal, they also wont provide much in the way of growth potential. And youll need this growth capacity to help reach your long-term goals, including a comfortable retirement.             On the other hand, when investors think the market cycle is moving upward, they may keep investing in stocks that have become overpriced. In extreme cases, unwarranted investor enthusiasm can lead to events such as the dotcom bubble, which led to a sharp market decline from 2000 through 2002.            Rather than trying to time the market, you may well be better off by looking past its cycles and following a long-term, all-weather strategy thats appropriate for your goals, risk tolerance, time horizon and need for liquidity. And its also a good idea to build a diversified portfolio containing U.S. and foreign stocks, mutual funds, corporate bonds, U.S. Treasury securities and other investments. While diversification cant protect against all losses, it can help protect you from market volatility that might primarily affect just one asset class.           Market cycles often draw a lot of attention, and they are relevant to investors in the sense that they can explain whats happening in the markets. Yet, when it comes to investing, its best not to think of cycles but rather of a long journey one that, when traveled carefully, can lead to the destinations you seek.  Chad Choate III, AAMS828 3rd Avenue WestBradenton, FL 34205941-462-2445chad.chaote@edwardjones.com This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.Edward Jones, Member SIPC