When Alzheimer’s Affects Your Loved One

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.

Dementia is a challenging journey that affects millions of people worldwide, with a range of symptoms that interfere with daily life and activities. At Grand Living, we understand the profound impact dementia has on both individuals and their loved ones. Thats why we have developed our LUMINATIONS program, designed to support seniors living with memory loss. Our approach embraces and builds upon each residents unique life story, ensuring that they maintain a sense of self and individuality.Grand Living Memory Care resident participating in pet therapy.Embracing Individuality: The LUMINATIONS Program at Grand LivingThe foundation of our LUMINATIONS program is our hospitality-focused care as part of our STERLING TOUCH signature service. We believe that the relationships we build with our residents and their families are essential in understanding and meeting their personal needs. Our program is not just about managing symptoms; its about enriching lives and preserving dignity.Lavender Lane is a women-only neighborhood and is a part of our LUMINATIONS Memory Care program.Special Requests: Voices of Those with DementiaKaren Powers, Grand Livings National Director of Training and Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), integrates these crucial key requests from people living with dementia into her training sessions. These profound insights, gathered from numerous discussions on dementia and attributed to no single author, offer a powerful understanding that aids us in better supporting our loved ones with dementia.Grand Living resident enjoys our Luminations Memory Care garden.Please be patient with me. Remember, I have a disease for which I have no control.Talk to ME. Even though I cannot always answer you, I can hear your voice and still understand your words.Be kind to me. Each day of my life is now a struggle. Your kindness may be the most special event of my day.Treat me with dignity and respect as I would have gladly treated you.Consider my feelings for they are still very much alive within me.Remember my past for I was once a healthy, vibrant person full of life, love, and laughter with abilities and intelligence.Remember my present feelings. I miss my family and my home very much.Remember my future. Though it may seem bleak to you, I am always filled with hope for the next moment.Remember your presence may do more for me than any activity or task.I still like hugs and handshakes. I am still the person you know and love.These poignant requests remind us of the humanity and spirit that remain vibrant within our residents, despite the challenges they face. At Grand Living, we strive to honor these requests every day, ensuring our residents feel valued and understood.Grand Living Luminations Memory Care residents engage in chair exercises.The LUMINATIONS ExperienceAt Grand Living, our Luminations residents are cherished members of our family. They enjoy chef-prepared meals and have access to a variety of activities and events tailored to their needs and interests. Our thoughtful approach extends to our two distinct living environments: Monarch Lane and Lavender Lane. Monarch Lane offers a neighborhood for both men and women, while Lavender Lane provides a women-only venue, allowing families to choose the environment that best suits their loved ones comfort and preferences.The exterior hallways at Grand Livings Luminations residences are designed to help personalize each entrance for ease of finding an individuals home.Our Luminations neighborhoods are meticulously designed to minimize distractions and focus attention on each resident. The exterior hallways feature personalized apartment entrances with painted window scenes to assist residents in finding their homes, creating a unique and supportive way-finding experience.At Grand Living, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care and a nurturing environment for our residents with dementia. Through our LUMINATIONS program, we honor their past, present, and future, ensuring they feel loved and respected every step of the way.Find out more about our LUMINATIONS Memory Care program here.