Wonderful resources, Janice. There seems to be a gap between respite options for caregivers (Adult Day Care, In Home Help), when the person with dementia resists those options. That must have been very difficult for you, knowing you needed that help, yet seeing Dan fight against it. I'm sorry you had to go through that.
Hi Heather, It did lessen my options - for sure. In retrospect, we would have to have become friends of the respite care provider - so that Dan felt totally comfortable. Our daughter-in-law and daughter were very good with him and we were in the process of working something out- when the pandemic changed everything.
I am a caregiver for a woman that has Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Lewy body dementia. I had no prior knowledge of being a caregiver with these diseases. I did some research on the Internet. I am going on three years of working with this person and I have learned so very much. I work three days a week, and there are two other caregivers. She is in her home. Her doctor from the mayo clinic is very good to include us caregivers when doing zoom calls. Also, her husband also gives me all the information that he receives in the mail to Read.
Thank you for the other information to read on Facebook, and other resources that you suggested. Thank you for your sharing. Blessings to you~
Ah. Thank you. My biggest issue at the moment is dealing with uncertainty because I have no idea how things will progress with Graham. We don't know the outcome or how he will be in a few months or years time. Or what his care needs will be.
Hi Cali, It's too soon to know, isn't it? That has to be so difficult - you can't plan or prepare - other than one day at a time. If there's a way that I - thru the articles - can help let me know. Take care.
YOU HAVE DONE AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF RESEARCH AND RECORDING FOR ALL OF US, JANICE. SUCH A GIFT, SUCH KINDNESS. I WATCHED ONE OF THE VIDEOS AND REMEMBER BACK HOW DIFFICULT IT WAS TO MAINTAIN CALM IN THE FACE OF SUCH FRUSTRATION. THANK YOU.
Hi, What an important topic. I am not sure if you are the caregiver or where you live, but here are some initial thoughts.
I live in the San Francisco Bay area and we have Hope Services - https://www.hopeservices.org/ - they provide job training and placement for adults with disabilities.
As for caregiving - if you are the caregiver - as best you can - take care of yourself. I know full well - that is often impossible. But find little things that please you, give yourself mini-breaks - get up a little earlier, something like that, and honor yourself for the gift you are giving.
This is an important topic - so I plan to address it further in a future article.
I also found it difficult to admit that it's not okay. What helped - was when I was able to say these are the facts . . and ask myself "what am I going to do about it?"
It moved me to look at solutions to specific issues and somehow was empowering. For you it might be your son's forgetting - what if any solutions are there - like write him notes, give him clues, etc?
There is also a book I just finished reading that you might find helpful. Alfred's Journey to be Liked and 10 simple rules to get him there by Jill Ebstein is about a 15 year old with symptoms of autism. He had a coach who guided him in maturing.
Great post, good insight, good ideas for help for caregivers. We are on the same page trying to offer support and help.
Hi Dale, And we know, caregivers need all the help they can get.
Wonderful resources, Janice. There seems to be a gap between respite options for caregivers (Adult Day Care, In Home Help), when the person with dementia resists those options. That must have been very difficult for you, knowing you needed that help, yet seeing Dan fight against it. I'm sorry you had to go through that.
Hi Heather, It did lessen my options - for sure. In retrospect, we would have to have become friends of the respite care provider - so that Dan felt totally comfortable. Our daughter-in-law and daughter were very good with him and we were in the process of working something out- when the pandemic changed everything.
I am a caregiver for a woman that has Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Lewy body dementia. I had no prior knowledge of being a caregiver with these diseases. I did some research on the Internet. I am going on three years of working with this person and I have learned so very much. I work three days a week, and there are two other caregivers. She is in her home. Her doctor from the mayo clinic is very good to include us caregivers when doing zoom calls. Also, her husband also gives me all the information that he receives in the mail to Read.
Thank you for the other information to read on Facebook, and other resources that you suggested. Thank you for your sharing. Blessings to you~
Fantastic resources, as ever. With Graham's situation, I am paying more attention to your wisdom x
Hi Calli, Is there anything particular that I could be researching to provide more information for you?
Ah. Thank you. My biggest issue at the moment is dealing with uncertainty because I have no idea how things will progress with Graham. We don't know the outcome or how he will be in a few months or years time. Or what his care needs will be.
Hi Cali, It's too soon to know, isn't it? That has to be so difficult - you can't plan or prepare - other than one day at a time. If there's a way that I - thru the articles - can help let me know. Take care.
YOU HAVE DONE AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF RESEARCH AND RECORDING FOR ALL OF US, JANICE. SUCH A GIFT, SUCH KINDNESS. I WATCHED ONE OF THE VIDEOS AND REMEMBER BACK HOW DIFFICULT IT WAS TO MAINTAIN CALM IN THE FACE OF SUCH FRUSTRATION. THANK YOU.
Hi Sharron, We both know - it is the most challenging of roles. I think back and wonder how the heck I ever managed.
Hi, What an important topic. I am not sure if you are the caregiver or where you live, but here are some initial thoughts.
I live in the San Francisco Bay area and we have Hope Services - https://www.hopeservices.org/ - they provide job training and placement for adults with disabilities.
There is NAMI, if mental health is an issue.
It looks like the Easter Seal program MORC may have options - https://www.easterseals.com/MORC.
They may offer ideas.
I don't know the age of the adult but maybe tips from this site might be helpful.
http://www.rtor.org/2017/04/11/failure-to-launch-part-2/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwoK2mBhDzARIsADGbjepTDIgblGGatv7Tz-f7sAVwktSbdsDdBUB4PMXDZIthKPLwMoUlUmwaAgsBEALw_wcB
As for caregiving - if you are the caregiver - as best you can - take care of yourself. I know full well - that is often impossible. But find little things that please you, give yourself mini-breaks - get up a little earlier, something like that, and honor yourself for the gift you are giving.
This is an important topic - so I plan to address it further in a future article.
Hi, I can't imagine how difficult that best me. Do you have help?
I also found it difficult to admit that it's not okay. What helped - was when I was able to say these are the facts . . and ask myself "what am I going to do about it?"
It moved me to look at solutions to specific issues and somehow was empowering. For you it might be your son's forgetting - what if any solutions are there - like write him notes, give him clues, etc?
There is also a book I just finished reading that you might find helpful. Alfred's Journey to be Liked and 10 simple rules to get him there by Jill Ebstein is about a 15 year old with symptoms of autism. He had a coach who guided him in maturing.