April 2012
Author, NY Times Journalist Paula Span to Speak to Family Caregivers, Baby Boomers at Community Event in San Francisco
Posted in Press Releases on April 17, 2012
Joy & Pain in the Same Moment! Spousal Caregiver Challenges
Posted in Age Related Issues, Blog, Care Management, Caregiving, home care, Relationships on April 10, 2012
Founder and Executive Director Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC
A spousal caregiver recently told me he looks at his watch all day for the time he will experience the joy of seeing his wife and when his eyes meet hers his joy turns to pain as she can’t remember who he is.
Love never ends – and for spousal caregivers, traveling the journey of dementia, pain remains a constant. The days of yesterday remain alive for the well spouse as the ill spouse slips away daily to a place none of us can comprehend.
For those of us not on this caregiving journey, may we find it in our heart to reach out to that well spouse and give them some reassurance and pleasure – perhaps with a shared meal or a drive in the country. It might also mean a walk on a beautiful fall day or a trip to a movie on a rainy winter day.
Invite the well spouse for some quality moments with you because when they are alone or make those daily visits, they often feel a very deep sadness.
Be a friend or family member who cares with creativity and love.
Glen Park Festival – San Francisco
Posted in Events on April 6, 2012
Come visit the Eldercare Services’ Community Outreach team at their booth and enjoy a great neighborhood festival at the same time!
When: Sunday, April 29, 2012 | 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Where: In San Francisco’s Glen Park village, along Diamond Street between Bosworth and Chenery, as well as extending down Wilder street
More Info: (415) 729-4059 or inquiries@glenparkfestival.com
8 Tips to Help with Caring for a Loved One Who Stays Awake During the Night
Posted in adult children, Age Related Issues, Blog, Care Management, Caregiving, Relationships on April 6, 2012
- Professional Geriatric Care Manager, Eldercare Services, Jean Tokarek, MPA, CMC
You may be caring for a parent or older person who wants to stay up all night and sleep at odd hours during the day. This behavior is known as “sundowning.” The Alzheimer’s Association states that 20% of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease exhibit increased confusion and disorientation at dusk with the behaviors continuing throughout the night.
This behavior may be caused by a number of factors including: a change in medications, disruption of the normal daily routine, packing too many activities into the day or even something subtle, such as a change to daylight savings time.
I’ve worked with a number of clients and their caregivers over the years and have used one or a combination of the following to help them meet this challenge.
1. No coffee or soft drinks with caffeine after 6 pm. These beverages work best with breakfast or lunch. A smaller meal works best at the end of the day and a light snack before bed, such as apple slices or crackers.
2. When dusk approaches, draw the drapes and/or dim the lights in the living room and bedroom and lay out pajamas or sleepwear on the bed to remind your loved one that bed time is approaching.
3. Playing soft music sometimes helps if your loved one is agitated during this time.
4. Plan activities during the day such as walking, exercise or an outing to increase the feeling of being tired at the end of the day.
5. Stick to a routine and encourage meal times, walks, TV and other activities at the same time each day.
6. Make sure that your loved one is comfortable in the room where he or she is sleeping. Proper ventilation, familiar objects and a night light will help.
7. Discuss this problem with their primary care physician who will review their medications and may prescribe medication for sleep or agitation.
8. Bladder or incontinence problems can often cause disruptive sleep. Bedside commodes or other devices to assist with bladder control may help reduce agitation connected with getting up during the night.
Sundowning or sleep disruption can upset our own lives as well as those of a loved one. Pinpointing the cause, as well as trying the above solutions in conjunction with a conversation with the doctor, will help put them on the right road to normal days and evenings.
