VISITING ANGELS PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL 561-328-7611
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BEING A GOOD CAREGIVER IS A BALANCING ACT

Caregiving is a balancing act in AlzheimersNot sure how much or how little care to give to a loved one in the early stages of dementia or after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis? Don’t be frustrated by being thrown into this new role. Every diagnosis and individual situation is different. A lot depends on how independent the individual was before diagnosis and the symptoms began to manifest.

Finding the balance between interdependence and independence will help you understand how much support to provide yourself, when to ask others for assistance, or if it is appropriate to let your loved one manage on their own.  Here are some helpful tips to guide you:

  1. Always consider safety first! If there is a risk it is unsafe for the person to perform a certain task on their own, then provide assistance, otherwise encourage them to try on their own but supervise from a distance.
  2. Be aware of what is stressful for them. Avoid tasks or actions that are frustrating or make them fearful.
  3. Stay positive. Let your loved one try to complete the task at hand. Remember they may be slow or forgetful but will get a big boost from accomplishing something.
  4. Maintain a level of respect. Make sure to ask before lending a hand or offering to help. Never grab anything away from them (unless of course it is unsafe), let them hand it over to you for help instead.
  5. Find ways to work together. Instead of trying to do everything FOR them – make an effort to complete a task together.
  6. Don’t be afraid to give subtle cues and reminders. Some things, like managing medications or money, may require gentle prodding in the right direction and close supervision.
  7. Focus on the person’s strengths. Don’t nitpick if something isn’t perfect. Instead praise their effort and distract them from failure.
  8. Take your emotions out of the equation. Fear and anxiety can lead to anger and frustration. It is important you stay patient and understanding. Put your self in your loved one’s shoes – how would YOU like to be treated?
  9. Don’t be afraid to talk. Sometimes a direct question will get a person to respond with what is frustrating them or where they feel they could use your support or would welcome some assistance. Having a conversation about expectations might be helpful.
  10. Encourage physical activity and time for getting outdoors. Don’t be too overprotective. Social engagement is beneficial, isolation and being sedentary is not.

An early diagnosis provides an opportunity to make decisions about the future together, including legal, financial, and long-term care planning. People diagnosed with Alzheimer’s want to live as well as possible for as long as possible. Celebrate their ability to remain healthy, active, engaged and independent as long as possible. Remember that caregiving is exhausting, you and your loved ones can both can benefit from in-home respite care and support.

Visiting Angels has expertise in determining the needs in each stage of Alzheimer’s. We employ specially trained companions and caregivers who know how to react as behaviors become more difficult and your situation at home becomes more complex as the disease progresses. Our assessment of your needs will take place in the home environment where the client is most comfortable, and will include a care plan for the client as well as a roadmap for the family to help keep your loved one safe, comfortable, and as independent as possible.

Till next time!

Irv Seldin, JD., Owner and CEO of Visiting Angels of the Palm Beaches

*Article not intended as medical advice.

 

Serving Palm Beach Gardens, Palm City, Jupiter, Juno Beach, Hobe Sound, Stuart, West Palm Beach and throughout Palm Beach County and Martin County, FL

Visiting Angels PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL
8645 N Military Trl #407
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Phone: 561-328-7611
Fax: 561-328-7607

Serving Palm Beach Gardens, Palm City, Jupiter, Juno Beach, Hobe Sound, Stuart, West Palm Beach and throughout Palm Beach County and Martin County, FL

Visiting Angels PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL
8645 N Military Trl #407
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Phone: 561-328-7611
Fax: 561-328-7607

"My 90 year old mother fell and broke her arm a year ago and was in real need of home care. Knowing the great reputation of Visiting Angels, I called them after checking their recent(wonderful) reviews. This gave me the confidence to start services. We had to do 24 hour care for many months as mom couldn’t do much for herself. Our experience has been very positive, the caregivers have been competent and caring. Honorable mention needs to go to our care coordinator Jackie who has always been willing and able to meet requests, listen attentively to mom’s changing needs and make any adjustments in hours and staffing! I am out of state and knowing that my mother’s needs are met for safety and compassionate quality care is priceless!"

– Debbie D. (More reviews here)

Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐