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Internet Provides Resources for Caregivers

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The Internet Offers Resources for Caregivers

Sharing Forums, Videos, Conversation and Knowledge

Most Caregivers work alone with little help and fewer resources to help them. As many of us know a caregiver’s life can be lonely and toiled. Beth Kelly writes about this issue and how the Internet offers much needed Resources for Caregivers.

Resource for CaregiversCaring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia presents a myriad of everyday challenges that few understand. Beyond the purely physical scope of care, the emotional wear-and-tear on one’s psychological well-being is a very real and very under-reported aspect of this disease.

As the U.S. population continues to age at an increasingly rapid pace, even more seniors (and their caregivers) could use the help of resources both online and off.

However, for those charged with the responsibility of providing round-the-clock care, the Internet is often the easiest place to turn in times of need. It’s a place where people who understand the truly daunting task of standing witness to Alzheimer’s and offer Resources for Caregivers of Alzheimer’s folks. They can connect, compare notes, and engage in all kinds of mutually supportive activities with listening.

talk-to-parentsWe are each aware of the fact that it can be very stressful to be a caregiver. The sensation of “ambiguous loss” that comes from spending so much time assisting someone with a debilitating condition without the ability to properly grieve, can feel like a purgatory.

Caregivers report more health problems than members of the general public, and they have less time to pursue their own interests and for social interaction. Many spend over 10 percent of their personal income towards maintaining the health of their loved one with little or no help or Resources for the family Caregivers.

It’s often very difficult to discuss these and other problems with friends, family members or confidantes without these responsibilities because they can’t really understand what the experience is like. Many people are loathe to burden others with their problems, lest they become known as someone who dwells on negativity. Hence, the Caregiver Silence begins.

Yet a failure to get adequate support has many potential consequences. A lot of caregivers report depression, weight change, a lack of sleep, even alcohol or drug abuse. 

While there is still much that needs to be done for everyone currently watching over a loved one with Alzheimer’s, the connective potential of the global web helps individuals far and wide feel less alone in their personal battle.

support-caregivers
New digital devices and stronger high-speed internet connections are helping more people than ever, bringing some people in rural communities into the fold for the first time. These resources are highly important – after all, an estimated one third of the population in the United States plays the role of caregiver in some capacity.

There are live support groups, but with a busy schedule, it’s hard to find the time to attend local meetings and form meaningful bonds with others. Many people have therefore turned to the online communities, because their support and resources for Caregivers is always there, and often as simple as pressing a button.

Internet-based caregiver support has been found to improve self-confidence, lower stress levels, and reduce the risk of depression. While websites that contain information about proper caregiving can be helpful, the greatest benefit seems to come from online communities that allow for personal interactions. The online resources available include a caregiver support group operated by AARP, the Caregiver SOS website, and the National Institute of Health page, which contains links to many other helpful organizations.

Besides getting emotional support, the Internet can be used to find someone to help with actual caregiving tasks as well. CareBooker and Care.com allow regular individuals to take advantage of the services of professional caregivers who are available to work in their local areas. And other services that can be booked online, like pet sitting and housekeeping, allow caregivers to take advantage of some much-needed free “me” time.

Caregivers are selfless individuals who have dedicated themselves to ensuring the well-being of others. It’s critical that they get the support they need from our culture — a place where it is currently lacking. While there are plenty of websites and online-based services available, it’s important we share these communities and make everyone aware of the opportunities that exist online for caretakers of Alzheimer’s patients.

When the going gets tough, it feels much better to know that you’ve got someone on your side who is always ready to listen and offer resources that you need.

Author: Beth Kelly is a technology and security blogger, who primarily covers topics pertaining to healthcare tech, energy efficiency, and home security. You can follow her on Twitter at @bkelly_88


Medical Supplies for the Home and the Elderly

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Medical Supplies for the home and the Elderly

I think most families have a few emergency, medical supplies at home. It may be little more than a box of band-aids, antibiotic salve, cough syrup and aspirin, yet everyone knows that medical emergencies can happen. And if you have an elderly person living with you, it could be more serious than a scraped knee or burned finger. Yet there are many tools you can keep at home to reassure yourself and your loved one if a medical emergency does happen.

Medical equipment for the elderly who live at home

One of the most important tools you can have is a Blood Pressure Monitor. Your personal physician can give you the numbers that are best for your loved one and it only takes a few minutes to check someone’s blood pressure. In general Blood Pressure should be more than 120 over 80 and less than 140 over 90 (120/80–140/90): but your own physician will set the numbers he expects your loved one to have on a regular basis.

When I first became ill, the Omron Blood Pressure Monitor was one of my first purchases. My doctor gave me the two nuMeasure-Bloodpressurembers I should watch for and how much fluctuation was normal for me. Then I took my blood pressure 3 times every morning and made note of those numbers. My doctor would say, “Take your blood pressure 3 times. Throw out the highest one and the lowest one and keep the middle one…that’s your average.”

If you take your blood pressure 3 times and note each set of numbers, then your physician can discern if your readings show well-being or illness.

The Omron Blood Pressure Monitor is a nice size, and monitors with an arm-band on the upper arm. My physician suggested the arm band to monitor the blood pressure is the most accurate. This one is compact, easy to store, a reasonable price and fits quite comfortably.

I’ve used this Blood Pressure Monitor for several years and have been quite happy with it. And my physician is pleased with the accuracy as well.

Medical equipment for disabled

If you are caring for a loved one who is disabled, you may need to take extra precautions with their use of Supplemental Oxygen. Quite often it must be ordered in advance to be ready for use when they need it.

If they receive supplemental Oxygen, you may find it helpful to have an Oximeter on hand.

A small tool that fits onto a finger and displays

  • BLOOD OXYGEN SATURATION of ARTERIAL HEMOGLOBIN levels Known as SPO2, quickly and accurately. Built in alarm can be set to high and low.
  • PULSE RATE Accurately in real time with graph that shows strength of pulse. Built in alarm can be set to high and low.

Besides Oxygen, there are many other medical supplies that make life easier for your loved one such as:

Medical equipment for mobility

Crutches, Walking Cane, Walkers, Wheel Chairs can help a disabled person with mobility issues. They can often be rented from a local medical supply, or purchased if it appears there will be long term use.

A Rollator is valuable for those with balance issues. Besides something to hold on to, a Rollator offers a small storage basket to store items while they walk so they can have their hands free.

When my Mom moved into the Group Home (with 9 other ladies) they each had their own Rollator provided by the Group Home and had regular contests to see who could decorate their Rollator best. Most of the ladies had Alzheimer’s but not a single one forgot which Rollator was theirs, including my Mom.

A couple pieces of Medical Equipment that are not necessities but sure make life safer are a Guard rail for their Bed, and Shower Chair for the bathroom. Some elderly would rather sit down for their shower and use a hand-held shower head. They are more comfortable without a fear of falling.

Medical supplies for the elderly

Medicines should be kept out of reach as the infirm may take too much or too little if left on their own. A healthy supply of Gauze Bandages, band aids, first aid cream, and other generic medications are always a plus.

Most of all fill your Medicine Chest with Love.
Love and caring create the best atmosphere for the elderly or ill

 

 Fingertip Pulse Oximeter Medical Shower Chair with Back Total Chair and Wheel Chair  Drive Style Rollator Walker Adjustable Folding Quad Cane Bed Roll Guards Depend Adjustable Incontinence Underwear Braun Forehead Thermometer

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“Still Alice” The Movie Review

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Still-Alice-MovieI remember how excited I was to read “Still Alice” the book by Lisa Genova. Most Alzheimer’s books are written by Wives or Husbands, Sons or Daughters or some other relative who was Caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s dementia makes such an impact on the Carer’s life that it is common to want to share that experience through a book.

“Still Alice” the book was written by Neuroscientist and debut novelist Lisa Genova who researched her subject matter so well that the book became an all-time Bestseller and thrilled caregivers thirsting for more knowledge of this disease. I haven’t seen the movie, myself, but can hardly wait till I have a chance to see it.

One of our regular contributors has seen the movie and shares her Review of the Movie.

“Still Alice” The Movie Review

a Review by Beth Kelly

Who are we but a composite of our collected memories and experiences? If we lose the knowledge of those experiences, if we lose grasp on those memories, are we still ourselves?

In the film Still Alice Julianne Moore plays Alice, a middle-aged linguist, professor, mother, and wife who finds her mind succumbing to early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, leading her to question if she is losing herself to the disease as well. The film (still available online as well as from platforms like DTV and CinemaNow) earned Moore her first Academy Award for Best Actress.

Alice Howland defines herself by her intelligence and the life that intelligence has given her. She’s had a brilliant career of teaching and lecturing on linguistics. She has three grown children who are each exceptional in their own way (a lawyer, a medical student on the way to becoming a doctor, an aspiring actress) and a husband who has also carved out a career in academia. So when she begins forgetting things – a word here, a name there, a class topic before a lecture – the diagnosis comes as a shock. She’s just turned 50 and still considers her brain one of her greatest assets. The thought that it might all unravel is too painful to bear.

But there’s no denying the disease. And she is not the only one to be affected by it. Her children have lives of their own, as does her husband. Putting those things to the side to take care of Alice is not in anyone’s game plan. Especially when it becomes apparent that her mental degeneration is happening much more rapidly than anyone could prepare for. As the weeks and months go by Alice forgets more and more of her life and the people in it, though she struggles to hold on to as much as she can. She fights her mind, she fights to hold on to memories, in order to keep herself from losing absolutely everything.

At one point her youngest daughter asks her what it is like to suffer through a disease like Alzheimer’s. Alice’s response is brutal but honest.

“It’s not always the same. I have good days and bad days. On my good days I can, you know, almost pass for a normal person. But on my bad days I feel like I can’t find myself. Um. I’ve always been so defined by my intellect, my language, my articulation, and now sometimes I can see the words hanging in front of me and I can’t reach them and I don’t know who I am and I don’t know what I’m going to lose next.”

Of course, in this story Alice isn’t the only one coming to terms with loss. Her husband has to accept the fact that he will lose the partner he has built his life with. At first he doesn’t want to believe the diagnosis and denies it, and it is only Alice’s anger towards him that convinces him he needs to be concerned.

Her children have to be tested to see if they carry the risk of early-onset Alzheimer’s as well, and what that could mean to their own children and spouses one day. It isn’t easy on anyone and this film takes the time to show that. It doesn’t sugar coat things.

When Alice decides she wants to opt-out later on when her memory has gone so far that she can’t remember her oldest daughter’s name, it isn’t a surprising move considering the fact that she was someone who “lived a life of the mind” as a professor (and also confessed earlier on to her husband she’d rather have cancer than deal with Alzheimer’s).

When she attempts to follow through on that plan after the disease has progressed, it is terribly sad but also very understandable. She is not a person who wants to live a life she can’t recognize or remember. But by the time she tries to take this option it is already too late for her to make that choice.

In many films, Alzheimer’s never moves beyond the background of the story. Its typically suffered by secondary characters with whom the main characters may interact with briefly before going about their lives. Or, an important character may have Alzheimer’s, but all the film shows is a fuzzy memory. In Still Alice the disease is front and center. From the moment the first symptoms show up (Alice forgets meeting new people, can’t remember words or names, and even gets lost on a campus she has been on hundreds of times before), this film attempts to give as honest and realistic a portrayal of early-onset Alzheimer’s as possible. Alice’s memory loss isn’t immediate and it does go back and forth in severity, sometimes from day to day. One minute she can hold an almost normal conversation, and the next she can’t remember where the bathroom is in her own home.

Julianne Moore shows the pain and confusion Alice feels as she deals with her degeneration in as intense and human way as possible. Sometimes she smiles, sometimes she cries, sometimes she gets angry and yells at whoever will listen. She uses technology like her phone to help her remember important dates, locations and people, but it isn’t always enough. As time passes and the disease progresses she grows quieter, more childlike, needing a caregiver and her youngest daughter to watch over her every moment.

Still Alice is a beautiful, tragic, but ultimately hopeful film. Not because it has a fairytale happy ending, but because even in the end, when she can remember very little of the life she has led or the people that have filled it, Alice can remember one important, singular truth. Her youngest daughter asks, after reading her a passage from a play, what the passage was about. And Alice’s only response is “love.” It was about love. Her memories and her life and the people who populated it, all of the actions she took and the places she went, everything that made up the self she was so desperate to hold on to. In the end, it was all about love.

Author: Beth Kelly

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Still Alice: by Lisa Genova | Summary & AnalysisSidekick – Still Alice: by Lisa GenovaStill Alice

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Difference between Alzheimer’s and Normal Aging

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 Difference between Alzheimer’s and

Normal Aging?

Folks often wonder about the Difference between Alzheimer’s and Normal Aging. And what that difference might be?

It doesn’t matter what age you are, there are times when you will forget where you left the car or the house keys. You may even forget someone’s name or phone number. This is normal and can happen to anyone, modern lives are busy and there can be too many things going on to remember every detail.

However, when this happens to older people the assumption is instantly that it is age related or the onset of Alzheimer’s / Dementia. In fact memory loss is not an inevitable part of aging and it is important to understand the difference between Alzheimer’s dementia and Normal Aging:

Cheese

Forgetfulness

It is a fact that as you age, your brain activity changes and your mental responses slow. This can mean that you are unable to recall a familiar name or place. This is not age related memory loss but simply the change in brain processes. Give yourself a few moments and you will recall the information.

Brain cells
Brain cells can be produced at any age, these are not something that disappear and cannot be replaced. The brain is an organ but in many ways it functions like a muscle; if you do not use it then it will weaken. Regular mental exercise is essential for reproducing brain cells and remaining healthy.

What causes age related memory loss?

Memory loss is caused by the deterioration of the hippocampus; this is the part of the brain which stores and retrieves memories. It is also influenced by a natural decline in the nutrients produced by the body to stimulate and repair brain cells. This is also because older people tend to be less able to absorb nutrients into their bodies. As you become less active it is also common for blood flow to decrease to the brain and this can affect its ability to perform.

Pen Pal Program

Dementia

Normal age related memory loss is an ability to remember some things; this can come and go depending upon the situation and the available stimuli. Dementia is a continual decline in memory ability combined with an increasing inability to perform daily tasks. It is generally defined as a marked decline in two or more of a person’s intellectual abilities – such as memory and judgment. There are clear differences in your ability to do something when you have age related memory loss as opposed to dementia or even Alzheimer’s:

• Independent function – this is perfectly possible with age related memory loss; albeit with a few lapses in memory along the way. This is not possible with dementia where there will be difficulty undertaking many tasks even when you have completed them hundreds of times in the past.
• Recalling Forgetfulness – If you can recall your memory lapse then it is age related, if you are not aware that you have had a memory lapse then it is Dementia or similar.
• Location – As you age and your brain slows you may need to pause and get your bearings, even when in a familiar place. This is normal but if you are unable to follow directions or get lost in a familiar place then it is likely that you have the onset of dementia.
• Conversations – Age will mean that you forget odd words but it will not stop you from holding a conversation. Dementia will; many words become forgotten and often the same phrase or story is repeated numerous times – in the same conversation.
• Making Decisions – Age related memory loss will not affect your key skills of decision making or even common sense. Those who are suffering from dementia will struggle to make sensible decisions and have poor judgment. This will probably develop into an inability to conduct themselves appropriately in social situations.

Extreme Nest Makeover Contest

It is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, physical activity, a good diet and regular mental activity will help to stave off any memory related problems. If you do suspect you or your loved one has an issue then you should seek professional help at the earliest opportunity. Dementia is an incurable disease that can’t be hidden from the people you loved most. Sooner or later it will become obvious that you’re forgetting things you shouldn’t. Rather than hide this from your loved ones, it’s always best to seek assistance.

Author: Edward Francis and Foresthc.com

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Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

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 Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month 

Did you know that June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month?  Five of our Favorite Authors have teamed up to Promote awareness for Alzheimer’s during the month of June. Author: Marianne Sciucco shares an article and information about the authors, their books and their contributions to Alzheimer’s Awareness.  

Alzheimers-Month

Beyond Still Alice: 5 Books on Alzheimer’s You May Not Have Heard Of

What do you know about Alzheimer’s? Anything? What should you know about Alzheimer’s? Something.

This is not just our parents’ disease. It’s a problem that has far-reaching complications, not only wreaking havoc in the life of the one afflicted but in the lives of all those surrounding him or her: spouse, child, grandchild, sibling, friend, caregivers, and the greater community. Its impact is exponential: For each one of the 5.3 million Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, there are another 5.3 million (at the very least) affected. (Alz.org) These people are our family, neighbors, co-workers, friends, acquaintances. As our lives intersect and intertwine, this disease affects all of us.

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Take some time this month to learn more about this illness, to understand what it means to those who love someone afflicted, to those who dedicate themselves to seeing they are cared for, and ensure their lives continue to have meaning and dignity.

There are many ways to become educated about a condition or disease. In regard to Alzheimer’s, there are hundreds of books available to explain it, advise what to do about it, how to handle it, and offer solutions and support for caregivers. These are excellent resources.

However, stories that enlighten through the careful balance of useful facts and a cast of relatable and realistic characters may be a better way to shed light on this and many other medical issues. This type of presentation enables the reader to get inside the head of the Alzheimer’s patient, their caregivers, spouse, children, and other loved ones. It’s up close and personal, not clinical and removed.

Here are five titles to get you started. Three are memoirs, two are novels. Two are written by women who did double duty at the same time, caring for both mother and father as they suffered with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Another is the story of a woman healing her relationship with her mother after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. One is written by a novelist wanting to pay tribute to those who rise to the difficult challenge of serving as caregiver to a loved one with this disease. One is written by a nurse who worked with hundreds of Alzheimer’s patient and their families.

Alzheimer’s is a frightening possibility, but to meet it without knowledge or an understanding of its implications increases despair and hopelessness and strips one of the power to make competent decisions and access necessary supports and resources. Knowledge gained through literature can be as practical and useful as any self-help or how-to manual.

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Jean Lee, Alzheimer’s Daughter, a memoir

Alzheimers-Daughter“I wrote what I needed to read as I traveled through the caregiving journey.”

What would you do if both parents were diagnosed?

At the time of their diagnosis, Ed Church struggles to his feet, yelling, “How dare you use the A. word with me,” while Ibby wags her finger at the doctor scolding, “Shame on you.”

They defend each other, Ibby by asserting, “We’re not leaving our home,” and Ed reassuring, “We’re just fine.”

About his driving Ed states, “I’m an excellent driver, I’ve never had an accident.”

After Rosie moves them to assisted living, convinced they are on a second honeymoon, they break the news, “We’ve decided not to have more children.”

In the late stages, they politely shake Rosie’s hand, inquiring, “Now, who are you?”

In Alzheimer’s Daughter readers journey with the author from her first suspicions that something is awry to a decade later as she is honored to hold Ed and Ibby’s hands as they draw their last breaths.

Available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle 

Visit Jean’s Author Page and blog

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Vicki Tapia, Somebody Stole My Iron, A Family Memoir of Dementia

“I wrote my story to offer hope to others whose lives have been intimately affected by this stole-irondreadful disease, to reassure them that they’re not alone.”

How would you cope if your loved one’s mind gradually slipped away?

Navigating the waters of dementia can be frightening, unleashing a myriad of emotions for everyone involved, precipitating anxiety and grief, anger and frustration, extreme sadness and feelings of hopelessness. After Vicki Tapia’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, followed closely by her father with Parkinson’s disease-related dementia, she struggled to find practical, helpful information to light her way. Somebody Stole My Iron began as a diary to help her cope, but emerged as a road map for others. It offers a glimpse into her family’s life as they rode the waves of dementia, sometimes sailing, other times capsizing. This engaging memoir offers useful information from experts within the field of Alzheimer’s research, personal lessons the author learned along the way, and ideas/tips for managing the day-to-day ups and downs of dementia.

Somebody Stole My Iron chronicles the tenacity of Tapia’s mother as she fought her way through the tangled and bewildering labyrinth called dementia. Above all, it is a story of holding on and ultimately learning to let go, transcending the pain and turmoil to discover both an abiding love and a tender compassion.

Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Praeclarus Press Visit Vicki’ Author Page

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Maria Hoagland, Still Time, a novel

still-time“Medical and family drama are intriguing to me, but it wasn’t the unusual that grabbed my attention for this book. I wanted to spotlight the stalwart courage and strong character that are revealed when someone has to rise to a difficult challenge. I believe we all have it in us to confront our trials, face them head-on, and gracefully endure, and what better way to show that than a mother and caregiver who sacrifices her all for someone she loves?”

Thrust into the chaos of her mother-in-law’s hoarding and forgetfulness, LDS church member Alyssa Johnston wishes she could retreat to a simpler time when her kids were small and almost anything could be fixed with a hug. But reassurance and a quick distraction no longer erase the pain of a missionary son who is struggling, a young teen who is bullied, or a daughter who is distant. As Aly’s own life and relationship with her husband plunge out of control, she wonders if her faith will be enough to keep her family—or herself—from falling apart. Still Time is a deeply moving story about a woman’s faithful journey into the next phase of her life. You will laugh with Aly, feel her sorrow, and see yourself in Maria Hoagland’s realistic, heartfelt portrayal of a woman’s struggle to keep her family safe and hold back time as long as she can.

Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, and Kobo

Visit Maria’s Author Page and blog

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Lisa Hirsch, My Mom My Hero, a memoir

“My mother touched me greatly after she showed signs of Alzheimer’s. As a long distant caregiver,Mom-Hero speaking to her every day, I found myself falling in love with her. I wrote down everything she said so I would never forget it. This is now my book, My Mom My Hero.”

When Lisa found out her mother, Ruth, had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, her love, appreciation, and caring for her mother was transformed. My Mom My Hero tells the story of this loving mother-daughter relationship. This is an uplifting and inspirational book for anyone going through the difficult and often lonely ordeal of caring for a loved one who suffers from this devastating illness.

Available on Amazon

Visit Lisa’s Author Page and blog

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Marianne Sciucco, Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer’s love story, a novel

blue-hydrangeas“This is a story I wrote from the heart after witnessing the pain and heartbreak of many couples and families struggling with Alzheimer’s disease. The characters are loosely based on one couple I met in my work as a registered nurse. Blue Hydrangeas is my attempt to bring consolation and understanding to all who encounter Alzheimer’s.”

What if the person who knew you best and loved you most forgot your face, and couldn’t remember your name?

A nursing facility is everyone’s solution for what to do about Sara, but her husband, Jack, can’t bear to live without her. He is committed to saving his marriage, his wife, and their life together from the devastation of Alzheimer’s disease. He and Sara retired years ago to the house of their dreams, and operated it as a Cape Cod bed and breakfast named Blue Hydrangeas.

Jack has made an impossible promise: He and Sara will stay together in their beautiful home no matter what the disease brings. However, after nine years of selfless caregiving, complicated by her progressing Alzheimer’s and his own failing heart, he finally admits he can no longer care for her at home. With reluctance, he arranges to admit her to an assisted living facility. But, on the day of admission, Sara is having one of her few good days, and he is unable to follow through. Instead, he takes them on an impulsive journey to confront their past and reclaim their future. In the end, he realizes that staying together at any cost is what truly matters.

Available on Audible, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Kobo, Smashwords

Visit Marianne’s Author Page and blog

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marianne-sciucco Author: Marianne Sciucco originally wrote this post for her blog http://mariannesciucco.blogspot.com. She says: “I’m not a nurse who writes but a writer who happens to be a nurse. A lover of words and books, I dreamed of becoming an author when I grew up, but became a nurse to avoid poverty. I later brought my two passions together and write about the intricate lives of people struggling with health and family issues.”