While we cannot walk in the shoes of the people we care for, we can practice mindful strategies in hopes to create the best possible meaningful engagement. Here is the plain hard cold truth, you need a lot of tricks up your sleeve. Have you ever raised a teenager only to feel exhausted because every time you make a suggestion it’s out in left field somewhere. To use another baseball analogy, even getting to first base is epic event? That is a bit of how it can work when caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s. While outside care team members need an arsenal of ideas, a person’s family is the warm blanket of comfort. It is still tough for family members, but I am here to say I have witnessed how their participation is probably the most valuable component. (Assuming they have shared past together)
My experience has shown me, there is no better medicine and quality of life for a person than time with family. Quite often long term memory can be recalled and when a person is spending time with those they most trust, by recalling their most treasured occurrences in life, anxiety is reduced and for a short moment a person can feel whole again. For family members and caregivers those moments are highly celebrated and what we want for the person.
One simple strategy for Caregivers who interact with Alzheimer’s patients is wearing the same or similar clothes during your interactions. It’s not always a game changer but quite often I will show up and be remembered.
Here’s how it helps:
1. Familiar Presence: Consistent clothing on the caregiver can create a sense of familiarity, making the caregiver feel more recognizable and dependable.
2. Stability and Routine:Repetition and routine are essential for individuals with Alzheimer’s. Seeing the same outfit can provide a sense of stability.
3. Reduced Anxiety: Knowing what to expect from their caregivers can help reduce anxiety and confusion for Alzheimer's patients.
4. Focus on Care: It removes visual distractions, allowing the patient to focus more on the caregiver’s presence and support.
5. Comforting Association: If the outfit is associated with positive interactions, it can enhance the caregiving relationship and emotional connections.
Overall, this practice can enhance the caregiver-patient relationship, fostering comfort and trust. It’s a thoughtful approach to improve interactions and support!
I hope this helps,
Danielle Pointon
Live Blue Consulting
Ps- We have just come out of a deep freeze- here the dogs and I are stretching our legs at the beach. No that white stuff is not sand;-)
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