Resources - planning ahead

Posted by 2me @2me, Jul 14, 2023

I look for posts from this group every morning with my coffee. Bless you all for “being there” -for each other and for me. We are just embarking on this challenging journey. We are at the “forgetful and confused-by things that used to be easy” stage. I re-read Bill2001’s post about “The Cavalry Is Not Coming” and printed it to refer back to. Thank you, Bill! My question is: is there a book or resource for preparation? Things like Bill’s advice “Be sure your loved one cannot lock themselves in the bathroom….” That would be easy to do now, in anticipation of issues to come. It would be easy to say “let’s figure out a way our toddler grandson can’t lock himself in….” I’m not saying this very well, but I’m hoping there is a place I can go for common sense suggestions to do now that I’ll be grateful for later on. Thank you!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Caregivers: Dementia Support Group.

ilikegreen | @ilikegreen | Jul 14, 2023

Hi, I posted this previously but it may help you also to suggest a book titled The 36-Hour Day, 6th edition. Originally released 36 years ago, this latest edition continues to provide relevant, practical, and up-to-date advice to those providing care to an individual with memory loss and still serves as the gold-standard care guide for dementia caregivers. If you haven't read it already it likely is available to borrow from your local public library so that you can see if it has some suggestions for you as well. 

The authors describe in detail the changed behaviors a person may show, and suggests plans of action toward dealing with these behaviors to decrease stress in both the caregiver and the person who has dementia. It teaches financial literacy as applied to eldercare. Options such as adult daycare, at-home caregivers, and assisted living are analyzed, empowering the reader to make informed choices.

The authors also discuss the complex emotions that run through the heads of those who have dementia, includes redirection techniques, and emphasizes the importance of patience and empathy with those afflicted. It also enriches understanding of the biological components of memory loss to help one better understand the science of why people with dementia act the way they do. Many caregivers can benefit from the authors' study of the condition and how people can continue to thrive through it.

You might also find this health topics page useful: https://medlineplus.gov/alzheimerscaregivers.html

Lastly, you may already know about ALZConnected from the Alzheimer's Association is a free online community where people living with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, families and friends can ask questions, get advice and find support. The link is https://alzconnected.org/ . There may be a local chapter in your area too, see https://www.alz.org/local_resources/find_your_local_chapter . And they offer support groups for caregivers and individuals living with Alzheimer's or other dementia. All support groups are facilitated by trained individuals. Both in-person and virtual support groups are offered. See https://www.alz.org/events/event_search?etid=2&cid=0 .

I hope some of this information is helpful to you.

2me | @2me | Jul 14, 2023

In reply to @ilikegreen "Hi, I posted this previously but it may help you also to suggest a book titled..." + (show)

@ilikegreen

You might also find this health topics page useful: https://medlineplus.gov/alzheimerscaregivers.html

I hope some of this information is helpful to you.

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Wow, thank you so much! It is possible I saw your previous post and just couldn’t find it this time. Some things seem to be changing rapidly (all of a sudden), while others remain status quo, so maybe I thought “we don’t need this info quite yet” as we only have diagnosis of MCI, tho at our most recent appointment with neurology, they did not refer him to further testing. I may contact the doctor again. I may also have been overly concerned with not wanting to make him sad, and now might be time for more discussion. I truly appreciate your taking the time to help us! Thank you!