10 Signs of Caregiver Stress
noordin, naomi, catherine, alice, catherine,
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J's character
1. i don't need help, she doesn't need help 2. "she doesn't even do the dusting" 3. fear that no woman will want to marry me because of mom. (a) because i can't make her beautiful, can't make home beautiful.
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| To Tell or Not to Tell | some want to know: proactive tie up loose ends, plan for future others: in early stages, Alzheimer's Society encourages caregivers to - for some, it's a relief to know it's not their fault - oh, but it is your fault - you have the power to change your attitude and habits so it doesn't debilitate you - oh, but it is your fault - your arthritis and alzheimer's are because of your attitude, because of you. |
| Choose Your Battles | potential argument - choose to not disagree. |
| Friends Withdrawing? | educate - so they know how they can help, how they can handle difficult moments. |
STEPS FOR REDUCING CAREGIVER STRESS
| My Real Life | HT | ||
| Learn about the disase and giiving care .. pass it on | |||
| Be realistic - about the disease | |||
| Be realistic - about yourself | i can do it myself i have to do it myself, i should do it myself no one can go through this disease process alone. |
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| Accept your feelings | constant guilt I hate you because.... Why do I feel sorry for myself? I'm allowed to be angry - this situation stinks. I'm allowed to be sad. |
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| Share your feelings | some people don't want to vent because fear they'll feel
heavy to people, so will drive friends away. so join support group - don't have to worry about will they like me tomorrow, just blurt out. counsellors at Alz Soc.. |
don't bottle up | |
| Look for the good things | - remaining strengths - so many tasks - where can we find time for fun things that create quality |
what if you don't feel able to provide humour? | |
| Take care of yourself | last thing on list. | ||
| Look for humour | i'm not saying for a second that there's anything funny
about alzheimer's. you either laugh or cry, learn to see the humorous side of things. |
what if you don't feel able to provide humour? | |
| Get help | |||
| Plan for the future | |||
| Lean to recognize your physical signs of stress
Learn to recognize your emotional signs of stress Learn to control what causes stress. Can you take the point of view of the Person? Practice stress reducing activities. |
the closest-knit family can come to blows over what they think the person needs.
arthritis, headaches,
is that a sign for me that i need to slow down, take a breather?
how ??? easier said than done.
mom, feed me. i'll eat what you eat. just make twice the amount.
jonathon's bringing this on himself as an excuse for his not succeeding in gardening, in business/revolution.
being able to take their point of view:
accused of stealing - logical reaction - you're the only one i've been around
all day.
how would i react if i was lost?
how would i react if i went to the parking lot and my car was not where i expected it to be
SETTING PRIORITIES
 | What are the most urgent needs of the care receiver? Caregiver? Other family members? |
| What are the consequences if I ignore a particular "issue" or "problem"? |
| Vacuum once/week instead of 3 times/week. |
| Am I the only one who can do this? Are there others available who are willing to help? [martyr syndrome - step back, say sky is not going to fall] - but what if it will fall? |
Faraz's mother - have to make up for this time - these minutes.
given solution i can't use - i can't even think.
STRESS TEST
| Are you eating nutritious and well balanced meals? |
| Are you ensuring that you get some type of physical exercise each day? |
| Are you taking time for yourself? |
| Are you getting enough sleep? |
| Are you spending time with others? |
| Do you incorporate relaxation exercises into your day (deep breathing, visualization, prayer)? |
If you responded no to any of the above, then you have one more thing you have to do because your failing in this one more way.
JOURNAL WRITING
| To address and express feelings that are too confusing/painful/shameful to talk about |
| To substitute for communicating with the person who has Alzheimer Disease about unfinished buisness /.daily living (if they are incapable of understanding). |
| To yearn without judgment of others |
| To consider spiritual issues, life changes, etc. |
| To pay tribute |
| A record as a reminder. |
murder-suicide
TREE EXERCISE
roles and responsibilities = leaves; supports = roots.
If you don't use your abilities, you will lose them.
How can I initiate this when - what do you do when no one is home.
and some provide transportation services? and financial ease, so ....
How can mom volunteer? How can mom
CCAC Assessment - for in-home help; for residential options.
hey i actually enjoy this. day care kids upset and guilt trips. i hate
this place, these people are awful. then they're all smiles and into every
activity.
clown - connect w ith this kid, connect with next.
day program much cheaper than in-home $15/hr.
going to
i'm somtimes my wife's boyfriend, and sometime i'm her father.
her daughters are someitmes her sisters.