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Tag: Caregiver Cornelius NC

  • What Can You Do When You Don’t Know What to Do?

    What Can You Do When You Don’t Know What to Do?

    There are going to be times as a caregiver in which you don’t know what to do at all. That’s okay and there are ways to cope.

    Caregiver Cornelius NC - What Can You Do When You Don't Know What to Do?
    Caregiver Cornelius NC – What Can You Do When You Don’t Know What to Do?

    Sit Down and Visualize the Situation Working out Perfectly

    Sometimes you don’t know what to do, but you know how you want the situation to work out. In those cases, it can help to take a few minutes, to sit in a quiet place, and visualize that perfect ending. Get as detailed as you possibly can, because that’s going to add to your belief that this situation will work out exactly the way that you want it to. You may even find that you spot solutions in your visualization that you didn’t think about in any other format.

    Tell Yourself that You’re Doing Great

    Most caregivers don’t hear that they’re doing a great job. You might hear a lot of complaints, both from your aging adult and from other family members who have other ideas about what you should be doing. But you’re doing a great job as a caregiver. If no one else is being your cheerleader, then you need to be your own biggest cheerleader. Make it a point to tell yourself several times a day that you’re doing a fantastic job, because you are.

    Give Yourself an “E” for Effort

    Even though you’re doing a great job, you’re not perfect. You’re human, so that’s to be expected. And those situations that don’t work out well don’t mean that you’re doing a terrible job. Think about how you’d respond to your best friend. You’d probably tell her that she’s still doing a fantastic job at being a caregiver, even when things don’t work out. You deserve that “E” for effort.

    Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

    When you need help, don’t be afraid to reach out and to ask for it. If you don’t have support from family and friends, reach out to elder care providers. Another excellent source of help is also caregiver support groups. These groups can put you in touch with other people just like you who can help you to solve problems because they’ve been there, too.

    Those times when you don’t know what to do are going to feel more common in the beginning of your caregiving journey. As you gain more experience, you may find that you experience these types of situations less and less often. No matter how often you feel this way, you need a plan to manage it.

    If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Caregiver Services in Cornelius NC, please call the caring staff at BlueDot Cares today, (704) 586-9248.

  • Dementia: Unusual Symptoms That Are Often Overlooked

    Dementia: Unusual Symptoms That Are Often Overlooked

    According to Alz.org, 1 out of 9 people over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s disease. More concerning is that 1 out of 3 people over the age of 85 has Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is just one of the forms of dementia, though it is the most prevalent. Knowing the signs is important, but there are some symptoms that are not as common. Family caregivers need to take the time to get to know these unusual symptoms and ask your mom or dad’s doctor if you notice them showing any of these signs.

    Caregiver Cornelius NC - Dementia: Unusual Symptoms That Are Often Overlooked
    Caregiver Cornelius NC – Dementia: Unusual Symptoms That Are Often Overlooked

    Problems Identifying Colors

    With some dementia patients, they suddenly struggle to identify colors. Pinks may look red and black and gray may become hard to tell apart.

    Difficulty Judging Distance to an Object

    One of the issues to watch for is a loss of judgment where distance is involved. People with dementia sometimes have a hard time telling how far away an object is. This is extremely important to watch for as it can impact the ability to drive a car.

    Sudden Change in Attitude About Hobbies or Typical Social Activities

    Dementia can make people suddenly dislike activities or hobbies they previously enjoyed. Your mom may have spent years loving to knit and randomly start hating it. If she loved to go out to dinner with friends, she may suddenly hate being around people or leaving the house.

    Repetitive Habits

    People with dementia often get into repetitive habits. You might find your mom cleaning cabinets multiple times a day, washing items that were just cleaned and dried, or washing hands despite having just washed them.

    Inappropriate Behaviors

    If dementia is present, your parent may suddenly lose his or her tact. Your mom may suddenly announce that you’ve gained way too much weight or that your outfit looks horrible. Shoplifting is another issue that happens as you mom or dad may forget they have to pay for items in stores. You may also find your mom or dad feeling it’s okay to remove clothing in front of strangers.

    If dementia is suspected, a visit to the doctor is important. There are prescription medications that can slow the progression of some forms of dementia. You’ll also want to talk to your mom or dad’s doctor about the need for in-home caregivers to assist your mom or dad with important items like grooming, home cleaning, meal preparation, and transportation.

    If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Caregiver Services in Cornelius NC, please call the caring staff at BlueDot Cares today, (704) 586-9248.