April 23, 2010
Volume 1; Issue 8
April 23, 2010
Welcome to this issue of The Dementia Caregiving Encourager. We’re glad you’re here!
Spring is here--finally! Although as I write this it's only about 50 degrees outside in Mesa, AZ! We had a lot of rain last winter.
The great thing about spring, besides the warmer temperatures, is the beautiful flowers. So many colors and scents! The perfect outdoor environment for a dementia patient.
Of course, you'll want to take proper precautions to see that your loved one is warm enough and be careful of slushy mud from melted snow, but get outside some and enjoy the wonderful show. You'll be glad you did!
It is a privilege to share our story with you so that you can benefit from our experience. If you ever have a question we can answer for you please write to us. We're here to help.
If you have any comments or suggestions for The Dementia Caregiving Encourager please
contact us.
We love to hear from our readers.
Blessings!
Paula Farris & Lanette Stultz
http://www.DementiaCaregiving101.com
Preventing Injuries in the Dementia Patient
Our Mother's doctors told us repeatedly to not leave our Mom alone. She was unsteady on her feet, didn't understand how to do many things, and was often confused about her surroundings.But, although we tried, she wasn't always within our sight.
To make her home and Paula's home safer here are some of the things we did to prevent injuries. By the way, prevention is a lot easier than dealing with the injury after it happens.
- Anchor furniture, wall hangings, etc. Make sure that heavy objects or objects with glass on them are anchored to the wall so that they can't be knocked over or displaced.
- Hide/Remove dangerous objects Sharp objects, small objects, anything that could be a potential hazard. Our Mom once tried for hours to put a quarter in her mouth. She insisted it was her medicine and she needed to take it right away.
- Pad or remove sharp edges Furniture, cabinet tops, low hanging cupboards. Furniture corner guards can be purchased in the child safety section of major department stores.
- Store chemicals out of reach or in locked cupboards Our Mom cleaned her own house for decades, but when her dementia symptoms progressed chemicals became a hazard to her. If your parent still wants to help keep a spray bottle with water and maybe a small amount of lemon juice for the scent in a cupboard where they can get to it.
- Check for adequate lighting Keep a nightlight on beside the bed, in the hall, and in the bathroom for nighttime use. Check for shadows with regular lighting. Shadows may be scary to a dementia patient.
Not to sound disrespectful, but caring for a dementia patient is often like watching a small child, but one who used to be independent. A little prevention can make your job a lot easier.
Activity Idea
Let your loved one help with simple home repairs--tightening screws, gluing broken items, pulling weeds, touch up painting. Provide careful supervision and be careful with sharp edges. Helping with things around the house can make the dementia patient feel wanted, needed and useful.Follow Us on Twitter!
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What else would you like to see in future issues of The Dementia Caregiving Encourager? Recipes, caregiving tips, dementia news and information, treatment options, poetry? What would encourage you? Let us know!Have you had a chance to read your free ebook yet? In case you missed the download link you can click here to get it. Please let us know if you have any problems at all in opening or downloading this file.
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