CARE GIVING TEAM - NEXT STEPS
The Care Giving Team says “thanks” to those who filled out a survey before Christmas. We received 28—with a lot of good feedback. Twenty five of those 28 agree that we should develop a list of WLLC volunteers willing to assist families with caregiving. That is the same passion that brought together the team—to use our skills to decrease the stress on home caregivers.
The team already benefited one family when two in-home conversations took place. The first was an opportunity to look closely at mobility issues, and to help make the home more safe for the person with dementia to function. The second conversation included pastor and people with knowledge of local resource. One result was that the family connected with hospice, was accepted, and now receives needed professional resources.
Responses on the survey raised important issues for consideration. The team honors the need for privacy and confidentiality in dealing with families. We also are doing extensive research on liability risks and coverage.
But most responders also agree that there is a lot that we as church members can do: in home communion; shopping, transportation, respite care, meal preparation, housekeeping, and matching people with community services. The team continues to grow our list of community resources and agencies with which we can partner.
The next steps include putting proper policies in place to deal with liability issues. We also will be working on a list of volunteers.
The mission of this team is to function as connectors!
Bob Jones, Linda Kolstad, Kathy Marambe, Tammy Archuleta, Cheryl Harmon, Patricia Sheron, Pastor Tim, Pastor Donna
The Care Giving Team says “thanks” to those who filled out a survey before Christmas. We received 28—with a lot of good feedback. Twenty five of those 28 agree that we should develop a list of WLLC volunteers willing to assist families with caregiving. That is the same passion that brought together the team—to use our skills to decrease the stress on home caregivers.
The team already benefited one family when two in-home conversations took place. The first was an opportunity to look closely at mobility issues, and to help make the home more safe for the person with dementia to function. The second conversation included pastor and people with knowledge of local resource. One result was that the family connected with hospice, was accepted, and now receives needed professional resources.
Responses on the survey raised important issues for consideration. The team honors the need for privacy and confidentiality in dealing with families. We also are doing extensive research on liability risks and coverage.
But most responders also agree that there is a lot that we as church members can do: in home communion; shopping, transportation, respite care, meal preparation, housekeeping, and matching people with community services. The team continues to grow our list of community resources and agencies with which we can partner.
The next steps include putting proper policies in place to deal with liability issues. We also will be working on a list of volunteers.
The mission of this team is to function as connectors!
Bob Jones, Linda Kolstad, Kathy Marambe, Tammy Archuleta, Cheryl Harmon, Patricia Sheron, Pastor Tim, Pastor Donna
CARING FOR SOMEONE WITH DEMENTIA
Caring for someone with dementia is challenging, and can be especially so around special family activities. If you have a loved one with dementia and you or other family members will be visiting or traveling, give these tips a try.
TIPS FOR THE CARE PARTNER
TIPS FOR THE CARE PARTNER
- Keep gatherings small & visits short; keep it simple
- It's about "moments" of joy
- Encourage visitors to understand before they begin interacting
- Ask visitors to bring old pictures, familiar items or props, and be prepared to reminisce about old times
- Cut back on traditions if they are distressing
- Get some exercise to relieve stress
- If someone asks for gift ideas, suggest items the person with dementia needs or can easily enjoy (comfy clothing , audiotapes of favorite music, photo album)
- If friends or family ask what you would like as a gift, suggest something that will help you take care of yourself (cleaning or errand service, respite care, or something that provides you with some rest & relaxation)
- Approach in a friendly manner, with a smile; offer your hand in a handshake
- Introduce yourself by name, then PAUSE; if the person still doesn't seem to know you, give them a little more background
- Use shorter phrases and PAUSE between thoughts or ideas, giving the person a chance to respond
- Talk about old times more than recent information; keep memories positive
- Be prepared to hear old stories over and over, use old pictures or props to bring up other old memories... and laugh
- Do something with the person rather than just talking to them (look at Christmas cards together, fill a vase with flowers)
- If the person says something distressing or seems worried about something, realize it may not be true. They are not lying to you...their brain is lying to them. Check it out with the care partner before acting on it
- Identify a common interest
- Say something nice about the person or their place
- Share something about yourself and encourage the person to share back
- Follow their lead - listen actively
- Use some of their words to keep the flow going; use the phrase "Tell me About ..."
- Use gestures and pointing
- Acknowledge & accept emotions; use empathy & validation
- Use familiar phrases or known interests
- Respect 'values' and 'beliefs' - avoid the negative
- Try to "control the flow"
- Correct errors; go with the flow of the conversation
- Push for specific information; accept generalization
- Correct errors or reject topics
- Look distressed
- Plan a non-stop flight if possible; try to get tickets when he/she is typically at his/her best...mornings are usually better than later in the day.
- If possible, get first class tickets; this allows for more room, less crowding, and the option for late boarding rather than getting on early or having to walk all the way down the aisle.
- Pre-boarding may be a good idea if the person has limited mobility and gets anxious, but can be a bad idea if they have a hard time sitting still OR a lot of activity around them is upsetting. Think about the individual NOT about what traditionally has worked or is expected.
- Talk with your doctor about the possibility of using an anti-anxiety medication on the trip - try it in advance to ensure it works effectively.
- Talk to airline personnel and let them know about possible issues prior to boarding; also make sure they offer acceptable drink items and snacks; pack favorite snack items just in case.
- Take extra incontinence supplies, gloves, a plastic trash bag, and re-sealable bag.
- Bring favorite music, pictures, or manipulative items to keep his/ her attention
- Once on the ground, be prepared to burn off stress by walking. If medication was necessary on the flight, plan for a wheelchair to meet you at the gate. If you're considering riding the airline "cart", be aware that the noise may cause distress and fear.
- Wear matching BRIGHT colors that will help you remember what the person has on, JUST IN CASE. Also, if you have a phone or digital camera with you, take a snapshot. It truly can take just a second to lose sight of someone in an airport; having a real time photograph would be helpful in that situation.
- Use the "family"' or "assistance" toilet facilities so you can keep an eye/ear on the person at all times. Someone with dementia can quickly go from knowing where they are and what they are doing to being totally lost in time and place
- Remember to BREATHE and take care of your stress level. The person with you is taking cues from you at all times.
- The name of the game is "be flexible and go with the flow".