http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-dWlsgM9LA&layer_token=3c1917039222373
Are you ready to Let Go?
You have had to let go of your loved one with Alzheimer's in many ways with this disease. The way they use to act and talk. The idea that they don't know who you are any more. Some of you even had to let go of your role as a caregiver. You may have put her/him in nursing home or you turned over your care to a professional caregiver in your home. But even though you had to let go of many aspects of your loved one gradually through the years, don't expect to be able to completely let go of your loved one when they die.
Letting go of the role of caregiver will be harder than you think. For many people, the role of a caregiver is primary source of self-validation. When your loved one dies, you may feel lost, worthless, useless without the responsibility of taking care of them. Be careful that these feelings don't turn you into depression or despair. You are worthwhile, and must deal with your feelings and go on to find new ways to fill your life with meaning.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint Of James A Rock & Co., Pub.
www.mariefostino.com
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
I am pleased to announce that I have been invited to speak to the Alzheimer's Support Group on Thursday June 25 at The TERRACES. You are invited to come and listen. The address is 7550 N. 16th St. Phoenix, Az. If you need any information you can call Shawn May, the Memory Support Program Manager at 602-371-4117. It will be at the Terraces Assisted Living Private Dining Room. I hope you can join us.
The symptoms of Alzheimers:
Memory Loss - Trouble Performing Familiar Tasks - Poor judgement - Misplacing Things - Disorientation
The symptoms of the Caregivers:
Guilt - Loneliness - Overwhelmed - Sadness - Joy
As a caretaker I found out that "Moments" are the most important thing for the caretaker. I treasured the good moments we had instead of focusing on the bad moments. I hope that you found my book helpful.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock & Co., Pub.
www.mariefostino.com
The symptoms of Alzheimers:
Memory Loss - Trouble Performing Familiar Tasks - Poor judgement - Misplacing Things - Disorientation
The symptoms of the Caregivers:
Guilt - Loneliness - Overwhelmed - Sadness - Joy
As a caretaker I found out that "Moments" are the most important thing for the caretaker. I treasured the good moments we had instead of focusing on the bad moments. I hope that you found my book helpful.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock & Co., Pub.
www.mariefostino.com
Sunday, June 14, 2009
INCONTINENCE
One of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease that most people don't want to discuss is bowel and bladder accidents. This occurs in the later stage of the disease. At stage 2 they may develop urinary incontinence, but in stage 3 most patients will have trouble controlling bodily functions. This person may not remember what the sensation means or is unaware of the need to relieve them self. If they do have the sensation they may have memory problems making it difficult to find the bathroom. There are many possible causes of incontinence in older people besides Alzheimer's. 1) frequent drinking of diuretic like coffee, tea, cocoa, beer, or colas. 2) side effects of medications. 3) infections, such as urinary tract infections. 4) prostate problems. 5) weak pelvic muscles. 6) anxiety or fear.
Once a person has more than an occasional accident you will have to begin to deal with incontinence as a regular part of life. Try to learn to recognize the nonverbal clues that your loved one is giving. Maybe schedule frequent bathroom visits. Put signs or pictures to show where the bathroom is. Make sure their clothes are easy to get on and off. Decrease the amount of fluids at night. And use an adult absorbency pad. They have some that look like underpants, and your Alzheimer person may not even know the difference.
I hope you enjoy my video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-dWlsgM9LA&layer_token=3c1917039222373
I hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A. Rock & Co., Pub
http://www.mariefostino.com/
One of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease that most people don't want to discuss is bowel and bladder accidents. This occurs in the later stage of the disease. At stage 2 they may develop urinary incontinence, but in stage 3 most patients will have trouble controlling bodily functions. This person may not remember what the sensation means or is unaware of the need to relieve them self. If they do have the sensation they may have memory problems making it difficult to find the bathroom. There are many possible causes of incontinence in older people besides Alzheimer's. 1) frequent drinking of diuretic like coffee, tea, cocoa, beer, or colas. 2) side effects of medications. 3) infections, such as urinary tract infections. 4) prostate problems. 5) weak pelvic muscles. 6) anxiety or fear.
Once a person has more than an occasional accident you will have to begin to deal with incontinence as a regular part of life. Try to learn to recognize the nonverbal clues that your loved one is giving. Maybe schedule frequent bathroom visits. Put signs or pictures to show where the bathroom is. Make sure their clothes are easy to get on and off. Decrease the amount of fluids at night. And use an adult absorbency pad. They have some that look like underpants, and your Alzheimer person may not even know the difference.
I hope you enjoy my video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-dWlsgM9LA&layer_token=3c1917039222373
I hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A. Rock & Co., Pub
http://www.mariefostino.com/
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Good Evening,
What happens when you are the patients life partner. When we get married we say to each other "in sickness and in health" and through life each partner usually does his or her fair share of taking care of each other. But when Alzheimer's hits, the person with Alzheimer's will need more and more and the person without will give and give. There will be an emotional and physical strain on the marriage. As for the caregiver, the person whom they had married, whom had brought them so much comfort, joy and love will be the thing of the past. You won't have the same kind of relationship but you can still enjoy doing things together. You will have to accept what is happening to your spouse and how your life is changing. Look for a good support group. And remember, to the world you are but one person, but to that one person, you may be the world.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock & Co., Pub.
www.mariefostino.com
What happens when you are the patients life partner. When we get married we say to each other "in sickness and in health" and through life each partner usually does his or her fair share of taking care of each other. But when Alzheimer's hits, the person with Alzheimer's will need more and more and the person without will give and give. There will be an emotional and physical strain on the marriage. As for the caregiver, the person whom they had married, whom had brought them so much comfort, joy and love will be the thing of the past. You won't have the same kind of relationship but you can still enjoy doing things together. You will have to accept what is happening to your spouse and how your life is changing. Look for a good support group. And remember, to the world you are but one person, but to that one person, you may be the world.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock & Co., Pub.
www.mariefostino.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
