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12 WAYS TO BOOST CAREGIVER SUCCESS
1.
Educate
yourself about the disease.
Read books, attend workshops and consult with healthcare
professionals.
2.
Learn
caregiving techniques.
Key areas are communication skills, safety concerns, and
managing behavioral challenges and activities of daily living.
3.
Understand
the experience of your loved one.
Adjust your expectations. Be patient and kind.
4.
Avoid
caregiver burnout.
Make time for yourself. Join caregiver support groups. Pursue
interests beyond your caregiving role, such as exercise,
hobbies, journaling and art.
5.
Maintain your
own physical and mental health.
Exercise, respite and other activities can reduce stress. Seek
medical help if there are signs of depression.
6.
Discuss the
situation with family and friends.
Support systems are critical.
7.
Do cognitive
stimulation activities with your loved one.
Listening to music, word puzzles and memory games can easily be
done at home.
8.
Foster
communication with physicians.
Be involved in your loved one's medical care. Ask questions
about the progression of the disease, express concerns and
discuss treatment options.
9.
Take care of
financial, legal and long-term care planning issues.
Try to involve your loved one in decision-making, if they are
still capable of providing input, and consider their wishes
related to future care and end-of-life issues.
10.
Smile.
Kindness, humor and creativity are essential parts of
caregiving. Hugs, hand massage and other gentle physical contact
will help your loved one feel connected and loved.
11.
Think
positive.
Focus on your loved one's remaining strengths and enjoy your
relationship while you are still able to.
12.
Reach out for
care.
Call the Alzheimer's Network of Oregon-866-425-9638, or
Alzheimer's Foundation of America—866.AFA.8484, for counseling,
information and referrals to local resources.
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