My New Book

My book provides valuable information, practical material, and useful emotional empowerment tips for the people who care for others with Alzheimer's disease. It includes articles by a physician educator, an attorney, and a clinical psychologist.

The book can be ordered as an e-book or in print. An e-book is a book which you can download
to your own computer. If you wish, you can then print it out.

Please check it out. Just click on the link and scroll down to the offer. You can learn about it and download a free chapter at StrengthinCaring.com

If you wish, you can order a printed version from: Outskirtspress.com/strengthincaring

Warmly,

Mark 

Alzheimer's Care Giving While Maintaining Your Own Health 

by Lesley Jonson

Just for a moment I want you to imagine that you are coming out of a very deep sleep. If you have ever had surgery, try to remember the way you felt as you were trying to make sense of things as you awoke. As you imagine or remember this sensation do you find yourself wondering if it is morning, or night? Are you trying to remember where you are? Do you have a startle reaction and think for a moment that you are late for work or forgot to pick up your children at school? I have had that upsetting feeling if I wake up in the middle of the night or even after a nap. Now imagine that same fog every moment of your life.......

So many care givers find themselves frustrated with an Alzheimer's sufferer. They may say things like "He just doesn't seem to care if I am with him or not" or "He doesn't enjoy doing anything any more." I know that it is so hard to accept the changes in your loved one and know that this is going to be your reality. If you can remind yourself that the behaviors are organic it will help.

The plaque is building up and spreading over the surface of the brain just as a grassfire moves across a dry field. As it covers more areas your loved falls deeper into that fog. Alzheimer's disease doesn't show up like a broken bone or a surgical scar but the effects are just as real.

When the things they say or do cause you to feel angry or sad do you best to remember that it is the disease...not your loved one. That's when it is time for some care giver TLC.

Care giver burnout is a very real occurrence. If you are caring for someone you must include your own needs each day. Your health may decline at a faster rate than the person you are caring for if your dietary, emotional and physical needs are not met. Skipping your checkups with Dr.s is not an option.

You may be asking "How am I supposed to do all of this all by myself?" The answer is simple. You can't do it all alone. The first step to healthy care giving is accepting the fact that you have limitations. Every human being does. You can only stay awake, maintain your health and keep up with the demands for a limited amount of time. When you reach your limit you may find yourself suffering from care giver burnout. You may have trouble concentrating, experience nervous tension, and you may find it difficult to fight off resentment toward your loved one or others in your family that you feel should be assisting you. 

Reach out. Call upon your family, friends, church, and community organizations. Your local hospitals will have information regarding community resources. This information can usually be found by contacting the Social Services Department. Another good resource is the Alzheimer's Association. By taking care of your health you will, in turn be a better care giver.

Lesley Jonson: remaxreality.net

Article Source: articlejoe.com 

About the Author:

Mark Matloff, Ph.D. is a psychologist, coach, trainer, and consultant with over 28 years of experience helping people and organizations change for the better.

In addition to his full-time private practice, he teaches undergraduate psychology courses at Columbia College. He has done research in gerontology and continues to do nursing home work, as well as work with the Alzheimer's Association.

When he is not at work, he teaches and trains in Aikido, and is a second degree black belt in that art. He lives with his wife in Syracuse, NY.

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Mark Matloff, Ph.D.
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