Alzheimer's Care: Safety in the House - The

By Ethelle G. Lord, M.Ed.,DM

Alzheimer's Care - The care of a loved one with Alzheimer's is a noble yet difficult calling. We are here for support and education in this process. Things to not overlook are minor issues in your home that can turn into dangerous obstacles and for your loved one. We will embark on a short series to help point out these issues and help you to keep your loved one safe.

 

The kitchen is likely the most dangerous room in the home for anybody, but especially for those with cognitive issues. It is natural, for example, for the person living with dementia to want to continue to help with dishes, making coffee, etc.
Preventing risks in the kitchen starts with a careful evaluation of your loved one’s cognitive abilities. If it is not safe for your loved one to cook without someone supervising, then prepare meals ahead when someone can oversee the process. Keeping someone with cognitive challenges involved in those things he/she has loved doing – like cooking- is a great way to keep someone inspired and feel as though he/she is contributing. Taking unnecessary risks is never advised. Cook ahead of time and store meals in microwaveable containers.
If your loved one’s condition worsens, you may have to take greater control by removing metal cans that might accidentally get microwaved, and disabling appliances—not just in the kitchen but throughout the home—when you are not there. Keep surfaces clear of items and appliances such as crockpots and toasters (and hair dryers in the bath).
If your loved one is still relatively self-sufficient in the kitchen, use labels to describe individual items, or the contents of drawers and cupboards. To help ease embarrassment during a meal, use brightly colored plates, cups, flatware and napkins, which are easier to identify. If your loved one is confused about the proper utensils he/she may refuse to eat,and that may be mistaken as a symptom of something else. So make it as easy as possible and be there to lend a helping hand.
When the condition progresses and you can see problems in the kitchen, the best possible option is to consider installing a Dutch door equipped with a dead bolt lock to the kitchen to prevent accidents.


Remembering4you.com
P. O. Box 193
Mapleton, ME 04757
Phone: (207) 764-1214

At Remembering For You - Ethelle G. Lord, M.Ed.,DM has created a unique Caregiver Partnership Agreement Program that promotes inter-professionalism in organizations and changes the way long-term care is delivered. She is also a pioneer in Alzheimer's coaching having been the first to create a certification program (15-week study course) and delivered on Webinar technology so that nobody needs to leave the comfort of their office/home to take this program. Dr. Lord is also the author of HOW IN THE WORLD... AND NOW WHAT DO I DO? A Primer for Alzheimer's: 12 Major Points for Coping Better available at http://AlzheimersPrimer.com.

Alzheimer's Information: Support is a Phone Call Away

By Ethelle G. Lord, M.Ed.,DM

Wine and Whine – Weekly Support Call

Alzheimer's information abounds on the internet. But sometimes you have a very specific issue you would like to discuss. Everyone dealing with Alzheimer's will go thru some hard times at some point. Many caregivers are alone without anyone around them that are going or have gone through this experience. You are not alone and what you are experiencing is not unique - others would love to share their experiences and lend their support to you. Life isn’t easy. Just something to think about…Did you know:

• the people that are the strongest are usually the most sensitive?
• the people who exhibit the most kindness are the first to get mistreated?
• the ones who take care of others all the time are usually the ones who need it the most?
• the 3 hardest things to say are ‘I love you’, ‘I’m sorry’, and ‘Help me’.

Sometimes, just because a person looks happy, you have to look past their smile and see how much pain they may be in.

If you do not like wine, tea/coffee is acceptable too. Each weekly call is designed to safely and lovingly express your most pressing concern under the direction of a trained group leader in dementia care. Dr. Lord has a degree in counseling from the University of Maine in Orono, advanced group work and a Doctorate of Management in Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix. Although she often takes a no nonsense approach to her work and because she has been there as a caregiver too, you will find comfort and hope in her sound advice. Dr. Lord will be responsible for assuring each person on the call has a chance to speak or comment. You will learn to let go of worries, stress and embrace the good side of caregiving by sharing with others in this very unique experience of caregiving for someone living with Alzheimer’s.

If this sounds like something you would benefit from, sign up here and join us!

At Remembering For You - Ethelle G. Lord, M.Ed.,DM has created a unique Caregiver Partnership Agreement Program that promotes inter-professionalism in organizations and changes the way long-term care is delivered. She is also a pioneer in Alzheimer's coaching having been the first to create a certification program (15-week study course) and delivered on Webinar technology so that nobody needs to leave the comfort of their office/home to take this program. Dr. Lord is also the author of HOW IN THE WORLD... AND NOW WHAT DO I DO? A Primer for Alzheimer's: 12 Major Points for Coping Better available at http://AlzheimersPrimer.com.