Sometimes when we face challenges that annoy us, perhaps we need to just ask for a little bit of creativity and inspiration.
One of the common challenges that caregivers of Alzheimer's patients face is the issue of hygiene for their patient. As the patient's condition advances, taking shower or bath may become a scary event for them, and a major struggle for the caregiver. The patient is reluctant to just take off their clothes and walk into a shower stall or a bath. Some experts believe that this has to do with the patient feeling loss of control, and the sound of running water may be threatening to them. I attended a local Alzheimer's Awareness event, and a director from Orange County Chapter of Alzheimer's Association was giving a talk. One of the audience asked a question, "how do I get my mother to take a shower?". The director had a heartwarming story to tell. A caregiver from an assisted living facility was having difficulty getting her male patient to take a shower. She thought and thought, and knowing that her patient loved music decided to ask him to dance. He slowly got up, they held each other, and she gently danced him down the hall where a warm shower was waiting for him. With her gentle encouragement, he got in to the shower.
Sometimes when we face challenges that annoy us, perhaps we need to just ask for a little bit of creativity and inspiration.
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Author - Sharon KimMy mother was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's. It took our family 3 years to get proper diagnosis. My sister and my father who are the primary caregivers for my mom are going through extreme challenges dealing with the impact of this disease. This is what inspired me to create and dedicate 4URLOVE to all the caregivers of Alzheimer's patients in the world for their commitment, love, sacrifice and unfathomable patience. Archives
June 2011
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