Environment

It is important that caregivers create an environment of comfort and calm for individuals with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia related memory loss. This can be done through music, art, interior design, sensory landscaping and a range of innovative activities. Consider these:

1. Natural light eases "Sundowners’ Syndrome," the seasonal, late-afternoon agitation some individual’s experience.

2. Color coding helps individuals orient themselves as they move from one room to another.

3. Wandering paths or areas help individuals stroll and relax.

4. Plenty of fresh air with easy access to garden areas where available or refreshing breezes from windows help with moods.

5. Non-intimidating, relaxation-oriented daily exercise and mental engagement in a safe and secure environment keeps individuals active longer.

All activities should be under the watchful eye of a caregiver. Remember to respect the individual’s needs and uphold their dignity. Help them to reflect on the past, live in the moment, and create new joy-filled experiences.

Above all, caregivers should take time for themselves…respite; be mindful of their health…relax; and ask for help…often.     Pam McDonel (another 1/3 of the cubed)

Crusade for Caregivers

Had lunch with a friend yesterday. He was there to help me...never dreamed he would be asking my help. But...that's what friends...and caregivers...are for...to help each other. It seems his wife's father is worn out by the trials and tribulations of cargiving for her mother who has Alzheimer's and has had for oh 3-5 years. They now realize dad has been "covering" for mom long enough that he...like most caregivers...is worn to a frazzle. It's time to take the burden off dad and give him time to rest and regroup. Do they hire someone for home care? Do they try adult day care? Do they move mom to a permanent care facility? Will dad go with her? How will the separation be received by either or both...and what about the family? These are all questions that must be asked, and answered.

This is where my crusade begins to take hold. You are not alone. You do not have to do this by yourself. It is important that families discuss long term care possibilities long before the need arises. The benefits of having talked and put a written long term care plan in place can help solve these and other difficult situations in which we as caregiver families find ourselves. A good plan will provide a care coordinator to intervene, help identify, and manage care needs as they arise...not to mention save wear and tear on caregivers and families and preserve lifestyles. How can we help you manage your caregiving responsibilities? Just ask. Visit our website: http://www.newhopesociety.com/. That's why we are here. Hope your day is free from the burdens of caregiving and filled only with love, laughter, and precious memories of loved ones!  

Pam (another 1/3 of the cubed)

Friends

"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten

the words". As a caregiver, it is easy to become isolated from your friends when the only outside world you

see is the waiting room of doctors appointments. Take the time to call a friend today - if you are in the caregiving role, you need your friends and if your friend is the one in the caregiving role, your friend needs you.

Carol (1/3 of the cubed)

We care

Our goal is to help people help themselves.  We have information both here and on our website to help those who need care giving and those who are caregiving.  We also focus on after caregiving to take care of the ones who are left behind when care is no longer needed.

Often the caregiver has neglected their own health, finances, friends, and family during the caregiving event only to find their own health is in desperate need of repair.

We hope we are able to help!