Tips for Dementia Caretakers

11th of July, 2017

Tips for Caretakers:

Whether you are a relative caregiver or a caregiver sent by a home care agency, dealing with people who have dementia can be difficult and challenging. The challenges come from having to absorb the emotional toll of dementia and also from having to use proper techniques to interact with dementia patients.

Here are some tips to be a good caretaker without the burn out:

Set a positive atmosphere.

When talking to a dementia patient, set a positive tone and atmosphere.
your body language and tone matters a lot when communicating. 

No matter your mood, remain positive, calm and pleasant. 

It will help your loved one or dementia patient absorb information 

better and be more receptive.

Redirect their attention.

Sometimes dementia patients get easily upset and agitated. 

When this occurs, acknowledge their feelings and change the subject. 

"I am sorry I upset you, can you help me fold the laundry and then make dinner?"

 It is important to change their focus to something positive to end the feeling 

of frustration or agitation.

Think back on the past.

You may have heard their story about how they met their spouse a million 

times, but it is important to be receptive to these stories. Often, these are the most 

significant to the person with dementia. Their short term memory may be 

suffering but they will remember events that happened years ago. Ask them questions, 

enjoy their stories; it will make them feel so happy and put them in a good mood.

Communicate simply (ask easy questions).

Do not bombard the dementia patient with questions. 

Ask one question at a time. Do not ask open-ended questions;

 rather stick to "yes or no" questions. It will be easier for them

 to answer and will reduce confusion.

Alcohol Dependence Doesn't Have a Face

18th of April, 2017

Alcohol Dependence Doesn't Have a Face:

Alcohol dependence, also known as alcoholism, affects around 18 million Americans per year.*

Alcohol dependence doesn't have a face. People from all economic backgrounds, races, genders and countries can experience it. There are many factors affecting alcoholism including genetic predisposition, history of depression, and binge drinking regularly. If someone in your family suffers from alcoholism, then you are more likely to develop the same problem.

Signs and symptoms of alcohol dependence include: inability to stop drinking, constant thoughts about alcohol, binge drinking until you feel sick or throw up. Binge drinking is considered 5+ drinks in an hour for a male and 4+ drinks in an hour for a female, approximately.

Treating alcoholism is difficult but not impossible. There are many recovering alcoholics who lead normal lives. Therapy (group or individual) is helpful in treating alcoholism, as most people are not unable to kick the addiction themselves. Some individuals choose to join 12-step groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
It is very important to seek medical help when going through withdrawal from alcohol. Alcohol withdrawal causes the following symptoms: shaking, sweating, insomnia, increased depression and anxiety, seizures, suicidal thoughts, decreased appetite, anger and irritability, nausea. Everyone's withdrawal symptoms will be different but will require some form of medical supervision. A hospital stay and an IV may be needed in severe cases to replenish the body and keep the individual stable.  In worst case scenarios, alcoholism can be treated with certain medications.

If you feel like you may have an alcohol addiction, please contact a professional to get an assessment. To get more help you can visit the following websites:

https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/treatment/treatment.htm

http://www.aa.org/

https://aidinrecovery.com

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https://medlineplus.gov/alcoholismandalcoholabuse.html*