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Excerpts from “When Words Are Not Enough: Strategies for Caregivers of Persons with Dementia.” 

Objectives of the Book

·    Provide basic facts about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

·    Describe the disease’s physical, psychological, and spiritual impact on the caregiver

·    Define holistic approaches to working with care recipients

·    Describe the disease’s impact on interpersonal relationships

·    Describe compassion fatigue and caregivers’ burden

·    Suggest ways for caregivers to engage in self-care

·    Provide resources to impact the well-being of caregivers 

 

Five Major Themes

1.  There is value in the exercise of reflective retrospectiver analysis of the caregiver role.

2.  Caregiving influences the equilibrium of familial and non-familial social systems.

3.  Positive coping strategies used by caregivers are valuable tools.

4.  Spiritual discipline can ease the strain of caregiving.

5.  Seasoned caregivers have caregiving wisdom to share with others.

TIPS FOR CAREGIVERS TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST OF THE SITUATION 128

• Think about ways that caregiving for the persons with dementia has made you a stronger person.

• Think about why you have accepted this role and any positive aspects of caregiving for the person with dementia.

• Think about the positive ways in which caregiving and the illness of the person with dementia have changed your relationship with them

• Consider if caregiving for the person with dementia has brought you closer to them and/or other relatives or friends.

• Make a list of positive aspects of your relationship with the person with dementia, shared memories, and what that person means to you. Look at the list whenever you find yourself getting upset about the situation.

 

TIPS FOR RELIEVING STRESS

Many of the stress busters provided here were suggested by the Montana State University Extension Service of the United States Department of Agriculture.129 Other items come from the authors’ own personal experiences. Some of the items are common sense. Regardless of their source, these stress busting activities will help you center your attention on developing a posture of expectancy and receptivity as you make an effort to keep your stress in check.

Breathe Deeply: Deep breathing is a basic technique for relaxation. Breathing slowly and deeply can help turn off stress and turn on peaceful feelings. Find a place where you can sit comfortably. Close your eyes. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose until you have filled your stomach cavity as full as possible. Purse your lips and exhale slowly. Try doing this activity for five minutes.

Stretch: Muscle tension is a common reaction to stress. Here are some common stretches you can do at home or at work:

Neck Stretch—while standing or sitting up straight, gently tip your head to the left, hold for 30 seconds, and then return to center. Do the same on the right side.

Side Stretch—with your feet comfortably apart and right hand on your hip, reach your left arm overhead and stretch to the right side. Hold for 30 seconds, and then switch sides.

Chest and Back Stretch—while standing, clasp your hands behind you, arms straight, and then lift your arms up slightly. Hold for 30 seconds. Next, clasp your hands in front of you. Rotate your shoulder, reaching as far forward as you can. Hold for 30 seconds.

Progressive Muscular Relaxation— this 15-minute technique can help make you aware of the difference between tension and relaxation. The process is to tighten the muscle, release the tension, and then feel the difference. Settle back comfortably, either sitting or lying down. Clench your left fist. Clench it tightly and study the tension in the hand and in the forearm. Notice how it feels. Hold the tension for a few seconds. And now relax the left hand. Notice the difference between tension and relaxation. Do this with the right hand and every major muscle group of your body. You can start with your hands or move from head to toe.  

Exercise: Physically active people handle stress better than those who are not active. Make time in your schedule for regular exercise. Choose an aerobic activity you can do 20-30 minutes every other day. Walking, running, swimming, and bicycling are all excellent choices. Give yourself five minutes of warm-up and five minutes of cool-down each session. Do it with friends who can help you keep your commitment, or do it alone and use the time for reflection.

Rest: A well-rested body is more resistant to stress. Try getting to bed at a reasonable hour, especially if you’re under stress. Master the art of getting ready for bed. Do something relaxing before bedtime, such as taking a peaceful walk, a warm bath, a warm drink. Try to let go of the trouble of the day. As you lie down, visualize your body restoring itself with slumber.

Find Peace: Take time to fill your spiritual reservoir each day. Different things work for different people. Some fill their reservoir through prayer, meditation, thought, or pondering inspirational writings. Others fill it through admiring the beauties of nature or gazing into a star-filled sky. Do what brings you peace.

Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to what the voice of your body is telling you. The body speaks to us in many ways: by headaches, stiff necks, high blood pressure, or an upset stomach. When you “hear” these messages, you may be pushing yourself too hard. Slow down. Relax.

Think Before You Eat: Some of us use food in unhealthy ways when we are under stress. Ask yourself how you view food. Do you view eating as a way to alleviate stress? Do you eat because you are bored? If your answer is yes, try to find more positive ways to fill your empty hours. Try reading, exercise, visiting friends, taking kids on an outing, or a hobby.

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128 From“Stoppain.org retrieved 21 Aug 2009 from http://www.netofcare.org/default.asp

129 Stephen F. Duncan, “50 Stress Busting Ideas for Your Well-being,” Montana State University Extension Service,11 Aug. 2008 http://www.montana.edu/wwwpb/pubs/mt200016.html