Family Caregivers' Blog is available to share helpful information to support families caring for those with dementia.
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Caregiving: What Does It Involve?
Ms. A has been very busy with work and finally visited her mother in the care facility after a week. Upon arrival, she found four used Pull-ups in her mother’s room. Her mother refused a bath on Saturday and declined the mobile dental check-up halfway through. Ms. A needs to find out why the used pull-ups were left in the room, why the bath refusal wasn’t addressed, and what happened during the dental check-up. She must coordinate with the staff regarding her mother’s next bath, reschedule the dental appointment, and decide whether to accompany her next time. These tasks involve a lot of communication and coordination with the facility staff. Even though her mother is in a care facility, Ms. A’s caregiving responsibilities continue.
When we think of "caregiving," we often imagine helping with baths, changing clothes, and assisting with meals. However, family caregiving also involves scheduling appointments, accompanying loved ones, communicating with external parties, and coordinating care. It’s not just about attending appointments; it’s about managing situations in waiting rooms, dealing with agitation during treatments, selecting and participating in recreational activities, and making decisions about future care and treatment plans, such as whether to continue home care or stay in the facility, and whether to pursue specific therapies.
These caregiving tasks can be a significant physical and emotional burden for family caregivers. The caregiving duties persist even when a loved one is in a facility. It’s important to handle each situation step by step, seeking help and advice from others.
"I don't feel like taking a bath today."
" This gathering isn't fun; I don't want to go."
Ms. A's mother and Ms. N's mother both refused to bathe recently. Ms. N’s mother also tried a new craft class but found it too difficult and said, "That class isn't fun; I don't want to go." It's common for people with dementia to refuse baths; it's a known symptom. Various strategies can help, such as soothing them into bathing, changing bath times, using medication to calm them, or trying on another day. There is no guaranteed method, so patience and flexibility are key.
When introducing something new, asking, "Do you want to try this?" often results in "No." Trying new things requires more brain function than we realize, which is why those with dementia tend to refuse. However, repeated exposure can lead to acceptance and routine. Despite initial refusal, gently insisting "Let's go" and repeatedly taking them to the same class can help them get used to it over time.
People with dementia might have impaired memory but retain emotions linked to events. Even if they don’t remember the details, they remember how they felt. Therefore, they will likely want to continue if they have fun during an activity. This is why it’s essential to try familiar and enjoyable activities.
Even if you are using a wheelchair, you can still strengthen your legs and hips!
Ms. E's mother has vision problems, dementia, and weakened legs, leading to frequent falls. Although she wants to walk, the facility has opted for a wheelchair to prevent falls. Ms. E worries that using a wheelchair might weaken her mother's legs and hips even more. However, it can avoid muscle deterioration even while sitting or lying down.
For the elderly, it's more about preventing muscle decline than building muscle like younger people. It's said that bedridden elderly individuals can lose 10% to 15% of their muscle strength in just one week. Once muscle strength is lost, recovery takes a long time. Nevertheless, appropriate exercises while sitting or lying down can prevent this decline. Consulting a physiotherapist can be very helpful. Even simple exercises can help maintain muscle strength.
Doing these exercises together can be beneficial if family members or volunteers can safely assist. Next time, let’s find out what exercises are recommended for Ms. E’s mother. If some exercises can help prevent muscle decline, Ms. E will feel more at ease!
Let's Talk About Hemorrhoids.
Ms. N's mother seems to be suffering from hemorrhoids. Recently, she's been experiencing pain in the affected area, especially when she moves or sits down. Although she's been using over-the-counter creams, the cream is often wiped off after using the toilet, leading to slow healing. How can we manage this situation, and just how severe is her pain? Other participants have suggested using medication to improve bowel movements and consulting a doctor.
For the elderly, maintaining regular bowel movements is crucial. Particularly for those with dementia, conditions like constipation and hemorrhoids need to be appropriately managed. Otherwise, the pain and discomfort can lead to increased irritability, confusion, or aggression. We hope Ms. N's mother finds relief soon.
Japanese Shower Toilet Retail Info
A Little Talk About "Healing"
Ms. E's mother finds adjusting to her new facility environment challenging. While volunteers and companions visit her, she still needs methods to help her feel calm. When her mother is at ease, Ms. E can also feel more relaxed, reducing her caregiving stress.
The facility staff suggested trying a Robot Cat. Although it looks like a stuffed animal, it moves and makes meowing and purring sounds. Its soft texture can help soothe individuals with visual impairments, like Ms. E's mother. While pet therapy visits are beneficial, they aren't always feasible so that a Robot Cat could be a great alternative. When those receiving care feel calm, it allows family caregivers to enjoy more peaceful moments, too.
You can purchase Robot Cats on Amazon.
Here’s a link for your reference: Amazon Site
Using tools like Robot Cat can significantly improve the emotional well-being of caregivers and those they care for.
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