|
Elder CareTips:
Mastering The Eldercare Maze™
June 15, 2004
(This issue was published just days after
the death of former President Ronald Reagan).
Myths and Truths
About Alzheimer's -
A Vicious Thief
|
The number of calls I've had about
Alzheimer's Disease has gone up this last week. I understand
that the same is true of the Alzheimer's Association and
other mental health advisors. Of course, we all know why.
Even with all the recent news, there is still a lot of
mystery and misunderstanding surrounding Alzheimer's. Here's
a sampling of some of the most common "facts" that aren't
facts at all.
The most important thing to remember is that not everything
that causes forgetfulness is Alzheimer's Disease. And, some
of the most common causes can be cured or at least made
considerably better. Depression, for instance, can mimic
Alzheimer's, and there is a lot that can be done for
depression.
(See lower down for some information about finding a skilled
mental health professional who can help with getting a good
diagnosis and treatment)
MYTH: Memory loss is a natural part of growing
older.
TRUTH: Minor memory loss may go along with advanced
aging. But severe memory loss is a symptom of serious
illness.
MYTH: Alzheimer's disease is not life-threatening.
TRUTH: Alzheimer's is a fatal disease.
MYTH: Head injury can lead to Alzheimer's disease.
TRUTH: Alzheimer's disease appears to be more common
among people who have had a severe head injury with a loss
of consciousness at some time. A slight bump to the head
doesn't appear to have any correlation.
MYTH: The artificial sweetener Aspartame (Nutrasweet®
and Equal®) causes memory loss.
TRUTH: Studies have found no evidence of a link
between aspartame and memory loss.
MYTH: There are medications that can stop
Alzheimer's disease.
TRUTH: There is no medication or treatment that
cures or stops the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Today
there are drugs that may temporarily improve or stabilize
memory and thinking skills in some individuals.
When I was young I was called a
rugged individualist.
When I was in my fifties I was considered eccentric.
Here I am doing and saying the same things I did then
and I'm labeled senile.
|
~ George Burns
(Just you and me Kid) |
|
Caregivers - The
Invisible Army No More
|
Unless you're completely isolated, there's
probably an invisible caregiver close to you...at your work,
in your neighborhood. You don't know about it because, until
recently, it's been something a lot of people just don't
talk about. Especially at work.
Many employees are afraid to let employers know that they're
caregivers, as that might jeopardize career advancement, or
even the job itself.
We're starting to come out of the closet now, so to speak,
and that's a wonderful thing. Only when eldercare is
accepted as a natural family responsibility, the same way
child care finally became acceptable, will we see the
support and resources we so badly need.
There are far more Americans holding "second jobs" as family
caregivers than either employers, or the federal government
are aware of - and this "second job" could pose long-term
problems for both, according to a new study released by
AARP.
The study estimates there are 44.4 million caregivers who
provide unpaid care to another adult. Almost six in ten
(59%) of these caregivers either work or have worked while
providing care. And 62 percent have had to make some
adjustments to their work life, from reporting late to work
to giving up work entirely.
Almost four in ten (39%) caregivers are men, and 60% of
them are working full-time.
The average length of care is 4.3 years; however, three in
ten caregivers report providing care for more than five
years. The survey found that 17 percent of caregivers
between the ages of 50-64 years and 18 percent of
those over age 65 have been providing care for more than a
decade.
Among caregivers who are caring for someone other than a
spouse, the most burdened caregivers say they make an
average monthly financial contribution of $437
Almost one in five (17%) caregivers say they provide 40 or
more hours of care per week.
So, you and I, and all of our invisible colleagues are
finally seeing a glimmer of daylight - "they" are finally
taking notice.
Don't jeopardize your job, if you think it might not be in
your best interest to talk about these things at work. But
find a support group. Start one at work if the job is
supportive. Or at your church. Or find one that's already
established in your community. As we come together, our
voices will be easier to hear, and there's strength in
numbers.
Do you think you or someone you care about
might benefit from mental health services, but you're unsure
what kind of professional you need? The
Mayo Clinic has excellent information on how to choose a
mental health care provider, whether you're looking for a
psychiatrist, a psychologist, or
a social worker.
Sticking with the program is all
about attitude. See challenges, not problems; lessons,
not mistakes. Use those lessons to make yourself
stronger, and they'll take you to the next level.
| ~ Ian Anderson, an
adventure-racing coach and three-time
Eco-Challenge champion |
|
As I was looking for something totally
unrelated the other day I stumbled across a resource I
didn't know about. I thought I'd pass it along in case you
know someone who's hearing/speech impaired and can't afford
specialized telecommunication equipment.
TEDPA directs you to state distribution programs for
persons with disabilities.
Some of these programs offer equipment at no cost, or at a
good subsidized discount. There are application procedures
(when aren't there) but they're well worth it if you know
someone who qualifies.
| Always forgive your enemies --
Nothing annoys them so much.
|
|
|
|
