A hearty
welcome to all our new readers. We're glad to
have you along on this up and down ride! Remember, there's no such thing as a dumb
question, and none of us know what we don't
know.
When you're looking forward to
celebrating a big holiday with the whole family
it's so easy to get our hopes up that it will be
a truly heartwarming occasion. When our loved
one with dementia has a melt-down in the middle
of the festivities it can be catastrophic for
us, too. There goes the wonderful day we've been
anticipating for so long.
When it comes to these kinds of occasions, our
philosophy is expect and prepare for the worst.
You may be pleasantly surprised if it doesn't
happen. If it does, then you're ready and you
won't be devastated.
Just as we talked about how holiday decorations,
glitter and glitz can
contribute to the frazzles for someone with
dementia, lots of noise and lots of movement can set off a
bad reaction faster than most anything else. Add
those glittering decorations and piles of gifts and
wrapping paper and...bingo! When the brain can't
filter and make sense of what's going on it gets
overwhelmed. We certainly can't, and don't want
to, ask our guests to sit quietly and speak one
at a time. What kind of a party is that -
especially if there are children present? But,
we can keep an eye on our loved one with
dementia and be ready to jump in as soon as we
see signs that things are beginning to build up
to a crisis.
If the gathering is to be at your house,
nominate someone who knows you and your home
well to be your surrogate host if you have to
leave the party for a little while. Be sure to
have your dementia person's room ready to use.
Put no decorations or other new items in the
room. Don't use that room to pile coats. Be sure
that no one will be trying to use the bathroom
that's accessed through this room.
If you own one, have a
"white noise" machine in
this bedroom ready to use.
If you are going to be visiting at someone
else's home, ask for a bedroom you can use if
necessary. Bring your white noise machine and a
favorite blanket or soft throw along.
When you see your loved one building up a bad
head of steam, don't even try to handle things
in the middle of the party. Use whatever excuse
you need to get him into that quiet room. Sit
there together until calm returns. You might
choose to give him a light back massage, or
perhaps give her hair a soothing brush. Choose
the kind of light touch that you know from
experience will help. Regardless of how you
feel, keep your voice soothing, your movements
slow, and don't leave him there alone.
If you catch the pending crisis early a half
hour or so in the quiet room may be enough to
permit you and your loved one to rejoin the
party and try again.
| Life isn't about
waiting for the storm to pass. It's about
learning to dance in the rain.
|
Not every kind of equipment may
be available to you under Medicare or other
health insurance. And equipment can get
expensive, fast.
The
The National Assistive Technology Technical
Assistance Partnership (NATTAP) and the National
Pass It On Center have put together a
catalog of programs that helps people find used
wheelchairs, walkers, computers and other
equipment.
Assistive device programs are listed by state,
by city, and by ZIP code. Use the link above to
see if someone might have just what you need.
The following is attributed to
Charles Schultz of "Peanuts" fame. It seems like just
the right note on which to ring in the New Year:
|
1. |
Name
the five wealthiest people in the world |
|
2. |
Name the last five
Heisman trophy winners |
|
3. |
Name
the last five winners of the Miss America
Pageant |
|
4. |
Name
ten people who have won the Nobel or
Pulitzer Prize |
|
5. |
Name
the last half dozen Academy Award winners
for best actor or actress |
|
6. |
Name
the last decade's worth of World Series
winners |
How did you do?
The point is none of us remember the
headliners of yesterday. Mind you, these are
no second-rate achievers. They represent the
best in their fields. But the applause dies.
Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten.
Accolades and certificates are buried with
their owners.
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this
one:
|
1. |
List
a few teachers who aided your journey
through school |
|
2. |
Name three friends
who have helped you through a difficult
time |
|
3. |
Name
five people who have taught you something
worthwhile |
|
4. |
Think of a few people who have made you
feel appreciated and special |
|
5. |
Think of five people you enjoy spending
time with |
Easier?
The lesson: The people who make a difference
in your life are not the ones with the most
credentials, the most money, or the most
awards. They are the ones that care.
Take a moment right now and think of some of
those people. Feels pretty good? Better still;
pass this on to those people who have made a
difference in your life.
