Caregiver's of Individuals With Memory Loss Diseases

Tina JoynerAdult Learning & Technology

December 10, 2005

What is Dementia? A loss of impairment of mental

powers (Mace and Rabins, 1999) A group of symptoms Not the name of a disease Most common causes of dementia:

Alzheimer Vascular dementia Depression

Examples of Memory Loss Diseases Alzheimer’s disease

A gradual progression of intellectual impairment from forgetfulness to total disability

Vascular dementia: The result of a series of strokes within the brain

Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia are irreversible forms of dementia

Depression Can lead to memory loss, confusion, or other

changes in mental functions Common in older people It is treatable and reversible

What is a Caregiver of a Person with Memory Loss?

Provides assistance to a person diagnosed with some form of dementia

Assist in the person’s daily routine, their personal care, and provides emotional support

Primary responsibility is to provide a safe environment

What is a Successful Caregiver?

Love Respect Optimism Humor Patience Education

Ability to remain focused

Flexible Spontaneous Nonjudgmental Ability to value

every moment

Qualities of a successful caregiver include:

Ways to Become Educated Conferences ~ Experts in field:

Explain memory loss diseases in detail Speak to issues faced by caregivers Give suggestions for activities for the individuals Provide the basics for legal issues Are present to discuss available resources

Focus Groups Identify needs of the person & the caregiver Exchange ideas Identify issues that need to be addressed

Support Groups Exchange information about personal situations Brainstorm with each other Make suggestions to one another Facilitator assists in the discussion

Available Resources

Adult Day Care Facilities Respite Assisted Living Nursing Homes Meals on Wheels The Alzheimer’s Association The National Council on Aging

Caregiver Printed Resources

The 36-Hour Day Responds to all facets faced by families caring for persons

with Alzheimer Disease and other dementing illnesses Provides a list of valuable resources

A Dignified Life Described as the “best friend approach to Alzheimer’s

care” Teaches skills & abilities needed to provide care Teaches the art of doing difficult things with ease

Activity Programming for Persons with Dementia: A Sourcebook Provides direction and suggestions for designing activities

for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias.

Online Resources The Alzheimer’s Association

http://www.alz.org/ Official website of the Alzheimer’s Association Provides lots of resources for persons with

memory loss, caregivers and health professionals

MemoryCare http://www.memorycare.org/links.htm This part of the MemoryCare website links to

resources for memory and aging related topics

Online Resources (continued) The Mayo Clinic

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alzheimers-caregiver/AZ00038

Alzheimer's Caregivers: How to Cope.  Provides information to help caregivers cope with caring for someone with Alzheimer's.

The National Council on Aging http://www.ncoa.org/content.cfm?sectionID

=109&detail=67#5

The Caregiver’s Guide ~ examines the challenges encountered by caregivers

Summary

Education ~ Knowledge is power! Utilize Healthcare Professionals Printed Resources Online Resources Activities ~ Mind stimulation

Never Stop Learning . . . .