Alzheimer's Caregivers Network

08/05/2024

Sometimes, caregiving can feel directionless. It's important to remember the "why" behind all of this. When you're feeling overwhelmed, what guides you back on path?

07/26/2024

Happy Olympics, everyone! If they gave out medals in caregiving, we'd give you the gold.

07/24/2024

Becoming your parent's parent can be hard to come to terms with. We see you putting in the time, effort, money and care. We know you are doing all you can to make sure your parents are healthy, cared for and happy. If no one has told you today, we're proud of you ❤

07/23/2024

David Bredbenner, author of "Going Home: A Journey with Dementia," shares a powerful story about experience caring for his mother. In the seven years David cared for his mom, he learned the hard way that redirection is key, not reasoning.

Click the link to read more of David's story, and make sure to check out his new book "Going Home."

Author David Bredbenner discusses the art of redirection, caring for his mother with dementia and his new book, "Going Home"

07/22/2024

It's World Brain Day! What's one small thing you can do today to show your brain some love?

07/18/2024

Keeping our blood flowing is key to healthy aging! Maintaining good circulation plays a huge role in being able to live life to the fullest. From boosting energy levels to supporting brain health, the benefits of getting active are endless.

Here are some ideas to add movement to your loved one's routine, regardless of what their current ability levels are:

🤸 High mobility ideas: Walking, swimming, water aerobics, dancing
🪑Moderate / low mobility ideas: chair exercises, resistance bands, range-of-motion exercises
🛏 No mobility: gentle massage, elevating the legs, changing your loved one's position frequently to prevent bedsores.

07/15/2024

As a caregiver, you cannot alleviate all of your loved one's suffering. You can't shield them from pain, but you can find strength together. They need you beside them ❤

07/11/2024

As we age, our digestive system slows down and our sense of taste and smell can decrease. People with dementia can lose all interest in food altogether and even resist eating.

Many caregivers struggle with helping their loved one maintain weight, or even gain weight per a doctor's order.

Here are a few ideas for high calorie and nutrient-dense foods, as well as how to incorporate them into your loved one's diet:

🥜Nut Butters: Nut butters are high in monounsaturated fat, making them great for heart health and blood pressure. Nut butters are easier to eat and digest than raw/roasted nuts, too. Try serving nut butter with fruits or smeared on bread and crackers. You can also stir it into oatmeal.

🥛 Full-fat dairy products: when shopping for dairy products, choose the full-fat option. It tastes better and will make food more appealing for your loved one. Full-fat yogurt is a great way to start the day. Greek yogurt, sour cream and cottage cheese can all be blended into different meals.

🥥 Coconuts: Coconut milk, water and cream is rich in calories and potassium. Coconut milk can be added to soups or stews and is a great substitute for dairy. Rice can also be cooked in coconut milk for a sweet treat.

🥚 Eggs: Eggs are a great way to get a boost of protein, healthy fats and other nutrients. Eggs can be blended into dishes like mashed potatoes and sauces, or added to ground beef for meatloaf or burgers. You can also add eggs into soups and stews!

As always, make sure you're working with your loved one's primary care physician to ensure they're getting a balanced diet and the recommended amount of daily calories.

07/09/2024

Did guilt stop Rose from giving her husband the care he needed? Rose once believed assisted living meant giving up, but her husband's journey showed her a different kind of love. Now, Rose shares her story and helps others navigate dementia care. Read our newest article and check out Rose's new book 'A Journey of Love.' Proceeds to caregivers.

Author Rose Jordan writes about the importance of letting go of guilt when placing a loved one with dementia in a care facility. She shares her personal experience caring for her husband, Gary, after his vascular dementia diagnosis, and the benefits he found in a supportive living environment.

07/02/2024

It started with an email...
Recently, a passionate 12-year-old wrote to us about her experience caring for both her grandparents with Alzheimer's disease. She shared the challenges and joys of her role, and brought to light the often-overlooked experiences of child caregivers.

Inspired by her desire to raise awareness, we featured her story in a Q&A. Click the link to learn more about Ali and her caregiving journey.

We are honored to introduce Ali Brooks, a remarkable 12-year-old who reached out to our organization to share her touching and insightful story as a young caregiver. Ali helped care for her grandparents, both of whom had Alzheimer’s disease, until their passing in 2022 and 2023. In her heartfelt l...

07/01/2024

Touch can be a powerful way to connect with your loved one, especially when other methods of communication become difficult. A gentle hand massage can help reduce anxiety, ease pain and promote feelings of comfort and peace. It's a simple act that can deepen your bond and bring a moment of calm for both of you.

Remember to use gentle pressure and to pay attention to your loved one's breathing and cues. If they seem uncomfortable, stop or adjust the pressure you're using.

Here's a tutorial for a simple hand massage (repeat each step 2-3 times):
✋ Place your loved one's hand on top of yours and apply a small amount of lotion.
✋ Using your knuckles, draw small circles on your loved one's palm, then use your thumb to draw lines from the base of their wrist up to their fingertips.
✋Gently squeeze the base of each finger and then pull upwards.
✋ Rub the base of the thumb, then rotate the thumb in circles.
✋ Slowly rotate the wrist in circular motions.

06/28/2024

Fireworks are a staple of Fourth of July celebrations, but can frighten, confuse and agitate those living with dementia. If you're worried about how your loved one will react to loud, booming fireworks, start making plans today, not next week!
Here are some tips for getting through the upcoming Fourth of July weekend:
🌭 Remind your loved one about Fourth of July and the fireworks that will be going throughout the weekend.
🌭 Close the blinds in your house each night to keep out the flashes of light
🌭 Have other noises going throughout the night - whether you're watching a movie together, listening to music or utilizing a noise machine, have something in the house to muffle the sound of the fireworks.
🌭 Try to maintain your loved one's regular nighttime schedule as much as possible.

06/25/2024

In the world of sports, few names resonate with the same reverence and respect as Pat Summitt. Known as one of the winningest coaches in NCAA basketball history, Summitt’s legacy extends far beyond her achievements on the court. Her impact transcends sports into realms of leadership, empowerment and ultimately, caregiving in the face of Alzheimer’s disease.

Read how the Pat Summitt Foundation is continuing Pat's legacy through their newest initiative.

In the world of sports, few names resonate with the same reverence and respect as Pat Summitt.

06/21/2024

Repetitive behaviors can be a frustrating part of the caregiving experience, especially as your loved one loses the ability to communicate their wants and needs.

Take a moment and think about what might be triggering their repetitive behavior:
➡️ Does this behavior always happen around a certain time of day?
➡️ Is there a certain room in the house that they perform the behavior in?
➡️ Do any other emotions accompany their behavior, like anxiety or anger?
➡️ Does anything seem to help relieve their repetitive behavior? Look for patterns.

Remember: your loved one's Alzheimer's disease affects the part of their brain responsible for memory and speech. They likely can't remember having already asked you the question, or they're looking for an answer to a different question, but don't know how to say it.

06/19/2024

The Midwest is in a heat dome and the risk of heat stroke is higher than ever. The CDC notes that older adults are at the highest risk for heat-related illnesses and deaths.

Your loved one may not be able to communicate their discomfort and/or dehydration, so being aware of the signs of heat stroke and knowing the steps to take is crucial.

Here are some tips for preventing heat stroke and staying cool this summer:

- Signs of heat stroke can include: headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness, fatigue, confusion, disorientation, rapid pulse and dry, hot skin.
- Encourage frequent fluids by offering water or sugar-free drinks with electrolytes throughout the day, even if they don't say they're thirsty.
- If plain water becomes boring, you can offer popsicles, infused water or fruits with high water content.
- If possible, keep your living space cool with air conditioning and fans to circulate the air.
- Dress in loose-fitting, light-colored, breathable clothing. Cotton and linen are breathable fabrics that will help keep you and your loved one cool.
- If you suspect heat stroke, call 911 immediately. Early intervention is key.

06/17/2024

Caregiving is a demanding journey and most of the work that goes into keeping your loved one healthy and happy is invisible to those who haven't had direct caregiving experience before. For all the caregivers who are also dishwashers, chefs, chauffeur and personal assistants, we see you and we appreciate you.

06/14/2024

Spread kindness and compassion with you on this journey, you never know how far a single act of love can travel.

06/12/2024

As Alzheimer's disease progresses, the parts of the brain responsible for controlling bladder and bowel functions will become damaged, and your loved one may experience incontinence.

Here's a tip for making your life easier as a caregiver.

When making your loved one's bed, alternate between layers of sheets and layers of plastic. Place down a layer of plastic, like a rubber mattress pad or even a plastic tablecloth, then cover it with a fitted sheet. On top of the sheet, place an incontinence pad. Repeat this step again so you have multiple layers of sheets and protective plastic.

When your loved one has an accident, you'll only have to strip one layer without remaking the whole bed, This will let you do laundry at your own pace, and allow your loved one to get back into their comfortable bed quicker.