Alzheimer's agitation due to confusion, trauma, may increase. Caregivers can work with touch, gentle massages if permitting, & hugs. Touch can be healing in the moment. Learning ways to approach loved ones is beneficial.
@UVicAging @AgingCare
Caregivers are heroes all the time! Many caregivers are isolated with their loved one, worry about health, find little time for hobbies or socializing. This is all the time and not just during COVID. If you know someone that is a caregiver, perhaps it is time to offer support, an ear, a casserole, or to give them a break. These are our heroes all the time!
CareOregon offers guidance for caregivers and those in the caregivers' life. Learn how to minimize stress and feel the love. Alzheimer's Association - Oregon & SW Washington Chapter also provides insight and guidance.
Caregivers hold our loved ones in their hands. Let's hold them in our hands.
There is no time limitation to grieving.

Many people are still grieving through this Covid quarantine. If you know someone that is experiencing loss reach out just to listen. If your county is open, take precautions and bring flowers, coffee, dinner, the most important, is bringing yourself. When people are grieving they often feel alone like no one understands what they’re going through. Having someone there that will be present and listen doesn’t take away grief but it comforts. Most important, allow those grieving to continue to grieve. Never shame someone for their continued grief. My mother passed away in 2013 and sometimes things trigger me and I feel like she just passed away yesterday. Kindness, compassion, and comfort is what is needed.
Www.awigpdx.com
Understanding a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can be simplified with counseling. Learning about ALz stages, physiological changes, and new methods of communicating, reduces stress, injuries, providing a quality of life for those with Alzheimer’s and loved ones proving care.
Care centered around you!
Caregiving is a heroic feat, it truly is! Finding equilibrium in one's self while caring for another's wellbeing is a balance that is not taught. Understanding aging and age-related issues as Alzheimer's is not taught. When given a Dr's diagnosis of Alzheimer's it is an immediate effort from that moment forward.
Alzheimer's Association and @or_carepartners are two local resources bringing the needed knowledge and support. Gerontologists as myself provide direct support to families via webinars and private family guidance consultation. While Alzheimer's care can be generalized each families unique situation deserves direct support.
Together we are caregivers! You are not alone!
If you have lost a loved one and continue to grieve, please know you are not alone. There is no limitation for grieving. If grief is debilitating though and preventing joy in your life, support is here for you. Contact us at info@awigpdx.com or www.awigpdx.com for scheduling. We are offering telehealth online services and a sliding scale.
Support is here for you!
Have you ever wondered how to calm your loved one when Alzheimer's agitation occurs?
There are options for relaxation that your loved one can do and often, enjoy! There is so much that is limiting with Alzheimer's and this is something they can control and do themselves.
It is empowering and instills confidence!
1. Breathing techniques. (Nostril breathing, count breathing)
2.Tapping or pressure points (My patients love this!)
3. Marching in place
4. Dancing! (Yes! Dancing to music is fun and relaxing)
5. Redirection. (Take the focus off the upset onto something new
as a comedy, movie, cooking, gardening. As for their
help with something)
6.Asking your loved to help you with something!
7. Alternative therapies: music, art, aroma, or massage
If you are interested in this topic, please respond below. We are putting together a webinar and interested your response on this topic. I look forward to hearing from you.
Let's chat, shall we?!
Alzheimers agitation and anxiety can be overwhelming for your loved one and for the caregiver. Simple calming techniques allow emotions to calm and daily activities to find joy.
Often, incorporating these calming techniques with your left one that has Alzheimer’s can be something they can do on their own. This gives a sense of confidence. There is so many times as caregivers that we say “no” or “you can’t do this”, This allows you to say “yes, you can do this!”
Often working with a gerontologist can help with behaviors and how to apply techniques.
There is hope! If you feel overwhelmed please reach out. There is support for you!
Let’s chat, shall we?!
Love to you all!
Intimacy changes with Alzheimer's however does not need to stop. Intimacy is emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual, and learning new paths for closeness allows that bond to continue. Closeness and familiarity are attributes of intimacy providing relationships with contentment and joy. Learning new approaches as Alzheimer's changes can be achieved with a gerontologist.
What can you do?
Positivity is key!
Minimize environmental distraction
Possible change verbiage approach / wording
Simplicity is key
Being present
Slowly explain / go in steps
REDIRECTION
Affection / caress
Laughter / humor
Memories / stories
Music / movies / art / activities
The beauty of relationships is the newness every day in discovering new avenues of closeness. Alzheimer's is scary, loving a partner with Alzheimer's does not need to be.
Love to you all!
