WELCOME TO ALZHEIMERS WORLD

ADVICE FOR CAREGIVERS

To look after your loved one who is suffering from dementia or alzheimers will call for an enormous investment of love and time. In the early stages this will not be too difficult as memory loss is gradual and
by being watchful can be dealt with. The reduction in cognitive abilities is a slightly bigger problem that calls for patience in sorting things out that the patient now has difficulties with. In my own case I now need to get help with computer problems! This is where grandchildren can be useful.
By following my advice of exercise of body, mind and spirit you will definitely be able to slow down the pace of dementia or alzheimers and perhaps be able to arrest it as I have done. Of course you can't turn the clock back, the brain damage that has been done will remain, but life can go on quite happily if matters don't get worse.
Help your patient to avoid stress and above all remain optimistic and grateful for blessings. Gratitude is very important.
In dealing with dementia and alzheimers patients Jo Huey of alzheimerhope.com has set out a useful list of ten rules for caregivers which will make like easier for them and less stressful for their patients.

TEN RULES FOR DEALING WITH DEMENTIA AND ALZHEIMERS PATIENTS.

1..Never argue.-------------------------------------------------------always agree
2. Never reason..................................................................................instead divert
3 .Never shame...................................................................................instead distract
4. Never lecture..................................................................................instead re-assess
5. Never say; " :remember"..................................................................instead reminisce
6. Never say; "I told you".....................................................................instead repeat
7. Never say; "You can't";....................................................................instead, find out what they 'can'
8. Never demand or command.............................................................instead ask, or be a model
9. Never condescend...........................................................................instead encourage or praise
10. Never force...................................................................................instead reinforce gently verbally

As a caregiver you have a rocky road ahead, dementia and alzheimers call for a lot of knowledge and understanding, but there will be lots of joy ahead as well and no matter how hard it seems there is always hope. Welcome to Alzheimers World.
David Barnato.
Paarl.
South Africa.