Taking care of the caregivers, or caregivers taking time for themselves, becomes extremely important during the holiday season.  The task of caregiving often involved more than anyone ever imagined, as related in the AARP magazine article, Caring for the Caregiver, by Sheree Crute.
A cascade of studies in recent years has shown that caregivers stand at particular risk for a host of mental and physical illnesses, many of which have roots in stress, exhaustion, and self-neglect—symptoms some medical professionals have begun calling caregiver syndrome.
Ms. Crute’s article relates caregiver stories, how some found help, what others can do, and the statistics about …read more

Generally caregivers have make-up on hand for supplying their family member, or have a regular source for purchasing it.  However, b5media has a couple of blogs with make-up and skin care information that you might find helpful or keep you up to date on what you could utilize for your family member or yourself.
You’ll find these at  Kim Weinstein’s Pretty by Nature and Makeup Minute by Shannon Nelson, as well as eBeauty Daily by Christina Jones.  Other blogs within b5media’s Beauty & Style Channel may offer make-up and grooming tips as well  that you can utilize to make your Alzheimer’s patient feel better and …read more

“Why bother using make-up on Alzheimer’s patients?” someone asked me when I described how the staff at the nursing home had Mother looking so pretty with nail polish, blush, and lipstick when I visited one day.  “Do they really know?”
I don’t know if Mother knows, I thought, but I do.
I liked to see her looking attractive, with a touch of make-up, her hair styled, and wearing a pretty dress or robe.  When I would tell her, “Mother, you look so pretty,” she smiled and seemed pleased.  The staff also commented to the residents on their appearance.
This also was an activity that made …read more

“Mary, why are you getting your mom’s hair permed and set?  She doesn’t realize how she looks?” I was asked.
“But I do,” I replied.  “And I like to see her hair looking nice and wearing pretty dresses.”
Sometimes you may think it’s a waste of time to groom the Alzheimer’s patient carefully, whether it’s fixing their hair, doing their nails, dressing in nice looking clothes, putting on l ipstick.  However, you never know what they may realize.
Besides, it makes me feel good to see Mother and the other residents looking nice.  And I think what I feel may spill over in how …read more