Responses to my article, Tips for Handling Holiday Stress, made me realize I should do a series on this topic over the next few weeks.  This is a time when caregivers have extra tasks, at home and at work, with their families.  Added to this is the strain of caring for an Alzheimer’s patient or overseeing visits at a nursing home.
Then there are the “used to be’s.”  These are the memories of how Mother, Father, spouse, or other family member used to be during the holiday season.  Those are memories we don’t want to forget, but they become bittersweet when …read more

 A friend mentioned that Thanksgiving is less than three weeks away!  Then there will be the Christmas holidays.  As these busy times approach, caregiving often becomes more stressful. In browsing around today, I discovered Holiday Tips for Persons [and their caregivers] With Dementia. 
Also mentioned here are suggestions for preparing family members who haven’t seen the Alzheimer’s patient for some time.
Sit down and have a cup of tea…that often was a pleasure I enjoyed with Mother.  It relaxed both of us and brought back memories.                                            Do you have tips you can share that have worked  to decrease stress for you, …read more

        Caregiving for an Alzheimer’s patient, especially a family member, has to be one of the most stressful tasks around.  Often this type of caregiver receives little relief and is on the job 24/7. 
Sara at Health Bolt has listed 25 Simple Ways to Feel Energized and Refreshed Every Day.  Although these tips are for anyone, I think the Alzheimer’s caregiver will find them especially helpful.
They’re simple; they aren’t costly; many can be done at home…in between caretaking.  Also, you may find some of these ways to calm the Alzheimer’s patient.
Be sure to check them out.
           Do you have any ways …read more