According to the article, Caregiving is a 6-Letter Word: STRESS, at SoftDental.com, caregiver stress can cause dental problems, especially gingivitis…that severe redness and swelling around the gums.

In this article we learn about the many ways stress can affect the caregiver’s health, as well as realize that “stress is an enemy of your teeth.”

We know that stress can wreak havoc with our bodies causing illnesses and even death. Until recently, none of the research had focused on dental conditions. Now there is evidence that teeth are victims of stress.

Taking care of oneself is important if you’re to care for your family member or anyone else with Alzheimer’s or other diseases.  Often caregivers have a 24/7 schedule with little relief.  Utilize some of the suggestions in this article about caregiver stress and take care of yourself, too.

And your TEETH!

What has been your experience with dental health and caregiving?  How are you caring for yourself?

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen
 

Post from: Blisstree

Caregiver Stress Can Cause Dental Problems

Elizabeth at GenBetween gives us insight into the Stages of Caregiving and Caregiver Burnout.  From the Florida Area Agency on Aging Pasco and Pinellas Counties information, Elizabeth learned about four stages:

Stage One: Getting Started

Stage Two: Finding Help

Stage Three: Heavy Care

Stage Four:  Letting Go

If you’re having a challenge with caregiving (and who usually doesn’t at some point), read Elizabeth’s post for more details about these stages  before you reach burnout.  Also, if you’re considering being a caregiver or just beginning, you’ll find helpful information here.

I realize I lived through these stages with Mother and Auntie, although I didn’t know what to expect beforehand, especially with Auntie who developed Alzheimer’s first.  Now with more awareness about this disease (even though there’s no cure yet) and more help, caregivers can become more knowledgeable.  Hopefully with knowledge will come relief as caregivers venture on the Alzheimer’s journey with their family member or a friend.

Post from: Blisstree

Caregiving, Too, Has Its Stages

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 the growing need to care for the caregivers.  She also mentions an AARP guide, Caring for Your Parents: the Complete AARP Guide, among other books.

Another Ms. Crute refers to is The Emotional Survival Guide for Caregivers by Barry J. Jacobs. 

What books and organizations have you found helpful in caring for yourself as a caregiver or have recommended to a caregiver you know?

Post from: Blisstree

Taking Care of the Caregivers

“Exercise!” you exclaim.  “How do I find time for that.”

After reading Kendra’s post, The Winter Season Affects Blood Pressure, at A Hearty Life, you may want to take a look at your exercise routine (or lack of) and your diet during the colder months.  (Even if you’re in the southern hemisphere this time of year, you may want to consider what she has to say.)

She mentions that studies have found people often have higher blood pressure, as well as higher incidence of heart attacks and strokes, in winter when they may be exercising less and eating more. 

Also keep an eye on your Alzheimer’s family member and see if winter is affecting their blood pressure.  When Mother resided in the nursing home, she participated in routine exercise sessions.  Even when she was in the wheel chair, she could do simple group exercises.

Exercise also helps relieve stress, so caregivers may want to see about squeezing in a walk if it isn’t too cold.  Get an exercise video…and use it.  Some of those exercises may be possible for the patient, too.  (If nothing else, they may get the patient laughing as he/she watches you exercise!)

          The “oldies” are songs many Alzheimer’s patients recognize.  If they can’t exercise, they may enjoy listening to the music or humming along with it.

Does anyone know if there are exervise videos you can use with your Alzheimer’s patient?

Post from: Blisstree

Alzheimer’s Caregivers – Are You Getting Enough Exercise?

What were the favorite colors of your Alzheimer’s family member or patient? Even though they might not be aware of the colors, perhaps in some way the favorite ones still will help create a more pleasing atmosphere around them and have an effect on them.

What colors look best when you wear them?  This also helps determine how you feel.  Certain colors bring forth compliments.  Or they simply make you feel better because they really do enhance your complexion or highlight your eyes.

How about selecting colors for your patient or family member that do the same?

                             Choose clothing and make-up that enhance and help create a pleasing atmosphere and mood for you and the Alzheimer’s patient.  This might not make the work load less, but with an uplifted spirit, it might not seem so difficult.

Post from: Blisstree

The Effect of Color on Alzheimer’s Patients & Caregivers

                     

  “Does Mother have Alzheimer’s or do I?” was a refrain that frequently ran through my mind when I’d encounter a difficult day with Mother.  Or it simply might be the culmination of a day filled with multiple activities, including those of caring for Mother, plus lack of sleep.

Have you ever doubted your sanity, when the stress of caregiving, plus the other tasks of involving work, family, and homemaking filled the day?  Here are a few idea that might help you keep your sanity. 

1.  Look for the humor in the situation.  There is more than you realize if you take the time to see it.

2.  Realize your Alzheimer’s patient isn’t necessarily striking out at you…just at the situation they find themself in.  Don’t take all the complaints personally.

3.  Ask for help from family, friends, and caregiver groups.  Often they are willing to help but don’t know how.  (Some may refuse, but don’t let that stop you from seeking help from others.)

4.  Learn all you can about the disease and caregiving; realize you’re not alone.

5.  Find a caregiver support group.  If there isn’t one locally, look online.

6.  Enjoy small pleasures with your Alzheimer’s family member. 

 7.  Carve out time for yourself…it’s a necessity…even if in small segments.  Take a relaxing bath.  Work in the garden.  Begin scrapbooking and include the family member in your reminiscing. 

8.  Find day care for your family member or see if there is someone who will come to your home and sit with him/her for a few hours.

9.   Listen to music or watch a movie.  This often will relax and occupy the patient, too.

10.  Learn to take cat naps when your parent/spouse is sleeping, just as you did when children were small.

Bonus Tip:  Read Kathy’s KnowItAlz.com Blog daily.  You’ll find a kindred spirit!

Not every one of these tips may work for you (except Kathy’s bonus).  However, see if some will to help you keep your sanity and find enjoyment in life and in your family member/patient.  As you read through them and see if they will apply to your situation, other ideas may come to mind.      

    Let me know what works for you.  I’d love to post a list of tips that my readers share with me.

Post from: Blisstree

10 Tips for Maintaining Alzheimer’s Caregiver Sanity

Alzheimer’s patients eventually stop eating and lose weight, generally not of their own determination, but because they lose the ability to feed themselves, swallow, or understand what food is.  However, I discovered that my mom and aunt developed a more than a normal liking for sweets and would have eaten a great many of these if not controlled.

Caregivers May Suffer From Eating Disorders, too.

However, caregivers may be too busy and stressed to eat…or find themselves eating the wrong foods when caring for a family member.  They also may not take the time to prepare a nutritious meal. Caregivers may suffer from eating disorders in addition to living under the stress of caregiving and the above mentioned situations. 

New Eating Disorder Blog 

If you desire to learn more about eating disorders or find someone who understands your situation, visit the new b5media blog, Breaking the Mirror by Julia Anna.  She is a recovering anorexic and shares her story, as well as provides resources.

Personal Experience with Anorexia

I’ve lived with anorexia since I was 20 years old. (I’m a grandmother now!)  That was before the doctors labeled it and really knew much about the condition.  I’ve learned to control it, but must constantly be on guard that anorexia doesn’t control me again.  I’ve been finding Julie Anna’s blog very informative and am learning to understand myself better.

What about you?

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Do Alzheimer’s Patients & Caregivers Experience Eating Disorders?

Kristi gives some excellent tips for taking care of yourself and seeking solutions.  She relates some of the activities she’s involved in.  Caregiver burnout has become a big problem with more elders requiring care.  The need for more information, classes, and resources for caregivers finally is being recognized.

Every caregiver and patient, every situation is different and resources vary.  So the solutions I found when caring for my mother may not be exactly what you need.  However, don’t simply say, “Poor me,” and fail to strive for solutions.  They won’t be handed to you…you must take the initiative and seek them out.  But some respite, even though not total relief, is possible

However, learning what other caregivers, like Kristi Gott, are doing is a first step toward caring for yourself.

Post from: Blisstree

How Do Alzheimer’s Caregivers Find Time for Themselves?

Recent research by the University College London and Unilever indicates that drinking four cups of black tea a day may reduce blood levels of the stress hormone cortisol.  Apparently this is the first research using a “black tea” group and a “placebo” group. 

For years, drinking tea has been associated with having a calming effect, but this research indicates it’s more than an “old wives’ tale.”

                                         Perhaps this is why my family became tea drinkers.  My grandmother always had tea at meals and during the mid afternoon.  It became something as a ritual for her.  My two aunts always had their coffee, but Nanny stayed with her tea.  Later, my mother enjoyed her tea whenever I visited her.  And it became something she and I looked forward to when my grandchildren and I visited her at the nursing home.

Since tea, black and green, seem to have other healthful properties, perhaps it isn’t a bad idea to take up a tea ritual to relieve your caregiving stress.

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Black Tea to Relieve Alzheimer’s Caregivers’ Stress?