Humor therapy for caregivers

Rayma Scalzo

The Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregiver Discussion Group will be learning ways to enjoy the holiday season at our monthly meeting on December 16 at 9:30 a.m. Teri Sellers, one of our facilitators, will share from her years of experience the lighter side of caregiving at the holidays.

There are two sides to every coin and that includes caring for a loved one with dementia. On one side of that coin there is work and worry, stress and sorrow, heartache and heartbreak. But there is the other side of that coin that we often forget. Have you forgotten to smile, much less laugh? Can you see the tenderness and love in the challenging situations that you are going through? Can you find something to laugh about when things don’t go exactly as planned?

Exposing Alzheimer’s patients to “humor therapy” appears as effective as psychiatric drugs in reducing the agitation that often plagues those struggling with dementia. Caregivers who either have the natural knack for seeing the brighter side of things or those that learn to do so, have an easier time coping with caregiver responsibilities.

Alzheimer’s disease is .ery serious topic but sometimes laughter is the best medicine. So to have a short respite from our somber caregiving duties, Teri is going treat you to some much needed laughter and pampering.

Our group provides information, resources and comfort for those residents who are caregivers for loved ones who have Alzheimer’s or any type of dementia. They could live in the home, at a local care facility or out of state. All are welcome to attend this fun and lively get together.

Respite Care

We may be able to provide free respite care for those having Alzheimer’s/Dementia disease. This allows the caregiver the opportunity and peace of mind to attend this special meeting. If you let us know, we will try to arrange for someone to come to your home during the two hour meeting. For this assistance, we do ask that you RSVP by Wednesday, December 13.

Monthly Breakfast

The caregivers meet for breakfast on the first Saturday of each month at 9:00 a.m. This gives them an opportunity to get to know each other on a more personal level. Knowing others who are going through the same journey i.ery beneficial.

Please note: Our meetings are for Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregivers only. For the location of the meeting or to RSVP for respite care, please contact Rayma at 623-935-1819 or send an email to [email protected].