Teri Sellers
PebbleCreek Alzheimer’s Support Group is open to all residents who have a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia. We meet twice a month, a breakfast social and a support group meeting. Our goal is to provide support and information to families that are caring for a loved one with dementia.
11 Things to Know That Will Help You Survive Being an Alzheimer’s Caregiver
I will share the first five with you this month and share the rest next month.
1. The desire not to think about what you are facing is normal, but you can grow beyond it. Recognizing that this is a progressive, degenerative disease is painful. One of your biggest challenges is to accept what is happening.
2. The process of this disease is unpredictable. Your loved one will lose functional ability. While change is inevitable, the timeline of change varies. It is important for you to watch for points at which your loved one becomes a danger to themselves or others (for example: driving, using the stove, wandering away, living alone, acting violent, etc.).
3. Your loved one can still do many things. Celebrate the remaining abilities your loved one has and keep them as intact as possible. While they may not be able to do what they used to, help them find enjoyment in simple things still within their capacity.
4. Your loved one is doing the best they can. They may behave badly, but this is the result of their confusion and disorientation. They are not doing things on purpose to cause you stress. They are the victims of a disease beyond their control. They cannot “just try harder,” and it is not realistic to expect them to learn or improve.
5. Try to put yourself in the position of your loved one. Imagine not being able to remember what you have done, are supposed to do, or how to do even simple things like getting dressed. Realize the insecurity they must feel. Know that they may not even remember that they have a problem. Often, the only way they can function is on an emotional—not rational or reasonable—level. Can you see that sometimes their actions are really reactions to your stress?
Saturday breakfast meetings are the first Saturday of the month. RSVP is mandatory. Support group meetings are held on the third Saturday and do not require a RSVP.
If you are not a member of our group, it is easy to join.
You are not alone. I want to share helpful resources and information with you and add you to our email list. Our support group is an excellent way to learn more about the journey that is dementia and a wonderful way to meet others who are going through the same journey as you. Your information is always safe and confidential. The benefits are priceless.
Please contact me, Teri Sellers, at 602-793-0299 or [email protected].