Not only should you reward yourself as a caregiver to prevent caregiver stress but you should also reward yourself because you deserve it! You are making a great sacrifice by being your loved one’s caregiver and whether others recognize it or not, you are doing a great job! Treat yourself!
Giving gifts for someone with Dementia is hard and presents a unique challenge. Dementia changes a person. The things your loved one once enjoyed now just bring them confusion and sometimes even emotional pain. What gifts can you give to someone with Dementia?
We hear a lot these days about making choices and how they’re our choices to make. Our society likes the idea of us making a choice for ourselves while our friends and family do nothing but applaud our individuality. Everyday however, caregivers are experiencing the backlash of our parents’ and loved ones’ individual lifestyle choices.
As an adult I know I can eat whatever I want but I also know that choices come with consequences. But what happens to our loved one’s that are no longer aware of the consequences of their choices? What happens to those that live in the moment with very little thought about future repercussions?
Every caregiver needs a break at some point. But how do we take one without causing ourselves or our loved one more stress? Find out how to prepare for respite care when you need a break from caregiving.
The worst reaction you can have to your loved one with Dementia is to stay away. Put aside your excuses of wanting to remember them like they were or not wanting to cause them more confusion. Learn how to interact with your loved one with Dementia because they need you now more than ever.