READY, SET, STOP! Best Practices for Caregivers Thank you to the Thomas Sill Foundation for its commitment to community education for care providers in Manitoba.

From Surviving to Thriving  Caregiving is not something we endure or hope to survive from. Caring and the loved ones that we care for provide an experience we can grow from, learn to appreciate and even come to savour.  The caregiving experience can transform our lives for the better~ Amy S. D’Aprix, MSW, PhD

Caregiver Resolutions # 1. Preparation!  Educate yourself on the disease  Educate yourself on communication techniques  “Practise makes perfect”  Know the life history of the person you care for  Maintain consistency in routines  Accept your feelings; Forgive yourself  Seek and accept assistance!

Caregiver Resolutions #2. Resolve to Deal Successfully with your Role  How?  Efficiently with things  Effectively with people

Caregiver Resolutions #3. “First Things First! - Stephen Covey  Set your alarm to awake 15 minutes before others  Spend a few moments in prayer or reflection  Get dressed and brush your hair!  Organize your day-make a “to do” list  Pick the 3 most important tasks and schedule early  Plan for fun times in your day

Caregiver Resolutions #4. See Your Doctor!  Tell your Dr. about the change in your life  Get a full medical check up  Ask for referrals to community agencies, specialists, or other services  Schedule a follow-up visit in six months

Caregiver Resolutions #5. Adopt “Brain Health” Practices into both of your Lives  Canada Food Plan  Daily Exercise at a moderate level  Remain Socially engaged with like-minded friends  Stimulate your brain  Protect your head

Helpful Tips! Dementia Affects Short Term Memory  Reminders should be used in print form and in logical places  Validate the emotion  Re-direct the focus

Helpful Tips! “There is a Difference between Caring and Doing.”  Involve the person that you are caring for in as many daily activities as possible.  Provide choices but limit selections  Remember:  You are the only person who needs variety!

Helpful Tips! Complete a Safety Inspection of Your Home  Locks, alarms, shut-off switches  Reduce water heater temperature  Remove sharp objects from drawers  Clean out the “junk drawer”  Remove/hide chemicals, medications, pet food  Remove scatter rugs  Safeguard the bathrooms-use contrast!

Helpful Tips! Ensure that the person that you provide care for has proper identification, on their person, at all times.  Register for Safely Home  Keep identification cards accessible  Notify neighbours and friends of the potential risk for wandering  Lock garage, shed, and gates when not in use

Helpful Tips! Respect the Person with Dementia  Discussions about the person with dementia should include the person with dementia!  Ask friends to maintain contact with the person A brief telephone call A handwritten note Assisting with tasks where both can be involved

Helpful Tips!  Watch for changes in behaviour and appearance for both of you!  Depression  Physical illness  Sleeplessness  Irritability  Withdrawn from others

Helpful Tips! Schedule Respite Before you Need it!  Accept invitations from others to help and offer specific tasks for them to help with  Suggest activities that others can participate in with the person that you care for

Remember...  People with Alzheimer disease and related dementias face many losses in memory and ability.  Successful caregiving requires that we focus on the abilities that remain to enrich relationships, maintain dignity, and reduce caregiver stress.

Final Thoughts Care for the Caregiver is a Priority  Schedule time for yourself at the beginning and end of every day  Your best is good enough  Tomorrow is another day!