Blog – SJL DRC

Emotional

The Forgotten Male Caregiver

The inherent nature of men to keep challenges private (one-third of male caregivers do not tell their employers they are caregiving) and to resist reliance on friends and family for support (38% versus 47% in females), makes them more at risk for suffering in silence.

February 23, 2021

Ask Mimi

What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease?

“Dementia” is a general term, sometimes called an “umbrella term”, that is inclusive of many different types of diseases which affect the brain.

February 15, 2021

Ask Mimi

Why does my loved one talk about people who are dead as if they are still alive?

This is a very common experience. Sometimes early in their dementia people will have an occasional moment when they forget someone they know is gone, and you can gently nudge that memory back.

February 8, 2021

Ask Mimi

How do I respond when my loved one says mean things to me? -Rose B.

It can feel so hurtful when people we love say things to us that they never would have in the past.

January 25, 2021

Engagement

How Can Music Help Create Better Caregiver Connections?

There is an incredible vignette from HBO’s 2009 documentary series The Alzheimer’s Project that speaks to how powerful music can be as a communication tool for those living with dementia.

January 18, 2021

Ask Mimi

“My sister gets really frustrated with her husband and yells at him several times a day. She says she understands that he isn’t capable of doing things the way he used to, but she yells at him and calls him stupid. One time I saw her hit him; thank God he didn’t get hurt. What should I do?” -Debbi J.

This is a tough spot to be in. Caregiving is an exhausting and often frustrating job. Your sister sounds like she’s under a lot of stress and needs some resources. You might be able to offer her an afternoon off, or “gift her” with some reading material (see: Book Review: The 36-Hour Day – SJL DRC (stjohnsliving.org) But ultimately, she will need more than that, as time goes on.

January 4, 2021

Ask Mimi

What can be done when your loved one regularly wakes at 4 a.m. and falls trying to get up? -Jim A.

First, try to determine why they are getting up. Are they done sleeping and ready to start their day? Or, are they waking because of a need, such as having to go to the bathroom?

December 30, 2020

Ask Mimi

This year has been a very difficult time. My mom with dementia is in a nursing home. We can’t see her and now Christmas time is here. How can we acknowledge the holiday when we can’t do any of the things we normally would have done together? -Sherri J.

I think all families are going through some version of this dilemma this year, but it’s especially difficult for those who have elder family members in a nursing home or assisted living community. Dementia magnifies the uncertainty even more.

December 23, 2020

Ask Mimi

How can I help to support a friend of mine who is a caregiver? -Jennifer Z.

Most caregivers are in need of support, but might be hesitant to ask. So a generic, “If I can do anything, call me” offer might not be taken.

November 30, 2020

Dementia Dimensions

Dementia Resource Center Blog for At Home Caregivers