Arguments are useless.
Allow as much freedom as possible.
Actions help when verbal communications fail.
Assume the person can understand what you say.
Appreciate good moments and good days.
Appropriate activities help pass time, reduce agitation, and reduce boredom.
Agitation can be alleviated when the caregiver stays calm, reassuring, and respectful. Maintaining a routine helps as well.
Adults are still adults. Mental level is not always equal to social level.
Adapt the task to fit the ability. Break tasks into steps.
Assessment is ongoing. What is safe and effective for now may not be so later.
Attend a Support Group.
Caregiving Stressing You Out?
Try these tips for remaining positive and hopeful.
1. Get enough sleep
2. Make time for yourself
3. Exercise regularly
4. Ask for help
5. Reframe - look on the bright side
6. Vent
7. Talk to your friends
8. Laugh
Holiday tips............
Adjust Expectations
Do only what you can manage. Understand that you may not be able to participate in every event or tradition.
Be reasonable
Not every tradition has to be maintained exactly as it has been for years.
Pay attention to your own needs
Understand that it is natural to experience feelings of anger, frustration and grief. Ask for help and support.
Get others involved in caregiving
Make suggestions to family and friends of useful and appropriate gifts for your loved one. A gift for you of a few hours of respite is a good suggestion.
Be upfront
Holidays bring together large families who might not be up-to-date. Make sure any guests are prepared for any changes in your loved one.
Involve your loved one
Maintain as much of the normal daily routine as possible. Include your loved one in as many of the activities as they can do such as joining in or listening to singing favorite holiday songs, watching seasonal movies or participating in small parts of the preparations for the holidays.
Create new traditions
Make the most of your season and interact with your loved one in festive ways!
Although it's tempting to let holiday chaos and traditions set your holiday schedule, remember that the most important thing is to spend quality time with your loved ones.