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Memory
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enough spots at facilities like Mason Wright that can meet their care needs in a home-like setting. “In this age of medicine, people are living longer, and there aren’t enough beds for people.”
For the families that can access the right care, however, the rewards can be great, especially if they’re burned out on caregiving at home.
“To see someone come in, not knowing what to do with all the stress, walking through, and they’re not sure it’s right for their loved one, but then seeing their
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loved one a month or two later, it’s so gratifying,” Bal- lini told BusinessWest. “It’s nice to be the problem solver. You’re taking care of the family as much as the actual resident.”
Lavoie finds her work satisfying as well, both working with families and helping to train facility staff on how to interact with people with dementia, show- ing them techniques and communication skills that enhance quality of life for everyone involved.
“It’s the best thing in the world. I get these ‘a-ha’
“As difficult as it may be, caregivers need to make their health and well- being an equal priority.”
family who want to help provide care and support. Access local caregiver support groups or online com- munities such as ALZConnected to connect with other caregivers. If stress becomes overwhelming, seek professional help.
• Take care of yourself. Try to eat well, exercise, and get plenty of rest. Making sure that you are healthy can help you be a better caregiver.
• Accept changes. Eventually, your loved one will need more intensive kinds of care. Research care
vig
moments all the time, where even really good care workers in facilities that are really dedicated realize they can make this person feel like they can paint again, and they come to you crying, saying, ‘you should have seen her face.’ Or families say, ‘I can’t believe this this is all it took.’ It’s just the most grati- fying thing ever, and I’m thrilled to be doing it, and I just want to give more people the opportunity to learn more.” BW
options now so you are ready for the changes as they occur.
• Know you’re doing your best. It’s normal to lose patience or feel like your care may fall short some- times. You’re doing the best you can. For support and encouragement, consider joining an online or in-per- son support group.
“As difficult as it may be, caregivers need to make their health and well-being an equal priority,” Moreno said. “Maintaining your health can help you be a bet- ter caregiver. No caregiver should face this disease alone. The Alzheimer’s Association is here to help.”
The Alzheimer’s Assoc. provides local support and programs to families facing this devastating disease, including a 24/7 helpline staffed by master’s-level cli- nicians and specialists who are available 365 days a year and can help families navigate a variety of dis- ease-related issues. Call (800) 272-3900. BW
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Care
caregiving, and 38% report high to very high physi- cal stress due to caregiving. Seventy-four percent of dementia caregivers report they are “somewhat con- cerned” to “very concerned” about maintaining their own health since becoming a caregiver.
To help caregivers balance competing priorities while maintaining their overall health and well-being, the Alzheimer’s Assoc. offers these tips:
• Find time for yourself. It’s normal to need a break from caregiving duties. No one can do it all by them- selves. Consider taking advantage of respite care or help from family and friends to spend time doing something you enjoy.
• Become an educated caregiver. Understand the disease, its progression, and accompanying behav- ioral and physical changes. Know resources in your community that can help.
• Build a support network. Organize friends and
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