Alzheimer’s San Diego promoted Walk4ALZ and shared some best practices for caregiving on FOX 5 San Diego this week.
Jessica Empeño, Vice President of Programs and Family Services, was joined by local caregiver Julia Torres for the segment. Julia was 27 years old and pregnant with her second child when her mother, Diana, was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer’s. Diana was only 56. While it’s difficult for Julia to talk about the disease, she wanted to share her mom’s story to bring attention to Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Julia has also done tremendous work fundraising for Walk4ALZ, and was among the the top teams in Oceanside!
You can watch the segment below:
Jessica recommends that caregivers focus on the following three areas:
- Safety & wandering
Dementia affects more than just memory. Because of the many changes happening in the brain, people with dementia may not be able to recognize when they are in danger or make safe decisions. They may also become easily confused and lost even in familiar places, something known as “wandering.” There are many tricks, techniques and products that can help:
- GPS devices (Alzheimer’s San Diego has a limited number to provide for free)
- MedicAlert jewelry for both the person living with dementia and the caregiver (Alzheimer’s San Diego provides these for free)
- Simple home modifications, such tying a bell around the doorknob so you know when someone has opened the door to leave
- Remove items that suggest leaving, like car keys and purses, away from the front door
- Quality of life
It is so easy to focus on all the things dementia has taken away and all the things a person is no longer able to do. At Alzheimer’s San Diego, we encourage families to focus on the things that the person with dementia is still able to do and help to give meaning and purpose to their day:
- The power of music is undeniable, it can lift spirits or help to soothe and relax. Put together a playlist of music that will be meaningful and enjoyable
- Engage the person with dementia in tasks that allow them to feel valued and helpful, such as helping to fold the laundry, chop foods for a meal or brush the family dog.
- Stay active and stay social! Resist the temptation to stay home; isolation can lead to depression, which can make symptoms of dementia worse. Needs ideas? Check out Alzheimer’s San Diego social activities and outings!
- Take care of yourself
When the person with dementia in your life needs your attention, it’s easy to forget about yourself as you focus on them. But it is so important that you take care of yourself, too – whether it’s by having lunch with friends, getting education and support from organizations like Alzheimer’s San Diego or getting to that yoga class you’ve been meaning to attend!
