Medical Alert Devices: What Caregivers Should Know

Hey there, Careblazers. Natali here, and today, I want to dive into a topic that's crucial for caregivers - medical alert devices. Remember those "Help, I've fallen, and I can't get up" commercials? Well, these devices are designed to provide immediate assistance in emergencies. Let's break down the pros and cons.

A medical alert device is typically worn around the neck and can be pressed in case of an emergency. It instantly connects the user to emergency personnel who can assess the situation and dispatch help if needed. It's not just for older adults with dementia; anyone can benefit, including those with special needs.

One of the significant advantages is that it acts as a safety net. It ensures that emergency help is just a button press away, even if the phone is out of reach after a fall or in other emergency situations.

However, here's the catch, especially for individuals with dementia. For a medical alert device to work,...

Are you stuck in a loop where what happened before now decides what's happening and will happen to you?

Lots of folks, including caregivers, face this. Let's talk about a big problem that keeps many of us tied to our past.

This issue isn't picky; it affects Careblazers and anyone who thinks their history holds them back. Even if you don't have a big trauma, you might say, "Nothing ever goes right for me" or "Life is always tough." If you feel this way, keep reading.

I talked to someone who cares for her husband with dementia. She thought her past trauma was why she couldn't feel better. If you've been through trauma, talk to a mental health professional. This post is for people who have processed their trauma, have received professional help, and maybe even continue to receive professional help - AND - want to not let their past have a strong hold over them.

The trap is letting your past control today and tomorrow.

I have a family member who does this. She...

Introduction:

Welcome back, Careblazers! Today, we're excited to introduce you to Sue, who has been on our channel before. In fact, she was one of the very first Careblazers to join us over two years ago when we were just starting out. In this blog post, Sue shares her experiences and insights as she cares for her husband, who is living with dementia. From handling communication challenges to seeking help and support, Sue's journey is a valuable source of inspiration and guidance for fellow caregivers.

Meet Sue:

Sue is a caregiver who has been on this challenging journey for a while now. She retired a year ago to devote more time to caring for her husband, who is 16 and a half years older than her. This age gap means that Sue is a younger caregiver, a unique perspective in the caregiving world. She acknowledges her good fortune in having the opportunity to retire and care for her husband full-time.

Over the past two years, Sue has witnessed her husband's decline, with communication...

Hello there! Today, we're going to explore a medication commonly found in households. This medication holds specific concerns, particularly for individuals dealing with dementia. It's crucial to grasp the reasons behind why this medication should be approached with caution, unless recommended by a medical expert, a situation that's quite uncommon. Allow me to introduce myself – I'm Natali Edmonds, a board certified geropsychologist. My aim is to provide caregivers like you with access to valuable information without prolonged waits.

Let's kick off by taking a peek inside your medicine cabinet. As you examine the labels of over-the-counter medications you've picked up from drugstores or groceries, be on the lookout for any mention of "diphenhydramine." This is the ingredient that warrants our attention.

Diphenhydramine is present in widely used medications like Benadryl and Tylenol PM. It's also included in products designed for motion sickness and allergies. However, this...

Introduction:

Welcome back, Careblazers! Today, we are delving into a topic that has been making headlines lately – Alzheimer's disease and the role of genetics in determining our risk. With the rise in popularity of at-home genetic testing, many individuals have discovered their genetic predisposition to certain conditions, including Alzheimer's. But what does it all mean? Join me, Natali Edmonds, a board-certified Geropsychologist, as we explore the truth behind Alzheimer's risk and the genes we all carry.

The APoE Gene and Alzheimer's Risk:

One gene that has attracted much attention is the APOE gene, specifically the APOE4 variant. We all possess two copies of the APOE gene, one from each parent. The APOE4 gene has been associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, while the APOE3 and APOE2 genes are less connected to the condition.

If you have one copy of the APOE4 gene, your risk of Alzheimer's increases by two to three times. However, having two...

The Search for a Care Facility: What You Need to Know About Placement Agents

Introduction:

Finding the right care facility for a loved one can be a daunting task. With so many options and considerations, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Fortunately, there's a helpful resource available – placement agents. In this blog, we'll dive into what placement agents are, how they can assist you, and how they get paid. Let's get started!

What is a Placement Agent?

A placement agent is someone who works on your behalf to find a care facility that aligns with your budget and meets the needs and preferences of your loved one. They can assist in finding options for memory care facilities, long-term care facilities, skilled rehab centers, private caregivers for home care, and even group home settings. Essentially, when you're exploring different care levels for your loved one, a placement agent can provide invaluable guidance.

How Can a Placement Agent Help You?

A placement...

Introduction:

Being a caregiver can be challenging, especially when it comes to making tough decisions for our loved ones. One common mistake we make is thinking that if something bad happens, it means we made the wrong choice. In this blog post, we will explore why this kind of thinking is incorrect and how we can change our perspective to feel more empowered on our caregiving journey.

The Problem with Negative Outcomes:

Recently, during a live Q&A session in my Care Course, a caregiver shared her experience of placing her mom in a care facility, even though she didn't want to. Unfortunately, her mom had a serious fall while at the facility, which made the caregiver doubt her decision. It's natural to question ourselves in such situations, but we need to understand why this kind of thinking is flawed.

Why We Can't Predict the Future:

When something bad happens because of a decision we made, we often believe that a different choice would have led to a better outcome. However,...

Hey there, fellow Careblazers! I recently stumbled upon a revelation that I just had to share with you. Picture this: your loved one with dementia gets upset or angry frequently, and you desperately want to reduce those instances. Well, buckle up because I've got a simple tip that might just do the trick. Trust me, it's a game-changer.

Now, before I spill the beans, I know your brain is already screaming, "But how? What about this situation?" Take a deep breath and let your brain freak out for a moment because I'm about to drop some wisdom that might surprise you. Stick with me, and I promise it'll be worth it. Oh, and don't forget about the assignment I've got for you at the end.

So, recently I was chatting with a friend, and we happened to discuss how she responded to her grandma's persistent desire to go home. She mentioned something so brilliant, yet so quick, that it's easy to overlook. But not today, my friends! I'm here to shine a spotlight on this gem because it's precisely...

Introduction:

If you would like to learn a special habit that holds incredible power, then you'll want to read this. Sometimes, our minds get caught up in imagining the worst-case scenarios, filling us with stress and worry (especially as a dementia caregiver.). But what if I told you that these thoughts are simply stories we make up? That's right! By realizing this, we can take charge and create a more positive tale. This small shift in thinking can have a big impact on our lives. Get ready to uncover the secrets of balanced thinking and how it can change your world for the better.

The Habit of Storytelling:

Have you ever found yourself dwelling on all the things that could go wrong in the future? I'm sure you have, it's pretty hard not to when dealing with anything dementia-related. Imagine you're considering placing a loved one in a care facility, and suddenly, your mind is flooded with fears. Thoughts like, "What if they refuse to go? What if they run away?" start taking over....

Welcome back, Careblazers! Today, let's talk about how you can get more help in caregiving. Most dementia caregivers want more support, and in this post, I'll share four simple steps from the section in the Careblazer Care Course, Help That Actually Helps, to increase your chances of getting the help you need. These steps can be used when asking family, friends, neighbors, caregiving agencies, or healthcare providers for assistance. Let's break it down and see how you can start implementing them in your life.

Step 1: Choose a Task You Need Help With

First, think about a task that you do as a caregiver but could be done by someone else. It could be helping your loved one with bathing, feeding, or getting dressed. It could also be non-caregiving tasks like grocery shopping or mowing the lawn. Write down everything you do in a day that could be done by someone else.

Step 2: Find Someone or a Place to Ask for Help

Next, think about who could help you with that task. It could...