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...

Hey there, Careblazers! Today, I want to share a valuable tip that can make a big difference in how your loved one with dementia feels. You might think you already know it, but let me ask you this: Are you actually doing it?

If you're new here, welcome! I'm Dr. Natali, and on this channel, we talk about all things related to dementia caregiving. Before we dive into today's tip, let me quickly ask for your support. If these blog posts have helped you on your caregiving journey, please let other caregivers know about them. By spreading the word, we can reach more caregivers who need information and support.

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! So, what's the one thing you can do to avoid upsetting your loved one? It's pretty simple, really—just avoid saying "no." No one likes hearing or saying that word, right? But here's the thing: when we say "no" to our loved ones with dementia, it often makes them frustrated and angry. And when they're not doing well, it makes our lives...

Are you a caregiver who finds dementia caregiving overwhelming and challenging? Do you often wish for a smoother, more comfortable journey in caring for your loved one? If so, you're not alone. Let's explore the three stages of dementia caregiving that every caregiver experiences and discuss how you can transition from the unknown stage of struggle to the stage of smooth sailing, where success and confidence await you.

Stage 1: The Unknown Stage

The journey of dementia caregiving begins in the unknown stage, where uncertainty is one of the main feelings.

As a caregiver, you step into a world you've never experienced before, filled with countless questions and an overwhelming amount of information to absorb. Dementia is complex, and each person's experience with it is unique, making it impossible to predict what lies ahead.

In this stage, it's common to feel confused, overwhelmed, and ill-equipped to handle the challenges that arise. Just like when you first learned to drive a car,...

For the month of April, I'm covering a series of topics on unpopular and controversial opinions in dementia Caregiving. This series is not meant to change anybody's mind on anything. It is meant to open up discussion and have conversation and to think about dementia caregiving in different ways. This series can be helpful no matter what type of dementia your loved one has (i.e., Alzheimer's disease, Lewy Body Dementia, Frototemporal dementia, Vascular dementia, Parinkinsons disease dementia, etc.).

I'm hoping here for the month of April, we can all keep an open mind and hear each other's viewpoints and opinions, and you can feel free to share all of them in the comments below because we have care blazers from all different backgrounds, from all different parts of the world, from all different types of caregiving situations, and I want this to truly be a channel that is helping.

I believe we all don't have to believe the same thing in order to be amazing Careblazers. In today's post,...