A few months ago, I left my job as a child welfare social worker to care for my mother-in-law. She suffers from Altzeimer's Disease. The purpose of this blog is to document our experience with caretaking for Alma while keeping friends and family up with the progression of this difficult disease.
Alma
Alma in College
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Sculpey
Well, I found a temporary diversion. We went to the art supply store and bought some Sculpey Clay and are making little figurines. At least she's out of her head for the moment.
SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT IDEA. AS YOU SAID, ANY LITTLE DIVERSION IS A BLESSING AS LONG AS IT WORKS. DOES SHE ENJOY COOKING OR BAKING? JUST A THOUGHT. LOVE JO
Hi Jo She really can't follow directions at this point. She hasn't been able to follow a recipe for a couple of years (a prior caretaker used to work with her on that). After a while, she even got frustrated with the clay because she couldn't think of what to make.
HOW SAD, AT LEAST YOU TRIED. WHAT ABOUT PAINTING OR DRAWING; EVEN IF SHE JUST FREELANCED WITH COLORS, MIGHT BE A WAY TO GET OUT HER FRUSTRATIONS. ARE THERE ANY ADULT DAY CARE FACILITIES IN YOUR AREA? WE HAVE ONE ASSOCIATED WITH OUR LOCAL HOSPITAL WHICH IS GREAT BOTH FOR THE CLIENT AND THE CAREGIVER, IT GIVES A BREAK FOR A FEW HOURS. JUST A THOUGHT. LOVE YOU JO
Yes, I was trying to avoid adult day care but am planning to try it just for a couple of days a week so I can work a little. I'll keep you posted. Thanks for the suggestions. Love you too!
I have had clients who have used the Adult Day Care and find it a real blessing. Their loved ones have bonded with the staff and other participants and they have bonded with the other caregivers. Usually they have a support group/system for the families which is another asset. I would encourage you very much to try it as this will, hopefully, make your time with Alma less stressful and she will have something of her own to look forward to doing. If it is presented properly to her she can see it as something for her to do,take responsibility for, and look forward to, like going to work almost. I really think this might be a very viable option,let me know. You are always in my heart and prayers. Love you, Jo
"Creative" things have always been hard for her, because she doesn't think she's creative enough. I've been hearing her say that about herself for years and years. Maybe there is some sort of little task you can set for her that doesn't really take much creativity. Like organizing something that doesn't really matter and is simple enough that even if she forgets what she's doing, she could potentially figure something out again without it having to be re-explained. If I think of anything even remotely like that, I'll let you know.
HI Lise, I'm new to your blog - it seems like a really good idea. I'm sorry thing have gotten so much worse so quickly. You're in it deep, my friend. This is one hell of a test. And you will come through it stronger and wiser and gleaming. I want to help however I can. I'll phone you tonight. <3 lizza.
Hi All, How neat to have other posts to the blog and to share support and ideas. I think Kaiya has a good idea about the simple repetitive activities. Perhaps if you tried that with some of her favorite music in the background( Johnny Cash)it would boost her mood. Just a thought and worth trying. Lise, you are amazing and I am so very proud of you. Love you lots, Jo
SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT IDEA. AS YOU SAID, ANY LITTLE DIVERSION IS A BLESSING AS LONG AS IT WORKS. DOES SHE ENJOY COOKING OR BAKING? JUST A THOUGHT.
ReplyDeleteLOVE
JO
Hi Jo
ReplyDeleteShe really can't follow directions at this point. She hasn't been able to follow a recipe for a couple of years (a prior caretaker used to work with her on that). After a while, she even got frustrated with the clay because she couldn't think of what to make.
HOW SAD, AT LEAST YOU TRIED. WHAT ABOUT PAINTING OR DRAWING; EVEN IF SHE JUST FREELANCED WITH COLORS, MIGHT BE A WAY TO GET OUT HER FRUSTRATIONS.
ReplyDeleteARE THERE ANY ADULT DAY CARE FACILITIES IN YOUR AREA? WE HAVE ONE ASSOCIATED WITH OUR LOCAL HOSPITAL WHICH IS GREAT BOTH FOR THE CLIENT AND THE CAREGIVER, IT GIVES A BREAK FOR A FEW HOURS.
JUST A THOUGHT.
LOVE YOU
JO
Hi Jo
ReplyDeleteYes, I was trying to avoid adult day care but am planning to try it just for a couple of days a week so I can work a little. I'll keep you posted. Thanks for the suggestions. Love you too!
I have had clients who have used the Adult
ReplyDeleteDay Care and find it a real blessing. Their loved ones have bonded with the staff and other participants and they have bonded with the other caregivers. Usually they have a support group/system for the families which is another asset. I would encourage you very much to try it as this will, hopefully, make your time with Alma less stressful and she will have something of her own to look forward to doing. If it is presented properly to her she can see it as something for her to do,take responsibility for, and look forward to, like going to work almost.
I really think this might be a very viable option,let me know. You are always in my heart and prayers.
Love you,
Jo
"Creative" things have always been hard for her, because she doesn't think she's creative enough. I've been hearing her say that about herself for years and years. Maybe there is some sort of little task you can set for her that doesn't really take much creativity. Like organizing something that doesn't really matter and is simple enough that even if she forgets what she's doing, she could potentially figure something out again without it having to be re-explained. If I think of anything even remotely like that, I'll let you know.
ReplyDeleteHI Lise,
ReplyDeleteI'm new to your blog - it seems like a really good idea. I'm sorry thing have gotten so much worse so quickly. You're in it deep, my friend. This is one hell of a test. And you will come through it stronger and wiser and gleaming. I want to help however I can. I'll phone you tonight. <3 lizza.
Thanks Lizza! I've missed you!
ReplyDeleteHi All,
ReplyDeleteHow neat to have other posts to the blog and to share support and ideas. I think Kaiya has a good idea about the simple repetitive activities. Perhaps if you tried that with some of her favorite music in the background( Johnny Cash)it would boost her mood. Just a thought and worth trying.
Lise, you are amazing and I am so very proud of you.
Love you lots,
Jo