The Male Caregiver---In Appreciation of YOU!

Caregiving for persons with Alzheimer's disease can pose significant challenges to the health of the spousal caregiver, due to perceived stressfulness---and the need for leisure satisfaction or activity offers important implications for the maintenance of a good health status for spousal caregivers. However, caregiving literature most often focuses on the female caregiver, while it is currently estimated that men make up nearly 40 percent of family care providers. This leads to questioning about the generalizations of certain literature to the male caregiver.

On 15 surveyed men who are caregivers of a loved one with Alzheimer’s, according to research studies conducted by Emory University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, results indicated that male spouse caregivers generally have poorer mental and physical health, in comparison with non-caregiving men. Particularly, caregiving men showed higher levels of depression, respiratory system symptoms and overall poorer levels of health habits.

With this said… and in honor of our recently passed Father’s Day weekend, I send a special acknowledgment to every male caregiver whose eyes may happen upon these words. Whether you find yourself as a son or a son-in-law, a brother or brother-in-law, a nephew, uncle, father-to-be or a seasoned dad or granddad, you are recognized, honored, and appreciated for all of the wonderful things that you do to keep your family strong, encouraged, and steadily moving forward through the changes and challenges that occur in dealing with this disease.

Many of these ideas can be enjoyable for anyone, but these 20 relaxation ideas are for YOU --- the man who serves as a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease. We are thinking of you!

1. Purchase tickets to see your favorite sports team
2. Schedule frequent visits to the golf course
3. Learn to cook a new dish
4. Enjoy a movie marathon of your oldies, but goodies
5. Take a fishing trip
6. Make time for bowling
7. Go for a walk/hike on a scenic trail
8. Visit a brewery for tasting or
9. Visit a few wineries for wine tasting
10. Take a day to relax at the beach or your choice of a peaceful get-a-way
11. Participate in a support group
12. Exercise on the average of three times per week and maintain a healthy diet
13. Establish time for personal meditation or reflection
14. Practice effective time management
15. Stay involved in whatever hobbies you enjoy
16. Plan a backyard barbeque for those closest to you
17. Get a massage
18. Go for a drive
19. Listen to your favorite music or schedule to hear your favorite band
20. Vary your caregiving responsibilities amongst other family members, friends, or professionals (so that you can find time to do any of these great things and more…!)

Rashida Keith/ Program Coordinator

Moments with Red, White and Blue Memories

Willie Mae, flashing a white napkin in the air, led a line dance to “When the Saints Go Marching In.” Sonny rarely rested, his feet carrying him on the dance floor at every turn. Mable said “I like to have fun.” Margaret told the band they would have to stay longer. Dale twirled the ladies, and they dizzily abided. A gentle couple…he dressed smartly in a suit and bow tie, and her in her Sunday best, left gratefully, saying, “Oh, such wonderful memories! Thank you!”

Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy once said that Life is not a matter of making milestones, but of moments. And such we did for a few hours on a recent Sunday afternoon at our “Red, White and Blue Memories” event sponsored by the Walmart Foundation for our Charlie’s Place clients and families. With the sounds of Ned Fasullo and his Big Band Orchestra, families danced, laughed and talked, shared memories and moments, and generally, put the future and their worries aside.

The dance floor was never bare as daughters and sons danced with moms, grandchildren with granddads, daughters with their fathers, and friends with more friends. As the Waltz, Rumba, and ChaCha dances were demonstrated by Ballroom Dancers Cecil and Neila Phillips, days of yesteryear and thoughts of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers certainly conjured in everyone’s heads. Songs like “In the Mood,” “Midnight Serenade,” and “Fly Me to the Moon,” kept toes tapping and feet swaying across a room filled mostly with what news anchorman, Tom Brokaw terms, The Greatest Generation, those who matured during the Great Depression and the Second World War and went on to build contemporary America.

They ARE the greatest generation…brought together for a common purpose with common values, like duty and honor, and service and love, the latter shown so transparently on the faces of all those present that day. And, might I emphasize duty and honor---how extraordinary these families and caregivers are who daily care for their loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease, and how special are those loved ones experiencing this debilitating brain disorder!

On an exceptional Sunday afternoon, we all MADE many moments, as Rose Kennedy put it; however, personally, my moments were those when I witnessed the faces of joy of this union of this greatest generation. For they all enjoyed a time that stood still, traveling back to an era so familiar and relishing lives, bygone days and music, which all, for a few short hours, remained seemingly unchanged for them. Their moments, like mine, were capsulated in an hour-glass with no sand as the hands of time were oblivious to the face of Alzheimer’s disease.

I am grateful that I walked…rather…danced the journey with all of them.

Dana Territo


Programs Department: Shown from left to right: Ed Picard/Charlie's Place Respite Center Coordinator; Dana Territo/Director of Services; Rashida Keith/Programs Coordinator, and Julie Brewer/Programs Coordinator.

Summer is here and we are thinking of YOU

What a wonderful time of year. Summer is here, school is out, vacation and fun time is here, gardening and yard work is great, and . . . oh! So goes the daydreaming - YOU are a Caregiver. What a beautiful word - Caregiver: one who "gives care" to another in need of care. And yes, it also means that things change. Longer hours, changes in schedules, moving rugs and furniture, additional night lighting indoors, different door/window locking mechanisms, and other changes. Each Caregiver will have unique circumstances and obstacles to overcome that will take time and may come in time. However, my Caregiver friend; You Are Not Alone. Alzheimer's Services of the Capital Area in Baton Rouge is here to help guide you through your transition.

A "sense" of normalcy is important relating to time of year, seasons, retaining their "my familiar home" place; even with your home. Here are a few suggestions to assist you in your daily venture.

1. Have them decorate their room(s) with their personal belongings. Even if somewhat abstract, let them have things where they are comfortable, if possible.
2. Use basic inexpensive decorations inside the house for holidays, even Valentine's Day, Mardi Gras, St. Patrick's Day, Spring, Summer, etc. . . This will assist in keeping them oriented to time of year/season. They are a great visual/sensory stimulator.
3. Whenever possible, let them assist you with tasks. Basic gardening, simple kitchen or household tasks, light shopping. Shopping should be at smaller stores with less "acreage" to walk and parking close to the store as not to fatigue before the shopping is completed.
4. If they previously attended church and social clubs, allow them to continue as long as they are able. They can also join local clubs that fit their age, interests, and abilities. Encourage interaction, not isolation. Charlie's Place Respite Center is located in a addition to the Alzheimer's Services of the Capital Area building.
5. Ask your family member what they would like to do. If they are not sure, give them suggestions of things they previously had an interest in. Though they may shy away from past enjoyment since they may realize they have changed. Continue to encourage them with what they are able to do. Everyone likes to be appreciated.

Note: Try to avoid tasks that are tedious, have multiple steps, or are physically/mentally straining. Choose simple tasks that are easy to understand and be patient. They may prefer their favorite music, instrumental music or quiet when performing tasks. It is easier to talk without television or distractions. Change tactics to see which ones work best for you both. During time together, talk as you would to others, using a more clear and unhurried speech. Have their hearing checked regularly to insure they are hearing you and others talking to them. It is important they feel included, not excluded. Say "If this were me, what would I like/dislike? How would I feel?"

If your family member is still caring for most of their own personal needs and are comfortable with LIGHT travel, then here are some tips.

1. Keep the temperature comfortable, i.e., not too hot, not too cold. (You may need to have a light sweater or thin blanket and/or ice pack available.)
2. When traveling in a vehicle, take an ice chest/cooler with water, soft drinks, diabetic soda's if necessary, and snacks.
3. Have Medic Alert bracelet/necklace with allergies. Safe Return is also very vital for those with dementia or Alzheimer's. Sew a label with name and complete phone number in clothing in an inconspicuous place if bracelet/necklace is lost.

Long distance trips may not be appropriate and safe for some. If they are uncomfortable, nervous, or afraid around crowds, loud speakers (airports), constant talking, confusing directions, fast paced situations, being rushed or claustrophobic, may cause further fear, frustration, withdrawal, and agitation.

• Mini day trips are great. Just remember, you want the trip to be fun, safe, and enjoyable. Avoid holidays and in the summer after lunch. Avoid fast-paced time schedules. Take the time - Relax.
• An early morning weekday at the Mall with lunch.
• A trip to a Museum or an Art Gallery.
• Historical buildings/homes are usually relaxing.
• Visit with friends, neighbors, nearby family members, and grandchildren.

Now for the summer fun you were dreaming about. If you need a day at the beauty shop, a night out on the town or to dinner, to run errands, a day trip or just a break. We would like to assist you to find those services you need. We are here for YOU.

T.L. Marler, QDCP
Respite Center Assistant