We LIKE our Volunteers!

On February 2nd we have our annual luncheon to honor some wonderful people who help make us so successful . . . our VOLUNTEERS! Alzheimer’s Services could not achieve our goals and make that difference in the lives of those we serve without these hardworking individuals. According to a national report by the Independent Sector, volunteerism is assigned an hourly rate to encompass all skill levels. Calculating the hourly figure of $21.36 means that our generous volunteers donated $173,507 in 2011. That is truly amazing!
We will be adding a new staff member next week, Ashley Nobles Motsinger, who will assume the Public Relations/Development Position. My role will change a little. I will be assuming a new responsibility as the volunteer coordinator, as well as coordinating the annual Walk/Run to Remember (October 20, 2012). I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to spend more time with our volunteers. I want to make sure that our volunteers are enjoying a meaningful experience as they share their time and talents with us.
If you have ideas or just want to call and say hello, I’d love to hear from you.

Teri Brantley
Development Associate
225-334-7494, email prcoord@alzbr.org

Recipe for a Happy New Year

Take twelve, fine, full-grown months: see that these are thoroughly free from all old memories of bitterness, rancor, hate and jealously, cleanse them completely from every clinging spite; pick off specks of pettiness and littleness; in short, see that these months are freed from all the past---have them as fresh and clean as when they first came from the great storehouse of Time.
Cut these months into thirty or thirty-on equal parts. Don’t attempt to make up the whole batch at one time (so many people spoil the entire lot in this way), but prepare on day at a time as follows:
Into each day put equal parts of faith, patience, courage, work (some people omit this ingredient and so spoil the flavor of the rest), hope, fidelity, liberality, kindness, rest (leaving out this is like leaving the oil out of the salad – don’t do it), prayer, meditation, and one well-selected resolution. Put in about a teaspoonful of good spirits, a dash of fun, a sprinkling of play, and a heaping cupful of good humor.
Pour love into the whole and mix with gratefulness. Cook thoroughly in a fervent heat; garnish with a few smiles and sprigs of joy; then serve with quietness, unselfishness, and cheerfulness.
Makes generous servings.
Recipe courtesy of Dana Territo

Hallucinations in Alzheimer's Patients

As the brain changes, some Alzheimer’s patients will experience hallucinations that may be frightening. The person may see, hear, smell, taste, or even feel someone or something that is not there. The hallucination is very real to the person.

If the hallucination is frightening, you may consider the following:

Reassure the person with kind words. (“I know this is frightening to you”) or a gentle touch.

Respond honestly (“I know that you see something”)

Distract the person to a favorite activity.

Ask the person to point to the area where he sees or hears something – you may be able to remove or change an item, such as covering a mirror.

Be aware of lighting or noises that may seem scary.(TV, radio, bright lights, - you may want to add a night light in the person’s bedroom if darkness has become scary)

Contact the person’s attending physician to do an evaluation of existing medications or the need for medication. Bladder or kidney infections, dehydration, and pain may also cause hallucinations.

If the hallucination is not frightening or causing problems for the person or caregivers, it can be ignored.

NEVER argue with the person about what he sees or hears. It is very REAL to him.

Marcia Kirk, Respite Assistant

Reducing Restlessness and Anxiety

People with memory loss and confusion may at times be anxious, nervous or restless. This can lead to problem behaviors such as wandering or constant pacing. Here are some practical ideas to help you calm the person and reduce anxiety.

1. Check for physical causes. Check for comfort. See if the person needs a snack, something to drink, a sweater or to use the toilet. Check for pain, illness or constipation. Avoid caffeine. Caffeine is in coffee, teas, sodas and chocolate.

2. Keep activities simple. Before giving directions for an activity, get the person’s attention. Modify tasks to fit abilities. A person who used to garden may still be able to rake leaves. Break down activities into simple steps. For example, if the person is helping with laundry, have him or her sort the clothes first and then fold them.

3. Establish routines. Do the same things, such as bathing, eating, or exercise, at the same time each day. Choose the most relaxed time of day for difficult activities.

4. Plan daily activities. Plan physical activity every day. Try taking a walk together each afternoon. Involve the person in ordinary household tasks. Many people are able to wash vegetables, fold laundry, sweep or dust.

5. Offer distractions. Offer the person a favorite food or beverage. Distract the person by starting a conversation. Begin a new activity. Offer to take him or her for a walk. Give the person something to play with such as a small ball or a stuffed animal.

6. Create a calm environment. Remove clutter and extra furniture. Turn down the TV. Play soft music. Limit the number of people or activities around the person. Offer only a few choices of food, clothing or activities. Try soothing activities like gentle massage or brushing the person’s hair.

7. Look for early signs. Watch for early signs of frustration in activities such as bathing, dressing, or eating. Respond with a calm tone. If an activity is causing anxiety, take a break and come back to it later. Remember to give yourself a break too. If you are tired, frustrated or angry, the person may react to your mood.

8. Give reassurance. Offer affection and comfort. For example, tell the person that you care for him or her. Give nonverbal signs. Try holding his or her hand or giving the person a hug. Experiment with soothing objects such as a stuffed animal or soft blanket. Having a dog or cat nearby soothes many people.

9. Communicate calmly and clearly. Use a relaxed voice. Speak in clear, short sentences. For example, say, “Please sit down” or “Pick up your fork.” Approach the person from the front if he or she is startled by your voice. Allow time for the person to respond. Use repetition and frequent reminders. If the person is anxious about time, try a simple schedule showing the day’s activities.

10. Talk to a doctor. Ask a doctor if any medical conditions could be causing anxiety or restlessness. Find out about medications too. Some medications can cause restlessness. Others may help reduce anxiety.

Information taken from journeyworks.com. Journeyworks Publishing

Ed Picard, Respite Center Coordinator (Charlie’s Place)