How to Stay Cool as the Summer Approaches

Keeping Cool

A. Clothes

• Wear light colors and light materials such as linen and cotton. Materials such as rayon and polyester tend to trap heat close to the skin.
• Wear loose fitting clothing.
• Wear a hat with a wide brim to protect the face.

B. Home

• Stay indoors during extremely hot weather.
• Lower shades, blinds, or close drapes on the east side of your home during the morning hours and the west side during the afternoon in order to keep your home or apartment as cool as possible. Use a fan in the rooms where the windows are covered.
• If you do not have air conditioning in your home, go to your local Council on Aging/senior center, Aging Service Access Point, mall, movie theater or library in order to stay cool.
  

C. Outdoors

• Wear sunscreen SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat or take an umbrella to block the sun.
• Schedule outdoor activities before 10am or after 6pm when the temperature is lower.
• Avoid strenuous activity.
• If you are outside, take frequent breaks in shaded area.
• Avoid crowded places.
• If possible, go to a place where you can get relief from heat, such as air conditioned libraries, theaters, and other community facilities that may offer refuge during the warmest times of the day.

Keeping Hydrated

A. Fluids

• The best liquid to drink during hot, humid days is water. Drink plenty of water, even if you are not thirsty, in order to stay hydrated.
• Avoid drinks with caffeine.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages which will dehydrate your body.
• Drink sports drinks that have the added minerals that your body loses when it sweats.

B. Food

• Keep frozen treats such as ice cream and popsicles in the freezer that can help you keep cool during hot weather.
• Eat cold foods such as sandwiches and salads.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables are also another way to keep hydrated.

Keeping Safe

A. Buddy System

• Make sure that you have someone to check on you to make sure that you are well.

B. Using Common Sense

• Avoid long walks, particularly during noon-3pm, when the sun is at its peak.
• Slow down, avoid strenuous activity. Do not try to do too much on a hot day.
• Pay attention to weather reports.
• Contact you doctor if you are taking several drugs for a number of health problems because these may make it harder for your body to keep cool through perspiration. A few examples would be diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers, and also some heart and blood pressure medicines.

On Long Distance Caregiving

It was a great relief to know my sister moved in with my mom to care for her as mom’s Alzheimer’s is advancing. It was and still is an adjustment for both of them as well as my developmentally challenged brother who lives there also. I visited after Christmas and was able to help my sister understand the strategies of caring for an Alzheimer’s affected individual and guiding her to allow my mom as much independence as possible. We had bought mom a new lift chair for her birthday as getting up was becoming difficult for her. She had a hard time understanding why the button to raise her feet said “down”. My sister patiently tried to explain that the “up” button would raise her up to stand. I explained that mom probably would never “learn” this new function and to label the button for her to say “feet up”. It was a simple solution that worked for mom and ended her frustration. My sister was trying to be a perfect daughter and do everything for mom while mom kept asking, “Am I supposed to be doing something?” I coached my sister on giving mom things to do that would engage her in the activity. She didn’t have to prepare a whole meal but could set the table. She didn’t need to do the laundry in the basement but could easily help fold the laundry. She resents her finances being handled by her children so I coached my sister to oversee her; allow her to write what checks needed to be written and assure they were entered in the checkbook register. It gave my mother a feeling of power over her own funds.

My sister felt so discouraged because she thought she was doing everything right by doing everything. She didn’t realize that caring for an Alzheimer’s affected person doesn’t necessarily come naturally. She needs to learn to pace herself, take time for herself, let mom do what can for herself, and to take time to enjoy the journey together. I know there will be many calls and questions from my sister and I’ll be happy to answer them as knowing she is there for mom gives me such peace of mind.

Volunteers

We don’t just LIKE our Volunteers, we LOVE our Volunteers. As we approach Valentine’s Day, we begin to think about all the people in our lives that mean a lot to us. At Alzheimer’s Services, we think of our volunteers. Volunteers allow us to “stretch” our capacity to serve the many individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. Volunteers assist daily at Charlie’s Place, in the administrative offices and with the many programs and services we offer to those in need. Their involvement allows us to increase our ability to fulfill our mission - to make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s disease in our community. Volunteers donate their time and talent daily, saving us thousands of dollars each year that allows us to continue to improve our services to the more than 15,000 individuals in the Greater Baton Rouge area. Their involvement and dedication helps the staff create and maintain the “person centered care” that is provided to each Alzheimer’s affected person and their loved ones who seek assistance. Volunteers inspire the staff with their infusion of energy and support. We thank you and appreciate your dedication. To our Volunteers we say “Happy Valentine’s Day- We love all of you!” If you are interested in volunteering at Alzheimer’s Services, please contact our office at 1-225- 334-7494.

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)