I have many friends who are in the same boat and we have found that simple tools can help the person who is having troubles with their memory. This clock is one of those tools. It has a nice look to it and will help the person see what day it is, what time and whether it's morning or evening. A quick look and you are already one step ahead. It may not seem like much to you and me, but the person who is having difficulty remembering will find this tool useful. No more answering the same question over and over again. What day is it? What time is it? etc.etc.etc.
These two tools will make life a little easier for the caregiver. The clock is #1 and the white board for me is a great #2. They are not cures, unfortunately there isn't one, but they are solid reminders for the mind that has trouble focusing from one minute to the next.
Caregivers need as much help as possible when walking down this road with their loved ones. In some places there are even social clubs where Alzheimer's patients can be taken and they can enjoy an afternoon with others. These are supervised short term respites that caregivers need to recoup and get themselves back on track.
In the United States you can find a local chapter of the Alzheimer's Society, where they offer advice, programs and support. Anyone who is looking after a loved one with Alzheimer's needs all the support they can get! Check it out at Find your Local Chapter.
In Canada there are also support groups and you can find them online or click on this link: https://www.alz.org/ca/dementia-alzheimers-canada.asp
Alzheimer's is a disease that slowly (or sometimes quickly) changes the ways we deal with our families as they age. It is frustrating, upsetting, life altering (for everyone), and nothing makes sense anymore. There is help to deal with this disease and the first part is knowledge and then tools to help you along the way. The links I've included above have great reading material to help those who haven't yet been touched by this disease, understand it a little better.
Caring for our loved ones as they age is a beautiful responsibility, but, with Dementia and Alzheimer's, there are extra burdens. Help yourself and your loved ones by being informed and having the tools around to help you, help them.
Alzheimers is so very devastating for the patient and the family. These tools would be helpful, I think. Thank you for the review!
ReplyDeleteBev, I'm finding that they are a real help. The clock is wonderful, I don't get several phone calls a day asking what day it is......the white board we use for doctors appointments and medications list. When to take what pill....for early Alzheimer's patients this offers a little bit of independence.....
DeleteAlzheimezers is such a cruel illness. My mom suffered with it and was so heartbreaking to see her go downhill. How I miss her 😥
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry Martha, and you are so right that it is a heartbreaking illness.
DeleteWe have had two dear family members who have had alzheimers and it is horrible for everyone, just as you said. I am sure the clock and the erase board would help, especially in the early days of the disease.
ReplyDeleteThese are definitely tools for the early stages. When the disease progresses they would not be helpful any longer. I'm so sorry that anyone has to face this disease as it is really hard on everyone.
DeleteI think both these items would be helpful and useful when dealing with an Alzheimers/dementia patient, for both the caregiver and the patient.
ReplyDeleteAs Sylvestermouse mentioned these are helpful in the early stages of the disease. No one knows how long they will be in that stage of disease either. I know it is helping friends of mine and myself as well. The links I posted are full of lots of good information too. Knowledge helps the caregivers cope.
ReplyDeleteMy father exhibited symptoms of Alzheimer's before his death. It was hardest on my mom to deal with his confusion. I believe all of us will have to deal with this heartbreaking disease either directly or indirectly. Thank you for a very helpful collection of resources and a very thoughtful subject for review. Always important and appreciated.
ReplyDeleteYes indeed the number of people that are being diagnosed with dementia/alzheimer's is increasing rapidly. Aging population is one reason, but I think there is more behind all this increase whether it's diet, additives, chemicals in our food .....I don't know. But it is heartbreaking for caregivers and family.
DeleteI can appreciate the two items you have chosen to highlight and have one family member who may need them in the not too distant future. Thanks for sharing these ideas.
ReplyDeleteBrenda they have helped a few of my good friends that are dealing with parent's who have Alzheimer's. I am getting one for my mother as well, she drives me crazy with several phone calls a day asking what day it is and what time it is. The clock will help her. The white board, we will put up all her upcoming appointments on. I means checking regularly that the info is current, but that is no problem as I go to see her often.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the review of two practical caregiver aids. The white board is a great idea and as we know with caregiving, every day schedules change on a dime ( I may need two boards! or the extra large one :) )
ReplyDeleteOlivia, I think these could also be helpful for someone going through (or who has gone through) chemotherapy. My late brother-in-law was one of two people I've known who suffered from "chemo brain," and both of them found it frustrating and scary.
ReplyDelete