The Purple Sherpa

Joining a support group, where you’re likely to find others who have experienced some part of what you’re going through can help ease some of the uncertainty.

Our closed Facebook group, The Purple Sherpa Basecamp, is free and you can find us here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThePurpleSherpaBasecamp/

More tips for dealing with COVID-19 while caring for a loved one who's living with dementia.

Alzheimer’s Association offers tips for caregivers Experts from the Alzheimer’s Association believe dementia does likely not increase a person’s risk for COVID-19, the respiratory...

Society's way of discussing dementia can be terribly hurtful at times. Folks struggling with the disease are still human beings worthy of respect. One way we can help honor our loved ones is to use great care in how we talk about them and require others to do the same.

When caring for a loved one with dementia and the heartbreak of grief arises, try to be gentle with yourself. Talking to someone who gets it can help, too.

In our free, closed FB group, The Purple Sherpa Basecamp, we understand. Find us here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThePurpleSherpaBasecamp

When living through the long haul of caring for a loved one with dementia, we require sustenance as well. Taking intentional breaks along the way to care for ourselves, too, can help fortify and shore us up in the midst of the many challenges.

None of this is easy , but none of the potential benefit is possible if you don’t recognize agitation. "Dishonesty, fiblets, and distraction has its rewards when caring for a dementia patient; namely, reducing patient agitation and caregiver stress."

https://www.facebook.com/319593641433318/posts/2498210086904985?s=707198798&sfns=mo

While we were searching for an accurate diagnosis in the late 90's, our family practitioner attempted to treat my husband’s agitation and behavioral issues with a drug called Ativan. Ativan, which goes by the generic name of Lorazepam, is an anti-anxiety drug used for the management of anxiety disorders associated with depression. Our physician was not aware that many dementia patients have an unfavorable response when given this medication. For this reason, avoid medications such as Va**um, Xanax, and Ativan if you suspect Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD), as they may create more problems than they solve.
My warning does not apply to all dementia patients.
Dishonesty (fiblets) and distraction has its rewards when caring for a dementia patient; namely, reducing patient agitation and caregiver stress.
If you are experiencing agitation problems with your loved one please fill out the agitation inventory sheet below and give it to your loved ones physician. Please deal with this problem before it gets out of hand and someone gets hurt...it can and does happen... more than you realise.

While I was caring for my dad, I didn’t really appreciate the degree to which I was always on alert and how much energy it required. Even at night, I’d wake up multiple times — assuming I could sleep in the first place. I was exhausted for many months after my dad died.

Grief and dementia go hand in hand. Remembering to be compassionate with ourselves (as best we can in each moment) can help to sustain and fortify us, especially on the hard days.

Sharing your care experiences is an ongoing difficulty because the news you want and need to express may not fit with what others perceive or what they are willing to hear.

https://theunpreparedcaregiver.com/2019/05/creating-reality-for-family-and-friends/?fbclid=IwAR1dR7UVYaOC6K9DlP56wCP4LQ38iA_Fxjd9EUEe99XsOaTxTIDpt4ZDNLQ

Creating Reality (for Family and Friends) | The Unprepared Caregiver The Unprepared Caregiver Website speaks to the special challenges and rewards of caregivers who care for loved ones when a cure may not be possible. The goal of this site is to provide first-hand caregiver insight and expertise, much-needed knowledge about the psychological and communication challen...

In The Purple Sherpa Basecamp, we understand in a way that only those who are dealing with dementia can and we are there for one another. Sign up for our free, closed FB group here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThePurpleSherpaBasecamp

Helping our loved one with dementia to feel seen doesn't have to be complicated or take a lot of time. Simply treating them with kindness and compassion can go such a long way in helping them to maintain their dignity.

"Develop and use the life story to say aloha to a resident who lived in Hawaii evoking smiles and happy memories or to sing a resident’s favorite Louis Armstrong tune to lift their spirits."

David Troxel: Dementia care today, hope for tomorrow David Troxel, MPH, is an author, dementia care expert and consultant who was the executive director of the Santa Barbara (California) Alzheimer’s Association from 1994 to 2004. Troxel lives

When living through the marathon of caring for a loved one with dementia, we also require support. While moving slower than any of us would prefer, it does appear that this "essential element" of support for us, too, is making its way into the US's national plans.

I watched my dad die with end-stage dementia, and although there was love present, it was certainly not happy. I don’t see happy often in late-stage dementia. In the earlier stages, though, I do. While not easy, preserving some happiness wherever we can is worth the effort.

"Helping someone cope with pain requires glimpsing, through imagination alone, the invisible interior of another person’s body—and then accepting that imagined suffering as real and true."

How Dementia Locks People Inside Their Pain When a person feels pain but doesn’t understand it, they can end up silently suffering.

It's true, dementia can cause significant cognitive impairment. It's also true, especially for those diagnosed early, that there’s a lot of living between diagnosis and significant impairment. We need to support people diagnosed with dementia in living as fully as possible.

Taking on the role of caretaker often causes significant disruption in a person’s life, health, relationships, finances, and more. Caring for someone shouldn’t mean relinquishing our own lives literally or metaphorically — and yet that’s what happens way too frequently.

"Instead of trying to push through your agenda when things go sideways, you’re almost always better off stepping away and taking a deep breath. Try again another time. Forcing your will or needs onto someone else will likely only escalate the situation."

"Go with the flow and adapt as needed" is one of the helpful tips this article offers for overcoming challenging family dynamics. Please see the link to read more.

Dementia Care: 6 Tips to Overcome Challenging Family Dynamics - Positive Approach to Care Strategies to address and communicate the differences in how to manage dementia care needs within your family?

Dementia can be so isolating, both for those diagnosed with it and those caring for their loved one. Knowing we're not alone is invaluable.

In The Purple Sherpa Basecamp, a free and closed FB group, you'll find so many who understand. Join us here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThePurpleSherpaBasecamp

When caring for a loved one with dementia, making small adaptations to our living environment can be so helpful. See this article for some tips:

https://www.saltwire.com/newfoundland-labrador/lifestyles/practical-tips-for-dealing-with-dementia-at-home-323655/

Especially in the early stages, maintaining a positive perspective may change the way the person living with dementia and their care-partner's experience of life.

While it can be more difficult to look for hope as dementia progresses, it's always worth the effort.

"Realizing you can’t do it all, finding a place that can provide good care, and creating a space that will allow for the best possible way forward is also a form of caregiving."

While it can be challenging (on so many levels!), sometimes the next right step really is to seek help and support.

How Can Men Prepare for the Role of Caregiver? - Positive Approach to Care Tips for men on how to prepare for the new role of caregiver while still trying to maintain a life filled with purpose, meaning, and joy.

As dementia progresses, it can get harder to tease apart the person we still dearly love from the condition.

One thing that might help restore a bridge of connection with our loved one is to share favorite memories with them.

Joining a support group where you'll find others who are also caring for a loved one with dementia can help ease some of the isolation and grief you may be experiencing.

Our closed FB group, The Purple Sherpa Basecamp, is free. You can find us here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThePurpleSherpaBasecamp/

"Just as all humans are unique, those living with dementia will have very different experiences and perspectives related to nourishment and hydration. Most individuals who are living with dementia do experience changes in taste, smell, and texture tolerance at some point."

This informative article discusses some of the changes in eating and drinking habits that can arise with a dementia diagnosis and offers some helpful suggestions.

How Does Dementia Affect Eating and Drinking? - Positive Approach to Care How does the experience of eating and drinking change when living with dementia?

We're all at risk and we need to continue working toward effective treatment and a cure. In the meantime, we need more support for those who are affected.

In The Purple Sherpa Basecamp, we understand in a way that only those who are caring for a family member who's living with dementia can and we are there for one another. Sign up for our free, closed FB group here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThePurpleSherpaBasecamp

Always remember that your loved one is still there. Dementia can do its worst, but the eyes of love will see the essential truth.

Compassionate reminders that there are others walking a similar road to our own can help us to not feel so alone.

In this blogpost, actor and activist Luke Perry shares the story of his beloved Nanna and their family's journey with her Alzheimer's.

Q&A With Actor and Activist Luke Evans: “My Nanna Was the Center of Everything” Actor and activist Luke Evans recently spoke to us about his family’s Alzheimer’s journey with his Nanna, the matriarch of their family.

In the The Purple Sherpa Basecamp, we *know* how standing by our loved one with dementia is one of the most painful and isolating experiences there is. You don't have to go it alone. Please consider joining our free and closed FB group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThePurpleSherpaBasecamp

Telling our stories and encouraging our loved ones struggling with dementia to do the same can be such a powerful way to help reduce the stigma, both in our lives and in the lives of so many others.

"Tips for Talking" is a booklet with some helpful ideas for a person who is living with dementia and their care-partners.

For example, page 10 suggests:

"Talk without words. Point to an object. Bring an object."

www.alzscot.org

Acceptance is the process of wrapping our minds (and our hearts) around what is actually happening.

Once we are able to see a situation (more) clearly, we will be much better equipped to make good decisions on behalf of our loved one (and ourselves).

If you're caring for someone who's living with dementia, please consider joining our free, closed FB group The Purple Sherpa Basecamp. You'll find people who understand what you're going through, a safe space to vent, and real-world, road-tested advice.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThePurpleSherpaBasecamp

"Hand Under Hand technique allows the person to have an active role in their own care, and promotes continued participation in brain stimulating activities."

It can be so helpful to use care and take our time when assisting a loved one who is living with dementia. Even something as "small" as the way we place our hand next to theirs can make a difference. For more info and photos, please click the link.

Hand Under Hand  A More Inclusive Way to Physically Support People Living with Dementia As physiotherapists, we are often asked about the best ways to help people move when they start to have difficulty movin…

Dementia brings so many changes with it, including shifts like this one in our loved one's memory.

As much as it may feel like it, try to bear in mind that these changes truly aren't personal. It's the dementia.

Grief and dementia go hand in hand.

Knowing we're not alone can help so much. One safe place you can turn to is our free, closed Facebook group, The Purple Sherpa Basecamp. You can find us here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThePurpleSherpaBasecamp

"Adaptive clothing also comes in a variety of styles, from casual clothes to formal wear, so [our loved one] can feel comfortable and confident no matter the occasion."

Sometimes something as simple as the way clothing is constructed can make such a big difference.

3 Ways Adaptive Clothing Improves Seniors’ Quality of Life – DailyCaring Chronic conditions or age-related changes can make dressing difficult or painful. Find out 3 ways adaptive clothing for seniors improves quality of life.

Caring for someone with dementia is tiring and hard, and you don't have to go it alone.

In our free, closed Facebook group "The Purple Sherpa Basecamp", you'll find people who understand, a safe space to vent, and road-tested advice.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThePurpleSherpaBasecamp

The many changes that come with dementia (including Alzheimer's) can be both unsettling and overwhelming.

It is also true that our loved one's deepest, indelible self can never be erased.

As best you can in each moment, rest in the assurance that love endures.