34 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JANUARY 2021 |
Just in case: Check with your club contact to confirm meeting place, date, and time.
Happy New Year! I wish each of you a happy and healthy 2021! It
has got to be a better year than the last. I am so glad 2020 is behind
us. Let's face it; IT WAS AN AWFUL YEAR!
The next Zoom meeting will be Thurs., Jan. 17 at 10 am. Members
will be notified of the details by an email a few days prior to the
meeting. The Zoom meetings have been very successful. If anyone
needs help setting up for Zoom, contact Diane and she will get you
going. If you have not participated in Zoom, you are missing out.
Give it a try.
If you have any questions, would like to learn more about Memory
Loss, or would like reading materials that we can loan you, call Diane,
(951) 769-0130, Doug, (360) 840-5559 or Anne, (951) 845-8700.
Remember we are here to help.
TIPS TO PREVENT AGITATION
CREATE A CALM ENVIRONMENT: Remove stressors, triggers, or
danger. Move person to a safer or quieter place. Change expectations.
Offer security object, rest or privacy. Limit caffeine use. Provide
opportunity for exercise. Develop soothing rituals. Use gentle
reminders.
AVOID ENVIRONMENTAL TRIGGERS: Noise, glare, insecure
space, too much background distraction, including television.
MONITOR PERSONAL COMFORT: Check for pain, hunger, thirst,
constipation, full bladder, fatigue, infections and skin irritation.
Ensure a comfortable temperature. Be sensitive to fears, misperceived
threats, and frustration with expressing what is wanted.
HELPFUL HINTS DURING AN EPISODE OF AGITATION
DO: Back off and ask permission, use calm positive statements,
reassure, slow down, use visual or verbal cures, add light, offer guided
choices between two options, focus on pleasant events, offer simple
exercise options, or limit stimulation.
DO NOT: Raise voice, take offense, corner, crowd, restrain, rush,
criticize, ignore, confront, argue, disagree, reason, shame, demand,
condescend, force, explain, teach, show alarm, or make sudden
movements out of the person's view.
SAY: May I help you? You're safe here. Everything is under control.
I apologize. I'm sorry that you are upset. I know it's hard. I will stay
until you feel better.
Consider using Alzheimer's Association resources, including
Caregiver Support Group's Education Programs.
Caregiver Support Group
