Caregivers Corner-Keep a Journal

From the time I was about 9 or 10 years old, my mother encouraged me to keep a journal (well, she called it a diary).  Although I always enjoyed writing, I never understood why she bugged me so much to write my thoughts.  I figured maybe she wanted to read it when I wasn’t around.  Or maybe, she recognized my desire and ability to write before I did.  She surely never realized that the practice would help me to cope with caring for her as we, together, battled Alzheimer’s disease.

As a caregiver, you have a lot going on in your heart and head and journaling is a great way to relieve stress.

Journaling also provides you with a reminder of what’s going on from day to day.  You don’t necessarily want it to become a calendar, but my to do list often starts as a brain dump in my journal and then makes it to my calendar or at least a sheet of paper as a list for the day.

Your journal won’t judge you.  Your feelings are so complicated.  Your journal isn’t going to look at you funny when you secretely wonder how much longer you can keep up caregiving.  Your journal isn’t going to tell you you are a bad son or daughter when you start to consider a long term care facility and your journal isn’t going to say your lazy when you  express that you are tired of cleaning up the bathroom or changing adult diapers or being accused of stealing money.

Finally, caregivers are often isolated and have few opportunities to share thier thoughts and feelings.  Journaling is a great way to express your feelings.  It may even help you to problem solve.  As you write, some solutions may become apparent.

I have listed just a few benefits of keeping a journal. Click on this link to see 100 reasons you should keep a journal.

Towards the end of each year, I spend time in the bookstore selecting a journal for the upcoming year.  Now, it’s really not that big of a deal.  I just happen to enjoy writing my thoughts and ideas in a nicely covered and bound book, with lined pages.  Usually, it runs me in the neighborood of $15-$20. However, any paper will do.  The key is to select something that works for YOU. 

Lines or no lines?  Some people like lines, some don’t. I used to loathe lines, they stiffeled my creativity when I was in that mode.  However, when I got to seriously putting down of my thoughts, I found that I desperately needed lines.

You may also consider using the computer. I do that, even now, when I have a lot going on in my head becasue I can type much faster than I can write.

Does Size Matter?  To me it does.  I like a journal that is smaller than 8 x 11, but larger than 5 x 7.  Not sure why, it just works for me.  But I know people who use legal pads and I know peopole who use very small notebooks, it’s a matter of personal preference.

Binding.  This is important.  Spiral type binding works well becasue pages are easily accessible, but the pages tear from the spiral part after some use.  For me, it’s just important that the book lays flat when opened. Other than that, it doesn’t really matter.

In the final analysis, it matters not if you pay for a nice “official” journal or use recycled paper from the office. What matters, is that you write, write, write.

Start now!  What do you think? Do you keep a journal?  Do you think it would be beneficial to you?  Leave a comment, let us know.

               

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

Research has shown that Alzheimer’s disease begins long before symptoms begin to manifest.  Therefore, you need to act sooner rather than later if you suspect that your loved one may be Battling the Monster, Alzheimer’s disease.

Here are a few reasons that you should make an appointment:

1. Short term memory loss.  Forgetting information that has been learned very recently. This happens to the best of us at some point, but usually, we are able to recall the information. Whereas, the person in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease won’t recall recently learned information.
2.  The inability to do a very simple and familiar task.  If your dad blanks out on how to shave, use the telephone or complete a simple task in the kitchen, then you might have cause for concern.
3. Misplacing things.  Occasionally misplacing the keys or a purse is not cause for concern.  Putting the keys away in the bathroom closet, or the can opener in the bedroom is cause for concern.
4. Lack of judgment.  This sometimes shows up driving or even something as simple as getting dressed.  If your grandmother wants 5 layers of clothing on and its 80 degrees or she wants to go sleeveless outside in the snow, then something is wrong. 
5. Confusion and disorientation.  We all forget the day or date from time to time or get turned around in terms of directions, so that is not what I’m talking about.  If your loved one forgets where he is, where she lives, what year it is or is living in the distant past. Then, you need to get that checked out.
6. Becoming easily irriated/mood swings.  My mom, who was always very gentle, once grabbed a young child in church because he was running past her.  THAT was way out of character for her.  On the other hand, everyone gets annoyed our upset from time to time, so don’t assume cousin Ann has Alzheimer’s because she is tired and irritable and doesn’t feel like being around a lot of people.

NOTE:  Dehydration, severe urinary tract or other infections and thyroid problems can cause symptoms that mimick Alzheimer’s disease. 

There are other symptoms as well, but if you recognize any of these, then you’ll want to make an appointment with the family doctor, who may refer you to one or more specialists to confirm or deny your suspicions and rule out other conditions.

You sometimes have to wait to get in to see the doctor, so begin keeping a journal or log of behaviors that you consider suspect.  This will help you to get a handle on how often “strange” things are happening.  In addition, it will enable you to be more prepared and specific as you talk with the doctor.

Some of the information came from Alzheimer’s Association and The Help Guide (Alzheimer’s section).