Alzheimer's Aid Society Happenings!     Supporting the caregiver.  Remembering the cared for.

• UC Davis Alzheimer’s Caregiver Workshop
• Info for Caregivers:  Thanksgiving Holidays - Making Memories
• Upcoming Events
• What is "Happenings!"

UC Davis Alzheimer's Caregiver Workshop

Only you know what’s best for your unique situation, so first and foremost listen to your heart. Remember that while things will never be what they once were, it is still possible to find blessings and create moments of joy. If your loved one is still in a place where a gathering is feasible, here are some tips to help.

• If your loved one is in the early stages of the disease and can still communicate and participate, include them in the planning.  Ask them what their best holiday celebration would look like.  Respect their needs and wishes.  Allow your loved one to "escape" when needed. 
   
• Set realistic expectations right from the get-go. When planning, consider where your loved one is in the progression of the disease and prepare accordingly.  Remember that your loved one will not be the same as last year so don't try to do it the same way. 

• Let go of the need for everything to be perfect. You are not Martha Stewart and no one expects you to be. If you need help, ask.

• If you are hosting, set aside some quiet one-on-one time to spend with your loved one before guests arrive. During this time, shut out all distractions and focus on your time together.

• Try to keep noise to a minimum. Speak clearly in a calm, soothing tone.

• If your loved one is still able to help with simple tasks, by all means, let them! This gives them a sense of purpose and pride.

• Minimize distractions, and remember that if you are tense, your loved one will pick up on that feeling.

• Create a quiet, comfortable area where one or two people at a time can visit.  Realize that sometimes just sitting and holding their hand or rubbing their back makes for the perfect visit.

• Watch for signs of overstimulation in your loved one and recognize it may be time for a quiet break. Soft music may help with relaxation.

• Keep some old photographs handy as a conversation starter and for reminiscing. Avoid questions like, “Do you remember?” Instead, talk about the photographs and follow their lead.

• Remember the best visits involve you entering their world, rather then expecting them to come to yours.  Don’t argue or correct. This is a key to every positive interaction!

• Know that the emotions stirred by your visit will last long after the memory of your time together has faded. Let them feel your love.

If you are having visitors who don’t see your loved one on a regular basis, prepare them ahead of time so they know what to expect. You might even consider sharing this list with them in advance of the gathering.  Some information in this article is extracted from "The Long and Winding Road.. An Alzheimer's Journey and Beyond"

Upcoming Events

• November 4, Saturday, at 8:00 a.m. - UC Davis Alzheimer's Caregiver Workshop  (Follow link for more information and tickets).  
• November 4, Saturday, at 6:00 p.m. - Joey Lopes Memorial Main Event  A dinner to benefit the fight against Alzheimer's Disease in West Sacramento.  Tickets will not be available at the door.  
• November 15, Wednesday, at 3:00 p.m. - Alzheimer's Café in the Sacramento Rosemont area at Golden Pond Senior Living, 3415 Mayhew Road, Sacramento. 
• November 16, Thursday, at 2:00 p.m. - Alzheimer's Café in Woodland at St. John's Retirement Village, 135 Woodland Avenue, Woodland.  Call (530) 662-1290 to confirm.