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

• Sacramento Support Group Is On The Move
• Info for Caregivers:  Maintaining a Healthy Marriage  
• What is "Happenings!"

Sacramento Support Group Is On The Move
The Tuesday morning support group (including their patient group) that was meeting at the Alzheimer's Aid Society offices is moving to a new location.  Effective January 9 at 10:30 am, this group will meet at Arden Church of the Nazarene, 3337 Arden Way, Sacramento, 95825.  While the Tuesday afternoon group is not moving, they will no longer have a patient support group.  Please call our office at 916-483-2002, if you have any questions. 

Info for Caregivers:  Maintaining a Healthy Marriage 
If you are a caregiver for a parent, in-law or other loved one with Alzheimer's, you can become so focused on their care that you become emotionally bankrupt as the needs of your spouse fall by the wayside.  Caregiving and marital strain often go hand in hand.  This strain can show itself in the form of:

• Worries about financial burdens particularly if the caregiver spouse must stop working.
• Loss of time together as a couple and intimacy.
• Resentment of the time given to the cared-for loved one.  Or the caregiver resenting their spouse’s freedom.  Resentment may also occur when the cared-for loved one is an in-law – not the caregiver’s own parent. 
• Tension or conflict between your spouse and other family members involved in your loved one's care.

• Talk.  Schedule time to regularly talk and share problems, feelings, or ideas.  Don’t wait for things to get bottled up – that leads to hurtful explosions.  No topic should be off limits – good, bad, or ugly.  Sharing will help keep you and your spouse connected in the face of stress and help prevent misunderstandings.
• Listen.  Both you and your spouse should be able to talk without interruption.  Really listen – don’t be preparing your response.  Repeat back what you heard in your own words to make sure you understand. 
• Work together on a caregiving plan.  You and your family are a team.  Your plan on how to provide care should have shared responsibilities and sacrifices.  Include your children - older children could be asked to do chores around the house for which you no longer have time.  Younger children have the responsibility to pick up their own toys.  Ask your adult children to help care for their grandparents.  Sharing that time reading a book to them or watching TV may be the memory they cherish later.  
• Make time for fun and romance together.  Don’t forget the little things – notes of encouragement, a single flower, take long walks together.
• Build a network.  You are not alone.  Look for outside resources.  Ask for help from siblings, other relatives, or your neighbors.  Join a support group.  Find respite care or a regular day care.  Avail yourself of local resources.

What is "Happenings!"