Dehydration
Even people who can walk and appear to be able to care for themselves may become dehydrated. Someone with dementia may not recognize that they are thirsty, or they may forget to drink. They might also struggle to get themselves a drink or to tell you when they are thirsty. This can lead to them becoming dehydrated, which can cause headaches, increased confusion, constipation, and urinary tract infection (UTIs).
Tips to help a person stay hydrated:
*Encourage him to drink throughout the day. Offer different types of drinks, such as water, tea, coffee, fruit juice, soup, and smoothies.
*Give her a drink whenever she is eating.
*Use a clear glass so he can see what’s inside, or try a brightly colored cup to draw attention.
*Make sure the cup or glass is not too heavy or a difficult shape to hold.
*Encourage him to eat foods that have a high liquid content, such as popsicles, soups & broths, and yogurt. Many fruits & vegetables also have high water content.
*Try using sweets called Jelly Drops, which can help people with dementia to take in more water.
The amount of fluid a person needs varies with the individual and with the season. People need more fluids during the summer months. If you are uncertain whether the person is getting enough fluid, ask her doctor how much she should be drinking.
Tim's Place, May 2025
Have you had the experience of an elderly loved one telling the same story over and over?
My heart goes out to the many family caregivers who must listen to the same statement, question, or story 20 times in an hour because a parent or spouse has some form of dementia. (I’ve been there; I get it.) Short-term memory loss makes it impossible for dementia patients to remember what they just said, so they say it again and again and again.
When it comes to dementia, repetitive speech is very common and can result in same-story syndrome or dementia looping. This can be exhausting to those around them, but it is always best to practice empathy. Some reasons why they repeat themselves include:
*short-term memory impairment
*anxiety, discomfort, fear, frustration, stress
*wanting to communicate & not finding anything else to say
*being bored or under-occupied
*being stuck on a particular word, phrase, or action
Some ways you can respond to those who repeat themselves:
*Validation. If he says he wants to go home (and he is at home), what does it hurt to say “OK, we’ll leave soon.” (Just remember to respond the same way each time, so as not to confuse him further.)
*Distraction. After the second or third repetition, try changing the topic of conversation. Use anything you can think of to pique her interest and change the subject.
*Redirection. Sometimes changing the subject isn’t effective, and you will need to place his attention on a different activity. This can include chores, crafts, snacks, watching TV, listening to music, etc.
Keeping a loved one engaged will improve their quality of life and keep your efforts from becoming too tedious.
For your own sanity: practice self-care. Keeping your cool can be hard if you’ve heard the same story over and over. Get some fresh air, take a warm bath, or just step into another room for a few minutes, take a few deep breaths, and then try again.
With love,
Tim's Place
March 2025
Did your loved one once enjoy reading, but can no longer concentrate?
Anyone with an illness that causes progressive dementia will eventually be unable to read or will not be able to make sense of what she reads. People with dementia can have trouble understanding written information even when they can still read the letters or words.
When my Mom was living with Alzheimer’s and no longer able to read (previously a favorite pastime), I would often read aloud to her. If she was having a bad day (her bad days often involved cussing and yelling), I would gently take her hands and say “Mom, let’s get comfy and read a story.” I wouldn’t ASK . . . because she rarely knew how to respond to questions; they just made her confused or more irritable. I would begin to read aloud. If she were still vocalizing irritably, I would just ignore that and keep reading at normal volume, often with my hand on hers. Eventually she would start listening. At that point, I would start the story over, and continue to the end, or until she fell asleep. LOL
Would your loved one enjoy being read aloud to?
Caron Garliepp
Tim’s Place
February 2025
"Out of difficulties grow miracles."
~ Jean de la Bruyere
Resilience is the art of bouncing back from adversity, and it often emerges from the broken pieces of our experiences. As we face challenges, we develop the ability to adapt, to learn and to grow. Just as a mosaic is made beautiful by its varied and imperfect pieces, our lives gain richness through the diversity of our experiences. Imperfection is not a flaw but a testament to the unique and intricate nature of our existence.
Holidays can be a time of almost unbearable challenges when we have a loved one living with dementia. It's easy for Caregivers to get lost in what we're missing, lost in "If only" and "How do I help my Mom/Dad navigate this time ..." We can feel broken and our good intentions fall far from the ideal. We tend to focus on what is not there ... who is not there.
As a Caregiver it is essential to set realistic expectations for yourself during the holidays. Understand that you may not be able to do everything, and that's okay. Prioritize tasks and focus on what truly matters. Amidst the hustle and bustle, carve out time for yourself, engage in activities that give you joy and relaxation. Go ahead and dive into that warm, chocolatey, creamy hot chocolate topped with a mountain of whipped cream! As guilty as it may feel, you must take care of your physical, mental and emotional well-being first, before you will be able to help your loved one. Kindness must start with you.
"I have woven a parachute out of everything broken. My scars are my shield."
~ William Stafford
Life is a series of unpredictable events, some joyous and others painful. The metaphor of weaving a parachute out of broken elements suggests that, even in the face of adversity, we have the power to fashion something that can carry us through challenges. Every setback, every broken thread, contributes to the creation of a parachute that allows us to navigate the uncertainties of life with grace and resilience. Scars are not just reminders of wounds; they are testimonials to healing, survival and growth. Instead of concealing our scars, we can wear them proudly as a shield. Each scar tells a story of overcoming, of enduring and of emerging stronger.
In the tapestry of life there are moments of fracturing, shattering and chaos. Yet within the fragments lies the potential and promise of transformation. We wish you a warm and peaceful Holiday Season.
With Love,
Tim's Place
November/December 2023