Alzheimer’s: Communication Tips for Caregiver

Alzheimer’s: Communication Tips for Caregivers

 

 

Have you ever felt this frustration when your loved one forgets meeting a person or even knowing them at all? How often have you said, “You know him, Dad, you met him last week at dinner”, or “you remember, we went there yesterday?”

These phrases have no relevance to those with Alzheimer’s. These people have issues with thinking and remembering how to manage their life. Their symptoms range from short-term memory loss to personality changes like depression and mood swings.

These effects can be overwhelming—your world has been turned upside down, and you find it difficult to communicate with them.

 

Keep calm and follow these tips:

#1 Clear All Distractions

Whenever you want to talk to them, noisy interruptions can distract both of you. Always chose a quiet and peaceful environment for your conversations.

#2 Listen

This is needed for individuals with memory impairment. Learn to listen to them. Resist the temptation to butt in with a comment. Give them the time and space to express themselves.

#3 Use Memory Cues

Photos and letters can help you jog memories. How about sitting together while checking out old pictures? This is soothing and therapeutic.

#4 Don’t Correct or Contradict

Refrain from quizzing them, even when you don’t agree with what they are saying. Try to stop yourself from correcting them.

#5 Respond With Affection

People with dementia often feel anxious, confused, and unsure of themselves. Sometimes holding hands and responding with expressions of support and reassurance will put them at ease.

Through all these difficult moments, always remember that:

Those with dementia are still people, they still have stories, they still have character, and they are all unique, and they need to be treated as humans.

 

 

GinMan Consulting is here to help you

develop yourself and all that you deserve.

 

Visit us at www.ginmanconsulting.com

 

Depression is Not a Sign of Weakness

 Do you often hear voices in your head, whispering things to you, or you feel irritable, suicidal, anxious and you have a hopeless outlook of your life? These are symptoms of depression.

It is not news that depression whispers bad things into your mind about your capabilities. You hear things like “You can’t even do anything right, your life is a mess, why don’t you have a family at this age, your mates are making progress, you are too fat, or you are ugly,” and every other statement that makes you feel particularly bad about yourself.

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-wearing-red-hoodie-sitting-in-front-of-body-of-water-636164/

 

If you are wondering why you keep feeling this way, no one knows what causes depression. It can occur due to a variety of reasons. It could be as a result of:

#1 Abuse

#2 Medications

#3 Death or loss of loved one

#4 Genetics

#5 Major life events

#6 Substance abuse

#7 Serious illnesses

 

Due to different symptoms of depression, it is a common assumption that depressed people are weak and not strong enough. What is worse is even people with depression blame themselves and feel their lack of strength is the reason they are depressed.

However, those who face depression are doing so with great strength, even when it doesn’t feel like it. Regardless of these factors, in life, everything negative, pressure and challenges is an opportunity for you to rise.

Stay positive and face life with hope and motivation.

 

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-red-crew-neck-sweatshirt-photography-941693/

 

Adapting to new beginnings can sometimes feel a little rough, but in many ways, the beauty in enjoying your new beginning is the sense of adventure that comes from it.

 

 

GinMan Consulting is here to help you

develop yourself and all that you deserve.

Visit us at www.ginmanconsulting.com

Rising From the Depths: How to Navigate Through Depression

 

Rising From the Depths: How to Navigate Through Depression

 Depression is difficult to manage, especially because you feel ashamed and struggle to find calm within yourself. You see everyone happy, and you feel sad or guilty that you are not able to see yourself the way other people see you.

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-looking-holding-while-holding-head-with-left-hand-883441/

 

However, you are not alone. Many people struggle with depression. Depression is a common mental illness. According to the stats, more than 264 million people of all ages suffer from depression.

So how do you navigate through its symptoms and still live your best life:

#1 A good therapist goes hand in hand with medications

#2 Let go of major life expectations and do only the things you can do

#3 Don’t be too hard on yourself

#4 Give yourself credit every time you make progress, even when it looks small

#5 Always find joy in simple things

Irrespective of what life throws at you, you need to know that there is only one you on this planet, and you can be your own home and feel worthy of being happy with who you are.

 

 

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photography-of-woman-surrounded-by-sunflowers-1263986/

 

You have to allow self-kindness, tenderness, and the belief that you are worthy. It will take some time, but once you get there, there is no looking back. Always know that you are noble and great, courageous, determined, faithful and fearless.

That is who you are and who you have always been. And understanding these can change your life because this knowledge carries a confidence that cannot be duplicated any other way.

When life comes with its challenges, remember the words of Theodore Roosevelt:

“Courage is not having the strength to go on;

 it is going on even when you don’t have the strength.”

 

 GinMan Consulting is here to help you

develop yourself and all that you deserve.

Visit us at www.ginmanconsulting.com

After the Storm…

 

After the Storm…

 

 It should only take one time before you know better. In the mist of the recent plethora of storms, it is safe to say “No one is a stranger to traumatic events!” Experiencing a devastating storm is a terrible life altering feeling. Once should be enough to know that preparation to an unexpected trauma is key to bouncing back. Now is the time to think ahead.

 

You need to have PROACTIVE PROTECTION  against any tragedy

 

 

#1 Guard Your Emotions

Be intelligent about your emotions. Don’t wait until a tragedy happens to be aware of your emotions and physical responses and reactions. KNOW your level of emotional vulnerability and have COPING STRATEGIES ahead of time.

 

#2 Guard Your Property

On social media the #1 topic after a tragic situation is how do I regain what was lost. Most people depend on crisis response from the government, but that is not reliable. INSURE your property with a property insurance plan.

 

#3 Guard Your Family

Have an emergency plan in place NOW. Know and practice responses and safe places for the family to find shelter. Also, have a plan for emergency cash, food and support systems. And don’t forget life and medical insurance policies.

GinMan Consulting is here to help you

develop yourself and all that you deserve.

Visit us at www.ginmanconsulting.com

 

You might not need assistance now but you must plan for later, keep GMC on hand and in a safe place! Traumas are sometimes too difficult to handle alone.

 

SAVE THIS SITE www.ginmanconsulting.com

 

Your Attention is the Lifeline of Suicide Prevention

 

Your Attention is the Lifeline of Suicide Prevention

 

If you never had to experience the harsh reality of someone taking their own life, this week is the perfect opportunity to educate yourself. Even if you have not had a suicide experience, knowledge is essential. Suicide is very prominent in today’s society. Know the signs and some tips to get assistance is KEY to fighting such a tragic loss of life.

 

Since the tragic suicide of my own mother in 1994, I have come to the realization that knowing the warning sign is not enough. You have to know how to actively and successfully rescue a person who is so depressed and feeling hopeless that death is the only possible answer.

 

In observance of suicide prevention week (last week), here are some simple tips to help you or anyone you may suspect as suicidal get the guidance and strength to overcome the thoughts and temptations of suicide.

 

 

 

#1 Talk is NOT cheap when it comes to talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself. When this experience happens, cling to the person to make them feel loved and important to you, family and life. If it’s said don’t ignore, thinking it will go away. It is REAL THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS!

 

Call the suicide lifeline at 1 800 273 TALK (8255)

 

#2 There is no predictable pattern when someone wants to end their life. Warning signs are clues to act, but no warning signs is the same for everyone or on certain days. Suicidal actions can be quick or progressive over time. You never know. Action is KEY.

 

Visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org

 

#3 Don’t panic and make the person feel awkward or strange for having feelings about death. The person probably already feels hopeless and worthless for wanting death. REMAIN CALM AND SEEK PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE.

 

 

Don’t ignore the need for therapy or counseling to work through whatever issue you may think is bigger than you. Your life is more important than any issue.

 

Visit ginmanconsulting.com to schedule an appointment NOW.

 

GinMan Consulting is here to help you

develop yourself and all that you deserve.

Visit us at www.ginmanconsulting.com

How Bullying Affects Mental Health

 

How Bullying Affects Mental Health

 

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/alone-man-person-sadness-236151/

 

Mental health is a topical subject. Even though many people are ignorant about it, conversations about it are coming up both online and offline. One question that keeps coming is;

“Can bullying affect mental health?” Of course, it can!

Imagine being a victim every day. Whether it is for seven months or seven years or anything in between, frequent abuse is not something anyone can forget or get over quickly.

For most people, it stays with them for a long time, causing a ripple effect of low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and lack of self-confidence.

You cannot underestimate the effects of bullying on emotional and mental well-being. These effects stay for a very long time. If you are being bullied, please speak out. If you are bullying someone, you need to stop now.

 

Proactive Actions Against Bullying

Take note of the following tips. They’ll help you against bullying:

#1 Phrases like ‘toughen up’ does not work anymore. It is insensitive.

#2 Honest and open conversations about bullying should be routine.

#3 Write powerful affirmations and quotes for yourself and put them in conspicuous places and use them to encourage yourself every day.

#4 Establish a strong support system with your loved ones.

#5 Bullying is not okay! It is not a normal thing.

#6 Always know you are not alone.

#7 Don’t be a bystander if you see someone being bullied, step in, and speak up assertively so you can overcome bullying.

#8 Seek help.

 

 

Source: https://depositphotos.com/stock-photos/anti-bullying.html?qview=194121458

 

If you are still suffering from the effects of bullying, please slow down. Don’t allow others to hurry your healing. It is a process. It may take years, occasionally even a lifetime and that’s okay.

 

 

 

GinMan Consulting is here to help you

develop yourself and all that you deserve.

 

Visit us at www.ginmanconsulting.com