Alzheimer’s whispers – 5 keys
Alzheimer’s Whisper has the unique ability to communicate with, care for, and comfort a person with Alzheimer’s while maintaining their own well-being.
First there was Horse Whisper, then Dog Whisper and Ghost Whisper. I wonder when we’ll see The Cat Whisperer? While I was waiting, I met a unique person in the world of dementia – the Alzheimer’s Whisperer. S/he provides guilt-free quality care without losing himself.
Alzheimer’s Whispers demonstrates five keys to care:
1. Know how
She learns as much as she can about Alzheimer’s from organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, Caring.com’s Steps & Stages, and the National Caregiver Association. She draws wisdom from others through support groups, educational offerings and online chats. If she is employed and can’t make time for the above, she reads books and information materials to know what to expect.
2. Compassion
With knowledge, he is better able to accept the reality of his loved one’s condition. He shows greater compassion while dealing with disruptive behavior and anticipating needs.
5 KEYS to becoming an Alzheimer’s Whisperer
1. KNOW HOW
2. COMPASSION
3. ENGAGED
4. EMPATHY
5. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
Alzheimer’s Whispers recognizes that caregiving is a temporary but life-changing journey undertaken by very special people.
3. Dedicated
She is committed to providing quality care, despite her occasional tears and joys. She takes advantage of the continuum of care — senior day care, home care, respite care, assisted living or skilled nursing — and trusts others to help make her job easier. In the tradition of the great animal whisperers, she weighs the value of a pet to bring joy to her loved one.
4. Empathy
Every day, and sometimes every hour, he visualizes how he would like to be cared for if the roles were reversed. This allows him to fully enter the world of the loved one without losing himself.
5. Unconditional love
By developing the first four keys, she experiences an open heart that elevates the purpose and meaning of her own life in ways she could never have predicted. Despite the challenges, she feels strength.
What better gift can a caregiver share with a person with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia than practicing the five keys of the Alzheimer’s Whisperer?
#Alzheimers #whispers #keys
