Your video gave me so much insight and I found your tips helpful. My great-grandma has dementia and has been in a memory care facility for almost a year. I remember when she lived at home and declined so much, I felt numb and lost not knowing what to do and not wanting to leave her. She is basically blind and is extremely hard of hearing, so we're at peace, knowing she's in a place with people equipped to care for her needs.
Your videos are saving my mental health. My husband had a stroke just over 8 years ago. His dementia really was noticeable right after. The Drs said it’s dementia but it could be from the stroke. He had a bleed and survived with little physical damage. The symptoms currently being displayed are either 3rd stage or 5-6 stage dementia depending on what chart you use. As heart breaking as this is, he still recognizes me and we laugh several times per day. I thought I was broken, these videos prove to me that I am doing well and I can do this! ❤I don’t give up easily!
Commemt not related to the topic of this video, but I have to tell you that this channel pretty much is saving my wellbeing at this moment in my life. Just started working at a home (not specifically for people with dementia, but there are some) three weeks ago and not having any experience AT ALL. I have been awfully stressed and afraid, but now once I discovered your videos I'm a lot calmer. THANK YOU! ❤
Just read your message about how you started these videos. I so very much appreciate them, between caring for my son (Downs Syndrome), husband (not diagnosed specifically), helping my mom get moved into assisted living, and discovering her stash corners from the past 20 years while patiently giving my dad time to process changes but not expecting pay for the long days I’m doing (but I’m thankful he hasn’t yet fully reached the stage of being unable to live alone)... Both you and Teepa Snow are especially life savers, among all the sources I’ve found: thank-you!
My cue to begin having a caregiver for my LOWD while I am at work were signs of self- neglect. He was skipping meals, missing meds, not taking a shower, not brushing his teeth, and not walking 30 minutes daily on the treadmill.
Yes, you're right, my Mom had a lifeline necklace but would forget she had it and that was a sign that she wouldn't be able to call for help and shouldn't be left alone.
So sad I missed the live Q&A...I just found your videos the other day. Very helpful. I am the director of an Adult Day Service Center and I am excited to share these videos with our families who are caregivers to our participants. Thank you for what you do. God Bless you!
Thank you for your advice because I am a certified nursing assistant for 26 years and I am really happy to find you. My big hug for you. I will follow everything you tell us about a dementia patient in the health field caregiver. Nelly D. Medina
Great tips. I did buy one of those push button devices but mum would take it off and would not know when or how to press the button. Love the bloopers at the end.
re: emergencies. I think it's important to appreciate that they can become unable to recognize what a smoke detector or fire alarm sound means. :( I love that you suggest testing them with a telephone KEYPAD to see if they actually could DIAL 911. (Is that called Apraxia?)
This has been a great video - I've been really considering things with my own LOWD and about when we need to consider transitioning. Also - thank you for the cards! I have a couple on my person now at all times!
My daughter 66 won’t drink water because she doesn’t want to wake up in the night to go to the bathroom. Keeps complaining that she has water in her mouth. I tell her it’s ok we all have saliva to help our food when we eat. This has caused several UTI and she doesn’t know why. What can we do for her?
Make soups and flavored drinks kool aid sometimes works, even slushies in the food processor. Any liquids will help. It's not as good as plain water, but in healthcare we do what we can with what we got. I hope this help a lil if not may God change her mind so she gets the liquids she needs to stay healthy. Your doing a great job.
my mom always says "I'm not going to play "what if" with you!" we've asked your these questions and she says that to us. any suggestions of what to say when she says that? we've tried to explain why we need to have a plan in place but she doesn't want to hear it. she's in that ackward phase of dementia....most days she's here but then other days she can't get a sentence out
We're not supposed to leave my Dad alone, but we don't always have a choice. We've come up on the waiting list for respite care, but I'm trying to get my Mother to make the phone call and arrange a time, but she won't budge now. He can't answer a phone, and now he's almost completely deaf. That happened this morning, very suddenly.
I’m not sure if you’ll see this because I know this is 2 years old. So my mom is 79 years old and she lives alone in an apartment. My mom has a trach and feeding tube because she had throat cancer. Anyways she started going down hill when her boyfriend had to go to rehab and she started falling a lot and had short term memory loss. So one day when I went over her apartment she was very confused and didn’t know what to do and so I called the doctor and she said bring her back to the hospital. So I did and they kept her there until they could find a rehab. So now she’s been in the rehab for about 2 months and she’s doing much better. She’s still incontinent but is able to change herself. Anyways I don’t know if I should bring her home or if she should stay where she’s at. I’m just worried what if her memory gets bad again, and I can’t take my mom in so than what would happen. My mom said she wants to go home, so I don’t really think there’s anything I can do anyways is there? Sorry just really need some advice
My dad contracted bladder cancer and with chemo the tumor disappeared so he didn’t need to have radical surgery but they did do whole brain radiation to prevent I traveling to the brain which is deadly. He has no trace of cancer in his body. He has been given medication for dementia but he’s so depressed and forgot to pay the bills for a few months. He walked into our old house forgetting that we didn’t live there. I don’t know if he has dementia or if this is a side effect from radiation and immunotherapy. I am very concerned that he may end up killing himself. My mom is with him 24/7 but the quarantine isn’t making things easier. Is palliative care a good answer?
Few days ago, I went into kitchen opened frig found; container Clorox wipes, kitchen towels, metal tea kettle, empty glasses other items. Husband diagnosed last Sept with Vascular.
@@j.c.469 - I'm so sorry you will have to live through this. My wife had Alz, and aside from that kitchen fire, our greatest threat to safety was her desire to wander off. If this starts for you, please ask your local police if they have a registry for people who might wander off. Also, install dementia locks on your doors before he gets away from you. I found the Door Guardian (Amazon B07ZV38JCH) a Godsend because it let me sleep at night. I also had a "bug out" bag ready (sweatshirt, flashlight, water, etc) so I could tag along on short notice. Hang in there. You WILL survive this.
I had to rush to my mother's care when her husband was in need of hospice care. He passed away. 6 weeks after I arrived and he was her caregiver. All the food had expired and the pantry moths filled the house. maggots in the potato bin and garbage 😱 no one had a clue how they were living thru COVID-19 no one visited them for two years and phone calls they said they were good. Mom was smoking in the house and lit her cigarettes on the gas stove. Both or underweight. No one dust it or vacuum it. Mom's kidneys are at 25% function and a 95% clogged artery 3 stints a pace maker. Dad passed away June 24th and She didn't even know who I was. I had no choice but to put her in a memory care center. And Sell her house. It's breaking my heart. To Find them this way and leave them this way. I live 3000 Miles away and it took me 3 months to get her POA medical needs taken care of. 2 years since she had seen a doctor.
Sending you so much love. You will forever be a part of the Careblazer family. Thank you for being there for your loved one when they needed you most. 💖
So far my daddy is so attached to his phone that if he can’t find my number in his contact list( which my number is the first one to come up), then all he has to do is hit the big red button 5* emergency contact and they will contact me to tell me to check in w my daddy. Other safety measures I’ve taken: Turned the safety valve that brings propane into his stove, off. He can still do okay with microwave or electric skillet ( with my supervision). I order 14 refrigerated fully-cooked meals every 14 days( a few breakfasts but mainly dinners. His menu is the Heart Healthy, whole grains, fruit, ( oranges and mixed fruit cups, rather than cookies or cakes) Lots of varieties of meats , vegetables. I have also had installed a camera system inside and outside of dads trailer so I am able to check in on him to see if he’s staying safe. I want him to have as much independence as he can for as long as it is safe for him. The one thing I haven’t been able to find is a smoke alarm w strobe light ( dad is extremely hard of hearing and can’t hear a regular smoke alarm, even with a voice message. Any ideas where I could find one? Thanks Natalie
My friends son is coming to see him this week to do a video doctors appointment with him before he goes to assisted living. My friend has always said he didn’t want to live in assisted living, I’m not looking forward to when he finds out. Although everyday is a new day for him because he has forgotten yesterday.
My friend can’t take his medicine, has pee accidents, not showering, has burnt food, started a fire on the stove slept through smoke alarm.he answers all the doctors questions properly but can’t function daily forgets everything has no short term memory.
Sadly, this can happen. Especially, if your friend was only given a "Screening" test rather than a comprehensive neurpsych exam. Regardless, it seems like you have lots of signs that he may not be safe at home alone. I'm so sorry.
Mom acts very "normal" at the Dr.s office, regardless that she's more given to delusion than ever. This seems like manipulative behavior to us, her children (ages 63-79). What should the doctor be asking her?
It's amazing how they can be so "there" just when you need others to see what you see everyday. But, I suspect the doctor knows. ! I wish you all the best . Maybe, you could try and talk to the doctor without her and see what he thinks. I have to keep reminding myself that hubby can't help it.
My mom was at this point about 3 years ago. It is frustrating feeling to be waiting for them to decline enough to be seen by clinicians as 'obviously impaired'.
Your video gave me so much insight and I found your tips helpful. My great-grandma has dementia and has been in a memory care facility for almost a year. I remember when she lived at home and declined so much, I felt numb and lost not knowing what to do and not wanting to leave her. She is basically blind and is extremely hard of hearing, so we're at peace, knowing she's in a place with people equipped to care for her needs.
Your videos are saving my mental health. My husband had a stroke just over 8 years ago. His dementia really was noticeable right after. The Drs said it’s dementia but it could be from the stroke. He had a bleed and survived with little physical damage. The symptoms currently being displayed are either 3rd stage or 5-6 stage dementia depending on what chart you use. As heart breaking as this is, he still recognizes me and we laugh several times per day.
I thought I was broken, these videos prove to me that I am doing well and I can do this!
❤I don’t give up easily!
Commemt not related to the topic of this video, but I have to tell you that this channel pretty much is saving my wellbeing at this moment in my life. Just started working at a home (not specifically for people with dementia, but there are some) three weeks ago and not having any experience AT ALL. I have been awfully stressed and afraid, but now once I discovered your videos I'm a lot calmer. THANK YOU! ❤
I'm so happy you found the channel and that the videos are helping! Wishing you all the best as you continue to work from home.
I second above!!! Thank you! So glad I found you!
Absolutely agree. Linda has dementia. It is still tough, but, much better thanks to Careblazers
Just read your message about how you started these videos. I so very much appreciate them, between caring for my son (Downs Syndrome), husband (not diagnosed specifically), helping my mom get moved into assisted living, and discovering her stash corners from the past 20 years while patiently giving my dad time to process changes but not expecting pay for the long days I’m doing (but I’m thankful he hasn’t yet fully reached the stage of being unable to live alone)... Both you and Teepa Snow are especially life savers, among all the sources I’ve found: thank-you!
Yes teepa snow is good . I kinda like Natalies calmer Approach.
My cue to begin having a caregiver for my LOWD while I am at work were signs of self- neglect. He was skipping meals, missing meds, not taking a shower, not brushing his teeth, and not walking 30 minutes daily on the treadmill.
Yes, you're right, my Mom had a lifeline necklace but would forget she had it and that was a sign that she wouldn't be able to call for help and shouldn't be left alone.
So sad I missed the live Q&A...I just found your videos the other day. Very helpful. I am the director of an Adult Day Service Center and I am excited to share these videos with our families who are caregivers to our participants. Thank you for what you do. God Bless you!
Thankyou so much. Needed this now!
Thank you for your advice because I am a certified nursing assistant for 26 years and I am really happy to find you.
My big hug for you. I will follow everything you tell us about a dementia patient in the health field caregiver. Nelly D. Medina
Thank you for all of your valuable information.
Great tips. I did buy one of those push button devices but mum would take it off and would not know when or how to press the button. Love the bloopers at the end.
I find that happens a lot with people who have dementia and a medical alert device. :(
Plus they need to know or be alert to the flashing light that it needs to be recharged....
Thank you, very helpful! Shared with siblings and step dad
Dr Natalie thank you for your helpful video stay safe
re: emergencies. I think it's important to appreciate that they can become unable to recognize what a smoke detector or fire alarm sound means. :( I love that you suggest testing them with a telephone KEYPAD to see if they actually could DIAL 911. (Is that called Apraxia?)
This has been a great video - I've been really considering things with my own LOWD and about when we need to consider transitioning. Also - thank you for the cards! I have a couple on my person now at all times!
I'm glad you got the cards! Keep up all the good work you are doing. ❤
Thanks Captain Careblazer! You're the best!
Ha. Thanks!
Where can I buy automatic pill reminder?
Sharing this with our clients-thank you!
My daughter 66 won’t drink water because she doesn’t want to wake up in the night to go to the bathroom. Keeps complaining that she has water in her mouth. I tell her it’s ok we all have saliva to help our food when we eat. This has caused several UTI and she doesn’t know why. What can we do for her?
Make soups and flavored drinks kool aid sometimes works, even slushies in the food processor. Any liquids will help. It's not as good as plain water, but in healthcare we do what we can with what we got. I hope this help a lil if not may God change her mind so she gets the liquids she needs to stay healthy. Your doing a great job.
My mom had one and didn't wear it. I don't think most do..
my mom always says "I'm not going to play "what if" with you!" we've asked your these questions and she says that to us. any suggestions of what to say when she says that? we've tried to explain why we need to have a plan in place but she doesn't want to hear it. she's in that ackward phase of dementia....most days she's here but then other days she can't get a sentence out
We're not supposed to leave my Dad alone, but we don't always have a choice. We've come up on the waiting list for respite care, but I'm trying to get my Mother to make the phone call and arrange a time, but she won't budge now. He can't answer a phone, and now he's almost completely deaf. That happened this morning, very suddenly.
Might also do a test on the smoke detector without your LOWD knowing your doing it to see if they know what to do.
I’m not sure if you’ll see this because I know this is 2 years old. So my mom is 79 years old and she lives alone in an apartment. My mom has a trach and feeding tube because she had throat cancer. Anyways she started going down hill when her boyfriend had to go to rehab and she started falling a lot and had short term memory loss. So one day when I went over her apartment she was very confused and didn’t know what to do and so I called the doctor and she said bring her back to the hospital. So I did and they kept her there until they could find a rehab. So now she’s been in the rehab for about 2 months and she’s doing much better. She’s still incontinent but is able to change herself. Anyways I don’t know if I should bring her home or if she should stay where she’s at. I’m just worried what if her memory gets bad again, and I can’t take my mom in so than what would happen. My mom said she wants to go home, so I don’t really think there’s anything I can do anyways is there? Sorry just really need some advice
My dad contracted bladder cancer and with chemo the tumor disappeared so he didn’t need to have radical surgery but they did do whole brain radiation to prevent I traveling to the brain which is deadly. He has no trace of cancer in his body. He has been given medication for dementia but he’s so depressed and forgot to pay the bills for a few months. He walked into our old house forgetting that we didn’t live there. I don’t know if he has dementia or if this is a side effect from radiation and immunotherapy. I am very concerned that he may end up killing himself. My mom is with him 24/7 but the quarantine isn’t making things easier. Is palliative care a good answer?
I'm sorry to hear about your dad. Palliative care can be a WONDERFUL help!
Eererrrr
What is your website
www.careblazers.com
My friend just forgets what in the fridge:(
It's so sad to see people we love no longer be able to remember even the most simple things. Sending love.
I knew we were at this point when my wife put a bag of potato chips on the electric stove, turned on the burner, and left the room.
Few days ago, I went into kitchen opened frig found; container Clorox wipes, kitchen towels, metal tea kettle, empty glasses other items. Husband diagnosed last Sept with Vascular.
@@j.c.469 - I'm so sorry you will have to live through this. My wife had Alz, and aside from that kitchen fire, our greatest threat to safety was her desire to wander off. If this starts for you, please ask your local police if they have a registry for people who might wander off. Also, install dementia locks on your doors before he gets away from you. I found the Door Guardian (Amazon B07ZV38JCH) a Godsend because it let me sleep at night. I also had a "bug out" bag ready (sweatshirt, flashlight, water, etc) so I could tag along on short notice. Hang in there. You WILL survive this.
I had to rush to my mother's care when her husband was in need of hospice care. He passed away. 6 weeks after I arrived and he was her caregiver. All the food had expired and the pantry moths filled the house. maggots in the potato bin and garbage 😱 no one had a clue how they were living thru COVID-19 no one visited them for two years and phone calls they said they were good. Mom was smoking in the house and lit her cigarettes on the gas stove. Both or underweight. No one dust it or vacuum it. Mom's kidneys are at 25% function and a 95% clogged artery 3 stints a pace maker. Dad passed away June 24th and She didn't even know who I was. I had no choice but to put her in a memory care center. And Sell her house. It's breaking my heart. To Find them this way and leave them this way. I live 3000 Miles away and it took me 3 months to get her POA medical needs taken care of. 2 years since she had seen a doctor.
Sending you so much love. You will forever be a part of the Careblazer family. Thank you for being there for your loved one when they needed you most. 💖
So far my daddy is so attached to his phone that if he can’t find my number in his contact list( which my number is the first one to come up), then all he has to do is hit the big red button 5* emergency contact and they will contact me to tell me to check in w my daddy.
Other safety measures I’ve taken:
Turned the safety valve that brings propane into his stove, off.
He can still do okay with microwave or electric skillet ( with my supervision).
I order 14 refrigerated fully-cooked meals every 14 days( a few breakfasts but mainly dinners.
His menu is the Heart Healthy, whole grains, fruit, ( oranges and mixed fruit cups, rather than cookies or cakes)
Lots of varieties of meats , vegetables.
I have also had installed a camera system inside and outside of dads trailer so I am able to check in on him to see if he’s staying safe.
I want him to have as much independence as he can for as long as it is safe for him.
The one thing I haven’t been able to find is a smoke alarm w strobe light ( dad is extremely hard of hearing and can’t hear a regular smoke alarm, even with a voice message.
Any ideas where I could find one?
Thanks Natalie
My friends son is coming to see him this week to do a video doctors appointment with him before he goes to assisted living. My friend has always said he didn’t want to live in assisted living, I’m not looking forward to when he finds out. Although everyday is a new day for him because he has forgotten yesterday.
My friend can’t take his medicine, has pee accidents, not showering, has burnt food, started a fire on the stove slept through smoke alarm.he answers all the doctors questions properly but can’t function daily forgets everything has no short term memory.
Sadly, this can happen. Especially, if your friend was only given a "Screening" test rather than a comprehensive neurpsych exam. Regardless, it seems like you have lots of signs that he may not be safe at home alone. I'm so sorry.
Mom acts very "normal" at the Dr.s office, regardless that she's more given to delusion than ever. This seems like manipulative behavior to us, her children (ages 63-79).
What should the doctor be asking her?
It's amazing how they can be so "there" just when you need others to see what you see everyday. But, I suspect the doctor knows. ! I wish you all the best . Maybe, you could try and talk to the doctor without her and see what he thinks. I have to keep reminding myself that hubby can't help it.
My mom was at this point about 3 years ago. It is frustrating feeling to be waiting for them to decline enough to be seen by clinicians as 'obviously impaired'.
We filmed my father in-law when he was at his worst, to prove to other family how bad he could be. After seeing that, they were totally convinced.