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East Kootenay residents learn about caregiving changes
Moving into a care home in the East Kootenay can be a challenging adjustment for someone living with dementia. The adjustment can take weeks or even months and often entails a lot of anxiety.
The same is true for the person caring for them. While caregivers may experience variety of emotions, establishing a new routine may prove just as difficult.
To help things go smoothly during the first few weeks after the move, the Alzheimer Society of B.C. has a few tips for East Kootenay caregivers:
- Reassure the person who just moved to the care home by telling them how much their friends and family care.
- Familiarize yourself with the care home and get to know the staff, management, residents and other caregivers.
- Consider joining the person for a few meals in the dining room with other residents, so that they can get used to the new surroundings and meet other residents.
- Help with tasks such as mealtimes and personal grooming. Before taking on a particular role, discuss it with the care team.
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. offers a free webinar providing practical tips for adjusting to the transition as a caregiver. It takes place on Wednesday, February 22 at 3 p.m. MT.
It will also explore more tips for enhancing care home visits, working with a care team and acting as an advocate for quality dementia care. Register for the webinar at alzbc.org/long-term-care-move
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is committed to ensuring that people affected by dementia have the confidence and skills to live the best life possible. First Link dementia support is the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s suite of programs and services designed to help them. First Link is available throughout the progression of the disease, from diagnosis (or before) to end-of-life care.
Connect to First Link by asking your health-care provider for a referral or by calling the First Link Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033. The Helpline is available Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Information and support is also available in Punjabi (1-833-674-5003) and in Cantonese or Mandarin (1-833-674-5007), available Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. photo
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