Self-Discipline of a Caregiver

How many ways does a caregiver need to be self-disciplined?

• Live in the moment

• Listen
• Learn to say one concept at a time
• Select wise nutrition from what they will eat
• Put things back where they belong according to the Alzheimer's patient
• Be with them so they are not lonely
• Take care of own health
• Manage time well
• Carefully establish routines for loved one
• Make the house ready for later stages of Alzheimer's
• Keep up with their medicine
• Go to a support group (or have a blog)
• Arrange socialization with others
• Manage money and look to the future
• Pick out clothes to wear
• Arrange for shower or bath
• Arrange all doctor appointments
• Check for urinary tract infections
• Safety
• Simply explain the world to them
• Rejoice always

What is the job of the loved one with dementia?

• Trusting us and asking questions
• Cooperating with giving up privileges such as driving
• Accepting supervision
• Learning to have fun at whatever level possible
• Praying and worshipping
• Enjoying music
• Contributing to household tasks

Later stages can include changing adult diapers and arranging for hospice. Yes, it does sound like parenting. Roles are reversed and there may be some resentment about things changing.

In this Christmas season, I think of how God gave up His Son, Jesus Christ, so that by His grace I have access through faith to the greatest caregiver ever.