TV news can be stressful for someone with dementia; Caregivers Corner
Dear Reader, When someone has a progressive dementia, anxiety can be caused by a number of circumstances; they are unable to negotiate new information and stimuli and can perceive an immediate threat where there is none. Television news can act as a trigger.
It sounds as though your mother's memory has regressed to the time when her children were young; because of the dementia, she is unable to differentiate between what is actually happening around her to what she is seeing on the television news. Her mind made the leap to a situation where her children were being hurt in that tragedy.
Try not to have the news on when your mother is around and be aware how dramatic shows and movies might affect her. If she still enjoys watching television, look for the "feel-good" shows, comedies and even cooking shows. If something does seem to agitate her, change the environment; turn off the television and redirect her to another activity.
Today's news can be depressing for many of us. For someone with dementia, it can be confusing, stressful and painful.
Dear Reader, To give you an idea of the programs and services offered in
Here are some of the programs you may want to discuss with the I&A staff member.
*Adult Evaluation and Review Service: A social worker or registered nurse will complete an in-home evaluation to determine if your mother's eligibility for needs-based programs and to develop a care management plan.
*Senior activity center where she can enjoy a meal, socialize with others her age and enjoy some entertainment.
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*Respite Care Referral Program: This referral program maintains a registry of home care workers who have been screened and educated by the
*National Family Caregiver Support Program: This program is a federally supported program to provide information, assistance, education and support to family caregivers.
*Assisted Living Facilities Program: If you and your mom decide that an assisted-living home is the way to go, staff from the Assisted Living Facilities Program can help you navigate the more than 100 facilities in
Dear Readers,
Pharmacists from the
On from
To register for either of these workshops, call 410-222-4375 or register online at www.aacounty.org/aging.
A limited number of spaces are available for the
The workshop will be held at the
All workshops are presented at no cost to the public by the National Family Caregiver Support Program of the
The 26th annual
Anyone needing special accommodations for these events must contact me at 410-222-4339 or [email protected] at least seven days in advance of the event. TTY users can call via Maryland Relay 7-1-1. All materials are available in an alternative format upon request.
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