Power of Touch and Other Ideas..........For Caregivers of Their Loved Ones

 PLEASE Do Reach Out and Touch Them ...Acknowledge Them ..They Know..IMHO

                AND They So Desrve Respct and Dignity Shown to Them

All individuals, regardless of age or abilities, have the need for touch and love and the desire for companionship. Touch is a human need and personalizes caregiving. People respond to touch depending upon their upbringing and self-image. A touch can convey compassion, not just sexual interest. It can convey reassurance (as a gentle stroking of the forearm), safety (as an arm around the shoulder) or relaxation (as a shoulder massage) among other feelings.

Take out old family photos and go thru them with them telling them who they are OR seeing if they still can remember some of the ppl in the pics.......

Doing big puzzles with them also keeps their minds active and that is truly need IMHO,if you are left with nothing to think abiut you will get stagnant and go further into sellf making self more prone to quick downfall in the dang disease

If they like to play cards make huge ones out of bristol board and they can still try and play ( it doesnt matter if they get it right ..IT matters that they are being shown and given attention) the GK's and GGK's can play with them ..Take for walks out to see th flowers and let them touch them.............. smell them ......they need this

Caregivers have the ability to show the loved ones by just touching them hugging them and sitting to listen to them talk about whatever even if it doesnt make sense to you ....I do not believe in outright lying but I do believe in going to where they are in their world ..obviously I am talking about those not in the last stages but I truly believe we can slow down the progression of this DD by showing and giving more of ourselves to them

However you cope with the changes in your loving relationship, you may be able to find additional emotional support and relationships in friends and family, children, pets, and coworkers/volunteers.

The Power of Touch

All individuals, regardless of age or abilities, have the need for touch and love and the desire for companionship. Touch is a human need and personalizes caregiving. People respond to touch depending upon their upbringing and self-image. A touch can convey compassion, not just sexual interest. It can convey reassurance (as a gentle stroking of the forearm), safety (as in an arm around the shoulder)

Encourage family members and guests to face their elder when talking to him/her. This is an essential skill for hearing-impaired or demented elderly. Gently massage some lightly scented lotion on your loved one’s hands and feet. Yeah, old people’s feet get gnarly, because/so they don’t get touched often. Have a podiatrist take care of nail clipping and necessary medical procedures. 

 Whenever you sit or stand with your loved one, retain physical contact by holding his/her hand or arm. This also can help to orient a demented or sight-impaired person.  Avoid signs and actions that show your discomfort or repulsion to your loved one’s ailment(s). People are very conscious of the way that other people perceive them and take on negative frames of mind.  

Just my thoughts ppl .......I know I did this with Mom and Dad both

Cherish them please for once they are gone.........Make Memories..I Miss Them So

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