Purchasing a clock

Here’s an interesting blog post from my caregiver friend Eric, whose father-in-law has dementia, about reading time versus telling time:

pragmaticcaregiver.blogspot.com/2007/05/does-anybody-really-know-what-time-it.html

Eric offers a few guidelines about clocks for those with cognitive impairments:

1-  When selecting an analog clock, look for a clear, high contrast face.

2- Simple block numbers with distinct minute and hour hands.

3- No Roman numerals and no stylized designs that omit numbers.

4- For digital clocks, be wary of displays that present too much.

Robin

 

Tips for Caregivers – Dr. Andrew Weil

Recently I came across Dr. Andrew Weil’s tips for caregivers in the health section of the online USA WEEKEND Magazine. (I read about it on an LBD-related discussion group.)

He insists that caregivers need to “maintain [their] own body and spirit while seeing [a] loved one through illness.”

Editor’s Note: Article no longer available

http://www.usaweekend.com/07_issues/070506/070506caregivers.html

Taking care of the caregiver
It’s not all about the sick person, says the famous holistic doctor. To polish your bedside manners, follow these 8 tips.
By Andrew Weil, M.D.
USA WEEKEND Magazine
May 6, 2007

Though Dr. Weil says he has eight tips for caregivers, I count nine! They are:

1- Put yourself high on the priority list.

2- Realize that you may experience resentment.

3- De-stress yourself.

4- Don’t forsake sound nutrition habits.

5- Exercise matters, too.

6- Be careful about alcohol.

7- Plan something to look forward to.

8- Find someone who has successfully done what you’re doing.

9- Be prepared to say goodbye.

As part of his suggestions, he recommends one book in particular:

“There are great books to help people deal with their feelings. A favorite of mine is ‘A Year to Live’ by Stephen Levine.”

This short article is worth reading.

Robin

Clock for meal times and bed time

My caregiver friend Eric, whose father-in-law has dementia, has developed a 24-hour “meal clock.”  His father-in-law kept getting confused as to what time it was and whether it was time to eat or sleep.  Check out Eric’s ingenious approach here:

pragmaticcaregiver.blogspot.com/2007/05/id-like-to-buy-clue-part-1.html

A standard (cheap) wall clock can be modified to show standard meal times and bed time for the person you are caring.

Let me know if you give it a try and if it works for you!

Robin