Caregiving Heroes Newsletter
Connect. Share. Support.
Sharing Meeting - Plan for the Holidays
Saturday's sharing meeting will be a time to rehash the past month and look ahead for our loved ones during a typically busy December. Oh yes, it's a time for SELF CARE, too, with others on their own caregiving journeys.
The holiday season can be intense but those we are caring for may need tranquility rather than large family gatherings.
- They might not recognize the family members they seldom see, then feel embarrassed. Try to find a way to politely bridge that gap.
- They might not hear well, and the effort to understand conversation in a crowd can be exhausting. Try moving to a quiet corner or another room to truly communicate.
- Simple pleasures can be enough. A quiet holiday with immediate loved ones may be the kindest approach.
Caregivers helping caregivers, the best survival tool.
DATE: Saturday, December 2
TIME: 10:00AM
PLACE: Library of First United Methodist Church Coppell, 420 S. Heartz Road, Coppell, TX
******BREEZEWAY ENTRANCE ONLY: Use the parking lot on the EAST side of the main building and enter at the Breezeway (Stringfellow School entrance) which is between the playground and the Chapel entrance. (All other doors will be locked.)******
Upcoming meetings, 10:00am:
Saturday, Jan. 6 - TBD
Saturday, Feb. 3 - TBD
Loved One Have Trouble Putting on Socks?
This Sock Aid was suggested as one solution for maintaining independence.
Per a Caregiving Heroes Coppell Facebook discussion.
When is it Time to STOP Driving?
Signs that someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia should stop driving include:
- New dents or scrapes on the car or multiple near misses or crashes
- Taking a long time to do a simple errand and not being able to explain why
- Confusing the brake and gas pedals
- Multiple traffic tickets or warnings
- Comments from neighbors or friends about unsafe driving
- Other health issues that might affect driving, such as changes in vision, hearing, and movement
- Speeding or driving too slowly
- Making sudden lane changes or other poor decisions in traffic
- Recommendations from a doctor to modify driving habits or quit driving
Here are some ways to help stop people with Alzheimer’s from driving:
- Try talking about your concerns with the person. Find tips on talking with someone about no longer driving.
- Take them to get a driving test.
- Ask the person’s doctor to tell them to stop driving. The doctor can write “Do not drive” on a prescription pad and you can show this to the person.
- If necessary, hide the car keys, disable the car, move it out of sight, or consider selling it.
Police Training for Interacting with People with Dementia
This summer, the State of Texas enacted HB 568 requiring 40 hours of training for peace officers on how to de-escalate encounters with people who may have dementia or Alzheimer's. "The program must include instruction on interacting with persons with Alzheimer ’s disease and other dementias, including instruction on techniques for recognizing symptoms, communicating effectively, employing alternatives to physical restraints, and identifying signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation." per HB 568.
This Tuesday!! Dallas Dementia Symposium with Teepa Snow!!
Teepa’s life mission is to shed a positive light on dementia, to help people understand why this is happening and how to support those living with brain change in a more positive and respectful way. Teepa Snow's website.
Teepa is hilarious, direct and engaging. She will clarify the types of dementia and specifically how to care for/react to your loved one in a way that will respect them and at the same time accomplish your goals (like going in to eat, bathe, be nice, etc). Soooo much more will be covered, plus visitation with sponsors and other caregivers. Click here for schedule of events. Presented by The National Placement & Referral Alliance.
Stick with it, watch this whole 11 minute Teepa's Mission video and you'll see the humor and wisdom of Teepa Snow and why YOU SHOULD ATTEND the December 5 conference in Dallas.
December 5
7:30am - 4pm
Tolleson Family Activity Center
5817 Hillcrest Ave, Dallas, TX 75205
$20 (+$3.18 fee) for family caregivers
Caregiving Heroes
The mission of Caregiving Heroes of First United Methodist Church Coppell is to provide support and education to family and friends in our community who are assisting loved ones with aging or other concerns. We do this by providing valuable local resources, understanding and compassionate support.
Email: caregivingheroesgroup@gmail.com
Website: https://fumccoppell.org/connect/care-support/
Location: 420 South Heartz Road, Coppell, TX, USA
Phone: 214-728-5934
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caregivingheroescoppell/