A Caregivers Asks: Does Anesthesia Make Dementia Worse?

15 Jun 2019 Leave a comment

by Bobbi Carducci in Alzheimer's, care giving, Caregiving, Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia, sandwich generation Tags: , , , ,

It can. It doesn’t always. This ambiguous response is true of many questions regarding what happens when someone has Alzheimer’s disease or one of the many other forms of dementia. What is true for one person is not true for many others.

Some factors that can have an effect on whether or not someone experiences cognitive decline after general anesthetic are:

Age – The older we are, the more vulnerable we are to side effects of anesthesia. Our brain, like the rest of us does not respond in the same way it once did.

Medical Conditions and Medications – The more health issues one has and the more medication one requires the greater the chances of cognitive decline with the added stress of surgery.

Loss of Blood – Blood loss during surgery can reduce oxygen flow to the brain resulting in cognitive impairment.

Type of Anesthesia Needed and What Procedure has to be Done – Depending on the circumstances, the surgeon may need to use heavy sedation over a relatively long period of time increasing the chance of a negative reaction.  For less extensive procedures, he or she may opt for a spinal block and twilight sleep. Doing this could lessen the risk of cognitive decline.

Pre-existing Dementia – Dementia is a devastating brain disease and any procedure that causes increased stress on it could result in changes in function.

###

It is important to note that often the cognitive changes seen immediately after surgery and anesthesia are temporary. For some patients there can be a partial return to pre-surgery state with more minor losses remaining.

It is also important to speak openly about your concerns and to work with the physician to formulate the best plan for the needs of the person requiring surgery. Despite the risks, the procedure may have to go forward in order to save the person’s life. And remember, the surgeon and medical staff want the best possible outcome as much as you do, and will do their best for their patient.

For more information on anesthesia and dementia click on the following links: http://health.sunnybrook.ca/brain/surgery-and-dementia, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/can-general-anesthesia-trigger-dementia/; https://www.dementia.org.au/files/helpsheets/Helpsheet-DementiaQandA20-Anaethesia_english.pdf

Bobbi Carducci The Imperfect Caregiver

A Caregiver Asks – How Do I keep Dad From Driving?

01 May 2019 Leave a comment

by Bobbi Carducci in Alzheimer's, care giving, caregiver, Caregiving, Dementia, family issues, Lewy Body Dementia, sandwich generation, understanding dementia Tags: , , ,

We all know that eventually the day will come when it will no longer be safe to drive however, the word eventually means we don’t have to face it for a long time.  Unfortunately for some, it comes sooner than we think and under circumstances we didn’t consider when first taking the wheel and heading off down the road.

When someone has dementia or has had a stroke or traumatic brain injury, that day can arrive sooner than cognitive impairment can process the change or how much danger they can be to themselves and others. This often leads to denial, anger, and a lot of lashing out at the person standing in their way.

When that day comes for your loved one:

Try to include him in the decision process. Have someone he trusts with sit with him and go over the dangers in continuing to drive. Deciding on his own is better for him than having his licensed revoked due to an accident. Even if he was not at fault he could be sued resulting in not only losing his license but serious financial loss as well.

It’s important to understand that this is an issue that must be addressed. Check with your local and state police for information on the law in your area. In many places, if you are aware the person in your care has cognitive impairment and you know they are driving, it could put you and your assets at risk.

Here are some suggestions on what to do when faced with this issue:

  1. Let him know you are on his side. You are not taking this from him. “Dad. I know this is important to you and always were a good driver. Let’s see what we can do about this.” Then call his doctor.
  2. Have the doctor speak with Dad. Some people are conditioned to follow a doctor’s advice.
  3. Once confirmed by the doctor that he should not be driving and he still insists on getting behind the wheel, arrange for him to “lose” his license. (Hide it.)
  4. Again. Let him know you are on his side. “I’ll call the DMV and make an appointment so you can get a new one.” Inform the person you speak with that he has dementia. Arrange for him to have a driving test. If he resists remind him that this is a chance to show them he can drive. When he fails the test, let the DMV revoke his license. Be supportive when he gets upset. “I know this is hard and you are angry. I would be angry too.” Acknowledge his feelings and his right to express them.
  5. If he still insists on driving, keep all keys where he can’t get them. If possible move the car somewhere he can’t see it.

A driver’s license represents independence and freedom. We drive out of necessity and we drive for fun. No longer being able to get in the car and go can require a mourning period. Validate his feelings of loss.  If his anger spirals out of control go into another room and lock the door until he calms down. If necessary, call law enforcement to assist you.

Note: The regular contact form will not post. To reach me send an email to:  bcarducci@Comcast.net

www.bobbicarducci.com 

 

Show Don’t Tell – A Writer’s Advice For Caregivers

10 Jul 2017 Leave a comment

by Bobbi Carducci in care giving Tags: , ,

For writers, show don’t tell is the difference between: “John was being aggressive. Jane was frightened.”

And: “Stop! It’s me, Jane. I’m your daughter.” Jane ducked as the antique lamp whizzed through the air, missing her head by less than inch.

In the first example family members are left to fill in the details of what is going on. In the second one we see that John is out of control and Jane is in real danger. We feel for her and we want to help her in some way.

Showing your distant family members what you are dealing with on a daily basis may elicit a very different response than your telling them about the vile language your mother spews at you when you try to get her to eat. Or how she refuses to bathe or change clothes and hits when you try to calm her. They insist that the sweet woman they know would never act like that. You must be making it up.

You could provide example after example of the chaos dementia causes. How exhausting it is to be sleep deprived for months. How mean someone who raised you can be. How desperate you  are for a bit of understanding, a moment of peace and still they don’t get it.

So often I hear caregivers say, “Only someone who has done this can really understand what it is like.”

It’s true. What dementia does to a person cannot be expressed in mere words. So what can you do?

Show them.

Use the video camera on your cell phone as a way to communicate with your family. Brief clips of every day behavior can be emailed in moments. Show the anger and aggression, the refusal to eat and bathe. Let your family see what happens when their loved one is hallucinating and how dangerous things can get. Show your family how hopeless you become. How much you need help and understanding.

Nothing I suggest works for everyone  but at least your family will have seen for themselves what it’s really like to be a caregiver. It can’t hurt. Might help.

 

 

 

4 Reasons People with Dementia Hate to Shower & How to Fix It

08 Jan 2017 1 Comment

by Bobbi Carducci in care giving, Dementia, home health care Tags: , , , , , ,

shower-head

1. You asked: When asked a yes or no question a person with dementia may not understand the question and automatically answer with a resounding NO to avoid agreeing to anything they may not want.

Why? Because it’s one of the first words we learn when beginning to speak. It’s short and powerful and it works if we repeat it often enough. Instead of asking, get everything ready and then gently say, “Your shower is ready,” and lead him or her into the room.

2. Room Temperature: When preparing the room make sure it is very warm. It may feel like a sauna to you but to someone who is frail it could still feel chilly. Make sure the water is warm also but make sure it isn’t hot. Test it as you would before bathing an infant. Have plenty of soft, warm towels at hand. Warming them in the dryer just before shower time is a good idea.

3. Modesty: Most of us have some body issues and are reluctant to have others see us naked and this could be especially true of an elderly parent being bathed by one of their children.  It’s perfectly okay to wrap a towel around their chest and one over their lap and bathe them through the towel. They maintain their dignity, stay warm, and get clean all at the same time.

4. It’s Scary: Imagine sitting naked on an uncomfortable seat in a little room with sounds echoing around you. You’re not sure why you are, how you got there, or what’s going to happen. Then all of a sudden something starts falling out of the sky and hitting you on your head, chest or back.

Dementia affects vision as well as memory and other functions. The person in your care cannot see the water falling from the shower head. It’s confusing and frightening and they want nothing to do with it. (Note:  The next time you shower pay attention to the water flowing from the shower head. How well can you see it?)

To help alleviate the fear and confusion use a hand- held shower head and start at their feet, moving very slowly up the legs, talking softly as you go along, have their favorite music playing if you can. Let them wash themselves as much as possible.

When bathing is complete wrap them in warm towels even before leaving the shower and remain in the warm room until they are complete dry and clothed.

Will this work all the time for everyone? Probably not. There will come a time when showers and baths are no longer possible and bed baths are the best you can do. Until then,  try some of these suggestions they may make things just a little bit easier for both of you.

Thanksgiving with Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing)

21 Nov 2016 2 Comments

by Bobbi Carducci in care giving, family issues Tags: , , , , , ,

Thanksgiving is the holiday most focused on gathering around the table with family and friends to share a sumptuous feast. My father-in-law, Rodger, was never one to miss a meal. He ate breakfast, lunch, and supper at precisely the same time every day. He grew up on a farm in Italy. Like most Italians he had a very healthy appetite.

When advancing Parkinson’s disease and dementia triggered severe swallowing problems I knew I had to be creative. Everything he ate had to be pureed and any liquids had to be thickened to the consistency of honey. I bought a food processor and experimented with ways prepare tasty versions of the things he loved to eat. I showed him that the mushy stuff he insisted wasn’t food was the same thing he used to eat. I had him watch me mash the potatoes, prepare the vegetables, and put them in the food processor.

“This is real food,” he finally admitted. “But it’s not as good. I need the real, real food.”

I wanted to serve him roast chicken, a baked potato and fresh green beans with a slice of apple pie with ice cream for dessert. He should have been able to eat anything he wanted. But the danger was too great.

I made a lot of thick soups and stews full of vegetables and beans. Flavor and nutrition were my main focus and when the peas turned the pureed chicken stew green I told him it was one of my Irish specialties. He ate it all.

When Thanksgiving came and the house filled with wonderful of aroma of roasting turkey and baking pies I made sure he was able to enjoy as many of his favorite dishes as possible.

Here is my recipe for A Dysphagia Thanksgiving:

Turkey – I tried pureeing both dark and white meat turkey and found it too grainy so I used a well-known brand of junior baby food and pureed it further to remove all lumps.

1 cup homemade stuffing – Place in food processor with 2 tablespoons of homemade gravy. Puree until smooth, making sure all lumps are removed. (Add gravy one teaspoon at time as needed.)

½ cup mashed potatoes – mash or puree to remove all lumps. Add gravy to the potatoes for flavor.

½ cup creamed spinach – puree until very smooth

For desert – remove crust from one slice of pumpkin pie, top with whipped cream.

At the end of the meal he said, “This is just like my wife used to make.” I knew it wasn’t true but as long as he enjoyed it there was reason to be truly thankful.

An estimated 15 million people in the United States have the current diagnosis of     Dysphagia. Patients with Dysphagia are at high risk for aspiration pneumonia which weakens them and can lead to death.  Nearly 60,000 people die each year from complications associated with swallowing disorders.  For more information on Dysphagia go to: http://dysphagia514.tripod.com/vitalstimtherapy/id1.html

Please Don’t Do This

27 Oct 2016 2 Comments

by Bobbi Carducci in care giving Tags: , ,

I read a recent post on another social media site from a woman who said her mother was repeatedly asking why her parents never came to see her. The woman in care is elderly and her parents have been gone for many years. The advice she received from a paid caregiver made me cringe and shout out NO!!!!!!! despite the fact that I was alone in my home and no one would hear me.

I am writing today to let my voice be heard loud and clear. Don’t Do It! 

So, here’s what the caregiver told her to do.

“Take your mother to cemetery to see their graves.”

Please DO NOT DO IT.  Imagine you have dementia and in your mind you are somewhere back in time, longing to see your parents, and someone puts you in a car and takes you to a cemetery to show you their headstones. Imagine the shock and pain you would feel. The grief would be as overwhelming as it was the day they passed and even if she accepts it in the moment she will forget and start asking again.

I suggest telling her something like this, “They are away right now and will visit when they can.”

What do you think of the caregivers advice and what would you say in that situation?

Mesothelioma Caregiver: You Are Bold, Strong, And Not Alone

10 Aug 2016 Leave a comment

by Bobbi Carducci in care giving, home health care Tags: , , ,

Welcome Guest Blogger, Nicole Godfrey, writer and community outreach associate for Mesothelioma Guide.

In the words of Brett H. Lewis, “Health is by chance – Caregiving is by choice.” Caregiving is a huge responsibility, but you must remember that you are only human. You must also remember that the person that you’re caring for is still the same person. Don’t let a diagnosis change your point of view about them.

Mesothelioma Guide is dedicated to helping mesothelioma patients thrive, which includes providing information and support to their caregivers.

What to Expect

There are several factors to take into consideration when it comes to assuming the role of caregiver. As a caregiver to a mesothelioma patient, your role is going to change as the patient’s disease develops. The patient’s state of health may improve or it may decline.

Here are a few responsibilities you may have

  •  Feeding, dressing, bathing
  • Managing medication
  •   Providing transportation

Your duties as a caregiver are to assist in the day-to-day activities of the patient. You will not only monitor their health and provide them companionship, but you will find yourself being a part of a big decision making process. You will help them make decisions about their treatments, their financial and legal issues, their insurance, and their end-of-life treatment.

Don’t Forget About Yourself

As a caregiver you are going to find yourself being a huge part of someone else’s life, but you must remember that you are an important factor to making your role successful.

It is completely ok to take a timeout and to assess the new responsibilities that you are having to adapt to.

Here are a few tips to any caregiver

  • Rest
  • Take care of yourself physically
  • Accept help from others
  • Seek the aid of respite help

Read Mesothelioma Guide’s blog for more information on how to take care of yourself as a mesothelioma caretaker.

Talk About It

You are going to find yourself being a whirlwind of emotions. You are going to be scared. You are going to be angry. And that is ok. However, don’t bottle up your emotions. Talking about the circumstances can be your best dose of medicine.

You can always talk directly to the person who you are caring for. By doing this, you can address any questions you may have. Also, this allows you and the patient to express how you are both feeling. However, if the person you are caring for doesn’t want to talk, or you find it difficult to talk to them, you can always explore the option of support groups.

Support groups aren’t just for the patient. Some of these groups are designed specifically to help caregivers. Support groups help a person to stay both positive and hopeful. A person can attend a support group meeting in person, by a phone conference, or online.

It has also been proven that support groups can

  • Reduce stress
  • Provide inspiration
  • Offer comfort

You must remember that you are not alone. Support groups are designed to create a community where people can talk about their disease or it gives caregivers a chance to express their concerns about caring for someone with a disease.

Sources:

Quote: https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/6546527.Brett_H_Lewis

https://www.mesotheliomaguide.com/community/caregivers/

https://www.mesotheliomaguide.com/community/the-nurses-corner-9-ways-mesothelioma-caregivers-can-care-for-themselves-too/

https://www.mesotheliomaguide.com/community/support/

Four of the Saddest Words Ever Spoken

18 Apr 2016 Leave a comment

by Bobbi Carducci in care giving, Dementia, family issues, sandwich generation, women's issues Tags: , , , , ,

She doesn’t remember me.

I hope my children never have a reason to say them. But it could happen. If it does I hope they understand that even in my confused mind they are still a part of me.

By the time I reach that point I will have lost much already.

My short term memory.

My rich vocabulary.

My love of long, hot showers.

My ability to cook.

My driver’s license or even how to find my way home if I did still have that privilege.

 

I pray I’ll still have the ability to read and understand the words my favorite authors have so painstakingly crafted. A world without books would be barren indeed for someone who loves to read as much as I do.

Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia will have taken me somewhere back in time.

Perhaps I am reliving my days as a busy young mother and you, my darling daughter or son, are still in elementary school. You have not yet grown into the wonderful adult you will become.  I see you pink cheeked and out of breath after running up the steps, opening the screen door, and calling out, “Mom, I’m home. Guess what I got on my spelling test today!”

It may not seem like it in the moment but the memory of you is deeply implanted in my heart. The heart that beat so close to yours during the time I carried you. The heart that cried with you when you were hurt and rejoiced with you when you achieved a goal.

If the day comes when I look at you and ask, “Who are you?” I hope you will smile, give me your name, and tell me about your mother.

I love you. I pray you never forget that.

Dr. Phil: Please help support caregivers via the Dr. Phil Foundation. Caregivers are in desperate need of respite and you can help make it happen.

Caregiver Support Coming to Purcellville, VA

13 Apr 2016 Leave a comment

by Bobbi Carducci in Dementia, family issues, home health care Tags: , , , , , , ,

I’ve been away from the blog far longer than I planned. However, being a caregiver and all that entails is never far from my heart and mind.  One of the most important and meaningful things I’ve been doing while away from the keyboard is training to be a Caregiver Support Group Facilitator through Alz.org.

Here are the details of where and when this group will meet.

Caregiver Support Group, Purcellville, VA, 20132

When: Thu, April 28, 3pm – 4pm
Where: The Carver Center, 200 Willie Palmer Drive, Purcellville, VA, 20132 (map)
Description: Alzheimer’s Association Support Groups Alzheimer’s Association support groups provide a place for people with Alzheimer’s, their caregivers, family members, and/or friends to share valuable information, caregiving tips and concerns throughout the Alzheimer’s journey. Groups are facilitated by trained leaders and are ongoing, free and open to the community. Please call our 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900) or contact the facilitator directly for more information and to confirm date and time. The Carver Center | 200 Willie Palmer Drive, Purcellville, VA, 20132 | Bobbi Carducci, bcarducci@comcast.net

For information on where to fond a support group near you go to: http://www.alz.org/nca/in_my_community_support.asp

If you are a support group facilitator I’d like to hear from you. Perhaps you’d be willing to share resources or tips on what your group finds useful. If you attend a support group I’d love to hear about how your group has helped you.

I Prefer to Take Life One Panic Attack at a Time

06 Jun 2015 Leave a comment

by Bobbi Carducci in care giving, caregiver, caregiver anger, Caregiving, Dementia, family issues, home health care, Lewy Body Dementia, mental illness, sandwich generation, schizophrenia, Uncategorized, understanding dementia, women's issues Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

panic attackPanic attacks, migraine headaches, clumps of my hair clogging the shower drain. These are all things I experienced as a caregiver.  Stress was sapping my mental and physical reserves as his conditions worsened. I needed help.  People said, “Take care of yourself. Eat right. Exercise. Get enough rest.”

Sure, I thought.  I’ll get right on that.

Are you kidding me?  If I were to be true to my instincts right now this page would be filled with some very strong, unbecoming language describing how useless advice is when it isn’t followed up with the resources to make a difference.

I’ve issued a challenge to Dr. Phil but it is also for family and friends of caregivers everywhere. The people caring for others now will be the ones needing care next. How dire their health issues will be are being greatly influenced by the degree of stress they are experiencing during the weeks, months, and years they are giving so much of themselves. You can make a difference.

If you can give much help, give much. If you can give only a little, give a little. A warm meal, short nap, a visit now and then will be appreciated more than you know. A full night’s rest is a blessing. Time to go to the grocery store and take in the aroma of fresh fruit could be like a vacation for someone who hadn’t been able to do it in months.

Please help!

More Comments for Dr. Phil in response to the Dr. Phil challenge:

Ann  – Comment: I agree. I am a cancer patient and my energy level is very low.

My husband is the caregiver for me and his mom who has dementia. I would love to see some real programs that would help caregivers cope. My husband is a loving caring person but I know at times it seems very overbearing to him.

Tammie Marett – Comment: I take care of my bedridden husband. He has no other family and we live over. 8 hours from mine who couldn’t help much anyway.  I would love to take your advice bit its all the same mumbo jumbo. There is no money for caregivers. My husband is a vet.  They offer me 2 respite days a month of only 6 hours each time.  You offered no solutions just the same tired advice.  This problem is going to get larger as the baby boomer generation ages.

Kristi Simmons – Comment: I am living the Oreo life. My husband and I are caregivers for my mother for the last 5 years.  I also have a 21 year old a 10 year old and a 6 year old.  My husband and I both work 40 hours a week. I have 3 siblings. My oldest brother takes care of my mom’s finances, which creates its own tension sometimes.  My other two siblings do nothing to help and often feel like it’s our responsibility to care for mom since we live with her rent free.  They don’t understand the mental and physical drain this can be.  We’re lucky, my mom is good natured and fairly easy to care for the majority of the time, but it’s hard to be caregiver, mother, teacher and wife 24/7 365.   We’ve been lucky enough to have friends that mom is comfortable enough with to stay with her so we caN take short trips with our kids occasionally.  Unless you’ve done this you have no clue how exhausting it is

Kathleen Tingler – Comment: I agree with your take on offering advice and not an alternative.  I am a full time care taker and have no one that wants to step up and help me find a way to catch a break even for an hour or so a week.

Rhonda Partin-Sharp – Comment: Oh, I agree with this article – gives us caregivers a way to take care of ourselves – when you are going on two hours of sleep a night because that is the ONLY way to get just the priorities done because you are taking care of two elderly parents – don’t tell me to get sufficient sleep.  That’s insane.  We need to stop telling the caregivers what to do better and need to start telling the lazy family members (every caregiver support group will tell you that it usually ends up being one person doing it all with not only no help from the family but judgment and pressure from the family) what they need to to do help.

Shannon Watstler – Comment: Yes please, caregivers do not always need unsolicited advise, just real quality help ! Many friends & family abandoned, compare their normal every day situations & give excuses “why they can’t help” or “they just want to know how the patient is & then have to go”. It’s a exhausting & never ending job, non-paying & sometimes you truly feel hopeless. If I ever have to go thru this again, I will def do things a little different & ask for more help. many people don’t handle situations of thinking about their own mortality-that’s sad ! How would they like to be in the same situation & hear excuses of why someone can’t help or just abandonment. It’s a lonely journey that no one understands except those that go thru it & are forced to deal with it head on every day even when they’d enjoy a few minutes of time for themselves.

Dawn D. Ames – Comment: This comment was right on.  My husband needs 24/7 care.  Getting out to get my owe scripts and groceries is extremely  difficult.  My children and a few friends try to help, but with his needs, the it is not always possible.  It has been three years.  It would be nice to have a couple of hours for church or to go out with friends in those times when I feel safe enough to leave him. Thanks Bobbi.

To Contact Dr.Phil and add your voice to mine click on the links below.

http://drphilfoundation.org/

http://www.drphil.com/

@DrPhil

https://www.facebook.com/drphilshow?fref=ts

Previous Older Entries

%d bloggers like this: