Bath Time For Your Alzheimer's Patient. Know Your Own Worth: A Practical Insight Into Covering Up.
If your loved one refuses to take her bath or shower, this might be a clue that something is bothering her. It may be embarrassment. Remember that your loved one used to do all these things alone before she had Alzheimer's and now she has to depend on another person. It is very frustrating. You may have to limit bath time. Approach the situation one step at a time in a non-threatening manner. While you help your loved one undress, use a smooth calming voice. As you bathe her, you can talk about old memories you used to share. It will make the process more enjoyable and pleasant for both of you.
If this does not work and your loved one still resists your help, then you might need try again later. When people with Alzheimer's do not like to bathe, it often stems from fear. Make sure the lighting in the bathroom is adequate for your loved one to see. If she cannot see well, her fear will increase. Let the shower or bath run for a while to warm up the room. It will make it more comfortable. No one likes to undress in a cold room. If your loved one is using a shower, you might want to put a chair in it so she can sit down. You can purchase one of those at a medical supply store or drug store. Use a hand held shower head. This will take the water up to her level and will be less threatening.
Music is a good way to help as well. It can be good therapy. Studies have shown that some Alzheimer's patients react very well to music. They may feel less stress. Music can decrease emotions of agitation or aggressive behavior. You can play soft music; add some fragrance in the bathroom. It will make it more inviting. You can try to use the same rituals your loved one used before when taking a bath or a shower. Routine is extremely important for persons with Alzheimer's.
If you feel there is still tension and resistance, you can always choose another option. You can hire some professional help just for the bathing time. If you decide to get someone to help you, make sure that person has experience with Alzheimer's disease and knows how to handle patients with dementia. You can hire someone on your own or go through an agency. They have qualified people and will be able to assist you in this situation. Sometimes, the individual with dementia will respond better to a third party rather than a family member. Put yourself in her shoes, it can be really embarrassing having someone from your family bathe you. A disinterested, but gentle, third party may help greatly.
The main thing is to handle bath time in a loving manner. Your loved one will appreciate it and it will lower her stress level, as well as yours.
About The Author
William G. Hammond, JD is a nationally known elder law attorney and founder of The Alzheimer's Resource Center. He is a frequent guest on radio and television and has developed innovative solutions to guide families who have a loved one suffering from Alzheimer's. For more information you can visit his website at www.BeatAlzheimers.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
Almost anything can be insured these days: breasts, legs, your goldfish, your mental health, physical health, your own life, your child's life. You can insure against the bad weather, good weather, political events....
This week in Scotland, triathlon competitors were insured for �½1 million in case they were injured by the Loch Ness monster according to the BBC....life insurance perhaps?
It would seem that recent rumours of Nessie seeking a more exotic meal of wild venison and exploring the loch shores have finally reached the corporate world. ( http://www.lochnesstooth.com/ )
But is Nessie the real monster in this, what other terrible creatures lie hidden in the complexity of insurance documents? The insurance small-print is usually the last thing most people take to bed to induce a soporific state and who could blame those opting for Dick Francis, Gilly Cooper or Joan Collins?
In terms of personal insurance, there are eight general areas of insurance in which the consumer should be interested:
* Buildings insurance
* Contents insurance
* Life insurance or life assurance
* Health insurance
* Family legal protection
* Pet insurance
* Travel insurance
* Car insurance
Buildings insurance covers your property against damage typically caused by fire, flood, subsidence damage, temporary accommodation and the cost of replacing broken or lost keys. External buildings in the vicinity of the insured property may also be covered, such as sheds and garages. The website, yourable.com which provides insurance information for disabled people, makes the statement that building insurance should be the bare minimum people take out, not only to protect the property, but to protect the mortgage.
Alongside buildings insurance, contents insurance should also be considered. Contents insurance is frequently packaged with buildings insurance and covers your furniture, equipment and personal belongings against fire, lightning, flooding, theft or vandalism. Accidental damage can be included, but may be sold as an optional extra.
Yourable.com advises that the three main priorities when taking out building (or content) insurance should be:
* To decide how much cover you want - the more you want covered, the higher the cost.
* To decide what excess you're prepared to pay - the site advises that in most cases, increasing the excess will reduce the premium
* To identify any particularly expensive single items in your home, including costly adaptations to the home
* To isolate any property which is regularly taken outdoors, as contents insurance may also protect bicycles, money and credit cards etc
Health / medical insurance typically covers private treatment for an operation or illness and may be extended to include specific circumstances or events such as specialist consultations and out-patient treatment like physiotherapy. Family legal protection may provide some financial assistance in the event of involvement in a court case. Such insurance normally covers contract disputes, personal injury claims, employment disputes and jury service. Pet insurance is often widely available for cats and dogs, though sometimes is less common for other animals, the cost of kennel and cattery fees are normally covered in pet insurance policies.
Travel insurance and the importance of shopping around for the best policy, has been widely publicised recently, with consumer website moneynet ( http://www.moneynet.co.uk/ ), in particular, urging consumers to shop around for the best deal, including undertaking some research online. Some of the high street players who offer travel insurance, such as Thomas Cook and Travelcare, levy premiums that are typically twice as expensive as purchasing cover online.
With regard to car insurance, there are three types of policy available: 3rd party, 3rd party (fire and theft) and comprehensive. Third Party is the most basic and will cover damage to third party property, usually with some protection for legal expenses. This compares to comprehensive, where additional protection is available for damage caused by theft, attempted theft, fire, lightning and other adverse weather conditions.
**********************
For further information:
http://www.moneynet.co.uk/insurance/index.shtml (Consumer information on life insurance, motor insurance, travel insurance, household insurance, student insurance and mortgage life insurance)
http://www.lochnesstooth.com/ (Some lighter reading post insurance homework)
http://www.cashzilla.co.uk/ (Some light hearted banter on personal finance issues)
http://www.youreable.com/TwoShare/getPage/09Money/Site/Introduction (Finance information for disabled people)
Rachel writes for the personal finance blog Cashzilla:
Cashzilla is a personalfinanosaurus and a source of personal finance wonder.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
OTHER INTERESTING POSTS
West Highland Terrier Rescue Dog - What To Expect When You Bring It Home
UK Young Driver Motor Insurance - Build Your Own No Claims Bonus or Insure through Your Parents
CRM ...The Emperor's New Clothes
How to Make Money from People Who Type the Wrong Web Address
7 Tips To Increase The Success Of Your Online Business
Rested? The Three Keys to Finding True Rest, Just in Case
10 Ways To Help You Plan Your Home Office For Productivity, And Comfort
15 Practical Tips For Listening
How to Always Get Whatever You Want
Workers of rear provided front with all necessary for a victory over Great Domestic war...
