Sleep is precious. To say that it’s healing is an understatement, our bodies require long periods of sleep in order to restore and rejuvenate, to grow muscle, repair tissue, and synthesize hormones. But, this can be a tall order for caregivers of the elderly suffering from cognitive and memory disorders. If you’re like me, you worry about your loved ones, along with your own well-being, and this can be a recipe for sleepless nights.
It may be possible to put sleep problems to rest, though, with products and smartphone apps recently covered in Prevention Magazine.
The Sound Machine, a Dohm Classic, helps mask night time noise, making it easier to get to sleep. It’s simple – just plug it in and twist to adjust the white noise. It’s $43.98 and available on Amazon.
Here’s a low-tech sleep aid from Blindsgalore.com a version of which I have and love. It’s the Good Housekeeping Room Darkening Roller Shades. They come in 21 colors and patterns that effectively keep light out. Free samples are available, with a choice of mounting and cord options from which to choose.
On the app side, Noisli.com for iOS offers an easy-to-use interface that produces sounds to fall asleep by. A timer sets the soothing noises to play for any duration. The Android Sleepo, free on Google Play also provides a variety of sounds by which to fall asleep.
Sleep aids are a big help, but at some point family caregivers of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients will need outside help with the problems that trigger sleep deprivation. It takes much energy and patience to care for someone who has Alzheimer’s, and If you’re not getting enough sleep, your loved one might sense your stress and become agitated.
If possible, have family members or friends alternate nights with you — or talk with your loved one’s doctor, a social worker or a representative from a local Alzheimer’s association to find out what help is available in your area. There are other alternatives, when caregivers need a break, several of which appeared in a recent US News & World Report article by Brenda Avadian, President of The Caregivers Voice:
- In-Home Care: Invite other family members to step in for an afternoon or day. Instead of telling you what to do from a distance, they’ll gain first-hand experience (and better appreciate you). Invite a friend or neighbor as a companion for your loved one for a few hours, and spend the time doing something different. Invite professional caregivers through in-home care agencies, so you can take a respite. Mix things up – you stay home while they go on an outing.
- Support Group: The help that support groups can provide to caregivers should never be underestimated. You need to feel like someone understands what you’re going through and supports you along the way. While the friends and family you enjoyed prior to caregiving may no longer be a part of your life, you’ll form a new family of like-minded compassionate caregivers. Online and in-person support groups are necessary for survival.
- Adult Day Care (ADC): For a half day, full day or every day, send your loved one to adult day care. The socialization and activities at ADCs are hard to replicate at home, day after day. Besides, ADCs offer a stimulating change of pace with opportunities to meet new people and be involved in different activities. If you are a caregiver who also works outside the home, this is an affordable option. Depending on your care/recipient’s needs, consider alternating with in-home care.
- Residential Care or Assisted Living: When a week’s vacation is what you need, consider residential care. Whether your loved one stays in a home with five or six beds or an assisted living community, it’s an opportunity to try out different care options from time to time.
It’s essential that we care for ourselves even as we care for those who need us. Burn-out can be a real possibility, but it is preventable, and we must not be afraid to ask for help.
We want to hear from you, so feel free to share tips, ideas, and resources for seniors with Grannybooster. Email me, Maris Somerville, at info@grannybooster.com
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