Hello Memory Partners!

November is a month that is both exciting and cozy; a time for change and preparation. The crisp air, cuddly sweater weather, and the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls soothe our tightened nerves.

Halloween just passed and we are now at the doorstep of the holiday season. Thanksgiving is the end of the month, and Christmas and the New Year are around the corner. (Read on for a reflection on tips for managing anxiety and for having a “Happier Holiday” season.)

Don’t forget to go to the 2023 Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Wilmington, NC: LifeCare Memory Partners | Walk to End Alzheimer’s and join the Memory Partners Team for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s this month. No need to donate or even walk with us if you’re unable – moral support is important too! Follow the link for details on date, time and location.

Thanks for reading! We’ll be back next month with more information. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to call if you need anything!

Emotional Well-being

Caregiving is a taxing, 24/7 career that includes feelings and thoughts of stressful periods that can lead to anxiety. Anxiety is our body’s natural response to stress. Many caregivers become immersed in the caregiving role and neglect their own needs, which can easily lead to stress and anxiety.

Here are 10 natural remedies to help curb anxiety:

1. Get that heart rate up. Exercise decreases stress hormones.

2. Limit caffeine intake. Caffeine may cause nervousness and jitters; increasing alertness by blocking the brain chemical adenosine (causes tiredness) while also triggering adrenaline (fight-flight hormone).

3. Steer clear of alcohol. Alcohol can stimulate anxiety. At first, it takes the edge off and is a natural sedative, but it can interfere with the balance of brain messages and also disrupt sleep.

4. Processed foods have chemicals that can cause mood changes. Eat a balanced diet that is rich in complex carbs, fruit, vegetables and lean proteins.

5. Meditation and Mindfulness helps bring us to the present moment leading to being calm and content, increasing the ability to tolerate thoughts and feelings (examples below).

6. Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment aiding in relaxation, sleep, and is a mood booster. Essential oils can be inhaled directly or added to a diffusor.  Relaxing Oils: Bergamot, Clary Sage, Lavender, Ylang Ylang

7. Cigarettes – a drag can take the edge off and be a quick fix, but studies have shown nicotine and other chemicals in cigarette smoke alter pathways in the brain linking to anxiety and panic disorder.

8. Good Night’s Rest. Getting less than eight hours of sleep can increase negative thoughts and difficulty in getting out of these thoughts.

9. Stay Hydrated. Dehydration causes stress to your body, and, when stressed, leads to anxiety symptoms.

10. Chamomile Tea – helps calm frayed nerves and promotes sleep.

Try these tips when feeling anxious to trick the brain and help you cope and ground yourself:

• Suck on something sour – your brain will switch gears and focus on the shock in your mouth.
• Hold an Ice Cube – shocks your nervous system to help pull you out of anxiety.
• 5-4-3-2-1 Exercise- Ground yourself using your five senses. Think of five things you see, four things you can touch, three things you hear, two things you smell, and one thing you taste.
• Practice Deep Breathing – Slowly “Smell the Flowers and Blow out the Candles” – this increases oxygen going to the brain and stimulates the nervous system. So take deep breathes in, hold it as long as you can and release them slowly.
• Visualize your happy place – close your eyes, put your feet on the floor, visualize a calming place and recognize the details.

Happier Holidays!

Holidays bring caroling, twinkling lights, festive smells, décor and gatherings. For some, holidays also bring mixed feelings and challenges while caring for someone who has dementia. With some modification tips, holiday traditions can be meaningful.

Holiday Tips:

• Create a calm environment. Avoid blinking lights, large décor, clutter and rearranging furniture. Keep familiarity and avoid confusion by keeping the daily routine as close to normal as possible.
• Host small gatherings. Schedule gatherings during the ‘best time of day’ for the person living with dementia. Provide photo albums with familiar old photos, watch home movies, and provide a quiet space to retreat.
• Connect through technology using Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, or Google Home. Virtually share songs, a trivia game, pictures, and instrument playing.
• Be a Savvy Caregiver with family traditions by adapting and shaping holiday activities with the level of structure and support needed. Make cookies, decorate the tree, open Christmas cards, make simple decorations, watch holiday classics and listen to holiday music.
• Generate a safe environment. Avoid burning candles, fragile décor or décor that can be mistaken as edible. Secure trees and menorahs so they don’t fall.
• Prepare guests and visitors. In advance provide an update on behaviors (wandering, hallucinations…), memory and provide a photo to warn of appearance changes. Offer guests communication tips: Listen – do not interrupt, correct, or criticize.
• Caregiver Self-Care. Trust your instincts. Simplify celebrations, plan ahead, and set boundaries. Pick and Choose – focus on holiday traditions that are important and don’t try to do it all. Set realistic goals as to what you can contribute. Delegate – cleaning, wrapping, addressing cards, shopping, etc. Make time for you.