So now it worked? Grrrrr.

Here it is:

New strategies for those caring for a loved one with dementia:

I came across this piece on NPR about new ways of helping people with dementia. The emphasis is placed on helping the caregiver understand the cause for the afflicted person's behavior in order to find a remedy instead of a band-aid.

From the story:

Kales, a geriatric psychiatrist who practices at the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor, has developed a behavioral approach to dementia care, one that puts the caregiver first and emphasizes training and support for them as much as for the patient. By teaching caregivers new ways to solve old problems, and to respond to their own needs in as well as those of their loved ones, the approach helps ease their burden while simultaneously improving the patient's experience. It's a bit like airplane safety rules directing passengers to put on their own oxygen masks before helping someone else.

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/09/15/647992785/to-manage-dementia-well-start-with-the-caregivers

I know a lot of you are dealing with family members who are currently suffering from dementia, and any of us could face this in the future.

Your post may show up 18 hours later. Happened to me on another forum last weekend.

Anyway, I wish more caregivers could see this and realize they do not assume a burden of guilt when they assume care of a loved one. And that it is also most important to take care of one’s own needs and be healthy as well as to ensure the well-being of the loved one who needs care.

Good information, rita. Thanks for sharing.

Yes, I read that yesterday and wanted to remember to keep it. Thanks for reminding me-it is a really good article.

Thank you, Rita. I would hope this kind of thing is taught to professional caregivers in facilities, as well. At my mother's memory care unit, some aides are better than others; I realize that staff turnover in memory care is typically higher than other areas, but at least they can go home at the end of their shift. Basically, it is customer service, applied to a person with dementia!

Someone here -- was it you, Rita? -- recommended the alzconnect.org caregiver forum. I have greatly appreciated that forum.