My author friend, Julie B Cosgrove knows about my challenge with my own health issues, as well as our daughter Shelley. Julie has dealt with her personal illnesses. She's been homebound for a year.
She sent suggestions. Things she's done in her life to help her attitude. I think these suggestions will help anyone who is a caregiver to a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer's. Here are her suggestions.
If you are in chronic pain, I get how easy it is to sink into depression. Sleep deprivation is real. Doing the simplest things become frustrating. Here are some things I have done that have helped me adjust my attitude.
2. Join an online Bible
study or regularly view one on You Tube. I like Brandon Robbins’ series.
He has several. He is scholarly but down to earth and relatable.
3. Sandwich your day in prayer.
Start out praying in the morning, interceding for yourself and others, but
be sure to allow some still, quiet time to receive God’s response. If that
doesn’t come, have the faith that it will during the next day or so. Watch
for the ways He “speaks” into your day. At night, thank Him for the
things that went well that day.
4. Breathe deeply. There
are several “spiritual” breathing exercises on You Tube as well as
physical ones like seated Thai Chi. When anxiety begins to bubble up, stop, go
to a quiet place, and deeply breathe in, then slowly count to six as you
breathe out through your mouth. Repeat until you feel more relaxed. Then
thank God for His mercy.
5. Someone quite some
time ago told me to “never let the devil steal your joy.” I took that to
heart. I posted positive quotes on my bathroom mirror and fridge. One
said, “God’s grace in enough for whatever we face.” Another said, “God
doesn’t give us what we can handle, He helps us handle what life gives
us.” And of course, I have purchased a few more mugs to inspire me
because, like any writer, I seem to always have a cuppa on my desk!
6. Post positive,
uplifting scripture written on post-it notes around as well.
7. Develop a hobby to
keep your mind active whether it is writing, word games, painting,
knitting, or like me, going online to view houses for sale in your area
and then “redecorating them on a budget”, by finding things for sale
online. Anything to move creativity up and push negativity down.
Gay says,
I'd love to hear from you. How do you help yourself during the dark days of dementia? Leave me a note, and please follow my blog.
---Gay N. Lewis
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