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Look for activities that involve both grandmother, children; Caregivers Corner

Capital - 5/28/2017

Dear Mary, I am presently caring for my mom, who is in the mid-stages of Alzheimer's, and my two preschool daughters. My friend, also a caregiver, recently attended a workshop about activities to do with someone who has dementia and told me about some of the tips. But I feel so overwhelmed already that I just can't plan several activities a day to do with my mom.

Dear Reader, You really do have your hands full with preschoolers and caring for your mom. Please don't add to your stress by thinking that you have to have a schedule of activities planned out for your mother every day.

Think about some things that your mom has enjoyed doing as an adult and things that she can still do successfully. Then, make sure you leave cues to do these activities out in the open to entice her even when you are not able to sit with her. Let her know that you could use her help.

For example, with your active household, you must have a lot of laundry that needs to be folded; can she do that for you? Can she wash and put away the silverware? Can she brush your daughters' hair? Help make sandwiches for lunch? Take a look around at your daily activities and see where and how she can assist you with some of the more simple tasks. And remember to thank her for her help!

You can also look at activities that involve both your mom and your children. When you read to your girls, play a game or do a craft with them, involve your mother. Maybe there are even times that she can do a simple activity, such as sorting buttons or M&Ms, with them, giving you a few moments to catch your breath.

Music is a wonderful activity. Put on some children's music and let your girls dance and entertain their grandmom. If the songs are ones she recognizes from your childhood or hers, she may sing along with them.

Music can also be a good quiet time activity for your mother to enjoy alone while the girls are napping or otherwise occupied.

Remember that your mother's attention span may not last more than 10-15 minutes on any activity. It's OK for her to have some downtime but if you see her become agitated or start to wander, it's time to re-direct her.

Dear Mary, I was at this year's Caregivers' Conference and met Jennifer Sapp who facilitates the caregiver support groups in the county. I would really like to be involved with a local group, but I work during the day. Any chance you might start an evening group?

Dear Reader, We are currently soliciting suggestions and ideas from caregivers regarding the Department of Aging and Disabilities' support groups. At this time, support group meetings are held once a month in Annapolis and Glen Burnie from 1:30 to 2:30 pm.

Please feel free to send us an email at caregiver_support@aacounty.org to let us know how we might make the support group experience work for you. If you don't have internet capability, you can call me at 410-222-4339.

Dear Readers, The 2016-2017 Caregivers' Workshop series is winding down with only two sessions left. You can still register for the June 13 Communicating through Behaviors with the Virtual Dementia Tour, which will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at St. John Lutheran Church, 300 West Maple Road in Linthicum.

Registration can be done by calling 410-222-4375.

On June 14, Jennifer FitzPatrick, MSW, LCSW-C, will discuss how to successfully "Travel with a Dementia Loved One." FitzPatrick will share some great tips on planning a safe and enjoyable vacation or trip for the whole family. The workshop will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. at the South County Senior Center, 27 Stepneys Lane in Edgewater.

You can register online at www.aacounty.org or by calling 410-222-4375.

Questions and comments can be sent to Mary Chaput at the Department of Aging and Disabilities, 7320 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21061, or by contacting 410-222-4339 or agchap01@aacounty.org.

Credit: Mary Chaput - Questions and comments can be sent to Mary Chaput at the Department of Aging and Disabilities, 7320 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21061, or by contacting 410-222-4339 or agchap01@aacounty.org.

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