Memory Bouquet Club

“Redefining Dementia one person at a time”

^{Healthy Mind, Healthy Life}

^{November is National Family Caregivers Month!}

Caregiver: “Caregivers are guardians, helpers, comforters, healers, and heroes. We understand the internal reasons why it might feel hard to call yourself a caregiver, caregivers are the backbone of society. - yes, that means you!

_{Credit: Mental Health America}

We want to recognize and celebrate you - and the love and sacrifice you provide in this the vital role

Caring for the Caregiver

As a caregiver who is daily pouring into others; its important that you foster your own well being. How do you fill your tank?

We created the Botes Quality of Life Tool especially for you. It helps you understand the 5 constructs pertaining to quality of life. This tool will enable you to identify your needs. You will learn practical ways to better attend to yourself.

Take the self assessment:

Once you complete the BQOL-T pay special attention to your areas of need. See our recommendations below to assist you:

Recommendations for the Caregiver

Physical Construct refers to the lack of sleep, energy and physical challenges you may face with your person.

• Get adequate sleep - 7-9 hours a night. Try to stick to a consistent sleep schedule and refrain from screen time 2 hours before bed. Establish a bedtime routine, for example: Use soothing sounds, warm bath, etc. as is conducive to sleep.

• Hydrate well - ½ of your body weight in ounces daily to increase energy and mental acuity.

• Attend to your health and get physical exercise to help maintain strength.

• Use adaptive equipment to help care for your person or elicit physical help - be specific when requesting assistance from family, friends and paid services.

Safety Construct refers to a fear for your own safety as well as fear for the safety of your loved one.

•  Ask yourself these questions: (Who/When/Why/How)

  ·  Who can I depend on? How can I ask for help or how can they help me? When do I need help? Why do I need help or with what?

• Learn how to use technology ensure safety for both you and your loved one.

• Keep learning, for example: approaches to difficult behaviors. We offer free Webinars and a monthly “Round Table” support group through our website: BotesMemoryMethod.com

•  Gain health care surrogacy and POA status to help you make decisions.

•  Explore the possibility of adult daycare.

• Botes Memory Method offers private consultations at: BotesMemoryMethod.com

Social Construct refers to lacking support / resources and / or you do not have time for yourself and your interests.

•  Maintain a structured routine.

•  Be intentional about maintaining relationships/celebrations/social connections.

•  Schedule activities that include your person – plan on your calendar.

•  Prioritize creating joy and connection daily on your calendar.

• Join our free Dementia round table and webinars at BotesMemoryMethod.com

Psychological Construct refers to negative emotions; feeling overwhelmed and / or experiencing a lack of joy.

•  Use methods to gain self- awareness, such as journaling. This will assist you in awareness of your emotional status and help you identify red flags such as feeling overwhelmed, depressed, lacking joy, or becoming overly tearful.

•  Make stress management techniques a priority (breathing techniques or exercise)

• Schedule family meetings to discuss different challenges and create solutions that includes everyone for example: if someone can not help physically, they may be able to contribute money or a certain block of time each month or year to assist.

•  Leverage the support of others – reach out.

•  Your journey is just as valuable as the journey of your person

Self-Expression Construct refers to a struggle with self-awareness of ones emotional capacity and personal needs.

•  Have realistic expectations of yourself.

• Explore hobbies and leisure activities that you once enjoyed and intentionally set plans and care assistance for you to enjoy them.

•  Celebrate small wins.

•  Identify one or two things a day that you can do to for yourself in manageable blocks, for example:

  • 20 min walk in the neighborhood while my neighbor keeps an eye on my loved one.

  • 30 min of garden work while your loved one sits outside with you watching you.

  • Have hot chocolate with my loved one, while listening to music in the evening getting ready for bed.

The Importance of Maintaining Your Quality of Life

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Activity ideas that help you AND support your person:

• Engage in physical exercise with your loved one.

• Model and complete deep breathing exercises together - in through the nose 4 seconds, blow slowly through the mouth 8 seconds.

• Have your person accompany you to meet a friend at a venue or in your home for dinner or coffee.

• Take a walk together

• Look at photo albums together

• Consider what parts of tasks your person can play an active role in, such as matching socks, folding towels, sorting silverware, wiping the table. (Perfection not required!)

Care for yourself in order that you may continue to care for them.

Servicing the Community through:

• Senior Livings / Hospitals

• Healthcare Professionals

• Care Partner / Family Services

• Educational Seminars / Webinars / CEU’s

• Legal Support

• Public Speaking

 We are the exclusive home health partner of Concierge Home Care

To learn more, visit our website:

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