Reduce Stress for Caregivers During Covid
So, just when we thought we would ring in the new year with some hope that things would start to return to normal in 2022, along comes the newest Covid variant, Omicron.
The virus is rearing its ugly head, once again, and not at all quietly. It’s a fast spreader, for sure.
While we don’t yet know what kind of devastation it might bring, we do know it’s something we would rather not have to deal with.
From our point of view… caregivers, in particular, shouldn’t have to deal with it.
But the fact is we do have to.
No amount of complaining or wishful thinking is going to change that.
To be sure, caregivers have added burdens in the face of Covid.
It is the caregiver who will make all the adjustments in schedules and routines.
It is the caregiver who will deal with more frequent and worsened responsive behaviors because those affected with dementia cannot necessarily communicate their feelings verbally.
As the person with dementia experiences disruption in routines and has no visits from their family and friends, they will likely feel worried and fearful whether they understand what’s happening or not.
Some may express their anxiety verbally – which may be easier to deal with – but others won’t.
In addition to any helplessness and isolation caregivers may have felt before, there are new issues for them to cope with.
Caregivers will feel a range of emotions themselves, knowing that they will once again be even more isolated and feel even more helpless than under normal circumstances.
They’ll likely be frustrated with themselves for becoming more impatient. These are human reactions to stressful situations.
But there is help available, so there is hope.
And that’s good news for caregivers and those they care for.
So…how can caregivers deal with the stress while remaining productive and motivated?
They need to discover a new approach to the whole process…a person-centered approach that is exactly what the Montessori Method adapted for the Cognitively Impaired provides.
At the best of times the Montessori Alzheimer Center provides help and hope by offering training programs, coaching and support to help caregivers better intervene.
They help caregivers cope with the everyday stresses associated with caring for someone with dementia, whether in an assisted living residence or in a home setting.
But now, with new insights and proven methods the training and support will address the even heavier burdens shouldered by caregivers during the time of Covid.
When a caregiver realizes there are people who genuinely care…qualified people who can give them tools and instruct them on new and wonderful ways to interact with people with dementia and who want to show them what to do and how to do it, it’s a game changer.
They feel safe…and supported.
Feelings of stress and frustration start to evaporate, leaving the caregiver with a new perspective…understanding that they can – and they will – get through it all with some help from this new approach.
They’ll have a new ‘lease on life’ brought to them by experts in the field who offer practical education and complimentary support sessions afterward.
Certified Alzheimer Training for Individuals, click here.
Certified Alzheimer Training for Groups in the same residence, click here.
Mark Norris, MS.ED, Director, Montessori Alzheimer Center – Call (418) 337 8092 or send us an email [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>
