Mercy Medical Center North Iowa | Life & Health | Fall 2018

Hospice helps caregivers too Many times, it’s not the patient who chooses hospice care, but the family and caregivers. And for good reason. Just as the patient hopes to stay at home, hopes to be with loved ones and hopes to find relief from pain, loved ones hope to be the caregivers they need to be. “I need this,” caregivers say. “I need to know that I am giving your medications to you appropriately; that when we are giving your bath that you are safe from falling, and that I am not going to hurt my back. And I need the support.” When an illness can’t be cured, Hospice of North Iowa can make it much easier to live with. Choose Hospice of North Iowa when you want the very best for someone you love. Our chaplains are here to help Spiritual comfort and support. We know those things may be important to you during a serious illness, which is why we have chaplains who can visit with patients and their families at our hospital. If you want a chaplain to come to your room, or if a family member would like to meet with a chaplain, all you have to do is tell a nurse. Chaplains are available 24 hours a day, every day. Let us know if you prefer a chaplain from your specific faith. If you have questions about our chaplaincy services, ask our hospital staff or call us at 641-428-7710 . You’ve just learned that your spouse has Alzheimer’s disease. There’s no doubt that it’s a frightening diagnosis for both of you. Your lives are going to change—and not in entirely predictable ways. Alzheimer’s disease progresses differently in different people. How it affects your spouse (and you) can change from day to day. Here is some information that you may find helpful from the Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) and other experts: ●   ● Routines can be good for people with Alzheimer’s. Get up, eat meals, bathe and go to bed at the same time. But stay flexible to changing needs. ●   ● Prepare for an activity in advance to avoid confusing your spouse. For example, have towels and clothes ready before he or she takes a bath. Or turn off lights and have your keys and wallet in hand before you both leave the house. ●   ● Your spouse may rebel at being told what to do. If that happens, let him or her choose clothes or foods. Just limit the selection to make it easy on both of you. ●   ● Encourage your spouse to do whatever he or she is able. And help extend those abilities with simple adaptations, such as using fabric fasteners on clothes or cups with lids. ●   ● Talk with your spouse in a calm voice. Avoid complex sentences. ●   ● Help your spouse focus by starting conversations with his or her name. ●   ● Consider joining an Alzheimer’s TO READ MORE TIPS on caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, go to caregiver.org/alzheimers-disease-caregiving . A L Z H E I M E R ’ S How to help your spouse support group. You may learn valuable coping skills from other caregivers. LIFE AND HEALTH 5