Carers

Many years ago I learned that being positive works. My glass really was always half full and I rarely failed to see very positive outcomes from even the most traumatic of happenings.

From working in a challenging environment I learned :-
‘ If your body / mind seems always in fight / flight mode, CONSIDER …. if you always do what you’ve always done you’ll always get what you’ve always got ….. no change, no improvement ‘.

So, given that our brain, nervous system, balance & emotions interact / effect hormones and immune systems, how can we help ourselves ?

I know that to be happy we need to have balance between mind & body, physical and emotional well-being, leading to completeness and the right messages being sent from our brain to our different organs.

In other words, we must believe in ourselves first, with spirit and passion but everything comes with a RISK

excerpted from Living Well Handbook of NHS Gloucestershire, Unit 5220 Valiant Court

Early days

After the diagnosis of dementia for someone you love:

Try not to worry. You are now a carer and didn’t ask to be one. Take a deep breath. As often as you need, when things feel over-whelming; retreat to the garden or just anywhere to give yourself a few moments of peace. Most importantly keep things in perspective and don’t apportion blame to yourself or anyone else.

Practical help. Write a list of the skills you don’t have but now wish you did. Be realistic. For example, learn how to read a meter, adjust timers or check fuses but engage an electrician for other jobs. Make a list of handy numbers to call.