(EMAILWIRE.COM, June 29, 2009 ) Ann Arbor, MI – Care Giving professional, Rebecca Colmer, recently spoke to a group of people who care for aging loved ones. The topic was coping with caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive condition that eventually leaves one totally dependant on the care of others.

Rebecca offered some valuable family care tips for family members and caregivers. “Discuss early on the wishes of the loved one regarding his/her primary physician, attorney, accountant and financial advisors. Keep the patient in a familiar and safe environment; allow them to be as independent as possible for as long as possible. Be aware of secondary medical problems and complications that can develop including bedsores and aspiration pneumonia. Talk with the doctor about what to expect.”

Rebecca provided a lot of information that one may not think about in advance including choosing clothing that is easy to get on and off to make bathing and personal care less difficult. “Be aware of signs of caregiver stress, eliminate distracting noises and make direct eye contact when speaking to the care receiver,” said Colmer. “Remain calm and maintain a pleasant facial expression and tone of voice. Use short, simple sentences with familiar words and avoid situations and places that are loud and crowded.”

The people who attended the meeting were most appreciative of the advice Rebecca offered. They were clear that Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating illness that requires extra consideration being given to the caregiver who is at risk of emotional and physical exhaustion that can lead to feelings of hopelessness and even depression. “Grieving for the loved one begins before their death; thoughtful planning and responsible care are essential elements of successful caregiving when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.”

Rebecca Sharp Colmer knows personally the challenges and rewards of family caregiving. She has been a long-distance caregiver for her father-in-law. She is also a long-distance caregiver for her parents and is a caregiver coach for a friend whose husband has Alzheimer's disease.

Rebecca is the founder of http://www.meandmycaregivers.com a site designed to provide caregivers with online resources and an online care and management system. Her innovative technologies have assisted thousands of care givers and care receivers.
Contact:

Rebecca Sharp Colmer
PO Box 157
Chelsea, MI 48118
rsc@MeAndMyCaregivers.com
734-730-5161
734-458-1098


This press release was submitted by Right Now Marketing Group, LLC

Contact Information:
MeAndMyCareGivers
Rebecca Sharp Colmer
Tel: 734-730-5161
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