Ron do you use the Zarit Burden Scale? That could give you a measure of his perceived caregiver burden. For sure any meaningful occupation for this lady is dependent more on her informal caregiver understanding what is possible based on your demonstrations with her than what you can do directly. Respite is supremely important to decrease caregiver burden (which is seen as a treatable problem of the client). In this jurisdiction we encourage some respite in the home or in a day program weekly and two weeks residential respite q 3 months. This is not completely funded even in our 'socialised' system but once families have experienced it they really value it and manage the upcharge somehow. Blessings, Joan 403 652 7928
-----Original Message----- From: otlist-boun...@otnow.com [mailto:otlist-boun...@otnow.com] On Behalf Of Laura Obara Sent: April 14, 2009 3:31 PM To: OTlist@OTnow.com Subject: Re: [OTlist] NEED HELP WITH PATIENT How about checking with Department of Aging for services and programs? Maybe a relief worker who can spend time with the woman a few hours a week could give the husband a break or time to do something else. Would he husband be open to support groups for spouses with dementia in their area? I do know older couples may have a lot of pride and may not be open to outside help. Caregivers do take on a lot and forget about taking care of themselves, too. I would tell my clients- if you are hurt/sick, who will take care of their loved one and try to get a dialogue going to figure out ways to plan for the present and for the future... Just a thought... ________________________________ From: Barbara H. Hale <bhh...@musfiber.com> To: OTlist@OTnow.com Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2009 12:28:48 PM Subject: Re: [OTlist] NEED HELP WITH PATIENT It is difficult conceptualize what a day in the life of a dementia patient would be like. She probably will not initiate tasks. She is in need of someone to work with her on anything she does. Maybe she could help with clean up rather than cooking. Could she read the recipe to her husband while he is cooking? It is hard to believe she is an avid reader, it may be a bluff to allow her to feel better about herself. If husband is falling he may benefit from helping her with some exercise. He could start walking with her daily while it is getting nice outside and both would gain from the movements, fresh air, stimulation. You could look at their daily routines to assist in community resources for maintaining their health and safety. -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.0.238 / Virus Database: 270.11.57/2060 - Release Date: 04/15/09 06:34:00 No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.0.238 / Virus Database: 270.11.57/2060 - Release Date: 04/15/09 06:34:00 -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com
