The Alzheimer’s Whisperer has the unique ability to communicate, heal and comfort a person with Alzheimer’s disease while maintaining their own well-being.
First there was The Horse Whisperer, then The Dog Whisperer and The Ghost Whisperer. I wonder when will we see The Cat Whisperer? In the meantime, I met a unique person in the dementia world – The Alzheimer’s Whisperer. He provides quality care without feeling guilty without getting lost.
The Alzheimer’s Whisperer demonstrates five keys to caregiving:
1. Know-how
She learns as much as she can about Alzheimer’s disease from organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, Caring.com’s Steps & Stages, and the National Family Caregivers Association. She draws wisdom from others through support groups, educational offerings, and online discussions. If she has a job and cannot devote time to the above, she reads books and informational materials so she knows what to expect.
2. Benevolence
With full knowledge of the facts, he is better able to accept the reality of his loved one’s condition. He demonstrates greater compassion while dealing with disruptive behaviors and anticipating needs.
5 KEYS to becoming The Alzheimer’s Whisperer
1. KNOW HOW
2. COMPASSION
3. COMMITTED
4. EMPATHY
5. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
Alzheimer’s Whisperer recognizes that caregiving is a temporary, but life-changing journey undertaken by very special people.
3. Committed
She is committed to providing quality care, despite her intermittent tears and joys. She takes advantage of the continuum of care – adult day care, home care, respite care, assisted living or skilled nursing – and calls on others to facilitate her work. In the tradition of the great animal whisperers, she weighs the value of a pet to bring joy to her loved one.
4. Empathy
Every day, and sometimes every hour, he visualizes how he would want to be cared for if the roles were reversed. This allows him to fully enter the world of his loved one without getting lost.
5. Unconditional love
As she develops the first four keys, she experiences an open heart that elevates the purpose and meaning of her own life in ways she could never anticipate. Despite the challenges, she feels strong.
What better gift can a caregiver share with someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia than practicing the five keys from The Alzheimer’s Whisperer?
