CareBerries
A CareBerry is a helpful tool for a caregiver. Whether it is helping your loved on into the shower, a bonding activity, distracting them when they want to go "home," or monitoring their whereabouts in case they wonder away.
Managing Wandering or Restlessness:
CareBerry: Create a safe, monitored environment. Use door alarms, wearable GPS trackers, or place notes on doors to gently remind them not to leave. If possible, provide a designated "safe space" for pacing, with familiar items to keep them engaged and reduce their urge to wander. Make sure to tell the neighbors about the memory loss and potential for wondering.
Assisting with Bathing or Showering:
CareBerry: Turn bath time into an automatic routine. Prepare towels, warm the room, get the water warmed, and only have one bottle of a 4-in-1 cleaning product in the shower. Offer small choices (like soap or towel preferences) to make them feel more in control. When nothing else works, consider telling them "You need to take a shower so that we can go dinner" or "You have to shower before your doctors appointment."
Handling Repetitive Questions:
CareBerry: Instead of showing frustration, try distraction, redirection, removing things, or just make it up. Remove nearby items that may prompt excessive questions (e.g., photos). Prepare a small book or activity, like sorting items or looking through a photo album, that you can offer when the same question keeps coming up. Consider being ready to make up an answer to their question. It's helpful to remain calm and patient, acknowledging their emotions rather than the content of the questions.
Dealing with Sundowning (Late-Day Confusion)
CareBerry: Maintain a structured routine throughout the day, minimizing naps to promote better sleep at night. Close blinds in the evening to reduce shadows, reflections, and lighting changes, and try to engage in calming activities after dinner—like light music or watching a familiar show—to ease the transition into the evening. Ensure that you have 3500k yellow/orange hue lighting installed (not "day light" bulbs). Several research studies have shown that broad spectrum CBD may help relax your loved one.