There are many difficult aspects to caregiving, such as the physical toil of lifting or turning a patient and the mental aerobics of anticipating a patients needs without smothering him. At the last meeting of Wallowa County Caregivers, the emotional strain resulting from a patients personality change was shared.

Oftentimes patients say unexpected, outlandish things to a caregiver, leaving him feeling bewildered because the accusations are out of character for the patient; hurt because the accusations arent true; and hopeless that the situation cannot improve because the assumed condition of dementia is progressive.

One caregiver said that when a similar problem arose for her, a physician reviewed the patients medications. It was determined the patient had become sensitive to some medications that had initially been helpful. Adjustments were made, and the patient returned to his pleasant self.

Another story was related of attention given to possible food allergies of the patient. In addition to causing respiratory symptoms of sneezing and congestion, food allergies can impair a patients thinking, leading to disruptive behavior. Once that was straightened out, the patient improved.

When these two possibilities are ruled out, true diseases such as Alzheimers and Sundowners Syndrome are addressed. At the Caregivers meeting, the sharing of our experiences, which sometimes includes tears, is met with understanding, compassion and hugs by other members.

Helpful suggestions, along with knowing there is someone nearby who empathizes, gives us an improved perspective, which provides hope and strength to care for our loved one in a healthy way for both patient and caregiver.

Caregivers support meetings are held the first and third Tuesdays of every month at 3 p.m. in the Wallowa Memorial Hospital Conference Room. A training seminar is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 19.