I am a 57 year old son who lives back at home with his father 92, and mother 85, My father suffers with dementia and my mother has a pace maker and has a hard time just getting around. I am afraid something mite happen and I wont know what to do. I need to know how to get some type of training. Money is short so paying to go back to school at this time would be hard, any suggestions.
Change is upsetting and routine is comforting.
A reassuring tone of voice no matter what happens is always your best coarse of action.
When things go missing (and they will),look in their drawers and closets first.If they insists it belongs to them and it doesn't ask to borrow it or let them keep it unless it's sharp.They aren't always nice to the caregiver.
Expect the unexpected.Some will lash out physically.
Learn to "duck and weave". Practice in your spare time.
Never argue with them as you will not win.
Try to remember that people with dementia are aging backwards.Mid life crisis, rebellious teens, terrible two's then infancy.
Vicks under the nose for nasty jobs, latex gloves by the carton and plenty of lysol .
Everyone is different, you learn by doing, it's best not to know ahead of time what you might be in for as it's too scary for most to think about until you are a seasoned veteran.
Maintain a sense a humor at all costs.It will get through when all else fails.
For dementia, contact your local Alzheimer's Assn. and ask if they present the Creating Confident Caregiver's course. It's a free 6 week course and is excellent. I would highly recommend it if it's available in your area.
You can also add grab bars in areas where there's nothing for her to hold onto, and especially in the bathroom.
For your mother, concentrate on improving mobility safety. If you can get a script from one of her doctors for in-home PT to help with balance, do so.
For both of their medical conditions:
Prepare a medical history which you can take with you or show to EMS if needed. It should include their names, DOB and other personal data as well as Medicare and any supplemental insurance policy numbers. Also include a list of their meds and allergies and/or reactions to any meds. In the history I prepared for my parents, I also included any significant events such as stroke, heart attack, existing conditions, treating physicans and their contact numbers.
I carry the history with me in a 3 ring 1/2" notebook with copies of Dad's DPOA and Living Will. It's always ready in case I need that information.
Some hospitals offer free CPR courses; check with those in your area.
Probably the best approach you can take is become as knowledgeable as you can about their conditions, recognize danger signs as well as those Pam cited, and call EMS if you feel it appropriate.