Wanderlust: Expat Life & Style in Thailand April / May 2017: Health & Wellness Issue | Page 24

Wherever you are, take the time to acknowledge the sacri-
fices the primary caregiver makes. During daily care, he or she
will likely encounter various stressful situations, so it’s import-
ant to be there emotionally, providing both a shoulder to cry
on and someone to laugh with. Doing so will strengthen the
relationship and relieve some stress.
6
MAKE THEM
SMILE
Laughter will not only provide light relief to a caregiver but
also improve the quality of life for the person afflicted by the
24 WANDERLUST
disease. During a call or a visit home, tactfully encourage
your relative to laugh, play and stay active. Laughing togeth-
er can ease some of the symptoms associated with demen-
tia — such as depression, insecurity in social situations, ag-
gression and stress — by redirecting negative emotions.
7
BRING NEWS OF FAMILY
AND FRIENDS
Dementia patients tend to lose their connection with the
world. Even if you’re living far away as an expat, you can be
a bridge between the patient and other family members
WWW.WAND