Chameleons come in a wide range of colors and some of the species can change their color. Scientists think mood, temperature and social communication may be why they change their color. Too bad the one we care for doesn’t change colors to alert us of their mood for the day. That would make our job so much easily.
I can imagine this chart.
Blue ……………. calm and peaceful.
Green……………Oscar the grouch day (Be Warned)
Yellow…………..cheerful
Red………………..angry and aggressive
Black……………..sad and weepy
Gray……………….lonely
Life isn’t that easy. Changes come faster than the chameleon can react sometimes. We have to learn to read the changes whenever possible. Logging an unusual behavior and making notes about the setting, time of day, physical activity and other observations may reveal a pattern. When it seems to repeat itself we know to look for further clues as to what caused the change in mood and behavior.
One of my children would become quite irritable and grouchy when she went too long without eating. We finally realized that when her blood sugar dropped, you better find food fast or face her outburst. They now call this behavior hangry. (hungry with anger).
We would leave home with a loving adorable child and watch her transform into a wild lioness on the prowl to pounce on anyone in her sight. This meant feed me now!
Once you learn to read the clues you can make adjustments. Sometimes the adjustments are easy. Stop and go to the bathroom now. Turn the heat up. Close the blinds if the sun is in their eyes. At other times, you may have to guess until you find how to address what they see as a problem.
Communication is not just words and actions but how we say it and do it. Watch their face for tension, grimaces, smiles, etc. These clue us in on stress, pain or contentment. As the dementia progresses the communication will become more compromised and any skills at reading facial expressions will become critical. The clues you have learned to read can be much like watching for the chameleon to change color.
Be encouraged that God gives us insight and abilities that we just have to learn to use. It just takes time and patience. You can do it. Just show up each day with your eyes and hearts wide open.
Word for Today
“being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, ” Colossians 1:11
Song for Today
Throw back to when my children were very young! The truth applies to us adults all too well.
Prayer for Today
Our Heavenly Father,
Taking care of oneself is sometimes challenging. Having someone depending on me for their daily living can be intimidating. Forgive me for when I allow stress to cause me to rush through and mess things up. It is difficult to adjust to the slower pace that I now have to live in because that is what the one I care for needs.
Help me to watch for the signs of fear, hunger, pain, loneliness and other emotions that need to be addressed. I need discernment and wisdom each and every day. Give me more patience so I can show compassion. Give each of us peace as we navigate new ways of communication.
We will praise you as peace begins to settle over our hearts and minds.
Amen
Walking Them Home 