Archive for December 2012
Five Signs of Cognitive Decline
December 27, 2012
As our parents age, it is tempting to pass off the little things as a normal part of aging, such as dad taking longer to do his favorite crossword puzzle, or mom having trouble remembering people’s names. The best thing you can do however is to acknowledge there may be more to than meets the eye, and to evaluate what care your loved one needs in order to remain independent, safe and healthy.
We’ve put together a list of conditions for you to consider with you parent at your next health care visit. Hopefully they will help you determine whether your family member is suffering from mental decline and if they would benefit from assisted living or memory care.
Can they hold a coherent, prolonged conversation?
Conversing can offer clues to mental status. While forgetfulness is normal, severe memory loss can indicate deeper problems. Try to pay attention to whether they call you by name and are speaking at a normal tone and speed. Slurring words can indicate hearing loss, and agitation from basic questions may indicate Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Do they keep up with current events and normal routines?
When seniors discontinue their normal routine (with or without physical cause), such as not making plans, or no longer referencing future events, they may be suffering from depression.
Weight loss
Weight loss is a sign your loved one is not eating properly. This can cause loss of sight, diminished mental capacity, or depression. A simply solution is a home health care provider, who can offer a steady diet of well-balanced meals to maintain a healthy weight.
Clean and orderly physical appearance
One indication your loved one is not physically able to carry out basic tasks is dirty or unkempt clothes. This can mean their mental capacity is diminishing. Try to find out if they remember to take care of their basic hygiene, such as brushing their hair or teeth daily.
Neat and Tidy House
Similar to how the physical appearance can indicate mental decline, and un-kept home can indicate trouble living independently. Things such as dirty dishes, plants that need watering, piles of garbage or musty and moldy smells all indicate more help is needed and that your loved one may be unable to properly care for themselves without additional assistance.
**It can be very distressing to know your loved one is suffering from mental decline or Alzheimer’s. If they are showing the above signs, be sure to go to a doctor for a professional diagnosis. Also, if they have trouble caring for themselves, long-term home care or memory care communities are a wonderful, safe and healthy option to ensure a productive, stable and happy life.
For more information, please visit www.seniorhomes.com and www.alz.org
A Safer Home for Loved Ones with Dementia
December 20, 2012
Dementia safety precautions are a necessity when individuals with memory loss risk harming themselves because of impaired judgment. Things we take for granted, such as remembering to use a Band-Aid, to only go outside wearing a winter coat, or to not eat food that has mold, are common things forgotten.
According to occupational therapist Barbara Smith, MS, OTR, from www.seniorhomes.com, a safety assessment is crucial. A few of the adaptations she uses:
• Add Clues for technology
o Preset the telephone, so the number 1 goes to a friend or relative. Use nail polish and make a sign that says “Press 1 for help”.
o Remove all remote controls
o Purchase lamps that switch on and off by touch
o Provide digital clocks with date and time also help.
• Install a shower seat
• Add night lights with sensors
• Check food regularly for freshness
• Remove items such as:
o Clutter (old newspapers, grocery receipts, magazines, bags, etc.)
o Small rugs
o Candles
o Matches
o Sharp knives
o Dangerous Tools
o Toxins such as bleach (as it can look like a gallon of milk) or cough syrup (which can smell like candy)
For more information, please visit www.seniorhomes.com
Dementia is More than a Death Sentence
December 18, 2012
The Alzheimer’s Society recently posted a YouTube Video where Peter Dunlop proclaims “I have dementia. I also have a life.” His message, though hard to hear, is a wakeup call for many who fail to recognize life goes on after an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis.
This is not to say that life isn’t about to change, as it would be foolish to think everything will stay the same. As the Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said, “Change is the only constant.” And whether your loved one lives alone, with a caregiver, or in an Assisted Living or Memory Care Community, life will continue, as will their journey with memory loss. However with support from family and friends, consistency in routine, encouragement, plenty of social interactions, as well as a healthy diet, exercise and plethora of enjoyable hobbies, a full life can still be expected.
For Peter’s video, please visit: www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=bbRidej4QdU
For more information on the Alzheimer’s Society, please visit: www.alz.org
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Choosing an Elder Care Community for your Spouse or Parent
December 14, 2012
One of the hardest parts of a family member aging, is when your spouse or elder parent’s care becomes more than you can physically or emotionally manage in your home or theirs. When trying to a choose the best possible home for your loved one, look for the best care available at all hours of the day and at night.
Here are a few hints of what to look for in a quality senior living community:
- Compare costs from other local communities. Don’t pay more than you need.
- Plan ahead of time. Often, the highest rated homes have waitlists.
- Consider a smaller care community. Bigger does not mean better.
- Look past the fancy exterior and see how the patients are treated – is the staff caring? Engaged? Friendly? Respectful? Do the residents seem anxious or at ease? Are they happy in their homes?
- Visit a community more than once. Eat the food. Talk to the residents. Meet their families.
- Find out how the staff communicates information with the families. How are concerns handled and what happens when there is a dispute?
- Ask about resident turnover, outside of deaths.
- Find out how your loved one will be integrated into the community of care workers and other residents.
Happier Holidays for Seniors
December 13, 2012
Most of us feel like the holidays are “the most wonderful time of year!” However for many older adults the holidays can be a time of high stress, confusion, or even depressing, if their mental, physical and emotional needs are not taken into account. Here are some tips to help older friends, family members and loved ones enjoy the holiday season, based on advice from specialists in senior medicine at the University of California School of Medicine.
- Stroll down memory lane, with the help of photo albums, videos, songs or even television or radio, to help stimulate memories and encourage seniors to share their stories and experiences.
- Plan ahead and limit the number of activities your older family member is included in, as well as the length of time they are involved. The noise and confusion of large gatherings can lead to exhaustion and irritability.
- Eliminate obstacles such as slippery rugs, furniture barriers or holding the party in a location where you need to re-arranged all the furniture.
- Create new memories, so seniors have something new to participate in, and new traditions can be formed
- Be inclusive and involve everyone in the holiday meal prep and take down. Older adults may have physical limitations, but that doesn’t mean they can’t help peel vegetables, fold napkins, or arrange flowers
- Monitor medications and alcohol, and have them adhere to their regular schedule of both throughout the holidays. Alcohol can provoke inappropriate behavior or interfere with medications.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: christmas, Coventry Assisted Living and Memory Care, holiday, holidays, older adult health, senior living | No Comments »
Alzheimer’s and the Holidays
December 12, 2012
The holidays can be stressful enough, but for families living with Alzheimer’s, it can be an extra challenge. However with a little bit of planning, you’re celebrations can still be just as special.
Know the Situation
Throughout your loved one’s journey with Alzheimer’s, they may have trouble following conversations or repeating themselves. It’s best to let guests know what to expect ahead to time, so family members are patient with communication, as well not interrupting or correcting your loved one.
Adjust Expectations
-Discuss your holiday plans ahead of time and be sure that other family members understand your role as a caregiver, so they have realistic expectations of what you can do.
- Be good to yourself and only do what you can manage. Consider having others bring the food, paring down the guest list, or switching the time of the meal to accommodate yourself and your loved one with dementia.
-Arrange for respite care so you can take some time for yourself to enjoy a movie or go out with friends.
Involving the Person with Dementia
Keeping your loved one involved in the holidays is important. Focus on activities that are meaningful to them, whether it’s signing an old holiday song or looking through a photo album. Also, as you see fit, invite your loved one to help you wrap gifts, decorate the house, prepare food or even set the table.
Holidays in a Senior Living Community
The holidays are still the holidays, whether they are celebrated at home or in at a Senior Living Community. Be sure to join your loved one in any community planned activities. Another way to make their day special is to bring their favorite holiday dish to share, participate in any signing or decorating with the residents, or even throw your own party, inviting family and friends to celebrate in your loved one’s new home.
For more information visit: http://www/alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-holidays.asp?utm
Respecting and understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia
December 7, 2012
Often times a person traveling along their journey with memory loss feels vulnerable and in constant need of reassurance and support. It is important for those closest to them – including care givers, health care professionals, friends and family –to do everything in their power to help their loved ones feel respected, valued, and supported in retaining their sense of identity and feelings of self-worth.
Ways to help a person feel valued
-Be flexible and tolerant
-Make time to listen and enjoy your loved ones company
-Show affection in ways you are both comfortable
-Participate in activities together, ones you both enjoy
-Address your loved in a way they recognize and prefer, whether it be their first name, Mom or Dad, Mr. or Mrs.
Respecting Cultural Values
-What do they normally eat or drink?
-How they choose to observe religion, prayer and festivals?
-Are there particular clothes or jewelry they want to wear?
-How do they undressing?
-How do they prefer to be touched?
-How do they wash or use the toilet?
Be Courteous
-Be kind, don’t talk down
-Give encouragement
-Never talk over their head or pretend they are not there. Include them in conversations, always.
-Do not scold or criticize, memory loss is not something they have chosen. Always be patient. Imagine being in their shoes.
-Watch for meaning in their words, even when it doesn’t make sense, they are trying to communicate with you.
-Don’t brush off their worries, however painful or insignificant they may be. Listen and show them you are there as support.
-Make time to offer support, as opposed to ignoring the hard stuff.
-Avoid situations where your loved one is bound to fail, as this can be humiliating.
-Try not to correct what your loved one is saying – meaning behind the words is far more important than accuracy of information.
Respect Privacy
-Always knock
-Be sensitive to intimate activities such as washing or using the toilet. Keep the door closed when others are around.
Simple Choices
-Try to always inform and consult your loved on matters that concern them. Give them the opportunity to make choices and have opinions.
-When offering help, always explain when and why you are doing something
Lastly, always try to remember each and every person experiencing memory loss is a unique individual, with their own needs and feelings, likes and dislikes. Although many symptoms are common, memory loss affects each person in a different way.
For details of Alzheimer’s Society services in your area, visit alzheimers.org.uk/localinfo
For information about a wide range of dementia-related topics, visit alzheimers.org.uk/factsheets
3 Tips to Consider When Choosing a Care Facility for Your Loved One
December 5, 2012
Sometimes, no matter how much we want to keep a loved one in their home or with use, it’s simply not an option. Finding a place can be overwhelming, as it’s a huge decision and you want to make sure your loved adjusts to their new surrounds, is well cared for and above all, is safe. A few keys points from Senior Expert Carol O’Dell, from Caring.com
-Notice how folks are being treated – look past the fancy store front: More and more facilities are beginning to look like country clubs, and that’s great but real care of your loved one is what you are after. Ask to have lunch with the residents. Stroll to the community center or gathering room. See if you can go down the hall where your loved one might be placed and see who their neighbors may be.
-Don’t just take a tour – branch off and ask residents questions. Ask residents if they like the food, if they get their medications on times. Ask the families if their loved ones have ever had a bed sore or problems with any of the staff or other residents. Even if they say the right words, notice how they hesitate, get antsy or look around. If your loved one has dementia, ask to see that area as well. Make sure there are safety measures so tenants are not wandering around, and make sure they are spoken to in a firm but kind manner. Notice if their clothes are clean, if they have a dazed look on their face, if their rooms are tidy and if there is a smell in the air.
- Ask how concerns will be handled and what you can do if you need to change care facilities. Find out how disagreements are handled up front. Talk to the day staff, weekend staff and night staff. Ask how they handle serious issues and what happens if you choose to move your loved one to a different facility.
For more information, please visit www.caring.com/local
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Alzheimer, assisted living, Coventry Assisted Living and Memory Care, Dementia, memory care | No Comments »
You may live longer if “You’re Happy and You Know It!”
December 3, 2012
A study from the University College of London suggests that if you’re happy, and you know it, you might just live longer! In fact, seniors that have a positive outlook on life are 35% less likely to die than those who are perpetually negative.
The study followed more than 11,000 people, ages 50 years and older, from 2002 to 2004. Saliva samples were collected four times a day, from roughly 4,700 participants, and their moods were noted. They found that of the 924 people that reported the least positive feelings , 7.3% of them died with five years. For the people with the most positive feelings, the mortality rate dropped to 3.6%. The researchers also adjusted for age, sex, demographic factors (wealth and education), signs of depression, health (whether they had been diagnosed with a major disease) and behaviors such as smoking or physical activity.
Even with these variables, the risk of dying in the next five years was still 35% lower in participants who were happy.
“I think this is pretty exciting and pretty powerful,” says Laura Cartsense, a life span developmental psychologist at Standford University in Palo, California, who was not involved in the study but published a smaller one in the journal Psychology and Aging, with similar findings.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: health, older adult health, older adults, senior living | No Comments »