Posts Tagged ‘Alzheimer’s Care’
Knowing the Basics – What is Alzheimer’s?
February 21, 2013
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Often times the symptoms develop slowly and get worse over the course of time, becoming so severe that they interfere with daily tasks. It is not a normal part of aging, and though the greatest known risk factor is increasing age, the majority of people are over 65 years old.
Alzheimer’s gets worse with time, as it is a progressive diseases. Most people live on average eight years after their symptoms become noticeable, but survival can range from four to 20 years, depending on health conditions and age.
There is no cure of Alzheimer’s, but treatments for symptoms are available and research continues. And although treatment will not stop the progress of the disease, it does temporarily slow the worsening of symptoms and improves the quality of life for those along their journey of memory loss.
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“Dear Abby” – A Voice for Alzheimer’s
February 18, 2013
Pauline Philips, the woman we all knew as “Dear Abby”, was never afraid of bringing difficult topics in front of the public for discussion, including Alzheimer’s disease.
In 1980, long before her own diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease, she put dementia in the spotlight when she published a letter from a woman searching for guidance, whose 60-year-old husband had was suffering from memory loss.
Pauline responded to the women by directing her towards the Alzheimer’s Association – an organization that at that time, was a newly formed group. They helped provide assistance to people with the disease and their families, as well as raise awareness and advocate for state and federal help. They also worked to increase government funding for research.
Pauline spent many years bringing the topic to readers across the country, and in 15 years after she put Alzheimer’s on the map, she began showing signs of the disease.
The difference she made was profound. She encouraged people to talk about the disease and she helped to change and shape lives through information. She also let those living in fear of the Alzheimer’s know they were not alone, and by spreading awareness, she was a fundamental part of increasing the research budget from 2 million in 1980 and 450 million today.
For more information please visit the Alzheimer’s Association website, at www.alz.org.
Top Five Myths about Alzheimer’s
January 28, 2013
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the top ten myths about Alzheimer’s:
Myth 1: Memory Loss is a natural part of aging.
Truth: Alzheimer’s is more than occasional memory loss.
Myth 2: Alzheimer’s disease is not fatal.
Truth: Alzheimer’s disease has no survivors because it destroy brain cells and slowly, but surely, takes a way person’s identity and their ability to connect to others, think, eat, drink, or live.
Myth 3: Only older people can get Alzheimer’s.
Truth: Alzheimer’s does not discriminate to those only with old age. It can hit in your 30’s, 40’s, or 50’s.
Myth 4: Drinking out a aluminum cans or cooking in aluminum pots and pans can lead to Alzheimer’s disease.
Truth: Studies have shown no such correlations, and experts today focus on other areas of research.
Myth 5: Aspartame causes memory loss.
Truth: As of 2006, with over 100 laboratory and clinical tests being performed, there has not been any scientific evidence that connects Aspartame to memory loss.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Alzheimer, Alzheimer's Care, Coventry Assisted Living and Memory Care, Dementia, health, older adult health, older adults | No Comments »
Living with Early-Onset Alzheimer’s
January 25, 2013
When living with early–onset Alzheimer’s’, people face unique challenges, from job decisions, to financial issues, and future care. However, if you can talk openly about these issues, you and your family can prepare for the future in the best way possible. It is important to remember that you are not alone, and just because you have early-onset Alzheimer’s doesn’t mean you can’t stay active and involved. The disease will affect many different people in many different ways, so remember your symptoms will vary and the Alzheimer’s Association can help you and your family should you want support.
Here are a few tips on living with early-onset Alzheimer’s, from www.alz.org
1) Expect to have good days and bad days
2) Share your story – educate others and express yourself
3) Discuss changes in relationships with a counselor
4) Talk openly about the changes the disease is causing
5) Get involved. Volunteer in your community. Become an advocate.
6) Talk to your employer about adapting your job hour or duties
7) Get professional legal and financial help
8) Maintain your health and reduce stress
9) Take steps to make your home a safer place
10) Stay active. Keep making memories with your loved ones. Use your experience to enlighten.
Transportation for Seniors – Is it time to hide the keys?
January 21, 2013
Losing your ability to drive is one of the scariest parts about aging for many seniors. Elderly parents who are often cooperative can be very resistant to loosing this type of independence, as it creates strong feelings of isolation.
Before you take the keys away, your parent must understand why they need to stop driving and whether or not they have any other options. Start by explaining how reflexes become slower for everyone as they age, and driving then becomes a threat to both themselves and others on the road. Move then towards describing what other options they have for transportation so they can maintain their independence. There are the obvious forms of public transportation, such as buses, subways, and even taxis. However, another option in many communities is a dial-a-ride program, where a senior calls to schedule an appointment for transportation to and from a specific location and at a specific time.
To find other local resources, search the online Eldercare Locator maintained by the federal Department of Health and Human Services.
Please visit http://www.eldercare.gov/eldercare.net/public/resources/topic/Transportation.aspx for more information
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Alzheimer's Care, health, memory care, older adult health, older adults, senior living | No Comments »
Creating a Memory Fitness Plan
January 14, 2013
Kathryn Kilpatrick, Speech and Language Pathologist, specializing in Geriatric Communication and Memory Fitness, understands the benefit in creating a memory fitness plan to promote successful aging, especially in the early stages of memory loss. Her goal is “to help families and caregivers create and support activities at the appropriate level for the person who no longer does the things that were once part of leisure time interests. Whether it was reading, doing puzzles or word games, talking on the phone or participating in conversations, sometimes modifications can be made to facilitate some level of participation.”
A memory fitness plan for successful aging includes maintaining a positive attitude, paying attention, healthier lifestyle choices, effective memory props, upgrading brain games and creating balance in daily routines.
A few modification ideas:
- For those having trouble reading books -Large print books, for those with visual difficulty -Books with shorter stories that are inspirational and humors
- For those having trouble with puzzles and words games Puzzles – Make a copy, enlarging the print Word Search – Help your loved one, either by letting them give you the answer or just sitting with them and helping figuring it out together Scrabble – Create a cheat sheet of uncommon but acceptable two and three letter words
- For those having trouble with Television and Movie Plots -Rent familiar or favorite movies and watch them twice -Used close captioning -Call your loved one to let them know when and what channel their favorite show is on – and have it recorded for them
For additional information refer to the www.eldercarelink.com: Enhancing Your Visits with an Older Adult
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
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Alzheimer, Alzheimer's Care, Dementia, Geneva, memory care, older adult health | No Comments »
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.