How to Talk to a Parent with Dementia

If you have an aging loved one, its natural that you want their later years to be happy, fulfilling and comfortable. You also understand its not just their physical needs that need tending to their mental and emotional health is equally important. However, issues like cognitive degeneration, social isolation and poor sleep in later years can all negatively impact mood and wellbeing, leading to issues including anxiety, depression and paranoia. Although paranoia in elderly people is relatively common and generally isnt dangerous, it can certainly be upsetting no one wants to imagine their parent, spouse or family member in distress, especially if you cant always be there to soothe them. Thats why having a professional in-home caregiver can provide a stable and reassuring presence not just for your loved one, but for you as well. What Signs of Paranoia Should I Look Out For? Research shows us that there is indeed a link between aging and mental health conditions like paranoia, which falls under the category of psychosis, which is when an individual is separated from reality and therefore sees, hears or believes things that arent real. Common symptoms include thinking they are being followed, believing theyve been robbed when an item has been misplaced, being convinced people are talking about them behind their back, hearing strange noises, or an unfounded conviction that they are being mistreated. These feelings are often accompanied by strong negative emotions such as anger, fear and jealousy. What Triggers Paranoia in Older People? There are a number of conditions and situations that can lead to paranoia in elderly loved ones. While some of these conditions can be easily identified and treated, others may be more difficult to diagnose and remedy. These include:         Degenerative conditions like Alzheimers and dementia, which affect memory and cognitive function         Certain medications which can cause irritability or hallucinations         Brain tumors and vascular conditions, such as a stroke or blood clots         Urinary tract infections, which can trigger sudden confusion and delirium if left untreated         Social isolation, particularly in seniors living alone As with any health concern, if you are worried paranoia is impacting your loved ones daily life, then you should speak to their physician as soon as you can. How to Help a Loved One Experiencing Paranoia  Seeing your loved one getting anxious or upset can be difficult, but its important not to react with anger or frustration or to let things escalate into an argument. Instead, some easy steps you can take to help include: Investigate their concerns. Sadly, unscrupulous people do often take advantage of vulnerable older people, so always double check to ensure this is not the case. Check assistance devices. Make sure hearing aids are working properly and glasses prescriptions are up to date. Maintain a routine. Avoid changing schedules, moving furniture or even rearranging cupboards. Consider professional assistance. Regular visits from a private home caregiver, particularly one trained in dementia care or mental health in older adults, can help provide stability, routine and sense of calm. Other Benefits of Professional Senior Care While we know that you want to do everything possible to keep your loved one safe and happy, there are times when coping with their paranoia can be tough and even overwhelming especially if you are dealing with accusations of theft or mistreatment or have other responsibilities to worry about. This is when a professional caregiver can provide expert assistance, as they are trained in dealing with distressed or angry individuals and understand how to navigate these difficult situations. On the other hand, introducing a new person into the home is a change, and paranoid individuals can often be suspicious or mistrusting of a new caregiver, so it needs to be handled sensitively and sympathetically. At FirstLight, we understand how important trust is and will take the time to get to know your loved one and build a relationship they can rely on. For those at risk of social isolation, regular visits also provide company, conversation and valuable human connection. Share the Burden of Care With FirstLight  Its true that no one can understand your loved one as well as you do, and nothing can replace the bond you have with them. But that doesnt mean there wont be times when you could use a little extra support. At FirstLight Home Care, our compassionate, professional team of in-home caregivers is specially trained to manage symptoms of paranoia in elderly patients so if youd like help from someone wholl take the time to get to know your loved one and do more to help them live their fullest life, reach out to the team at FirstLight about a personalized care plan today.  Call us today at 612-473-3227 for further information.  

When looking for senior care, many people search for an individual home caregiver because they dont know what their options are. However, they are often unprepared for the risks of hiring a private caregiver and find some unexpected downsides, including caregiver availability and backup care for when a regular caregiver isnt accessible. Instead of directly hiring a caregiver on their own, many families looking for private caregivers find they prefer the flexibility and reliability of a home care agency. With high-quality caregivers and consistent service built to suit your loved ones needs, a home care agency can give you complete peace of mind. Get Caregivers Backed by a Team When you work with a home care agency, you dont just get an individual caregiver; you get an entire team. Your caregiver or caregivers are supported by a group of other caregivers and expert staff who provide additional resources and backup. If your regular caregiver is unavailable for any reason, the agency will send a substitute caregiver to cover for them. You can rest assured knowing that even if the caregiver calls in sick or changes jobs, your loved one will still receive the best care available. Get an Agency-Crafted Care Plan Home care agencies dont just handle the basics. Theyll also customize your loved ones care to meet to ensure their unique needs are met. Independent seniors living alone might need simple personal care services, while those with serious health issues may need more intensive assistance, and a home care agency knows exactly how to handle each level of care needed. Before care begins, a good home care agency will send an expert staff member to consult with you and your loved one about the level of care needed. Theyll listen with kindness and empathy, and work to understand your unique needs. By asking insightful questions based on their experience, theyre often able to identify needs that seniors werent even aware of. Once theyve taken stock of the needs, challenges and situation at hand, your agency will work with you to build a care plan. This plan will guide caregivers from day one, showing them the best ways to aid and comfort your loved one. From shifting schedules to evolving medical needs, your loved one might not always need the same kind of care. Thats why your agency will check with you periodically to see how the plan is working. You can also reach out to them and modify the plan at any time. Get Proven Caregivers Home care agencies like FirstLight Home Care hire caregivers carefully. They perform interviews, assessments and detailed background checks to ensure every caregiver is empathetic, trustworthy and able to perform all in-home caregiver job duties. Many agencies also give their caregivers professional training, so you can rest assured that your caregiver has the right skills to help your loved one. Many of them also have caregivers specifically trained to help with conditions like dementia and ALS. Performance Management Home care agencies know how important it is that your loved one receives top-quality care that specifically meets their needs, and hold themselves and their caregivers to high standards. You always know your loved one is in the hands of a well-trained, accountable caregiver who genuinely looks out for them. Get Peace of Mind with FirstLight Home Care Excellent home care, like the care given by FirstLight Home Care providers, doesnt just provide support for your loved one, it also gives you peace of mind. Avoid the stress, complications and risks of hiring a private caregiver with FirstLight on your side, youll always know that your loved one is in the ands of a capable team that puts their well-being first. If youre ready to get have an expert in-home caregiver team on your side, wed love to learn about their needs. Contact us and well connect you with a FirstLight team in your area!   

Whether facing health or mobility problems, or simply aging gracefully, theres no doubt that growing older can be a battle. On top of that, the older we get, the more time we have on our hands.  As such, its important to find ways to keep your senior loved ones engaged and thriving, both within and outside of their home environment. This season, rely on fall activities for seniors that create situations that allow them to keep their mind sharp, enhance their physical fitness or enjoy the positive emotions that stem from social interaction.  Explore some of the most exciting things for seniors to do this fall, all with a seasonal twist. Pumpkin Painting Carving pumpkins may require a little more physical effort than seniors are able to put in, but theres a new fall trend that is perfect for the elderly. Rather than opening up the top and scooping the insides out before slicing out chunks of the pumpkin, grab some paint and use it to decorate the gourd with the design of your choosing. From spooky scenes and classic jack-o-lantern faces to pop culture references and autumn-inspired patterns, you can really get creative and make it your own with endless possibilities. Apple Picking When caring for aging parents, one of the most exciting ways to explore the world is with the whole family. Gather everyone together for a special fall outing to an apple orchard. This quintessential autumn activity provides a chance for seniors to enjoy physical activity (tailored to their ability level), teamwork, stunning scenery, fresh air and time spent with loved ones. Baking with Fall Flavors One of the best fall activities for seniors is baking. From flaky pies to moist muffins and cookies that melt in your mouth, there is something so exciting about tasting something that you just created from scratch. Incorporate fall flavors, like apple or pumpkin, to give the project seasonality, but keep the focus on the process. Locating and measuring out the ingredients will keep your loved ones mind active. Seasonal Gardening A laid-back and tranquil activity, gardening is something that can be done year-round with very exciting results. Add a touch of fall to your garden by incorporating produce that will be harvested in the latter part of the year, like apples, squash, leafy greens, carrots, sweet potatoes, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. This can also be a great task for families looking for private caregivers, as FirstLight Home Care professionals can supervise or assist when family members arent around to do so. Leaf Peeping Walks As the leaves change and add color to the world, explore your neighborhood or a local park while looking for vibrant fall foliage. This is a great way to get some gentle exercise and fresh air while adding some excitement to the experience. Embrace the deep reds, golden yellows and rusty oranges while leaf peeping, a beloved pastime all over the country but especially in New England or the Pacific Northwest. Fall Picnic Delve into relaxation with a seasonal picnic, one of the best fall activities for seniors. A picnic is the perfect way to get your loved one out of the house for some fresh air and inspiration from nature. This is especially wonderful for those who dont have great mobility, as it doesnt require much movement upon arrival. Gather dishes that feature the flavors of fall to make it extra special or look for colored leaves as you dine and unwind.  Fun and Games Games can be one of the most thrilling pastimes and theyre something the entire family can enjoy together, no matter the ages. Plus, games can serve as a stepping stone to companionship for lonely elderly, as well as a way to keep their memory sharp. Play board games or card games, or get active with a round of cornhole or oversize Jenga. Crosswords, Sudoku or jigsaw puzzles can also be fun to complete together. Or add a touch of autumn by creating your own game, like a scent competition where participants must identify mystery smells like cinnamon or pumpkin. Companionship for Fall Activities Sometimes it can be hard to find the time to dedicate to our elderly loved ones. Whether navigating a demanding career, raising children or dealing with something else entirely, we may not be able to pencil in these affairs as much as we would like to. However, these fall activities for seniors can be crucial for their social, emotional, mental and even physical health. While you may not be able to be there for each and every activity, dont limit your loved one. Families looking for private caregivers should turn to FirstLight Home Care we will be by your side every step of the way with professionals who are well-equipped to provide companionship, care, comfort and more. Get started today  inquire about a personalized quote or call 612-473-3227 to talk with our FirstLight team.