As the people in our lives get older, it’s natural for their mental and physical abilities to slip a little from time to time. Maybe they can’t quite recall that one neighbor’s name, or they decide to finally hire someone else to mow the lawn. But when does normal aging cross the line into the early signs of dementia? And when is it time to consider assisted living?
In honor of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month this November, we’re taking a moment to talk about dementia: what it is, what to expect, and how a senior care advisor can help your family find the best support. A dementia diagnosis doesn’t mean the end of good days for your loved one—with the right senior living community, you can still enjoy plenty of meaningful moments and happy times together.
Alzheimer’s disease is a specific form of dementia, accounting for 60–70% of all cases. One of the major physical characteristics of this disease is the presence of plaques and tangles in the brain. Plaques are clusters of protein buildups between neurons, and tangles are knots of nerve cells. Together, these issues lead to tissue loss and signs of cognitive deterioration.
Dementia is a more general term for various symptoms of decline in a person’s cognitive function. There are many other causes and types of dementia, including:
Often, dementia begins with what seems like ordinary forgetfulness. But when forgetfulness interferes with daily life, it’s no longer a normal part of aging. A forgotten name here or a missed appointment there may not be cause for alarm. But if you notice a consistent pattern of memory loss, especially if it involves skipped medications or missed bills, it may be time to arrange for a professional assessment.
The first signs of change may become evident when it comes time to take on a complex task. Whether that task is organizing a party or learning a new skill at work, difficulty thinking or frequent confusion can be a red flag. Judgment problems can also affect a person’s driving capabilities. Frequent accidents, dings and scratches on the car, or getting lost on familiar routes are common early signs of developing dementia.
If your loved one has always been a little lax with their hygiene and housekeeping, that likely isn’t going to change in their later years. But a noticeable decline in their showering habits, personal grooming, or household chores could be a symptom of dementia. They may be unable to perform the activities of daily living that they once could, in which case senior care could be the best option for their safety and well-being.
It’s normal for older adults to have a little more trouble getting around the house than they used to. But dizziness and balance problems are more serious issues. If your loved one has trouble getting up, sitting down, or walking around, they may need extra assistance. Watch, too, for any unexplained bruises that could be signs of unreported trips or falls.
It’s common for people with dementia to have difficulty communicating what they mean to the people around them. Watch for consistent trouble finding the right words, uncertainty or confusion when performing familiar tasks, and changes in their personality, like a loss of interest in things they once enjoyed.
Assisted living communities with dedicated dementia care or memory care facilities have a number of benefits. Skilled caregivers at these homes understand exactly how to manage the symptoms of dementia, and they can keep a close watch on the disease’s progression over time.
From managing medications to helping them with everyday grooming and mobility tasks, the nurses at assisted living communities are there to provide quality care 24/7. And when you aren’t the sole caregiver for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, you have more emotional bandwidth to support them in the other ways that matter most: being a loving presence in their life.
Assisted living residents also benefit from specialized programs designed to maximize their remaining abilities and stimulate their minds with meaningful activities. Remember that social isolation is a major concern for older adults. Quality memory care communities ensure that your loved one feels connected through common areas, group activities, and consistent caregiver relationships.
Receiving a dementia diagnosis for a loved one is never easy. But you don’t have to go through the process alone. At CarePatrol, our senior care advisors are here to help you find the perfect senior living solution for your family.
They’ll be with you every step of the way: assessing the necessary level of care, touring vetted communities with you, coordinating move-in day, and checking in with you periodically after the transition. If you’re not sure whether it’s time to consider assisted living, take our short assessment today!
Finding memory and dementia care can be a stressful process for seniors and their families. But CarePatrol’s senior care advisors have vetted thousands of assisted living facilities and nursing homes nationwide, and we’re ready to help you find the perfect fit. Best of all, our services are offered at no charge to you.
Caring for a loved one with dementia presents unique challenges that can be overwhelming. It means coping not just with the loved one's illness and the huge life changes that will come, but with the caregiver's own feelings and struggles too. Keeping a detailed journal is an organized way to record the progress and effects of the patient's dementia helpful information for their doctors. But it can also provide emotional and psychological benefits for caregivers themselves. Whether you're caring for someone with dementia or another illness, here are some things to consider when keeping a journal. What To Track in Your Journal Why record what the dementia patient is experiencing? Two reasons: because it will help their doctors and because it will help the caregiver understand and adapt to the effects of the disease. Daily activities and behaviors: Note any changes in mood, unusual behaviors, or shifts in routine. This can help identify triggers for agitation or anxiety and reveal patterns or changes over time. Medications and side effects: Record the times and doses of medications. If their medications change, note any side effects or noticeable changes in the person's condition. This can be crucial for managing the drugs' effectiveness and any potential drug interactions. Eating and drinking habits: What and how much is your loved one eating and drinking? Tracking this information can help prevent malnutrition and dehydration, which are common issues in people with dementia. Physical health and symptoms: Record any physical symptoms, such as coughs, changes in mobility, or signs of discomfort. This information can be vital for detecting emerging health issues that may not be directly related to dementia. Sleep patterns: How much and how well are they sleeping? Do they wake up during the night? Sleep disturbances can exacerbate the symptoms of dementia and affect the health of both the caregiver and the patient. Falls: Research shows that falls are not only more common among people with dementia, but they can also accelerate cognitive decline. Details about any falls-where, when, and how they occurred-are important information for the doctors. Journaling: A Safe Space and a Helpful Tool Keeping a journal helps the caregiver process the complex emotions they're likely experiencing. A journal is a private, safe space where the caregiver can express frustrations, celebrate successes, and acknowledge hardships. Journaling can help them protect their mental health stability, which in turn can help them feel better able to support their loved one effectively. A journal can also be a place for the caregiver to track the effectiveness of care strategies and treatments. For example, the caregiver may notice that the timing of dinner is causing their loved one distress. Their notes can help them adjust their caregiving as needed. The caregiver may even decide to keep two separate journals-one for themselves and the other journal (or calendar) about their loved one's condition. "There is something about recording what is happening to us and our emotional reactions that enables family caregivers to stand apart from the onrush of tasks and crises they're immersed in," said Barry J. Jacobs in an article for AARP. A caregiver himself, Jacobs noted that journaling can help the writer "feel more in control." How the Journal Can Help Doctors A detailed journal is a valuable resource during medical appointments. It provides data and examples that help doctors understand the patient's current state beyond what a memory recall or short visit can reveal. This is crucial in diagnosing issues, adjusting medications, or changing treatment plans. Doctors rely on accurate, detailed information to make informed decisions about treatments and care strategies. For example, if the journal shows that the patient has fallen repeatedly, the doctor may use that information to assess the patient's need for mobility aids, physical therapy, or further neurological evaluation. The doctor may end up identifying a treatable condition, such as an inner ear disorder or vision problems. Moreover, the journal can help identify early signs of complications or side effects of medications that the patient might not be able to express because of their cognitive condition. This helps the doctor make a change before the complications cause a potentially serious health issue. Write for Them and for Yourself Keeping a journal is a simple yet effective tool that can greatly improve the caregiving experience for those managing the care of someone with dementia. You'll help not just your loved one, but yourself as well. Do it in whatever way works best for you. "This is not a school assignment," Jacobs reminds other caregivers. "No one is grading you. Just empty the contents of your mind without judging yourself." If you have any questions, please call Right at Home at 970-494-1111.
Experiencing the pain of arthritis is something many of us understand, especially if weve watched a parent or grandparent struggle with osteoarthritis.This pain, often severe and sometimes even crippling, typically comes from the normal wear and tear of cartilage as we age, a process often just due to the rigors of daily life.The intensity of the pain varies, presenting good days and bad days unique to each person. Its important to note that arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability in America, emphasizing its prevalence and impact.However, its not all doom and gloom! There are practical steps that elderly individuals can take to help alleviate this pain, especially with the support of a robust senior home care plan.Here are some enhancements you can make to your senior home care strategy to effectively manage arthritis:Embrace Regular Exercise: It might seem counterintuitive given the pain, but exercise is crucial. Inactivity only worsens arthritis symptoms, leading to increased swelling and pain. Activities range from swimming to simple weight lifting can make a difference. Dont forget endurance exercises, great for heart health, which can also reduce joint swelling.Consider Weight Management: If possible, shedding a few pounds can relieve significant pressure on your joints, subsequently reducing arthritis-related pain and swelling.Indulge in Comforts: Little luxuries like massages, warm baths, or using arthritis-friendly products can make a big difference. These not only ease the pain but also prepare you for a good rest. Tools like jar openers, reachers, and button fasteners are small additions that can greatly improve daily living.Stick to Your Medications: Its crucial to follow your doctors prescription regimen. Managing arthritis symptoms often requires consistent medication intake.Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest arthritis research and treatments. Knowledge is a powerful tool in managing your symptoms.Create a Supportive Living Environment: Make small adjustments in your living space to accommodate your needs, like installing safety handles or organizing a living space on the first floor.Arthritis, while challenging, doesnt spell the end of a happy, active life. Remember, its all about learning to manage the condition effectively. As you adjust and respond to the changes it brings, youll find that you can continue to live, laugh, and enjoy life just as vibrantly as before! And perhaps, this journey might remind you of the resilient words:Life isnt about waiting for the storm to passIts about learning to dance in the rain. Embrace each day, and keep dancing!
Thats right! You can find the best Alzheimers care Cape Coral has to offer with one call! Clients seeking the best Alzheimers care in Fort Myers know Abby Services In-Home Care can help.How Can Abby Services In-Home Care help?Abby Services is a family-owned and operated state-licensed Nurse Registry. We have been helping seniors throughout Fort Myers and Cape Coral remain safe and independent in their homes since 1997!We help seniors remain independent by referring our areas best in-home caregivers. These professionals provide many types of in-home caregiver assistance including Alzheimers care.Alzheimer's Caregivers are available when you cant be there.Many seasonal residents do not have family nearby in the Cape Coral and Fort Myers area. Families struggle with Long Distance care especially when concerns about Alzheimers Care arise. According to caregiver.org In the US, approximately 5-7 million adults are responsible for caring for a senior family member who lives more than 26 miles away. Caregiving for senior loved ones is typically challenging. Coordinating services, ensuring a seniors safety, offering companionship, and dealing with emotions are all common difficulties for families. Distance adds more complicationsFor seniors and their caregivers, long-distance support is possible through smart strategies. The link below includes some sensible solutions for families managing senior care from afar.At Abby Services In-Home Care we work with a platform called Ally to help families manage their Alzheimers Care. Ally allows families to view upcoming scheduled caregivers, manage payment methods, and view past invoices. This helps to facilitate communication and eliminate confusion.Long Distance CareAn Alzheimer's Caregiver can limit a seniors loss of independence.Alzheimers is a progressive disease that can sometimes develop over years. Many individuals in Cape Coral and Fort Myers living with Alzheimers can successfully live independently with minimal caregiver support. One of the barriers to seniors seeking an Alzheimers Caregiver is the fear of losing their independence. This is a common concern and one that having an in-home caregiver actively addresses. The goal of in-home care is to enable a senior to remain independent in their home for as long as they choose. Private in-home caregivers are available short or long-term to accommodate a variety of seniors needs and schedules. Sundowners is a common reason families seek an Alzheimer's Caregiver.What is Sundowners Syndrome? Sundown Syndrome is acute confusion that worsens in the evening and through the night. Sundowning is common for those with Alzheimers and dementia and can be especially difficult for families to manage.While most people seem to calm down later in the day, seniors with memory-related issues experiencing sundowners syndrome tend to get more active. Careful and consistent communication between caregivers is important for seniors who face sundowners syndrome. This ensures routines are kept, which can alleviate symptoms.The following article discusses ways families can manage Sundowners Syndrome. Simple solutions such as appropriate lighting and sleep support can help. However, there are times when you need an Alzheimers caregiver to help provide attention and support. Especially overnight.Help with Sundowners SyndromeWith just one call Abby Services can help you find excellent Alzheimers Caregivers in Cape Coral and Fort Myers.Abby Services is available 24-7 to help seniors and their families find the best in-home caregivers. Our experience and service can help your families solve short-term in-home care needs or provide long-term solutions to help your loved ones remain safe and independent in their homes.Just call 239-590-0861 to learn how we can help find in-home Alzheimers Caregivers in Cape Coral and Fort Myers!