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Now that your family member or friend has received a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease its important to learn as much as you can about the disease and how to care for someone who has it. At Heart, Body & Mind Home Care, we feel that it is important for family members to know the right way to share the news with other family and friends.
Sometimes, you may feel that you don't know how to care for the person with Alzheimer's. This is a common feeling among caregivers of people with Alzheimer's because each day may bring different challenges. Learning about the disease can help you understand and cope with these challenges .Heart, Body & Mind Home Care offers free information about Alzheimer's disease for families and caregivers.
Learning About Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's disease is an illness of the brain. It causes large numbers of nerve cells in the brain to die. This affects a persons ability to remember things and think clearly. People with Alzheimer's become forgetful and easily confused and may have a hard time concentrating. They may have trouble taking care of themselves and doing basic things like making meals, bathing, and getting dressed.
Alzheimer's varies from person to person .It can progress faster in some people than in others ,and not everyone will have the same symptoms. In general, though, Alzheimer's takes many years to develop, becoming increasingly severe overtime. As the disease gets worse, people need more help. Eventually, they require total care.
Alzheimer's disease consists of three main stages: mild (sometimes called early-stage), moderate, and severe (some time called late stage). Understanding these stages can help you care for your loved one and plan ahead.
Mild Alzheimer's Disease
In the mild stage of Alzheimer's ,people often have some memory loss and small changes in personality. They may have trouble remembering recent events or the names off similiar people or things. They may no longer be able to solve simple math problems or balance a check book. People with mild Alzheimer's also slowly lose the ability to plan and organize. For example, they may have trouble making a grocery list and finding it in the store.
Moderate Alzheimer's Disease
In the moderate stage of Alzheimer's, memory loss and confusion become more obvious. People have more trouble organizing, planning and following instructions. They may need help getting dressed and may start having problems with bladder or bowel control. People with moderate Alzheimer's may have trouble recognizing family members and friends. They may not know where they are or what day or year it is. People with moderate stage Alzheimer's may also begin to wander, so they should not be left alone. Personality changes can become more serious. For example, people may make threats or accuse others of stealing.
Severe Alzheimer's Disease
IntheseverestageofAlzheimers,peopleusuallyneedhelpwithalloftheirdailyneeds. They may not be able to walk or sit up without help .They may not be able to talk and often cannot recognize family members. They may also have trouble swallowing and therefore refuse to eat.
Tips from Heart, Body & Mind Home Care
Sofar,thereisnocureforAlzheimers,buttherearetreatmentsthatcanpreventsome symptoms from getting worse for a limited time. Below are some ways that you can learn more about Alzheimer's disease.
If you have a family member who is a client of Heart, Body & Mind Home Care you have access to our FREE online Family Learning Center that contains more than 50 family caregiver training videos and resources.
Talk with a doctor or other healthcare provider who specializes in Alzheimer's disease.
Checkout books or videos about Alzheimer's from the library.
Got o educational programs about the disease.
Findasupportgroupforcaregivers,ideallyoneinwhichmembersaretaking care of someone who is in the same stage of Alzheimer's as the person for whom you are caring.
You may also contact Heart, Body & Mind Home Care for additional free information regarding Alzheimer's or request a FREE in-home consultation.
Talking with Family and Friends
When you learn that someone has Alzheimer's disease, you may wonder when and how to tell your family and friends. You may also be worried about how others may react to or treat the person. Others often sense that something is wrong before they are told. Alzheimer's disease is hard to keep secret. When the time seems right, be honest with family, friends, and others. Use this as a chance to educate them about Alzheimer's disease. You can share information to help them understand what you and the person with Alzheimer's are going through. You can also tell them what you can do to help.
Listed below are suggestions of how you can help family and friends understand how to interact with the person who has Alzheimer's.
Help them realize what the person can still do and how much he or she can still understand.
Givethemsuggestionsabouthowtostarttalkingwiththeperson.Forexample, Hello George, Im John .We used to work together.
Help them avoid correcting the person with Alzheimer's if he or she makes a mistake or for gets something.
Helpthemplanfunactivitieswiththeperson,suchasgoingtofamilyreunionsor visiting old friends.
Helping Children Understand Alzheimer's
If the person with Alzheimer's has young children or grandchildren, you can help them understand what is happening. Answer their questions simply and honestly. For example, you might tell a young child Grandma has an illness that makes it hard for her to remember things. Know that their feelings of sadness and anger are normal. Comfort them. Tell them they did'nt cause the disease.
If the child lives with someone who has Alzheimer's, don't expect him or her to babysit the person. Make sure the child has time for his or her own interests and needs, such as playing with friends and going to school activities. Spend time with the child, so that he or she does'nt feel that all your attention is on the person with Alzheimer's. Many younger children will look to you to see how to act around the person with Alzheimer's disease. Show children that they can still talk with the person and help them enjoy things. Doing fun things together, like arts and crafts or looking through photo albums, can help both the child and the person with Alzheimer's.
Challenges for Teens
A teenager might find it hard to accept how the person with Alzheimer's has changed. He or she may find the changes upsetting or embarrassing or not want to be around the person. Talk with teenagers about their concerns and feelings. Dont force them to spend time with the person who has Alzheimer's.
The boundaries of aging are constantly being rewritten. Retirement is no longer synonymous with slowing down. Instead, its a chapter that beckons us to discover the abundance of life in new and exciting ways.An active adult lifestyle embodies the spirit of curiosity, the joy of movement, and the richness of human connections. Its a lifestyle that celebrates the freedom to engage with the world, cultivate passions, and create lasting memories.Read on to learn more about the freedom of an active adult lifestyle and how Riverpointe can help you get the kind of life youve dreamt of.Your Gateway to Vibrant LivingRiverpointe is a testament to an active adult lifestyle. Offering a range of amenities that cater to diverse interests and passions, this community is a sanctuary for those seeking vitality and connection:Diverse Fitness ProgramsAt Riverpointe, the journey to active living begins with tailored fitness programs. From the tranquility of yoga to the energy of low-impact aerobics and the vitality of cardiovascular exercises, residents can move at their own pace. The community recognizes that each individuals journey is unique, and the fitness programs reflect this understanding.Group Excursions and EventsFor those who seek adventure beyond the communitys bounds, RiverPointe offers an array of group excursions. Whether its exploring museums, attending theater performances, or embarking on shopping trips, these outings infuse life with new experiences and shared moments.Cultural and Social EventsStaying within the community doesnt mean missing out on cultural and social engagement. With a Full-time Activity Director at the helm, Riverpointe orchestrates a tapestry of events with everything from concerts, dances, book reviews, speaker programs, movie nights, and more. This vibrant calendar ensures that theres never a dull moment.Onsite AmenitiesRiverpointes onsite amenities are designed to enhance every aspect of life. From garden spaces that invite reflection to an in-house foot clinic that prioritizes well-being, every amenity is a testament to the communitys commitment to holistic living.Apartment ComfortsThe embrace of an active adult lifestyle extends to the very living spaces at Riverpointe. Innovative floor plans offer breathtaking views of the Front Range, immersing residents in the beauty of their surroundings. Meals are more than sustenance; theyre an opportunity to connect over casual lunches or elegant dinners.The apartments at Riverpointe are designed for comfort and convenience. From weekly light housekeeping to basic cable TV, individually controlled heating and air conditioning, and complimentary laundry facilities, every amenity is aimed at enriching the living experience.Embrace Freedom, Embrace LifeThe freedom of an active adult lifestyle isnt merely about the absence of limitations; its about the presence of opportunities that empower us to live life to the fullest. RiverPointe encapsulates this essence, providing a canvas upon which residents can paint their stories of vitality and connection. Its a community that encourages exploration, nurtures connections, and celebrates the beauty of every moment.With Riverpointes offerings, an active adult lifestyle becomes a journey that unfolds with every step. Find joy in a morning yoga session, the thrill of a museum excursion, the laughter shared during a dance night, and the comfort of a thoughtfully designed living space. Find the true embodiment of freedom: the freedom to choose, to connect, to move, to be, and to live.If youre ready to embark on a journey of active living and embrace the freedom to thrive, Riverpointe welcomes you to a community where every day is a canvas for new experiences and cherished memories. Contact us today to get started!
Did you know that Pennsylvania has the fifth largest older adult population in the nation with 3.4 million individuals?1 As the population continues to age, more people are weighing their options when it comes to downsizing, moving into a senior living community, or choosing to age in the comfort of their homes. According to a 2021 Home and Community Preferences survey by AARP of 2,826 U.S. adults, about 75% of people over the age of 50 expressed that they would like to remain in their current houses and communitiesmeaning aging in place is becoming a more prevalent life choice among older adults.2What to Know About Aging in PlaceIf youre leaning toward spending your years in the place where you feel the most content and safe, then you need to be willing to make some modifications to your home. As you age, your needs change, which means certain features in your home may need to be adjusted. Wider doorways and walkways; accessible bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms; ramps and lifts; non-slip floors; and stability aids like grab bars and handrails are some of the most common enhancements that come to mind, but assistive technology can play an important role in aging in place too.Many people choose to age in place because they want to maintain their independence, and assistive technology helps make that possible. From smart home devices that allow you to control the temperature or lights with voice commands to amplified phones and doorbells, there are plenty of high-tech tools that can help you navigate your day-to-day with ease. If youre a senior with hearing loss, Captioned Telephone Relay Service is a free service that allows you to read captions of whats said to you during phone conversations using a uniquely designed CapTel phone.CapTel Makes Phone Conversations Clearer Using CapTel, you can confidently and securely age in place knowing that you can effectively communicate over the phone. Whether youre calling loved ones to catch up, chatting with your doctor, or contacting first responders in an emergency, CapTel is a dependable communication solution for older adults who have hearing loss.Best of all, the CapTel captioning service is free and available in English and Spanish, with captions appearing on the bright, built-in display screen of the CapTel phone just moments after the other caller has spoken. CapTel phones can be purchased directly for $75 through a third-party vendor, or qualified Pennsylvania residents can apply for a CapTel device through the states Telecommunications Device Distribution Program (TDDP)which provides specialized equipment to individuals who find it difficult to use a standard phone. Age in Place Confidently with CapTelTo learn more about CapTel, including how to purchase or apply for an assistive communication device, visit pactrs.com today!Sources:1Master Plan for Older Adults, Pennsylvania Department of Aging 22021 Home and Community Preferences Survey: A National Survey of Adults Age 18-Plus | Joannne Binette & Fanni Farago, AARP Research CapTel is a registered trademark of Ultratec, Inc.
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