Creating Inclusive Holiday Experiences for Seniors with Dementia

Since 2007, the Alzheimers Association has published an Alzheimers Facts and Figures report every year to raise awareness about this all-too-common disease. This comprehensive report explains the latest statistics, challenges, and breakthroughs relating to Alzheimers disease. In this way, it serves as an important resource for individuals, families, communities, and policymakers alike.At ComForCare, were passionate about Alzheimers services and education. Recently, Cindy GrayRN, certified dementia practitioner, and owner of ComForCare Orlandosat down with Kristen Moore Bennett, Health Systems Director at the Alzheimer's Association, to have a conversation about the latest edition of ALZ Facts & Figures. We wanted to break down some of the key takeaways from their discussion as they relate to older adults and their families throughout the nation. If youd like to listen to the full conversation, check out the ComForConnections podcast here.The State of Alzheimers Disease Today: Key StatisticsRight now, more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimers disease (AD), a specific brain disease that causes dementia. AD involves both a buildup of abnormal proteins and the tangling of nerve cells in the brain, known as neurons. The first neurons to be damaged are those responsible for memory, language skills, and thinking ability. As of 2019, Alzheimers disease-related dementia was the 6th leading cause of death in the United States, more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. Currently, this costs the nation about $345 billionnot to mention the unquantifiable and devastating toll it takes on our families.If no medical breakthroughs occur in the coming decades, it is estimated that the number of Americans with AD will rise to 13.8 million by 2060. Thats why continuing AD research and development is so crucial.Medical Breakthroughs in Alzheimers TreatmentDespite these challenges, there is plenty of hope to be found. Great strides have been made over the last year in researching the cause, prevention, and treatment of AD. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has now approved three disease-modifying treatments:Aducanumab (Aduhelm): a medication that reduces beta-amyloid plaques (a marker of AD), slowing the progression of Alzheimers diseaseLecanemab (Leqembi): a medication that moderately slows cognitive and functional decline by blocking the formation of new amyloid plaquesBrexpiprazole (Rexulti): a medication approved to treat agitation behaviors associated with AD dementiaBrexpiprazole was approved on May 11, 2023, making it the newest Alzheimers drug to bring hope to the millions of families affected by this disease.Unfortunately, many patients wont have access to these treatments, as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) currently do not cover them. This is the first time that the CMS has declined coverage for an FDA-approved treatment. We encourage families interested in these groundbreaking treatments to talk to their legislators about expanding coverage!The Importance of Early DetectionAs research into AD medications continues to grow, so too does research into the effects and expansion of early detection methods. Experts now believe that brain changes may begin as early as 20 years before memory loss and other symptoms appear. New studies are allowing medical professionals to identify these early changes, screen for genetic markers that heighten dementia risks, and make earlier interventions.Early detection is important for a number of reasons:Access to treatments targeted toward the early stages of the diseaseAccess to clinical trials and other promising research initiativesA chance to prioritize your health & well-being to slow disease progressionMore time for financial planningMore time for Alzheimers care planningBarriers to Early DetectionUnderstanding the challenges that people face when it comes to detecting AD early is critical if we want to break those barriers down. Racial disparities: A recent study shows that Black Americans have more risk factors for AD and greater symptom severity, but have a 35% lower chance of receiving an Alzheimers or dementia diagnosis at their initial visit compared to white study participants.Disease stigma: Only 40% of Americans said they would proactively speak with their healthcare providers about AD. However, when surveyed, 70% of seniors said they would want to know if they had it. Physician reluctance & lack of training: Primary care physicians and staff can be reluctant to diagnose and assess a patients cognition due to constraints on time, knowledge, and training on the best next steps for treatment.As a nation, we need to talk about these challenges, tackling the stigmas and biases that prevent all people from receiving the services and treatment they need. Together, we can help more people set themselves up for the best possible future and optimize their remaining time with their families.The Realities of Caring for Someone with Alzheimers DiseaseIn 2022, 11 million caregivers provided 18 billion hours of unpaid services to loved ones living with AD. Eventually, the cost and stress of caretaking take their toll on family caregivers own health, relationships, and mental well-being. Thats why understanding the signs of burnout and how to obtain help for someone with AD is crucial.At ComForCare, we developed a training program for our caregivers called DementiaWise. Approved by the Alzheimers Association, this training program empowers our caregivers to not only provide world-class dementia care to their clients but also help create better days for their families.Bottom Line: Lets Talk About Alzheimers DiseaseIf youre concerned about yourself or a family member, the best thing you can do is keep talking about it! Keep exploring options and opinions from healthcare professionals, and dont be afraid to investigate early on. And if you have already received a diagnosis, dont lose hopewhile we still have much to learn about this disease, the treatment and services available is more advanced than ever before.For more information about Alzheimers disease, its signs and symptoms, and how to find the right support for your familys needs, browse our Dementia Care resources today.Find Your Perfect In-Home Alzheimers Care Solution with ComForCareComForCares DementiaWise trained in-home caregivers are here for people with Alzheimers and other forms of dementia. With flexible options to fit your schedule, caregiver matching, and personalized strategies and resources to optimize health and well-being, ComForCare is leading the nation in dementia services. Contact us today to find your perfect caregiver!

Good nutrition is important, no matter your age. Eating right is how your body gets vital nutrients: substances that our bodies need so they can function and grow, like carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and even water. But as you age, your body and life change, and so does what you need to stay healthywhich is why senior nutrition is such an important topic.Many people dont realize how big of a role nutrition plays in their long-term health and happiness. They may have a general sense of what healthy means, but knowing and doing are, of course, two different things. Lets take a closer look at what special considerations adults over 50 need to know about nutrition that can help them lead longer, healthier lives.5 Things Everyone Should Know About Senior NutritionOlder Adults Need Fewer Calories, But More NutrientsWe all know that finding the right balance of calories is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight throughout adulthood. But older adults generally need fewer calories than they used to due to changes in metabolism, physical activity levels, and age-related loss of muscle mass.However, while you may need fewer calories, you still need the same amount of nutrients, if not more. Nutrients are crucial for energy and weight control. They can also help prevent some diseases, like osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.Foods to Focus OnOver 50, its more important than ever to cut empty calories like sodas, chips, candies, and alcohol. Instead, focus on calorie-light but nutrient-packed foods, such as:Fruits and vegetables (choose different types with bright colors)Whole grains, like oatmeal, whole-wheat bread, and brown riceFat-free or low-fat milk and cheese, or soy or rice milk that has added vitamin D and calciumSeafood, lean meats, poultry, and eggsBeans, nuts, and seedsProtein Plays a Role in Fall PreventionDespite needing fewer calories, older adults actually have higher protein requirements than younger adultsespecially if theyre dealing with an illness. Our bodies progressively lose muscle mass, strength, and function over time, beginning as early as our 30s. When people get older, their bodies cant process protein as efficiently, especially in the face of stressful situations like chronic disease, acute illness, or hospitalization. That means seniors need to get more protein from their diet to support and preserve muscle mass.  Why Is Muscle Mass So Important? Muscle loss and general weakness resulting from inadequate nutrition can lead to falls. Every year, one out of four older adults experience a fall, which can have serious physical and mental health consequences. Fall prevention is a multifaceted but highly important part of overall health and wellness in older age.Additionally, studies have suggested that older adults who consume more protein are more capable of performing activities of daily living for longer. When muscle mass is preserved, everyday functions like getting out of bed, bathing and dressing, and moving around the house may be, too! A Good Time to Focus on Good CarbohydratesCarbs have a bad reputation these days, with the rise in low-carb diets sweeping the nation. But for a balanced diet, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends carbohydrates make up 45%-65% of every adults diet. Instead of cutting carbs entirely, nutrition is about focusing on the right carbohydrates to support energy and digestion.There are good and bad carbohydrates, and the bad ones only cause more problems as we age. Bad carbs are simple: they are mostly starches or sugars, stripped of nutrients, and make blood sugar levels spike quickly. Good carbohydrates are complex: they are mostly fibers and other beneficial nutrients, which are slower to digest, helping regulate blood sugar and feelings of fullness.Good Carbs (Complex)Bad Carbs (Simple)Whole-grain bread, pasta, rice, oatmeal, baked goods containing whole-what flourWhite bread, white paste, white rice, baked goods containing white flourNuts and seedsProcessed foods like potato chips, crackers, breakfast cerealLegumes (lentils, beans, etc.)SodaFruits and vegetables with edible skinsSugary desserts and candiesThe Low-Down on SodiumSodium (aka salt) is another nutrient that has a bad reputation, though it comes by it honestly. Sodium is necessary for proper body function: it helps maintain fluid balance, conducts nerve impulses, and helps with muscle contraction. However, most American adults get too much sodium, which contributes to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.There are also special considerations for seniors. As we age, our kidney function naturally decreases, which can make it harder to remove excess sodium from the body. That means taking special care to limit sodium intake to less than 2,300mg per dayabout the equivalent of one teaspoon of table salt.Vitamin D & CalciumWe know that the sun helps our bodies produce Vitamin D. But not only is sun exposure risky for our healthour skin also changes as we get older, becoming less adept at producing Vitamin D. That means we need to rely more on food sources and supplements to get it. Vitamin D helps our bodies absorb calcium, which is why taking both together is so crucial for building and maintaining healthy bones. Research shows that it can prevent and even improve osteoporosis, a condition that leads to weak, brittle bones. Older adultseven those who already struggle with weakness or frailtycan develop stronger muscles and reduce their fall risk with adequate Vitamin D levels.Your doctor can help you determine the right amount of Vitamin D for your diet and recommend a supplement. You can also focus on eating foods like:Egg yolksFatty fish like salmon, tuna, and sardinesOrange juiceYogurtMilkMushroomsGet Online Resources to Support Meal Planning & More!Prioritizing nutrition can be challenging for seniors, and navigating each consideration can feel a little daunting. If you or your loved one faces challenges with accessing and preparing healthy foods or has other barriers like difficulty chewing or swallowing, help is out there! At ComForCare, weve prepared a free meal planning guide filled with simple yet nutritious recipes developed with seniors unique needs in mind. This guide is packed with helpful tips, recipes, and advice for caring for a loved one with dietary barriers. Plus, you can join us on Facebook every Thursday at 1 pm EST for the latest episode of Care Kitchen, our live cooking program led by chef Steve Toll! Were always exploring new ways to support and inspire creativity in cooking, whether for yourself or for loved ones in your care. ComForCare: Compassionate, Personalized In-Home Care for Older AdultsIf you or your loved one need more help planning and preparing nutritious meals, ComForCares caregivers can help. Our in-home care services can be personalized to support your needs, including meal prep, personal care, transportation, and more. Learn more about our care services or reach out to your local team today to find your perfect caregiver!

If you have an aging family member, chances are high that they want to continue living at home for as long as possible. Living independently in a familiar community can have numerous benefits for older people, including greater satisfaction with their quality of life and mental health. But reaping these rewards takes careful planningafter all, a lot goes into properly caring for the elderly.For older adults to live at home safely, many require the help of family and friends, dedicated in-home caregivers, or a combination of both. If youre concerned about a loved ones ability to thrive as they age in place, this guide will help you understand some of the major factors that go into home help for the elderly. That way, you can make the best decision for you and your family.Top 5 Elder Home Care Needs to ConsiderNot every person over 65 requires every form of assistance well talk about today. However, the more planning ahead you can do, the better. As people age, the level of care they need may also change, and early preparation is key to making home a safe and healthy place for them to be. Use this guide to plan ahead and determine if youll be able to meet all of your loved ones care needs, or whether your loved one needs home care services.Mobility & Transportation ServicesIt's fairly common for older adults to face mobility problems, and there are quite a few reasons behind it. These can range from the natural changes that come with aging to ongoing health issues, changes in our senses, and the effects of certain medications. Sometimes, it's simply because we're not as active as we used to be. Some everyday mobility challenges include having a hard time walking, struggling to stand up from a chair, or difficulty reaching for objects. But maintaining mobility is vital for overall health, well-being, and self-confidence. That means caregivers may need to assist seniors with:Getting in and out of beds, chairs, cars, etc.Using mobility aids or navigating the home & outdoors in a wheelchairSafely ascending and descending stairsGoing out to medical appointments and social engagementsMaking home modifications like widening doors, installing grab bars and handrails, removing trip hazards, decluttering, improving lighting, and maintaining flooring.Planning & Making MealsAs people age, they face new challenges when it comes to getting the essential vitamins and nutrients they need. These barriers can be particularly challenging for older individuals due to factors such as age-related physiological changes, limited mobility, financial constraints, and social isolation.To help seniors overcome these barriers and maintain adequate nutrition, it is essential to provide support and resources, such as meal preparation, nutrition education, and social engagement opportunities. Family members and caregivers can play a crucial role in addressing these challenges and ensuring that seniors have access to a nutritious diet. As a caregiver, you may need to:Plan and prepare meals for the weekCook nutritious and delicious mealsShop for groceries and ensure an adequate supply of healthy food optionsImplement strategies to promote adequate food and water intakeOversee mealtimes to foster safe and enjoyable eating experiencesCollaborate with healthcare providers to understand nutritional needs and avoid interactions with medications or health conditionsHousekeeping for SeniorsAs mobility needs change, so too does the ability to safely take care of many chores around the house. From lawn care to laundry, your aging loved ones may need help maintaining a clean, hygienic, and hazard-free home environment.Light housekeeping for seniors may involve assistance with tasks such as:DustingSweeping and moppingVacuumingDishesCleaning bathrooms and kitchensDoing laundry & changing bed linensTaking out the trashPersonal Care & Help with Activities of Daily LivingIf youve noticed changes in your loved ones personal hygiene or grooming habits, it may be a sign that they need home care assistance. This can be one of the most difficult aspects of family caregiving, as older adults may feel frustrated or embarrassed to ask for help. Thats where hiring a caregiver can be especially helpful.Home caregivers are trained to help seniors with personal care, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting, all while upholding their dignity and sense of independence. These duties may include:ShavingDressing and undressingWashing and brushing hairUsing and cleaning continence aidsMaintaining a skincare routineKeeping up with oral hygieneMental Health & Well-BeingIf you decide to take on the role of family caregiver, youll be a vital part of their overall health and wellness. From helping them stay engaged in social activities to coordinating their care plans across different healthcare settings, youll be a critical touchpoint for their engagement. Each aspect of home care already mentioned feeds into a persons overall wellness. For many family caregivers, the attempt to do it allwhether thats medication reminders, activity planning, housekeeping, meal planning, or any combinationleaves them unable to take care of their own needs. Thats where an in-home caregiver can help.Understanding the Realities of Caregiving Sometimes, in order for your loved one to live their best life at home, outside help is the right option. Its crucial to be realistic about the full and future extent of your loved ones needsand your ability to meet them. Home care agencies like ComForCare can adapt to family caregivers, providing as much or as little assistance as required.If youd like help on certain days, for a short period of time, every day, or around the clock, ComForCare has a caregiver ready to meet those needs. We can help fill the gaps, becoming a trusted member of your loved ones care team. Many of our locations even offer remote patient monitoring for older people with chronic conditions or who simply need daily wellness check-ins.We can provide a number of services to help an older person in your life, including but not limited to:Senior housekeeping servicesBathing services for seniorsSenior companionshipDementia careShort-term care (Respite care)Geriatric care management during transitions of careGet Help Exploring Your Home Care OptionsNo two people have the same care needs, family dynamics, and personal preferences when it comes to receiving the support and services they need. Thats why ComForCare prioritizes personalized care plans, flexible scheduling, and caregiver matching. With ComForCare, you can rest assured that your loved one has the exact level of care they need, with the help of a caregiver who is truly interested in helping them thrive.If youre looking for a little extra help or full-time in-home care, we invite you to get in touch with us today! Were always here to answer your questions, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.Find Your Perfect Caregiver at ComForCareComForCare has over 200 locations throughout North America, making it easy to find the ideal caregiver for your loved one. Since 1996, weve been providing world-class home care to people in need, helping them live their best lives in the comfort of home. Call us today to ask any questions you may have about our services, or find your nearest location to get started!