With more than 5 million Americans with Alzheimer's disease, there's a good chance that you have a friend, a family member or friends' family who is dealing with this disease.
Caring for a person with Alzheimer's or dementia is definitely not easy. It can be physically and emotionally draining. These dos and don'ts will help make the job of the caregiver easier and ease the patient's anxiety.
DOs
Establish a routine
Short term memory can be a problem with many dementia patients. They won't have trouble recalling events that took place decades ago, but they usually have a hard time remembering recent events and doing everyday activities such as personal grooming, dressing, and feeding. A daily routine may help them cope with the short-term memory.
People with dementia thrive on familiarity. It prevents them from becoming distracted and forgetting what they're doing.
Remain calm
More often than not, people with dementia behave aggressively, either verbally or physically. They may throw, bite, hit or kick when angry, fearful, confused or in pain. But please understand that they do not intend to cause harm. They are having a hard time communicating their feelings, which is why they tend to exhibit aggressive behaviors.
Even when you encounter aggressive behaviors, try to remain calm and be patient. Do not respond with anger or frustration.
DONTs
Lose hope
Although there is still no cure for certain types of dementia, you shouldn't lose hope. There are medications and non-drug therapies that may help improve symptoms. Keep a positive attitude, especially when interacting with them.
Forget the good times
It's easy to feel stressed and frustrated when caring for someone with dementia. You're tired, you're sleep deprived, and you no longer have time to go out with friends.
Even when you're taking care of someone, you also need to take care of yourself. It's important to take time to rest and have fun. During a stressful and emotional, painful time, being in the company of friends and having a good laugh can help. Don't forget the good times.
When temperatures rise, so do the risks associated with heat, especially for older adults.Older individuals may not adjust as well to sudden changes in temperature, and with possible chronic health conditions or certain medications, extreme heat may cause negative health outcomes.Kavod Senior Life is well aware of these potential issues, sharing four best practices to protect people in the second half of life against the heat. Here are some tips we've learned from our 50+ years of housing and supporting older individuals in aging well!Stay HydratedWhy It Is Important: Older adults are at a higher risk of dehydration because they may not feel thirsty as often as younger people, and as mentioned above, certain medications can increase the risk of dehydration.Tips:Drink water even if you dont feel thirsty.Eat water-rich foods like fruits (e.g., watermelon, cucumbers) and vegetables.Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages, as they can lead to dehydration.How Kavod Responds: Hydration stations are set up in the lobbies of each building during the hottest days to give residents, staff and visitors easy access to ice cold water (with lemon and cucumber, even!)Create a Cool EnvironmentWhy It Is Important: A cool living space is crucial to preventing heat-related illnesses.Tips:Use fans or air conditioning. If air conditioning is not available, consider spending time in public places like libraries, shopping malls, or community centers that are air-conditioned.NOTE: Do not rely on fans as your main cooling source when temperatures are extreme for heat.Keep blinds or curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day to block out the sun.Use light-colored, loose-fitting clothing made of natural fibers like cotton, which are more breathable.Try to avoid using the stove or oven to cook it will make your home hotter.Take cool showers or baths to cool down.How Kavod Responds: A cooling center is set up on campus where the temperature stays at 72 degrees. Residents can get out of their apartments and socialize there without having to go outdoors, helping abate social isolation. Dietary AdjustmentsWhy It Is Important: Certain foods can help keep the body cool and hydrated.Tips:Encourage smaller, more frequent meals that are easier to digest.Include hydrating foods like soups, smoothies, and salads.Limit heavy, hot foods and opt for lighter fare like yogurt, salads, and chilled fruits.How Kavod Responds: Kavod staff serves residents cold lemonade and fresh watermelon over the weekend in the cooling center, both terrific ways to stay hydrated.Educate and EquipWhy It Is Important: Knowledge and preparation are key to preventing heat-related issues.Tips:Educate yourself about the risks of heat and the importance of staying cool.Be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnessHave access to emergency numbers and know what to do in case you experience these symptomsHow Kavod Responds: The management team reviews, prepares and hand-delivers updates to residents to best ensure everyone is educated and can take appropriate actions against the heat.ConclusionBy following these four important steps, older individuals can stay healthy and safe while enjoying all the good things summer has to offer. If you know an older person who would benefit by living in our community, please contact us for a tour, or check out our website for more information. Stay cool, everyone!Resources used in article:Center for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/extreme-heat/risk-factors/extreme-heat-and-older-adults-aged-65.html#:':text=Older%20adults%20do%20not%20adjust,control%20its%20temperature%20or%20sweatNational Institute on Aging: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/safety/hot-weather-safety-older-adultsHarvard Medicine: https://magazine.hms.harvard.edu/articles/effects-heat-older-adultsChat GPT
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!
All About Seniors is committed to assisting older adults and their families with their search for housing and services that best meet the needs of the individual considering a move; we are the ultimate resource in Colorado for senior living options. Our goal is to guide families through the process and educate them on what needs to be considered before placing their loved one. We provide options based on the persons ADL (Activities of Daily Living) needs, financial situation, and location. In addition, our personalized service helps you make an informed, comfortable decision about your own or your loved ones future. Our services save you time and money and help with the stressful task of finding information from multiple sources. We do not make any decisions and we only work with licensed communities; they must be in good standings with the state.
All About Seniors is committed to assisting older adults and their families with their search for housing and services that best meet the needs of the individual considering a move; we are the ultimate resource in Colorado for senior living options. Our goal is to guide families through the process and educate them on what needs to be considered before placing their loved one. We provide options based on the persons ADL (Activities of Daily Living) needs, financial situation, and location. In addition, our personalized service helps you make an informed, comfortable decision about your own or your loved ones future. Our services save you time and money and help with the stressful task of finding information from multiple sources. We do not make any decisions and we only work with licensed communities; they must be in good standings with the state.
All About Seniors is committed to assisting older adults and their families with their search for housing and services that best meet the needs of the individual considering a move; we are the ultimate resource in Colorado for senior living options. Our goal is to guide families through the process and educate them on what needs to be considered before placing their loved one. We provide options based on the persons ADL (Activities of Daily Living) needs, financial situation, and location. In addition, our personalized service helps you make an informed, comfortable decision about your own or your loved ones future. Our services save you time and money and help with the stressful task of finding information from multiple sources. We do not make any decisions and we only work with licensed communities; they must be in good standings with the state.