How Moving can Affect Someone with Alzheimer's Disease

Every day at Harmony at Diamond Ridge we serve families with loved ones who are diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimers disease, and other memory loss diseases. There is a lot of information about memory loss in seniors and the research process can be overwhelming.  Dementia is not a specific disease but rather a general term for the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interfere with everyday activities. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia The exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Some of the known risk factors for Alzheimer's disease include a family history of the disease, head injuries, and certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease typically develop slowly over time and worsen as the disease progresses. Some Alzheimers indicators include: Memory loss, especially of recent events Difficulty with language and communication Impaired judgment and decision-making Difficulty with problem-solving and planning Mood changes, such as depression or irritability Personality changes, such as becoming more withdrawn or aggressive Loss of interest in activities or hobbies Difficulty with basic activities of daily living, such as dressing and grooming Research into the causes and treatments of Alzheimer's disease is ongoing, and there is hope that future developments may lead to a better understanding of the disease and new treatments that can improve the lives of those affected by it. Harmony Senior Services Signature Memory Care Program Harmony Reflections is built on elements that support a senior living with Alzheimers disease. The Reflections Program has 5-Key Components; Family Focused, Wellness, Reflections Program: Art and Music, Dining with Dignity, and Harmony Square. Each component engages the resident's present-day experiences while stimulating positive memories through therapeutic visual and tactile aids. We partner with each resident's family to create their individual life story profile - a process for collecting and sharing the resident's life history, preferences, routines, and habits. If you are researching solutions for a loved one living with dementia or you would like to learn more about Harmonys Signature Memory Care Program, call a Harmony community today to speak with one of our dedicated caregivers.  

A simple checklist for making sure your obituary honors and informs.When a loved one has passed away, writing an obituary that honors their life can seem overwhelming. Dont worry - your obituary will honor their life simply by the act of you writing it. You want to celebrate your loved ones life and offer happy and enjoyable memories. You are helping to ease the pain of others simply by telling a story about your loved one.We hope that this checklist will take the stress and pressure off of you and allow you to honor your loved one. Remember, your funeral arranger is an experienced professional and is a valuable resource for writing the obituary.Include basic details about the persons lifeYou dont have to include all of this information, but here are the basics that are often included in an obituary. Choose the elements that are most relevant to your loved one: Age Any familial survivors Education Vocation When the person retired, if relevant Any military affiliations Any volunteer affiliations Include funeral informationFamily and friends often rely on an obituary for information on when and where a persons life will be celebrated, so your obituary will make it very simple for them to get that information (and will save you the hassle of having to answer lots of questions at a time when you would prefer not to be bothered with small details). You can include: Date and time of the funeral Place the funeral is being held Any viewing details Request for donations in lieu of flowers

Losing a loved one is a deeply emotional and challenging experience, and sometimes, it's not easy to find the right words to express sympathy when the loss occurs. If you didn't offer your condolences at the time, you may wonder if it's too late to do so now. In this guide, we'll explore the importance of expressing sympathy, even if some time has passed, and offer guidance on how to approach this sensitive situation.1. It's Never Too Late for SympathyGrief is a long and evolving journey. While immediate condolences are appreciated, sympathy can be meaningful and comforting at any stage of the grieving process. It's never too late to reach out and offer your support.2. Acknowledge Your DelayIf you feel uncomfortable about the time that has passed, it's perfectly acceptable to acknowledge it in your message. A simple phrase like, "I'm sorry I didn't reach out sooner," can convey your genuine intentions.3. Choose a Thoughtful MediumConsider how you want to express your sympathy. A handwritten letter, an email, a heartfelt message, or even a phone call can all be appropriate ways to offer your condolences.4. Be Sincere and CompassionateWhen you reach out, express your sympathy with sincerity and empathy. Use kind and understanding language, and let the grieving person know that you care about their well-being.5. Keep It SimpleYou don't need to offer long explanations or profound insights. A heartfelt "I'm sorry for your loss," or "I'm thinking of you during this difficult time," can convey your sympathy effectively.6. Offer Specific HelpIf you are genuinely willing and able to assist, consider offering specific help, such as running errands, providing a meal, or simply being available to listen if they want to talk.7. Respect Their SpaceGrief can be a highly personal experience, and some individuals may not be ready to engage in conversation. Respect their boundaries and allow them to respond or not respond as they feel comfortable.8. Follow UpAfter expressing your sympathy, follow up with a message or gesture of support in the coming weeks or months. Grief can be isolating, and knowing that someone cares can make a significant difference.9. Accept Their ResponseUnderstand that the grieving person may respond in various ways. Some may appreciate your message immediately, while others may need more time to process it. Your intentions matter, even if the response is not immediate. Expressing sympathy, even after some time has passed since a loved one's death, can offer comfort and support to those who are grieving. It's a compassionate gesture that shows you care about their well-being and acknowledge their pain. Remember that grief has no set timeline, and your sympathy can be a source of solace during a challenging journey. Reach out with sincerity, offer your support, and be open to their response, respecting their pace and feelings as they navigate their grief. Your gesture of sympathy can make a meaningful difference in their healing process.