How to Create Playlists for Those Living with Dementia

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HarborChase Of Sarasota

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Jul 27, 2023

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Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties

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Each of us has special memories attached to music. Music can shape our emotions and memories, whether happy, sad, exciting, or pivotal. Moreover, music is so powerful that researchers have discovered strong links between music therapy and dementia. As a result, many memory care communities utilize the power of music, eliciting memories and improving quality of life, among other health benefits. 

At HARBORCHASE SENIOR LIVING, our memory care communities are dedicated to celebrating residents for their past, present, and future. Our dedication to care begins with thoughtful interactions that give residents room to thrive and grow, and music is a powerful tool to improve mind, body, and soul. 

If someone you love is living with dementia, here are some tips for creating playlists and insightful information regarding the power of music therapy and dementia care.

How Does Music Help Those with Dementia?

The auditory system is one of the FIRST FUNCTIONS TO DEVELOP IN THE BRAIN and one of the last cognitive functions to disappear, making music a powerful tool for recollecting and reminiscing. 

Music can activate some of the most diverse networks of the brain, including the parts of our minds that determine what factors receive certain emotions, attention, and memory. Music can also cause activation in the motor system, which explains why many people instantly start tapping their feet or nodding their heads to the beat of their favorite song.

How Do I Create a Music Playlist?

“Playlists” originally started on radio stations as the “list” of songs that would be played throughout the day. Currently, music streaming services have reimagined the idea of a playlist, offering users the option to create their own lists of their favorite songs. Instead of having to click around to sift through different albums to find a specific song, you can put your favorite tunes into one cohesive list.

Most music and video streaming services allow users to make their own playlists, but here are a few options to get you started:

  • SPOTIFYA music streaming platform with over 30 million songs in its library. If you are going to utilize this service, set up a paid subscription so that your loved one can enjoy ad-free listening. While Spotify does have a free version, it features ads and commercials which can distract your loved one from the music.
  • APPLE MUSIC: This music and video streaming service was developed by Apple and is available on all Apple products. Each subscription begins with a free trial, so you can see if you enjoy the platform before committing. 
  • YOUTUBE: YouTube has millions of music and lyric videos by well-known artists and amateur musicians. Similar to Spotify, YouTube does feature a free version with advertisements in between videos, but the paid subscription allows users to enjoy listening without ads.

What Should I Add to My Loved One’s Playlist?

Do you know your parent’s wedding song? How about their favorite album from high school or a song that defined the year they graduated? Did they have a special song they sang to you as a child? 

By creating a playlist for your loved one living with dementia, ask yourself these and similar questions about their life. Pick songs that are associated with their most significant moments, including any achievements, special occasions, or memorable moments.

After creating your playlist, spend time with your loved one while listening to it. Pay attention to any reactions they have to each song; remember, just as music can evoke positive emotions, it can also evoke negative emotions. If they seem agitated or unhappy by a song, it’s best to remove it from the playlist. By using this time as a trial run, you’ll be able to curate the perfect soundtrack of their life to help them reminisce on their favorite moments.

At HarborChase Senior Living, our specialized memory care communities provide a personal experience for each resident through stimulating activities that promote memories and joyful experiences. By delivering EXCEPTIONAL CARE and forming meaningful connections, our goal is to help residents celebrate each and every day.

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Home Care for Seniors with Dementia

Caring for senior loved ones with dementia can be both rewarding and extremely exhausting. While we strive to do everything we can for them and want to be a part of their care as much as possible, it can start to take a toll on us. That is where home care for people with dementia can help. Having an in-home caregiver can help provide relief for family members and friends while at the same time providing personalized care and support for dementia patients within the comfort of their own homes. Professional home care workers, such as those with Visiting Angels Punta Gorda, can come into the home as much or as little as you like to help your senior loved one. They can supplement the care that family members offer, or family members can supplement the care they give. Home care workers also can help with specific tasks or all of the day-to-day tasks your senior needs.Here are some ways home care can help your senior loved one with dementia and also help family members on this care journey.Everyday NeedsProfessionals with home care agencies can help dementia patients with activities of daily living, including bathing, getting dressed and undressed each morning and night, grooming, using the toilet, eating and more. Often dementia patients resist showers. Home care workers skilled in working with memory loss patients can help them at least clean up each day. By helping with these tasks, they can help ensure their safety, health and hygiene are cared for. Home care workers can help them feel more like themselves throughout the day with brushed hair and teeth, clean clothes and a clean environment.SafetyWhile in-home caregivers are present in the home, they will help ensure your senior loved one suffering from dementia is safe. They can help ensure they dont wander from the home or leave the stove burner on after cooking something. If family members cannot always be there, home care workers can alert them to anything that might be a safety hazard, such as a loose rug, wobbly banister or door that your senior loved one keeps unlocking and trying to leave from. If your senior loved one needs more stability during their bathing, caregivers can let the family know they might need to install grab bars. They also can provide a steady hand for seniors and avoid any dangerous areas, such as cords, that could cause potential tripping hazards. Dementia patients may not remember to let their families know what they need or even be aware that it is a concern, so home care workers can provide an extra level of safety protection for them. CompanionshipHaving a homecare worker present can offer seniors with dementia constant companionship. People suffering from dementia often can become isolated or feel lonely, which can worsen their symptoms. Some symptoms of dementia include aggressiveness and/or crabbiness. Dementia patients have been known to push their family members away or to act hostile. A home care worker can provide companionship and support for senior citizens, especially when family members feel like retreating or that they need a break. They can listen to their stories, ask them questions and engage the patient in meaningful social activities to improve their emotional well-being.Relieving the familyThere is no doubt that caring for a loved one with dementia brings with it a ton of emotions and lots of stress. It also can place family members in situations they are not comfortable with. If children feel uncomfortable doing some of the caregiving for their parents, such as bathing or toileting, a home care worker can do the essentials so family members can simply spend time with them. They also can help with some of the more frustrating tasks so that family members dont lose patience and so that clients do not take out their frustration on their family members. Homecare workers also can provide respite care, which means family members can leave the home or caregiving duties for a short period of time. They can go out to coffee with a friend to refresh, have a nice dinner out without worrying about hurrying back to help their loved one, or they can even just take a peaceful nap at home with the help of respite care. Respite care can also provide short-term relief for a weekend away or an extended vacation.We Can HelpIf you are looking for help caring for your senior this spring and every season of the year, our professionals at Visiting Angels Punta Gorda are here to help. We provide a variety of home care services, including companion care, fall prevention and more. Our expert team of caregivers serves clients in Punta Gorda, North Fort Myers, Boca Grande, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Captiva, Arcadia and surrounding areas. To learn more about our services, call us at 941-347-8288, or contact us online.

Recognizing Alzheimers Disease and the Benefits of Memory Care

Over 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimers disease, and 3 million new cases are diagnosed each year. More than 747,000 Canadians are living with Alzheimers disease or another dementia.  These staggering statistics mean that you likely know someone or have a loved one who has a form of dementia. In the United States, 11 million people are acting as unpaid caregivers for a loved one with Alzheimers. November is National Alzheimers Disease Awareness Month, an opportunity to learn more about this disease that is deadlier than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.  Alzheimers disease is the most common type of dementia. This progressive disease starts with mild memory loss and involves the part of the brain that controls language, thought, and memory, impacting a persons ability to carry out daily activities. Research has not determined the exact cause of Alzheimers, but it is believed that several factors can play a part in the disease, including:Genetics:  Family history may be linked to developing Alzheimers, though it is not guaranteed that if someone in your family is affected, you will be, too.  Healthy lifestyle choices like exercise, limiting alcohol consumption, not smoking, and eating a healthy diet may help. Age:  This is the best-known risk factor for the disease. Environmental factors:  Science is studying the potential connection. Changes in the brain:  These can happen years before symptoms appear. Since memory loss is not a normal part of aging, knowing the warning signs is important, especially if you have concerns about a loved one. Someone may experience the following symptoms early in the process: Challenges executing familiar tasks at home, work, or during leisure timeDisruptions in daily life due to memory loss, like repeating questions or becoming lost in a familiar placeDifficulties paying bills or handling moneyMood, personality, or behavioral changes Losing items and not being able to figure out how to retrace steps to look for themPoor judgment Memory Care Communities can benefit someone living with dementia as well as give their families peace of mind.  Often located within larger assisted living facilities or in smaller residential settings, these specialized facilities can provide dementia care for residents with middle to late stage memory loss. The environment is secure, and full of safety features designed to enhance memory function and decrease potential confusion for anyone who lives there. Memory Care focuses on giving aging adults a safe environment to stay engaged and active in a structured environment.  Features can include art classes, physical therapy, fitness classes, music experiences, and communal dining to help residents stay socially connected. CarePatrol has been helping families find the right senior care options for their loved ones for over 30 years.  As specialists in the field of aging, CarePatrol Local Senior Care Advisors are able to match older adults to the right communities so they can live their best life, including Assisted Living, Independent Living, Nursing Homes, and Memory Care Communities. Reach out to see how we can help your family today. 

What To Think About When The Unthinkable Happens

I was at a family reunion recently, and I overheard a lady say that one of the challenges of getting old is seeing your parents aging. This lady is probably in her late 50s and she is the caregiver for her mom, who is in her 80s, with very serious health problems. Speaking with the owner of a relatively large business recently, he said that many of his employees are needing to take time off from work. This is because they are caregivers for their parents. This is a sign of the times, and there are an increasing number of people dealing with these issues.This One Is For The CaregiversMost of our presentations and educational content are focused on our clients, whether its retirees in their 60s or seniors in their 70s and 80s. We do estate planning across the generations, but given the increasing number of caregivers taking care of their parents, I wanted to reach out to the caregivers. 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This is the time when the durable power of attorney will work, and is the primary way to plan for someones incapacity.Asset Protection Is ImportantAnother suggestion is to consider doing some asset protection, using an asset protection trust. I recommend these trusts for middle class and upper middle class families who are concerned about long term care expenses. We can work with you to create these trusts. The system in this country often results in seniors going broke if they need long term care. Nursing homes in Pennsylvania cost $180,000 a year and most people cant afford to pay that. Only when you are broke, can you get Medicaid benefits to pay the nursing home. Medicaid is the only payment source for long term care, and its important to understand the rules of Medicaid. 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Local Services By This Author

HarborChase Of Sarasota

Assisted Living 5311 Proctor Rd., Sarasota, Florida, 34233

We know you're facing a difficult decision. That's why we're here, and why we do what we do. We understand the challenges you face when caring for a loved that requires daily assistance or is challenged by memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer's. But now imagine a new home where lovely surroundings, tasty food, and a compassionate, competent staff make each day shine. This is HarborChase, where we pride ourselves on setting the gold standard every day in our assisted living, memory care communities.

HarborChase Of Sarasota

Memory Care 5311 Proctor Rd., Sarasota, Florida, 34233

HarborChase of Sarasota! We know you're facing a difficult decision. That's why we're here, and why we do what we do. We understand the challenges you face when caring for a loved that requires daily assistance or is challenged by memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer's. But now imagine a new home where lovely surroundings, tasty food, and a compassionate, competent staff make each day shine. This is HarborChase, where we pride ourselves on setting the gold standard every day in our assisted living, memory care communities.