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Dementia is not simply one health condition, though it’s easy to talk about it like it is. Instead, it’s a broad term that refers to a decline in one’s thinking abilities and memory, which can be an emotional experience for those caring for individuals with memory loss.
Dementia, however, is not considered a mental illness, though it can affect mental health and display signs similar to some mental illnesses. Understanding these differences and similarities can be vital in providing the best treatment for your loved one, whether at home or in memory care.
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a group of symptoms that can affect memory, thinking, and social abilities to the extent that they interfere with daily life. Dementia is a progressive condition, meaning symptoms can worsen over time.
One of the most well-known causes of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. It’s the most common cause, accounting for 60%-80% of all dementia cases. In fact, with 1 in 9 people over the age of 65 having Alzheimer’s, it’s possible you may know someone affected by this condition.
Though Alzheimer’s gets a lot of attention, there are several other types of dementia as well, including vascular dementia, Dementia with Lewy bodies, and frontotemporal dementia.
The exact cause of dementia is not fully understood but may be related to damage to brain cells and changes in how they communicate. Researchers believe that a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors may play a role.
Some risk factors for dementia include:
Dementia can cause a wide range of symptoms depending on the type, but some of the most common symptoms include:
While doctors don’t consider dementia to be a mental illness, it can sometimes coexist (or be confused with) other mental health conditions. For example, people with dementia can experience a change in their mood, which can worsen already present feelings of depression.
Seniors aren’t immune to mental illness, so keep an eye out for signs and symptoms.
Depression can cause persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed. It can also lead to physical symptoms such as changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and fatigue.
Depression is a serious condition that can significantly impact a senior’s quality of life. It can also be hard to recognize since older adults might not have the same symptoms as younger adults. For example, sadness might not be the main symptom for seniors with depression. Instead, they may describe a feeling of numbness or lose interest in the world around them.
The symptoms of depression can sometimes overlap with the symptoms of dementia, making it challenging to diagnose which condition an individual is dealing with.
It may be difficult to speak with an older relative about mental health, but it’s essential all the same. Knowing what your loved one is going through can help you provide the right kind of support.
Typically, bipolar disorder first appears in the teens and early 20s, though rarely, it can manifest later in life with symptoms that may be easily confused with dementia. Doctors refer to this as late onset bipolar disorder.
Late onset bipolar disorder can occur in individuals over the age of 50. Mood swings, periods of depression, and periods of mania characterize it, but it can also cause:
If those seem familiar, it’s because you may also notice them in people with dementia. This can make diagnosis and treatment more challenging.
The relationship between dementia and mental illness is complicated, with one sometimes looking like the other and getting mixed up. However, both mental illness and dementia can affect how your loved one lives, and you shouldn’t ignore the signs.
Dementia may not be a mental illness, but don’t underestimate how much it can affect your loved one’s mental health. If your loved one is experiencing symptoms of dementia, it may be time to consider memory care.
The Fairways at Naples provides care and support for individuals with dementia. We offer a wide range of services to help manage symptoms and support quality of life. If you’re looking for a welcoming community to support your loved one, book a tour with us today.
Until 100 years ago, many people never traveled more than 10 miles from the home in which they were born or lived in when they got married, which was usually down the street or the next farm over. Families remained grouped together for many reasons, including having emigrated from a foreign country and starting a new life together. There was strength in numbers: both economic advantages and in perpetuating long-held traditions that would tie loved ones together in the face of new challenges. Where seniors were concerned, the expectation that younger family members would always care for them was impliedand something not all that difficult if people were living within steps of one another.Clearly things have changed, and adult children can be hundreds and thousands of miles away from aging parents. This can make it challenging to determine changes in physical, mental and emotional health, often leading to stress and guilt. While long-distance caregiving isnt always the answer, there are things families can do to help ensure their senior loved ones needs are monitored and met.1 Hold a Family Meeting to Plan In-Home Care for a Senior Loved OneFirst, organizationally, if there are multiple adult children and other family members that can provide long-distance care, have a family meetingin person or video chatto decide what everyones strengths and skillsets are and what their availability is. Tantamount to that, realistically evaluate how much each can do, knowing that a trusted neighbor or someone else outside the family and local to the senior may need to be hired to fill in any gaps.If a family member is better at managing finances, for example, s/he should assume that responsibility when the time comes, always with written permission. A Merrill Lynch study revealed about 92 percent of family caregivers are managing their loved ones finances, including monitoring and paying bills from bank accounts, handling insurance claims, filing taxes, and overseeing investments.2 Communicate with Your Aging Loved One Every DayIts important to check in with an aging parent every day, even several times a day depending on the state of health, particularly if that individual lives alone. If the senior is adept at technology, FaceTime or other forms of video chat are always preferable as visuals are a useful tool in gauging changes. Today there are a variety of simpler forms of senior-friendly video call apps and devices available. These include but are not limited to the Jitterbug Smart3, GrandPad, and CallGenie (British-based product now available in the U.S.).3 Connect Regularly with Your Beloved Seniors Healthcare ProvidersSchedule regular calls with physicians, visiting nurses, and/or others for up-to-date information about you loved ones health and evolving needs. If an in-home senior care agency is involved, consistent updates should be part of the protocol.4 Set Up a Personal Emergency Response System to Maintain a Seniors IndependenceSometimes dubbed high-tech guardian angels, personal emergency response systems (PERS) support safe and independent living. At the touch of a button (or in some cases by voice activation) an immediate notification is sent to first responders when a fall or other medical emergency is detected. PERS devices can be worn by the senior as a pendant, or a unit can be set up strategically inside the home to provide 24/7 monitoring services.5 Obtain a Smart Pill Dispenser for Medication ManagementAs people age, memory can be affected with issues that include failure to take medication or not recalling if a dose was taken or not. Multiple medications are also a byproduct of aging and facing an array of bottles every day can be confusing and disorienting for seniors. A user-friendly solution lies in medication management with automatic pill dispensers, as these smart devices for healthcare can do so much more than hold apportioned pills in a little plastic box. Smart pill devices organize medications and ensure the correct dose is dispensed at the right time, and some can also notify the caregiver if a dose is missed.6 Explore Alternative Senior Living ArrangementsIs an aging parent amenable to moving closer to adult children? Independent living and assisted living fall under the broad banner of senior living communities and can make the stress that accompanies long-distance caregiving a thing of the past. Many seniors and their families are unsure where to start their search for assisted living and other senior housing options.7 Plan More Frequent Visits to Keep Tabs on Your Elderly Loved Ones WelfareWork, raising families, community responsibilities, and everything else can make life overwhelming today. But if a parent or grandparent is aging, theres no better way to monitor needs than to visit as often as possibleeven for a long weekend now and then. If there are multiple adult siblings or young adult grandchildren, spreading the visits out among family members can ease the burden of constant traveling and help ensure changes in health and mobility do not go undetected.Besides, the opportunity to spend time with mom or dad in their sunset years is precious, and something you will never have again. In your effort to monitor things and provide support, which no one argues can be time consuming and stressful, make sure to slow down and listen. As the saying goes, When a senior dies, a library closes.8 Ask for Information and Guidance from a Trusted Senior ResourceKnow that an Amada Senior Care advisor has the expertise and knowledge to assist without obligation as families with aging loves ones navigate their senior care journey. Click HERE to find an Amada office near you or call (866) 752-1961.
In a world brimming with fleeting interactions and virtual communications, the value of building deep, enduring relationships often gets overshadowed. Yet, we all crave meaningful connections that enrich our livesboth personally and professionally. At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we believe that nurturing strong relationships is the foundation of a fulfilling life. Whether with family, friends, or colleagues, these bonds create a network of support, companionship, and shared experiences that enhance our emotional well-being. In this blog, well explore how to cultivate and maintain golden connections that stand the test of time, offering you practical tips to foster those relationships.The Importance of Meaningful ConnectionsInvesting time in building relationships is not merely an act of kindness; it is crucial for social, emotional, and even physical health. Heres why nurturing connections is essential:Emotional BenefitsSupport System: Meaningful connections provide a vital support network during challenging times. Knowing that someone cares enough to listen can lift spirits and ease burdens. Friends and family can offer different perspectives, helping us navigate lifes ups and downs.Sense of Belonging: Engaging in nurturing relationships fosters a sense of belonging. As social beings, we thrive in communities. Having people who understand us gives us a sense of security and acceptance, bolstering our self-esteem.Physical Health BenefitsStress Reduction: Emotional connections can act as a buffer against stress. Laughter shared with friends, heartfelt conversations, or even a comforting hug can significantly lower anxiety levels. Longevity: Studies have shown that strong social ties can lead to improved health outcomes and even longer life expectancy. The love and support we receive from these relationships can motivate us to take better care of ourselves.Tips for Building and Nurturing Lasting RelationshipsNow that we understand the importance of connections, lets explore practical ways to cultivate and maintain these special bonds.Step 1: Be PresentActive Listening: Truly listening to what someone says builds trust and demonstrates care. Put aside distractionslike phones and televisionswhen engaging in conversations. Follow-up questions show genuine interest, deepening the connection.Quality Time: Make it a priority to spend quality time with loved ones. It could be a casual coffee catch-up, a walk in the park, or even a simple phone call. The goal is to deepen the understanding and connection between you and your loved one.Step 2: Express AppreciationSay Thank You: Expressing gratitude for small or big gestures reinforces how much others mean to you. A handwritten note, a text message, or verbal acknowledgment can go a long way in making someone feel valued.Celebrate Achievements: Be there for milestonesbirthdays, promotions, or personal victories. Celebrate together, whether its throwing a small party, a dinner, or just a heartfelt message. These shared moments will deepen your bond.Step 3: Foster Open CommunicationBe Honest and Authentic: Authentic relationships thrive on honesty. Share your thoughts, feelings, and vulnerabilities. Openness fosters trust and encourages others to share their truths as well.Check-In Regularly: Make it a habit to check in on friends and family. A simple message asking how they are can initiate a meaningful conversation and demonstrate that you care.Step 4: Embrace DifferencesAppreciate Diversity: Every individual brings unique experiences, perspectives, and qualities to a relationship. Embrace those differences rather than seeing them as barriers. They can enrich your connections and promote growth.Be Flexible: Life is dynamic, and relationships evolve. Be willing to adapt and grow together, understanding that changes in circumstances can affect how and when you connect. Whether its accommodating a busy schedule or being open to new activities, flexibility nurtures relationships.Step 5: Create Shared MemoriesEngage in New Experiences: Doing something new together can strengthen bonds and build a treasure trove of memories. This could be anything from taking a cooking class, going on a hike, or traveling to a new place.Start Traditions: Establish traditions with loved ones to create lasting memories. This could be as simple as a monthly game night or an annual holiday celebration. Traditions create touchpoints that people look forward to sharing.Conclusion: Nurturing the Bonds That Enrich Our LivesAt A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we believe that cultivating meaningful relationships is vital to a fulfilling, happy, and thriving life. By embracing the importance of emotional connections, we can transform our interactions from mere acquaintances to lifelong friendships.As you embark on the journey of building and nurturing your relationships, remember that it takes effort, time, and genuine intention. Focus on being present, expressing appreciation, and developing open communication to create bonds that will withstand the test of time.Lets celebrate the connections we have and actively work to strengthen and deepen them. After all, the most precious resources we possess are the people we surround ourselves with, and the memories we create together are the true treasures of life. If you need support in organizing gatherings or creating more intentional connection time, reach out to us at A Call to Order Professional Organizer. Together, we can help you build the enriching, lasting relationships that nurture your heart and soul.
As our loved ones age, there comes a time when maintaining a clean and organized space can become a challenge. The clutter that accumulates can not only create a chaotic environment but can also hinder the quality of life for seniors. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we understand that an organized home is not just about aesthetics; its about promoting peace, purpose, and independence in the lives of our clients. In this blog, we will explore how a well-organized senior home can lead to emotional well-being while providing you with practical tips to help foster a harmonious living space.The Emotional Impact of ClutterClutter can have a significant emotional toll on seniors. Over time, accumulated belongings can create feelings of overwhelm, stress, and anxiety. This chaos can impact the mental health of our senior loved ones, making it difficult for them to enjoy their daily activities and connection with family and friends. Studies have shown that an organized environment can lead to decreased stress levels, improved focus, and even enhanced creativity.When we work with seniors, our approach isnt just about organizing their physical space; we strive to create an atmosphere that supports emotional and psychological well-being. By helping them declutter their homes, we also assist in decluttering their minds, enabling them to experience clarity and tranquility. The emotional journey of downsizing and organizing can be transformative. Heres how to guide your senior loved ones through this process.Tip 1: Start Small and Celebrate ProgressWhen faced with the task of organizing an entire home, starting small can make all the difference. Encourage your loved one to begin with a single room or a specific area, like a closet or a kitchen drawer. This manageable approach prevents feelings of being overwhelmed and allows for small victories.Celebrate each milestonewhether its clearing out a single shelf or a full closet. Acknowledging these achievements not only boosts confidence but also encourages a sense of accomplishment. Use phrases like, "Look at how much weve organized together! Imagine how good it will feel to have everything in its place. These small celebrations create emotional connections and reinforce positive behavior.Finding Purpose in Letting GoAnother critical element in the organizing process is teaching seniors that letting go of items can indeed be a nurturing act. We often hold onto possessions due to nostalgia, guilt, or fear of loss. However, by transforming the mindset around these cherished items, we can unlock the potential for a serene and purposeful life.Tip 2: Relate Memories to PurposeInstead of keeping every item associated with a memory, encourage your loved one to select a few meaningful pieces to keep while letting go of the rest. This helps them maintain the emotional connection to their past without being burdened by physical items.For instance, photographs can be digitized, and sentimental items can be displayed in a memory box. Remind them that the value of a memory does not diminish when the physical item is no longer present. Create an emotional dialogue, asking questions like, What will best represent these memories? This will help them find peace and purpose in what they choose to keep.Involve FamilyInvolving family members during this organizing journey can strengthen connections. Invite family to share in the decluttering process, helping seniors reminisce over cherished memories. This not only alleviates the emotional load but also fosters deeper connections among family members. Encourage family to come equipped with boxes for donations, which can bring joy and purpose in knowing that items will benefit others. Ultimately, decluttering is not only about creating physical space; it is about making room for new memories, experiences, and emotional health. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we are committed to supporting the loved ones who matter most. By providing personalized organizational services, we allow seniors to thrive in environments that reflect their current lives and cherish their past without the weight of clutter.In conclusion, an organized home can significantly enhance the emotional well-being of seniors. By understanding the emotional connections tied to their belongings and providing practical steps, we can help them find peace and purpose in their living spaces. Remember that a transformed environment is an emotional journeyfilled with joy, support, and love. A Call to Order Professional Organizers is here to stand by you and your loved ones in this vital process, ensuring that every step taken leads to a happier, healthier, and more organized life. Lets embark on this journey together and create spaces that foster connection and comfort. The best time to start is now!