For more information about the author, click to view their website: Jewish Association on Aging
The Alzheimer’s Association reports that about 1 in 9 Americans aged 65 and older, or 10.9%, are living with Alzheimer’s disease. In 2023, there were 11.5 million unpaid caregivers in the U.S. caring for people living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, many of whom were family members. These caregivers must ensure that their loved ones are safe while also nding creative ways to keep them engaged.
When planning their day, it can be helpful to observe which activities the person enjoys and any spontaneous interests they show. Tailoring activities to their preferences can encourage their participation. Remember that individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias can be easily overwhelmed, so tasks should be simple with clear and easy to follow directions. Since individuals with dementia may not initiate an activity on their own, scheduling a spefic time for an activity and inviting them to join may spark their interest and desire to participate. Establishing daily routines can help. Mindful activities for dementia patients How to keep your loved one stimulated and connected loved one feel more at ease, reduce anxiety and foster feelings of control and independence. Over time, familiar patterns may transfer to long-term memory, offering comfort and stability.
When creating a daily schedule, consider what times of day your loved one functions best. Also, take into account how they used to structure their day. Allow ample time for meals, bathing, dressing and rest, and avoid overloading the schedule. It’s important to have a gentle balance between stimulating activity and downtime. Tools such as a calendar or dry-erase board can serve as a helpful visual throughout the day.
While an activity like watching a favorite TV show can be relaxing, it may not always offer the kind of mental stimulation that individuals with dementia need. Regularly planning creative, engaging dementia-friendly activities can feel daunting, but setting realistic goals that will support your loved one’s healthy lifestyle is key. Tailoring activities to match your loved one’s abilities will help ensure their success and enjoyment.
Some practical activities for individuals with dementia include:
• Encourage participation in simple household chores, such as drying dishes, folding clothes or assisting with cooking or baking under your supervision.
• Take a leisurely walk outdoors or work in the garden when weather permits. Spending time outside can improve mood and physical health.
• Listen to their favorite music and incorporate it into daily routines — even if it’s just in the background. Music is a powerful tool that can evoke memories, elicit emotions and oftentimes facilitate a discussion. When possible, adding music to other activities can encourage movement and social interactions.
As your loved one’s Alzheimer’s or dementia progresses, it’s important to modify activities to meet their abilities. In the early stage, they can often continue to participate in the activities they’ve always enjoyed. This familiarity will help them to thrive with condence. Activities like card games, conversations about current events or history, social interactions and physical activities like walking or gardening are appropriate and healthy.
During the middle stage, as symptoms become more significant and your loved one needs additional support, plan adaptable activities that can accommodate their varying daily needs, such as following a guided exercise video, singing familiar songs, or even a coloring pages to provide mild stimulation when they need downtime. You can reminisce with them using old photos or show them photos of things they have always liked to start a conversation.
As an individual enters the late stage of dementia, they can feel comforted by therapeutic activities like holding hands or giving a gentle hand massage, playing soft music and providing light sensory or tactile stimulation, all of which reminds them they are cared for and loved. Engaging with them significantly enhances their quality of life, ensuring they feel valued and cared for at every stage.
Ultimately, many caregivers want to keep their loved one at home, in a familiar community and with a sense of independence for as long as possible. Supporting them through this challenging time can often be demanding and take a toll on you as a caregiver. As you plan activities for your loved one, remember to take breaks, continue to do things you enjoy and talk with others who are experiencing the same challenges. Caring for yourself is not just benefial for you — it also ensures that you can provide the best possible care for your loved one.
Written by: Mary Anne Foley, RN, MSN, is president and CEO of the Jewish Association on Aging.
Spring is a season of transition, and as the weather changes, so should your wardrobe. For seniors, dressing for changing spring weather can be a challenge. Its important to find the right balance between comfort and style while still dressing appropriately for the weather.Here are some tips for seniors on how to dress for changing spring weather:Layering is keySpring weather can be unpredictable, and temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day. Layering is the best way to ensure that you stay comfortable no matter what the weather brings. Start with a lightweight, breathable base layer such as a cotton or linen shirt, and add a cardigan or sweater for warmth. If its chilly in the morning but warms up later in the day, you can easily remove a layer to stay cool.Choose breathable fabricsAs the weather gets warmer, its important to choose fabrics that are breathable and lightweight. Cotton, linen, and bamboo are all great options that will help keep you cool and comfortable. Avoid synthetic fabrics, which can trap heat and make you feel hot and uncomfortable.Dont forget a raincoat or umbrellaSpring is notorious for its rain showers, so its important to be prepared. Invest in a lightweight raincoat or a compact umbrella that you can easily carry with you. Look for a raincoat that is breathable and waterproof, so you stay dry without getting too hot.Opt for comfortable footwearAs the weather warms up, you may be tempted to break out your sandals or flip-flops. While these are great for the beach, they may not be the most practical option for everyday wear. Instead, opt for comfortable shoes that provide good support and protect your feet. Sneakers, loafers, and slip-on shoes are all great options.Choose bright colors and printsSpring is a time for renewal and rejuvenation, so dont be afraid to add some color to your wardrobe. Bright colors and fun prints can help lift your mood and add some fun to your outfits. Just be sure to choose colors that complement your skin tone and hair color.Dressing for changing spring weather can be a challenge, but with a little planning, you can stay comfortable and stylish no matter what the weather brings. By layering, choosing breathable fabrics, investing in a raincoat or umbrella, opting for comfortable footwear, and adding some fun colors and prints to your wardrobe, you can make the most of the spring season.We care for you and about you.At Senior LIFE, we believe in caring for you in all that you need. Our care plans take a holistic view that are individualized to exactly what you need. We focus on your well-being, working to meet your medical, social, and mental health.And theres no need to worry about medical costs when your enrolled in Senior LIFE and live in the community on Medicaid all services are covered, at no out-of-pocket costs to you.To see if we could help you or a loved one, contact us today.
As seniors grow older, their circle of friends, acquaintances, and even family draws tighter especially if their health or other circumstances prevents them from getting out as much as they did previously. For the senior caregiver, the world also tends to become smaller, as a significant amount of their time is dedicated to the needs of their loved one at the expense of personal pursuits. The needs of seniors and the responsibilities of caregivers grow and change over time, but what can remain constant is the support networks available to provide assistance.While there are many wonderful resources available at the state and national level including the Caregiver Action Network (CAN), Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA), and others, Senior LIFE through its LIFE Health and Wellness Centers provides a broad range of customized services that encompass both the health & wellness and emotional/social support needs of seniors and their family caregivers alike.As a uniquely structured and positioned entity in the senior healthcare space, Senior LIFE offers eligible participants access to local LIFE Health and Wellness Centers. These centers, which function similarly to a senior center but with the added benefit of providing comprehensive healthcare through an interdisciplinary team of medical professionals including doctors, nurses, therapists, and others, are warm and inviting places where seniors can socialize, receive hot meals, and freely interact within a vibrant community of their own.Program participants are given access to a dedicated social worker who helps manage and coordinate care while also addressing emotional, family, and social needs. Senior LIFE social workers serve as a trusted liaison for caregivers who they communicate with regularly. Social workers are also able to connect you with additional resources within your community, as well as provide family support and individual counseling.Senior LIFEs array of in-home care services also work to expand the caregiver network into a senior participants home, which can give family caregivers a much needed respite and peace of mind in knowing that their loved one is in good hands and someone is checking in during the day. In-home care can include compassionate personal care services designed to help seniors maintain independence and dignity. These services include help with dressing, toileting, showering or bathing, grooming, light housekeeping, and more.At Senior LIFE, we believe that living independently doesnt mean you have to go it alone. Part of our core mission of keeping seniors in their homes entails creating meaningful and productive connections that foster community for both the senior participant and the family caregiver. To learn more, visit us at www.SeniorLIFEPA.com or call 1-877-998-LIFE (5433).
Hospice Care for Pancreatic Cancer: Providing Comfort in End-Stage DiseaseUnderstanding Pancreatic Cancer ProgressionPancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to its subtle symptoms and aggressive nature. Unfortunately, this often leads to a terminal prognosis. The median survival rate for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer is approximately 3 to 6 months from diagnosis, with overall 5-year survival rates remaining below 10% (Siegel et al., 2024). These statistics highlight the critical need for timely conversations about end-of-life care options, including hospice.The Role of Hospice in Pancreatic Cancer CareHospice care can be introduced when curative treatments are no longer effective, and the goal shifts to comfort and quality of life. For patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, hospice focuses on managing symptoms such as severe pain, digestive issues, and weight loss, which are common as the disease progresses. Hospice teams offer:Pain and Symptom Management: Specialized care to control debilitating pain, nausea, and other distressing symptoms.Emotional and Spiritual Support: Counseling for patients and families to help navigate the emotional complexities of end-of-life care.Coordination of Care: A multidisciplinary team works with medical providers to ensure seamless transitions and comprehensive care.In-Home Support: Care is delivered in the patients home or a familiar setting, allowing them to remain where they feel most comfortable.Impact of Hospice on Quality of LifeStudies show that patients with advanced cancer, including pancreatic cancer, who receive hospice care experience better symptom control and a more dignified end-of-life experience. A report from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization found that 85% of families reported high satisfaction with hospice services in the final days of life (NHPCO, 2023).When to Refer to Hospice for Pancreatic CancerEarly hospice referral can significantly improve the quality of life for patients with terminal pancreatic cancer. Medical professionals should consider hospice when patients:Experience uncontrolled pain despite aggressive management.Have lost the ability to perform daily activities.Face recurrent hospitalizations due to disease complications.Hospice care for pancreatic cancer is not about giving upits about prioritizing the comfort and dignity of your patients. To refer a patient or learn more about how we can support your team, contact our hospice team today. Our care coordinators are ready to assist in providing compassionate, expert care for your pancreatic cancer patients.ReferencesNational Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). (2023). Family satisfaction with end-of-life care.Siegel, R. L., Miller, K. D., Fuchs, H. E., & Jemal, A. (2024). Cancer statistics, 2024. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 74(1), 7-33.
Sivitz Hospice & Palliative CareThe Choice Is Yours.Who do you trust when lifes journey comes to an end?At JAAs Sivitz Hospice, what matters to you drives everything we do.Our approach to hospice care is about life and well-being. We provide needed care and support, honor wishes, and are by your side until the very end.Hospice TeamOur patients and families establish relationships with our hospice specialists, all of whom provide support and ensure that no one faces this difficult time alone. Our care team supports you in your home or other location of your choice.We focus on your quality of life and include you and your family members in treatment plans.Your spiritual, physical, and emotional needs are our priority.Your choices include innovative and holistic approaches, if requested.Your hospice team includes:Medical DirectorYour Primary Care Physician (PCP) or Physician of ChoiceRegistered NursesMedical Social WorkersHome Health AidesSpiritual and Bereavement CounselorsSpecially Trained VolunteersNutritionists (when clinically indicated)Therapists (when clinically indicated)Palliative CarePalliative care is for those who have a life-limiting illness but are not ready for hospice or are still receiving curative treatment. Our palliative care program offers expert treatment of pain and continuity of care in a private residence or senior living center.Our highly skilled team offers expert assistance with symptom management. If needed, we can help patients transition to the hospice.Bereavement ServicesBereavement services are an essential and intricate part of the hospice program, and Sivitz Hospice is committed to supporting families during the grieving period following the loss of a loved one. Bereavement support is tailored to meet the unique needs of each family. We are devoted to providing ongoing support for as long as its needed.InsuranceHospice and palliative care services are usually covered byMedicareMedicare HMOsMedicaidMany private insurances
When you need skilled home health services to remain independent, choose JAA. After receiving a home health referral, we visit your home within 48 hours to assess needs, create a treatment plan that incorporates your goals, and communicate with you, your family, and your personal physician. JAA Home Health Services offer assistance delivered with compassion, professionalism, and reliability.
The Choice Is Yours.Who do you trust when lifes journey comes to an end?At JAAs Sivitz Hospice, what matters to you drives everything we do.Our approach to hospice care is about life and well-being. We provide needed care and support, honor wishes, and are by your side until the very end.Hospice TeamOur patients and families establish relationships with our hospice specialists, all of whom provide support and ensure that no one faces this difficult time alone. Our care team supports you in your home or other location of your choice.We focus on your quality of life and include you and your family members in treatment plans.Your spiritual, physical, and emotional needs are our priority.Your choices include innovative and holistic approaches, if requested.Your hospice team includes:Medical DirectorYour Primary Care Physician (PCP) or Physician of ChoiceRegistered NursesMedical Social WorkersHome Health AidesSpiritual and Bereavement CounselorsSpecially Trained VolunteersNutritionists (when clinically indicated)Therapists (when clinically indicated)Palliative CarePalliative care is for those who have a life-limiting illness but are not ready for hospice or are still receiving curative treatment. Our palliative care program offers expert treatment of pain and continuity of care in a private residence or senior living center.Our highly skilled team offers expert assistance with symptom management. If needed, we can help patients transition to the hospice.Bereavement ServicesBereavement services are an essential and intricate part of the hospice program, and Sivitz Hospice is committed to supporting families during the grieving period following the loss of a loved one. Bereavement support is tailored to meet the unique needs of each family. We are devoted to providing ongoing support for as long as its needed.