More than 16 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimers or other dementias.Caring for a loved one can be a rewarding experience, but its not without challenges. These challenges can be significantly more impactful for those caring for a senior with Alzheimers disease or other form of dementia. Changes in behaviors can occur for a variety of reasons, including over-stimulation, physical discomfort, confusion, exhaustion caused by sleep problems, medication, or changes in routine.Understanding the cause of behavioral changes is critical for caregivers, families and friends. And its helpful for caregivers to know how to manage behaviors that will allow them to provide safe and effect support and diffuse tense situations.These behaviors can include: Depression Anxiety Confusion Aggression or anger Suspicion Hallucinations Pacing or wandering The most important thing that caregivers need to remember is that challenging behaviors may not be entirely avoidable. Its also not the fault of the person with Alzheimers or dementia. These behaviors are sometimes a common product of the disease. And, there is specialized support a caregiver can use to help keep a challenging behavior from escalating.While there is no guaranteed approach that will work with every person or situation, there are some methods that can help caregivers manage trying times:Staying calm Its not uncommon for caregivers to feel attacked or helpless when they are caring for someone exhibiting difficult behaviors. Remembering that it isnt personal and that its a symptom of the disease, can help caregivers manage their emotions and avoid contributing to tense or difficult situations. Arguing or reasoning can often escalate an outburst, so its necessary for caregivers to stay calm and supportiveKeeping a schedule Seniors that suffer from Alzheimers disease and other dementias often find it reassuring to have a set schedule for meals, activities and daily tasks. Creating a schedule, and sticking to it as much as possible, can help prevent anxiety, confusion and anger.Exercise Exercise, with approval from a physician, is a great stress reliever for both seniors and caregivers. And participating in activities together helps foster important emotional connections.Participating in activities Whether its an enjoyable hobby, household chore or physician-approved exercise, participating in joyful activities has shown to help manage challenging behaviors. These can be pre-scheduled or introduced when difficult behaviors are recognized. For example, caregivers can ask for help folding laundry to ease anxiety or can play music or sing to calm someone feeling confused, angry or depressed. Mindful communication Caregivers shouldnt underestimate the power of communication. Caregivers can use soothing tones, speak in a friendly way and make eye contact to convey normalcy, understanding and compassion. This can help seniors experiencing anxiety or frustration to calm themselves.Comfort KeepersCan HelpAt Comfort Keepers, we provide specific training for our caregivers and individualized care plans to provide care and support to seniors with Alzheimers disease and to their families. Our specially trained Comfort Keepers engage clients in intellectual, physical and emotional interactions that complement medical treatment and improve the quality of life for everyone involved. And they can facilitate stress management activities, support for physician-approved diet and exercise plans, provide transportation to appointments and will evaluate a home for safety as part of an in-home assessment. For more information on how in-home caregiving can help those with Alzheimers disease or dementia, contact your nearest Comfort Keepers office today. References National Institute on Aging. Managing Personality and Behavior Changes in Alzheimers. Web. 2017. Verywell Health. Complete Guide to Challenging Behaviors in Dementia. Web. 2019. Alzheimers Association. Stages and Behaviors. Web.
Regular physical activity isn't just about staying fit; it's also about managing chronic illnesses and maintaining independence. We want to help seniors incorporate exercise into their daily routines for a healthier life. Remember to always check with your doctor before starting any new forms of exercise. The Benefits of Exercise for Chronic Illness ManagementExercise offers various benefits, especially for those living with chronic conditions. Regular physical activity can improve seniors' heart health, lowering blood pressure and improving circulation and reducing the risk of heart disease. Staying active can also increase mobility and flexibility, making daily activities easier and reducing the risk of injuries and falls.Regular exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. This can help combat depression and anxiety, offering a sense of accomplishment and boosting overall well-being. Perhaps most importantly, engaging in physical activities can help seniors maintain their independence. The ability to perform daily tasks without assistance enhances their quality of life significantly.Tips for Incorporating Physical Activity into Daily RoutinesIncorporating exercise into a daily routine doesn't have to be hard. Start slow and build up gradually, beginning with light exercises and gradually increasing the intensity. This helps the body adjust and prevents burnout. Set small, achievable goals to stay motivated. Whether it's a short walk or a set of stretches, each step counts towards better health.Choose activities that are fun. Dancing, gardening, or playing with grandchildren can be excellent ways to stay active without it feeling like a chore. Consistency is key, so use reminders, calendars, or alarms to establish a routine and make exercise a regular part of the day.Selecting Appropriate Exercises Based on Individual Needs and AbilitiesChoosing the right exercises depends on individual needs and any existing health conditions. Here are some options to consider:Low-Impact Exercises for Joint Health: Walking, swimming, or cycling are gentle on the joints while still providing significant health benefits. These activities are perfect for those with arthritis or joint pain.Strength Training for Muscle Maintenance: Simple strength training exercises, such as lifting light weights or using resistance bands, can help preserve muscle mass and strength.Balance Exercises to Prevent Falls: Activities like standing on one foot or practicing Tai Chi improve stability and prevent falls, reducing the risk of injuries.Flexibility Exercises for Improved Range of Motion: Stretching exercises like yoga or simple daily stretches can enhance the range of motion, making everyday tasks easier.Need Caregiving Services for Seniors With Chronic Conditions?Exercise can help manage chronic conditions and improve the quality of life for seniors. It's never too late to start, but you should consult healthcare providers before beginning any new exercise regimen. At Senior Helpers Greeley, we are dedicated to helping seniors in Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Wellington, and Longmont incorporate exercise into their chronic care plans. Contact us today for personalized support to ensure a healthier, more active lifestyle for your loved ones.
At Amada Senior Care, we are dedicated to ensuring the well-being of our clients, especially when it comes to preserving senior independence, and this includes preventive care. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want to emphasize the importance of annual health screenings and checkups. Today being Mammogram Day provides a particularly appropriate opportunity to heighten awareness of a significant screening for women to protect their health as they age.Why Mammograms MatterBreast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide; in fact, women in the U.S. have a 1-in-8 chance of developing breast cancer. Public awareness campaigns point to the fact that early detection can make all the difference. Regular mammograms help identify abnormalities in the breast tissue long before they can be felt during a self-exam. Early-stage detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment, with survival rates as high as 99% when breast cancer is caught in its initial stages.For older women, especially women over the age of 50, mammograms become an even more critical part of their healthcare routine. Age is a significant risk factor for breast cancer, and while it can occur at any age, the risk increases as women grow older. Its estimated that about two out of three invasive breast cancers are discovered in women 55 or older. This is because as we age, there are more opportunities for genetic damage or mutations to occur in the body at a phase when the human body typically is less capable of repairing genetic damage.While breast cancer is associated with womens health, men also can be diagnosed with and experience symptoms like those in women. Family history of breast cancer or other genetic factors, exposure to radiation in the chest area, or having liver disease or another condition that causes estrogen levels to rise in the body all are risk factors for male breast cancer.Check out the images below to learn more about how to conduct a breast self-exam.Benefits of Regular MammogramsEarly Cancer Detection Saves LivesThe earlier breast cancer is detected, the more treatment options are available, and the better the outcomes. Mammograms can find cancer up to three years before it is large enough to be felt, offering a greater chance for less aggressive treatment.Peace of Mind in Protecting Senior HealthA mammogram is a quick procedure, but the peace of mind that comes with knowing youre actively monitoring your health is immeasurable. Regular screenings help older adults and seniors feel more secure and proactive in managing their well-being.Guided Preventive Care in Aging WellMammograms are often the first step in a broader breast health plan. For seniors, keeping up with these appointments ensures continuity of care, allowing their healthcare providers to monitor any changes and take action if necessary.Overcoming Common Concerns of MammogramsCommon concerns include fear of discomfort or radiation exposure. However, modern technology has made mammograms more comfortable, and the amount of radiation is minimalno more than a dental x-ray or flying cross-country.How Amada Can Help with Protecting Senior HealthAs seniors age, they may become concerned about mobility or getting to and from appointments. A free care needs consultation with an Amada Senior Care advisor can help identify specific assistance you or a loved one require, whether its transportation to screening facilities, compassionate caregiving services at home, or emotional comfort before and after a procedure.As a provider of non-medical at-home care, we at Amada are committed to making senior preventive healthcare as accessible and stress-free as possible. We can help with:Appointment Scheduling: Well help book your mammogram and any necessary follow-up appointments with ease.Transportation Assistance: If you need help getting to the clinic, our caregivers can provide transportation or accompany you to ensure you feel supported.Personalized Health Plans: Amadas caregivers are trained to help our senior clients manage symptoms of various health conditions. Our care team professionals understand the importance of following your doctors instructions and ensure they are included in your personalized care plan, tailored to your specific needs.Regular Screenings Lead to Improved Health in AgingIf you or a loved one havent had a mammogram in over a year, now is the perfect time to talk to your healthcare professional to schedule one. Encourage the women in your life, especially those in their 50s and older, not to skip their annual health screenings.Let's celebrate the power of early detection and honor our commitment to protecting the health of the women (and men) we care for.