Seniors with Dementia Face Common Problems Using the Telephone
Sep 06, 2019
Non-Book Market , Texas - Dallas, Collin, SE Denton & Rockwall Counties
Email US
Click to Email Us
Seniors with Alzheimers and other dementia's often have trouble using a telephone. These problems tend to get worse with age and dementia progression. The telephone can become stressful for everyone in the family. Fortunately, as caregiver, you can take steps to manage common telephone issues faced by seniors with dementia.
Physical Challenges
It seems that telephones get more and more complicated every year. Unfortunately, fancy new smartphone features can be difficult for seniors to use. Seniors may lack the hand-eye coordination needed to navigate touch screen menus. Or they may have trouble connecting a flip-phone to a charger.At teleCalm, we find that customers prefer the simplicity of a traditional big button desk phone. Caregivers can even insert photos on some models. Seniors need only pick up the handset and touch a photo to dial family and friends. Because the phone stays connected with a cord, seniors don't need to fumble with finding the charger, and plugging it in, and keeping the phone charged. Additionally, as dementia symptoms surface, how to use a simple desk phone can be easier to remember than a smartphone or flip-phone.
Phone Call Problems from Dementia
Seniors with dementia are especially vulnerable to the growing epidemic of telephone scammers. But seniors with dementia also face additional problems with everyday phone calls. As symptoms progress, seniors with dementia may exhibit poor judgement or lose track of time. Your mom may call you at 3 am thinking its the middle of the day. Or she might fall into a repeated habit of calling the police out of confusion, or fear, or the desire to talk to somebody. You can easily find many senior-friendly options for flip-phones and big button phones. Such options can help seniors who face physical challenges. But they don't address issues like forgetfulness or declining judgement. We founded teleCalm after observing this gap - we built a telephone service specifically for seniors facing dementia and their caregivers. As a caregiver, teleCalm lets you personalize a phone service for your loved one. You can adjust the service to match your loved ones needs as dementia progresses. teleCalm phone service can move with your loved one from home, to assisted living, and even to memory care. '
Editors Note: This article was submitted by Carl Ott with teleCalm. Visit www.telecalmprotects.com
Other Articles You May Like
Nurturing Brain Health: A Key to Lifelong Wellness
Why Brain Health Is EssentialBrain health impacts every aspect of our lives. A healthy brain ensures: Sharp Cognitive Function: Supporting learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. Resilient Memory: Helping us retain and recall important information. Emotional Stability: Allowing us to navigate challenges and maintain mental well-being. Physical Coordination: Facilitating essential tasks like walking, speaking, and balance. Neglecting brain health can lead to difficulties in daily life, including forgetfulness, confusion, or susceptibility to neurological disorders such as Alzheimers or dementia. Lifestyle Habits to Promote Brain Health Physical Activity Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and essential nutrients. Regular activities like walking, cycling, or yoga can improve memory and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Brain-Boosting Nutrition A balanced diet rich in certain nutrients is critical for brain health: Fatty Fish: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, essential for brain cell health. Colorful Fruits and Vegetables: Packed with antioxidants that combat oxidative stress. Whole Grains: Provide steady energy for optimal brain performance. Nuts and Seeds: Offer healthy fats and vitamin E to support cognitive function. Cognitive Stimulation Keep your brain active with activities that challenge its capacity, such as: Learning a new language or skill. Solving puzzles, crosswords, or playing chess. Engaging in creative hobbies like painting or music. Quality Sleep Sleep is vital for memory consolidation and mental clarity. Aim for 79 hours of sleep each night, and maintain a regular sleep schedule to support overall brain health. Stress Management Chronic stress negatively affects the brain, shrinking areas responsible for memory and decision-making. Stress-reducing practices like meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness can help maintain mental balance. Social Connections Strong social ties contribute to emotional well-being and cognitive longevity. Spend time with family, join clubs or groups, and maintain regular interactions with friends to stay mentally and socially engaged. Avoid Harmful Substances Limiting alcohol and avoiding tobacco products can protect the brain from long-term damage and cognitive decline. Preventing Cognitive DeclineWhile aging is inevitable, cognitive decline is not. Steps to reduce its risk include: Monitoring Health: Manage conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol, as they can impact brain function. Mental Health Care: Address issues like anxiety or depression, which may impair cognition if left untreated. Regular Check-Ups: Work with healthcare providers to screen for early signs of neurological disorders. The Lifelong Benefits of LearningContinuing to learn throughout life keeps the brain adaptable and engaged. Whether its pursuing a hobby, attending workshops, or taking online courses, lifelong learning fosters new neural connections and helps preserve cognitive health.
Where Can You Find Memory Support?
1. Memory Care Assisted Living CommunitiesMemory care is a specialized form of assisted living that focuses on residents with memory-related challenges. These communities offer: Secured Environments: Prevent wandering and ensure safety. Trained Staff: Professionals experienced in dementia care. Structured Activities: Programs designed to promote cognitive function and social engagement. Memory care facilities are ideal for individuals who need daily assistance and a structured routine. 2. Skilled Nursing Facilities with Memory CareFor individuals requiring medical supervision in addition to memory care, skilled nursing facilities often provide: 24/7 Medical Assistance: Nurses and doctors available to manage complex health conditions. Specialized Therapies: Physical, occupational, and speech therapies tailored to residents with memory loss. Comprehensive Care Plans: Addressing both cognitive and physical health needs. These facilities cater to residents with advanced dementia or coexisting medical conditions. 4. Adult Day Care CentersAdult day care centers offering memory care services provide daytime support for individuals while allowing them to return home in the evening. Key benefits include: Respite for Family Caregivers: Time for caregivers to rest or focus on other responsibilities. Engaging Activities: Socialization opportunities, games, and exercises tailored to memory care needs. Professional Oversight: Ensuring safety and well-being during the day. This option is ideal for families who want to balance professional care with at-home living. 5. In-Home Memory Support ServiceFor those who prefer to remain in their own homes, memory support can be brought directly to the individual. In-home services may include: Caregiver Assistance: Help with daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. Cognitive Engagement: Memory exercises and stimulating activities provided by trained professionals. Safety Modifications: Recommendations for making the home safer for individuals with dementia. In-home support allows for familiar surroundings while ensuring proper care. 6. Community and Nonprofit OrganizationsMany local organizations and nonprofits offer memory support programs, including: Support Groups: Providing emotional and practical guidance for families and caregivers. Educational Workshops: Teaching coping strategies and care techniques. Day Programs: Offering structured activities for individuals with memory challenges. These services are often more affordable and widely accessible.
Benefits of Memory Support
1. Safety and SecurityMemory support programs prioritize creating environments that minimize risks and promote independence. Key safety features include: Secured Entrances: To prevent wandering and ensure residents stay within safe areas. Emergency Call Systems: Allowing immediate access to assistance when needed. Easy-to-Navigate Layouts: Thoughtfully designed spaces that reduce confusion and enhance mobility. These measures provide peace of mind for residents and their families while fostering a sense of freedom and security.2. Specialized Care and Trained StaffCaregivers in memory support facilities are specifically trained to address the unique needs of individuals with memory challenges. They provide: Behavior Management: Using calm and effective techniques to handle agitation, confusion, or anxiety. Personalized Assistance: Tailored care plans designed to meet each residents specific needs. Emotional Support: Building trusting relationships to foster comfort and reduce fear. This expertise ensures compassionate and professional care every day.3. Engaging ActivitiesMemory support programs focus on activities that promote cognitive function, creativity, and social engagement. Examples include: Reminiscence Therapy: Using familiar music, photos, or objects to evoke positive memories. Art and Music Therapy: Encouraging self-expression while reducing stress. Puzzles, Games, and Physical Activities: Enhancing focus, mobility, and overall well-being. These activities help residents stay mentally active and emotionally fulfilled.4. Family SupportMemory support services extend beyond residents to offer valuable assistance to families. This includes: Education: Providing information about memory loss conditions and their progression. Counseling: Offering emotional support to help families navigate their loved ones journey. Connection Strategies: Guiding families on how to maintain meaningful relationships with their loved ones. By equipping families with knowledge and resources, memory support programs help strengthen bonds and alleviate stress. 5. Access to Specialized ResourcesMemory support facilities provide access to additional resources that enhance care, such as: Therapies: Physical, occupational, and speech therapy to improve mobility, daily living skills, and communication. Medical Support: On-site or nearby medical care for residents with complex health needs. Educational Workshops: Helping families better understand dementia and stay connected with their loved ones. These resources empower both residents and their families to navigate challenges more effectively.
Local Services By This Author
teleCalm
Memory Care -Customized Solutions 5 Cowboys Way, Frisco, Texas, 75034teleCalm stops problem calls for families living with Alzheimers & other cognitive challenges at home and in senior living communities.teleCalm provides a safe phone services for seniors living with Alzheimers and other cognitive challenges. Their services help family caregivers to manage and stop unwanted incoming and outgoing calls, including late-night calls, repeated calls, 911 abuse, and targeted fraud. teleCalm offers two levels of stress-free home phone services for seniors: the Caregiver service and the Trust service. The Caregiver service is designed to solve common challenges faced by caregivers and their loved ones. It helps seniors maintain their independence, reduces isolation, and prevents everyday problems such as late-night calls, repeated calls, 911 abuse, and telemarketer/scam calls. This service works with regular home phones and replaces the existing landline service provider. The family caregiver manages all the features and benefits of the service remotely through the teleCalm Caregiver app. The Trust service is designed for independent seniors and filters out robocallers before they have a chance to ring through to the seniors phone. This service learns over time who your loved ones trusted contacts are based on their calling habits. teleCalm's phone service replaces current home phone service, often for less money than the current basic phone service. The company has simple pricing, with all taxes and fees included in the monthly pricing. Internet is not required to have teleCalm service, and you can keep your current phone number, or the phone number of your loved one. teleCalm is a veteran and woman-owned company, with a 5-Star rating on both BBB and Google. All of their support team is US-based and have been family caregivers themselves. If you're looking for a safe phone service for seniors, visit teleCalmProtects.com to learn more and see how they can help solve your phone-related challenges.
teleCalm dementia phone service
Memory & Dementia Care 5 Cowboys Way, Frisco, Texas, 75034teleCalm stops problem calls for families living with Alzheimers & other cognitive challenges at home and in senior living communities.teleCalm provides a safe phone services for seniors living with Alzheimers and other cognitive challenges. Their services help family caregivers to manage and stop unwanted incoming and outgoing calls, including late-night calls, repeated calls, 911 abuse, and targeted fraud. teleCalm offers two levels of stress-free home phone services for seniors: the Caregiver service and the Trust service. The Caregiver service is designed to solve common challenges faced by caregivers and their loved ones. It helps seniors maintain their independence, reduces isolation, and prevents everyday problems such as late-night calls, repeated calls, 911 abuse, and telemarketer/scam calls. This service works with regular home phones and replaces the existing landline service provider. The family caregiver manages all the features and benefits of the service remotely through the teleCalm Caregiver app. The Trust service is designed for independent seniors and filters out robocallers before they have a chance to ring through to the seniors phone. This service learns over time who your loved ones trusted contacts are based on their calling habits. teleCalm's phone service replaces current home phone service, often for less money than the current basic phone service. The company has simple pricing, with all taxes and fees included in the monthly pricing. Internet is not required to have teleCalm service, and you can keep your current phone number, or the phone number of your loved one. teleCalm is a veteran and woman-owned company, with a 5-Star rating on both BBB and Google. All of their support team is US-based and have been family caregivers themselves. If you're looking for a safe phone service for seniors, visit teleCalmProtects.com to learn more and see how they can help solve your phone-related challenges.