The 10 A's of Alzheimer's

Thanksgiving is more than just a day for feasting; its a cherished occasion that invites us to reflect on gratitude, connection, and warmth. For seniors, participating in or creating meaningful traditions can foster a sense of belonging and joy. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we believe that keeping traditions alive plays a vital role in enhancing the lives of our loved ones. Lets explore some heartwarming ideas and tips to help you create special Thanksgiving traditions that seniors can treasure for years to come.Setting the Stage: Create a Warm and Inviting AtmosphereCreating the perfect Thanksgiving atmosphere begins long before the main event. Its about making your space welcoming and cozy so that everyone, especially seniors, feels at home. Decorate Thoughtfully: Choose decorations that evoke fond memories. Consider using family photos from past Thanksgivings to create a nostalgic display. Handmade crafts by grandchildren, or traditional decorations like pumpkins and autumn leaves, can add a personal touch.Reflection Zone: Set up a special area where seniors can sit comfortably and reflect on their favorite memories or share stories. Create a gratitude tree where family members can hang notes of what they are thankful for.Involve Them in Planning: Ask seniors for their input on the Thanksgiving menu or activities. Involving them in the planning process not only respects their preferences but also empowers them. Its a beautiful way for seniors to feel a connection to the holiday.Comfortable Seating: Ensure that there are comfortable seating arrangements. Invest in cushions or blankets for added warmth. Consider the mobility needs of seniors by arranging the seating to minimize any inconvenience in movement.By creating an inviting atmosphere filled with familiar sights and sounds, you can foster a sense of warmth and comfort, allowing seniors to feel part of a loving, connected family.Cherishing Traditions: Activities to Foster ConnectionThanksgiving is the perfect time to create lasting traditions that will help seniors feel included while allowing them to share some of their cherished experiences.Cooking Together: Invite seniors to share their favorite recipes and cook together. This not only creates a delicious meal but also provides an opportunity for storytelling and bonding. Encourage them to share tales of how they celebrated Thanksgiving when they were younger.Thanksgiving Memory sharing: Prior to the gathering, ask each family member to prepare a story about their favorite Thanksgiving memory or what they appreciate most about the seniors present. When everyone shares, it creates a beautiful tapestry of traditions and experiences, deepening family connections.Gratitude Circle: After your meal, gather everyone for a gratitude circle. Each person can voice what they are thankful for or a favorite memory from the past. This can be a touching moment for seniors, reinforcing their importance in the family and leaving them feeling cherished.Creating a Memory Book: Start a family Thanksgiving memory book where everyone can contribute their thoughts, photos, and drawings each year. Involving seniors in this activity ensures they feel vital and valued within the family legacy. Crafting: Create holiday crafts together, like making festive table centerpieces or card decorations. This activity can ignite creativity and ensure everyone feels included in the holiday preparations.Thanksgiving is a time to reflect, celebrate, and create unforgettable memories together. By focusing on traditions that foster connectedness and joy, you can create a Thanksgiving experience that speaks to the heart of what the holiday truly represents.At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we understand the importance of environment and connection in enhancing the lives of our loved ones. This Thanksgiving, lets join together to create cherished moments that warm the heart and build lasting memories for seniors, transforming the holiday into a loving celebration. May your Thanksgiving be filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments that you and your family will remember for years to come. Happy Thanksgiving!

There are plenty of reasons for family members to take care of aging or disabled loved ones. The role can be rewarding, bringing people closer to the people they love and allowing them to tailor care to their personal needs and preferences. But even the most dedicated family caregivers need a break to focus on their own well-being, especially around the busy holiday season. Thats where respite care comes in.Despite the fact that 1 out of every 5 Americans acts as a caregiver to a loved one, only 15% take advantage of respite care services available to them. Respite care can create better outcomes for caregivers and their loved ones alike. It gives family members time to rest and recharge so they can come back to the role with fresh eyes and renewed spirit.But what is respite care, and is it right for you? Lets take a look at the many benefits of hiring a home care agency to give you a helping hand when you need it.What is In-Home Respite Care?In-home respite care is a form of temporary relief from the responsibilities of caretaking. You get to set the termsit could mean hiring a professional aide for an afternoon, for several weeks, or anything in between. At ComForCare, our highly trained staff can come to your loved ones home to perform many of the duties you provide on a daily basis, including:Preparing meals and helping them eatHelping them groom, bathe, and dressProviding medication remindersGrocery shopping, picking up medications, and related errandsCoordinating care and transporting them to and from doctor appointmentsLight housekeepingUnlike adult day-care centers or respite care facilities, in-home care reduces the stress on your loved one by bringing care to them. They get to stay in their familiar environment with minimal disruption to their routineand you get a break to focus on your needs.Benefits of Respite CareManage Stress & Ward Off BurnoutOver half of family caregivers in an AARP survey reported that they experience moderate to high levels of stress related to their roles responsibilities. Combined with the added pressures of the holiday season, the winter months can quickly lead to burnout for those taking care of loved ones. Respite care gives you room to breathe, just like taking time off work. After all, though it can be deeply rewarding, caretaking is a form of labor. Working so hard without rest can take a serious toll on your mental health, which in turn can affect your ability to care for your loved one.Reduce Health Risks for Your Loved OneWhen were burnt out, busy, or bustling around more than usual, we can overlook important signs of illness or disease progression. Were only human, and can only focus on so many things at once. ComForCares home aides are specially trained to watch for warning signs that your loved one needs medical intervention or additional help. They can also provide you with a fresh perspective after months or even years of seeing your loved one every day.This is especially true if your loved one has recently suffered an injury or had a medical procedure. Temporary respite care during their recovery can reduce the risk of infection and rehospitalization. Its a way to optimize their healing process while taking some time to focus on your health, too.Find Support & a Social NetworkBetween 40% and 70% of family caregivers struggle with feelings of depression, often compounded or caused by isolation and loneliness. During this time of the year when were supposed to be celebrating togetherness, that struggle can begin to feel unmanageable. Not enough caregivers realize that there are support groups for people just like them, where they can come together, socialize, and share their experiences. Home care agencies like ComForCare can connect you with those resources.We do everything in our power to take care of our clientsand that means helping family caregivers just as much as it means assisting their loved ones with their daily needs. We have a wealth of knowledge about mental health resources and support systems, and were glad to share those with you while we give you a helping hand. Respite Care Isnt SelfishIts a GiftOne of the biggest hurdles to self-care can be feelings of guilt. Its easy to see taking time for yourself as a selfish act. But the reality is, taking a break is a gift to your loved one, too. Whether all you need is a day alone to catch up on errands or a week to take your first vacation in years, youll return as a more resilient, more compassionate, and more capable caregiver.At ComForCare, all of our employees are background checked, highly trained, and vetted for a passion for treating all their clients with dignity and respect. Whether they meet your loved one only once or on a regular basis, theyll provide the highest level of care so you can rest easy. To learn more about our work and find a schedule that will fit into your life and your budget, get in touch with us today!

By Phara Lafortune-Morame, LCSW, MCAP, EMDR cert., QS.There are many reasons that significant moments are often celebrated with a drink. But during the holidays, otherwise-celebratory toasts can be triggers for people who struggle with substance use disorder, including seniors.Some families and cultures have holiday traditions that lean heavily on alcohol consumption. Family recipes for festive cocktails and toasts before dinners reinforce the idea that consumption is part of connecting with loved ones and embracing the holiday spirit.The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States notes that a quarter of the $49-billion-a-year distilled spirits industrys profits come from the month between Thanksgiving and the New Year. Another study notes that the average American drinks 27% more during the holiday season compared to the rest of the year.As a result, the stress and anxiety associated with the holiday season can result in increased consumption or return to drug and alcohol use for those currently in recovery, particularly for older residents, who tend to suffer from depression more during the holidays. Many studies note that nearly half of individuals recovering will return to use during the holiday season.The prevalence of substances in celebrations often mixes badly with the elevated depression and stress the holidays can bring. Expectations for creating and experiencing holiday joy are at the center of potential substance use triggers. When mixed with emotional turmoil, financial stress, loneliness, grief, nostalgia, and dysfunctional and complex family relationships, this can create a desire to seek temporary escape from overwhelming feelings through substances. For those aged 65 and older, alcohol misuse is the most frequently reported substance of use.The use of alcohol in older adults negatively impacts brain structure and function and can lead to declines in cognitive function and memory, particularly for adults over the age of 65. In addition, the bodys ability to break down alcohol decreases with age, resulting in increased risk for accidents and falls, fractures and car accidents.  For anyone in recovery from substance use disorder, or concerned about increased consumption through the holidays, it is important to plan.Here are strategies for staying sober:      Be aware of people, places or situations that can trigger consumption, and do what you can to minimize these exposures.      Keep (and bring, if necessary) a nonalcoholic drink in your hand to resist temptation and discourage others from offering an alcoholic drink.      Set realistic expectations. Stress is common for nearly everyone during the holidays, and spontaneous, imperfect moments are often the most memorable and special moments.      Take care of yourself. Proper nutrition, exercise and meditation do wonders for your well-being. If you feel well physically, you will be stronger emotionally.      Set boundaries, and let people know where you need support in resisting temptations.      Have a plan on how to navigate, and more importantly exit social gatherings (For example, do not be dependent on someone else for transportation, so you can leave if needed).      Be aware that returning to use a substance after a period of abstinence can happen AFTER the holidays, where we can justify returning to use by feeling entitled to drink or use drugs for having made it through the holidays. Sometimes, we manage better during a crisis than afterward..      Seek professional help and support.Sometimes, substance misuse is difficult to recognize in older adults, and few treatment programs are designed to meet their needs.  However, the Primary Care Addiction Treatment (PCAT) program for adults at Healthcare Network follows a supportive, compassionate and nonjudgmental approach to encourage healing and lessen negative effects. The program treats every patient with respect and dignity, using empathetic language to reduce stigma and foster a supportive environment.Healthcare Network also offers medication for addiction treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder, alcohol use disorder, and other substances within a primary care setting. Comprehensive care includes medication treatment along with behavioral therapy and counseling services to provide a whole-care approach to treating substance use disorders and support recovery.In addition, our primary care programs for the whole family include integrated mental and behavioral health care to address some of the mental health challenges that are sometimes at the root of substance use disorders.Help is available through the holidays and beyond. Supportive treatment can be the gift of a lifetime for you and your loved ones. About the Author By Phara Lafortune-Morame is associate clinical director of behavioral health at Healthcare Network. To learn more about substance use and behavioral and mental health support available Healthcare Network, visit healthcareswfl.org or call 239.658.3000.