Connecticut - Southern

When an individual is diagnosed with Alzheimers disease or another type of dementia, it can be a confusing time. Family members, friends and the individual being diagnosed may wonder, what will happen next? What can I expect? What does it all mean?One of the most important things to remember as someone begins their journey through dementia is that the person inside still remains. However, family, friends, and caregivers, need to understand the disease and learn how to best interact with their loved one.Communication is a key area to focus on when interacting with individuals with dementia. Changes in communication that may occur include: Difficulty expressing their thoughts and feelings Having a hard time finding the right words Trouble understanding and interpreting what others are sayingCommunication can be challenging; and it is an important piece of our day to day life. When communicating with someone who has dementia, it is important to be supportive and help the person feel comfortable.In order to communicate effectively with your loved one, remember the following tips: Remain positive. You can help set the tone for a positive interaction. Being patient, supportive and upbeat is key. Offer comfort and reassurance. Smile! Shift the way you think about communicating. We are educated on using manners and always asking people How are you? But, for individuals with dementia this question may be difficult to answer. Instead, try saying Hi, its nice to see you. Call the person by name and introduce yourself. For example, try saying: Hi Mom, its your daughter Sara. This can eliminate confusion they may experience if they dont recognize you. Enter their world. Individuals with dementia often arent oriented to current place and time, and their short term memory is not what it once was. Instead, reminisce and revisit old memories. Avoid arguing, criticizing or correcting. If you disagree with something your loved one is saying, dont argue, it will only leave you both feeling frustrated. Go with the flow and dont try to correct what they are saying. Instead, validate them and lead the conversation in a different direction, if possible. Use short simple words and sentences. Simplify your words. This will allow for less information for your loved one to process. Encourage unspoken communication. We can communicate non-verbally as well, through our facial expressions and body language. A smile, a hug, or a handshake allows for positive expression without using any words.As your loved one journeys through dementia, understand that their brain is changing. Each person is unique and may react to things differently. The more you understand the more success you will have communicating with your loved one.Live in the moment, embrace the present and treasure the memories.Editors Note:This article was submitted byStacy B. Kesl, BA, CDPDementia SpecialistAthena Health Care SystemsStacy has over 10 years experience working in Dementia Care and loves educating staff and families on dementia.She can be reached at (860) 751-3900

In the tapestry of life, social connections are the vibrant threads that weave together our experiences, joys and challenges. For seniors, these social connections hold even greater significance, serving as a cornerstone for their overall well-being, contributing to a happier, healthier and more fulfilling life. In this blog, we explore the many benefits of senior friendship and shed light on how these connections truly enrich retirement.The Human Need for ConnectionFrom the moment were born, humans thrive on connection. As we age, this need remains steadfast, if not more crucial than ever. Seniors with strong social networks feel connected, valued and supported, benefiting their overall well-being and health.The companionship of friends serves as a powerful buffer against the challenges that can accompany aging. Maintaining close friendships has even been linked to decreased levels of loneliness and depression in seniors. The simple act of sharing stories, laughter and moments of vulnerability creates an emotional support system that helps seniors navigate lifes ups and downs with resilience and positivity.How Senior Living Fosters FriendshipsAt Anthology Senior Living, daily engagement encourages residents to bond with loved ones, build new friendships and explore new passions. Designed around our core philosophy and using our six dimensions of wellness, the Elements Life Enrichment program truly nurtures full mind, body and spirit. Whether participating in a group fitness class, joining other residents for an off-site excursion or playing a poker game, new experiences keep residents energized and encourage them to make the most of every day.Seniors at Anthology of Burlington Creek can enjoy a variety of events and activities. These aim to spark curiosity, promote engagement and bring happiness to their daily lives, keeping seniors connected.How Social Connections Keep Seniors HealthyScientific research underscores the life-changing impact of social interactions on senior health. Spending time with friends, family and peers links to a range of benefits, including:Mental and emotional well-being: Regular social engagement can help combat feelings of depression and loneliness in seniors, leading to a more positive outlook on life.Cognitive health: Engaging in stimulating conversations, participating in group activities and sharing experiences can help maintain cognitive function and even reduce the risk of cognitive decline. These interactions stimulate cognitive functions, keeping the brain active and sharp. Friendships help us grow mentally and learn new things by discussing current events, sharing memories and exploring new interests. Staying social can lower risk of depression, improve brain health and possibly slow down the progression of dementia, according to the Alzheimers Association.Physical health: Believe it or not, friendships can have a tangible impact on seniors physical health. Engaging in social activities for seniors and spending quality time with friends can reduce stress levels and promote a healthier immune system. Friends motivate each other to be active, do fun things and take care of themselves, which improves their well-being.Longevity: Studies suggest that seniors with active social lives tend to live longer, enjoying a higher quality of life as they age.Embracing Technology for ConnectionIn todays digital age, technology has opened new avenues for seniors to stay connected, even when physical distances separate them. Video calls, social media platforms and online interest groups offer opportunities to forge connections beyond the walls of their immediate surroundings, fostering a sense of unity and shared experiences.How Do I Meet New Friends After Retirement?As we grow older, finding friends and staying socially active doesnt happen on its own. It demands dedication, encouragement and persistent effort to cultivate genuine bonds.Here are several ways seniors can meet new people and reap the health advantages of social engagement:Try volunteering within your local community.Seek the support of community resources, like senior centers and senior living communities.Enroll in classes or workshops, whether for learning new skills or for leisure. This introduces you to people with shared interests, and the setting encourages regular interactions, making it easier to form friendships.Attend local events, fairs, markets and festivals. These gatherings often attract people from the community, providing an opportunity to strike up conversations and make new social connections.Participate in fitness classes, yoga sessions, walking groups or other exercise programs designed for seniors. Where Is the Best Place for Seniors to Make Friends?One of the best places for seniors to establish and nurture meaningful friendships is within a senior living community. These communities are designed to create an environment that promotes companionship and shared experiences, making them the perfect place for seniors to establish new connections.At Anthology, we understand the power of social connections. We create a lively atmosphere where people connect, laugh and form friendships through enjoyable activities like arts and crafts and communal dining. We design our events to spark conversations, forge bonds and provide the nurturing connections that contribute to healthier, happier lives.Whether its a beautiful day out in the park with friends, a festive BBQ or a vibrant dance class, residents at Anthology of Olathe are greeted with connection every day. Anthology of Boynton Beach celebrates seniors with social activities like happy hours and chef demos that foster connections.Creating a Community of ConnectionWe cannot overstate the importance of social connections and how they keep seniors healthy. As we get older, the relationships we build with loved ones and peers are crucial for our overall health and happiness. For older adults looking for these social connections, senior living communities can offer a way to make new friendships and form a consistent support group.

Building the Case for Home CareThere are many misconceptions about home care. This article explores two of the most common questions: when is it indicated; and how is it paid for?When should you consider home care? There are two catalysts for home care: 1) medical need; 2) custodial need. Medical need typically follows a hospitalization or acute illness leaving you in need of highly skilled home care to help you improve your condition. Physicians must order home care services. The services are designed to improve your medical health to maximum improvement status. Often the intervention helps you regain your strength and stability after a period of illness. Thanks to a lawsuit brought by the Center for Medicare Advocacy, medical home care may now be paid by Medicare to prevent or slow the decline in condition. Custodial care may be indicated when a person is struggling to manage everyday tasks such as toileting, bathing and medication management or household tasks including homemaking, meal preparation or money management. It is more difficult to pinpoint that moment when custodial care is needed. Barriers may exist that prevent an individual from seeking assistance. Caregivers may feel guilt when they can no longer provide all necessary care. Seniors may feel that money saved over their lifetime should not be squandered away on their personal needs. It is sometimes difficult to accept ones frailty and the perceived loss of independence.How is home care paid? Medical care is often covered by Medicare and Medigap plans. Most care is limited in duration and ends once the patient has met an improvement threshold as determined by a physician. Keep in mind that medical care makes no provision to help you manage household activities as described above. Custodial care is paid for by the individual, family, Long Term Care (LTC) Insurance (if you have a policy) or Medicaid. Long Term Care Policies vary widely based on coverage and cost. A relatively small percentage of todays seniors have LTC insurance although more baby boomers are considering the option. Medicaid will cover custodial care only after you have impoverished yourself. Medicaid requires an individual to use their own assets before Medicaid begins. An individual can have no more than $1,600 in cash to qualify. Connecticut offers seniors with somewhat higher assets limited access to home care with certain restrictions. Visit www.SWCAA.org , CT Home Care tab for more information.

As our loved ones age, our concern with their ability to manage the tasks of daily life safely at home increases. Most seniors prefer to stay in their own home and maintain their independence for as long as possible. However, the idea of accepting help at home can be met with great resistance. One approach that can be very effective is to suggest that having a home care agency come in for a few hours a day, will give the rest of the family peace of mind knowing that their loved one is safe. Seniors are often willing to make a change that they feel will benefit others before they would consider their own personal benefit. It is usually a good idea to include a senior in making a selection on what agency to use as well. Including them in the process is empowering. In addition, presenting the idea that home care is a well- deserved luxury rather than a decision that is being forced can make a huge difference in the outcome.The good news is that there are many home care agencies to choose from that help make this all possible. When choosing home care, it is important to look for an agency that will focus on specific needs. Initially, a thorough client assessment should be made by the agency; including notes on specialized care with possible conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer's, stroke and post-surgical care to name a few. Careful thought should be given to arranging a caregiver with the right personality and skill set. Finding a good match will help to ensure success. Last but not least, ask about background checks on caregivers and make sure caregivers are bonded and insured.Often, after a few scheduled visits with a caregiver, the elderly family member will begin to look forward to the regular social interaction. They will find relief in no longer struggling with tasks such as bathing, dressing, incontinence issues and grooming. They will enjoy the new opportunities that come with a companion who can accompany them on walks, help them prepare their favorite meals and assist them in getting to medical appointments and to do errands. The family will have the opportunity to experience joy in their time together rather than dealing with stresses they were previously faced with.Editors note: This article was written by Robin Savoie Zack and Michael Savoie, owners of Executive Care located at 3476 Main Street in Stratford. Executive Care offers affordable hourly and live-in rates. They can be reached at (203)690-1963.