5 Early Signs Your Spouse or Love One May Be Developing Alzheimer's DiseaseIt can be hard to tell whether your elderly loved one is showing normal signs of old age or is displaying early symptoms of Alzheimer's. While the signs of the disease can vary, common indicators include significant behavior changes, memory loss, and an increased rate of confusion. Here are 5 signs that your loved one may be progressively developing Alzheimer's disease.What Is Alzheimer's?Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia that impairs memory, behavior, and thinking capacity. It causes 60 - 80% of all dementia cases. It is important to understand that Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging, although old age is the highest known risk factor of the disease. The condition mostly affects people aged 65 and older. Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, meaning that it gets worse over time.Tell-Tale Signs Your Loved One May be Developing Alzheimer's DiseaseHere are five signs to watch out for if you think your spouse or loved one may be displaying signs of Alzheimer's disease:1. Shortness of memoryMemory loss is a common symptom of Alzheimer's disease. That being said, just because your spouse does not recall where they placed their keys or cannot seem to remember the name of their favorite grandson does not mean they have Alzheimer's. The early onset of the disease can make individuals forget conversations that happened moments ago.Most people with early-stage Alzheimer's often have trouble with their short-term memory, making them constantly rely on post-it notes or reminders on their phones. So, if your significant other keeps asking you the same information repeatedly, it may be a sign they have Alzheimer's.2. Difficulty Carrying Out Familiar TasksOne of the common signs that your loved one may develop Alzheimer's is if they all of a sudden cannot figure out how to do tasks they once enjoyed, such as playing a familiar game or preparing their favorite meal. As a result, they may start relying on you to help them with tasks they had no problem doing themselves before.3. They Often Lose Track of Time and PlacesConfusion about places and time is a common symptom of Alzheimer's. Individuals with the early stage of the disease will often forget where they are or how they got there. As a result, they easily get lost trying to get to familiar places. Furthermore, they often lose track of seasons, making them go to appointments at the wrong time or not show up at all.4. Difficulty with Simple MathPersons with Alzheimer's often have difficulties with numbers, including simple problems they have handled all their life. For example, they may find it challenging to do simple addition and subtraction. While not everyone finds math simple, the inability to complete routine problems is a sign of Alzheimer's disease.5. Frequent Mood Swings and Changes in PersonalityIndividuals with early-stage Alzheimer's often display extreme mood swings and distinct behavioral changes. For example, they may become paranoid, overly suspicious, fearful, and anxious. Someone who used to be very confident can suddenly turn tentative and shy. They are also easily irritable and get very uncomfortable in new places.If you notice any of these signs and think your spouse or loved one may be developing Alzheimer's, seek medical assistance immediately. The sooner they get treatment, the easier it will be to manage the symptoms and enable them to lead independent lives for longer.Senior Helpers of Burnsville can offer tailored home care services to help care for your elderly loved one. All residents of Cottage Grove and St. Paul's can benefit from our in-depth specialized care programs for patients with Alzheimer's. Contact us today to learn more about our services.  Phone 952-300-3668.  Or Visit us at https://www.seniorhelpers.com/mn/burnsville/

Aging can sometimes be difficult for your loved one and you and your family. The wide array of mixed emotionsguilt, stress, confusion, frustrationyoure feeling is common, and your local Homewatch CareGivers franchise is here to help make sense of it all. Our local team of professional caregivers can give you the peace of mind you've been missing, all while doing everything they can to ensure the comfort and safety of your elder loved one.Each Homewatch CareGivers locations in-home elder care services are personalized to meet the unique needs of your family, type of living arrangements, and at-home care needed. The caregivers are screened and receive continuous training to include skills validation checks. Homewatch CareGivers believes that anybody's quality of life can be improved with the right type of elder care. Senior care, also called elderly care or elder care, covers a range of in-home care services for people who are age 65 and older in need of assistance with activities of daily living in the home. Everyday activities can be difficult when experiencing the challenges brought on by aging or living with chronic conditions. Even the simplest tasks such as meal preparation, grocery shopping, or tidying up around the home can become taxing to complete.The exact type of care that is needed depends on the type of assistance required and challenges you and your loved one may be currently facing, such as scheduling, distance, and physical limitations. Providing elder care for the senior in your life can help them re-engage with activities, family, and friends as they age, leading to improved well-being and a renewed sense of independence!Types of In-Home Care for EldersIn-home care offers impactful one-on-one engagement for seniors. While assisted living communities and nursing homes provide reliable care, many people prefer to age in their existing home. At Homewatch CareGivers, our team helps seniors age in place around familiar surroundings.We offer a large variety of specialty senior care services that are tailored to your needs:Companion CareSocial isolation can lead to chronic loneliness, noticed significantly more often in the elderly. A cornerstone of our senior care services is companion care. Caregivers engage with their clients with friendly conversation, learn more about them, and participate in their favorite hobbies or activities. This helps your loved one stay involved, feel appreciated, and remain connected.Personal CareCaregivers assist with any day-to-day personal care needs that may have or will become challenging to perform for people who are living with chronic conditions or in advanced age. A highly qualified team is here to help your senior remain independent while still providing help with personal care tasks, such as:Grooming and bathing assistanceBathroom assistance and other personal hygieneAmbulation and mobility assistanceNursing CareTo meet the needs of seniors with significant medical conditions, some Homewatch CareGivers offices may provide in-home nursing care that is performed by one or more:RNs Registered NursesLPNs Licensed Practical NursesLVNs Licensed Vocational NursesNursing services* can help your loved one continue to get the care they need in the home, including healthcare coordination and referrals as well as other recommendations to improve their well-being.24-Hour CareTo ensure the safety of your aging loved one and the peace of mind of you and your family, 24-hour care may be the best option. This is completed via a team of caregivers scheduled throughout the entire day or possibly a single live-in caregiver in some locations. This type of care will be tailored to meet your needs and ensure someone is on standby in-home for your loved one or family around the clock.Respite CareCaring for a loved one is very rewarding but doesn't go without its demands. While it's often overlooked, Homewatch CareGivers understands the importance of the health and well-being of family caregivers. Whether you're a son, daughter, spouse, other family member or friend each caregiving team provides the relief you need to take a well-deserved break to rest and recharge.After Hospital CareThe transition from a facility back home can be challenging for seniors, not to mention critical to their health. This transition needs to be handled with compassion and person-centered care. A Homewatch Caregivers team can help ensure the discharge plan is followed and the transition and care after that goes as smoothly as possible for the well-being of your loved one.Chronic Condition CareCaring for and living with chronic disease, conditions, and the challenges that come with it can be overwhelming. We create comprehensive in-home chronic condition care for elders, focusing on more than just a person's condition. Each caregiver is qualified and receives training in specialty chronic condition care. Homewatch CareGivers will help your family and loved one establish a plan of care to assist with the specific condition and the hardships presented.Dementia CareWhile dementia presents several challenges related to daily tasks and cognitive function, Homewatch CareGivers strives to create care plans that focus on your loved one's current abilities instead of what may be declining.  Elder dementia care focuses on promoting positive well-being, continually tailored to meet any needs as the condition progresses.After Surgery CareHomewatch CareGivers provides after-surgery care to help your loved one return back to health in the comfort of their home. The transition from the hospital back home is crucial to seniors' well-being, so care plans will reflect the discharge instructions created by medical professionals. A caregiver can help to reduce the risk of falls, provide medication reminders, all while proving to be reliable and compassionate.  Contact us today at 952-260-6223 or visit us at www.homewatchcaregivers.com/edina/

VISION Services for SeniorsMany of the people we work with have age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, or other vision-related conditions that are often a part of aging. Frequently, in addition to vision loss, our clients also face other health issues. Our goal is to help customers meet the challenges of vision loss based on their own particular needs and circumstances.Losing some or most of your vision later in life can be frightening and overwhelming. Yet many of our clients tell us that they're pleasantly surprised to realize how a little bit of training, some creative solutions, and perhaps some additional technology can give them both confidence and independence.We provide services directly or through referral to community agencies. Services include:Low vision aids and other adaptive devicesTravel skill trainingTraining in daily living skillsTraining in assistive technologyAccess to the Radio Talking Book, a closed-circuit broadcast network for listening to readings of the local newspapers, magazines, and the latest bestselling booksAccess to books and other print material in audio and other alternative formats through our Communication Center.Living Well at HomeDon't let vision loss limit your independence. In addition to our services, Minnesota's Living Well at Home program helps seniors and their families get connected with the resources they need to make wise choices tailored to your unique circumstances.Technology to Assist YouMore and more seniors are discovering how technology can make a world of difference in staying active, safe, and independent. People with no vision or low vision use technology every day, and we offer training thats tailored to each individuals specific needs, abilities and goals.Contact UsFor more information, please call 651-539-2324 or fill out our online form. Visit http://ow.ly/XXzU50JzkYK

I enjoy working with veterans because they have a wonderful view of the world and of life itself, says caregiver Montana F. You get to meet amazing people and enjoy each others company, while helping them with their daily needs. Montana is just one of the caregivers at independently owned and operated BrightStar Care agencies across the country who are passionate about supporting their clients who have served our country. With more than 4,000 veterans tended to by our compassionate and experienced caregivers during 2022, weve found that our caregivers gain far more than they give. Were proud to share a few of these powerful relationships. Christines StoryMontana F. has been caring for veteran Christine S. for more than a year, handling those daily activities that Christine can no longer do herself or that cause extreme exhaustion. Since Christine was no longer eating well-balanced meals due to persistent fatigue, one of Montanas most important tasks includes cooking healthy food and prepping meals for future use. My diet has improved immensely since Montana started visiting and Im so grateful for all she does for me, Christine says. Montana is also there to help with activities of daily living (ADLs) like light housekeeping and ensuring Christine can take a safe and comfortable shower. Montanas care does more than just nourish Christines body, it also feeds her soul. Christine explains that she loves having someone listen to her, ask about her day and truly care how shes feeling. It helps me not feel so alone; having someone who cares enough to take time to sit and chat is amazing! But its not all about sitting. Another valuable service Montana provides is driving Christine to appointments and errands. Prior to their relationship, Christine would have to nap in her car in-between errands because her energy was zapped. BrightStar Care also helped her get a scooter, which she uses when grocery shopping or on other outings. Montana loves getting to know her clients and is committed to being kind and patient with each one. Thats the thing about genuine client and caregiver relationships its a two-way street of respect and affection.Jacks StoryMy caregiver is a great source of inspiration, says Jack K., a veteran in Chico, California, who has been a BrightStar Care client since January of 2022. Its nice to know that people care; and Im not as depressed anymore.Jacks praise demonstrates that caregiver Isabelle J. is meeting her goal of making her clients days a little brighter. Some of my clients have a lot of health issues and they can become discouraged, so I want to cheer them up, Isabelle says. Caring about people is really important. When people know you care, then they want to keep moving forward. Isabelle helps Jack keep his home clean, drives him to appointments, makes meals and is in the home when he showers to make sure he remains safe. Since having surgery on one of his eyes, a BrightStar Care team member has checked in with him every day. Another goal Jack has is to take his medication consistently. Sometimes clients need a gentle reminder about those activities that can keep them healthy and safe this sometimes includes staying hydrated, eating nutritious meals and avoiding falls. Isabelle is great, Jack says before sharing his future goal of enrolling in real estate classes. This friendship has become one of mutual admiration and inspiration. In Jacks own words, Shes a real nice gal.Kenneths StoryCorporal Kenneth R., served as a United States Marine completing two tours during the Vietnam War. With a choice between being drafted or enlisting, Kenneth chose to enlist., Kenneth has been receiving care from Karen M., HHA, CNA, of BrightStar Care of Burnsville / South St. Paul for just over a year. Karen provides companionship and support for activities of daily living (ADLs) for this veteran who has a personality that others gravitate to.  Karen shared an example of his engaging personality, Sometimes when I think hes fallen asleep and not be listening to whats being said, he will make a comment or wiggle his eyebrows to let us know he is still in there. I enjoy every moment with Kenneth and hearing his stories. She also says that its in Kenneths nature to look out for everyone around him. He is super grateful after all hes been through and thankful for a wife thats always been beside him in sickness and in health. In addition to meeting Kenneths needs, Karens service has enabled his wife to meet her own needs. This respite creates time and space for Leota to attend appointments and run errands, as well as satisfy self-care measures like going for a walk or seeing friends. Leota says she can do this because she knows she can trust and depend on the BrightStar Care Burnsville / South St. Paul team. Karen has heard similar comments from other families shes worked with. They often say that BrightStar Care agencies hire quality caregivers, offer more care than similar companies and provide peace of mind.The Privilege is OursWe consider it to be the highest honor to care for veterans by supporting their independence and dignity. We come into their homes to assist with meals, mobility, errands and more, but we are the ones who are blessed by the stories they share and the love they have for our country. Although we have provided nearly 600,000 hours of care to veterans this year, our true focus is on a much smaller number ONE. Our caregivers and nurses are committed to caring for one client at a time. One hour at a time. One special memory at a time. Whether its the joy we see on a clients face when we walk in the door or we notice their physical health is improving, these are the moments that matter. Caregiver Karen M. says it best, Veterans put their lives on the line for our freedom. Its our turn to serve them, by making their lives better every day.With locally owned and operated agencies across the United States, BrightStar Careis one of the countrys leading providers of in-home senior care. We employ nurses, CNAs, and caregivers to deliver a higher standard of care and nothing less in the comfort of familiar surroundings. Please reach out to us for additional insights about working with those who have served our country.  Please call us at 612-435-7390 or visit our website at:  https://www.brightstarcare.com/burnsville-south-st-paul