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Nearly 3.5 million Americans over 40 have vision loss, most commonly from age-related conditions. Most people with age-related vision loss will not become completely blind.In addition to regular vision exams, here are some signs of possible decreased vision.Reading small print becomes a struggle. Your loved one has to sit closer to the TV to read the screen, or their glasses are no longer enough to read the newspaper.Color contrast becomes necessary. A dish sitting on the counter blends in with the countertop.Transitioning between bright and dark environments presents challenges. Seniors may need more light to navigate or read. However, some eye conditions make it very difficult to navigate environments such as darker restaurants. Seeing things. Sudden loss of vision such as what sometimes occurs with macular degeneration can sometimes cause visual hallucinations.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Outlook Enrichment. Outlook Enrichment can answer your questions about vision loss. Call 531-365-5051 to learn more.

The transition from home to a memory care community can be challenging not only for the new resident but also for family and friends. Although some individuals adjust very quickly, getting truly comfortable takes time perhaps weeks or even months. During the first few days or weeks following a move to memory care, our staff encourages family and friends to visit as much as they are able. The presence of loved ones can help reassure the resident that they have not been forgotten and will help them accept their new home. However, some friends and family arent sure how to react (what do I do what do I say what do I talk about?). Here are seven suggested activities for visiting with your loved one:Read and write letters. To further assist individuals adjusting to their new home, ask friends or family members to send letters, cards and other correspondence. You can also help your loved one send letters and cards to grandchildren, friends and others.Keep up with current events. Read the local newspaper, a magazine article or talk about current events. Keep the topics lighthearted and positive.Join resident activities. Whether its enjoying a sing-a-long, watching a movie, or going on an outing, join your loved one in experiencing life at the community. We guarantee youll smile.Reminisce about the good old days. Everyone loves stories. Talking about past holidays, fun times growing up, or past experiences can be fun, and can trigger good memories. Just avoid putting someone with memory loss on the spot. Avoid asking, Do you remember? Just tell the story. They may even surprise you and join in!Embrace the silence. Dont feel like you need to talk the entire time. You may even consider bringing things to work on while you visit, such as knitting, or a book to read. You may even know some of their favorite activities and bring something you can enjoy together such as a puzzle, crochet project or their favorite movie.Bring in their favorite treat or meal. Does Aunt Penny love pretzels? Is Grandpa crazy for chocolate chip cookies? Bringing their favorite treat will surely bring a smile to their face and yours!Help decorate their room. Bring their favorite items from home and add to the familiarity of the space. If its close to a holiday, bring decorations to mark the occasion.All are opportunities to create a moment of joy for your friend or loved one and make their day more special. Remember: Agemark staff are here to help. If you need suggestions, want advice, or simply need support, please ask. Were here for you!

The journey of Alzheimers and dementia is not only a medical challenge but a profound emotional experience that impacts not only the individuals affected but also their loved ones. At the heart of this journey lies the art of communication, a skill that gradually slips away as the conditions progress. In this blog post, we will explore the intricacies of communication in the realm of Alzheimers and dementia, understand the challenges faced, and uncover strategies that can help bridge the gap and bring comfort to our senior loved ones.Alzheimers and dementia are neurodegenerative disorders that cast a shadow over memory, cognition, and communication. These conditions affect millions of individuals worldwide, causing memory loss, cognitive decline, and difficulties in processing and understanding information. As caregivers and loved ones, understanding the landscape of these conditions is essential to provide appropriate care and support.Challenges in CommunicationCommunication is a fundamental aspect of human interaction, but Alzheimers and dementia disrupt this crucial channel of connection. Seniors battling these conditions often face various challenges that hinder their ability to express themselves and engage in meaningful conversations. These challenges include:Word-Finding Difficulties: The gradual decline in vocabulary leads to pauses and hesitations as seniors struggle to recall and articulate words.Limited Vocabulary: Over time, the richness of their vocabulary diminishes, leaving them with a limited range of words to express themselves.Impaired Comprehension: Understanding spoken and written language becomes increasingly challenging, making it difficult for them to follow instructions or engage in discussions.Repetitive Speech: Memory lapses can lead to the repetition of phrases, questions, or stories, reflecting their frustration and need for reassurance.Non-Verbal Communication Issues: The ability to interpret facial expressions, gestures, and body language diminishes, causing misunderstandings and frustration.Navigating the Effects on Language and MemoryThe impact of Alzheimers and dementia goes beyond communication challenges, affecting memory and cognitive abilities:Memory Loss: Both short-term and long-term memories are compromised, making it difficult to remember recent events or even recognize loved ones.Language Comprehension: The ability to understand complex sentences and abstract concepts becomes progressively challenging, contributing to the breakdown in communication.Reading and Writing Difficulties: Declining linguistic abilities can lead to struggles in reading and understanding written material, and in some cases, even writing coherent sentences.Speech Changes: The rhythm and fluency of speech are disrupted, leading to fragmented sentences and pauses, which can be frustrating for both the individual and their caregivers.Social Isolation: Communication difficulties often result in seniors withdrawing from social interactions due to embarrassment or frustration, leading to increased isolation and potentially exacerbating cognitive decline.Strategies for Effective CommunicationAs caregivers and loved ones, it is our responsibility to adapt our communication strategies to better connect with seniors battling Alzheimers and dementia. Here are some proven strategies to enhance communication:Patience and Empathy: Practicing patience and showing empathy are foundational to effective communication. Taking the time to understand their emotions and being present with them can create a sense of security.Simple Language: Using clear and concise language reduces confusion. Break down complex ideas into smaller, understandable pieces to facilitate smoother conversations.Non-Verbal Cues: Engaging in non-verbal communication through touch, eye contact, and gestures can convey emotions and provide a bridge when words fall short.Offering Choices: Providing choices empowers individuals and fosters engagement. It also simplifies decision-making and encourages their participation in conversations.Visual Aids: Visual aids such as pictures, diagrams, or objects can help convey messages and ideas, transcending language barriers and making communication more accessible.Validation: Acknowledging their feelings and experiences validates their reality. By responding empathetically, you build trust and strengthen the connection.Dealing with Challenging BehaviorsCaring for seniors with Alzheimers and dementia requires understanding and addressing challenging behaviors:Responding with Understanding: Challenging behaviors often stem from frustration or confusion. Responding with patience and understanding rather than confrontation can defuse tense situations.Redirection: Gently redirecting their attention from the behavior to a more positive activity can help shift their focus and reduce agitation.Managing Sundowning: Seniors with Alzheimers may experience increased confusion and agitation during the evening, a phenomenon known as sundowning. Establishing calming routines and minimizing stimuli can ease this transition.Addressing Wandering: Wandering is another common behavior associated with Alzheimers and dementia. Minimize safety hazards, use visual cues, and engage them in purposeful activities to curb this behavior.Empowering Communication with Tools and ResourcesEnhancing communication also involves utilizing various tools and resources:Assistive Technologies: Speech-generating devices, augmentative and alternative communication apps, and text-to-speech software offer alternative means of expression, empowering seniors to communicate effectively.Support Groups: Connecting with others facing similar challenges in support groups provides a sense of community, validation, and shared experiences.Professional Guidance: Speech-language pathologists and healthcare professionals offer expertise in developing personalized communication strategies tailored to the individuals needs.Recommended Reading: Exploring literature on effective communication techniques, active listening, and understanding cognitive disorders equips caregivers with valuable insights and strategies.In the midst of the challenges posed by Alzheimers and dementia, effective communication becomes a beacon of hope. By understanding the unique hurdles seniors face, adopting empathetic communication strategies, and harnessing the power of assistive technologies and resources, we can bridge the gap between the world of words and the world of emotions. In doing so, we illuminate the path for our loved ones, enriching their lives and fostering connections that endure beyond the shadows cast by these conditions.

Among the over 25 designations that Realtors can earn to increase their skills, proficiency, and knowledge, is there one that focuses on working with seniors?  YES, there is!  Every senior home seller and buyer should know about the SRES label, which stands for Seniors Real Estate Specialist.  SRES agents are well versed in the areas of retirement, downsizing, and more.At a minimum, the training an SRES certified agent receives includes:         Understanding the key life stages, viewpoints, and transitions for the 50+ age demographic         The downsizing options available in the community         Recognizing how to replicate and adapt the new home for the comfort and safety of a seniorHiring a quality real estate agent to help you with any transaction is very important.  But for seniors that have specific needs and life circumstances, having an SRES-certified agent is even more vital.Editor's note:  This article was submitted by Lisa Hubschman, Realtor, SRES.  She is also the owner of A Simple Nest, LLC and can be reached at 402-850-5660 or Lisa@a-simple-nest.com.  See ad on page 41.