Stone Creek, a Presbyterian SeniorCare Network Community

We arent born knowing how to communicate with a person living with dementia but we can learn.Caring for a person who is living with dementia poses many challenges for families. People living with dementia from conditions such as Alzheimers and related diseases have a progressive biological brain disorder that makes itmore and more difficult for them to remember things, think clearly, communicate with others, and take care of themselves.In addition, dementia can cause mood swings and even change a persons personality and how they may interact. Improving your communication skills and learning the early signs of dementia can help make caregiving less stressful, as well as likely improve the quality of your relationship with your family member. Here are a few things you can do to help understand dementia and what your family members are experiencing.Recognize the symptoms. You can often recognize the early symptoms if a family member is struggling to participate in or complete everyday activities such as paying bills, using terms of endearment instead of specific names, changes in their vision, isolating themselves or refusing to leave their homes.Understanding what you dont know. As clich as this sounds, trying to understand what your family members are going through is an important part of providing them with the best care possible. Its also beneficial to learn how to communicate with them in ways that are supportive, understanding and empathetic.Sign-up for a Dementia Education virtual seminar.Free e-learning workshops through the Alzheimers Association are available at https://training.alz.org/. Additionally, Presbyterian SeniorCare Network is offering a free series of virtual seminars to help educate the local community on how to provide care for those living with dementia. To learn more, visit www.srcare.org/dementia-education.As a Dementia Care Center of Excellence, Presbyterian SeniorCare Network is committed to sharing its deep expertise to provide educational support that can improve dementia care, particularly for persons being cared for in their home by family members. To learn about services available to family caregivers, visit www.PSCNDementia360.orgEditors Note: This article was written by PresbyterianSeniorCare Network. Contact us at 877-851-1440 or visit www.SrCare.org to learn more.

For many of us, the holiday season is a joyful time. Its a rare chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and spend quality time with our loved ones. But for those dealing with the loss of someone close to them, the holidays can be an especially challenging period. Society tends to put a clock on grief, says Pastor Gary Gibson, Director of Spiritual Care and Chaplain at Presbyterian SeniorCare Network. Everyone goes through this process very, very differently. We must be respectful of that. If you or someone close to you is dealing with loss this time of year, its important to know that the most wonderful time of the year doesnt need to be the most difficult. Below are five tips Pastor Gary recommends to people struggling with grief over the holidays. 1. Set realistic expectations for yourself The holidays can be a stressful time for everyone, but they can be especially anxiety-inducing for someone dealing with loss. Its important to be honest with yourself about what youre capable of doing this time of year, Pastor Gary says. We shouldnt let other people determine what we should and should not do. 2. Surround yourself with people who love and support you This holiday season, evaluate your familys understanding of where you are in your journey. Keep in mind that while your friends and family may not always know the right thing to say or the best way to comfort you, they are in your corner and want to help. 3. Dont ignore your holiday traditions While the temptation might be there, try to do everything you can to avoid canceling your holiday plans and traditions. People will tell me they dont want to put up the tree or hang lights outside, Pastor Gary says. But for most people, the person they lost loved the holidays just as much as they did. Its important to still honor their memory. 4. Volunteer Whether its with a local food pantry, hospital, womens shelter or The Salvation Army, helping others is a surefire way to feel better during the holidays. While the first day or two may be difficult, once you volunteer a few times, you may find yourself going back every chance you get. 5. Small progress is still progress It could be hearing the persons favorite Christmas song on the radio or going to a coffee shop alone, but every person who has lost a loved one deals with triggers this time of year. The important thing is to not let it prevent you from making progress each day. Maybe the next time you go to the coffee shop, sit down and hang out for 10 or 15 minutes, Pastor Gary says. You may be surprised at who you might meet. Grief during the holidays is a battle, but with a positive mindset and the support of those around you, there is always hope. You can do it, Pastor Gary says. You just need to continue to encourage yourself to put one foot in front of the other.

A new dementia diagnosis for a loved one is a shock. It means your life will be different than what you thought it would be. Now, in addition to being a wife, husband, son or daughter, you are a caregiver for someone with an unpredictable, progressive disease.  Or maybe the diagnosis was made a while ago, but lately, it seems that they need more help from you than they did last year, or last week, or even yesterday.Here are some strategies for managing the role of caregiver:TAKE A BREAK FROM CAREGIVINGThis isnt selfish; its needed for your own well-being. You need to stay physically and mentally healthy to be an effective caregiver.NOURISH YOUR RELATIONSHIPSTake time to be the husband, the wife, the daughter, the son, the friend you always were. Maintain social connections for your well-being and the well-being of the person for whom you are caring. They still need you, they need emotional connections, they need to feel loved and know that they still matter.CREATE A ROUTINEAs dementia progresses, the familiarity of a routine will help them to be as independent with care as possible for as long as possible.JOIN A SUPPORT GROUPCaregiving can be isolating, and being with others in similar situations is a great way to receive support and validation, and to realize you are not alone.OTHER THINGS TO REMEMBERWhen youre frustrated, step away for a moment, calm down and then try again. Let people in your life know what you need from themdont make them guess, tell them.  Learn as much as you can about the disease, what to expect, and what your family member needs from you. Life does not prepare anyone to be a dementia caregiver.  Dementia360 can help.By giving you the support, resources and connections you need to be an effective caregiver, you will be able to keep your family member at home, living comfortably and safely, for as long as possible.You dont have to face this aloneits never too early or too late to ask for help. To connect with a Dementia360 consultant call 412.435.8950, email Dementia360@SrCare.org or visit PSCNDementia360.org.

Presbyterian SeniorCare Network, one of western Pennsylvanias largest aging services providers, opened a first-of-its-kind on-site health clinic to serve the residents of its affordable housing apartments in the Washington area. The clinic is located inside Bellmead Apartments, 815 S. Main St., Washington, which serves about 120 residents. A ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony was held March 16.  The new, on-site clinic means Bellmead residents can make doctors appointments and visit the clinic without having to leave the apartment building.  Residents of two other nearby apartments operated by the Network HaveLoch Commons and Heritage House of Houston can schedule appointments to receive care directly inside their apartments. These two apartments serve a combined 90 residents.This Collaborative Healthy Living Model was made possible by a $500,000 Healthy Aging Challenge grant from the Henry L. Hillman Foundation. Curana Health, a primary care medical provider group, is partnering with Presbyterian SeniorCare Network in this effort. Celeste Golonski, senior vice president of strategic initiatives for Presbyterian SeniorCare Network, said this will help older adults to navigate the healthcare system more easily. We understand the healthcare system is overwhelming, complicated, and frustrating especially for seniors, Golonski said. Our goal is for every senior to get the care and services they need, when needed, in the way they choose. More clinics are expected to open throughout the year in affordable housing communities across the Network. The overall effort is an outgrowth of the new Center for Innovation and Care Transformation at Presbyterian SeniorCare Network. About Presbyterian SeniorCare NetworkFor 95 years, Presbyterian SeniorCare Network has been focused on Making Aging Easier  for older adults and their families. Presbyterian SeniorCare Network serves more than 6,500 older adults through in-home and community-based programs across 11 Western Pennsylvania counties. 

Wandering is one of the most dangerous and scary issues associated with dementia. You can decrease the chances of wandering by focusing on triggers and creating a safe environment. This can mean less stress, anxiety and fear for all.Facts about wandering:       It can happen in ANY stage of the disease.       A person who has wandered once is at increased risk for it to happen again.       The best wandering prevention is before a wandering incident ever occurs.Causes, Triggers and Warning Signs for Wandering:       Boredom, restlessness and a lack of physical activity.       Frustration or anger with their caregiver, feeling the need to get away from them.       Feeling that they need to get home though they are home.       Not being able to find someone, something, or someplace.       Trouble finding the bathroom and opening an exterior door.       Delirium or confusion from a UTI or dehydration.       A move to a new, unfamiliar location.       A person who is high energy and constantly moving.Wandering Prevention:       Physical and mental activities throughout the day to prevent that bored and restless feeling.       Be positive and reassuring so that you are not the reason they want to leave.       If they say, I want to go home, be comforting and reassuring rather than telling them that they are home.       Dont leave them alone.       Be sure their bodily needs are met Are they hungry or thirsty? Do they need to use the toilet?       Increase lighting. A shadowy house can feel unfamiliar.       Put bathroom signs on the bathroom door.       Put stop signs on the front door or cover them with a camouflage poster.       Install barriers and alarms on doors and windows.       Get a wearable GPS device.       Let your neighbors know your family member is a wandering risk. Editors Note:  This article was written by Amy Kowinsky, Executive Director of Dementia360.  Dementia360 is a Presbyterian SeniorCare Network support program for family caregivers of people living with dementia.

Maintaining positive, loving communication in the midst of the daily stress of caring for a family member living with dementia can be challenging for everyone involved, but it is essential for the health and well-being of each member of the family.How you talk with your family member, how much they understand, and how you make them feel when you are talking with them impacts your relationship, the overall vibe at home, and whether they are accepting of your help and guidance or refuse it.Positive Communication Approaches Eliminate Distractions: Minimize extra noise (fans, radios, whistling hearing aids) and visual distractions (glasses on/clean, TV off). If the person is seated, sit down; connect with them at eye level. To get their attention, gesture, smile, offer your hand and make eye contact.Avoid Conflicts: A person living with dementia will forget facts, but they will never forget how you make them feel. Rather than repeatedly arguing about tea kettles left on the stove, buy an electric kettle with an automatic off. Label cabinets with pictures to avoid frustrating searches and promote independence. When they talk about long-ago events as though they are currently happening, or refer to someone who has passed as alive, resist correcting them; join them in their world rather than forcing them into yours.Keep it Simple: Break tasks down into simple steps; use five words or less in a sentence, visuals instead of words when possible, and non-verbal cues like pointing or showing. Be patientwait at least 20-30 seconds for answers and offer a choice between two options rather than asking them an open-ended question or too many choices.Be Calm: People living with dementia are highly empathetic, often mirroring the emotionsgood and badof their caregivers. So, be aware of your body language, facial expressions and tone of voice. If youre becoming irritated or frustrated, walk away, take a deep breath, and try again when you are relaxed.As a Dementia Care Center of Excellence, Presbyterian SeniorCare Network is committed to sharing our expertise and providing educational support to improve dementia care, especially for people living with dementia at home. To learn more about services for family caregivers visit PSCNDementia360.org.Editors Note: This article was written by Presbyterian SeniorCare Network. Contact us at www.SrCare.org to learn more.