teleCalm

Choose the best home phone for your loved one living with Alzheimers or other dementias. These phones often have features like large buttons, picture dialing, hearing aid compatibility, and more to help them communicate with family easily.Pair your home phone up with our highly-rated teleCalm senior phone service and automatically block would-be scammers, repeat calling, and unneeded 911 calls.See Dementia-Friendly Phone Service PlansHow to Pick the Best Home Phone for A Loved One with DementiaPopular phones often frustrate seniors living with dementia, causing numerous problems and increased stress for the senior and their family. In our experience, such problems can be solved - allowing most seniors with dementia to use a home telephone far along the dementia path. We created this guide to help caregivers pick the best phone for their loved ones particular needs. We also explain how a dementia-friendly phon can be enhanced by pairing it with a dementia-focused phone service like teleCalm.  Guide Contents This guide shares lots of information. Feel free to read everything or click a link to skip ahead.Telephone Problems Commonly Seen with DementiaImportant Features for Dementia-Friendly PhonesTop Dementia and Alzheimers Home Phones for 2022Common Questions About Home Phones for Dementia and AlzheimersMethodologyConsiderations for Choosing a Dementia-Friendly Home TelephoneOur research shows that keeping seniors with dementia connected with family and friends by telephone provides great benefits:Reduced sense of isolationLowered stress and anxiety for seniors and caregiversSlowed disease progressionPicking the best phone for dementia starts with understanding your loved ones unique needs and learning about suitable options. However, keep in mind that a seniors needs can change. A phone that works well today may become confusing or unusable over time as dementia progresses. Our recommendations aim to keep a loved one safely connected with family and friends by phone for as long as possible.Each phone on this list has its own unique features and benefits. We recommend these phones based on our own expert analysis and feedback from teleCalm customers.Telephone Problems Commonly seen with DementiaTelephones often frustrate people with problems like dementia. Our research shows that dementia related phone problems tend to fall in one of these areas:Physical Challenges  Small buttons placed close together can make it difficult to dial. Hearing loss or hearing aids can render many phones unusable. Poor eyesight can make it hard to read some phone displays or tell the difference between different buttons.Complicated Features  Many popular phones are loaded with features like address book, intercom, integrated answering machine and speed dialing. Such features often confuse seniors with dementia.Memory and other cognitive challenges  Names and numbers can become difficult to remember as Alzheimers or other dementias progress. This often makes it difficult for seniors to place a call.Judgment and sense of time  Seniors with dementia often lose track of time and place calls which cause caregiver stress and anxiety. Some seniors develop disruptive habits like repeatedly calling family members many times in a day or in the middle of the night. Other seniors fall prey to phone scams or start calling 911 unnecessarily. In our experience, problems like these require more support than a phone can provide by itself. Fortunately our dementia-focused phone service can help. Click here to learn how teleCalm Caregiver phone service solves problems like repeat dialing, false 911 calling and phone scams.Important Features for Dementia-Friendly PhonesHome phones have become much more complicated in recent years. Newer features often make it more difficult for seniors with dementia or other cognitive challenges to use the telephone. Based on years of personal experience and customer feedback, weve found that the following key features are the most important to consider when shopping for a dementia-friendly home phone.Photo Dial Buttons  Photo dial buttons make it easy for seniors with memory challenges or physical challenges to dial family and friends with the touch of a single button.In middle stages of dementia, photo dialing can eliminate frustration from dialing by phone number. As dementia progresses seniors often forget phone numbers but recognize familiar faces. Photo dialing makes it easy to call family members.For many seniors with dementia, photo dial phones give an important sense of independence and dignity that would be impossible to achieve with traditional dial pad phones.Large Buttons  Seniors can be frustrated by phone buttons which are too small or buttons which are placed too close together. Poor eyesight and shaky hands sometimes make it difficult to dial phone numbers correctly. The best dementia-friendly telephones have buttons with these characteristics:Large buttons which are easy to press as intendedEasy-to-read numbers with high contrast ink or backlightGood tactile feedbackEnough spacing between buttons to minimize accidental tapsCordless Phone  Cordless phones can be a great option for seniors at earlier stages of dementia:Great first step when transitioning from a mobile phoneProvides mobility and a better sense of independence and flexibilityAvoids stigma some seniors feel when they are forced to use simpler large-button phonesCan support two or more handsets, making it easy to keep a phone in every room without creating tripping hazards from telephone extension cords.Simple Features  Caregivers tell us that simpler phones are better for seniors with dementia. Although common features like address books and intercom may appeal to people who rely on smart phones every day, such capabilities often confuse and frustrate seniors with dementia.The best phones for dementiaDo not provide more features than a senior is able to useAvoid features like address books, intercom, hold, flash, memo and built-in call blockHave buttons which only perform a single function. For example, the best dementia-friendly phones avoid menu buttons which can frustrate users by requiring users to sift through a list of optionsHandsfree Speaker  Some seniors prefer phones with handsfree speaker mode. Handsfree speaker phones offer several unique benefits:Allows talking on the phone without having to hold a handsetCan help people who struggle to properly align the handset with their earLets the senior share phone conversations with other people in the same roomT-coil Compatibility (hearing aids)  Look for T-coil compatibility if your loved one has trouble following phone conversations and has a T-coil enabled hearing aid or cochlear implant.T-coil systems solve hearing challenges by wirelessly coupling audio directly into a hearing aid or compatible receiver. T-coil technology can make it easier for seniors with compatible hearing aids to hear and understand telephone conversations, especially in noisy environments.Top Dementia and Alzheimers Home Phones for 20221. Future Call FC-1007SP2. Serene Innovations HD40P3. Panasonic Amplified Cordless KX-TGM420W4. No Dial Telephone1. Future Call FC-1007SPOverall Best Phone for Dementia and AlzheimersOur customer favorite for dementia, Alzheimers and memory care is the Future Call Picture Care Phone. We use two different models extensively at teleCalm; the FC-1007SP with speakerphone and the FC-1007 without speakerphone.These phones incorporate extra-large number buttons that can also hold a photo of family or friends, so your loved one can simply pick up the phone and press a photo to dial. Photo dialing eliminates the frustration of wrong number dialing and having to remember all 10 digits. There is also a red 911 speed dial button on the top. This 911 button is also programmable, which is perfect for Memory Care where 24-hour help is available right down the hall. There is a convenient volume control that provides over 40dB amplification in the handset. These phones are easy to program and easy to personalize with photos. They do not require any batteries or an external power source. All power comes from the phone line itself.The FC-1007SP is a perfect complement to our Caregiver phone service. This unique service helps caregivers and families cope with repeat dialing, late-night calls, and inappropriate 911 dialing. It also stops all robocalls, telemarketers and scammers.Why Choose The Future Call FC-1007SP                 Make it easy for seniors to call family and friends                 Use the same phone as dementia progresses                 Dial by Number for early stage dementias                 Flip the hidden mode-switch to Dial by Photo as dementia progresses                 Low cost helps tight budget                 Works well with teleCalm phone service.Why We Recommend This Phone                 Simple phone with big buttons is well suited for elderly users at all stages of dementia                 Photo Dial Mode helps seniors dial even if they have trouble with numbers and names. Simply lift the handset and tap a photo the phone will auto-dial favorite family and friends                 Cord helps keep the handset from getting misplaced or lost                 Traditional desk phone design can stay familiar to seniors with fading memory                 Caveat: Weve found that some seniors feel insulted when asked to use this phone due to its simplicity.Key Features                 Photo Dial Mode                 Large Buttons                 Volume Control with 40 dB Amplification                 Dedicated Red 911 Speed Dial Button                 Handsfree SpeakerPrice: Less than $50 USD  |  Order The Future Call FC-1007SP HERE 2. Serene Innovations HD40P Versatile Desk Phone for High Functioning SeniorsWhy Choose The Serene Innovations HD40P Separate buttons for photo dialing and number dialing reduces confusionBright flasher, loud ringer and loud volume help with hearing impairmentsWorks well with teleCalm phone service. Click here to learn how teleCalm Caregiver phone service can stop problem calls yet keep a loved-one safely connected by phoneWhy We Recommended This PhoneSimple desk phone designed for elderly users at early or middle stages of dementia.Easy to dial by photo or dial by numberSaves dignity by giving a choice of how to dialOutbound calls are not limited by a small number of photos or speed-dial numbersOffers a smooth transition to photo only dialing as number dialing becomes more frustratingCord helps keep the handset from getting misplaced or lost.Traditional desk phone design can stay familiar to seniors with fading memory.Key FeaturesSeparate buttons for Photo Dialing and Number DialingLoud Ringer and Volume OptionsBright flasher gives visual indication of incoming callsHi-Definition SoundHandsfree SpeakerPrice: Less than $100 USD |  Order Serene Innovations HD40P HERE 3. Panasonic KX-TGM420W Excellent Cordless Phone for Seniors, Including High Functioning Seniors with Early-Stage DementiaWhy Choose The Panasonic KX-TGM420WCordless design avoids tangled and cluttered cordsMany unusual features specifically intended to help with poor hearingHigh-functioning seniors want Caller-ID and Built-In Answering MachineWorks well with teleCalm phone service.Why We Recommended This PhoneThis senior-friendly cordless phone can help with common aging problems like hearing loss and eyesightClean design can work well for early stages of DementiaConvenient to have built-in Caller-ID and answering machine vs. have separate units and extra cordsCaveat: In our experience, this model is usually not appropriate for mid to late stages of Dementia. The advanced features and additional buttons on this model can easily confuse seniors whose dementia has progressed.Key FeaturesCordless PhoneEasy to See LCD Display and Easy To Use ButtonsCaller ID & Built-In Answering MachineHearing-aid T-Coil compatibilityBright Red LED visual ringersUnique feature can Slow Talk to Slow Down Fast TalkersEnhanced Noise ReductionVolume Control with 40 dB amplificationHandsets: 1 included, expandable to 6Price: Less than $100 USD  | Order the Panasonic KX-TGM420W HERE 4. No Dial Telephone Best phone to solve compulsive dialing problemsWhy Choose The No Dial Telephone Well suited for families dealing with certain compulsive dialing problems sometimes seen in middle to late stages of dementiaEasy for caregivers and family to call the seniorRemoves frustration from seniors placing too many disruptive callsWorks well with teleCalm phone service. Click here to learn how teleCalm Caregiver phone service can stop problem calls yet keep a loved-one safely connected by phone.Why We Recommended This Phone Can prevent or delay the frustration caused by removing a loved-ones phone when symptoms become too problematicCord helps keep the handset from getting misplaced or lostTraditional design can stay familiar to seniors with fading memoryKey Features Corded handsetAllows only trusted callers when paired with teleCalm phone serviceDoes not allow placing callsPrice: Less than $50 USD. |  Order No Dial Telephone HERE Common Questions About Home Phones for Dementia and AlzheimersOur customers often ask us about the best telephones for dementia and tell us about their experiences. Wed like to help caregivers by sharing common questions and answers which our customers have found useful. Question 1: What makes a telephone dementia-friendly? Answer 1: Seniors with dementia often face a range of cognitive and physical challenges. Its important to consider such challenges when comparing different phones. We list the most important phone features to consider above in the section Key Features of Dementia Friendly Home Phones. However, we also recommend choosing a teleCalm service plan to make a phone as dementia-friendly and caregiver-friendly as possible. Question 2: Should a senior with dementia even have a telephone? Answer 2: We believe that seniors with dementia should be able to have and use telephones. Its a shame when caregivers feel forced to take away their loved ones phone because of problems like repeated late-night dialing or false 911 calling.Research shows that social engagement with family and friends plays a key role in helping seniors with dementia or Alzheimers. Especially as mobility decreases, telephones give seniors with dementia an important tool to stay connected and maintain their independence and dignity.Thats why we created teleCalm to help caregivers keep their loved ones connected with family and friends, to reduce senior isolation, and to reduce caregiver stress and elder fraud. Question 3: There are too many phone options. How can I choose the best home phone? Answer 3: Our caregiver customers often ask how to pick the best phone for their loved one. We find that a seniors particular situation quickly suggests one or two phones over the others. For example, we recommend the Future Call FC-1007SP as the best photo dial phone for people who can only dial by photos. But we recommend the Serene Innovations HD40P for those who want to dial by number and as well as dial by phone. Call us at 1-888-701-0411 and well be happy help pick the best options. Question 4: What benefits does teleCalm service add to dementia-friendly home phones? Answer 4: teleCalm service solves problems which physical phones cannot solve by themselves. For example, teleCalm helps manage dementia related problems such as repeat dialing, late night dialing and false 911 dialing. teleCalms patented service allows caregivers to personalize service settings according to their loved-ones needs, even when the caregiver and senior live in different cities or states. Caregivers can also use teleCalm service to receive notifications when their loved-one places emergency calls or starts compulsive repeat dialing. To summarize, teleCalm service helps caregivers help their loved-one with dementia or Alzheimers. Click here to learn how teleCalm Caregiver phone service can stop problem calls yet keep a loved-one safely connected by phone. Question 5: Whats the best phone for a loved one with Dementia or Alzheimers? Answer 5: Weve found that one size does not fit all. Although caregivers often face common problems, there is no single phone that works best for all situations. However, our customers give high marks to the following 3 step process to pick the best phone for a senior with dementia1. select the simplest phone from the list above according to the seniors needs and abilities2. select a teleCalm service plan to go with the senior's phone3. personalize teleCalm service settings to prevent stressful calls yet keep the senior connected with family and friendsMethodologyHow and why did we pick the phones for this list? At teleCalm, our only mission is to serve seniors with Alzheimers or other dementias and their caregivers. We do this by providing a phone service specifically made to help those dealing with the symptoms of dementia and their caretakers cope without cutting your loved ones off from their home phone service.Not only do we provide a phone service for dementia but our team also, researches the various problems caused by dementia, analyzes feedback from caretakers about how phones and our service worked in helping alleviate issues caused by dementia, and were always reviewing new products and equipment aimed at helping seniors with dementia. We took all of this together and used it to make the list of phones you see above. With so many telephone options on the market, we want to make it easy for caregivers to make the best, most informed decision possible. To do this we complied this short list of top phones based on these sources of data and factors: 1.  Our Own Experience Our founders served as caregivers for parents with dementia. We understand the issues you are facing and the ways a phone might help solve them.2.  Customer feedback We work with caregivers and loving family members every day and help them personalize their phone service for their loved-ones unique situation and needs. Thanks to our customers giving us this information we understand what works for dementia, and what does not work, and how each feature on a phone might be useful to you and your loved one.3.  Physical form factor & ease of use.4.  Suitability for Seniors with Dementia or Alzheimers Based on features claimed by the phone manufacturer in their documentation.Still have questions?Call 888-701-0411teleCalmProtects.com

The teleCalm Phone Service helps seniors make phone calls with confidence, while allowing family caregivers to manage the service remotely.Seniors face many hurdles as they age:Loneliness and isolation;Loss of independence;Being targeted by scammers and telemarketers.Its no surprise families worry about who their loved one is talking to each day, or if they should just take the phone away. Wouldnt it be great if your loved one could keep their dignity, independence, and their phone, and you had peace of mind? teleCalm Home Phone Service keeps seniors in touch with family and friends, protects them from financial exploitation, and solves the phone related problems associated with cognitive issues. teleCalm Caregiver empowers you as the family caregiver to use and tailor features to best fit your familys needs. Easily curb repeated calls, and set custom quiet hours to manage incoming and outgoing calls during late night hours. Prevent outgoing calls to TV shopping channels and other troublesome numbers. All features are easily managed using the free Caregiver App on your iPhone or Android. Dont need the Caregiver App? teleCalm Lite is perfect for seniors who want a protected phone service but dont want or need a caregiver involved. Both services offer phone scam protection and call blocking. Only approved callers ring straight through to their home phone. NO calls from known bad guys ever get through. And if your loved one calls 911, you receive an immediate text notification. The teleCalm Home Phone Service:Replaces existing home phone service - not an additional feeWorks with ANY home phoneDoesn't need internetHas no long term contractSee what some of our customers have to say: I am a happy camper. This works BEAUTIFULLY!!!! I am telling EVERYONE with aging parents that I know about it incredible!!!!! Thank you -Julie, family caregiver It has given her the freedom to talk with family. We love teleCalm! -Susan, family caregiver All I have now is my family. But they took away my phone when I came here [memory care] - so I couldnt even call them! But now they gave me this new phone service which is just perfect. Its made all the difference in the world! -Emily, memory care resident Experience peace of mind for you and your loved one by signing up for teleCalm today. https://teleCalmProtects.com Quick Facts $36 Million is defrauded from Texans over the phone annually. Texas has the 4th highest number of consumer fraud complaints per capita. For seniors in assisted living, the telephone is their greatest source of independence. Its vital to keep your loved one connected to family and friends. 79% of seniors would rather give up TV for a week than give up talking with friends and family.Learn more at teleCalmProtects.com

SBB UniversityCaregiving Resources!Seniors Blue Book &the Area Agency on Aging of North Central Texas partnered to provide this program about resources for successful caregiving..Technology Designed to Support CaregiversIntroduction/OverviewTelephone TechnologyCaregiving Voice TechnologyEmergency Response and Medication Management TechnologyTablet Socialization and Interactive TechnologyTransportation TechnologyCaregiving Panel Q & APanelists:Tavis Schriefer | teleCalmShaun Mitra | BrioCareBrandy Bailey | SendaRideBonnie Resnick-Destruel | Family Care ServicesSusan Rogers | McNair Dallas LawModerator: Kathleen Warshawsky, BSN, RN | Seniors Blue BookPsychosocial needs of older adultsThe focus of the program is to promote an improved understanding of the technology resources available to assist caregivers with the goal of supporting the increased physical and psychosocial needs of older adults and their caregivers.Assisting older adults to meet these basic needs includes meeting not only their physical needs, but also meeting their psychosocial needs, which is their emotional and mental well-being.Everyone has a need to feel worthwhile, loved, and secure in their relationships with others. And Having this need at least partially met contributes to their overall health and wellbeing.According to the Oxford dictionary, psychosocial means the interrelation of social factors and individual thought and behaviors.So, Addressing their psychosocial needs, means addressing their mental, social and physical needs.Some of the common psychological issues affecting older adults may include anxiety, depression, delirium, dementia, personality disorders, and substance abuse. Common social and emotional issues may involve the loss of autonomy, grief, fear, loneliness, financial constraints, and the lack of a social network, especially during this time of social distancing and isolation.Some of the technology we will hear about today can assist with meeting these needs and in turn, help promote comfort and dignity of the older adults we are caring for.Watch the presentation!Handout: Caregiver Resources | Technology To Support Health Aging

Seniors with Alzheimers and other dementia's often have trouble using a telephone. These problems tend to get worse with age and dementia progression. The telephone can become stressful for everyone in the family. Fortunately, as caregiver, you can take steps to manage common telephone issues faced by seniors with dementia.Physical ChallengesIt seems that telephones get more and more complicated every year. Unfortunately, fancy new smartphone features can be difficult for seniors to use. Seniors may lack the hand-eye coordination needed to navigate touch screen menus. Or they may have trouble connecting a flip-phone to a charger.At teleCalm, we find that customers prefer the simplicity of a traditional big button desk phone. Caregivers can even insert photos on some models. Seniors need only pick up the handset and touch a photo to dial family and friends. Because the phone stays connected with a cord, seniors don't need to fumble with finding the charger, and plugging it in, and keeping the phone charged. Additionally, as dementia symptoms surface, how to use a simple desk phone can be easier to remember than a smartphone or flip-phone.Phone Call Problems from DementiaSeniors with dementia are especially vulnerable to the growing epidemic of telephone scammers. But seniors with dementia also face additional problems with everyday phone calls. As symptoms progress, seniors with dementia may exhibit poor judgement or lose track of time. Your mom may call you at 3 am thinking its the middle of the day. Or she might fall into a repeated habit of calling the police out of confusion, or fear, or the desire to talk to somebody. You can easily find many senior-friendly options for flip-phones and big button phones. Such options can help seniors who face physical challenges. But they don't address issues like forgetfulness or declining judgement. We founded teleCalm after observing this gap - we built a telephone service specifically for seniors facing dementia and their caregivers. As a caregiver, teleCalm lets you personalize a phone service for your loved one. You can adjust the service to match your loved ones needs as dementia progresses. teleCalm phone service can move with your loved one from home, to assisted living, and even to memory care. 'Editors Note: This article was submitted by Carl Ott with teleCalm. Visit www.telecalmprotects.com

Join Kathleen Warshawsky, BSN RN, for a Seniors Blue Book Senior Care Spotlight, featuring Tavis Schriefer, CEO of teleCalm.What is teleCalm?The teleCalm service stopsproblem calls for seniors whether they live at home or in a senior living community.We especially help those living with Alzheimers and dementia by keeping them safely connected to family and friends.Our service reduces senior isolation. We help seniors maintain their independence, while helping family caregivers prevent phone-related problems such as late-night calls, repeated calls, and 911 abuse. Plus, we stop 100% of telemarketer/scam calls.How do you do that?Family caregivers subscribe to the teleCalm service for their loved one, and it replaces any existing home phone service provider. Our service works whether the senior lives at home or in a senior living community even in memory care, where ordinary phone service is not allowed.We provide a small wireless adapter that the telephone plugs into. They dont need to have existing phone service or internet service.The family caregiver manages all the features and benefits of our service remotely through the teleCalm Caregiver app on their smartphone.If a family wants your service for their loved one in senior living, does the community have to already have your service installed?No. Were currently in over 170 communities across the US. In the majority of these communities, the family member has brought the teleCalm adapter into their loved ones apartment and plugged it in themselves. The great thing is we dont touch the communitys telephone wiring and we dont use the community Wi-Fi. Our wireless adapter uses cellular but has a standard phone jack on the back to plug in any standard home telephone.What do your customers tell you they like most about the teleCalm service?Our customers love how simple our service is to use. If you know how to add a contact in your cell phone, you will find it easy to use our Caregiver app to manage the teleCalm service.For many, our service has been life-changing for their family whether its stopping all those late night and repeated calls, or stopping their loved ones from getting scammed, or stopping the frequent inappropriate 911 calling. Often times, we have been the only way their loved one can keep a telephone because we are able to stop all the bad calls, while keeping them connected with their family and friends.Our customers also love teleCalms personal touch to support. Our US-based customer support is manned by staff who have been caregivers themselves so they understand first-hand the issue families are going through.What changes have you seen since COVID-19?Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in the US, weve witnessed the same concerns that we are all seeing on the news regarding senior isolation, both at home and in senior livings.We hear this firsthand in the phone calls with our new customers as they as they are searching for ways to stay connected with their elderly family members.teleCalm is helping to reduce social isolation in seniors, especially during pandemic and were providing peace of mind to the families.Since the stay-at-home orders and the lockdowns in senior livings, our customers are talking with their loved ones longer. The average phone call is now over 70% longer then pre-COVID calls.Since families cant visit their loved one in person, they are spending more time talking to them on the phone.Some new customers thought that maybe they had to wait until the lockdowns were over before they could install teleCalm service in their loved ones senior living apartment, but thats not true.We continue to add new subscribers during COVID-19. Normally the caregiver brings the adapter in and sets it up, but during COVID, the senior living staff have been more than willing to set it up for the family, because it only takes 10 minutes.Besides teleCalm, have you seen any other technologies that can be helpful for seniors, especially during these times? Well, on the telephone side, a lot of families like these photo dial telephones that allow their loved ones to make calls by touching the picture of the person instead of dialing the phone number.Also, with all of us staying at home, we are watching a lot more TV. There is this one type of speaker thats specifically designed for the hearing impaired. It enhances the voices, making them clearer, while toning down the background music and noises that often make it difficult to understand the dialog.Then theres this unique adaptive clothing company that customizes your loved ones existing clothing, replace the need for buttons with hidden Velcro or magnets, making it easier for seniors to dress themselves.You can learn more about some of these items here:http://www.telecalmprotects.com/dags/How would someone find out more about teleCalm?Theres a wealth of knowledge on our website at teleCalmProtects.com, and they can also call us at 888-701-0411.

Top Tips for Reducing Elderly Anxiety at NightTrying to reduce elderly anxiety at night for a loved one? Read our top tips for the best ways to minimize elderly anxiety at night and improve their sleep quality.Alt Text: An Elderly Man Reminiscing (Image Source)Do you have an elderly loved one who experiences anxiety at night? Unfortunately, anxiety can become more common and impactful as we age, causing sleep disturbances and other issues. However, there are strategies that caregivers can use to help reduce anxiety in the elderly at night. This article will discuss tips for reducing elderly anxiety at night, including creating a relaxing environment, engaging in relaxation techniques, and utilizing innovative technologies. Read on to learn about assisting your senior family member in coping with their anxiety at night and improving their sleep quality.Related: Three Things to Consider When Taking Care of Your ParentsUnderstanding Elderly Anxiety at NightTo fully grasp nighttime anxiety in older adults, we must examine its causes and symptoms.The Causes of Anxiety in the Elderly at NightThere are various causes of anxiety in the elderly at night, some of which include:Health Concerns - Older adults may have concerns about their health, chronic illnesses, pain, and other age-related issues that can cause anxiety and worry at night.Loss of Independence - Aging can cause a loss of independence, which can be emotionally distressing and lead to anxiety.Fear of Falling - Older adults are at an increased risk of falling, which can cause anxiety and fear, especially at night when it is dark, and visibility is low.Loneliness and Isolation - Many older adults live alone, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. These feelings can heighten at night with less social interaction and distractions.Financial Concerns - Older adults may worry about their financial stability, especially if they are retired and living on a fixed income.Medications - Certain medications can cause side effects such as insomnia, nightmares, and anxiety, which can be more pronounced at night.Cognitive Decline - As people age, Alzhermers, dementia, and cognitive decline can occur, which can cause confusion, disorientation, and anxiety at night.Past Traumatic Experiences - Older adults may have experienced traumatic events in their past, such as war, abuse, or loss of loved ones, which can cause anxiety and flashbacks at night.Click Here to see how teleCalm can stop late night calls!Identifying Anxiety Symptoms in Older AdultsAnxiety symptoms can manifest differently in older adults compared to younger individuals. Some common symptoms of anxiety in the elderly include:Excessive Worrying - Elderly individuals may excessively fret over health, finances, and various life aspects.Physical Symptoms - Anxiety may induce symptoms like increased heart rate, perspiration, trembling, and shortness of breath.Sleep Disturbances - Seniors with anxiety might struggle with falling asleep, maintaining sleep, or awakening too early.Irritability and Restlessness - Anxiety can lead to feelings of irritability, agitation, and restlessness in older adults.Avoidance Tendencies- Some seniors with anxiety might evade situations that exacerbate their anxious feelings, such as social gatherings or leaving the house.Memory Challenges - Anxiety can impact memory and focus, posing concerns for elderly individuals experiencing cognitive decline to some extent.Physical Complaints - Anxiety can cause physical complaints such as headaches, gastrointestinal problems, and muscle tension.Late-Night and Repeated Calling - It is important to note that according to WebMD, these symptoms can also indicate other medical conditions, and a proper evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary to determine the underlying cause.Top Tips for Reducing Elderly Anxiety at NightHere are some tips that can help reduce elderly anxiety at night:1 Using teleCalm's Repeat Dialing FeatureWith just a few simple steps, you can customize your preferences in the teleCalm Caregiver App to stop compulsive and repeated calls.Features of teleCalm's Repeat Dialing include:Customizable Settings: Choose the number of calls (2-5 times) and the specified period of time (15-60 minutes) before repeat dialing is activated.NotificationsGentle Messages to Your Loved OneNo Additional CostAlt Text: An Elderly Woman In Her Room (Image Source)2. Using teleCalm's Quiet Hours FeatureThe teleCalm's Quiet Hours feature can block incoming and outgoing calls during specific times. Here's how the Quiet Hours feature works:Customizable Settings - You can customize Quiet Hours in the teleCalm Caregiver App to activate during specific times, such as Nighttime Quiet Hours from 10 pm to 7 am.Default or Personalized Messages - Your loved one will hear a default message during Quiet Hours. You can also record a personalized message in your voice to reassure them.Easy to Set Up - Activate Quiet Hours under the Settings screen in the teleCalm Caregiver App. Select the time ranges for Daytime and Nighttime Quiet Hours. You can also adjust or turn off Quiet Hours anytime in the app.3. Establishing a Regular Sleep RoutineA consistent sleep schedule can help improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety at night. Encourage the elderly to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.4. Creating a Calming Sleep EnvironmentMake sure the bedroom is comfortable, quiet, and dark. Encourage the elderly to create a peaceful atmosphere by playing soothing music, using aromatherapy, or using a white noise machine.5. Limiting Caffeine and Alcohol IntakeEncourage the elderly to avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, as these substances can interfere with sleep quality and contribute to anxiety.6. Developing a Relaxation RoutineMeditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation before bedtime.7. Addressing Underlying Medical ConditionsAddress any underlying medical conditions contributing to anxiety at night, such as pain, urinary urgency, or respiratory distress.8. Talking to a Healthcare ProfessionalEncourage the elderly to seek professional help if their anxiety at night is severe or interfering with their daily activities. A mental health professional or physician can provide appropriate treatment options.Click Here to Contact teleCalm Today and Start Stress Free Phone Service!Alt Text: An Elderly Gentleman Holding a Colorful Ball (Image Source)Use a Mixed Approach to Help Combat Elderly Anxiety at NightElderly anxiety at night is a common issue that can significantly impact their quality of life. Fortunately, there are several strategies that caregivers can use to help alleviate anxiety in the elderly at night, such as establishing a regular sleep routine, creating a relaxing environment, engaging in relaxation techniques, and seeking professional help. Additionally, teleCalm offers solutions such as the Repeat Dialing feature, which can help reduce compulsive and repeated callsthe Quiet Hours feature, which blocks incoming and outgoing calls during specific times. With a mixed approach incorporating lifestyle changes and innovative technologies, caregivers can help their loved ones manage anxiety and improve their overall well-being.Related: My Mom is Calling at 3AM

Dementia and OCD Lead to Compulsive ShoppingTavis SchrieferCEO @ teleCalm, Phone service for Alzheimers & dementia, both at home and in senior livingMarch 1, 2024Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that affects about 1.2% of U.S. adults. People with OCD experience unwanted and intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that cause them anxiety or distress. They also perform repetitive behaviors (compulsions) to try to reduce or neutralize their anxiety. For example, someone with OCD may have a fear of germs and compulsively wash their hands or even develop a compulsive shopping disorder.OCD can be a chronic and disabling condition that interferes with daily functioning and quality of life. Unfortunately, some people with OCD may also be at a higher risk of developing dementia, a group of brain disorders that affect memory, thinking, and behavior. Dementia is more common in older adults, especially those over 65 years old, and it can cause cognitive decline, confusion, and personality changes.How OCD is linked to dementiaAccording to a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry , people with OCD are more likely to develop dementia than people without OCD. The study used data from a large insurance database in Taiwan and followed 1,347 people with OCD and 13,470 matched controls without OCD for an average of 11 years. The researchers found that:People with OCD had a higher risk of developing Alzheimers disease, vascular dementia, and unspecified dementia than people without OCD.People with OCD developed dementia about 6 years earlier than people without OCD (70.5 years versus 76.7 years).People with OCD had a higher rate of early-onset dementia (before age 65) than people without OCD (1.7% versus 0.1%).The exact reasons why OCD is associated with dementia are not clear, but some possible explanations are:OCD may share some genetic or environmental risk factors with dementia, such as the APOE gene or chronic inflammation.OCD may cause chronic stress or damage to the brain over time, which may increase the vulnerability to dementia.OCD may make it harder to detect or treat dementia symptoms, as some cognitive impairments or behavioral changes may be attributed to OCD rather than dementia.How OCD and dementia affect compulsive shoppingOne of the possible consequences of having both OCD and dementia is compulsive shopping, which is the uncontrollable urge to buy things that are not needed or wanted. Compulsive shopping can cause financial problems, family conflicts, and emotional distress for the person and their caregivers.Compulsive shopping can be triggered by different factors in people with OCD and dementia, such as:Obsessions: People with OCD may have obsessive thoughts about buying certain items or completing certain collections, which may drive them to shop compulsively.Compulsions: People with OCD may use shopping as a way to cope with their anxiety or to perform rituals related to their obsessions, such as buying multiples of the same item or checking prices repeatedly.Memory loss: People with dementia may forget what they have already bought or why they bought it, which may lead them to buy the same things again or buy things they dont need.Impulsivity: People with dementia may lose their ability to control their impulses or plan ahead, which may make them more prone to buy things on a whim or fall for marketing tricks.Boredom: People with dementia may feel bored or lonely due to their cognitive decline or social isolation, which may make them seek stimulation or comfort through shopping.Compulsive shopping can be especially problematic when it involves purchasing products from home shopping channels and other ads on TV. These sources of shopping may be more accessible, appealing, or persuasive for people with OCD and dementia, as they may:Provide constant exposure to new products and offers that may trigger obsessions or impulses.Use high-pressure tactics such as limited-time deals, scarcity cues, testimonials, or guarantees that may exploit cognitive biases or vulnerabilities.Offer easy payment methods such as credit cards, phone orders, or online transactions that may bypass rational decision-making or budgeting.Deliver products directly to the home without requiring transportation or social interaction that may deter or limit shopping.How teleCalm service can helpIf you have a loved one who suffers from both OCD and dementia and engages in compulsive shopping from home shopping channels and TV ads, you may feel frustrated, worried, or helpless. Fortunately, there is a service that can help you manage this issue: teleCalm.teleCalm is a phone service that is designed specifically for seniors with dementia and their caregivers. It works with any existing phone and phone number, and it offers several features that can prevent or reduce compulsive shopping, such as:Blocking unwanted outgoing calls to home shopping channels and TV adsBlocking ALL incoming calls from telemarketers, scammers, and any other numbers you choose.Allowing only trusted callers to reach your loved one, such as family, friends, doctors, or emergency services.Viewing your loved ones phone activity and alerting you of any suspicious or unusual calls, such as repeated calls to the same number or calls at odd hours.Providing you with a dashboard on an app where you can control and customize your loved ones phone settings, such as call blocking, call filtering, or call scheduling.By using teleCalm, you can protect your loved one from compulsive shopping and its negative consequences, while also preserving their dignity, independence, and connection. You can also reduce your own stress and worry, knowing that your loved one is safe and supported.If you are interested in learning more about teleCalm, please visit teleCalmProtects.com or call 1-888-701-0411.

June is Alzheimers and Brain Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the millions of individuals worldwide affected by Alzheimers and other forms of dementia. Its a period for raising awareness, showing support for the affected, and fostering a better understanding of the brains health. This article offers practical conversation starters and communication tips that are especially beneficial for phone conversations with loved ones affected by Alzheimers or dementia, ensuring that whether theyre using a cell phone or a specialized landline service for seniors, your dialogue remains meaningful and connected.Communicating with Someone with DementiaWhen speaking to someone with dementia, its essential to use short, clear sentences and enunciate clearly. Speaking at an even pace allows the individual ample time to process the conversation. Repetition is also helpful, but its crucial to repeat sentences in exactly the same way to avoid confusion. Patience, positivity, and reassurance go a long way in making the conversation pleasant and fruitful. Encouraging the sharing of stories, especially from youth, can be particularly engaging, as these memories are often vivid and cherished.Conversation StartersOpen-ended questions are excellent conversation starters, focusing on positive experiences and memories. Here are some suggestions:What was your favorite job, and what did you enjoy most about it?Do you have a pet that holds a special place in your heart? What was your favorite memory with them?What vacation stands out to you as the most enjoyable, and why?What hobbies bring you joy, and how did you get started with them?Is there a family memory or holiday tradition that you particularly love?How did you meet your spouse or best friend, and what drew you to them?What kind of music or movies do you enjoy, and do you have a favorite?What piece of advice has stuck with you over the years?Tell me about your family. What are some of the things youre most proud of?Connecting Over Shared ExperiencesSharing personal experiences can create a bridge to more profound conversations. For example:I played sports in school. Did you have a favorite sport to play or watch?Im spending time with my dog, Princess. Did you have a pet growing up? What were they like?I loved riding bikes as a kid. Did you enjoy biking, and where was your favorite place to go?Visiting the farm was a highlight of my childhood. What was it like where you grew up?The weather is beautiful today. Whats your favorite season, and what do you like to do during that time?The Role of teleCalms Caregiver ServiceIncorporating teleCalms Caregiver service (https://teleCalmProtects.com/teleCalm-caregiver) into this dynamic can be a game-changer. This service is designed to facilitate worry-free communication between caregivers and their loved ones with Alzheimers or dementia. The service ensures that individuals can stay in touch with family and friends, helping to ward off feelings of isolation and loneliness. It provides tools that make phone calls simpler and less stressful for everyone involved, ensuring that conversations are a source of joy and not frustration.teleCalms Caregiver service is a landline phone service for seniors, offering features such as filtering out unwanted calls, both incoming and outgoing, while providing caregivers the ability to manage the service remotely to ensure safety and ease of use. By removing common communication barriers, teleCalm helps maintain the emotional well-being of individuals with dementia and their families, fostering a sense of normalcy and connection despite the challenges posed by the condition.Communication is a powerful tool in maintaining relationships and providing comfort to those with Alzheimers or dementia. By using the strategies outlined above and leveraging services like teleCalms Caregiver landline phone service for seniors, we can create a supportive environment that fosters connection and reduces the impact of isolation.Lets use Alzheimers and Brain Awareness Month to spread knowledge, offer support, and make a positive difference in the lives of those affected by dementia. Remember, every conversation is an opportunity to show love, respect, and care.