11.23.09
Posted in Alzheimer's Disease at 5:49 pm by admin
Caregiving, especially family caregiving, will probably always involve some level of stress. Having a senior depending on you is a demanding job, often requiring twenty-four hour vigilance. But when
Alzheimer’s or other forms of Dementia are involved, the stress and frustration can be magnified for any caregiver.
We have already discussed some very helpful methods of dealing with caregiver stress, and these are tips that will help in dealing with any kind of senior illness, including Alzheimer’s. But one of those tips might be more important for caregivers of memory impaired patients: The support group.
The very idea of support groups can be off putting for many people. The term conjures up images of circles of people who have to share their feelings, like at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. It’s an easy picture to reject. After all, care giving is a good thing. It isn’t an illness or addiction to be worked through. And when all is said and done, you will be fine, right?
Maybe. But Alzheimer’s and Dementia are complex problems with no clear solution. Nobody knows how to perfectly navigate the issues of memory loss, or the ripple effects they can cause in a family. And because it’s so complex, many feel like they are alone. They sense their efforts are not helping, and they ultimately get so stressed out that they burn out.
Support groups can be a wonderful source of information for caregivers. They are very often part of the “pipelines” of new research and strategies for dealing with the disease. Many are linked directly with groups like the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org), which is on the forefront of research, fund raising and information on memory loss.
But the real reason people need support groups is that people need people. And not just any people will do. They need to be around people who understand what they are dealing with. People who have no emotional entanglements with their situation. People who will not judge them. Support groups provide these people. Caregivers can let their guard down and “be real” with other human beings who won’t think less of them for feeling exhausted, helpless or resentful, because they are or have been in the same situation. And if they have come through, they can offer the kind of human insight that no website or book could ever provide.
If you are a care giver for a senior with Alzheimer’s or dementia, you owe it to yourself to find a support network. It will help and your family. Residents of Smith County Texas who are looking for a support group can download a list of groups and schedules at the Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County website.
Residents of the greater Dallas area should go to this page instead. Alzheimer’s support groups for all other regions in the US should go to www.alz.org/apps/findus.asp .
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10.19.09
Posted in Alzheimer's Disease, Dimentia, Elderly Diseases, dementia at 10:26 am by admin
Understanding Long-Term Memory Care
Seniors with Dementia or Alzheimer’s have needs that other Elders do
not. Their memory impairment and frequent disorientation can be a
constant source of anxiety for their loved ones and caregivers. Memory
Care Facilities can be a huge help for these individuals. Memory Care
is offered in the form of short-term respite care or long-term
assisted living. Elder care services are increasingly recognizing
Memory Care as a necessary form of specialized care.
So how is Memory Care different than regular Assisted Living?
The most major component is the increased focus on safety. Alzheimer’s
patients are especially prone to wondering around, getting lost, and
sometimes hurting themselves. Most Assisted Living facilities aren’t
equipped to deal with this type of problem. Memory Care facilities
place a high priority on a safe, contained environment. Sometimes,
facilities provide an entire wing, sometimes called an Alzheimer’s
wing, that is always well-staffed and keeps doors locked. That way,
the staff can keep track of potential wanderers.
But just because facilities are locked and safe doesn’t mean they have
to be institutional, stifling and dull. Many Memory Care centers offer
lots of room for residents to roam and explore in total safety.
Outdoor courtyards and gardens are very common, and very helpful.
In addition, the staff of Memory Care facilities are trained to deal
with the difficult effects of memory loss. Much of this comes in the
form of routine building. Routines are an important part of any
person’s life, but they become especially important for those with
memory loss.
There are kinds of variations in treatment and environment between
memory care facilities. If you are considering placing your loved one
in this type of assisted living facility, it is important that you
actually go to visit several in your area to compare the level and
kids of care they offer.
Dealing with Alzheimer’s is never easy, and it almost always means the
end is not far away. Memory Care facilities are acutely aware of this,
and uniquely suited to help make your loved one’s final days just a
little bit more comfortable and, if possible, maybe even pleasant.
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09.30.09
Posted in Alzheimer's Disease, Dimentia, Elderly Care, dementia at 2:49 pm by admin
Respite Care is short-term service to provide a
break for full-time caregivers of seniors or other individuals with
disabilities.
Caregiving is an exhausting job. Many family members who care for
their loved one in their own home never get a break. Daily errands
which would be routine for the rest of us–shopping, going to the
bank, taking the kids to soccer practice–can become all but
impossible for a caregiver. That’s where Respite Care come in. To give
the primary care-giver a break. It could be for just a few hours or it
could be all day. Whatever the schedule, respite care is, by
definition, part time. Respite Care-Givers are usually nurses, but
don’t have to be. Some services will send their care-givers to your
home while others offer their own facilities for you to drop your
loved one off at. Adult Day Care facilities often come into play here.
Respite Care Services are often called on for loved ones who suffer
from Alzheimers or Dementia and cannot be left alone. But this is not
always the case. It can also be helpful for those who have trouble
moving around or have scheduled medication that needs to be
administered. These services are generally much more affordable than
other types of elder care. I live in Texas and have seen several Dementia
and Alzheimer’s care facilities pop up in the East Texas area. Depending on
how bad the elderly disease has become you may be able to continue to have
your loved one cared for from yours or their home.
So how do you choose a Respite Care Service? First, evaluate your
locational needs. Would it be easier for you if a caregiver looked
after your loved one at home or somewhere else? In many cases, the at-
home option would be easier for your loved one, who could stay in the
same familiar, safe environment.
But sometimes this is not an option, especially for those busy home-
makers who desperately need a quiet house for a few hours to do that
much-needed housework. And for the busy, on-the-go caregiver who has
to spend most of the day running around in town anyway, it might be
easier to drop your loved one off at a proven, safe environment, and
not have to worry about how the house looks, etc. This is also a good
option for those seniors who crave a change of scenery.
Whatever your specific needs, it might be time to look into Respite
Care. It could just help you, the caregiver, avoid burnout.
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05.29.08
Posted in Alzheimer's Disease, Assisted Living, Assisted Living Facilities, Assisted Living Referral Service, Assisted Living Safety, Caregiver, Depression, Dimentia, Elder Care, Elderly Care, Home Health Care, Nursing home, Nursing home alternative, Senior Citizen, Taking Care of a Loved One, Texas Elderly Care Services, care at home, dementia, forgetting to take medication at 6:05 pm by admin
Do your mother and/or father need to be moved from home to an assisted living? Do they need to be moved from an assisted living to a nursing home? Or are they at a facility that you are not happy with? Moving your parents can be the best thing that you can do for them, but it can also be the worst thing.
Moving is a dramatic change for an elderly person, especially one with Alzheimer’s disease. A move from home to a nursing home may be the best option but look into getting care at home. Moving can confuse and depress an elderly person. If your mother or father is able to, let him or her be a part of the decision.
When an elderly person is familiar with a facility or the staff at one assisted living or nursing home it’s usually best to keep him there. An elderly person is more likely to willingly receive care and feel comfortable with care attendants and nurses that he or she knows as opposed to a stranger. Also when elderly people are familiar with a facility, such as knowing where the dining room, medicine, activities, and their apartment is, they are usually emotionally stable longer than if they are moved from facility to facility and getting disoriented and confused.
However, when you see your loved one needing more care than what the facility gives, you need to act quickly. There are nurses that come to where your parent is and give care to him. Some facilities have care packages that start at minimal care (such as reminders to come to meals and take medicine) and maximum care packages (such as bathing, transferring from bed to wheelchair and feeding). If the facility that your loved one is does not offer more care and getting a nurse to come and care for him or her is not an option you should not leave him or her there, moving would be a must in that situation.
If your parents are at a facility and you are not happy with the care that they are receiving, talk to the management about your complaints. They may not be aware that your parent is being neglected. Also talk with the care staff and let them know that you care about your parents and want the best care for them. Politely tell the care staff your complaints (i.e. moms hair needs to be brushed, I noticed dad lost his dentures). Visit your parents often. Keep the care staff accountable by making visits at different times of the day or maybe spend a night there if possible. If the quality of care still does not improve make a complaint to DADS (Department of Aging and Disabilities Services) and move your parents to a more quality facility.
Most importantly make sure your parent is taken good care of and is happy.
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04.10.08
Posted in Alzheimer's Disease, Assisted Living, Dimentia, Elder Care, Elderly Care, Elderly Diseases, Nursing home, Senior Citizen, Taking Care of a Loved One, Texas Elderly Care Services, care at home, dementia, exercises, forgetting to take medication, medication at 11:34 am by admin
U.S. News and World Report researched and found that men that were diagnosed with diabetes in middle age were at a higher risk for alzheimers. They found that low levels of insulin caused damage to blood vesels in the brain.
If you or a loved one has low insulin levels be sure to follow doctors orders and get proper medication. Remember to get enough exercise to keep a healthy circulation and healthy weight.
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02.28.08
Posted in Alzheimer's Disease, Assisted Living, Caregiver, Depression, Elder Care, Elderly Care, Home Health Care, Nursing home, Senior Citizen, Taking Care of a Loved One, Texas Elderly Care Services, arthritis, dementia at 10:45 am by admin
This morning the sunrise looked like sunshine was gently stroked with a paintbrush onto the pale blue and pink sky. There’s something therapeutic about sunshine. I believe that it helps calm and uplift a person to a degree. When a baby is born the doctor tells the mother to sun bathe the baby by bringing the infant in direct sunlight for a few minutes to half an hour. Everyone, not just babies, could use some sunlight. The elderly however aren’t able to get out much and maybe don’t have a good view out the window. Not getting sunlight may be a factor of depression. Statistics have shown that there are more suicides in places that don’t get much sunlight such as Alaska’s winters. So if your loved one is battling depressing from alzheimer’s or has been cooped up for too long take them out for a walk and a picnic. Your loved one will enjoy your company as well as the fresh air and sunshine.
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01.25.08
Posted in Alzheimer's Disease, Dimentia, Elderly Diseases, Memory Exercises, dementia, forgetting to take medication at 1:53 pm by admin
Stops Memory Loss in its Tracks and Reverses Dementia
Doctors in Britain have found a cure for Alzheimers that can stop the spread of Dementia and partially reverse it. The technology is actually pretty simple. The doctors discovered the break through when pointing infra-red light on mice in a maze cage each day for a few minutes. This few miutes of time under the low level infra-red light improved the mices perfomance in the maze cage. The experiment done was a controlled scientific experiment with verifiable results.
The new experiment will now be with people. The helmet is safe and does not require then use of drugs. What the infra-red light will do is assist in telling old cells to go ahead and try to repair yourselves. Old people generally see there cells grow old and die and with it their memory. This new technology helps to encourage cells that are not in the business any longer of regenerating to go ahead and start regrowing new cells again.
The plight of people with Alzheimers and Dimentia related diseases could quickly become an easy curable and preventable ailment and will bring youth back to many lives. The potential is there to see elderly people leaving in droves from Assisted Living facilities and nursing homes throughout the world. Of course, this technology is just beginning to be tested with humans but the testing results so far show a remarkable likelyhood that this new device will indeed cure the elderly disease.
You can read more about this new elderly memory disease cure at this site: Daily Mail
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09.28.07
Posted in Alzheimer's Disease, Assisted Living, Caregiver, Dimentia, Elder Care, Elderly Care, Home Health Care, Nursing home, Nursing home alternative, Senior Citizen, Senior Citizen Fathers, Taking Care of a Loved One, care at home at 3:29 pm by admin
When illness turns family members into caregivers there is often strong emotional experiences that the caregiver goes through.
Sadness: It is disturbing to see a loved one rendered physically helpless, particularly if the injury had a sudden onset. But the advent of cognitive deficits, causing changes in the patients personality and behavior, are generally found by researchers to be far more wrenching for families. When even so simple a task for the caregiver as sharing the events of one’s day and being understood is precluding by a patients dimentia, the loss of companionship is profound. Decreases in functioning, especially intellectual capacity, will often force patients who were working to retire, creating economical hardships for the family. When other family members shift to shoulder the bread-winning burden while also assisting the patient more at home with daily activities, they suffer dramamtically increased workloads and drastically reduced personal time. Some caregivers find relief in tears and take solace from sharing their mornful feelings with others who respond understandingly. Many caregivers however feel uncomfortable about expressing sadness and shame. They typicallycite several objections: 1-”I don’t want to feel sad because it will make me depressed.” 2-”I don’t want to express sadness because other people will think that I’m weak.” 3-”What do I have to feel sad about when I’m not the one who is disabled?” or 4-”I’m afraid that if I express sadness, it will make my loved one feel worse.” Generally though empathizing with the caregiver’s sadness is one of the most effective ways that a patient can give back something meaningful to the person who has made sacrifices on his behalf. When a caregiver is willing to take the risk of expressing sadness to a loved one in a non-blaming way, it most often results in a greater feeling of comunion or shared mission between the two that helps them both feel better understood and supported.
Anger: Caregiver anger depends mostly on the relationship between the patient and the caregiver before the illness. At its simplest, it takes the form of blaming the patient for bringing the tragedy upon the family. The sting of being unjustly trapped often lies at the root of anger. Sometimes the anger isn’t toward the patient but at God. Anger must be dealt with promptly or it will turn into bitterness.
Worry: Every family member of one who is suffering worries. But a caregiver must be careful not to worry him or herself too much or he/she will get burned out.
Guilt: Many family members feel guilty that their loved ones have become ill as if it is their fault. A family member might feel guilty that he or she hasn’t visited a loved one in the nursing home. Also there may be guilt because a relationship went soar before the illness took place. It is never too late to love. Visit that family member in the nursing home. Start talking and praying for him or her.
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09.18.07
Posted in Alzheimer's Disease, Assisted Living, Assisted Living Safety, Bathing, Elder Care, Elderly Care, Home Health Care, Nursing home, Texas Elderly Care Services, dementia at 3:21 pm by admin
Bathing is a particular sensitive issue for persons with dementia. Those with dementia become confused easily and often misinterpret what others are doing and saying. In such individuals, often even the smallest thing that is unpleasent such as water in the eyes or ears can make the individual respond with fear or violence.
A guideline for bathing without a battle:
-Focus on the person more than the task.
Try to meet individual preferences and focus on the well-being of the person. Always protect the persons privacy and dignity (such as covering the person with a towel after turning off the water and in transfers)
-Be flexible!
Modify your approach to meet the persons needs. Methods such as singing and talking with the individual while bathing can distract him or her from the fear, anxiety or shame of being bathed by someone else. Be flexible with the procedure divide up tasks such as washing hair and washing the body.
-Use persuasion,not coercion.
Help the person feel in control at bathing time. Give choices and respond to individual requests. Avoid asking “Do you want to take a bath?” when you know that the answer will be “no”. Instead say something like”It’s time for your spa, would you like body wash or a bar of soap? Would you like to wear the green and tan outfit or the blue one?” Use a supportive and calm approach and praise the person often. Ask questions that are not exasperating or that have maybe two or three answers. Sometimes questions with endless possibilities can overwhelm a person with dementia such as “what do you want to wear?” narrow the question down to 2 or 3 possibilities.
-Be prepared!
Gather everything that you will need for bathing before approaching the person. Warm the room (no one has a good expeirence bathing when they are cold and wet). Have towels, washcloths, and clothes ready. Get shower chair and bath mat securely in place.
-Stop.
When a person becomes distressed, stop and assess the situation. It is not “normal” for a person to cry moan, or fight during bathing. Look for underlying reason for the behavior. What can you do to prevent the person from becoming more upset? If you are unable to calm the person you will need to shorten the bath. In such a case wash only what is necessary for good health. If the person becomes too distressed or aggressive you will need to end the bath. Try to end with something pleasant such as offering a cup of coffee or a back rub. This may make it easier when you return. Reproach the person later to finish washing critical areas if necessary.
-Ask for help.
Talking with others about ways to meet the needs of the person gives you an opportunity to find different ways to help make the bath more comfortable.
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08.19.07
Posted in Alzheimer's Disease, Dimentia, Memory Exercises, dementia at 11:32 pm by admin
Great memory exercise to help regain memory and keep it longer
Here is a very useful memory technique. If you feel as though your memory is going you can draw the memory back out of you. Scientists now agree, use it or lose it! So get started, here is a really good technique for starters:
Mnemonic Techniques
Memory exercises and techniques involving “peg words” and other mnemonic devices work well if you master them. They really do! Scores of books have been written on the subject. But do you want to study and master a mnemonic technique? Honestly, most of us don’t want to take the time and effort to do so. The good news is that not all memory techniques are that complicated or time-consuming.
One memory technique you can learn and use right now starts with a walk around the house. Pick ten locations or permanent objects in your home or office. Memorize these in some logical order (this is the hardest part). Now when you want to remember a list of things, associate each item on the list with with one of your ten locations or objects. Do this with mental imagery and even sounds, always in a ridiculous way. When you need to consult your list, you’ll simply walk around your home in your mind, and you will “see” the items on the list.
Make the images very vivid and this technique rarely fails. It was used two thousand years ago by Roman orators who would “place” parts of their speech in locations along a garden path, then mentally walk the garden “picking up” the topics as they gave the speech. I use this one a lot, when I can remember to, and it always works.
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