Everyone slips up and says the wrong thing from time to time. Perhaps your objective was to compliment a friend on her new haircut, but you came across sounding like you were criticizing her previous hairstyle. Selecting our words carefully is always important, but even more so when speaking with a person with dementia. The…
As a caregiver, you may have had experiences with a senior who is scared of falling. For many people, the fear can be paralyzing, leading to a decrease in physical activity, social engagement, and overall quality of life. It’s important to address this fear head-on and empower older adults to live confidently and fearlessly. Here…
What do family caregivers need? That’s a question family caregivers probably don’t get asked much. If you’ve ever felt invisible as a family caregiver, you’re not alone. Caring for someone you love takes center stage, and you may find that your own needs are put on the back burner. A recent listening session, however, allowed…
There’s something so special about the kitchen. It is the first stop kids make once they arrive home from school, in search of a snack as well as the chance to share about their day. It’s the spot family members gather to prepare holiday meals together. It’s also a place to warm up a cup…
Salt and pepper. Macaroni and cheese. Peanut butter and jelly. Some things are just supposed to go together. One combination you want to avoid, however, is dementia and boredom. Studies have revealed that boredom’s effect on dementia can lead to an increase in: Hallucinations Aggression Wandering Delirium Depression Agitation Anxiety And more In addition to…
When we think about dementia, the first thing that typically comes to mind is the loss of memory. Cognitive decline is a hallmark effect of Alzheimer’s disease along with other forms of dementia, but there are so many other areas of life which are impacted as well. In fact, each of the five senses may…
Wouldn’t it be helpful if there was an Alzheimer’s care manual, with step-by-step details on what to expect at each and every stage of the disease? While there are a few general commonalities during the progression of dementia, each person’s experience is unique. This makes it difficult to know what to expect on any given…
You’ve been taking care of Mom since her dementia diagnosis. You’ve been working through many of the challenging symptoms. However one day, she looks at you and calls you by a different name – that of her husband or younger brother or father. Do you correct her, reminding her that you are her son? Should…
After a surgical procedure or hospitalization, the physician may recommend rehab in a facility prior to when the person returns home. This is usually a short-term period of intensive therapy to promote healing and recovery. However, the idea of moving into an assisted living facility or nursing home even for a few weeks or months…
Pacing. Fidgeting. Wandering. When you begin to notice these signs in someone you love with dementia, it’s time to take action before they escalate to agitation, aggression, or leaving the home. But figuring out why the person is feeling restless is sometimes half the battle. For starters, ask yourself the following questions: Could the person…