The IDEA Publishing
  • HOME
  • Popular IDEAS
    • IDEAS for Your Better Business Life >
      • The Business Idea
      • The Career IDEA
      • The Money Idea
    • IDEAS for Your Better Diversions >
      • The Tech IDEA
      • The Travel IDEA
      • The Auto IDEA
      • The Outdoors IDEA
    • IDEAS for a Better Table >
      • The Food IDEA
      • IDEAS de Cocina Espanola
    • IDEAS for a Better You >
      • The Health IDEA
      • Living Well IDEAS
      • The Fitness IDEA
      • The Beauty IDEA
    • IDEAS for a Happier Home >
      • The Home Idea
      • The Entertaining Idea
      • The Parenting Idea
      • The Senior Living IDEA
      • The Pet IDEA
  • The Video Domain
    • Video IDEAS for Your Better Business Life
  • About
  • Contact
The_Senior_Living_IDEA
The Senior Living IDEA

The Senior Living IDEA

New Ideas and Good Advice to Make Your Golden Years Your Best Years!

Caring for Caregivers

7/12/2018

Comments

 
caring_for_caregivers
Caring for Caregivers

While caring for an older family member – whether it be a spouse, parent or grandparent – can be a rewarding experience, it can also be a difficult and overwhelming task. This is especially true if your loved one lives with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia-related illnesses. Being aware of some of the warning signs of burnout can help caregivers properly manage stress and protect themselves.


Caring for Caregivers

How to prevent caregiver burnout

(Family Features) While caring for an older family member – whether it be a spouse, parent or grandparent – can be a rewarding experience, it can also be a difficult and overwhelming task. This is especially true if your loved one lives with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia-related illnesses.

Whether it’s out of love or obligation, caring for a chronically ill or disabled family member (and potentially his or her financial and legal interests) can come at the expense of the caregiver’s quality of life. In addition to maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle outside of caregiving responsibilities, it is important for those caring for a loved one to learn ways to avoid health hazards and stay well-informed of any changes in their loved one’s condition. Add work and children to care for to the equation and it’s a formula that can lead to stress, exhaustion and even potential health issues.

The additional duties often required to provide care for a loved one can lead to physical or emotional fatigue, often referred to as “caregiver burnout.” If you’re caring for an older adult, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America recommends these tips to help manage stress before caregiving leads to burnout.

Know the signs of burnout. By the time many caregivers suspect signs of burnout, they’re likely already suffering symptoms related to their responsibilities. Being aware of some of the warning signs can help caregivers properly manage stress and protect themselves. Warning signs include:

  • Overwhelming fatigue or lack of energy
  • Experiencing sleep issues
  • Significant changes in eating habits or weight
  • Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
  • Neglecting personal physical and emotional needs
  • Becoming unusually impatient, irritable or argumentative
  • Having anxiety about the future or a feeling of hopelessness
  • Suffering from headaches, stomachaches or other physical ailments
  • Experiencing depression or mood swings
  • Having difficulty coping with everyday tasks
  • Lower resistance to illnesses

Educate yourself about the disease. It’s likely the loved one you care for has several health problems, takes multiple medications and sees multiple health care providers to manage his or her conditions. As a first step in learning more about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses, visit alzfdn.org or nia.nih.gov/alzheimers for information. Support groups, educational workshops, community resources and professionals can also help increase your understanding of the disease and what to expect so you can be a better-informed and prepared caregiver.

Be prepared for important decisions. Take care of financial, legal and long-term care planning issues early on to help reduce stress later. Try to involve the individual in decision-making if he or she is capable, and consider personal wishes regarding future care and end-of-life issues.

Build your care skills. Key skills for any caregiver include communication, understanding safety considerations and behaviors, and managing activities of daily living such as bathing, toileting and dressing. Some organizations and local hospitals may even offer classes specific to your loved one’s disease that can aid you in the process.

Develop empathy. Try to understand what it is like to be a person living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Put yourself in the affected person’s shoes while also recognizing your own losses. Manage your expectations of your loved one and remain patient.

Ask for help when you need it. Reach out to medical and mental health professionals as well as family and friends. They can assist you when things get tough. In addition, there are typically programs, agencies and organizations in your community that can help manage the challenges of caring for older parents, grandparents, spouses and other older adults.

Advocate for and connect with your loved one. Take an active role in the individual’s medical care. Get to know the care team, ask questions, express concerns and discuss treatment options. Also remember to connect on a personal level through kindness, humor and creativity, which are essential parts of caregiving and can help reduce stress.

Think positive. Focus on the capabilities and strengths that are still intact and enjoy your relationship with your loved one while you are still together. Look for ways to include him or her in your daily routines and gatherings to make as many memories as possible.

Find more caregiver resources and tips at alzfdn.org.

Tips for Managing Caregiver Stress

Stress can affect anyone and caregivers may find themselves faced with additional stressors. To help manage stress and avoid caregiver burnout, keep these tips from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America in mind:

  • Maintain a positive attitude
  • Be flexible and accept the circumstances
  • Be honest and open about your feelings
  • Take it one day at a time
  • Get a good night’s sleep
  • Incorporate stress management techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, as well as exercise into your daily routine
  • Drink plenty of water and eat a healthful diet full of fruits and vegetables
  • Set realistic goals and go slow

Getting Help with Caregiving

Everyone needs a break from time to time, even caregivers. Look into respite programs for a chance to care for yourself. Types of respite include:

Home Care

  • Home care is often initiated by a doctor’s order or hospital stay and administered by medical professionals who come into the home and help with personal care and housekeeping functions.
  • Medicare covers some home health services.

 Adult Day Programs

  • Social-model programs offer stimulation, socialization and therapeutic activities in a community-based group setting and often include meals.
  • Medical-model programs (adult day health care programs), offer health-based services as well as social activities in a group setting.
  • Some programs include assistance with activities of daily living and transportation.
  • Adult day services charge per hour and may be covered under some long-term care insurance policies.
  • Medicaid covers some adult day health programs.

 Facility-Based Respite

  • Provide a short stay for your loved one in a nursing home or another facility.
  • Facilities typically charge for each day your loved one is in their care.
  • Medicare or Medicaid may cover some costs of an inpatient facility.

 Family and Friends

  • Identify responsible family members and friends who can lend a hand in providing supervision for your loved one and create a rotating care schedule, if possible.
  • Enlist the help of family members living in different states by assigning them tasks such as legal or financial paperwork.

Photos courtesy of Dreamstime (Couple walking)

SOURCE:
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

KEYWORDS

  • adult children ×
  • advice ×
  • age ×
  • Alzheimers ×
  • Alzheimer's Association ×
  • Alzheimer's Disease ×
  • anxiety ×
  • assisted living ×
  • care ×
  • caregivers ×
  • caregiving ×
  • dementia ×
  • education ×
  • eldercare ×
  • family ×
  • Family Features ×
  • hacks ×
  • illness ×
  • lifehacks ×
  • neurology ×
  • nursing home ×
  • psychiatry ×
  • psychology ×
  • routine ×
  • sleep ×
  • sleeping ×
  • stress
  • support ×
  • tips

Comments

Are you a caregiver? Try these 7 resources

7/11/2018

Comments

 

Resources_for_caregivers
Resources for caregivers

Caregivers need and deserve support as they navigate a demanding, emotional and critical responsibility. The good news is there are resources and services like the following that can help make life as a caregiver a bit easier.



(BPT) - When David Bowen’s father fell taking out the trash in 2016, it set in motion a series of health challenges the family is still battling together. Bowen, 62, hired a part-time professional caregiver to assist his father and his mother, who was battling Alzheimer’s, but he found himself serving as a caregiver much of the time, too.

The responsibility of caregiving can mean increased stress and anxiety, which can affect family dynamics, nutrition habits, physical fitness and overall well-being. Many people take unpaid leave from their jobs, reduce work hours, change careers or quit altogether to care for an aging loved one.
The 2018 Northwestern Mutual C.A.R.E. Study revealed that two of three caregivers reduce their living expenses to pay for the medical and practical needs of their loved ones, yet nearly half of future caregivers said they have made no financial plans to prepare.

While this can be challenging, caregivers take immense pride in this vital role, and most wouldn’t trade the opportunity. In fact, a recent Merrill Lynch-Age Wave study found that 91 percent of caregivers feel grateful to care for someone and 77 percent would do it again.

Caregivers need and deserve support as they navigate a demanding, emotional and critical responsibility. The good news is there are resources and services like the following that can help make life as a caregiver a bit easier.

Caregiver resource list


* The National Family Caregiver Support Program offers medical, emotional, financial and legal advice and training to adult family members who provide in-home and community care for people aged 60 or older and to people older than 55 who care for children under 18.

* AARP’s Caregiver Resource Center offers guides for first-time caregivers, families and those who care for a loved one at home. These include financial and legal considerations and advice on how to maintain caregiver-life balance.

* While the Administration for Community Living doesn’t work directly with individuals, it can be a good place for a caregiver to start on the circuitous path to financial support. The organization provides funds to help older adults and people with disabilities live where they choose to for as long as they can, and has provided billions of dollars to programs in every state.

* UnitedHealthcare proactively addresses caregiver needs by sharing relevant information and resources. Its Solutions for Caregivers program, for example, is a website for eligible members to get advice from medical professionals, financial advisers and experienced care managers; take advantage of discounted products and services; and access educational resources. Non-members can find a directory of organizations that focus on issues including Parkinson’s disease, substance abuse, blindness, MS, Alzheimer’s and diabetes.

* The National Alliance for Caregiving focuses on caregiving research, innovation and technology, state and local caregiving coalitions, and international caring. It is working to build a global network of caregiver support organizations.

* The Caregiver Action Network (CAN) serves a broad spectrum of family caregivers, ranging from parents of children with special needs, to families and friends of wounded soldiers, to adult children caring for aging parents. Aiming to promote resourcefulness and respect for the more than 90 million family caregivers across the country, CAN provides free education, peer support and resources.

* The Eldercare Locator, a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging, provides a search tool that allows visitors to search by topic and location for services pertaining to older adults and their families.

“Dad and I, we’re trying to put a new life together for him, and it’s tough,” said Bowen. “But support from all over has kept me on my feet and moving forward. Amid all the challenges, I am grateful for that.”


KEYWORDS

  • AARP ×
  • access ×
  • advice ×
  • aging ×
  • aging parents ×
  • Alzheimers ×
  • Alzheimer's Disease ×
  • assisted living ×
  • attitude ×
  • BPT ×
  • Brandpoint Content ×
  • Care ×
  • caregivers ×
  • caregiving ×
  • dementia ×
  • eldercare ×
  • emotional ×
  • generations ×
  • hacks ×
  • health ×
  • lifehacks ×
  • medical research ×
  • mental health ×
  • mentality ×
  • Multigenerational ×
  • nursing home ×
  • Parkinson's ×
  • Parkinson's Disease ×
  • research ×
  • resources ×
  • responsibility ×
  • stress ×
  • support ×
  • survey ×
  • tips

Comments

Tips for helping reduce the burden of Alzheimer's caregiving

11/6/2017

Comments

 
tips-for-helping-reduce-the-burden-of-alzheimers-caregiving
Tips for helping reduce the burden of Alzheimer's caregiving

(BPT) - Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or other dementias is exceptionally demanding, and especially challenging. The caregiving needs of people living with Alzheimer’s are not only often more extensive, but are often needed over many years — even decades.


A recent survey by the Alzheimer’s Association indicates many caregivers are not getting the help and support they need — a whopping 84 percent of caregivers say they would like more support in caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, especially from family members.


“Too many people are shouldering the caregiving burden alone,” says Ruth Drew, director of information and support services at the Alzheimer’s Association. “Many people want or would welcome help, but they are reluctant or just too overwhelmed to ask.”


Tips for supporting a caregiver


Providing help and support to caregivers can be easier than most people think. Even little acts can make a big difference, Drew says. The Alzheimer’s Association offers these suggestions:


Learn: Educate yourself about Alzheimer’s disease — its symptoms, its progression and the common challenges facing caregivers. The more you know, the easier it will be to find ways to help.


Build a team: Organize family and friends who want to help with caregiving. The Alzheimer's Association Care Team Calendar is a free, personalized online tool that allows helpers to sign up for specific tasks, such as preparing meals, providing rides or running errands.


Give a break: Spend time with the person with dementia, allowing the caregiver a chance to run errands, go to their own doctor’s appointment or engage in an activity that helps them recharge. Even one hour could make a big difference in providing the caregiver some relief.


Check in: Many caregivers report feeling isolated or alone; make a phone call to check in, send a note or stop by for a visit.


Tackle the to-do list: Ask for a list of errands that need to be done. Pick up groceries or dry cleaning, or even offer to shuttle kids to and from activities.


Be specific and be flexible: Open-ended offers of support (“Call me if you need anything,” or “Let me know if I can help.”) may be well-intended, but are often dismissed. Be specific in your offer (“I’m going to the store, what do you need?”). Continue to let the caregiver know that you are there and ready to help.


Help for the holidays: Help caregivers around the holidays by offering to help with cooking, cleaning or gift shopping. If a caregiver has traditionally hosted family celebrations, offer your home instead.


Join the fight: Honor a person living with the disease and their caregiver by supporting the Alzheimer’s cause. Volunteer at your local Alzheimer’s Association office or participate in fundraising events.


“It’s a mistake to assume caregivers have everything under control,” Drew says. “Most caregivers can use and would appreciate help. No one can do everything, but each of us can do something.”


To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and ways you can support families and people living with the disease, visit www.alz.org, the website of the Alzheimer’s Association.


Comments

Tips to help families cope with Alzheimer's, mitigate tensions and relieve stress

6/2/2017

Comments

 
Picture

(BPT) - Receiving an Alzheimer's diagnosis is never easy — it's life changing, not only for the person receiving the diagnosis but for their family members as well. The disease can exact a devastating toll on family relationships unless everyone pitches in to support caregivers and take steps to secure the financial future of the person with Alzheimer's. These are a few important takeaways from a new survey by the Alzheimer’s Association.

The survey of more than 1,500 American adults, including current and former caregivers for someone with Alzheimer’s, found that while 91 percent agreed caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia should be a team effort, too many caregivers feel they’re not getting the support they need. Eight-four percent of caregivers said they would like more support, particularly from family, and 64 percent felt isolated and alone.

Family stresses

“Caring for someone living with Alzheimer's can be overwhelming and too much for one person to shoulder alone," says Beth Kallmyer, vice president of constituent services for the Alzheimer’s Association. “Without help, caregivers can end up feeling isolated, undervalued and lacking support from the people they want to be able to turn to for help.”

The survey found relationships between siblings to be the most strained, stemming from not having enough support in providing care (61 percent) as well as the overall burden of caregiving (53 percent). Among all caregivers who experienced strain in their relationships, many felt like their efforts were undervalued by their family (43 percent) or the person with the disease (41 percent). Contributing to the stress were a lack of communication and planning; 20 percent of survey respondents said they had not discussed their wishes with a spouse or other family member, and only 24 percent had made financial plans to support themselves post-diagnosis.

Tips to help families navigate Alzheimer's

Despite its seriousness, some families grew closer following an Alzheimer's diagnosis, according to the survey. More than a third of those surveyed said caregiving actually strengthened their family relationships, and two out of three said they felt the experience gave them a better perspective on life. Relationships between spouses/partners benefited the most.

The Alzheimer’s Association online Caregiver Center offers wide-ranging resources to help families navigate the many challenges associated with the disease. During June — Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month — the Association is offering tips to help mitigate family tensionsand relieve caregiver stress, including:

* Communicate openly — Establishing and maintaining good communication not only helps families better care for their loved one with Alzheimer’s, it can relieve stress and simplify life for caregivers, too. Families should discuss how they will care for the person with Alzheimer’s, whether the current care plan is meeting the person's needs, and any modifications that may be warranted.

* Plan ahead — In addition to having a care plan for how to cope as the disease progresses, it’s important to have a financial plan as well. The survey found 70 percent of people fear being unable to care for themselves or support themselves financially, but only 24 percent have made financial plans for their future caregiving needs. Nearly three-quarters said they would prefer a paid caregiver, but just 15 percent had planned for one, even though Alzheimer’s is one of the costliest diseases affecting seniors. Enlisting the the help of qualified financial and legal advisers can help families better understand their options.

* Listen to each other — Dealing with a progressive disease such as Alzheimer's can be stressful and not everyone reacts the same way. Give each family member an opportunity to share their opinion. Avoid blaming or attacking each other, which can only cause more stress and emotional harm.

* Cooperate and conquer — Make a list of responsibilities and estimate how much time, money and effort each will require. Talk through how best to divide these tasks among family members, based on each person’s preferences and abilities. If you need help coordinating the division of work, the Alzheimer Association’s online Care Team Calendar can help.

* Seek outside support — Families can benefit from an outside perspective. Connect with others who are dealing with similar situations. Find an Alzheimer’s Association support group in your area or join the ALZConnected online community. You can also get around-the-clock help from the Alzheimer’s Association Helpline at (800) 272-3900.
​
"Having the support of family is everything when you’re dealt a devastating diagnosis such as Alzheimer’s,” says Jeff Borghoff, 53, a Forked River, New Jersey, resident who has lived with younger-onset Alzheimer’s for two years. “My wife, Kim, has been my rock as we navigate the challenges of Alzheimer’s. It’s easy to want to shut down following a diagnosis, but that’s the time when communication within families is needed most.”

Comments

The rising burden of Alzheimer's disease on health costs, caregiver health and 65+ population

4/23/2017

Comments

 
Picture

(BPT) - Kristen Beatty’s 78-year-old father, Ray, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s about 10 years ago. Since then, he has developed a sense of paranoia, insomnia and the delusion that people are stealing from him. Though Beatty and her brother constantly reassure their father to allay his fears, the daily struggle can take its toll. Beatty’s mother, Sue, had previously cared for Ray for about five years. In 2012, Sue died unexpectedly of a heart attack, or as Beatty puts it, she died of a broken heart.

“She was exhausted from the constant care and the pressure that came with it,” Beatty said. “She was eating super healthy, walking every day and taking very good care of herself, so I truly believe it was the stress. My brother and I feel guilty because we could have supported her better, but she wouldn’t ask for help. She wouldn’t consider moving him to a facility or going to support groups.”

The stress and the pressure Beatty’s mother faced is not unlike the experiences of millions of other Alzheimer’s caregivers around the nation, who primarily care for people with the disease because of their desire to keep their family member at home, their proximity to the person with dementia or their perceived obligation — all pressures that can lead to harsh consequences for caregivers.

For example, more than one in three caregivers for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias report their health has gotten worse due to care responsibilities, compared with one out of five caregivers for older people without dementia. And depression and anxiety are more common among dementia caregivers than among people providing care for individuals with certain other conditions.
These findings are part of the Alzheimer’s Association "2017 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report," released recently. The report analyzes new research about cost, prevalence, incidence, caregiving, and mortality and morbidity. The report found a dramatic surge in deaths from Alzheimer’s — the only cause of death among the top 10 in America that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed. Meanwhile, deaths from other major causes are decreasing. Between 2000 and 2014, deaths from heart disease decreased 14 percent, but deaths from Alzheimer’s increased 89 percent.

Another finding was the growing cost burden of Alzheimer’s. For the first time ever, it now costs over a quarter of a trillion dollars ($259 billion) annually to care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias in the United States — $56 billion of which is coming right from individuals’ pockets.

According to the report, out-of-pocket costs for people affected by Alzheimer’s are startlingly high, despite support from Medicare and Medicaid. In fact, annual per-person payments for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementias are almost five times higher ($10,315) than those for seniors without these conditions ($2,232).

According to Beth Kallmyer, vice president of constituent services for the Alzheimer’s Association, providing ongoing support for the estimated 5.5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s will need to remain a national policy priority moving forward, as the population at risk for Alzheimer’s is projected to nearly double from 48 million to 88 million by 2050.

“As the number of people with Alzheimer’s continues to grow, so does the impact and cost of providing care to our health system and the millions of unpaid caregivers,” Kallmyer said. “While we’ve seen increases in federal research funding and access to critical care planning and support services, there’s still an urgent need to expand options and support for family-centered and community care and to fund more research that can bring us closer to effective treatment options and, ultimately, a cure.”

To read the full Facts and Figures report, visit www.alz.org/facts. For comprehensive information, support and resources on Alzheimer’s caregiving, visit www.alz.org/care/overview.asp.



KEYWORDS

  • BPT ×
  • Brandpoint Content ×
  • Alzheimers ×
  • Alzheimer's Association ×
  • Alzheimer's Disease ×
  • research ×
  • medical research ×
  • dementia ×
  • caregivers ×
  • caregiving ×
  • stress ×
  • costs ×
  • healthcare ×
  • health care ×
  • deaths ×
  • morbidity ×
  • disease ×
  • economics ×
  • economic impact ×
  • money ×
  • personal finances
Comments

Giving to the Next Generation

3/6/2017

Comments

 

From self-expression to self-direction, there are countless ways to age out loud. Some of the most rewarding ways for older adults involve passing on experiences, wisdom and skills to others. Everyone has something to share, and these ideas can help you get started.


Giving to the Next Generation

(Family Features) From self-expression to self-direction, there are countless ways to age out loud. Some of the most rewarding ways for older adults involve passing on experiences, wisdom and skills to others.
 
Everyone has something to share, and these ideas from the Administration of Community Living can help you get started.

Mentor. Use professional or personal experiences to guide a child, young adult or peer. Example: Visit Senior Corps at nationalservice.gov to learn about becoming a foster grandparent.

Volunteer. Put skills to use while giving back to your community. Example: Sign up to collect food or clothing donations, serve meals at a local soup kitchen or help older adults with daily tasks at home, such as paying bills.

Teach. Impart expertise via formal or informal education and tutoring opportunities. Example: Check with local schools that may need reading, math or science tutors.

Speak. Sign up for speaking engagements, paid or unpaid, as well as storytelling events. Example: Open-mic events, often at theaters and libraries, welcome speakers of all ages.

Engage. Visit a senior center or organize a gathering focused on connecting with others. Example: Book clubs attract participants of all ages and encourage the exchange of ideas.

Write. Pen an article, op-ed or even a book to communicate wisdom and lessons learned. Example: Start with something you know the most about, such as a career, hobby or historical event, and submit a column to your local newspaper.

Create. Pick a medium and use art to express yourself and share your perspective. Example: Paint, draw, sculpt, play music, dance, make crafts – whatever suits you.

These ideas and many others can help amplify the voices of older Americans and raise awareness of vital aging issues in communities across the nation. Find more ideas at oam.ACL.gov.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

SOURCE:
Administration for Community Living


KEYWORDS

  • active lifestyle
  • active seniors
  • aging
  • Alzheimers
  • Alzheimer's Disease
  • art
  • assisted living
  • book
  • brain
  • brain health
  • crafts
  • creativity
  • dementia
  • Family Features
  • happiness
  • mental health
  • mentoring
  • music
  • nursing home
  • reading
  • senior centers
  • senior citizens
  • seniors
  • service
  • volunteering
  • volunteer work
  • writing

Comments

What to do when a senior loved one wanders

12/31/2016

Comments

 
Picture

(BPT) - Virtually all parents have experienced the terror of looking up from what they were doing only to realize their child has wandered off. Your pulse races, your heart pounds and you can't relax until your child is back in sight. As children grow up, they learn to stay put - or at least let you know where they're going - and your fears fade.

However, if you become a caregiver for a parent, grandparent or other loved one with dementia, you may find yourself having the same fear if your loved one begins to exhibit a concerning symptom of dementia - getting lost or wandering.

The Alzheimer's Association says six out of 10 people with Alzheimer's experience episodes of wandering. The behavior can take many forms, from leaving the house without telling anyone to leaving and then becoming too disoriented to find their way home. Wandering can also occur at night, when a person with Alzheimer's gets out of bed and wanders inside the house - or more concerning, goes outdoors - in the dark.

"Wandering is one of the potentially most dangerous symptoms of dementia," says Juliet Holt Klinger, senior director of dementia care for Brookdale Senior Living. "The Alzheimer's Association notes that up to half of those who wander will suffer serious injury, or even die, if not found within 24 hours. It's important for caregivers to understand why and how wandering happens, when it occurs and what they can do to prevent or minimize occurrences."

Why wandering occurs

To understand why your loved one may be wandering, look for a pattern, Holt Klinger advises. Does he wander at a particular time of day or night? Is she trying to communicate with you? Do they have an unmet physical or psychological need, like being hungry or thirsty, or feeling lonely? Is an undiagnosed medical problem, such as a urinary tract infection, prompting the person to get out of bed at night?

Sleep patterns change as we age, and those changes can be pronounced and concerning for people with dementia. Your loved one may get up during the night because he or she has trouble sleeping. People with Alzheimer's may wake in the middle of the night and get confused, thinking that it is time to get up and go somewhere, such as work or running errands.

Wandering safety tips


Observing when and why your loved one wanders can help you take steps to keep him or her safe. Common coping strategies for night-time wandering include:
* Help people with Alzheimer's differentiate between day and night by making sure they're exposed to plenty of natural light during the day. This can help circadian rhythms that dementia disrupts and age-related changes in sleep patterns.
* Encourage at least 30 minutes of exercise every day, but not within four hours of bedtime. Exercise can keep people more awake and alert during the day, and promote better sleep at night.
* Discourage daytime sleeping by keeping people with Alzheimer's engaged in meaningful activity. Allow a good balance between activities and rest.
* Avoid serving alcohol, caffeine or large meals as bedtime approaches.
* Encourage a bathroom visit right before bedtime.
* Avoid screen time (white light) directly prior to bedtime and use amber colored night lights which do not disrupt REM sleep patterns.
* Practice relaxation methods like a short, light massage, warm bath, hot milk or herb tea, or reading aloud. These activities are soothing and can help a person calm down for better sleep.
* For extreme wandering concerns, consider investing in a monitoring system that will alert you when a loved one gets out of bed at night.

For daytime episodes of wandering, try:
* Hiding car keys. This can prevent loved ones from leaving the house, getting in the car and losing their way. If your loved one's car operates with a key fob, removing the battery or distributor cap may be another option.
* Keeping doors locked. Some people with Alzheimer's are unable to operate locked doors. At the very least, a locked door may provide a delay long enough for a caregiver to intervene.
* Equipping doors with an alarm to signal when it is opened. This can be as simple as putting a bell on the door.
* Staving off wandering impulses by taking your loved one for frequent walks outdoors.
* Occupying your loved one with a relatable, doable task that provides a sense of purpose. For example, if someone worked in an office, give her papers to organize. If he loves animals, have him brush the dog.

"Sometimes, despite your best efforts and precautions, wandering can remain a concern," Holt Klinger says. "If that happens, it may be time to consider a move to a senior living community that specializes in caring for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias. Brookdale's Clare Bridge communities are secured and designed to promote a sense of independence, safety and purpose."



Comments

5 smart steps to preserving brain health

12/28/2016

Comments

 
Picture

(BPT) - Everyone knows aerobic exercise gets the heart pumping and lifting weights keeps muscles strong. But when it comes to keeping the brain healthy, most people are unsure what to do.

As you age, brain health and maintaining memory functions becomes a top concern. Turns out, these issues may begin sooner than you think.

"We tend to think about memory decline as an older person's issue, but that's not the case at all," says Dr. Aimee Gould Shunney, a licensed naturopathic doctor specializing in women's health and family medicine. "There was a study published in 2012 in the British Medical Journal that examined cognitive function in people age 45 to 70. The researchers did not expect it, but they found evidence of cognitive decline in the 45-year-old participants as well as the older participants."

She notes there are two basic pathological processes that cause degeneration of the brain: oxidative stress and inflammation.
Basically, the standard American diet and lifestyle contribute to those processes. So who is this really an issue for? Men and women of all ages.


No matter your age, you can take charge of your brain health by following these five smart steps from Dr. Shunney:

​Healthy eating

"A Mediterranean-type diet that focuses on whole foods, good fats and foods high in antioxidants is a great place to start," says Dr. Shunney.

She encourages her patients to focus on getting omega-3 fats from fish and monounsaturated fats from olives, olive oil, nuts and seeds. She also recommends increasing fruits (especially berries) and beans (they're packed with antioxidants). What's more, research shows a little cocoa, coffee and red wine can act as antioxidants and are beneficial in low to moderate amounts.

Supplements

In addition to a quality multivitamin, Dr. Shunney recommends an omega-3 supplement. "Getting enough omega-3s is one of the most important measures we can take," she says. "DHA is the dominant omega-3 in the brain. Just like we need to make sure babies have enough DHA to grow their brain, we need to make sure older people get enough DHA to keep their brains healthy."

She suggests Omega Memory by Nordic Naturals. It's a DHA-dominant omega-3 formula that also includes other brain healthy ingredients: curcumin, phosphatidylcholine and huperzine A. Learn more at www.nordicnaturals.com.

Regular sleep

Poor sleep is a risk factor for cognitive decline. "Studies show both sleep deprivation and sleeping too much impact cognitive performance," Dr. Shunney says. "A good goal is to go to bed around the same time each night, sleep for 7-8 hours, and get up around the same time every morning."

Thinking activities

​"I recommend anything that keeps your mind working," says Dr. Shunney. "Activities that require things to be arranged or puzzles that have to be put together. Crossword puzzles, word games and board games are all great."

She also notes some activities to avoid: "It's important to limit certain activities. The constant scanning of social media and newsfeeds eliminates creativity and keeps us on edge. Limit the time you spend doing that and instead do things that cause you to explore and think and put ideas together on your own."


Socialize


"Social isolation has been linked with cognitive decline," says Dr. Shunney. "In one study, people who were lonely experienced cognitive decline at a 20 percent faster rate than people who were not lonely."


​Make time to take a foreign language class, join a Toastmaster's Club, take a watercolor class - anything that connects you regularly to other people.
Comments
<<Previous



    Archives

    January 2019
    September 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    March 2018
    November 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    August 2016
    June 2016
    April 2016


    Interested in Publishing on The Senior Living Idea?
    Send your query to the Publisher today!

    Categories

    All
    65
    AARP
    Access
    Accessibility
    Accidents
    Accomodations
    Active Lifestyle
    Active Seniors
    Activities
    Activity
    Activity Level
    Adult Children
    Adult Diapers
    Advice
    Age
    Age In Place
    Aging
    Aging Parents
    Alzheimers
    Alzheimer's Association
    Alzheimer's Disease
    American Geriatrics Society
    Ancestor
    Ancestory
    Ankle
    Anxiety
    Art
    Arthritis
    Assets
    Assisted Living
    Attitude
    Balance
    Bath
    Bathing
    Bathroom
    Bills
    Bladder
    Bladder Control
    Blood Pressure
    Book
    Bowel
    Bowels
    BPT
    Brain
    Brain Games
    Brain Health
    Brandpoint Content
    Budget
    Calories
    Cancer
    Cane
    Cardio
    Care
    Caregivers
    Caregiving
    Cat
    Cats
    Centers For Disease Control And Prevention
    Chemotherapy
    Cholesterol
    Christmas
    Chronic
    Clutter
    Cognition
    Cognitive Functioning
    Companionship
    Compansionship
    Computer
    Consumer Product Safety Commission
    Continence
    Conversation
    Cooking
    Copay
    Copays
    Coping
    Costs
    Crafts
    Creativity
    Crime
    Cybercrime
    Deaths
    Dementia
    Depression
    Diabetes
    Diagnosis
    Diet
    Digestive Issues
    Disability
    Disease
    DNA
    Doctor
    Doctors
    Dog
    Dogs
    Doors
    Dopamine
    Dress
    Drivers
    Driving
    Drugs
    Eating
    Economic Impact
    Economics
    ED
    Education
    Eldercare
    Elimination
    Emergency Room
    Emotional
    Emotions
    Energy
    Enrollment
    Entertainment
    Erectile Dysfunction
    Estate
    Estate Planning
    Exercise
    Exercising
    Expectations
    Expenses
    Experts
    Eye Health
    Eyes
    Eyesight
    Fall
    Fall Prevention
    Fall Risk
    Falls
    Family
    Family Features
    Family History
    Family Tree
    Fashion
    Federal
    Federal Government
    Finances
    Financial Planning
    Fitness
    Foot
    Formulary
    Fraud
    Friends
    Friendships
    Furniture
    Generations
    Geriatricians
    Geriatrics
    Government
    Grandchild
    Grandchildren
    Grandparent
    Grandparenting
    Grandparents
    Guests
    Hacks
    Handrails
    Happiness
    Head
    Head Trauma
    Health
    Healthcare
    Health Care
    Health Insurance
    Healthy Living
    Hearing
    Hearing Loss
    Heart Health
    Helping
    High Blood Pressure
    Hip
    History
    Holidays
    Home
    Home Improvement
    Hormones
    Hospice
    Hospital
    House
    Hypertension
    Identity Theft
    Idependence
    Illness
    Income
    Incontienence
    Incontinence
    Independence
    Infographic
    Injury
    Insurance
    Interval Training
    Intestinal
    Investing
    Investments
    Kidney
    Kitchen
    Leg
    Life
    Lifehacks
    Life Insurance
    Lifestyle
    Light
    Lighting
    Lights
    Lineage
    Listening
    Living Well
    Longevity
    Macular Degeneration
    Mayo Clinic
    Medical
    Medical Research
    Medicare
    Medication
    Medications
    Medicine
    Memories
    Memory
    Mental Health
    Mentality
    Mentoring
    Mobility
    Money
    Morbidity
    Multigenerational
    Music
    National Council On Aging
    Nausea
    Neurology
    Nursing Home
    Nutrition
    Obesity
    Open Enrollment
    Oral Health
    Osteoarthritis
    Outdoors
    Outlook
    Pain
    Pain Management
    Parents
    Parking
    Parkinson's
    Parkinson's Disease
    Part D
    Patient
    Patients
    Personal
    Personal Finances
    Personal Sceurity
    Pet
    Pets
    Pharmaceuticals
    Pharmacies
    Pharmacy
    Physical Activity
    Physician
    Physicians
    Plans
    Portfolio
    Premiums
    Prescription Drugs
    Prescriptions
    Prevention
    Primary Care
    Promotions
    Protein
    Psychiatry
    Psychology
    Quality
    Radiation
    Ramps
    Read
    Reading
    Recovery
    Relatives
    Remodel
    Remodeling
    Renovation
    Research
    Resources
    Responsibility
    Rest
    Retirement
    Retirement Income
    Retirement Planning
    Risk
    Risk Factors
    Routine
    Running
    Safety
    Salt
    Sandwich Generation
    Savings
    Schedule
    Security
    Senior Centers
    Senior Citizens
    Seniors
    Serotonin
    Service
    Sex
    Sexual Health
    Shoes
    Sibling
    Siblings
    Side Effects
    Sight
    Single-story Living
    Sleep
    Sleeping
    Social
    Social Security
    Songs
    Specialist
    Specialists
    Specialty Care
    Speech
    Stairs
    Steps
    Strength
    Strength Training
    Stress
    Style
    Supplements
    Support
    Survey
    Symtoms
    Testosterone
    Theft
    Time
    Tips
    Toilet
    Traditions
    Transportation
    Travel
    Treatment Options
    Tumor
    Urinary Tract
    Urination
    Urine
    Vehicles
    Vision
    Visirors
    Visit
    Visits
    Visting
    Vitamins
    Volunteering
    Volunteer Work
    Vomiting
    Walk
    Walker
    Walking
    Wandering
    Washington
    Washington DC
    Weight Training
    Well-being
    Wellness
    Wheelchairs
    Women
    Workout
    Writing






    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • HOME
  • Popular IDEAS
    • IDEAS for Your Better Business Life >
      • The Business Idea
      • The Career IDEA
      • The Money Idea
    • IDEAS for Your Better Diversions >
      • The Tech IDEA
      • The Travel IDEA
      • The Auto IDEA
      • The Outdoors IDEA
    • IDEAS for a Better Table >
      • The Food IDEA
      • IDEAS de Cocina Espanola
    • IDEAS for a Better You >
      • The Health IDEA
      • Living Well IDEAS
      • The Fitness IDEA
      • The Beauty IDEA
    • IDEAS for a Happier Home >
      • The Home Idea
      • The Entertaining Idea
      • The Parenting Idea
      • The Senior Living IDEA
      • The Pet IDEA
  • The Video Domain
    • Video IDEAS for Your Better Business Life
  • About
  • Contact