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Debunking the Myths of Falling for Seniors

Are you one of the millions of Americans who think that tumbles and falls are just par for the course in older adults? The truth is, falling can be devastating for seniors and should be prevented at all costs. It’s not normal to fall and no matter how old you are, there are things you can do to prevent it.

Here are 10 myths and realities about falls:

Myth 1: Falling will never happen to me.

Reality: The truth is that 1 out of 4 older adults fall every year in the U.S. The results can be catastrophic, and the risk should not be underestimated.

Myth 2: Falling is just a normal part of aging.

Reality: Falling should never be considered normal, no matter how old you are. Preventing falls as you age can be easier than you think, and it starts with exercises to increase balance, having your vision checked, and making sure you follow directions carefully with medications.

Myth 3: I won’t fall if I just stay more sedentary.

Reality: The opposite is actually true! Falls will not be prevented by limiting activity. The more active you are, the better the condition you will be in, and this improves balance!

Myth 4: If I stay home more, a fall won’t happen to me.

Reality: Did you know that more than half of all falls happen at home? Your home can be more dangerous than you realize, so you should remove fall hazards such as throw rugs, poor lighting, and make sure that grab bars are installed in areas like the bathroom.

Myth 5: Muscle strength can’t be restored once it’s lost.

Reality: Even if you’ve never exercised much, it’s never too late to start! Becoming more active has a huge effect on the risk of falling, and it keeps you healthy in other areas as well. Muscle loss can be restored through even moderate exercise.

Myth 6: Taking medication won’t affect my fall risk.

Reality: Medications can definitely increase the risk of falls, and you should know the possible side-effects. If they make you dizzy or sleepy, you need to use a lot of caution. Always talk to your doctor about fall risks from your medications.

Myth 7: I don’t need annual eye exams.

Reality: The truth is that poor vision is a huge risk for falls. Vision changes and even some vision loss happens with age and you should have your vision checked every year even if you feel it’s fine.

Myth 8: Using a walker or cane will keep me from falling.

Reality: The trick to walking aids is to use them safely. Otherwise, they can become a risk in and of themselves. Ask your doctor about being properly fitted for a cane or walker to make sure it is the right size and height for you.

Myth 9: If I talk to my family and medical team about my risk of falling, they will become alarmed and limit my independence.

Reality: It is a team effort to prevent falling! Remember, the goal is to keep you safe and you will need help to do that. Don’t be afraid to talk about falls with your loved ones so they can help you maintain your independence as long as possible!

Myth 10: It’s none of my business if I have concerns about an older loved one’s risk of falling.

Reality: You should always talk to a spouse or trusted family member about your concerns. At the very least, you can help them remove hazards such as rugs, etc. The goal is to keep their independence in place, not the other way around. Assure your older loved one that you are only there to help!

For more information on the risk of falling and how to prevent it, contact us today!

Home Helpers of San Rafael is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour live-in care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care as well as homemaker services in San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, Larkspur, Tiburon, Corte Madera, Sausalito, Belvedere, Ross, and Greenbrae, California.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

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Losing Caregiver Guilt and Living at Peace

If you are feeling a bit guilty when it comes to taking care of your older loved ones, you are not alone. Negative emotions are quite common as you walk the caregiving process, and it’s important to know what to do with those emotions as they come up.

On top of feeling negative emotions, it’s also very common to feel guilty—and the worry that you aren’t doing enough, providing enough options, or generally taking care of every single detail you can. If this describes you as you care for your elderly loved one, just know you are not alone and there are many people and groups dealing with the exact situation you’re feeling. Whether it’s negative emotions or learning to care for an elderly loved one, you are not alone. For many, the demands of caregiving are only deepened by a sense of guilt—and often, we worry that we aren’t doing enough, providing enough, or taking care of enough that requires our attention.

The caregiver’s life circumstances can change depending on how needy the client has gotten. For many, the guilt starts to creep in when we actually tell ourselves things we feel we could’ve changed for the better—even if the events or choices were outside our control. This a dangerous blame game of caring for an elderly loved one may not go as planned, our guilt makes us shoulder the disappointment and self-blame in the way things turned out, even though we know better.

If you’re feeling caregiver guilt, the following statements may sound familiar:

  • We feel guilty we don’t spend enough quality time with just the person and find out what they liked and enjoyed. Those who feel guilty for moving their loved ones into a senior facility or assisted living, or that we’re hurting them and others by keeping them in their own home or moving them into our family’s home.
  • This is not the time to feel guilty, but instead, find those silver linings and help your loved one understand how life will be better surrounded by people who love them!
  • It’s easy to get caught up in guilt and completely miss the wonderful bond that can come from families who work together! Resentment only comes when we are not thinking of what’s best for the party besides ourselves!

Caregiver guilt is almost unavoidable. What you have to know is that it’s only our desire to make things better that came to make it tough on us. We want out loved ones to have the best, and even if they don’t respond great at first, they usually will in time. Your presence, showing up with meals and games, will all help them feel like home in their new place, so this doesn’t have to be a stressful time. Remember—they are oftentimes feeding off your energy! Our care and desire to make the best choices for our loved ones means that we can hold ourselves to high standards of behavior—and blame ourselves when the stress of caregiving shows on our careers, family life, or mental health.

But there are steps you can take to mitigate your unwarranted feelings of guilt. Relying on others, taking time for self-care, and focusing on the positive helps you balance your emotions. And a happier, healthier caregiver can provide better care.

Focus on the Positive
Guilt has a way of keeping you focused on the things you haven’t done right, but you can keep negative feelings at bay with mindfulness and self-reflection. Keep in mind, your goal is to keep your loved ones safe and provided for—and no one can truly “do it all”. Take the time to reflect on your accomplishments, to give yourself positive reinforcement, and to reassure yourself that the caregiving role is a challenging one for anyone—and your efforts go a long way to keeping your loved one happy and healthy.

Do For Yourself, Too.
There’s no quicker way to drain your emotional health than denying yourself the habits that keep you happy, healthy, and upbeat. When your schedule is full, it’s tempting to sideline your gym hours, social life, or even just some “me time”. But going for too long without any space for yourself will only leave you angrier, stressed, and unable to stretch yourself further. Put your self-care on your to-do list to keep it a priority, and focus on getting in your personal time—even if that means removing other tasks from the list (takeout is fine for dinner, sometimes!)

Find Support
Believe it or not, there are plenty of people in the same boat as you—or ready to offer an understanding ear. Search online for support groups in your area or ask friends and family if they know a fellow caregiver. Speaking to others lets you share stories, tips, or even just enjoy the company of someone facing the same challenges with positivity and a healthy mindset.

For more tips on how to deal with caregiver guilt, contact us.

Home Helpers of San Rafael is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour live-in care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care as well as homemaker services in San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, Larkspur, Tiburon, Corte Madera, Sausalito, Belvedere, Ross, and Greenbrae, California.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

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Tips for Communicating with Someone Who Has Alzheimer’s

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can be frightening to everyone. Not only does it create memory loss, but also makes any communication at all very difficult as the disease progresses. If you have a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, we know this can be a scary time, so we put together some tips to help you continue to have effective communication with your family member, as well as everyone involved.

Use Face-to-Face Communication. With any type of cognitive decline, it’s important that you use eye contact and call them by their name. Using their name helps to get their full attention and looking them in the eye can be reassuring.

Lessen Any Distractions. Make sure televisions and radios are turned down when trying to speak. Background noise can be very distracting so it’s important to find a place to talk in peace, so they don’t forget what your conversation is about.

One-On-One Communication. Trying to talk to a person with Alzheimer’s can be very frustrating if there are too many people around. Always try to talk to them when you can be face-to-face in a quiet spot, by yourselves. Other people standing around or trying to also be a part of the conversation can create confusion and anxiety.

Keep it Simple. Much research has shown us that conversations with a person who suffers from dementia should be kept short and sweet. Keep things simple and get right to the point without a lot of small talk. Simplicity helps keep your loved one from becoming frustrated with too many choices. Ask specific questions rather than open-ended ones.

Avoid Conflict. Arguing with a person who has dementia or Alzheimer’s is futile. It only serves to frustrate and upset both of you. When a disagreement happens it’s important that you don’t use inflammatory comments like “I just told you that” or “Why can’t you just listen?” If frustration is brewing, walk away and get some air.

Be Patient. Don’t try to finish their sentences if they are struggling. Instead, try to zero in on the point they are trying to make and help them by saying something that might jog their memory a bit. Finishing their sentences for them does nothing to help them remember anything, so be patient and just try to help them by asking specific questions.

Enter Their World. It’s important to realize that a person with dementia or Alzheimer’s is living in a different reality from yours. The disease can rob them of being in their right mind all the time. This could manifest in things like them thinking their spouse who died years ago is still alive. If this happens, it’s perfectly okay to just play along if it’s not hurting anyone. You will never convince them that you’re right and they’re wrong, so go along with whatever reality they insist on and it will often help lighten the mood.

Get Creative in Your Conversation. Choices are often difficult and frustrating with Alzheimer’s, so getting creative in your communication can help ease that frustration. A good example of this would be to point to the choices they have, rather than just list them off. Finding out whether they would rather have a turkey sandwich, or a ham sandwich might be too much, but instead, point to the particular items and ask which they would rather have.

Finally, keep on talking even if they are not talking back! They may get to the stage of being unable to have any effective communication, so it’s important that you show love and support by continuing to speak to them, tell stories, and have meaningful conversations.

For more tips on communicating with someone who has dementia or Alzheimer’s, contact us today!

Home Helpers of San Rafael is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour live-in care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care as well as homemaker services in San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, Larkspur, Tiburon, Corte Madera, Sausalito, Belvedere, Ross, and Greenbrae, California.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

Categories

Keeping Your Loved Ones Safe from Elder Fraud

These days it seems that robocalls are just a part of daily life that we have to contend with. While it might seem easy to you and I to read through the calls and emails that are obvious scams, it’s not always so easy for seniors. They may not deal with technology enough to recognize when something is nefarious. This is precisely why scammers prey on older adults more than anyone else! Billions of dollars are lost each year due to these scams, much of it unrecoverable.

The FBI has reached out to educate Americans about some of the most common financial scams that seniors may find themselves falling victim to. Read on to learn more!

The Miracle Cure

Seniors already feel vulnerable when they have been diagnosed with a chronic or long-term health condition. It can leave them desperate for a cure, and one of the most common scams on seniors today is the “miracle cure” scams. Here are a few tips to help:

  • Most important of all, never take anything that did not come from the treating physician! Even if it’s a supplement bought in a place that feels safe, advertising can be very misleading with outrageous claims that do nothing more than extract your senior’s hard-earned money.
  • If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Promises of a cure or a life without sickness are enticing, especially if it’s endorsed by a celebrity. But that alone should cause you to pause and be suspicious. Celebrities are paid large amounts of money to say whatever the manufacturer wants them to say!
  • If you aren’t sure, contact the BBB (Better Business Bureau). The Food and Drug Administration is very careful about what is approved to be sold, and many scammers will continue on with their products, even if the FDA has not approved it. If the BBB has had complaints before on a certain product, you should steer clear!

Final Wishes Fraud

You’ve probably noticed all the commercials these days from companies who claim to help you plan for your final wishes. This is an emotional decision for anyone and therefore can leave seniors who may be grieving a loss, vulnerable to be taken advantage of. Here is what you should know any time you are planning funeral arrangements:

  • Never do it by yourself! Seniors should always have another trusted family member with them when making final
  • Call several funeral homes before going to meet with them. By law, they are mandated to give you the pricing over the phone.
  • If you have chosen cremation, it is NOT necessary to purchase a casket. It is also not necessary to pay for embalming in that case. Both of those things can add huge amounts of money to the grand total and should not be forced upon you!
  • Never sign any contracts without taking the time to read through and ask questions, and make sure you understand what you’re signing. If possible, have a trusted friend or family member look at it with you.

Telemarketer Tips

Telemarketers prey on seniors, who are often lonely and enjoy engaging in conversation. Seniors may not be aware of common scam tactics such as:

  • Rewards that are “free,” yet require a small fee to be able to receive it.
  • Asking for a personal credit card or checking account information.
  • Being pushy about a purchase—the scammer doesn’t want to lose the sale!
  • Trying to sell services that require payment ahead of time.

Keep your senior loved ones safe by talking to them often about who calls, the mail they receive, and talk openly and often! Scammers often think older adults are not smart enough to know the difference, but you can help your loved one know what to look out for in this world of greedy scammers!

For more info on detecting scams among the elderly, please contact us today!

Home Helpers of San Rafael is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour live-in care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care as well as homemaker services in San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, Larkspur, Tiburon, Corte Madera, Sausalito, Belvedere, Ross, and Greenbrae, California.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

Categories

How to Reminisce and Remember with Seniors with Dementia

Everyone loves to share memories, but there’s something extra special about sharing and talking about memories made many years back. For seniors who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease, memories are especially special because the disease robs them of the ability to hold onto short-term memories, so long-term memories become all they have.

Therapy that involves sharing long-term memories is a very popular and effective treatment for those with Alzheimer’s. It helps them focus on the positive things that have happened in their lives, helps them feel connected, and generally boosts their sense of joy, belonging, and pride. For dementia’s earlier stages, it can also be helpful because the dementia patient often knows they are dealing with the cognitive decline and are looking for anything to hold onto.

There are some key differences between reminiscing and remembering. Asking someone if they can recall a place or a certain person can bring up negative feelings if they aren’t able to do this. So, rather than asking them to remember things, a person with dementia does better to ask them to reminisce about things. This allows them to steer the dialogue with what they do have memories of. The conversation becomes much more meaningful, this way.

One way to see this in action is to get an old family photo album or scrapbook and sit with a senior loved one. While going through it with them, pay attention to the pictures that spark a conversation that is based on their memories of the photo. If they are distressed with an unpleasant memory, you can be supportive and offer a listening ear, all while gently redirecting them to a more pleasant photo or memory.

You can also try these 3 reminiscing techniques with your senior loved one who struggles with dementia or early stages of Alzheimer’s:

Listen to Music. Dementia patients are extremely connected to music. This is because the part of the brain that controls musical memories stays very active even when the other cognitive parts of the brain have failed them. You can help them enjoy this activity by finding music they remember well, sing along with them, talk about memories attached to the song, etc.

Tastes and Scents. Our sense of smell and taste are also very connected to memories. You could get several scent jars and place scented things inside that the senior will be sure to remember. This could be pinecones, pine needles, certain foods, and things from the environment where he/she grew up.

Touch. Touch always stimulates us to think about certain memories. Just think about how many things you touch that instantly bring you back to childhood or a certain love interest. For seniors, this is no different. You can create tactile experiences such as old clothing, gardening, hobbies they once enjoyed like crocheting or knitting, or even working with tools or wood. Choosing items that you know will trigger memories from their past is important with this exercise and can be extremely therapeutic. They may feel garden soil in their hands and then begin telling you about the garden they tended as a child, etc. This gets them talking and reminiscing and helps to stimulate meaningful conversation.

There are many ways to help stimulate memories that are pleasant. Even unpleasant memories can be a positive thing to talk about as you remind them that these days, they are safe and secure and loved. It’s all part of the journey of dementia and Alzheimer’s. There is simply no better medicine than loving family members who will not leave their side!

For even more tips on how to engage and stimulate memories, or activities to help them reminisce, please contact us today!

Home Helpers of San Rafael is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour live-in care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care as well as homemaker services in San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, Larkspur, Tiburon, Corte Madera, Sausalito, Belvedere, Ross, and Greenbrae, California.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

Categories

Helping Senior Loved Ones Celebrate New Year’s Eve

Seniors often have a difficult time during the holiday season, but especially when it comes to New Year’s Eve. There are always fun activities and parties as we bring in the new year, and your senior loved ones may feel a bit down when they can’t party as the once did. The good news? There are lots of ideas to ring in the new year with older adults. Check out our tips for a fun and happy New Year’s Eve party!

  • Craft Projects. Not only are crafts fun to make, but it provides quality time, as well as keeping their minds sharp and dexterity for their hands. Find a spot that would be cozy and comfy, and provide the supplies such as paint, glue, markers, etc. If they aren’t inclined to do artwork, adult coloring books are a wonderful way to spend time together.
  • Cooking or baking their favorite foods! Are there any favorite baked goods or food that your loved one has always enjoyed making? Consider working in the kitchen, even if they aren’t able to do the cooking. They could lend a hand and tell you the stories behind the recipe to make it a special time for both of you!
  • Talk! There is no time better spent than time with your senior loved ones. They have so much to say, so much wisdom, so many memories, and life lessons to pass down. By asking them to open up and share stories, you will bring joy and comfort to them. Try asking specific questions about specific people to get the ball rolling.
  • Watch a movie! Ask your older adult which movies they have always liked and plan a time to watch it together. Popcorn or a favorite meal is a fun way to enjoy time together and allow your loved ones to enjoy time with you!
  • Switch your countdown! Many seniors are unable to stay up past midnight to ring in the new year, so consider changing the time of your celebration activities. Starting your countdown earlier in the evening is a great way to not miss out on the celebration, while still allowing their routine to be uninterrupted. You could also set your DVR to record the Times Square ball drop and play it for them the next morning!

For more information and ideas about celebrating the new year with your senior loved ones, please contact us today!

Home Helpers of San Rafael is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour live-in care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care as well as homemaker services in San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, Larkspur, Tiburon, Corte Madera, Sausalito, Belvedere, Ross, and Greenbrae, California.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

Categories

Managing the Symptoms of Sundowning

Alzheimer’s Disease presents many challenges, not the least of which is something called sundowning—a period in the late day/early evening when agitation or irritability can set in for no apparent reason. Confusion tends to worsen as the sun goes down, hence the name. The real challenge for caregivers is that this time is often when they need a break from their duties the most—as the day is fading. To make matters even more challenging, the caregiver may notice that elderly people who are experiencing sundowning will become restless or not stay in bed during nighttime hours, meaning that the caregiver doesn’t get much sleep either. So, what causes it?

Possible Causes

We don’t know a lot about what causes sundowning. One theory is that a person’s “biological clock” can be affected by changes in the brain brought on by Alzheimer’s. This can wreak confusion on the cycle of waking and sleeping, causing the symptoms of sundowning.

Other possible causes of sundowning include:

  • Being tired
  • Being thirsty or hungry and not meeting those needs.
  • Depression
  • Pain
  • Restlessness/Boredom

Coping with Sundowning

The time to look for sundowning symptoms is late in the day, as the light starts to fade. You may notice anxiety, pacing, yelling, wandering or general confusion. The best thing to do if possible is to try to identify what is causing the behavior, such as hunger or thirst. They may need to be calmly reassured that everything is okay, especially if there are upsetting events on TV or going on around them.

You can also try these tips:

  • Reduce the number of people in the room, along with the activity.
  • Try to distract the person with something they like to do or eat. A simple activity like folding towels can be just enough.
  • Make the early evening a very calm time of day. You might play soothing music, receive a call from friends or family, or even read to the senior loved one. All of these things can be hugely effective.
  • Close blinds and curtains to minimize shadows, which can be unnerving for people who suffer from sundowning. Turning on lights can also help.

Preventing Sundowning

Try to help the person prevent this condition by getting enough rest and food, drink, social activity. Make sure there is at least some time spent outdoors where vitamin D from the sun can be helpful. Not only will this reset the body clock of the person with Alzheimer’s, but it helps with mood.

Get a little exercise each day. This will keep them tired at the right times. If they need daytime rest or naps, work that into the schedule but don’t allow them to sleep too long late in the day. Get plenty of rest at night.

Things that can make sundowning worse:

  • Do not serve caffeine during the day.
  • Alcohol can cause confusion and agitation, so steer clear.
  • Do not overload their day with too many activities.

If these tips have been tried and you are still struggling with managing the condition, you need to seek medical attention from the person’s doctor. There could be underlying causes that are exacerbating the condition and making things worse.

Keep in mind that the cause of the problem may be a combination of factors, such as a sleep disorder, pain or depression. Even some medications can create symptoms of sundowning. The doctor may prescribe medications to help with sleep, but usually only want to use them for short periods of time, as they can cause an increased risk of falling, dizziness or confusion.

If you have any questions or if you need help in caring for someone with sundowning, contact us.

Home Helpers of San Rafael is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour live-in care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care as well as homemaker services in San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, Larkspur, Tiburon, Corte Madera, Sausalito, Belvedere, Ross, and Greenbrae, California.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

Categories

Life-Enriching Activities for Seniors with Dementia or Alzheimer’s

It can be a bit more challenging to help a patient with Alzheimer’s continue to enjoy things they once enjoyed before this life-altering diagnosis. After all, we all need a sense of community and fellowship with friends in order to maintain a sense of well-being and peace. While it is more difficult to do the same things, it’s not impossible. Here are a few ideas to keep your senior with Alzheimer’s thriving.

If you are a caregiver within the family, it may be a little easier to help your senior loved one find activities they enjoy, simply because you already know them a bit better than most. Here are some ideas to help enrich the life of someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s:

Discover what the best time of the day is for your loved one. If they typically like to get up early but start losing steam later on during the afternoon, you may want to schedule any activities around that schedule. For instance, take an early morning walk together and then find an enjoyable activity you can do together.

Be present while looking to the past. With dementia and Alzheimer’s, long-term memory is usually much better than short-term memory. They may not know what they asked you two minutes ago, but they can sit for hours and reminisce about things that happened decades ago. Perhaps they would love talking about a certain period of time, people or places, or the career they once had. If they were a teacher before, they may enjoy drawing or painting as a way to communicate. If they were a musician, certain bands may spark nostalgia and get them talking, and if they raised children in the home, perhaps they just would like to fold laundry and talk about home life from years past. Whatever it is, finding activities that connect them with their past is often very helpful for their well-being!

Remember that asking for their help or letting them know they are needed does wonders for their self-esteem! We all need self-worth, and dementia has a way of eating away at it, especially among seniors. If they aren’t able to do an entire activity, they could at least help with it. For instance, if they loved baking cookies, perhaps now they could help stir ingredients together. Tasks that involve sorting items are often a good way to keep their minds occupied as well.

  • Let the senior have all the time they need to go at their own pace with any activity.
  • Offer support and guidance, rather than taking over or doing an activity yourself.
  • Offer instructions one small step at a time so they don’t feel overwhelmed by information.
  • Remember — the activity is more important than the result.
  • Stay flexible and easily able to adapt and change. This will lower the potential for frustration.

Stay focused on the time you are spending together, talking through each activity and any memories associated with them. If your loved one isn’t enjoying the task at hand, perhaps just talking about things would be more enjoyable. You can attempt the activity again at a later time.

Our team of professionals in dementia care has many ideas that can help you if you have a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s. We can help you as a caretaker keep them engaged in the world around them and although you might have to do it differently, you can still have very meaningful time and conversations with your loved one!

Contact us today for more tips on caring for those with cognitive decline.

Home Helpers of San Rafael is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour live-in care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care as well as homemaker services in San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, Larkspur, Tiburon, Corte Madera, Sausalito, Belvedere, Ross, and Greenbrae, California.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

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Helping Seniors Avoid Holiday Depression

“Holiday blues” among seniors is very real and should be handled carefully. Older adults often have emotional, mental, and physical needs not taken into account during the holidays, and it can be a difficult time for them. While there are several things that can influence their confusion, or even depression during the holidays, here are a few that you might want to keep an eye out for.

Loneliness. It’s easy for adult children to forget how much their grandparents or elderly parents look forward to spending time with them. Once people get busy with their own lives and family, the senior loved ones often get overlooked. Make It a priority to work in time to spend with them this holiday season!

One more thing to remember is that many elderly loved ones have outlived close friends and family, and they may really be feeling the sting of those losses during the holidays. So how do you help the seniors in your life enjoy the here-and-now? So glad you asked! Read on.

Tips for Helping Elderly Loved Ones Have Joy During the Holidays:

Stroll Down Memory Lane
Cognitive decline such as memory loss makes it hard for the elderly to recall recent happenings, but they remember long-term memories with no problem. Asking them to share stories from the past is a good way to engage them in conversation. It’s also great for the children to hear these stories and pass them down. If possible, gather together around photo albums or videos and have some quality time!

Plan Ahead
It’s a good idea to plan ahead for the activities not to wear an older person out. They may be used to a routine and could become exhausted or agitated with over-stimulation. Designating a “quiet room” for them to take a nap if needed can really help with this problem. Assign someone to be a companion for the day to make sure all the older person’s needs are met.

Eliminate Obstacles
Be careful not to rearrange furniture or change the layout of the home in any way if the holiday gathering will take place at the home of a senior with dementia or Alzheimer’s. The resulting confusion could be a source of stress for them. You should also remove throw rugs or anything else they could easily trip on.

Avoid Embarrassing Moments
Avoid having a conversation that would embarrass a person with short-term memory loss. For instance, if they repeat the same question or tell the same story over again, don’t tease them about that or say things like, “I just told you this, don’t you remember?”

Get Out of the House
Part of helping seniors enjoy the now is giving them new things to anticipate. Getting them out of the house for a concert, play, or museum is a great way to enjoy new things with them. They may also really enjoy things like driving around to look at Christmas lights. These are ways to make new memories!

Be Inclusive in Meal Preparation
When it comes to the holiday meal, involve everyone, including seniors! They may have physical limitations but can still help with simpler tasks such as setting the table, arranging flowers, or peeling veggies. The youngest all the way up to the oldest should have fun in the kitchen!

Reach Out
Loneliness is a tough thing for anyone but can be especially difficult for seniors. Depression often sets in when they are lonely, so take time to reach out, make a call to chat, or stop in to visit. Seniors need to feel connected, especially during the holidays.

Stay on the Sunny Side
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that often sets in during the winter months. It can be worsened by a lack of sunlight when days are much shorter during the winter. If your senior loved one is confined to being indoors most of the time, help get them outside for exposure to the sun for a few minutes. Whether you sit on the porch and have coffee or take a walk, sunlight is very important for preventing depression!

Monitor Medications and Alcohol
Finally, be mindful of helping seniors stick the routines they are used to. This includes medication. If there is a lot going on, it can be easy to get off their medication schedule, so set a timer if necessary, to help them remember when medicine should be taken.

For more information on helping seniors get through the holiday blues, contact us today!

Home Helpers of San Rafael is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour live-in care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care as well as homemaker services in San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, Larkspur, Tiburon, Corte Madera, Sausalito, Belvedere, Ross, and Greenbrae, California.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

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How to Prepare Moving Aging Parents into Your Home

It can be a tough decision to move an aging parent into your home, but once the decision is made, there are some things you can do to make the process as easy as possible. Here are some tips to help you plan for the big move.

Assess the Way They Currently Live
You may not notice cognitive decline right away, but it can start with small things like noticing the house is not as clean as it has always been, or bills are going unpaid or laundry is piling up. If you notice anything like this, it may be a sign that you need to start thinking about moving an aging parent into your home. The hardest part about this decision is having a conversation with your loved ones about the assistance they may need.

Have a Family Meeting
Having a meeting with family members, including extended family, can be very helpful for all parties involved. Remember, the decision to move your parents into your home will impact more than just them; it will also affect your spouse and your children. Have a meeting with everyone to discuss the care that is needed and how each family member can help. Most family members want to help but may not know what is appropriate. If discussing these things makes you tense or anxious, talking to an older family member or therapist can help ease the transition.

Navigating the Changes
There are many things to take into consideration before moving a senior loved one into your home. Is your house big enough to accommodate their needs? Will they have privacy? Do they need special handicap aids such as ramps or bathrooms that can hold a wheelchair? While some of these things are major, other things can be as minor as removing obstacles such as rugs or furniture and making sure the living space is safe.

Figuring Out Finances
There is a lot of responsibility that comes with being a caretaker, and it can be challenging to add these tasks to your already full schedule. You may be working full-time or juggling children and the running of a household. It is important to go through the financial situation your aging parents are in, and if there are adequate funds to cover modifications to your home, extra food, and utilities, etc. Costs can add up quickly, so a budget is crucial.

Moving Day
Moving from their home can be very stressful for your parents. They may be leaving the house they have known for years and even raised their own family in and deciding what to take and what goes into storage can be emotionally challenging. It’s a tough job to sort, sell or donate, and pack, so you will need lots of help. Make sure this help comes from people who will keep things positive and upbeat and allow your parents to talk about things as they come up during the moving process. This can be very therapeutic for everyone! Ask them to tell stories and reminisce along the way so you can be as emotionally connected and supportive as possible.

It can be tough to navigate the waters of this season of life, but with a little help and planning, it doesn’t have to be a negative time. For more information on moving senior loved ones into your home, please contact us today!

Home Helpers of San Rafael is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour live-in care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care as well as homemaker services in San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, Larkspur, Tiburon, Corte Madera, Sausalito, Belvedere, Ross, and Greenbrae, California.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

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