Essential Techniques for Visiting a Family Member With Dementia
A diagnosis of dementia may also mean a diagnosis for loneliness. Though remaining social remains critically important for people with dementia, many different factors can cause an increase in isolation, such as: The need to discontinue driving Discomfort on the part of friends and family who are unsure what to say (or not to say) […]
Tips for Finding Engaging Activities for Loved Ones With Dementia
What is it that gets you out of bed every day? Most of us have a long list of to-dos that drives us to start the day. As much as we might wish we could keep hitting the snooze button, having a feeling of purpose is imperative to our health and wellbeing. That’s true for […]
Use Adaptive Activities for a Person With Alzheimer’s to Help Preserve Independence
If you are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, you may be inclined to do whatever you can for the person to help relieve the stress of even the most basic everyday tasks. Independent living and dementia may even seem like polar opposites. However, we all have a natural need to safeguard self-reliance and the […]
Strategies for Handling Shadowing in a Loved One With Alzheimer’s
Primary caregivers for people with Alzheimer’s disease are frequently all too familiar with the difficulty experienced in trying to take a quiet minute or two alone – to use the bathroom, get a quick shower, or even just walk into another room. Those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s can experience enhanced fear when a loved one is […]
Alzheimer’s and Loss of Hearing: Is There a Link?
When checking in on Mom, you find the TV is blaring, and she keeps asking you to repeat what you’ve just said, or even to speak up because she thinks you’re mumbling. Some degree of hearing loss is definitely common in older individuals, and of course requires staying on top of through regular hearing tests. […]
Understanding 8 Possible Alzheimer’s Behaviors
You can’t quite put your finger on it, but you have started to notice some changes in Mom’s behaviors recently. She’s a bit more forgetful than before. She keeps losing her car keys. Often, she repeats herself. Could it be Alzheimer’s disease? Currently, more than 6.5 million people age 65 and older are struggling with […]
Dementia Caregiving: Practical Tips for Family Caregivers
Dementia caregiving can feel as challenging as trying to wrap your mind around quantum physics. It entails attempting to make sense of what appears nonsensical, and responding in ways that seem counterintuitive to everything you’ve learned until now. Yet with a few simple tools in your dementia care toolbox, you can feel well informed and […]
Tips for Sensory Stimulation for Dementia Patients
Swift changes in moods are hallmark signs and symptoms of dementia, and can be very hard for family caregivers to navigate. One moment you are having fun with a nice activity together, when seemingly out of nowhere, the senior’s countenance darkens. You could then find yourself walking on eggshells while you carefully try to resolve […]
How to Deal with False Accusations from an Older Loved One With Dementia
Imagine having a lovely afternoon with an older loved one with dementia, listening to music and playing a game of cards with each other, when abruptly the person’s mood darkens. When you innocently ask what’s wrong, you receive an angry and surprising response: “I know you stole $20 out of my wallet! Why would you […]
Activities to Keep People with Alzheimer’s Engaged and Happy
Continuing to be active and involved in meaningful pursuits is incredibly important for our mental health. We all need to feel both needed and successful. This feeling does not change because of a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, though it may require some creativity to attain. In fact, stimulating and worthwhile activities can lessen stressful symptoms […]