by Shelley | Jul 26, 2021 | Alzheimer's and Dementia
Dear Donna:
My grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease about ten months ago. We lived several hours apart, so he recently moved in with me and my family. We felt it was the best way to keep him healthy and safe.
While we are learning more about the disease and how to manage changes, one challenge is particularly worrisome. In the last few weeks, he’s started getting agitated and pacing in the evening. Researching these behaviors has me convinced my grandfather is experiencing sundowner’s syndrome. I understand it puts him at higher risk for attempting to wander from home.
I’m concerned if he does wander, we won’t be able to find him before something terrible happens. We have a home security system, but we don’t always have it on. Do you have any suggestions for what we can do to keep him safe?
Sincerely,
Steve from Ann Arbor, Michigan
GPS Tracking for Adults with Alzheimer’s Disease
Dear Steve:
We’ve heard from others in this situation many times over the years. Wandering is a common worry as the disease progresses. In fact, Alzheimer’s Association research shows that six out of ten people with the disease will wander. Locating a senior quickly is essential.
Fortunately, technology provides seniors and their family members with a variety of solutions. A leading option is GPS tracking devices. Here are a couple to explore for your grandfather:
- SmartSole®: This discreet GPS device is actually a trimmable insole that fits snuggly into a senior’s shoe. Once inserted, the technology in the sole can track a senior’s location if they wander away and become lost. It works by establishing circular perimeters known as geozones. If the senior exits these areas, their caregivers will receive an alert. The caregivers can also use a smartphone app to instantly check their senior loved one’s location.
- GPS watch: Another option family caregivers find useful is a GPS watch. They are especially effective for a senior accustomed to wearing a watch, as they will be less likely to try to remove it. Many look similar to a sports watch, making them a more discreet option than a pendant. Features vary by model but the TK-STAR GPS Watch and the Tycho Real-time SOS GPS Tracker earn good reviews.
Finally, I’d also like to share a few resources that might be helpful in managing agitation and reducing the risk for wandering. 4 Common Triggers for Anger and Agitation in People with Alzheimer’s and Wandering are two articles to review.
I hope this information is useful in caring for your grandfather, Steve.
Kind regards,
Donna
Memory Care at Heritage Senior Living Communities
Families who have a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or a similar type of dementia often find the support of a specialized dementia care community to be an ideal solution. These programs keep a senior with memory loss safe while also allowing for the best quality of life. Call the Heritage Senior Living community nearest you to learn more today!
by Shelley | Jun 28, 2021 | Alzheimer's and Dementia
When a senior loved one has Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, it can be tough to keep them busy in meaningful ways. But it’s important to be persistent and keep trying. That’s because engaging in productive activities boosts self-esteem.
Adults with Alzheimer’s often feel diminished and discouraged about their inability to complete tasks they used to do independently. As their need for assistance increases, the senior may experience depression and a loss of interest in the world around them. You can help prevent or overcome that by structuring their days with productive activity.
For people with most forms of dementia, the positive feelings created by meaningful experiences linger long after memories of the activity itself are lost. If you aren’t sure how to get started planning more structured days, we have some ideas you will find useful.
Productive Activities for a Senior with Dementia
First, avoid childlike activities that may leave a senior feeling degraded. Children’s games and puzzles with bright colors and large pieces, for example, might seem like a good idea. In reality, they can actually be demeaning. Instead, offer activities and tasks that are genuinely productive.
It’s also important to focus on the process, not the outcome. By taking that approach, you can both find joy in the moment.
Here are some productive activities to help you plan a structured, weekly schedule for a senior with dementia:
- Music: The therapeutic value of music is well-documented. Singing along to music from happy times can evoke memories long forgotten for someone with dementia. They might be from childhood, young adult days, or married life. Try to track down songs and artists your senior loved one reacts positively to and create a playlist.
- Household chores: Contributing to the household can also help a senior feel more productive. Your family member can assist with chores that don’t require abstract thought, such as folding laundry, dusting, vacuuming, unpacking groceries, or sweeping the kitchen floor.
- Arts and crafts: Like music, art is another form of therapy for people of all ages. Completing simple art projects together, like painting a wooden picture frame or making a garden stepping stone, is great bonding time.
- Physical fitness: Engaging in physical activities, like chair yoga, walking, or stretching, can also leave the senior feeling accomplished. Exercise can help a senior with Alzheimer’s sleep better and be less inclined to wander.
- Reminiscence: Going back in time can allow an adult with memory loss to revisit happier days. Pull out old family photos and reminisce as you sort through them together. You could make copies of favorites and put together a scrapbook or organize them into albums.
- Pet care: Having an animal to love and care for can also make a senior with dementia feel needed. A dog, which needs to be fed, walked, and brushed, might be especially beneficial.
- Gardening: Caring for a raised bed vegetable garden or container flower garden is also peaceful and productive. Just make sure the flowers aren’t toxic if consumed. It’s not uncommon for an adult with dementia to put things in their mouth to taste. Check this list of poisonous flowers before purchasing.
- Nature: One of the most beneficial activities for people of all ages is spending time in nature. It can be as simple as bird-watching in your backyard or taking a nature hike at a local park. Most parks have accessible walking paths for those with mobility challenges. One note of caution is to invest in a GPS tracking device for the senior to wear in case you become separated.
As one of the Great Lakes region’s leading providers of specialized dementia care, Heritage Senior Communities are dedicated to helping seniors with a memory impairment enjoy productive days. We invite you to call the community nearest you to learn more about The Terrace, our dedicated dementia care units.
by Shelley | Apr 26, 2021 | Alzheimer's and Dementia
When a senior loved one’s dementia requires care and support that family members can’t safely provide at home, a memory care community might be the best solution. From a secure environment to dedicated dining and life enrichment activities, they are designed to help adults with dementia enjoy their best quality of life.
If you are unfamiliar with assisted living or memory care, it might be tough to figure out where to start. Making an informed decision requires asking the right questions and focusing on the core factors of quality care.
As you search for memory care communities, here are some tips for avoiding the most common mistakes.
Avoiding Mistakes in the Search for Memory Care
Mistake #1: Failing to tour the community
While online research and speaking with the community’s team by phone can help you narrow down your choices, you need to see the community in person. If local memory care communities are restricting visitors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ask them to arrange a virtual tour instead. That will at least give you an opportunity to look around and get a feel for the community.
Mistake #2: Making location the top priority
While it’s important for you to visit and check on your senior loved one easily, location shouldn’t be your top priority. Memory care is a unique program and finding a quality community might require you to travel a little farther. From community safety to caregiver qualifications, dining program, and life enrichment activities, there are other criteria of equal or greater importance.
Mistake #3: Failing to ask the right questions about caregivers
Dementia care is unlike other types of senior living. Team members who work with adults who have Alzheimer’s disease or a similar form of dementia need specialized training. Make sure you ask about what type of training dementia caregivers undergo and how often they attend continuing education programs.
Also ask what the ratio of residents to caregivers is and how long the average staff member has been on board. Both play a vital role in the quality and continuity of care.
Mistake #4: Not checking surveys, reviews, and references
Memory care communities typically fall under the umbrella of assisted living. As such, they are licensed at the state level. Each state sets their own rules and regulations for providers to follow. Surveys are routinely conducted to evaluate the community’s compliance. Most states publish survey results on the Department of Aging or Department of Health and Human Services website.
Be sure to read online reviews and seek input from your friends and colleagues. Feedback from someone you know and trust who has experience with the community is invaluable.
Memory Care at Heritage Senior Communities
At Heritage communities we call our specialized dementia care unit The Terrace. In a thoughtfully designed environment, we use a person-centered approach to meet the care needs of each resident. Visit the Specialized Memory Care section of our website for more details and a list of our dementia communities throughout Michigan!
by Shelley | Mar 22, 2021 | Alzheimer's and Dementia
When you notice changes in an aging parent’s memory, you might worry it is Alzheimer’s. For many people, it’s the only symptom they are familiar with. Others, such as a change in disposition or problems managing finances, can be red flags, too. But each of these can also be warning signs of a reversible medical condition, such as a vitamin B12 deficiency or an undetected infection.
While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, early interventions may help slow progression of the disease. That’s why it’s important for a senior to see their physician when changes first begin to appear.
How Physicians Diagnose Alzheimer’s
People are often surprised to learn there is no single test that can diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. Instead, it is a process of identifying common symptoms of the disease and eliminating other potential causes.
If a physician suspects Alzheimer’s disease, they will usually complete the following tests to arrive at a diagnosis:
- Family and personal medical history: Your parent’s doctor will likely ask you to share the changes that concern you, so create a list before the first appointment. The doctor will also ask questions about the senior’s medical history and personal lifestyle factors. Diet, exercise, alcohol consumption, and smoking will likely be discussed.
- Physical examination: The physician will assess the senior’s mental and physical wellness. This usually includes checking blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, pulse, and reflexes. The doctor will assess cognitive abilities by asking the senior a series of questions or presenting them with problems to solve. They are designed to evaluate memory, judgment, attention span, reasoning, and language skills.
- Brain imaging: Brain scans are usually conducted. They help detect if the brain is shrinking, while also looking for other potential causes of the changes you’ve noticed in your parent. An aneurysm, tumor, nerve injury, or stroke can all be detected through brain imaging. These conditions can also cause symptoms that look like Alzheimer’s.
- Blood tests: To rule out other conditions that mimic Alzheimer’s, bloodwork will be performed. It can detect a thyroid problem, a urinary tract or other infection, or vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Depression evaluation: Depression is another illness that causes symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s. So much so, it is often referred to as pseudodementia. The physician will usually conduct a depression screening or refer the patient to a mental health expert for an assessment.
- Spinal tap: A process that has been used with success in European countries is collecting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to identify biomarkers. It’s done through a spinal tap. In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration approved it for use in this country.
Based on the results of these tests, the primary care doctor will determine if the symptoms are likely Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. If so, they may refer the patient to a neurologist for further follow-up. The tests might also identify a different medical condition that will require appropriate follow-up.
Leaders in Memory Care Services
At Heritage Senior Communities, we understand how difficult it can be to meet the needs of a loved one with memory impairments at home. Whether it’s Alzheimer’s disease or a different type of dementia, safety and quality of life are issues families worry about.
That’s why many of our assisted living centers have a dedicated unit focused on memory care called The Terrace. We invite you to call The Terrace program nearest you with questions about memory care or to schedule an in-person or virtual tour.
by Shelley | Feb 22, 2021 | Alzheimer's and Dementia
Caring for a senior who has Alzheimer’s disease can be rewarding. The hands-on role allows you to make a meaningful difference and provide emotional support. Taking your loved one to physician appointments, managing medications, and preparing meals help you feel confident they are receiving quality care.
The increasing demands of caregiving might make it tough to maintain your own mental and physical well-being. Back pain, headaches, stomach problems, and insomnia are a few of the most common medical issues caregivers report. Unfortunately, so are anxiety and depression.
Caregivers also experience guilt and fear wondering if they are meeting their loved one’s needs. This type of second-guessing can increase stress, something most caregivers already struggle to manage.
If this situation sounds familiar, it’s likely time to create a plan to regain a healthier sense of balance in your life. Here are a few steps you can take.
3 Ways to Restore Balance When You Are a Caregiver
- Take time off.
This might be tough for a dedicated caregiver, especially given the current coronavirus concerns. Taking regular breaks is essential for caregivers. Could another family member or friend stay with your senior loved one for a few hours each week? You will be a better caregiver if you are able to take time off on a regular basis.
If you don’t have anyone who can help, you might want to consider respite services through an in-home care agency. Depending on the status of the COVID-19 pandemic in your area, your family member may be able to stay at a local memory care community a few days each month.
This has another benefit: allowing you to evaluate if the community is a good fit for your loved one should the need arise. Having a backup plan if you fall ill or are otherwise unable to care for your loved one can give you peace of mind.
- Connect with support.
Family members often feel a strong sense of duty when it comes to taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s. The idea of turning a loved one’s care over to someone else isn’t easy, especially when they may have limited verbal skills and memory loss. Talking your challenges through with peers who can relate will help.
Alzheimer’s support groups are hosted in a variety of places ranging from local churches to area senior centers and libraries. Another safe option is to connect with an online caregiver support group. This article will help you learn more, including how to find an online group to join.
- Engage in nurturing activities.
Engage in activities that boost your spirit on a regular basis. While it may feel like a luxury, spending even short amounts of time on hobbies or tasks that bring peace will make you a better caregiver.
Enjoy a few laughs over lunch or on a video chat with a friend. Take an art class online. Plant an indoor or outdoor herb garden. Meditation, Tai Chi, and yoga are also good ways to connect with your spirit.
Call Heritage with Questions about Dementia Care
If you think the time has come to start exploring memory care communities in Michigan or Indiana, or if you have questions about dementia care in general, we’ll be happy to help. Call a Heritage specialized dementia community today!
by Shelley | Jan 25, 2021 | Alzheimer's and Dementia
Exercise is essential at every stage in life. While the amount and type of fitness activities you engage in might need to be modified as you grow older, exercising has many benefits. Those include helping people maintain a healthy weight, reducing anxiety, promoting better quality sleep, and boosting mood.
If you or a loved one has dementia, exercise also offers additional benefits for the body and mind. Early- to mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease, for example, often causes low energy, problems with coordination, balance issues, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Regular exercise helps combat the negative impact of each.
The Therapeutic Value of Exercise
According to WebMD, “repetitive exercises such as walking, indoor bicycling, and even tasks such as folding laundry may lower anxiety in people with the disease because they don’t have to make decisions or remember what to do next. They also can feel good knowing that they’ve accomplished something when they’re finished.”
Research from the Wake Forest School of Medicine highlights even more benefits. They found that physical activity also has a positive impact on the brains of people with Alzheimer’s. Those enrolled in the trial had been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or diabetes, which is thought to raise the risk for developing Alzheimer’s. Some participants worked out at community gyms for an hour of aerobic activity or stretching exercise four times a week for six months. All were supervised during these activities.
At the end of the study, researchers had determined that “exercisers had better blood flow in the memory and processing centers of their brains and had measurable improvement in attention, planning, and organizing abilities referred to as executive function.”
If you are the family caregiver or adult child of a senior with dementia, you might be wondering what type of exercises are best. We have a few suggestions for you to review with your loved one’s primary care physician.
4 Safe Exercises for Adults with Dementia
- Walking: Walking 30 minutes a day is good for most adults with dementia. Finding a safe and scenic place where you can walk together can give you both a mental and physical boost. If 30 minutes is too much to start, break it up into several mini-sessions a day instead. You might feel safer if you purchase a GPS tracking device for your loved one to wear when you are walking outdoors.
- Practicing chair yoga: The combination of stretching and breathing exercises at the core of yoga is great for improving flexibility, coordination, balance, and relaxation. For adults with dementia, chair yoga might be an option. Through a series of yoga poses performed from a seated position, participants can feel successful while also reaping the health benefits of yoga. It’s also been proven to improve balance for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
- Pedaling on a recumbent bike: Simple, repetitive movements are ideal for people living with memory impairment. A recumbent bike is usually safest. In addition to the ease of the motion, riding a bike gets the heart pumping and muscles working.
- Weights or resistance bands: Weight training helps keep muscles strong and joints limber. It also combats bone loss as you grow older. Lifting weights and using resistance bands are two ways people with dementia can do that. People with dementia should lift weights only under supervision.
Specialized Dementia Care at Heritage
At Heritage Senior Communities, we understand the value of exercise for residents in independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Our communities offer daily fitness opportunities ranging from stretching classes to bocce ball. For more information on specialized dementia care, please call the Heritage community nearest you today!
