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4 Tips for Traveling with Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s

4 Tips for Traveling with Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s

by | Apr 27, 2020 | Dear Donna

Dear Donna,

My dad is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. Our family reunion is coming up, and we are nervous about traveling. It will be his first trip away from home since his diagnosis.

How can I keep my dad safe and comfortable while traveling? We all want very much for him to be able to attend.

Sincerely,

Jan from Traverse City, MI

Traveling with a Senior Loved One Who Has Alzheimer’s

Dear Jan,

Traveling with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Often, it just requires a little extra planning. By understanding their stressors and using strategies to keep them at ease, caregivers can make traveling a positive experience for everyone involved. Here are a few tips for traveling with a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease.

4 Alzheimer’s Travel Tips

  1. Plan ahead.

When traveling with a person with Alzheimer’s, understand it may take longer to get places and accomplish specific tasks. Leaving extra time for each activity can help you feel at ease if something goes wrong. You might even want to invest in a GPS bracelet or pendant, which can locate them quickly if they wander.

  1. Choose the right travel method.

Mode of transportation is one of the most important factors to consider when traveling with a loved one who has dementia. Try to pick a method they will find comfortable.

Familiar and relaxed modes of transportation, like a car or even a train, tend to be good choices. Trains can also be a good option because they allow you to sit together. Because you are not driving, you can focus on your loved one’s safety. By contrast, air travel can be quite stressful.

  1. Be mindful of when you travel.

Timing is another key factor. Sticking to a routine can help reduce anxiety in seniors with dementia. Try your best to maintain their schedule as closely as possible. For example, eat meals and go to bed at the usual time. Try to avoid traveling in the evening, especially if your loved one experiences sundowning. Travel during hours when they are in their best mood. This is usually in the morning or earlier part of the day.

  1. Have important documents handy.

It’s also helpful to have important documents ready in case of emergency. This includes a list of your loved one’s medications and dosages, their doctor’s name, and emergency contact information. Bullet cards summarizing their special needs to share with transportation and hotel personnel may also help.

Evaluate Your Loved One’s Abilities

Before planning a trip, evaluate your loved one’s ability to travel. Seniors in the early stages of the disease may have an easier time leaving home than those in later stages. If your loved one struggles with traveling, decide whether the trip is necessary. Is the event going to make them upset or cause them a great deal of discomfort? If so, it may be best to let them sit it out.

I hope these tips make traveling easier for you and your senior loved one with Alzheimer’s.

Sincerely,

Donna

Respite Care in Michigan

If your senior loved one isn’t up for traveling, you may want to consider respite care services, such as those provided at Heritage Senior Communities. You can enjoy your trip knowing your loved one is safe. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a private tour.

4 Tips for Traveling with Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s

4 Tips to Encourage Seniors to Take Care of Themselves

by | Apr 6, 2020 | Dear Donna, Healthy Aging

Dear Donna,

My mom used to put a lot of effort into staying healthy. After she retired, she stopped taking care of herself. She seems to value convenience over health. It’s not uncommon for her to go days without exercising or wearing something other than pajamas.

How can I encourage my senior mom to take better care of herself? I’m not sure what has caused her to lose her life-long motivation.

Sincerely,

Karen from Hudsonville, MI

Helping a Senior Loved One Care for Themselves

Dear Karen,

It’s not unusual for seniors, especially homebodies, to have difficulty getting motivated to take care of themselves. But self-care and personal hygiene are essential for health and wellness at any age.

Here are a few tips for caregivers to encourage senior loved ones to care for themselves.

4 Self-Care Tips for Seniors

  1. Diet

A nutrient-rich diet is essential for your overall health and wellness. Many seniors choose convenience over health for various reasons. Getting to the grocery store may be challenging due to driving limitations or distance. They may opt for fast food when they aren’t motivated to cook for one.

Regardless of the reason, nutrient-dense food is essential for health. Offer to cook fresh meals with your mom. If grocery shopping is a concern, invite her shop with you or offer to do her shopping.

  1. Sleep

It’s a common misconception that you need less sleep with age. Seniors need just as much sleep as younger adults. Encourage a good night’s sleep by offering to arrange your mom’s bedroom for successful rest. To promote good sleep hygiene, make sure the sheets are clean and the room is a comfortable temperature.

  1. Exercise

There are so many reasons to move your body. Exercise can reduce the risk of many chronic health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis. Physical activity can also improve muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination, which can reduce the risk of falls and fall-related injuries.

When encouraging a senior loved one to work out, remember that starting an exercise routine can be challenging. One way to encourage your mother is to work out together. Even a 15-minute walk in the morning or an afternoon swim can make a world of difference.

  1. Socialize

Many people don’t realize how important it is to stay social throughout their lives. Feeling connected to others and having strong social ties can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Some studies even show remaining social can lead to a longer life. It can be challenging for seniors to stay social after retirement because they don’t have as many opportunities to make friends.

Help your mom by taking her to a local senior center, helping her find senior classes, or simply taking your mother to places where she can connect with others.

Be Mindful of Limitations

Some seniors may have mobility challenges or health conditions that limit their ability to perform certain activities of daily living. It’s important to approach your mother in a helpful, understanding way. Do your best to be considerate of her boundaries and offer assistance where you can.

I hope this helps you encourage your mother to take care of her health.

Sincerely,

Donna

Heritage Senior Communities Supports Senior Health

If your senior loved one is struggling to care for themselves, they may benefit from moving to a senior living community where they have assistance. Many communities serve healthy meals and provide plenty of options to stay physically and socially active. Heritage Senior Communities also offers life enrichment programs that encourage personal growth and creativity. The best way to learn about how we support senior wellness is to visit one of our communities. Contact us today to schedule a private tour.

4 Tips for Traveling with Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s

4 Tips for Helping a Senior Find a Primary Care Doctor

by | Mar 9, 2020 | Caregiving, Dear Donna

Dear Donna,

My mom’s doctor announced he is retiring soon. He has been her primary care doctor for over 30 years, so she is nervous about finding a new one. I want to help, but I am unsure where to start. How do you help an older loved one find a primary care doctor?

Sincerely,

Jen from Norton Shores, MI

Helping Senior Loved Ones Find a Primary Care Doctor

Dear Jen,

Choosing a new doctor can be difficult for anyone. In addition to verifying their credentials and experience, you need to find out if they are taking new patients. You also want your loved one to feel comfortable talking with their doctor about their health. Consider factors like bedside manner and communication skills. Here are a few tips for helping your loved one find a new primary care doctor.

4 Tips for Finding a New Doctor

  1. Ask friends and neighbors

Many people find success in a doctor recommended by someone they know. Have your senior loved one ask their friends for a referral. Also, encourage them to explain what they like about their doctor because their needs can be different. For example, someone might recommend a quick and efficient doctor, while your loved one might prefer more time and attention. If you don’t have luck with friends and family, you might want to check with your local senior center. They are often great resources for local referrals.

  1. Read online reviews

In addition to recommendations from friends and family, you can look online for guidance. There are many sites where patients can review their experience with a doctor. Even a quick Google search can give you the average rating of a specific doctor. Some websites, such as Zocdoc, will provide you with additional information, like wait time and bedside manner.

  1. Check their health plan list

Before making an appointment with a new doctor, make sure they accept your loved one’s insurance. You can find out by calling the doctor’s office or the insurance company. Their health plan list is also an excellent place to start if you don’t have referrals. You can look at the list of doctors provided by the insurance plan and then research their reputation online. If your loved one has Medicare, you can reach out to them or visit their website to access a list of local doctors who are accepting new patients.

  1. Consider convenience

When looking for a new doctor, consider accessibility. The doctor’s office should be easy for your loved one to get to, and the hours should work with their schedule. Also, find out how easy it is to schedule an appointment. Is the doctor booked far in advance? What is the average wait time? Consider all these factors before you decide.

Explore Your Options

Helping a senior loved one find a new primary care doctor can be difficult, especially if they have had the same one for a long time. But their doctor plays an important role in keeping them healthy. Meet with a few doctors until you find one you are confident can meet your loved one’s needs.

I hope this helps you find a doctor for your mom!

Sincerely,

Donna

Heritage Senior Communities

Heritage Senior Communities is designed with senior wellness in mind. From independent living to assisted living and memory care, Heritage Senior Communities has a senior living solution to meet your or your loved one’s needs. Contact the community nearest you to schedule a private tour.

4 Tips for Traveling with Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s

6 Tips to Assess a Senior’s Bathroom for Safety

by | Mar 2, 2020 | Dear Donna

Dear Donna,

My dad’s 90th birthday is coming up. He lives alone, and I am a little concerned about his safety. His mobility has decreased over the years, and I am worried about him falling. I heard a lot of falls that happen in the home occur in the bathroom.

For his birthday, I am thinking about helping my dad make a few adjustments to his bathroom to make it safer. How do I assess a senior’s bathroom for safety?

Sincerely,

Joyce from Holland, MI

Assessing a Senior’s Bathroom for Safety

Dear Joyce,

It’s understandable why you might worry about a senior loved one who lives alone. Falls are a leading cause of injury for seniors. One in four American seniors falls every year and up to 80 percent of falls in the home happen in the bathroom. Fortunately, many falls are preventable. Here are a few tips to help you assess a senior’s bathroom to reduce their risk of falling.

6 Tips for Preventing Falls in the Bathroom

  1. Keep floor surfaces slip-free.

Floor tiles, bathtubs, and the shower platform can become slippery when wet. Keeping them slip-resistant is an essential step in preventing accidents. Here are a few tips to keep bathroom surfaces safe:

  • Place non-skid mats or non-slip strips on the bathtub and shower floors.
  • Use slip-free rugs to step on when exiting the bath or shower.
  • Replace the floor with a slip-resistant material like rubber or non-slip vinyl.
  1. Be mindful of where you store items.

The constant need to reach and bend down to access items can increase the risk of an accident. Keep your loved one’s most-used items in easy-to-reach places. These include toilet paper, towels, and soap.

  1. Replace towel bars with grab bars.

Grab bars can be particularly helpful for seniors with balance or mobility challenges. These are most helpful near the shower and toilet.

  1. Invest in a barrier-free shower.

A raised entrance to the tub or shower is another tripping hazard. Walk-in bathtubs and showers are easier to get in and out of. Consider installing one to reduce your loved one’s chances of falling.

  1. Install a raised toilet seat.

Seniors with reduced strength or mobility may struggle to get on and off a low toilet. Installing a higher toilet seat or adding a seat extender to their existing toilet is a simple way to make their experience more comfortable.

  1. Ensure there is adequate lighting.

Proper lighting is vital throughout the entire home, but especially in areas your loved one commonly visits after dark. To keep your loved one safe, make sure they can easily access light switches as they enter the bathroom. Night-lights can also be useful in areas like this. You can even plug in night-lights that turn on automatically to ensure optimal safety.

Most Falls Are Preventable

Up to half of the falls that occur among seniors are due to environmental conditions, like poor lighting, slippery floors, and uneven surfaces. This suggests that although common, falling is often preventable. Hopefully, by using these tips, you can make your loved one’s bathroom safer and prevent them from falling.

Sincerely,

Donna

Heritage Senior Communities Puts Senior Safety First

If your loved one is at risk of falling or you are concerned about their safety, you may want to explore senior living options. Many communities, including Heritage Senior Communities, are designed with safety in mind. Contact us today to schedule a private tour.

4 Tips for Traveling with Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s

How Caregivers Can Help Seniors Eat Healthier

by | Feb 17, 2020 | Dear Donna, Healthy Aging

Dear Donna,

My dad is 70 years old, and I am concerned about his diet. He has arthritis, so it’s difficult for him to cook. He usually opts for fast food because the drive-through is convenient. When he does make it to the grocery store, he purchases processed and frozen foods high in sodium. How can I help my senior dad eat better?

Sincerely,

Kim from Grand Haven, MI

How Nutrition Changes with Age

Dear Kim,

It’s great that you are trying to help your dad eat healthier. Mobility constraints are a common reason seniors choose convenience foods over healthy options. However, a diet rich in nutrients is essential for older adults to maintain their health.

Nutrition needs can change with age for various reasons, including:

  • Slowed metabolism: People usually become less active with age. This slows metabolism, so they require less food.
  • Decreased nutrition absorption: Although seniors often require less food, their nutrient requirements increase. Unfortunately, their bodies absorb and use nutrients less effectively, making it more important to make good choices.
  • Change in appetite: Many seniors’ appetites change. This shift can be caused by certain medications or a decrease in their senses of smell and taste.

Consider Frozen Foods

Frozen foods can be a great way for seniors to eat healthy, so long as they are choosing the right foods. Take time to make sure your loved one knows how to read nutrition labels on frozen meals. They should look for items with less than 300–400 calories and between 8 and 25 grams of fat, depending on their diet. Also, make sure meals have less than 800 milligrams of sodium. A few senior-friendly options include:

  • Amy’s Asian Noodle Stir-Fry
  • Trader Joe’s Tandoor Chef Chicken Tandoori with Spinach
  • Healthy Choice Cajun Style Chicken & Shrimp
  • Lean Cuisine Salmon with Basil

Try Meal Delivery Services

If grocery shopping is an issue and no one is available to help, your loved one may benefit from a home delivery meal service. Meal delivery services bring fully cooked meals straight to your doorstep. You store them in the fridge and microwave them when you are ready to eat.

Silver Cuisine, for example, makes meals specifically for adults over 65. Your loved one can choose a meal plan that meets their dietary needs. A few options include heart-healthy, low-sodium, and Mediterranean meal plans.

Consider Meals on Wheels Programs

If you are unable to help your loved one meet their nutrition requirements, then you may want to see if your community has a Meals on Wheels program. Meals on Wheels is dedicated to providing seniors with the nutrition they need to avoid food insecurity and remain independent. Through this program, volunteers deliver well-rounded meals to the home. To learn more about this program or locate your local organization, visit the Meals on Wheels website.

Nutrition Is Important

A healthy diet is essential for all ages, including seniors. Meeting nutrition requirements is necessary for older adults to stay healthy and independent. Those who eat healthily often report stronger immune health, higher energy levels, better cognitive functioning, and an easier time managing chronic conditions.

I hope this helps your dad eat better.

Regards,

Donna

Heritage Senior Communities Supports a Healthy Diet

If you are concerned about your aging loved one’s ability to eat healthily, you may want to consider senior living. Most communities, including Heritage Senior Communities, provide meals designed for the unique needs of older adults. Many communities also offer options to accommodate specialty diets, like low-sodium or sugar-free meals.

Contact us today to learn more about how we help our residents eat healthily.

 

4 Tips for Traveling with Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s

3 Virtual Caregiving Tips for Faraway Adult Children

by | Feb 3, 2020 | Dear Donna

Dear Donna,

I am the primary caregiver for my 70-year-old mother. She is reasonably healthy, but she has some trouble with mobility. I don’t think she needs around-the-clock assistance, but I worry about her being alone. Unfortunately, I live 60 miles away, so I can’t check on her as often as I would like.

Do you have any caregiving tips for faraway adult children?

Sincerely,

Miranda from Grand Haven, MI

Caring for an Aging Parent Who Lives Far Away

Dear Miranda,

Caring for an aging parent can be difficult for anyone, but distance creates unique challenges. By not being present physically, many caregivers struggle to understand and meet their loved ones’ needs. Some caregivers also feel guilty they can’t be with their loved ones more often.

Fortunately, there are many tools and resources available to caregivers who provide care remotely. By knowing some options, caregivers who live far away can better care for their loved ones. Here are a few virtual caregiving tips for faraway adult children.

3 Virtual Caregiving Tips

  1. Take advantage of technology.

Advances in technology have made it easier than ever to stay in touch with friends and family members around the world. Many of these tools can help caregivers stay updated on how their senior loved ones are doing. Video chat, for example, allows you to have a face-to-face conversation.

In addition to fostering a deeper connection, video calls also give you a chance to look for signs that your loved one might need some assistance. For example, you can take note if they’ve lost or gained weight. This can mean they are struggling to eat healthy.

You might also catch a glimpse of their living environment. If your loved one’s space looks messy, it might indicate they are having trouble maintaining the home. By seeing these signs early, you can take preventative measures to keep them safe. Echo Show and GrandPad are two senior-friendly video calling devices.

  1. Have an emergency plan.

Regardless of how cautious you are, accidents happen. It’s important to have a plan in case an emergency occurs and you can’t get to your loved one quickly. One key component is your support system. Keep a list of people who can help your loved one. This might include local family members or friendly neighbors.

You might also want to consult with nearby assisted living communities or home care companies. You can arrange for them to care for your loved one if needed.

  1. Consult with a senior care manager.

Senior care managers are trained specialists who help families through the process of caring for aging loved ones. They can be called a variety of names, including “geriatric care manager” or “elder care manager.” Regardless of what you call them, their purpose is to decrease family members’ stress and increase the senior’s quality of life.

Senior care managers can help with anything from supporting family caregivers with legal and financial matters to evaluating seniors’ safety. They can also help manage doctors’ appointments.

These care professionals can be particularly helpful to long-distance caregivers because they act as an unbiased and professional set of eyes. Caregivers can take comfort in knowing specialists have their loved one’s best interests at heart.

Caring for a Senior Loved One Isn’t Always Easy

Caring for an aging parent is rarely easy, and the job can become more challenging as distance increases. With proper planning, you can find a way to ensure your senior loved one gets the care they deserve.

I hope these tips make it easier for you to care for your aging parent from far away.

Sincerely,

Donna

Senior Living at Heritage Senior Communities

If you are struggling to care for your loved one at a distance, you may want to explore local senior living options. Heritage Senior Communities offers a variety of living options for seniors, including Specialized Dementia, Assisted Living, and Independent Senior Living. Contact us today to schedule a private tour.