by Shelley | Dec 27, 2024 | Alzheimer's and Dementia
Dear Donna:
My wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease several months ago. While her illness is still in the early stages, I know it’s important to plan for the future. One item on my list is to figure out how to make our home safer for her.
Since you work with seniors with Alzheimer’s on a routine basis, I wondered if you might have any suggestions for me. Other than installing a new home security system, I’m not sure what to do.
Sincerely,
Brandon in Saginaw, MI
Steps to Create a Safe Home for a Senior with Alzheimer’s
Dear Brandon:
You’re on the right track in starting to plan for your wife’s future needs. Seeking advice is always a good idea with an illness as complex as Alzheimer’s disease.
Here are a few steps to create an environment that supports success for someone with a memory impairment:
- Evaluate the home for fall hazards: As your wife’s disease progresses, she may begin to experience balance issues. You might also notice that her gaze shifts downward. Both of these can put her at increased risk of a fall. That’s why it’s a good idea to conduct an audit of your house to identify and correct potential hazards. “7 Steps to Help Prevent Senior Falls” is a good resource to help you learn more about fall prevention.
- Keep medications safe: Medication management is another challenge you’ll likely need to master, and that includes safely storing her medicines. A secure cabinet or medication box will be important. Your wife might think it’s time for a dose of one of her prescriptions and try to take it on her own. Keeping them locked up will be necessary. An automated medication dispenser might be another solution to consider.
- Alarm doors and windows: Since you mentioned needing to install a new security system, I thought I would share a few tips. Be sure whatever model you choose alerts you when exterior windows or doors are opened. If possible, have glass break alarms put on windows. It’s also a good idea to try to incorporate your home’s smoke detectors into the system. Finally, inquire about GPS tracking pendants or bracelets. Wandering from home can be a challenge families struggle with and one of these devices can help.
- Secure hazardous items: Because judgment is often compromised when an older adult has Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, it’s important to secure any potentially dangerous items. These could include cleaning products, kitchen knives and shears, and any weapons you might own.
Get to Know Your Local Resources
I’d like to offer one last suggestion as you are planning for the future: take time to get to know your local Alzheimer’s resources. From adult day programs to memory care respite providers, you likely have many options for support nearby.
Many Heritage communities have specialized dementia care programs for adults with memory loss. Some offer respite care services. These are designed to give caregivers an opportunity to take a break knowing their family member is in good hands. Respite is also a great way to get to know a community and determine if they might be a good long-term option should the need arise.
I hope this information is helpful, Brandon. Please let us know if you have any additional questions.
Kind regards,
Donna
by Shelley | Nov 27, 2024 | Alzheimer's and Dementia
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. Understanding the symptoms associated with each stage of the disease can help patients, caregivers, and families navigate the challenges of this condition.
Alzheimer’s typically progresses through three main stages: early (mild), middle (moderate), and late (severe). Each stage presents distinct symptoms and challenges. If you or a senior in your life has recently received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, it might be helpful to learn more about what to expect at each stage of the disease.
Signs of Early Stage (Mild) Alzheimer’s
In the early stage of Alzheimer’s, people may still maintain their independence. But subtle changes in cognitive function usually become apparent. Common symptoms include:
- Memory loss: The symptom most often associated with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia is memory loss. A person with the disease may have difficulty recalling recent events or learning new information. Individuals might also forget names or appointments but still manage to retain long-held memories.
- Difficulty performing familiar tasks: People may struggle with tasks they have done for years, such as managing finances, following a recipe, or keeping track of a monthly budget.
- Declining verbal skills: Individuals might have trouble finding the right words, leading to hesitant speech or a noticeable decrease in their vocabulary.
- Confusion and disorientation: People may become confused about the time or place, losing track of the day of the week or getting lost in familiar environments.
- Changes in disposition: Subtle shifts in mood can occur, including increased anxiety, irritability, or depression. Individuals may withdraw from social activities they once enjoyed.
Middle Stage (Moderate) Disease Symptoms
As Alzheimer’s progresses to the middle stage, changes become more pronounced. Some of these symptoms can make daily life increasingly challenging. This stage is often characterized by:
- Increased memory loss: Individuals may forget important personal information, such as their address or phone number, and have greater difficulty remembering recent conversations.
- Confusion about time and place: Disorientation becomes more severe and frequent. Individuals are often unable to recognize familiar surroundings or recognize where they are. They may also have difficulty distinguishing between night and day.
- Communication difficulties: Language skills decline further, making it harder to hold conversations. Individuals may resort to using simple phrases or repeating themselves.
- Changes in behavior: Behavioral issues can become more pronounced. Individuals might experience mood swings, aggression, or exhibit unusual behaviors, such as wandering or becoming restless.
- Impaired judgment: There may be a decline in decision-making abilities, leading to poor choices regarding finances, personal care, or safety.
- Difficulty recognizing loved ones: As the disease progresses, individuals may struggle to recognize family and friends, which can lead to feelings of frustration and sadness for both the patient and caregivers.
- Changes in sleep patterns: Sleep disturbances are common, with individuals experiencing changes in their sleep-wake cycle. They may sleep excessively during the day and be awake at night.
Understanding the Challenges of Late Stage (Severe) Alzheimer’s
In the final stages of Alzheimer’s, individuals require extensive assistance with daily activities, and the cognitive decline becomes profound. Symptoms during this stage include:
- Severe memory loss: Many individuals lose the ability to recognize close family members and may not remember their own past.
- Loss of ability to communicate: Verbal communication becomes extremely limited. Individuals may only be able to say a few words or none at all. Non-verbal communication through gestures may still be present.
- Loss of motor skills: Physical abilities decline significantly. Individuals may have trouble walking, sitting up, or even swallowing, which can lead to complications such as aspiration pneumonia.
- Increased vulnerability to infections: As the immune system weakens, individuals in this stage are more susceptible to infections, particularly pneumonia and urinary tract infections.
- Inability to perform personal care: Most individuals will require full-time assistance with personal care tasks, including bathing, dressing, using the bathroom, and eating.
Specialized Care for Adults with Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s is a complex condition that affects individuals in unique ways. Many of these challenges make it very difficult for loved ones to care for a family member with the disease at home. This is where the support of a specialized dementia care program, such as those offered at Heritage, can help.
From experienced caregivers and a thoughtfully designed environment to a dedicated dining program and life enrichment activities, Heritage is a leading provider of care for people with Alzheimer’s across Michigan. Call us today to schedule a personal tour.
by Shelley | Feb 22, 2024 | Alzheimer's and Dementia
Dear Donna:
My husband was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s almost two years ago. So far, I’ve been able to manage his disease at home. Recently, however, he’s started trying to leave home. It mostly happens in the evening. While our home security system alerted me both times he exited our house, I know I have to be vigilant.
I’ve read the statistics about wandering and how dangerous it is for people with Alzheimer’s, so I’m trying to be as proactive as possible. I ordered a GPS watch that my husband wears all the time now. In the event the worst does happen, it will help me locate him quickly.
I have a question about something that was mentioned in my Alzheimer’s caregiver support group. Several caregivers have noticed that the time changes in fall and spring seem to exacerbate their loved one’s Alzheimer’s disease. Thinking back, last fall’s time change might have been challenging for my husband, too. I didn’t make the connection then.
As the spring time change gets closer, I’m wondering if there are steps I can take to make it easier for my husband. Any advice would be much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Meghan in Scio Township, MI
Helping a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Navigate the Time Change
Dear Meghan:
Great question! It’s one we’ve been asked before and we always appreciate the opportunity to share tips to help families manage the seasonal time change.
While many people find the time change difficult to adjust to, it can be much more challenging for someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Here are some suggestions you might find useful:
by Shelley | Jul 31, 2023 | Alzheimer's and Dementia
Pets are the heart of many families. Their unconditional love and companionship boosts the spirit while helping people live more purposeful days. For older adults, a pet can fill a void left behind when adult children are grown and gone or following the death of a spouse.
Having a furry friend to talk to throughout the day and to snuggle up on the couch with in the evening can combat loneliness. For adults with Alzheimer’s, the benefits are substantial. Pets help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety that are unfortunately common in those with most forms of dementia.
Pets and Seniors: A Happy, Healthy Partnership
A study conducted at the University of Missouri revealed that seniors who own dogs enjoy a better quality of life. The stronger the bond between the older adult and their four-legged friend, the greater the benefits. Researchers say this is because people who feel a strong emotional attachment to their pet are more inclined to take good care of them. That provides a sense of purpose, which is sometimes difficult to find, especially for those with memory impairment.
Seniors with pets also tend to be more active, including people who have dementia. Those who have dogs and cats are more likely to get up and move. That helps with weight management, stamina, and core strength. It’s a combination that might aid in fall prevention, a risk for people with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.
Research shows the very act of petting an animal can lower blood pressure. The repetitive nature of stroking an animal’s fur can be very soothing. If you are helping a loved one find a pet as a companion, here are a few things to consider.
Adopting a Pet Later in Life
- Budget: The first thing to think about before adopting a pet is the senior’s financial situation. Some breeds of cats and dogs are known for having health conditions that cause higher vet bills. Grooming expenses for long-haired dogs or cats can also leave a dent in the budget.
- Space: Also think about the space a pet might require. For example, a small dog can make a few laps around the living room on a snowy day to work off excess energy. By contrast, a large dog will still need to go for a walk outside no matter the weather. Also take into account whether the long-range plan for a loved one with dementia might include moving to a memory care community. You’ll want to learn more about the potential communities’ size restrictions for pets.
- Fall risk: As Alzheimer’s progresses, an older adult’s peripheral vision might be damaged. That means being mindful of the fall hazard a cat or dog might create. A medium-sized dog might be better than a small one that can get underfoot or a large one that might knock the person off their feet.
- Time: Finally, think about the time commitment. While your loved one might be able to assist in caring for the pet now, the chores may one day fall on you. You will also likely be more involved in caring for your family member when that time comes. Consider who may be able to pitch in.
One last idea is to find out if any local organizations, such as 4 Paws for Ability, train service dogs to support adults with Alzheimer’s. They teach dogs how to assist with everyday tasks and to redirect potentially unsafe behaviors.
Dementia Care at Heritage
Heritage Senior Communities offers specialized dementia care at a variety of locations throughout Michigan. We invite you to call the community nearest you to learn more or schedule a visit. One of our experienced team members can answer questions and take you on a private tour!
by Shelley | Apr 10, 2023 | Alzheimer's and Dementia
Dear Donna:
My mother recently passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. It was such a tough period for her and everyone who loved her. She lived with my husband and me for 3 years before she moved to one of the wonderful Heritage dementia care communities. During her illness, I often wondered if there is anything I can do to prevent getting this disease. It was so difficult to watch her decline.
I’ve read articles that say Alzheimer’s might actually be a form of diabetes, but that the research is still inconclusive. Other information I’ve read says smoking might contribute to the disease. Then there are those that say exercise—both mental and physical—might be the key. My diet is pretty healthy and I’ve never been a smoker, but I’d like to know more about exercise.
Do you know of any credible research that shows a link between Alzheimer’s prevention and exercise?
Sincerely,
Chris in Saginaw, MI
Lifestyle Factors and Alzheimer’s Prevention
Dear Chris:
First, my condolences on the loss of your mother. Alzheimer’s is a tough disease that impacts the entire family. After witnessing what your mother went through, it’s understandable that you would be concerned about your own risk.
Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. We commonly associate it with helping to prevent or manage medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and even depression. But there is research that seems to indicate physical activity might play a role in preventing or delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
It’s important to remember, however, that brain health is a complicated topic. While much of the science related to Alzheimer’s is not definitive, there is evidence that links cognitive health with an individual’s overall wellness. According to Harvard Medical School, practicing a healthy lifestyle might be one way to protect yourself. Researchers from the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation agree.
Since you mentioned exercise specifically, I’m sharing a few tips researchers think might impact brain health. If you haven’t been engaging in physical activity lately, it’s always a good idea to talk with your primary care physician before getting started.
- Combine cardio with strength training: Create an exercise regimen that incorporates both moderate aerobic activity with strength training. This combination not only helps protect brain health, but also reduces your risk for falls and increases flexibility and endurance. (As the years go by, we are all at higher risk of falling unless we stay active.)
- Aim for 150 minutes of exercise each week: Set a goal to engage in physical activities at least 150 minutes each week. Many find exercising 30 minutes 5 days a week a realistic schedule. And it doesn’t need to be 30 continuous minutes. You can break it up if you need to. You might want to jump-start the day with 15 minutes of aerobic activity in the morning, and then wind down with 15 minutes of yoga or Pilates towards the evening.
- Track your progress every day: Finally, hold yourself accountable. At the end of each day, document what type of physical activity you engaged in and for how long. It might help to find a workout buddy or two to help you stay motivated.
This article has more information about how to reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s by up to 50% with regular exercise.
I hope this information is useful, Chris!
Kind regards,
Donna
