by Shelley | Sep 19, 2022 | Alzheimer's and Dementia
Dear Donna:
My grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease several years ago. At first the changes were small and easy to navigate. She was a little forgetful, so we learned to write everything down for her. She also had trouble with tasks like writing checks and grocery lists. Between my mom and I, we were able to cover those challenges.
In the last year, however, my grandma’s disease has advanced and it’s tough to communicate with her. She’s always been an important part of my life, and I need to find ways to maintain our connection. I believe she needs it too.
Do you have any tips to make communication easier? I don’t want to overwhelm her with constant chattering, but I do want to help her feel wanted and needed.
Sincerely,
Mary in Williamsburg, MI
Tips for Communicating with a Senior Who Has Alzheimer’s
Dear Mary:
This comes up often when I’m helping families who have a loved one with Alzheimer’s in their search for specialized dementia care. Both written and verbal communication skills are impacted by the disease, sometimes even in the early stages. It’s frustrating for the senior and those who love them.
I can offer a few tips that might make it easier for you to have a nice conversation with your grandmother:
- Control the environment: Find a quiet, calm place for the two of you during your visits. Adults with Alzheimer’s often have trouble processing an overly hectic environment. Many struggle to concentrate when their environment is loud or busy, and that can lead to anxiety and agitation. Sit together in a quiet corner. Turn the television off.
- Stay positive: While it can be difficult to witness the changes Alzheimer’s causes in a loved one, do your best to stay positive. Be mindful of your expressions and body language. Try to smile and project a cheerful disposition.
- Be patient: If your grandmother still has some verbal skills but takes a little longer to get words out, be patient and don’t interrupt. Don’t rush her or talk over her. If it becomes obvious that she needs a little prompting to avoid getting too upset, do so in a kind, conversational way. Resist the urge to take over completely.
- Talk slowly: Many of us speak too quickly or use a lot of slang in our language. For someone with memory impairment, that can be difficult to understand. Try to slow down and speak clearly. Keep sentences brief. These all make it easier for a person with Alzheimer’s to follow along with the conversation.
I hope these tips help you, Mary. Please feel free to contact the nearest Heritage community if you have more questions or to learn more about specialized dementia care.
Kind regards,
Donna
by Shelley | Feb 7, 2022 | Alzheimer's and Dementia
When an aging parent has Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, adult children face unique challenges. Protecting a parent with memory loss can be tough. Initially, you might need to assist with paying bills and managing household finances. It is common for people with dementia to struggle with these tasks.
As the disease progresses, there are a variety of issues loved ones will need to monitor and take precautions for. These include kitchen fires, wandering, and medication management. If you are the caregiver for or family member of an adult who has Alzheimer’s, these tips will be useful.
How to Keep a Senior with Alzheimer’s Safe at Home
- Take advantage of GPS technology: Research shows 6 out of 10 people with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s will wander from home at some point. Locating them quickly is key to a safe return, and GPS tracking devices are one way to do that. A variety of products have GPS built in. You can choose a watch or pendant, or even an innersole that fits in a shoe. Many GPS devices use wireless technology, making it possible to track a senior’s location in real time or near real time.
- Conduct a kitchen safety audit: Kitchens present safety hazards at every age, but especially for those with memory impairment. Judgement is often impacted by Alzheimer’s, so it’s important to eliminate as many risks as possible. One issue to address is keeping towels, aprons, curtains, and other flammables away from the stovetop. If they are too close, they can brush against a burner and ignite. Also make sure sharp knives, chemicals, and other potentially hazardous items are stored safely out of the senior’s reach.
Encouraging a senior’s independence is linked to slower disease progression but preparing meals can be a challenge. A senior may leave the kitchen and forget about a pan cooking on the stove. A device called Cook Stop might help. This electronic unit senses when a pan has been unattended too long and turns the stove off.
- Establish medication management: Seniors with early Alzheimer’s, especially those living alone, may get medications mixed up or forget to take them altogether. Your family might find electronic pill dispensers Some even sound an alert and open the designated compartment on the dispenser at the appropriate time.
- Monitor finances: Poor judgment combined with forgetfulness can make it difficult for an adult with dementia to keep their financial affairs in order. Common behaviors include paying some bills twice while neglecting others. Scams and identity theft are other concerns.
Depending on the stage of the disease, a family member may need to monitor a loved one’s accounts online or completely manage all banking and financial matters. You can also set up credit card alerts to receive a text when the card is used remotely or spending limits are exceeded.
- Assess for fall risks: Alzheimer’s disease can cause changes in gait and vision that put a senior at increased risk for falls. By assessing their home for potential problems, you can minimize their fall risk. Stair treads, clutter, poor lighting, and throw rugs are hazards to look for. These fall prevention tips from the National Council on Aging will help you identify areas of concern.
Dementia Care Options to Consider
Despite your best efforts, there might come a time when caring for a loved one with dementia at home is no longer safe. Heritage has 8 dementia care communities throughout Michigan. We encourage you to call today to learn more about the benefits of specialized dementia care.
by Shelley | Oct 11, 2021 | Alzheimer's and Dementia
Alzheimer’s caregivers must learn to handle a variety of challenges. The disease creates worrying behaviors such as wandering and eating issues. One caregivers often cite is how long their senior family member can go without sleep. It can be exhausting for caregivers.
While medications may help, doctors often consider them a last resort. Prescribing medications for people with Alzheimer’s can be difficult because they process medications differently than their peers without the disease.
Fortunately, there are other options to try to help your family member with Alzheimer’s enjoy a better night’s rest.
Identifying Potential Causes of Sleep Issues
While researchers don’t know what causes Alzheimer’s, they have a few ideas why people with this disease often experience sleep disorders. Some likely causes are:
- Sundowner’s syndrome: As many as 20 percent of people with Alzheimer’s experience this condition. It causes restlessness and confusion as the sun begins to set. People are more likely to pace and wander from home during this time. It wreaks havoc on the senior’s and their caregiver’s sleep schedules.
- Overstimulation: Because of the physical damage Alzheimer’s causes to the brain, seniors with the disease may have difficulty processing an overly hectic or noisy environment. Overstimulation, especially in the afternoon or evening, might cause difficulty getting to or staying asleep.
- Agitation and anxiety: Alzheimer’s often increases agitation and anxiety. Researchers attribute this to changes in the brain caused by the disease. Both of these emotions can make it difficult to relax and get a good night’s rest.
- Disruption in sleep-wake cycle: Another possibility is that seniors who have Alzheimer’s undergo changes in their sleep-wake cycle. Research shows that in the early stages of the disease, a senior may wake up frequently throughout the night. When they do, they may get up and wander. As the disease progresses, the senior might get their days and nights mixed up. It causes them to sleep all day and be awake all night.
- Medication problems: Some medications can cause sleeplessness or interactions that increase anxiety. Antidepressants and steroids are two examples. Ask your senior loved one’s primary care physician or pharmacist to review their medication list if you have any doubts.
Once you’ve had the chance to explore a few potential causes for a loved one’s sleep problems, the next step is to find ways to overcome them.
Ways to Help a Senior with Alzheimer’s Sleep Better
Here are a few steps you can take to help a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease overcome sleep disturbances:
- Create a structured daily schedule where errands and exercise occur in the morning, and the afternoon and evening aren’t as busy. Also make sure to stick with a consistent bedtime and morning wake-up time.
- Schedule a physical with the senior’s primary care doctor to see if there is a medical issue that may be causing pain. People with Alzheimer’s disease can have difficulty expressing discomfort.
- Avoid serving foods and beverages with caffeine, especially later in the day, as they can make sleep difficult.
- Limit the amount of fluid the senior consumes later in the day so they won’t have to use the bathroom during the night.
- Turn off the television, which can be overstimulating, in the evening. Instead, play soft, soothing music to help the senior unwind.
- Create a dark, quiet environment for sleeping and a get comfortable mattress. It might also help to have soft music playing on a sleep timer.
Memory Care at Heritage Senior Communities
At Heritage Senior Communities, our specialized dementia care program is known as The Terrace. From person-centered care to healthy meals and snacks, it is designed to allow people with dementia to live their best quality of life. Call the Heritage community nearest you to learn more today!
by Shelley | Aug 23, 2021 | Alzheimer's and Dementia
Dear Donna:
My father was officially diagnosed with Alzheimer’s about two years ago, although we suspected something was wrong far earlier. He’s recently begun staying with my husband and me while we try to come up with a long-term solution for keeping him safe.
One new behavior we are witnessing is anxiety. Or should I call it agitation? It’s obviously difficult for him to experience and for those of us who love him to watch. Is this common among people with Alzheimer’s? What could be causing it, and how can we help him?
Your suggestions would be much appreciated!
Sincerely,
Crystal in Grand Haven, MI
Potential Causes and Treatment for Alzheimer’s Anxiety
Dear Crystal:
Thanks for sharing this question with us. Anxiety or agitation, whichever term you choose, is common among people who have Alzheimer’s disease. It’s tough for the person with the disease to live with and for family members to witness.
Potential causes of anxiety for people who have Alzheimer’s could include:
- Change in surroundings: Whether it’s traveling on vacation or just waiting at the doctor’s office, even a simple change in environment can trigger agitation. Since you mentioned your father recently started staying with you, he may need more time to adjust. Do you have some of his familiar belongings surrounding him at your house, such as a comforter or throw? Utilize any familiar, comforting objects you have space for.
- Busy or noisy environment: Because people with Alzheimer’s have trouble processing multiple things at a time, a chaotic environment could stress them out. If your kids are noisy, the doorbell is ringing, and the television is on, for example, it can be overwhelming. You might be so accustomed to it that you don’t even notice. By calming the background chaos, you might help soothe your father’s anxiety.
- Extreme tiredness: People with Alzheimer’s disease often develop sleep problems, too. They might struggle to get to sleep or stay asleep. That can leave them feeling tired. If your dad isn’t sleeping well, it might be a good idea to talk with his physician. He might have sleep apnea or another condition that could be the underlying cause of both his sleep issues and his anxiety.
- Lack of exercise: At any stage in life, becoming too sedentary can contribute to sleep problems, fatigue, and agitation. If your father is spending most of his time sitting, taking a few walks a day might be the key to helping resolve his anxiety. If you have a secure outdoor location to spend time in, that might help too.
I hope this information is helpful, Crystal, and that you find a way to decrease your father’s anxiety.
Kind regards,
Donna
Learn More about Dementia Care
Many of the Heritage Senior Communities have specialized memory care units for people with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. They are designed to provide a controlled, supportive environment that promotes success. Find a list of our Specialized Dementia Care Communities here, along with more information on what makes these programs so unique.
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!
