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Top 3 tips for better communication with Dementia patients

When a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or Dementia, one of the most difficult developments to cope with is the gradual breakdown of the person’s ability to communicate. This can lead to frustration and anger on both sides, but there are ways that caregivers can actively work to minimize negativity and make things go as smoothly as possible. First of all, listening is essential. It will also be helpful to monitor your tone when speaking to the loved one. Finally, avoid arguing or correcting the loved one.

Key Takeaways:

  • When a loved one’s memory is deteriorating and communication is impacted, frustration and anger can develop on both sides
  • Be ever mindful of your tone when speaking with your loved one in order to maintain civility
  • Avoid engaging in argumentation or attempting to correct your loved one, as these practices can have negative consequences

“The ravages of Dementia and Alzheimer’s are never more apparent than when someone we love becomes difficult to talk to and understand. “

Read more: https://www.caregiverwarrior.com/top-3-tips-for-better-communication-with-dementia-patients/

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Caregivers Need Care, too

November has the dual designation of being National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month. This is appropriate since Alzheimer’s disease takes a huge toll on both the sufferer and their families. Having the role of caregiver of a loved one with Alzheimer’s is a full-time and exhausting job. Often, caregiver syndrome, or CNN, presents with depression, anger, guilt, and deteriorating health. It’s important for caregivers to seek out respite care Phoenix, AZ families trust and other types of assistance to take some of the workload off of themselves. Caregivers need to take time for themselves every day. Their own mental, physical, and emotional health depends on it.

Key Takeaways:

  • November is a month of awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and about those who care for loved ones who live with the disease.
  • Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is a laborious endeavor, and caregivers often suffer from the mental and physical effects known as caregiver syndrome.
  • To fight caregiver syndrome, understand what you’re getting into in providing care, but don’t hesitate to ask for help, recruit others for extraneous tasks, and take some time for yourself daily.

“Remember, just because you’re in charge of the daily mental, physical, and medical care of someone else doesn’t mean that you should set your own needs aside. There is no shame in stepping out for a moment to reclaim your sense of self.”

Read more: http://www.transitionagingparents.com/caregivers-need-care-too/

Contact us at 480-498-2324 to learn more about respite care Phoenix, AZ and the surrounding area depend on.

dementia care gilbert

Is Coffee Really Healthy For You? – Living Well

When It Comes To Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, and possibly some cancers, coffee is one of the healthiest drinks in the world. In fact, according to numerous studies, coffee can significantly lower your risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease. Why is coffee so good for you? It turns out that caffeine acts as an antioxidant, supporting the brain’s cellular function and overall immune response. In addition to coffee helping with cognitive function, it may also decrease your risk of liver, stomach, breast, and brain cancers. Scientifically speaking, you have every reason to continue enjoying your morning cup of joe guilt-free!

Key Takeaways:

  • There is growing evidence that coffee provides significant health benefits for regular drinkers.
  • After a discredited study that raised concerns about increased risk of cancer, large studies suggest that coffee prevents Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and even Alzheimer’s.
  • The caffeine in coffee confers health benefit as an antioxidant and a stimulant, but the benefits mostly accrue to drinkers of two to three cups a day

“But most importantly, two large-scale meta-analyses (statistical procedure for combining data from multiple studies) found that drinking coffee can lower your risk for Alzheimer’s disease.”

Read more: https://www.mdvip.com/about-mdvip/blog/when-it-comes-alzheimers-coffee-may-be-liquid-gold

Dementia Care Phoenix

Making New Friends at Senior Living

When elderly loved ones move into senior and assisted living facilities, it’s important for them to develop friendships with fellow residents so that they can enjoy daily life in their new home. Since they may not have had to make new friends in quite a while, they could be a bit out of practice. Certainly, being active in groups activities like morning stretch and field trips is one way to meet new people. Also, make meal time an opportunity to socialize with others at your table. Use the lounge area to read a book or work on a puzzle, where you can meet others doing the same. Fortunately, there’s no timetable for making friends. Just greet fellow residents with a smile and stop to chat with those who are willing.

Key Takeaways:

  • As elderly loved ones move into senior residential housing, it’s important for them to make new friendships so that they can enjoy daily life in their new home.
  • Mealtimes are the perfect setting to chat with fellow residents and begin to form new relationships.
  • Participating in planned group activities such as bingo and off-site field trips are a great way to start socializing with others.

“Every single resident in the senior living community was once in the same position—the “new kid” who didn’t know anyone. They all got through that period of social awkwardness, and your parent can too!”

Read more: https://www.ourparents.com/care-topics/2017/11/09/making-new-friends-at-senior-living/

Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care Phoenix

9 Great Ways for Seniors to Stay Fit

Staying physically fit is vitally important to the overall health of senior citizens, and luckily there are plenty of options available for exercising when elderly. Pool based workouts are great options for senior citizens, who can choose from engaging activities that include water polo, water aerobics, and more. There are also activities like walking that can be performed both inside as well as outside, so workout routines can stay consistent even as the weather outside changes. Plenty of workouts also engage the mind in exercise as well as the body, including tai chi and yoga, among others. These different exercises all hold extremely positive benefits for senior citizens.

Key Takeaways:

  • Water based exercises, like water polo or water aerobics, are great options for senior citizens
  • Exercises like walking can be done outside as well as inside using machines and therefore allow individuals to maintain consistent routines even as weather changes
  • Yoga, tai chi, and similar exercises carry the benefit of exercising the mind as well as the body

“you don’t have to jump on the train of virtual boxing or hardcore parkour to stay fit. There are plenty of old-school ways to break a sweat in your golden years. “

Read more: https://senior.com/9-great-ways-seniors-stay-fit/

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How Are YOU, Family Caregiver — Are You Caring for Yourself?

Caring for loved ones can be a very stressful task. Even though it is important to take care of others, you also need to make sure that you are taken care of as well. When caring for older parents or loved ones, make sure to ask for help if you need it. Do not try to take on all the responsibilities by yourself. Trying to do too much by yourself can lead to depression and caregiver stress. Make sure to take time out of the day and just take of your needs. It could be something simple as taking a bubble bath. Be sure to visit the doctor regularly. You can not take care of someone if you are not feeling your best. Joining others in a support group can also help you know that you are not alone.

Key Takeaways:

  • It’s estimated that as many as 44 million people are family caregivers.
  • Some consider that the health and well=being of family caregivers may be the next great health crisis, as these people face intense stress.
  • These stressed can lead to unresolved emotional problems as well a lowered immune response, potentially paving the way for chronic and acute illness.

“During National Family Caregivers Month, the nation hopes to support family caregivers and educate them about the importance of caring for themselves.”

Read more: http://seniorcarecorner.com/family-caregiver-caring-for-yourself

If you’re having trouble dealing with caregiver stress, contact our team to learn about respite care Gilbert and the surrounding communities depend on.

Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care Phoenix

November Is National Caregiver Month & The Importance Of Self-Care Is Something That Is Often The First Thing To Go

Although Alzheimer’s is more commonly found in individuals over the age of 65, it is not unheard of for someone to be diagnosed as early as their 40’s. Due to it being uncommon at that age it can often be overlooked as a diagnosis. However, early detection is imperative because of the impact that the disease has on someone’s cognition. When a loved one is facing this disease and the challenges it creates, we often tend to make them our primary focus and often times even forget to care for our own well being. If you don’t also take care of yourself and spend a little time for yourself, you may find yourself overwhelmed and this can cause major disruptions in your own well being. Also, this can make things more difficult for your loved one, and you’re ability to cope with the changes in their behavior. Alzheimer’s varies in it’s severity of symptoms over time, meaning that you will have some good days and some bad. There is no limit to the effects of the disease on the patient’s abilities and personality making it important for you to expect them to have difficulties, and some outbursts at times, in which they are not truly in control over. Your loved one needs you to be understanding and at the same time to establish your role as their caretaker.

Key Takeaways:

  • As caregivers to loved ones with Alzheimers, it’s important to reflect on how critical self-care is to your overall health and well-being.
  • When caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, try not to give up your own personal forms of stress release, such as yoga, hobbies, or social outings.
  • Pay attention to your own health by sticking to a nutritious diet, going for routine check-ups, and taking a multivitamin.

“By nurturing yourself you are, in fact, doing the patient a favor because you will be able to provide better care if you are happy and healthy yourself.”

Read more: http://www.thediaryofanalzheimerscaregiver.com/november-national-caregiver-mont-importance_self-care/

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dementia care gilbert

How to Make Holidays Special for Someone with Dementia

The holiday season can be a difficult time for individuals living with dementia, but there are steps that loved ones can take in order to make this time of year special and enjoyable instead. Chaos should be minimized as much as possible, and the individual with dementia should be treated as normally as possible. Family members should take care not to correct the person with dementia and should try to stick to conversational topics that are based on the individual’s long-term memory. Foods should be kept relatively simple and familiar, and, when traveling, family members must maintain routines.

Key Takeaways for handling the holidays with dementia:

  • To the greatest degree possible, loved ones should try to keep chaos at a minimum in order to avoid needlessly overwhelming the person with dementia
  • Loved ones should be careful not to correct the individual with dementia and should keep conversations rooted in the person’s long term memory
  • If traveling is necessary, then make sure that a routine is maintained for the person with dementia to minimize their stress

“At Silverado, we have nearly 20 years of dedicated experience in caring for individuals with memory impairments, and in that time we’ve developed numerous best practices that have been adopted industry-wide. “

Read more: https://senior.com/blogs/seniornews-com

For extra help handling the holidays with dementia, contact our Chandler respite care providers at Endeavor In Home Care. Click here to view our full service area.

dementia care gilbert

How to Deal with Dementia at the Holidays

Photo of elderly woman having breakfast with her caregiversViewing the holidays through the lens of Alzheimer’s disease can seem to be anything but merry and bright. Family may perhaps be overwhelmed with caregiving responsibilities, and the disruption to routine can result in additional distress for a senior learning how to deal with dementia at the holidays. Read more