The Perfect Fall Activities for Seniors with Dementia

 

Planning fall activities for seniors with dementia? There are many wonderful fall activities that you can enjoy together this season.

Fall is this time of the year where everyday activities can become a further strain or burden for seniors with dementia. When the temperature drops, it means less socializing and less physical activity. It results in sundowning and seasonal depression among seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. 

Therefore, engaging seniors or your aging loved ones in suitable, fun-filled activities during the fall is particularly crucial. It keeps them active, productive, calm, and stress-free. So here are some easy and exciting fall activities for seniors with dementia. 

Go Out for an Autumn Walk

 

Autumn walks are the best fall activity for your loved ones with dementia. It keeps them encouraged, active, and relaxed. Going to a nearby farmers’ market, bird-watching in the nearby park, or taking a stroll down the street watching all the beautiful colors is just nostalgic. 

It connects them better with nature and the surrounding environment. Also, it gives them the pleasure of reliving the local hustle and bustle of the market. Perhaps, it is the best time to discuss their favorite fall hobbies, food, birds, trees to help them reminisce their beautiful memories. 

Get Ready With DIY Holiday Decorations

Doing fun-filled DIY holiday crafts and decorations is valuable in engaging seniors with dementia. To begin with, it relaxes their mind as they feel satisfied with their newly found creativity. Moreover, if you manage to find their preference and interest in holiday decorations, it keeps them more entertained and happy. 

Fall decoration ideas such as pumpkin carvings, fall-themed paintings, and drawings are perfect ways to improve their cognition and mood. 

Bake Some Seasonal Dishes or Snacks

Baking together has always been the best therapeutic activity for senior family members with dementia. Baking together improves their hand-eye coordination, keeping them active. It brings back happy memories and keeps them engaged. However, it doesn’t matter whether they can cook or not. 

Everyone enjoys watching other people cook their favorite seasonal snacks and dishes. The very touch, the sound of whisking or pounding, the aroma and taste all stirs up their senses and gives them a completely immersive experience. It is a moment of pure joy. 

Play Some Interesting Games and Puzzles

Problem-solving is a calming and therapeutic activity for seniors with dementia. It also serves as the best cognitive exercise for them. Therefore, certain indoor games and puzzles are great stimulating activities. It keeps them from boredom and stress. 

Jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, and card matching games will keep them engaged and motivated. However, not all puzzles are suitable for seniors. They may struggle with complex and small puzzle pieces. 

So you have to choose puzzles specifically designed for seniors with dementia to make it enjoyable. It improves their concentration and provides a sense of accomplishment. 

More Tailored Activities for Seniors With Dementia

These fun-filled activities will undoubtedly improve the moods and cognitive function of seniors with dementia throughout the fall. They are simple, relaxing, and enjoyable. Also, keep in mind, fall activities should improve their overall health and well-being. 

So contact us for more creative and personalized activities for seniors with dementia. You can also take a virtual tour of our facility now. 

Choosing the Best Assisted Living Facility for Your Loved One

Choosing the best assisted living facility for your loved one with Alzheimer's may be difficult, but it's essential. When you choose a new home for them, make sure they are going to have everything they need and want, as well as an enjoyable lifestyle. 

Find out more about the right type of facility and what services will be offered below. 

As a family member of an Alzheimer's patient, you know that the disease can be difficult to manage. So what are your options? There is assisted living as one option for seniors with Alzheimer's who need help with their daily activities. 

This blog post covers everything you need to know about assisted living facilities and how they work. You'll learn if this is the right choice for your loved one, how to find a good facility, and more! 

Alzheimer's is a neurological disease that affects people of all ages. It causes memory loss and other mental abilities, as well as changes in personality, behavior, and how one interacts with others. 

The progression of the disease varies from person to person but it eventually leads to death. As Alzheimer's progresses, there are some things you should know about assisted living facilities for seniors who have Alzheimer's or another dementia-related disorder.  

A person can never know when they will find themselves in need of some extra care. They might not be able to live independently for a period of time, or maybe just want the support and security that comes from choosing the best assisted-living facility. 

What's the Difference Between Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities?

But what is the difference between traditional nursing homes and assisted living facilities? Assisted Living Facilities offer 24 hour assistance with healthcare needs as well as activities of daily life such as carrying groceries from your car into your home if you are unable to do so on your own. 

Besides these services, residents also experience comfort by being surrounded by people their age who share similar interests while staying active both mentally and physically through engaging social events like cooking classes!

What is an assisted living facility?

Assisted living facilities are not all the same! The range of structures, services, and communities that fall into this category is quite broad.

Whether you are looking for assisted living in a city or the suburbs, there's an appropriate option. Some communities offer all of their residents access to nature trails and parks, while others might have specialized units with Alzheimer’s care facilities.

Amenities Found in Assisted Living Facilities

When looking for a place to live, assisted living facilities are often one of the best options. They offer a wide range of amenities that can make your life more enjoyable and comfortable. There are many different types of assisted living facilities out there, so it is important to know what you want before making a decision.

List of common amenities found in assisted living facilities: 

• Daily Housekeeping Service - This allows you to keep your room and bathroom clean without having to lift a finger! In fact, this can be one of the most valued benefits for many people with mobility issues because they are unable to do it themselves. 

• Three Meals a Day - This is great for seniors who are unable to cook or have trouble getting around the kitchen. Seniors can opt to eat in a common dining area with others for conversation and companionship. 

• Social Activities and Outings - One of the most important things about assisted living facilities is that they offer social opportunities for people without a lot of social contact outside their home life. These events can be anything from  going to the movies with a group, fishing, visiting a museum, participating in arts and crafts lessons or going on other excursions.

• 24 Hour Security Monitoring - This is important for all homes but especially in assisted living facilities with an increased risk of falls. 

• Staff That are Available for Daily Tasks -  These aides can be there to help when seniors are feeling tired, or they can also be used as companionship and socialization opportunities.

• Access to Medical Support - To help take care of the resident's medical needs on site (if needed) or off site. This would include doctors visits, specialist  appointments, and medical procedures, and close proximity to emergency care.

• Medicine Care - Medications are available through the facility to assist in managing health conditions that may be present with residents.  This allows for a more coordinated care plan than if medications were being handled by family members or other healthcare professionals off site. 

Is Assisted Living Right For You?

When looking for a place to live, assisted living facilities are often one of the best options. They offer a wide range of amenities that can make your life more enjoyable and comfortable. There are many different types of assisted living facilities out there, so it is important to know what you want before making a decision. In this article, I will list some of the most common amenities found in assisted living facilities and discuss their benefits!

So how do you know if assisted living is right for you? A good way to determine this is to look at the types of support and services typically offered in this kind of senior housing.  Here are some things to consider:

• Do you need help with activities of daily living? If so, assisted living facilities often offer a range of services such as assistance with cooking and housekeeping. 

• Do you require supervision because of memory or cognitive impairment? In this case, an assisted living facility is the best option for ensuring safety and  security.

• Do you need help with medications? Assisted living facilities often offer medication reminders, so residents can continue to live an independent lifestyle! 

• Do you need help with transportation to appointments? Assisted living facilities offer a range of services, such as free taxi rides.

• Do you need help managing finances and paying bills? 

What Do You Require from an Assisted Living Care Home

As a potential resident, what are you or your loved one looking for in an assisted living facility? As someone who is considering moving into an assisted living facility, there are many factors that would go into your decision on where to live. Such as:

• The Atmosphere - Is the atmosphere of this particular assisted living care home comfortable and welcoming? 

• Compatibility of Residents - Are residents treated with respect by their fellow housemates and staff members alike?

• Is the Assisted Living Facility Well Kept - The assisted living facility should be well maintained in order to ensure that it is clean and healthy for both seniors residing there as well as staff members.

• Are the Residents Safe and Happy? - The assisted living residents enjoy a healthy, safe environment where they can live with dignity for as long as they live there - whether it be months or years from now.

• Do the Staff Seem Attentive, Caring and Compassionate? - What are the Staff Like? Did you notice the staff's professional tone of voice?

• Do They Allow Pets? - Are pets allowed on site or nearby? That might be important if you have a pet of your own. Assisted living facilities allow some residents to bring their beloved furry friends with them! 

• What Size is the Assisted Living Community? - How does the size of the assisted living community work for your family? 

• Are There Special Areas for Certain Residents - Is there a separate area for residents who need more care and monitoring, such as those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease? 

Choosing the Best Assisted Living Facility - Conclusion

When choosing the best assisted living facility, it's important to learn as much about the facility and its amenities before making that big life transition. The move from living on your own or with those who are not elderly is often difficult so choosing an assisted-living set up can be a daunting task. Knowing what you want in advance will make this change easier!

Senior's with Alzheimer's Related Depression

 Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating and degenerative disorder that often robs both the senior's who have it and friends and family of emotional and physical reserves. This can leave the person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s related depression in a bad way and leave the caregiver depressed, too.

Interestingly researchers have found several links between the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and the diagnosis of depression in older adults and their caregivers. In several studies scientists have found a link between people who have suffered a lifetime of major depressive disorder and the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

In a study from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York the researchers did postmortem study of the brains of 44 people who had a lifetime history of depression and 51 people who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s but no diagnosis of depression.  

What they found was that people who were depressed had more plaques and tangles in the brain (a key feature of Alzheimer’s), those with Alzheimer’s and depression showed a more marked and pronounced change in the hippocampus (part of the brain where tangles and plaques occur) and that those who had depression through most of their life had a more rapid decline into Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer related depression has been found to be a risk factor for Alzheimer’s but it is also is preventable and treatable. Researchers are currently investigating the possibility that with consistent treatment throughout their lives this can delay the onset of Alzheimer’s and thus increase the quality of life that these people can enjoy.

People who are already diagnosed with Alzheimer’s are at greater risk of developing depression, even if they’ve never experienced this psychological disorder before.  The stress, both physically and emotionally, on a person who is suffering the signs and symptoms can take a huge toll on them leaving them with signs of depression that may be difficult to tell the difference between the depression and the Alzheimer’s.

People with a major depressive disorder will find they experience at least four or five of these symptoms:

• Depressed mood
• Marked loss of interest or pleasure in activities
• Sleep problems – insomnia, early morning awakening or sleeping too much
• Significant weight loss or loss of appetite
• Fatigue and loss of energy
• Increased difficulty with concentration or ability to think
• Feelings of excessive guilt
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Suicidal feelings or attempts
• Agitation or marked slowing of motor movements

Unfortunately these are also symptoms of Alzheimer’s and differentiating and treating the two can present challenges to the physician and family members.

These are medications that can be used to treat depression in people with Alzheimer’s that include SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants and electroconvulsive therapy.  Each of these options have their pros and cons that must be matched to the individuals specific situation.

Monitoring of medications falls to the responsibility of the caregiver, physician and home health care nursing because the person suffering these symptoms isn’t able to perform these tasks.  Medication may trigger a psychotic episode.  

And the effectiveness does vary from person to person.  The physician and psychiatrist will depend on the feedback of caregivers when assessing the effectiveness of the medication.

Some people with depression and Alzheimer’s don’t respond to medications. In these cases electroconvulsive therapy may be tried to relieve symptoms of severe depression. This isn’t the procedure of decades ago but rather is more humane and less severe.  

Slight amounts of electricity are delivered to the brain for a few seconds to trigger a seizure under general anesthesia in a hospital.  This option is used more in older adults than younger – maybe because older adults have more side effects from antidepressants or have more severe complications from severe depression.