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.

5 Ways for Caregivers to Deal with Alzheimer's Disease

 

Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative and debilitating disease that robs people of their memory, cognitive function, and eventually their lives.  The disease affects the person experiencing the disease and their family, friends, and loved ones.

Coping with Alzheimer's disease has an impact on the entire family and friends. The changes in seniors functional abilities to relate to the people in their daily lives, harm their relationships.  Short-term memory is lost.  Seniors can't remember what happened yesterday but have vivid memories of what happened 20 years ago.

Unfortunately, there are no magic pills or ways to make the illness and condition more palatable for anyone.  Some say that the best way to cope is to accept it and work around the problems.  That is easier said than done.  Faced with the life-changing events in the life of a loved one, as well as the demanding physical and emotional care, caregivers often fall into depression.

If a person with Alzheimer's is placed into a nursing facility, visiting can also bring about coping with Alzheimer's.  It can be frightening and upsetting when the one you are visiting doesn't recognize you.  The visit can be filled with emotion.

But coping with Alzheimer's diagnosis isn't just for the caregiver.  In the early and middle stages of the disease, the person with Alzheimer's knows there is something wrong.  They will have periods of disorientation and loss of memories interspersed with periods of lucidity.  This leads to confusion, frustration, anger, fear, grief, and depression.

The caregiver can help the loved one cope with Alzheimer's disease by being present and listening to them express their fears and concerns.  Helping the person plan, provide unconditional love, and help them retain their dignity and self-respect will go a long way toward encouraging them to continue living their lives and enjoying the days they've been given.

Seniors with Alzheimer's benefit greatly from a stable environment.  This reduces problems with behavior.  When a person with Alzheimer's is introduced to noises, new situations, large groups of people, or is rushed to remember or do a seemingly simple task, it can cause anxiety.  This anxiety leads to the person becoming upset and decreases their ability to think clearly.

5 Ways for Caregivers to Deal with Alzheimer's Disease

Coping with Alzheimer's when you are the caregiver can lead to social isolation, anger, guilt, frustration, discouragement, worry, and grief.  But there are several things that you, as the caregiver, can do to help prevent and treat these issues.  

Get Help - Ask your friends and family for help when you need it. Don't believe that you are in this alone.  You have family, friends, and people who love you also.  They don't know what to do to help you have to tell them.

Monitor Your Health - Take care of your health by eating a well-balanced diet, getting at least seven hours of sleep, and relaxing when you can.  Take dietary supplements to make up for the lousy diet you'll occasionally have.

Educate Yourself - Learn as much about Alzheimer's as you can so you're prepared, at least in theory, for the upcoming challenges.  As much as we can be intellectually ready, we'll probably never be emotionally ready for the changes.

Join a Support Group - Use a support group to help you brainstorm solutions to your problem set.  Others have gone before you – use their knowledge.

Seek Counseling - Researchers have found that those caregivers who receive individual counseling and support have a decreased level of depression and keep their loved ones home for a more extended period.

Alzheimer's Care in Denver CO

If you require longer term Alzheimer's care in Denver, Colorado or the surrounding area, contact Applewood Our House. Or, you can take a Virtual Tour of their five beautiful assisted living and memory care homes.

8 Symptoms of Dementia - Common Signs That You Need to See Your Doctor

 

If you suspect you or a loved one might be showing signs of dementia, your first step should be to see your doctor. It is only through various tests that doctors can make an actual diagnosis.

Common Signs of Dementia

• These are all common signs of dementia that indicate that it is time to visit your doctor.
• Trouble completing tasks you would usually do, such as at work or around the house 
• Listlessness; a lack of interest in things they usually do
• Difficulty following conversations
• Subtle short-term memory changes, such as not remembering the name of a person you know well, or an everyday object
• Changes in mood or personality, such as being very quiet or suddenly aggressive and loud
• Confusion, lack of awareness of what day or time it is, where you are and how you got there
• Difficulty following movies or TV shows
• Getting lost more often, even in familiar areas

Not All Memory Loss Is Dementia

The good news is that not all memory loss is dementia, and not all dementia is Alzheimer's. There can be simple lifestyle reasons why your memory isn't as sharp as it used to be in many cases. Three leading causes are stress, lack of quality sleep, and certain medications.

Your doctor can help you with all of these. There are many effective stress management techniques. Your doctor can review your sleep habits to make sure your nightly routine is a good stepping stone to a full night of high-quality sleep. Certain medications have known side effects of impairing memory. Your doctor can usually offer alternatives that won't harm your memory and monitor you to see if your symptoms improve or even disappear.

Early Detection Is Key

As with most medical conditions, early detection can often be the key to a better outcome than waiting to see a doctor until things have progressed too far.

Your primary care doctor will be your first stop. They will run blood tests and urinalysis to detect any underlying health issue triggering memory issues. For example, high blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid issues can all lead to memory problems. If they discover any medical condition, it can be treated, and you can monitor whether or not memory returns.

Being Referred to Specialists

Depending on what the first set of tests uncovers, a person with memory loss will usually be treated or referred to one or more specialists. Each of these specialists can help decide if it is dementia or some other brain health issue.

Neurologist

A neurologist will help determine whether the brain's structure is typical and the degree of cognitive function.

Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist can help determine whether or not the behavioral changes that might have manifested are signs of dementia or a mood disorder.

Geriatrician

A geriatrician specializes in the medical conditions suffered by older people. They can help formulate a treatment plan depending on whether or not the person is suffering from cognitive impairment, dementia, or Alzheimer's.

Diagnostic Tests

Each doctor will administer verbal tests and tests on paper to the patient; these are an established method to help diagnose dementia. And if dementia is present, the tests will also determine the decline rate, such as in Alzheimer's.

They might also order CT scans, MRIs, and other imaging tests to determine if the brain's structure has changed in any way, such as due to a tumor or a stroke. Your doctor will finally determine a course of treatment or another plan of action to deal with the memory loss.

How to Tell Family and Friends That You Have Dementia

 

Being told you have any medical condition can be a very upsetting situation, but you don't have to face it alone. However, it is up to you who you wish to tell or not tell and how you go about it.

Educate Yourself

Before you tell everyone, it is often best to educate yourself as much as possible about your condition. For example, there are several different kinds of dementia, each with its prognosis (suggested outcome). Every patient is, of course, different. Some are genetically predisposed towards dementia and Alzheimer's. Others are more proactive about their health, which can help counteract genetics to some extent.

Some forms of dementia have standard treatments that are successful and can help you maintain a high quality of life and independence for many years to come. In the case of Alzheimer's, however, the cognitive decline will reach the point where a person can no longer be independent. Most Alzheimer's patients rarely live beyond ten years after diagnosis.

Giving people brochures or website links that convey the message you want to share can help.

Age

Age can be a factor in one's outlook. For example, if you are in your 80s, dementia is probably not such a huge surprise or upheaval in your life compared to some patients who are developing dementia as early as in their 40s and 50s.

Marital Status

If you are married or in a relationship, a diagnosis of dementia can put a real strain on a relationship. It can be depressing for the person diagnosed. They often hate the idea of "being a burden" on anyone. It can be frightening for both partners because there are no definite answers as to what happens next. There are treatments for dementia and Alzheimer's, and new ones are emerging all the time, but each person will respond differently to their type of dementia.

Deciding Who to Tell

Base your decision on how close you are to the person and how important it is they know. Or, base it on what you think the person will be able to hear without being devastated by the news. A third consideration is how much that person is likely to remain in your life and give you emotional and perhaps practical support as time goes on.

Sharing your diagnosis with others is an essential step toward integrating Alzheimer's disease into your life. You may be hesitant to share your diagnosis with some people, given the impact of such disclosure on you. Keep this mantra in mind: Alzheimer's disease is not your fault.

Determine your comfort level as to how many people you would like to know. You can always tell more people later as needed. The important thing is to feel supported as you cope with your news.

Picking Your Moment

Some people like to get one-on-one with their friends to break the news about their illness. Others might organize a gathering of family and friends to tell people all at the same time and deal with some of the most common questions most people have when they first hear the word dementia.

The group should be relaxed and not hyper when you tell them. You might also consider writing down what you wish to say so you can give them a vital fact without getting sidetracked.

Talk about planning for the future together, and your loved ones should soon start to accept the diagnosis and help you with your "new normal" as you live with dementia.