Adaptability is critical when working with people with dementia, because every person’s and temperament and personal history is unique. However, there are some typical challenges that people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers experience. While not every problem has a simple, one-step solution, here are some reliable solutions to common problems. General: Respond to outbursts, accusations, or other dementia-related behavior by …
Dementia and Sleep Disorders
Information is taken from Mattress Clarity, www.mattressclarity.com/blog/alzheimers-and-sleep Dementia and sleep disorders share a paradoxical ‘chicken and egg’ relationship. While many people living with dementia tend to experience poor sleep on a regular basis, patients diagnosed with certain sleep disorders – such as insomnia and sleep apnea – are also more likely to develop dementia symptoms. The Relationship Between Dementia and …
Providing First Aid to a Person with Alzheimer’s
Information is taken from a Pacific Medical Training article written by Sarah Gehrke, MSN, RN Recognize Alzheimer’s Disease Providing first aid for people with Alzheimer’s can be a challenge, and it’s crucial to remember that no two people are the same. The following tips will help you identify someone with dementia. The person may: Appear disoriented and confused. Appear fearful, …
Preparing for the Holidays
Alzheimer’s disease affects every aspect of your family and community life. Your holiday observances are no exception. Holidays can be bittersweet for families affected by Alzheimer’s. The holiday season may bring mixed feelings and concerns about your loved one’s needs, his or her capacity to be involved in holiday festivities and your expectations for experience. Holiday memories from before your …
The Wild Wild Web
By Joe Cosgrove, Jr. Folks of my age and older remember Western movies featuring a “snake oil” salesman. These early scammers tried to trick people out of hard earned money with various magic elixirs. It was all part of the Wild Wild West. Today’s Internet and telecommunications have brought us many benefits. But this exciting technology has also created new …
Caregiver Challenges of General Hospital Care for Dementia Patients
Simple procedures by first responders and hospital personnel, like having their blood pressure taken or getting a shot in the arm, can be confusing or scary for anyone with dementia. Many first responders and hospital healthcare providers have little experience with people with dementia. Yet over 40% of people over the age of 85 have some type of dementia.1 Dementia …
Creating Fun and Meaningful Moments for Elders with Dementia
Fun, meaningful activities are as important to the well-being of an individual living with dementia as they are for anyone. Bringing children and elders together can provide endless opportunities for creating moments of joy and mutual engagement. With a little planning, you can set the stage for fun, meaningful activities that support the strengths and abilities of individuals with dementia …
Silver Alerts – Physician Documentation Required
Did you know that Texas Silver Alert legislation requires documentation of the missing person’s mental condition, prior to issuing an alert? If the family/legal guardian of the missing person is unable to provide documentation to law enforcement during a wandering incident, the physician could receive an emergency phone call. As a physician, it is important to be aware of the …
Forming Your Support Team
Caregiving often causes stress, which can result in increased health problems, disrupted social relationships, burnout, depression and decreased quality of care for their loved one. Too often caregivers don’t recognize their own needs or simply don’t know where to turn for help. It is essential for caregivers to seek the support of family, friends and community resources. Learning to ask …
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY
Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury for all ages. Those aged 75 and older have the highest rates of traumatic brain injury-related hospitalization and death due to falls. Doctors classify traumatic brain injury as mild, moderate or severe, depending on whether the injury causes unconsciousness, how long unconsciousness lasts and the severity of symptoms. Although most traumatic …