Posts Tagged ‘Grandpa with Alzheimer’s’
Friday, September 25th, 2009
A recent research study from Great Britain suggests that the use of antipsychotic drugs to manage difficult behaviors associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias may double the patient’s risk for death.
In 2005 the FDA issued a “black box” warning of all atypical antipsychotics used in those patients with dementia. The FDA initiated the warning after studies in the United States discovered a higher risk of sudden death in patients with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis after 180 days use of these medications. In 2008, this warning was extended to include first generation antipsychotics as well.
Most eldercare experts who specialize in the care of those with dementia agree that the use of antipsychotic medications is not necessary to manage difficult behavioral challenges in those with dementia. Many times these medications have a variety of side effects that cause additional concerns for caregivers. These medications may cause the person with dementia to become dozy, lethargic, and apathetic. When a person with dementia sleeps all day as a result of medication, caregivers may see him/her have difficulty sleeping at night. Caregivers often also find that the person with dementia may develop an unsteady gait and an increase in saliva which can cause difficulty in swallowing.
The key to managing difficult behaviors is in how the caregiver perceives the person with dementia. The caregiver must be able to separate the person from the disease and remember that all care performed is for a “person” and not a “disease.” All behaviors are a form of communication. Often when a person with dementia is becoming frustrated the first step to resolving this frustration is to find out what unmet need he/she may have. Ultimately all people yearn to be safe and to have their core psychological needs met.
Caregivers must provide a means to ensure that the person with dementia has a personally meaningful day and night. This means that throughout the course of the day he/she is engaged in activities or projects that are familiar, meaningful, and purposeful. For example, Helen’s caregiver knows that Helen is a mother of three children. Helen is pacing her home waiting for her “kids” to get home from school. Knowing that the children are now grown and will not be “walking through the door at 3:15pm” her caregiver has discovered that Helen’s afternoon routine was to make a snack for the children before they came home from school. Her caregiver sets up a snack for Helen to make and begins to validate her feelings of motherhood and her desire to keep her children safe. The caregiver also begins to reminisce during this time about her children and her routine as a mother. Through this process her “unmet” need is resolved and she now is feeling safe and content.
This is not a simple process that occurs quickly. To effectively communicate and reminisce with a person with dementia, a caregiver must have a good understanding of the life story of the person.
A stressed out caregiver may feel that antipsychotic medication is the best and only option; however, after weighing the side effects of this type of medication and researching other alternatives, they may find there are better, more effective, ways to help manage the stress of challenging behaviors. As these studies have shown, the risk of sudden death is high, and the improvement in the quality of life is not a guaranty.
For more information the alternative to antipsychotic medication to resolve challenging behaviors, please contact Alzheimer’s Care Group at 317-218-5111 or www.alzcaregroup.com or www.behomelivelife.com.
Tags: activity ideas, Alzheimer's, Alzheimer's disease, antipsychotic medications, caregivers of alzheimer's disease, Grandpa with Alzheimer's, meaningful days, memory loss, mom with alzheimer's caregiver, nursing home ideas, nursing homes, people with dementia are not children, person centered care
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Wednesday, September 16th, 2009
Fall Harvesting
Harvesting vegetables and putting them up for the winter is an old tradition. It was the life blood for families during the winter until the supermarket became popular in the late 1970’s. Many people today continue to “put up” vegetables to save money and to gain the benefits of fresh vegetables. Here are a few ideas that will work well to stimulate reminiscing and be a purposeful activity.
Shucking Corn:
Have the residents shuck corn cobs. Once the corn is shucked, cook the corn in water until the water boils and let it simmer for about five minutes. Have each resident butter a piece of bread, then they can use the bread to butter the corn by sliding the buttered side of the bread along the corn. Be prepared to cut the corn off the cob if someone is having difficulty due to dentures.
Breaking Beans:
Bring in a bushel of beans to be snapped. Place the beans on the table and have residents sit around the table and snap the beans. Once the beans are snapped, they can be cooked with some bacon for about an hour. This is a great activity to do in the morning. The beans can be cooking around lunch time. The smell of the beans and bacon cooking will have everyone ready to eat by the time lunch arrives.
Pickling:
Cucumbers can be pickled using safe cold brine. Have a group of residents chop the cucumbers into the desired size. Then have the group measure out the following ingredients:
Two cups vinegar One cup water
One half cup sugar One cup salt
Three tablespoons dill
Mix all ingredients together, and then add cucumber pieces (three cups). Place cucumber and pickling ingredients in a bowl with a tight fitting lid. Let sit for three-five days. Then enjoy!
While the residents are participating in these cooking groups ask questions to get everyone talking about past cooking experiences.
“Did you grow a garden in the summer?”
“What kind of vegetables did you grow?”
“How did you put the vegetables up for the winter?”
“Did you sell your vegetables at the farmer’s market?”
“Did you ever have a glass jar bust while you were canning?”
“Did you make homemade jams or jellies?”
Trivia:
A pickle crunch should be heard from 10 paces away.
26 billion pickles are packed each year in the U.S.
Half of all cucumbers are made into pickles each year.
The average ear of corn has 800 kernels, arranged in 16 rows.
There is one piece of silk for each kernel.
A bushel of corn contains about 27,000 kernels.
For more information contact 317-218-5111 or www.behomelivelife.com
Tags: activity ideas, Alzheimer's, Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimer's Education, caregiver stress, cognition, cooking ideas in nursing homes, educated caregivers, Grandpa with Alzheimer's, improving memory
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Friday, June 26th, 2009
Alzheimer’s disease has been in the news a lot these days. Recently there has been an increase in the number of commercials advertising medications that can help with the disease process. Even HBO had some success with its documentary, the “Alzheimer’s Project”. We’ve seen an increase in people inquiring about the symptoms of the disease process.
“When do I become concerned if I am forgetting things?
“How do I know if I have Alzheimer’s?”
Here are a few symptoms to look for:
- Loss of procedural memory. Forgetting how to do routine tasks that have been second nature .
- Misplacing items: Not recalling where you placed an item or finding it in a very strange place. For example, putting your keys in the freezer.
- Difficulty finding words: Having trouble finding the right words or understanding common words that you once understood.
- Difficulty with judgment or drawing conclusions.
- Changes in personality: You begin to experience mood changes or loss of initiative.
If you believe you are experiencing memory impairment, it is time to see a doctor. People over the age of 65 should consider annual memory exams, especially if there is a family history of Alzheimer’s or other related dementias. In some cases, dementia can be reversed.
For more information, please contact us at 317-218-5111 or www.behomelivelife.com
Tags: Alzheimer's, alzheimer's care group, Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimer's Education, Dementia, Grandpa with Alzheimer's, personally meaningful days, symptoms of dementia
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Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009
This article discusses recent findings regarding socialization and it’s affects on Alzheimer’s and other related dementias. Interestingly, more and more research is proving socialization is vital to conserving cognitive function as we age. It is a reminder in the value of staying connected with others.
Study links seniors’ loneliness to higher risk of dementia
By Kathleen Fackelmann, USA TODAY
Loneliness may put people at risk of an Alzheimer’s-like dementia, a study reported Monday.
“People who described themselves as lonely were twice as likely to develop dementia,” says researcher Robert Wilson of the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.
Other studies have found that people who are unmarried and socially isolated are at higher risk for dementia, including Alzheimer’s. But this study is one of the first to show a link between loneliness — or the feelings of disconnection from other people — and a higher risk of developing dementia late in life, says Laurel Coleman, a spokeswoman for the Alzheimer’s Association and a geriatrician in Portland, Maine.
Wilson and his colleagues studied 823 people who were about 80 years old and had no sign of dementia at the start of the study. The team gave the recruits a loneliness quiz and tested them annually for signs of memory loss and confusion, two key signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
During the four-year study, 76 people developed an Alzheimer’s-like dementia, Wilson says. The risk of developing dementia increased about 51% for each one-point increase on the loneliness scale. People with the highest scores had 2.1 times the risk of developing dementia, a group of conditions that destroy brain cells and lead to mental confusion. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia.
Autopsies were performed on 90 people who died during the study. The researchers found no link between loneliness and the development of the abnormal brain deposits that are the hallmark of Alzheimer’s.
That finding suggests loneliness might be triggering dementia through a novel mechanism — one that doesn’t lead to a brain riddled with deposits, Wilson says.
One theory is that people who are lonely over long periods of time might have higher levels of damaging stress hormones. The elevated stress hormones might lead to an accelerated aging of the brain — and perhaps to dementia, Wilson says.
Other research suggests lonely people are at risk of other health problems such as cancer and high blood pressure, says John Cacioppo of the University of Chicago. Still, he says, the new finding, which appears in February’s Archives of General Psychiatry, must be verified by additional research.
The findings didn’t change much when the team factored in markers of social isolation, such as infrequent participation in social events. That means that people who have a small number of good friends might be better off than those with a busy social schedule but chronic feelings of loneliness, Wilson says.
But lonely people often benefit from signing up for a new class or activity, Coleman says. Research shows that such activities might protect aging brain cells. And seniors who are out and about are more likely to make new friends, which might lessen feelings of loneliness, she says.
For more information contact 317-218-5111 or www.behomelivelife.com.
Tags: Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimer's Education, alzheimer's support, exercising your brain, Grandpa with Alzheimer's, people with dementia are not children, personally meaningful days, socialization, symptoms of alzheimer's
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Monday, April 13th, 2009
CALL TO ACTION
I received this information today in the Alzheimer’s Association’s ENewsletter. Please join all caregivers to make a difference in the lives of those who are battling this difficult disease.
Advocate Impact: Forum 2009
Last month, over 600 advocates from around the country marched on Capitol Hill to demand that our lawmakers make Alzheimer’s a national priority.
During meetings with advocates, members of Congress made the following commitments:
188 indicated support to end the two-year waiting period for Medicare;
181 indicated support for a $250 million increase in Alzheimer research funding; and
83 indicated support the creation of an Alzheimer’s Solutions Project Office.
65 members indicated support for all 3 issues!
You can catch a glimpse of the action at: http://www.alz.org/forum
We have great momentum and now is the time to “seal the deal”. Read on…
What Can I Do Now?
Ask your members to co-sponsor the End the Medicare Two-year Wait Bill!
People under age 65 with dementia who lose their jobs are likely to lose job-related health insurance. Many become uninsured and uninsurable. Just when they need coverage the most, federal law requires them to wait two years to become eligible for Medicare. Because of this wait, families face soaring out-of-pocket costs for health care or completely forego care. http://alz.kintera.org/endthewait
Email your members of Congress now. Ask them to co-sponsor the Ending the Medicare Disability Waiting Period Act of 2009 (S.700 / H.R.1708).
Go to:
For more information on how you can impact the lives of those with Alzheimer’s contact www.alzcaregroup.com or 317-218-5113
Tags: activity ideas, Alzheimer's, alzheimer's and brain games, alzheimer's care group, Alzheimer's Caregiver, Alzheimer's center, Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimer's Education, alzheimer's residents, alzheimer's support, Call to Action, care giver stress, caregiver stress, caregivers of alzheimer's disease, cognition, congress, cooking ideas in nursing homes, Dementia, Disease, educated caregivers, Ending the Medicare Disability Waiting Period Act of 2009, Grandpa with Alzheimer's, Katrina DeGraff, meaningful days, mom with alzheimer's caregiver, nursing homes, people with dementia are not children, person centered care, personally meaningful days, relief
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Wednesday, April 1st, 2009
Approach and Communication
As Alzheimer’s disease progresses it can impact the way a person may communicate. Communication is vital in the care giving process. It is the way we express our ideas, feelings, and wants. In order to maintain a quality life, this basic need must be met.
An individual with Alzheimer’s may have trouble finding the right words, may misunderstand statements that are made, may repeat the same words or statements, or may revert to speaking a native tongue. As the disease progress, caregivers may also see the person relying more on gestures than words. For example, it may be easier to point to an object such as a cup of water, than to ask for a drink. She may pat the sides of her waist to indicate she needs to go to the bathroom. Some people may have trouble speaking in coherent statements where the phrases sound more like “word salad.” Word salad is an incomprehensible mixture of incoherent words or phrases. Caregivers must rely on gestures and other forms of nonverbal communication in order to understand what the person is trying to communicate.
Despite the fact that communication may become more challenging as Alzheimer’s disease progresses, sensitive ongoing communication is important. Although the person with Alzheimer’s may not respond to each statement, she still benefits from continued communication.
Tips to enhance communication:
· Identify yourself by name and what you are going to do for/with the person. Even if you have known the person for years, it is still important to identify yourself and the task.
· Call the person by his/her familiar name.
· Use short, simple, one step instructions
· Give the person plenty of time to respond to questions and statements
· Limit available choices to two (2) for the person to decide from ( i.e. the blue dress or the red dress, a brownie or ice cream)
· Don’t ask questions that rely on memory (remember when you ate eggs for breakfast last week?).
· Speak in a strong clear voice; don’t yell unless the person has a hearing impairment.
· Don’t talk down or childlike.
· Turn negatives into positives. Say “Let’s go here” instead of “Don’t go in there.”
· Turn questions into statement. Say “Let’s go eat” instead of “Are you ready for lunch?”
· Be aware of your tone of voice. Convey an easy going attitude.
· Approach from the front and never from behind.
· Use positive, friendly facial expressions.
· Be aware of your stance – avoid standing with hands on the hip or crossed arms.
· Focus on feelings not on facts.
· Validate feelings and help put those feelings into words.
· Be patient, flexible and understanding.
Good communication will bolster self worth, validate feelings, stimulate memories, and calm and reassure.
Tags: Alzheimer's, alzheimer's care group, Alzheimer's Caregiver, Alzheimer's center, Alzheimer's Dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimer's Education, alzheimer's residents, alzheimer's support, care giver stress, caregiver stress, caregivers of alzheimer's disease, cooking ideas in nursing homes, Dementia, educated caregivers, exercising your brain, Grandpa with Alzheimer's, Living at home longer, meaningful days, memory loss, mom with alzheimer's caregiver, nursing homes, people with dementia are not children, personally meaningful days
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Tuesday, March 31st, 2009
Approach and Communication
As Alzheimer’s disease progresses it can impact the way a person may communicate. Communication is vital in the care giving process. It is the way we express our ideas, feelings, and wants. In order to maintain a quality life, this basic need must be met.
An individual with Alzheimer’s may have trouble finding the right words, may misunderstand statements that are made, may repeat the same words or statements, or may revert to speaking a native tongue. As the disease progress, caregivers may also see the person relying more on gestures than words. For example, it may be easier to point to an object such as a cup of water, than to ask for a drink. She may pat the sides of her waist to indicate she needs to go to the bathroom. Some people may have trouble speaking in coherent statements where the phrases sound more like “word salad.” Word salad is an incomprehensible mixture of incoherent words or phrases. Caregivers must rely on gestures and other forms of nonverbal communication in order to understand what the person is trying to communicate.
Despite the fact that communication may become more challenging as Alzheimer’s disease progresses, sensitive ongoing communication is important. Although the person with Alzheimer’s may not respond to each statement, she still benefits from continued communication.
Tips to enhance communication:
· Identify yourself by name and what you are going to do for/with the person. Even if you have known the person for years, it is still important to identify yourself and the task.
· Call the person by his/her familiar name.
· Use short, simple, one step instructions
· Give the person plenty of time to respond to questions and statements
· Limit available choices to two (2) for the person to decide from ( i.e. the blue dress or the red dress, a brownie or ice cream)
· Don’t ask questions that rely on memory (remember when you ate eggs for breakfast last week?).
· Speak in a strong clear voice; don’t yell unless the person has a hearing impairment.
· Don’t talk down or childlike.
· Turn negatives into positives. Say “Let’s go here” instead of “Don’t go in there.”
· Turn questions into statement. Say “Let’s go eat” instead of “Are you ready for lunch?”
· Be aware of your tone of voice. Convey an easy going attitude.
· Approach from the front and never from behind.
· Use positive, friendly facial expressions.
· Be aware of your stance – avoid standing with hands on the hip or crossed arms.
· Focus on feelings not on facts.
· Validate feelings and help put those feelings into words.
· Be patient, flexible and understanding.
Good communication will bolster self worth, validate feelings, stimulate memories, and calm and reassure.
Tags: activity ideas, Alzheimer's, alzheimer's and brain games, alzheimer's care group, Alzheimer's Caregiver, Alzheimer's center, Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimer's Education, alzheimer's residents, alzheimer's support, care giver stress, caregivers of alzheimer's disease, cooking ideas in nursing homes, Dementia, educated caregivers, exercising your brain, Grandpa with Alzheimer's, improving memory, Katrina DeGraff, Living at home longer, meaningful days, memory care, mom with alzheimer's caregiver, nursing homes, people with dementia are not children, personally meaningful days
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Monday, March 30th, 2009
This week in the news, the Alzheimer’s Association released its Facts and Figures 2009. According to the Alzheimer’s Association 5.3 Million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease and the direct and indirect cost to the nation is $148 billion dollars annually. Additionally, Newt Gingrich presented The National Alzheimer’s Strategic Plan for improving the care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementia to Congress.
What are you going to do to make a difference in the lives of those with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers?
So often we become stuck in the mindset that people with dementia have no hope. The media often reports the stories of heart ache and despair, but we never hear the heroic stories of people making a difference for others being afflicted with this devastating disease.
Who are those heroes?
· Families who continue to make life the life of the loved one valuable even when that means adapting past interests to current abilities
· Families who continue to visit their loved one even when it appears she doesn’t remember them any longer
· Family members who regularly rotate care and responsibility to ensure the primary caregiver receives some respite
· Caregivers in long term care who engage their residents in dementia with personally meaningful activities
· Caregivers who provide care despite Congress cutting Medicare/Medicaid benefits
· Owners of nursing homes who put Person Centered Care before the dollar
· Innovators who continue to find new ways to bring quality of life to some who can no longer remember
Are you making a difference? Do you know where to begin?
For more information: Call 317-218-5111 or www.alzcaregroup.com
Tags: activity ideas, Alzheimer's, alzheimer's and brain games, alzheimer's care group, Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimer's Education, alzheimer's residents, alzheimer's support, care giver stress, caregiver stress, caregivers of alzheimer's disease, cognition, cooking ideas in nursing homes, Dementia, Disease, educated caregivers, exercising your brain, Grandpa with Alzheimer's, improving memory, Katrina DeGraff, Living at home longer, meaningful days, memory loss, mom with alzheimer's caregiver, nursing homes, people with dementia are not children, personally meaningful days
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Wednesday, February 25th, 2009
Spring is just around the corner! I’m ready for the end of cold weather, snow, and wind. This is the perfect time to start your gardening projects for your residents. Growing food that you later eat can be a rich and satisfying experience. Gardening is a familiar activity many residents enjoy and take pride in doing. And adding fresh vegetables to a meal promotes good health.
The purpose of this activity is to provide residents with an opportunity to perform a past skill or responsibility and to stimulate reminiscence and socialization.
Materials: egg carton, garden gloves, seeds, dirt, watering can, spray bottle, cookie sheet
Set-up
Find an indoor space with good lighting for seedlings and create an outdoor space for gardening.
Process
Getting Started
- Decide what you will grow. Ask the residents to help you choose what to plant. Take time to reminisce and ask questions like,
- What vegetables did you grow from seeds?
- Where did you get your seeds?
- What vegetables did you grow from plants?
- What type of container did you start your plants in?
Seedlings
- Ask families to donate seeds or buy them at a nursery.
- Start seedlings at the beginning of spring.
- Give each resident an egg carton. Next, tell them to punch a couple of small holes in the bottom for draining.
- Direct the residents to fill each egg holder halfway with dirt. Next, tell them to add one seed to each egg holder. Then, tell them to cover the seeds with dirt.
- Give the first resident the spray bottle filled with water. Next, direct the residents to spray water on top of each egg holder.
- Place the egg cartons on the cookie sheet to catch any water that may drain out. Next, follow the directions on the seed package to (1) decide where to put the cartons so the seeds will grow and (2) find out how often to water them. Then, remind the residents in the coming weeks to water the seeds according to the directions.
- Consider asking questions from Garden Trivia
Copyright 2008 Alzheimer’s Care Group
For more information: www.alzcaregroup.com
Tags: activity ideas, Alzheimer's, alzheimer's and brain games, alzheimer's care group, Alzheimer's Caregiver, Alzheimer's center, Alzheimer's Dementia, Alzheimer's disease, caffeine, care giver stress, caregiver stress, caregivers of alzheimer's disease, cognition, cooking ideas in nursing homes, Dementia, Disease, educated caregivers, Grandpa with Alzheimer's, improving memory, Katrina DeGraff, Katrina's Korner, nursing home ideas, nursing homes, people with dementia are not children, person centered care, personally meaningful days
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Tuesday, February 17th, 2009
In today’s edition of the McKnight’s Long-Term Care News and Assisted Living Newsletter I read this article on legislation that has been passed protecting our Seniors against abuse.
“Economic stimulus legislation hasn’t been the only item on Congress’s plate lately. The House of Representatives Wednesday passed a bill that would fund elder abuse prosecution and establish education and therapy programs for victims and their families..”
The Elder Abuse Victims Act sailed through the House with a 397-25 vote. As part of the bill, Congress would direct the attorney general’s office to conduct research into current state and local elder abuse prevention programs. The legislation also would provide funding for elder abuse prosecution at local, state and federal levels, as well as law enforcement training and nurse-investigators to identify and evaluate elder abuse cases.
Between 1 million and 2 million seniors in the U.S. have suffered abuse, according to the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Joe Sestak (D-PA). There is currently no Senate companion bill, though Sestak has said the Senate would likely pass a bill soon.”
Call to Action: Contact your Senator today. Ask your Senator to pass a similar bill soon to protect those at risk for elder abuse.
Care giver stress often leads to elder abuse in all care giving settings. Alzheimer’s Care Group can provide strategies and develop programs to enhance the quality of life for all care partners in long-term care settings. For more information: www.alzcaregroup.com
Tags: Alzheimer's, alzheimer's care group, Alzheimer's Caregiver, Alzheimer's center, Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimer's Education, alzheimer's residents, alzheimer's support, care giver stress, caregiver stress, caregivers of alzheimer's disease, cognition, cooking ideas in nursing homes, Dementia, Disease, Economic stimulus legislation, educated caregivers, exercising your brain, Grandpa with Alzheimer's, improving memory, Katrina DeGraff, Living at home longer, meaningful days, people with dementia are not children, personally meaningful days, stimulus checks, stimulus package, stimulus payments
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