5 Simple reasons Alzheimer’s are happy

We’ve all heard the saying the simple things make us happy.

This seems to even be more true with the elderly.connecting

They don’t care about how much clout a person has, the money in the back, the reputation, etc.

What they know is:

  • They are loved
  • They are wanted
  • They are protected
  • They are care for
  • They are safe

What little things make your loved one happy?

10 Memory Stimulating exercises

Stimulating the mind and memory are great tools for dementia and Alzheimer’s patient.  Even in the most advanced stages they can do simple task.

The interest and ability of each person is different, however some suggestions are:

Music has a healing power
Music has a healing power
  1. Checkers
  2. Tic tac toe
  3. Cards—Uno, Old Maid, etc.
  4. Puzzles—even if it is the simple 10 piece puzzle
  5. Word Search Puzzles
  6. Fill in the Blanks—we will take a familiar hymn, song or piece of scripture and remove 1-2 words to allow the patient to fill in the blanks {ex. For God so loved the {world}; How {Great} thou art; Jesus love {me}}
  7. Music—often songs bring back memories of days gone by
  8. Computer based games such as Smartbrain
  9. Dominoes or Qwirkle
  10. Household Chores—this is great for more advances cased. Simple task such as folding socks or washcloths, planting seeds, mixing ingredients, dusting, etc.

 

What exercises do you use to stimulate the mind?

Interruptions in daily routine

Interruptions frustrates routines
Interruptions frustrates routines

Many people enjoy their routine, whether they are children, adults or the elderly.

Sometimes interrupting a daily routine can be confusing for the elderly.  This is especially true with dementia and Alzheimer’s patients.

This can lead to increased agitation and confusion.

Make a note of when there is increased agitation and confusion.  Are there interruptions that brought this about?

How do you deal with interruptions to your routine?

The importance of Fellowship and Outings in the Elderly

Just because we are getting older, does not mean we don't need fellowship with our peers
Just because we are getting older, does not mean we don’t need fellowship with our peers

We all need fellowship with our friends and peers.

I’ve met some families that long to constantly take family members out.  I’ve met other family members that refuse to take their family members out, although it is enjoyable for that person.

There are instances when it is not possible to have outings, such as if the person is bed bound.

However, short outings are encouraged for the elderly.

Doing so gets them out and about and allows them to interrupt with others.

Socialization is important for the elderly.  This is one of the benefits of adult day care, retirement centers or skilled nursing care.

However, even if a person is home bound short outings are still good for them.

These can include:

We all need fellowship
We all need fellowship
  • Going out to eat
  • Riding into town and back
  • A walk through nature {or a ride}
  • Having a friend visit
  • Family gatherings
  • Doctor visits
  • Personal Care Outings {Hair, Nails, etc.}

How do you help your loved one have fellowship and outings?

The Elderly Need a Lot of Sleep

Working with the elderly, I’ve discovered one thing.  They all need a lot of sleep.

The amount of sleep is different for each person.

There is no set age when this sets in.

The elderly need a lot of sleep
The elderly need a lot of sleep

There are numerous factors that play into these factors, such as

  • effects of medicine
  • diseases they have been diagnosed with {Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, etc}
  • activity level
  • age
  • the more activity wears them out the more rest they usually need {for example if just getting in and out of car or going out to eat is too much, then they may sleep for a while upon return}

Just as young children need a lot of sleep, so do the elderly.

They need the time to rest and rejuvenate their system.

There are times when their agitation or moods may be enhanced due to the lack of rest and sleep needed.

How much does your loved one sleep?

7 Ways to Calm Agitation in Alzheimer’s

I shared recently about how Alzheimer’s patients can become fixated on various things.

Alzheimer’s patients can easily become agitated.

Calming others is never easy
Calming others is never easy

So what do you do when nothing works to redirect your loved ones?

  1. Use a lot of patience
  2. Try a change of scenery {go to another room or outside}
  3. Continue to keep trying to redirect and divert attention
  4. See if softly singing or playing a CD will help
  5. Walk out of the room and see if being left alone helps {sometimes this works and sometimes it doesn’t}
  6. Pray for patience and guidance. I’ve even prayed over a person and find that this often works.
  7. Create a calm environment and allow to get some sleep. This often leads to increased agitation.

How do you calm agitation when nothing else works?

Ways to Volunteer at a nursing home

volunteer

 

 

Are you looking for a way to volunteer?

Sadly, senior adults are often over looked when it comes to the volunteer pool.

Working in a skilled nursing facility I can assure you we are in great needs for volunteers.

Some ways you can help are:

Senior adults love to have someone to talk with or assist them in various tasks
Senior adults love to have someone to talk with or assist them in various tasks
  • Performance {music, dance, etc}
  • Present a class on a hobby or interest
  • Help with special events
  • Offer to help with regular activities {Bingo, various games, etc}
  • Read to residents
  • Help residents write a letter
  • Bring a Pet {you will need to provide verification of shots}
  • Beauty Regiment {Polish Nails, Hand Massage, Make up}
  • Provide books and magazines
  • Provide supplies for arts and crafts
  • Plant and maintain a garden
  • Donate supplies to be used as a giveaway {Mystery Auction, Bingo Store, Let’s Make a Deal, etc.}

Contact the activities office and inquire about ways you can help out.

An hour a week or a month is a huge help.

How do you volunteer with seniors?

Dealing with Hallucinations in Alzheimer’s

I had one lady that often saw people were not there.  There were times when she would have conversations with them for hours on end.

Often these conversations were very informative and entertaining.

Those with dementia often experience hallucinations
Those with dementia often experience hallucinations

Hallucinations are common for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

There are a variety of reasons but the most common are the interaction of medicines and the disease.

However, I’ve also spent enough time with Alzheimer’s patients that I believe they often see things we can’t see.  For some reason, they’re able to see the veil between our world and the spirit world that is hidden from the rest of us.

I’ve seen some family members and CNAs argue and try to convince the resident that no one is there.  However, this often leads to more agitation.

So instead, just listen and love your new one.

Who knows what new friends your loved ones may introduce you to?

How have you dealt with hallucinations in a loved one?

Loss of independence in Old Age

“Growing old isn’t for sissies,” was a common phrase Papa said.  I’ve also heard this from others.

Growing into old age is never easy.

The common struggle I’ve seen is the loss of independence.

Giving up our independence is never easy. One example is losing driving privileges.
Giving up our independence is never easy. One example is losing driving privileges.

This means:

  • Giving up driving
  • Unable to live alone
  • Unable to handle finances
  • Often a change in living arrangements
  • Loss of cooking privileges
  • Loss of other privileges or interest

Five years ago, GG quit driving, but she still talks about how much she misses it.

We can’t understand until we are in their shoes.  However, I know even now how much I’d dislike having these restrictions placed on me.

How has your loved one dealt with the loss of independence?

When Alzheimer’s Becomes Fixated

Recently I sat with a man that had Alzheimer’s.  One of the side effects of the disease that was a common occurrence was that he became fixated on

People with Alzheimer's often become fixated on certain things
People with Alzheimer’s often become fixated on certain things

things.

So what do you do when your loved one becomes fixated?

  • Try to divert attention
  • Try to change the subject
  • Change the location of scenery—such as another room
  • Sing a song
  • Read a story
  • Discuss a memory
  • May be tired and need to sleep

As with all things with this disease, sometimes these tips work and other times they don’t.

What does your loved one become fixated on?  How do you distract him/her?

Christmas and Alzheimer’s

I have one resident that says “Merry Christmas” every morning. Merry Christmas

Christmas is a special time and no one wants to be alone for the holiday.

However, we have to remember that the holiday can be overwhelming for those with Alzheimer’s.

Just make it simple.  Don’t overwhelm your loved one.

Carefully observe your loved one and if they are overwhelmed or tired, allow them the time to rest.

Understand that while your celebration may not be over, the time may come for your loved one to make an early exit.

How do you make Christmas special for your loved one?

12 Christmas ideas for the elderly

Often it is difficult to know what to buy senior adults for Christmas.

Some suggestions include:christmas

  1. Socks
  2. Clothing
  3. Night clothes
  4. Robe and slippers
  5. Lotion
  6. Baby powder
  7. Kleenex
  8. Stamps
  9. Calendar with family pictures
  10. Blankets or throws
  11. Gift certificate for grocery store or favorite restaurant
  12. Family pictures {frames, blanket, pillow, coffee mug, etc}

Often the best gift is just time with those they love.

What do you give your elderly loved one for Christmas?

How Alzheimer’s changes people

Alzheimer’s changes people.  The person we love is slowly slipping away before us.

Dementia changes the behavior of our loved ones
Dementia changes the behavior of our loved ones

Often people with Alzheimer’s will do or say things they may never have done before the disease.

For example, I had one lady whom her family said never cussed before she had the disease.  However, she will begin cussing at various times now.

Other times interest and taste may change over the course of the disease.

Sadly, the person we knew and loved is slowly disappearing before our eyes into a different person that is dictated by the disease.

How has your loved one changed due to Alzheimer’s?

7 Reasons for Anger in Alzheimer’s

Sadly, anger is prevalent at times in those that suffer from Alzheimer’s.

Sometimes this is due to their personality and life issues.  Often, this is because the person knows something is wrong, but can’t find the words to express what is wrong.

Dementia leads to anger in those with the disease
Dementia leads to anger in those with the disease

Some reasons for the anger may include:

  1. Unable to find words to express him/herself
  2. Is bothered by something but can’t express what
  3. Knows something isn’t right but isn’t sure what
  4. Is confused
  5. Is frustrated
  6. Is irritated by limitations {physical and/or mental}
  7. Paranoid of being talked about

Staying calm and helping the resident find ways to express him/herself is the best way to work through these bouts.

What do you do when your loved one expresses anger?

What I learned from People with Alzheimer’s

Spending my days with senior adults, many of them have Alzheimer’s.

So what have I learned from this wonderful group?

Most of it boil down to one fact that is not all that different from the rest of us.  They want to be loved.

People with Alzheimer's aren't that different than the rest of us. They just want to feel loved.
People with Alzheimer’s aren’t that different than the rest of us. They just want to feel loved.

Some examples include:

  • I have one lady that sighs every time a hand is placed on her shoulder.
  • I have another man who constantly says “I love you.”
  • I have a lady that claps her hands when she sees a familiar face.
  • I have another lady who will take your hands and kiss them.
  • I have a lady that is a recluse, but a hand on the shoulder and kind word will elicit a smile

 

These are just some of the common responses I see on a daily basis.  They just want to know they are not forgotten and that someone cares.

We often think that they don’t know when family visits.  However, I’ve seen time again the way a face lights up when family appears.  I’ve also seen the sadness of watching a peer with his/her family.   We may not think so, but they are aware of whether loved ones visit on a regular basis or not.  Again, they know if they are loved and wanted or not.

No, they may not remember who you are and they may have forgotten what you’d just said, but they also know how you make them feel.

10 Types of dementia

We hear the terms dementia and Alzheimer’s, but exactly what do they mean.

There are actually several types of dementia.

First let’s define the term dementia.  It is a general term for a loss of memory or other mental abilities that are severe enough to interfere with day to day life.

So what are the types of dementia?types dementia

  1. Alzhiemer’s disease—most common type of dementia.
  2. Vascular dementia-often occurs after a stroke
  3. Dementia with Lewy bodies—have abnormal aggregations of the protein alphasynuclein
  4. Parkinson’s disease
  5. Mixed dementia—linked to more than one kind of dementia
  6. Frontotemporal dementia
  7. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
  8. Huntington’s Disease—progressive brain disorder
  9. Normal Pressure hydrocephalus
  10. Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome—caused by severe deficiency of vitamin B-1

 

For a more in-depth view of symptoms, causes and treatments check out Alz.org and Alzheimers.net

7 stages of Alzheimer’s

There are 7 stages of Alzheimer’s

  1. No impairmentStages of Alz
  2. Minor memory problems, such as losing things
  3. Mild memory and cognitive problems
  4. Poor short term memory
  5. Significant confusion and more help with day to day activities
  6. Need for constant supervision
  7. Nearing death

For more detailed information on these stages check these links at: Alzheimer’s.net and Alzheimer’s.org

10 early warning signs of Alzheimer’s

Are you wondering if a loved one has Alzheimer’s?

Some of the early warning signs include:know the signs

  1. Challenges in planning or solving problems
  2. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, work or leisure activities
  3. Memory loss that disrupts day to day life
  4. Problems with speaking and writing words
  5. Confusion with time and place
  6. Trouble understanding visual images, distance and colors and other spatial relationships.
  7. Poor judgement calls
  8. Withdrawal from work or social activities
  9. Misplacing things and the inability to find them
  10. Changes in mood or personality

What other warning signs have you noticed?