dementia views you can use: ADEAR

Showing posts with label ADEAR. Show all posts

Monday, January 28, 2019

More ways to stop Alzheimer's aggressive and agitated behavior

Agitation means that a person is restless or worried. He or she doesn't seem to be able to settle down. Agitation may cause pacing, sleeplessness, or aggression, which is when a person lashes out verbally or tries to hit or hurt someone.

Causes of Agitation and Aggression

Most of the time, agitation and aggression happen for a reason. When they happen, try to find the cause. If you deal with the causes, the behavior may stop. For example, the person may have:

Pain, depression, or stress
Too little rest or sleep
Constipation
Soiled underwear or diaper
Sudden change in a well-known place, routine, or person
A feeling of loss—for example, the person may miss the freedom to drive
Too much noise or confusion or too many people in the room
Being pushed by others to do something—for example, to bathe or to remember

events or people—when Alzheimer's has made the activity very hard or impossible

Feeling lonely and not having enough contact with other people
Interaction of medicines

Look for early signs of agitation or aggression. If you see the signs, you can deal with the cause before problem behaviors start. Try not to ignore the problem. Doing nothing can make things worse.

A doctor may be able to help. He or she can give the person a medical exam to find any problems that may cause agitation and aggression. Also, ask the doctor if medicine is needed to prevent or reduce agitation or aggression.

Tips for Coping

Here are some ways you can cope with agitation or aggression:

Reassure the person. Speak calmly. Listen to his or her concerns and frustrations. Try to show that you understand if the person is angry or fearful.
Allow the person to keep as much control in his or her life as possible.
Coping with changes is hard for someone with Alzheimer's. Try to keep a routine, such as bathing, dressing, and eating at the same time each day.
Build quiet times into the day, along with activities.
Keep well-loved objects and photographs around the house to help the person feel more secure.
Try gentle touching, soothing music, reading, or walks.
Reduce noise, clutter, or the number of people in the room.
Try to distract the person with a favorite snack, object, or activity.
Limit the amount of caffeine, sugar, and "junk food" the person drinks and eats.

Here are some things you can do:

Slow down and try to relax if you think your own worries may be affecting the person with Alzheimer's.
Try to find a way to take a break from caregiving.

Safety Concerns

When the person is aggessive, protect yourself and others. If you have to, stay at a safe distance from the person until the behavior stops. Also try to protect the person from hurting himself or herself.

Saturday, January 26, 2019

Dementia-How to stop sundowning

Caregivers, and healthcare professionals,here is some great information

Here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professionals,

Follow alzheimersideas on twitter
The Dementia Caregiver's Little Book of Hope [Kindle Edition]

Your residents will love the Amazon Kindle Fire

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here is a way for nurses administrators, social workers and other health care professionals to get an easyceu or two

SOURCE:
The Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center is a service of the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health. The Center offers information and publications for families, caregivers, and professionals about Alzheimer's disease and age-related cognitive changes.

AGITATION & ANXIETY IN ALZHEIMER'S:

Get these tips for coping with "sundowning". (Sundowning is restlessness or agitation in the late afternoon or early evening in Alzheimer's.)

Late afternoon and early evening can be difficult for some people with Alzheimer's disease. They may experience sundowning (restlessness, agitation, irritability, or confusion that can begin or worsen as daylight begins to fade) often just when tired caregivers need a break.

Sundowning can continue into the night, making it hard for people with Alzheimer's to fall asleep and stay in bed. As a result, they and their caregivers may have trouble getting enough sleep and functioning well during the day.

Possible Causes

Sundowner's Syndrome: A Caregiver Guide

By SundownerFacts (Paperback - Oct 29, 2012)

$12.99

Rated 4.5 out of 5 by 39 reviewers on Amazon.com

The causes of sundowning are not well understood. One possibility is that Alzheimer's-related brain changes can affect a person's "biological clock," leading to confused sleep-wake cycles. This may result in agitation and other sundowning behaviors.

Other possible causes of sundowning include:

being overly tired
unmet needs such as hunger or thirst
depression
pain
boredom

Coping with Sundowning

Look for signs of sundowning in the late afternoon and early evening. These signs may include increased confusion or anxiety and behaviors such as pacing, wandering, or yelling. If you can, try to find the cause of the person's behavior.

If the person with Alzheimer's becomes agitated, listen calmly to his or her concerns and frustrations. Try to reassure the person that everything is OK and distract him or her from stressful or upsetting events.

You can also try these tips:

Reduce noise, clutter, or the number of people in the room.
Try to distract the person with a favorite snack, object, or activity. For example, offer a drink, suggest a simple task like folding towels, or turn on a familiar TV show (but not the news or other shows that might be upsetting).
Make early evening a quiet time of day. You might play soothing music, read, or go for a walk. You could also have a family member or friend call during this time.
Close the curtains or blinds at dusk to minimize shadows and the confusion they may cause. Turn on lights to help minimize shadows.

Preventing Sundowning

Being too tired can increase late- afternoon and early-evening restlessness. Try to avoid this situation by helping the person:

go outside or at least sit by the window—exposure to bright light can help "reset the person's body clock"
get physical activity or exercise each day
get daytime rest if needed, but keep naps short and not too late in the day
get enough rest at night

Avoid things that seem to make sundowning worse:

Do not serve coffee, cola, or other drinks with caffeine late in the day.
Do not serve alcoholic drinks. They may add to confusion and anxiety.
Do not plan too many activities during the day. A full schedule can be tiring.

If Problems Persist

If sundowning continues to be a problem, seek medical advice. A medical exam may identify the cause of sundowning, such as pain, a sleep disorder or other illness, or a medication side effect.

If medication is prescribed to help the person relax and sleep better at night, be sure to find out about possible side effects. Some medications can increase the chances of dizziness, falls, and confusion. Doctors recommend using them only for short periods of time.

SOURCE:
The Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center is a service of the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health. The Center offers information and publications for families, caregivers, and professionals about Alzheimer's disease and age-related cognitive changes.

Tuesday, January 8, 2019

Alzheimer's-Best ways to deal with incontinence

A person with Alzheimer’s disease may have other medical problems over time. These problems can cause more confusion and behavior changes. The person may not be able to tell you what is wrong.

One problem, incontinence, means a person can’t control his or her bladder and/or bowels. This may happen at any stage of Alzheimer’s disease, but it is more often a problem in the later stages. Signs of this problem are leaking urine, problems emptying the bladder, and soiled underwear and bed sheets. Let the doctor know if you see any of these signs. He or she may be able to treat the cause of the problem.

Causes of Incontinence

Incontinence has several possible causes. Some can be treated:
Urinary tract infection
Enlarged prostate gland
Too little fluid in the body (dehydration)
Diabetes that isn’t being treated
Taking too many water pills
Drinking too much caffeine
Taking medicines that make it hard to hold urine

When you talk to the doctor, be ready to answer the following questions:

What medicines is the person with Alzheimer’s taking?
Does the person leak urine when he or she laughs, coughs, or lifts something?
Does the person urinate often?
Can the person get to the bathroom in time?
Is the person urinating in places other than the bathroom?
Is the person soiling his or her clothes or bed sheets each night?
Do these problems happen each day or once in a while?

What To Do About Incontinence

Here are some ways you can deal with incontinence:

Remind the person to go to the bathroom every 2 to 3 hours. Don’t wait for him or her to ask.
Show the person the way to the bathroom, or take him or her.
Watch for signs that the person may have to go to the bathroom, such as restlessness or pulling at clothes. Respond quickly.
Make sure that the person wears loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to remove.
Limit fluids after 6 p.m. if problems happen at night. Do not give the person fluids with caffeine, such as coffee or tea.
Give the person fresh fruit before bedtime instead of fluids if he or she is thirsty.

Here are some other tips:

Mark the bathroom door with a big sign that reads “Toilet” or “Bathroom.”
Use a stable toilet seat that is at a good height. Using a colorful toilet seat may help the person identify the toilet. You can buy raised toilet seats at medical supply stores.
Plan ahead if you are going out with the person. Know where restrooms are located. Take an extra set of clothing in case of an accident.
Help the person when he or she needs to use a public bathroom. This may mean going into the stall with the person or using a family or private bathroom.

Accidents Happen

Be understanding when bathroom accidents occur. Stay calm and reassure the person if he or she is upset.

Incontinence supplies, such as adult disposable briefs or underwear, bed protectors, and waterproof mattress covers, may be helpful. You can buy these items at drugstores and medical supply stores. A drainable pouch may be useful for the person who can’t control his or her bowel movements. Talk to a nurse about how to use this product.

Some people find it helpful to keep a record of how much food and fluid the person with Alzheimer’s takes in and how often he or she goes to the bathroom. You can use this information to make a schedule for going to the bathroom.

MORE INFORMATION:

Read the NIA booklet, "Caring for a Person with Alzheimer's Disease"

SOURCE:
The Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center

Thursday, December 13, 2018

Put those with dementia in a better mood

Caregivers, and healthcare professionals,here is some great information

Here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professionals,

Follow alzheimersideas on twitter
The Dementia Caregiver's Little Book of Hope [Kindle Edition]

Your residents will love the Amazon Kindle Fire

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here is a way for nurses administrators, social workers and other health care professionals to get an easyceu or two

The Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center

BETTER MOOD: In dementia, the brain loses a number of abilities. This can change a person's personality and behavior. Use this tip sheet's suggestions to better understand them.

Changes in the way people act can be one of the biggest challenges in caring for people with Alzheimer's.

There is much you can do to smooth the journey.

COMMON CHANGES IN PERSONALITY AND BEHAVIOR

Common personality and behavior changes you may see include:

Getting upset, worried, and angry more easily
Acting depressed or not interested in things
Hiding things or believing other people are hiding things
Imagining things that aren't there
Wandering away from home
Pacing a lot
Showing unusual sexual behavior
Hitting you or other people
Misunderstanding what he or she sees or hears

You also may notice that the person stops caring about how he or she looks, stops bathing, and wants to wear the same clothes every day.
In addition to changes in the brain, other things may affect how people with
Alzheimer's behave:

Feelings such as sadness, fear, stress, confusion, or anxiety
Health-related problems, including illness, pain, new medications, or lack of sleep
Other physical issues like infections, constipation, hunger or thirst, or problems seeing or hearing
Problems in their surroundings, like too much noise or being in an unfamiliar place

If you don't know what is causing the problem, call the doctor. It could be caused by a physical or medical issue.

KEEP THINGS SIMPLE… AND OTHER TIPS

Caregivers cannot stop Alzheimer's-related changes in personality and behavior, but they can learn to cope with them. Here are some tips:

Keep things simple. Ask or say one thing at a time.
Have a daily routine, so the person knows when certain things will happen.
Reassure the person that he or she is safe and you are there to help.
Focus on his or her feelings rather than words. For example, say, "You seem worried."
Don't argue or try to reason with the person.
Try not to show your frustration or anger. If you get upset, take deep breaths and count to 10. If it's safe,
leave the room for a few minutes.
Use humor when you can.
Give people who pace a lot a safe place to walk.
Try using music, singing, or dancing to distract the person.
Ask for help. For instance, say, "Let's set the table" or "I need help folding the clothes."

Talk with the person's doctor about problems like hitting, biting, depression, or hallucinations. Medications are available to treat some behavioral symptoms.

MORE INFORMATION:
For more caregiving tips and other resources:

Read "Caring for a Person with Alzheimer's Disease":
Visit www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/topics/caregiving
Call the ADEAR Center toll-free:
1-800-438-4380

SOURCE:

The Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center is a service of the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health. The Center offers information and publications for families, caregivers, and professionals about Alzheimer's disease and age-related cognitive changes.

Saturday, July 14, 2018

Scam protection for those with dementia

The Dementia Caregiver's Little Book of Hope [Kindle Edition]

The Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center - a service of the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health.

KEEP YOUR MONEY SAFE -

We've all heard stories of crooks taking advantage of people with Alzheimer's. See how to protect people with dementia from scammers.

People with Alzheimer’s may be victims of financial abuse or scams by dishonest

Guard Against Financial Abuse and Fraud

Sometimes, the person behind the scam is a “friend” or family member. Telephone, e-mail, or in-person scams can take many forms, such as:

Identity theft
Get-rich-quick offers
Phony offers of prizes or home or auto repairs
Insurance scams
Health scams such as ads for unproven memory aids
Threats

Warning Signs

Look for signs that the person with Alzheimer’s may be a victim of financial abuse or fraud:

Signatures on checks or other papers don’t look like the person’s signature.
The person’s will has been changed without permission.
The person’s home is sold, and he or she did not agree to sell it.
The person has signed legal papers (such as a will, power of attorney, or joint deed to a house) without knowing what the papers mean.
Things that belong to you or the person with Alzheimer’s, such as clothes or jewelry, are missing from the home.

If you think a person with Alzheimer’s may be the victim of a scam, contact your local police department. You can also contact the State consumer protection office or Area Agency on Aging office.

SOURCE:

The Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center - a service of the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health.

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Keep those with dementia safe by following these tips

Caregivers, and healthcare professionals,here is some great information

Here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professionals,

Your residents will love the Amazon Kindle Fire

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here is a way for nurses administrators, social workers and other health care professionals to get an easyceu or two

Follow alzheimersideas on twitter
The Dementia Caregiver's Little Book of Hope [Kindle Edition]

The Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center, a service of the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health.

Here are 20 ways to make your home a safer place for a loved one with dementia.

While some Alzheimer's behaviors can be managed medically, many, such as wandering and agitation, cannot. It is more effective to change the person's surroundings—for example, to remove dangerous items—than to try to change behaviors. Changing the home environment can give the person more freedom to move around independently and safely.

Minimize Danger

People with Alzheimer's disease may not see, smell, touch, hear, and/or taste things as they used to. You can do things around the house to make life safer and easier for the person. For example:

Check all rooms for adequate lighting. Use nightlights in bathrooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
Be careful about small pets. The person may not see the pet and trip over it.
Reset the water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent burns.
Label hot-water faucets red and cold-water faucets blue, or write the words "hot" and "cold" near them.
Install grab bars in the tub/shower and beside the toilet.
Put signs near the oven, toaster, and other things that get hot. The sign could say, "Stop!" or "Don't Touch—Very Hot!"

You can also try these tips:

Check foods in the refrigerator often. Throw out any that have gone bad.
Put away or lock up things like toothpaste, lotions, shampoos, rubbing alcohol, soap, or perfume. They may look and smell like food to a person with Alzheimer's.
If the person wears a hearing aid, check the batteries and settings often.

Basic Safety for Every Room

Add the following items to the person's home if they are not already in place:

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in or near the kitchen and in all bedrooms
Emergency phone numbers and the person's address near all phones
Safety knobs and an automatic shut-off switch on the stove
Childproof plugs for unused electrical outlets and childproof latches on cabinet doors

You can buy home safety products at stores carrying hardware, electronics, medical supplies, and children's items.

Lock up or remove these potentially dangerous items from the home:

Medicines
Alcohol
Cleaning and household products, such as paint thinner and matches
Poisonous plants—contact the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or www.poison.org to find out which houseplants are poisonous.
Guns and other weapons, scissors, knives, power tools, and machinery
Gasoline cans and other dangerous items in the garage

Moving Around the House

Try these tips to prevent falls and injuries:

Simplify the home. Too much furniture can make it hard to move around freely.
Get rid of clutter, such as piles of newspapers and magazines.
Have a sturdy handrail on stairways.
Put carpet on stairs, or mark the edges of steps with brightly colored tape so the person can see them more easily.
Put a gate across the stairs if the person has balance problems.
Remove small throw rugs. Use rugs with nonskid backing instead.
Make sure cords to electrical outlets are out of the way or tacked to baseboards.
Clean up spills right away.

Make sure the person with Alzheimer's has good floor traction for walking. To make floors less slippery, leave floors unpolished or install nonskid strips. Shoes and slippers with good traction also help the person move around safely.

You may want to re-evaluate the safety of the person's home as behavior and abilities change.

For more home safety tips, see the NIH / National Institute on Aging's checklist:

Home Safety Checklist for Alzheimer's Disease

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

How to deal with personality changes in Alzheimer's

Caregivers, and healthcare professionals,here is some great information

Here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professionals,

Your residents will love the Amazon Kindle Fire

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here is a way for nurses administrators, social workers and other health care professionals to get an easyceu or two

Follow alzheimersideas on twitter
The Dementia Caregiver's Little Book of Hope [Kindle Edition]

ADEAR
BETTER MOOD: In dementia, the brain loses a number of abilities. This can change a person's personality and behavior. Use this tip sheet's suggestions to better understand them.