Those with dementia-Best ways to talk with them

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

Alzheimer's Association.

In Alzheimer's, talking to a loved one can be very frustrating. Here are 3 tips that can help.

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For someone with Alzheimer’s disease, another dementia or memory loss, simply communicating with loved ones can be a challenge. For family members of people with Alzheimer’s and related dementia, these speech and communication issues can be very frustrating. 

The best way to deal with these issues is to try to put ourselves in their shoes to see what we can do to improve communication with someone who has Alzheimer’s or a related dementia.

1. Make sure you have their attention

1. You can reduce the frustration and confusion by simply ensuring that you have their attention before communicating with them. Making eye contact with a person with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia is a critical first step to begin communication with them.
   
   Don’t assume that just because you’re in front of someone with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia that they are paying attention to you. Alzheimer’s robs people of their peripheral vision, so if you are even standing just a little bit off to someone’s side, they might not see you.
2. Another challenge for people living with Alzheimer’s disease is difficulty concentrating, so to be sure that the person you are trying to communicate with is paying attention to you. An easy way to address them by name and wait for them to respond before continuing your communication.
   
   Use simple sentences and slow down.

1. Once you’ve established a connection and have a person with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia’s attention, the worst thing you can do is try to communicate too much, too quickly.
   
   For example: Instead of asking – “We’d like to take you out to dinner. Would you like to go for steak, seafood, pizza or a buffet?” – it would be much better to break those questions into separate parts. In that scenario, you just threw too much at a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia. There is the question of whether they want to go out to dinner; then you have offered three choices. This makes communication very difficult for someone with Alzheimer’s disease.
   
   Since they are two separate decisions, first see if they are up for going out to dinner, and then determine where they go.
   
   While it may seem loving, caring and considerate to offer flexibility and choices, a person with Alzheimer’s disease, another dementia or memory loss can easily feel overwhelmed by too many options. It’s usually better to just offer two choices or your communication will be hindered. If you don’t understand the speech and communication challenges facing a person with Alzheimer’s disease, other dementias or memory loss, it is easy to become frustrated as well.
2. Finally, don’t put anyone on the spot.
   
   All too often, well-meaning relatives and friends unwittingly create anxiety for their loved ones with Alzheimer’s by asking things like “you remember John, don’t you?” or “what did you have for breakfast?”
   
   To someone with dementia, this can feel like a pop quiz that they do not know the answers to. What if they don’t remember John or what they had for breakfast? You could be setting them up to feel embarrassed or ashamed.
   
   Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia do not make people forget how to feel these emotions, so while these are well-meaning questions, it would be much better to simply phrase them a little differently. Saying “Hey mom, John from our old neighborhood is here to see you,” or “How was breakfast today?” is much less likely to create anxiety or confusion, which significantly increases the likelihood of a positive experience for the person with dementia.

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Again, a person with Alzheimer’s disease, another dementia or memory loss will be frustrated if they are forced to keep dealing with all that they cannot remember and the difficulty they have with speech. The frustrations with speech and communication, unfortunately, are a common struggle for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and can be exacerbated by loved ones who don’t appreciate the speech and communication challenges that someone with dementia faces.

There is a lot to know about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, specifically about speech and communication.

• You can get more information about communicating with people living with dementia by calling the Alzheimer's Association. They have a nationwide, 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 for help with speech and communication issues, whether the diagnosis is Alzheimer’s or another dementia.They are available day and night with information, emotional support, caregiving tools and referrals to healthcare, financial and legal resources with translation services available in more than 200 languages.

Dementia communication tips

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

SunriseSeniorLiving.com 

Good communication is critical when families and friends get together. Communicating may be difficult between people with memory-loss and their loved ones. Check out these 5 helpful communication tips and books. 

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The following tips can help make communications with those experiencing memory loss meaningful:

1. Center yourself. As soon as you start to get upset or frustrated, stop and concentrate on taking deep, slow breaths while focusing on something that makes you feel calm and collected.
   
2. Use empathy. Using empathy to connect includes focusing on the experience of your loved one with memory loss. It is important to connect with their feelings, rather than the context of their words.
   
3. Enter their world. Unless your loved one is in the very early stage of memory loss and wants to be reminded of a date, time or other reality based topic, join their journey rather than force reality on them.
   
4. Ask open questions. Use open-ended questions to redirect the conversation and to show that you’re interested in exploring what is important to them. For example, if your loved one is insisting on visiting their deceased mother, rather than reminding them that she passed away, ask her to tell you about her mother and listen with empathy as she expresses her feelings.
   
5. Try asking the extreme. Asking the extreme means that you ask the person to tell you the best or worst thing about what they are expressing.

Smart Medication Management Can Promote Compassionate Caregiving

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

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here are more interesting dementia brain boosting activities

Sharon Brothers MSW

Are you a family caregiver?

View a FREE training module, Becoming a Caregiver

invited Katie Huffstetler from the company Senior Living Communities to share an innovation her company is implementing to help with the challenge of medication management. Here's her guest article:

It's hard to move out of a family home into an assisted living community. If that community feels like home, however, that move can be just a little easier.

The company I work for recently announced a new initiative designed to reduce drug error rates and enhance residents' quality of life by taking the med-cart out of medication management. In our communities, assisted-living residents will enjoy an in-suite, secure cabinet that houses their pre-packaged medication. Each pouch has a bar-code that nurses will scan into a community-wide computer system, recording when the medication is given and ensuring accurate dosage practices. With caregivers inputting information electronically, transcription errors are virtually eliminated.

For caregivers that means one thing ... peace of mind. The added bonus of a decrease in institutional scheduling means residents can dictate when they would like to take their medication, just as they would if they were living independently. Although they will continue to take their medications as prescribed by their physician, residents will not be on a rigid, operational timeframe. Morning medication can be taken before or after their first cup of coffee, according to their individual preferences.

Did you know recent statistics estimate more than 25 percent of assisted living residents enter facilities as a result of poor medication management?

New technology gives us a tool to help people avoid this need, by better managing their medication at home. In our independent living retirement communities we've partnered with Concept Medical Technologies to provide MedAssure to the residents living there. MedAssure is a counter-top computer capable of storing and dispensing pouch-packaged medication at a scheduled time. Residents or caregivers program alerts into MedAssure and the computer notifies its user when it is time to take their medication. The machine continues to prompt users to take their medication until the correct pouch is removed.

MedAssure is also capable of sending text or e-mail messages to residents, family members or caregivers if they prefer a text reminder instead of an audible alarm. The computer gives caregivers a sense of safety without compromising Mom and Dad's independence or their health.

These improvements are broad in scope, but it's the little successes that mean the most when you're a caregiver. The industry as a whole faces huge challenges when it comes to implementing operational changes that make residents feel at-home in their surroundings, but if we can agree to think like caregivers, we'll understand that it's not so much about efficiency or productivity as it is about putting a smile on the face of someone we love. For more information about Senior Living Communities, visit our Web site at www.senior-living-communities.com.

Why Alzheimer's and Other Dementia Caregivers Should Be Honored This Labor Day

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

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here are more interesting dementia articles and activities,

Healthnews-stat.com

It is estimated that there are over 55 million caregivers, of people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, worldwide. Learn what a hard job they have and why they deserve everyone's praise

According to the United States government Labor Day, celebrates the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of America. Alzheimer's and other dementia caregivers certainly meet these criteria.

The first reason to honor these caregivers is for the financial burden they incur when caring for a person with dementia. First the family has consulted an Elder law attorney to get all the finances in order. Most likely the caregiver had to cut back on the hours of paid employment. Despite using all the resources out there, all expenses for the care of a dementia person will not be covered. That means go without, or pay for necessary items out of pocket.

The second reason to pay tribute to ones caring for someone with dementia is their resourcefulness. Caregivers are good at coming up with unique strategies for managing and paying for the supervision of their loved one. They may get help from attending a support group in person or online. However, they are the ones ultimately responsible for a workable plan of care.

Third is recognizing that many perform physically demanding aspects of a dementia persons' care. Many do the bathing, feeding and toileting of their family member with dementia. These tasks are difficult because many with dementia are confused and combative.

Next, these caregivers should be honored for all the time they devote to all aspects of a dementia persons' life. As just mentioned, most caregivers are responsible for the physical aspects of care. But they also must engage their loved one in meaningful activities throughout the day and sometimes well into the night. Fortunately many take advantage of adult day care to ease the burden. Unfortunately some dementia folks refuse to participate in or have behaviors that preclude them from attending these worthwhile programs.

The fifth reason for honoring those caring for a dementia person is all the time they devote to this job. The caregiver is most likely responsible for everything from cleaning to cooking to shopping to yard work. The list seems endless. These tasks are even more difficult because while the caregiver is doing them, he must also keep the dementia person safe.

It has also been reported recently that caregivers take longer to fall asleep despite being exhausted and that caregivers of dementia spouses enjoy life less Not to mention one-quarter of spouses of those with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias are depressed
Also according to a report published by the National Alzheimer's Association, ten million caregivers provided....read all about honoring caregivers on Labor Day

Ultimate Alzheimer's Care Rescue Program: Spots Filling Up Fast

Brian Willie

Here is a special offer you should not miss if you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.


Brian Willie
Elder Law Attorney

Here we are on July 5th (is th...and
all around the U.S. we enjoyed our
Independence Day with hotdogs, apple pie & fireworks!

This is the perfect chance to think
about your independence.


It's also the perfect chance to celebrate the re-release of my "Ultimate Alzheimer's
Care Rescue Program."

You may remember that I released this a few months back, and it literally sold
out in less than a week.

Well, I've decided to open up the doors, and as a special Independence Day
incentive, you can pick up a copy of my program at its OLD introductory price.

But, this will not last. Starting next week, the price is going up significantly
and I'm releasing it to the general public.

So claim a copy of this 6 set audio program with full transcripts for
yourself.

ultimate alzheimers rescue program

This program is life-changing. It's comprehensive, factual and easy
to understand. And, it will finally give you that "ah ha" moment
where it all comes together.

And, the information is delivered using audio recordings that you
can easily listen to right on your computer, (just push play)
or even put it onto a cd or ipod if you like.

You'll also be able to just click on the transcripts that go along
with each module and follow right along.

So all you'll have to do is relax and listen as I walk you through
each part in hand-holding style.

But-a quick word to the wise: I have to limit the number I release,
so that I can focus on you and your individual needs.

And, the price is heading up next week.

Since I have ALOT of people who receive my emails and newsletter and an
almost frenzy of people on my priority notice list that have
already received this, you do have to act fast.

The decision to move forward, or not, will have a big impact on
your family's life. It may mean the difference between running out
of money after less than 26 weeks of long-term care or having a
nice nest egg for your family.

All the best!

Brian Willie
Elder Law Attorney

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

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here are more interesting dementia articles and activities,


They are happy they used the ultimate alzheimers rescue program

Readers differ on usefulness of drugs for Alzheimer's

Orlando Sentinal
Bard Lindeman | Special To The Sentinel

The inherent frustrations of Alzheimer's disease, along with the frightening aspects linked to this incurable and fatal anomaly, came tumbling out of our weekly mailbag.

Here were strong voices, demanding to be heard:

"I was disappointed with your [recent] Alzheimer's article, which made it seem totally useless to try to do anything for it," begins an agitated woman in Central Florida. "My [late] husband, a thoughtful, caring individual right up to his death . . . did take Aricept, which I felt helped him immensely . . ."

Perhaps, yet family members in the unwelcome role as caregivers, on call day and night, cannot be expected to serve as objective evaluators. In The Forgetting: Alzheimer's: Portrait of an Epidemic, (Doubleday; 2001) author David Shenk paints a scene in which a caregiver... read the whole article

For more dementia information, click here

For Alzheimer's and dementia activities, click here

For information on being the best caregiver you can be, click here

For a great resource for those with dementia, caregivers and healthcare professinals, click here

When to stop Aricept and Namenda

Alzheimer's and Dementia Weekly
Question:
My mom has been taking Aricept for three years and Namenda for two. She is in Assisted Living and continues to decline. I am not sure that these meds are helping her at all. The physician does not want to take her off the meds because she "May or May not" face a decline.

My question is: how do you go about getting good information on when its time to stop the meds, or do you have stay on them forever.
Answer:
Nurse Dina
The decision of if or when to discontinue medications varies from individual to individual. This type of decision must be made in collaboration with the treating physician who will hopefully have the patient's entire treatment plan in mind when deciding.

Certain medications can be stopped abruptly. Others require being slowly tapered down. The medications in question slow the progression of the disease but do not cure it. There is a good chance that there would be a more.....read the whole answer

For more dementia information, click here

For Alzheimer/s and dementia activities, click here

For Those Whose Lives Are Touched By Loved Ones With Dementia

simplifyingmotherhood
Trish Berg

I received a neat little workbook in the mail, and wanted to share the information with you all.

If you have a family member with any memory loss, this is for you.

My dad, Peter, was one of the most intelligent people I ever knew. He was an engineer, an inventor. He had worked on the NASA missions in the 60's back when they were flying the Apollo aircraft out in space. He helped design huge plants out west that turned shale into oil. He traveled around the country to work on various engineering project over my lifetime, and I never thought his life would have come down to what it did.

My dad suffered a stroke just before Mike and I were married in 1991. My parents had been divorced since I was 8 year sold, so I only visited my dad during my growing up years (a subject for a whole different column.)

After his stroke, he lost his engineering job in AL where he was living at the time. He had lost all his engineering abilities. He looked normal on the outside, but his brain was not remembering things.

So he moved to Rhode Island and got a new job there. He got that engineering job based on his resume (which was quite impressive) and his salesmanship (again, quite impressive). Once he began working, it became clear to his new boss that he was not able to perform the work. So he was fired.

Then he tried to get a cashier's job at a department store. He was hired and then quickly fired. This intelligent man, this inventor of things, could not remember how to run a simple cash register.

He fell into a deep depression and did not leave his apartment for over a month.

That's when his landlady called me here in Ohio to let me know what was going on.

We had no idea what my dad had been going through at that point.

As soon as we found out, with the financial help of my mom and step-father, and my in-laws, we drove to RI, picked up my dad, loaded a U-Haul, and moved him in with Mike and me.

That was in 1992. We cared for my dad until his death in 1997. He was only 64 years old when he died. So young. So sad.

During those 5 years of caring for my dad, I learned a lot about dealing with a loved one with memory loss. Peter had dementia, and though his long term memory was good, his short term, memory was terrible.

He could talk to you about.......read the post

********From Susan Berg**********************

Some slight memory loss is normal as we age. However this memory loss should not impact our daily lives.

Mainly what we see in normal aging is that it takes people longer to retrieve information stored in their brain.

In order to maintain our brain and keep it working properly, we should do some basic things

Eat right
Stay mentally and physically active
and NOT partake in any bad habits such as smoking or heavy alcohol consumption.

There has been a lot of research on supplements, new drugs and other devices to prevent, stop and repair memory loss.

However what works right NOW is taking care of yourself.

Make sure to visit her blogs

My blog

http://dementia.today.com/

shares information on what you can do to prevent dementia. Sometimes I site new research studies on various aspects of memory decline, improvement, and even memory activities for those with dementia. Right now I am talking about New Year's resolutions that are sure to keep your brain in tip top shape

On my blog
http://alzact.today.com/

I discuss activities to keep those with dementia mentally and physically active. Caregivers, Activities Directors, other health care professionals, and anyone interested in dementia care can use these activities.

On my blog
http://dementiatips.blogspot.com/

I discuss ways to to maximize positive relationships with those who have Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, I teamed up with Brian Willie of the Alzheimer's Legal Resource Center to share helpful tips on paying for dementia care as well.

read the whole post

finally if you would like to make money blogging, not a get rich quisk scheme or anything like that go to dementia.today.com and click on the red box on the right which says "Get Paid to Blog"

Thanks for your attention

New Year's resolutions for caregivers

Now that the new year is here, it is a good time to think about your role as a caregiver of someone with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia
OurAlzheimer's.com
The promise of a new year may seem daunting if you're caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease, but not if you see it as an opportunity for a fresh start.

Take advantage of the 2009 calendar in front of you by finally tackling the issues that frequently get brushed aside.

January is an ideal time to revisit your present and future caregiving situation by addressing:

legal issues( discussed at dementia tips

financial concerns

your loved one's changing needs

conversations with other family members


Update or create a care plan

It may be necessary to work with a professional to review your loved one's long-term plan. A geriatric specialist can help you identify the resources and establish a plan that meets both your needs and those of your loved one, says, Mauri Malka, who manages caregiver training and support groups.


Questions to consider include:

Is the plan still realistic?

Has your loved one's condition deteriorated recently?


Is it still possible to care for your loved one at home?

If not, what other options exist?.......read the whole article

For more information about dementia New Year's resolutions, click here

For Alzheimer's activities see what this expert has to say

Thank you readers for making Alzheimer’s Disease: Early Detection Matters #1!

Because of the support of readers of this blog and other concerned individuals, the Alzheimer's Association has earned first place in the American Express Members Project.

The Alzheimer's Asociation will get 1.5 million dollars to begin an education campaign highlighting the importance of early detection among physicians and the general public. This is a positive step toward helping those who go undiagnosed for many years, losing valuable time that could be spent planning for the future and starting treatment.
read the whole story

Know the early warning signs of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
Click here for more info

Click here to become an Alzheimer's advocate

Eat these 8 healthful foods and prevent Alzheimers and other dementias

Put these 8 healthful foods on your table

By Dr. Elizabeth Smoots
Herald Columnist

Loads of evidence indicates that eating whole foods can stave off Alzheimers and other illness and slow down aging. The health protection comes from nutrients in food that you absorb such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytoestrogens, fiber, essential fats and protein, and complex carbohydrates.

click here to read the whole article