Month: November 2013

Categories
Caregiving

Making the moments count

Image of text that reads 'Alzheimer's disease'

November marked National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, and education and fundraising are thriving to help those facing the demands of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. But, if you and your family are directly affected, you know that what you are experiencing isn’t contained to one designated month of the year. Regular, routine activities can feel like chores, communication can be difficult and family dynamics can get lost in a sea of tasks.

So when your to-do list includes making sure your bills are paid, that mom has taken her second dose of medications for the day, the dog has been walked and you have met a critical work deadline, what’s the best way to squeeze in some quality family time?

Research has shown that remaining socially active and connected with others can actually delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Deepening a familial bond is especially important for everyone in a family affected by Alzheimer’s disease; as a caregiver, you need to feel that you have the love and support of your siblings, friends and spouses. And, of course, grandkids need to feel like grandparents are still a part of their lives.

These tips will help you make the most of family time when Alzheimer’s has taken a seat at the table:

 

  • Introduce yourself and all family members any time it seems necessary – don’t let unprecedented unfamiliarity keep you from missing a beat. Re-introduce yourself with a big smile as often as needed to keep the connection with your family member.
  • Create together. Work on something meaningful, such as flower arranging, scrapbooking or writing letters. Consider what your mom or dad have always enjoyed doing and incorporate their talents and interests into your choice of activity.
  • Reminisce! Talk about earlier days, discuss special memories or ask questions about an important time in mom’s life, like the day she got married or how it felt to ride a roller coaster for the first time.
  • A good rule of thumb: quality over quantity. Short visits are just fine. Don’t get too hung up on the amount of time you are spending together. It’s the quality of that time spent as a family that counts.
  • Get outside! There is a calming effect  to being in nature, so enjoy some outdoor time in a secure area or go for a walk if the entire group is able and willing.
  • Involve friendly pets. Animals are an unending source of unconditional love, and family members with dementia respond very well to this boundless energy.
  • Bring conversation starters with you when you visit. Look through old photos or bring personal items to spark pleasant memories and prompt conversation.
  • Start a ritual with your family member. Set a standing tea date, jigsaw puzzle time, exercise hour or watch an old movie together every Thursday night. It doesn’t matter what you do; rather, it’s the routine and the established day and time that helps with your family member’s disease.

It may take a bit more effort, but spending time as a family can be just as rewarding when a loved one has dementia. Once you are accustomed to doing what it takes to deepen your connection, you’ll find you get as much benefit out of it as your mom or dad. Remember: Focus on the person, not the disease, and find new and meaningful ways to connect using these tips.

Categories
Making the Decision

Moving to assisted living – transition checklist

Older woman and her daughter standing together

Making the decision to move oneself or a loved one to an assisted living community is difficult. It is not a decision to be made lightly. For those who need just a little assistance with day-to-day activities, moving to assisted living may be the best option. Caregivers can provide help with hygiene, dressing, feeding, movement, transportation, money management, shopping, meal preparation, and timing medications.

Although some seniors only need help with a few of these things, assisted living ensures that such seniors have help available without curtailing their independence. This transition checklist provides some things to consider before making the decision to move oneself or a loved one to an active assisted living community:

1. How much help does the senior need?

Shopping, transportation, meal preparation, and other such assistance may be easily implemented into a family member’s schedule. Whether the senior is living alone or with family, there are often family members who can take time every couple of days to help with simple tasks. On the other hand, some tasks require almost constant help. If a senior needs help with feeding, personal hygiene, and using the bathroom, it may be unreasonable for the family to provide all of this help.

2. How does the senior feel about asking family for help?

Although family may be able to provide the needed help, some seniors are sensitive about burdening their loved ones. This is why two similar situations may require different outcomes for different seniors. It is important to take the senior’s feelings into account.

3. Where do the senior’s loved ones live?

Many seniors may not wish to leave the town or neighborhood where they have lived for so long. Loved ones should be sensitive to this concern. If a senior can no longer live independently but does not want to move where close family members live, an assisted living care solution may be the best option. It allows seniors to stay in the locale of their choice without sacrificing needed care.

4. Which option is most affordable?

Depending on the needs of the individual and the cost of assisted living care, moving to assisted living may or may not be the most affordable choice. Although finances should not dictate where the senior lives, money is an important factor to weigh against all other factors. Assisted living communities are often less expensive than caring for the senior at home because caregivers provide help to many seniors each day.

Choosing to move oneself or a loved one to an assisted living community is rarely easy, but it is a decision that can be made with confidence. By taking into account the level of help that is needed, the attitude of the senior, the location of family members, and the costs of each option, seniors and their loved ones can make a decision that is in the best interest of all involved.

Atria Senior Living is a leading provider of independent and assisted living communities nationwide. If you are considering a transition to assisted living, Atria can help. Find an Atria Senior Living community near you today.