Tips for Interacting with Seniors with Alzheimer’s Disease

Trying to communicate with a senior with Alzheimer’s disease can be frustrating for both you and them. As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, people have trouble finding the right words to express themselves and may say things that seem to make no sense. They oftentimes have trouble understanding what you are saying to them as well.  Sometimes they will repeat the same thing over again or ask repetitive questions. Understanding how to more effectively interact with those with Alzheimer’s can make time spent together more enjoyable for both of you.

Be patient. It can take time for your loved one to come up with what they want to say and find the right words. They may lose their train of thought and need some prompting or direction. If you do not understand what they are trying to communicate, ask a follow up question for more information. Or ask if they can point to what they want. Sometimes even if they do use an incorrect word you can still figure out what they mean based on other clues.

Speak clearly and repeat yourself. Make sure that you are speaking in a clear voice at a reasonable level. You may need to speak a little more slowly to give them time to process what you are saying. If you need to repeat yourself, state what you said in the same way to avoid confusion. They may not have caught it all the first time.

Avoid arguing. Understand that with the Alzheimer’s disease, your senior’s ability to reason can decrease. They may say things that you disagree with but try to avoid correcting them. Simply move on to another topic. Arguing can make them more agitated and does nothing to improve the situation.

Minimize distractions. It can be easy for your loved one to get distracted by noises, movement, and other activities. Try to go somewhere quiet to talk so that they are better able to focus. This can also help them to keep their train of thought. However, you can use items as cues or reminders to trigger memories, support conversation, and promote understanding.

Stay positive. As their memory begins to fade, it can change their behavior. They are not intentionally being argumentative or disrespectful if they forget something. Focus on the positives and enjoy the time you are spending together. Share happy stories about things that are happening.

Be patient and supportive as your loved one speaks to show you care and are paying attention. Encourage them to continue trying to explain themselves as you listen quietly. Just because communication may be more difficult does not mean that the emotion and feeling are not there.  If your elderly parent is becoming more confused, they may benefit from dementia care through an in-home caregiver. The caregiver will be trained in how to work with individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s and support their needs and quality of life. Always Best Care offers high quality dementia care to seniors in the Cedar Valley. To schedule a consultation and find out more about how we can help, call (877) 292-2126 or visit us online.

Strategies to Help your Senior get a Better Night’s Rest

March is National Sleep Awareness Month. Sleep deprivation or disturbed sleep can take a toll on both physical and mental health, especially for older adults. Poor sleep does not allow the body to repair itself or ward off illness as well. It can contribute to memory problems, depression, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, weight gain, and more.

Natural changes in the body during aging, as well as various medications, can all interfere with sleep. There are many strategies that seniors can implement to improve their sleep and support better health.

1. Set a routine. Go to bed and wake up at relatively the same time each day, even on weekends or holidays. This will get your body into a pattern of when it should be asleep and awake. Take time to wind down by reading, listening to some quiet music, or meditating to help reduce stress and increase relaxation. Make sure that your bedroom is dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature.

2. Avoid too much caffeine or too many fluids before bed. Caffeine is a stimulant and can keep you awake. In addition, drinking too close to bedtime can mean waking up in the middle of the night to use the restroom. Set a limit for yourself a few hours before bed as to when you stop drinking.

3. Stay active during the day. Exercising during the day or doing some light exercises a few hours before bed can burn off excess energy and make you feel more tired. Exercise also promotes better health and decreases risk of disease which can support better sleep habits. Aerobic exercise is good for the heart and can help ward off insomnia.

4. Keep a journal. Sometimes having too much on your mind can interfere with sleep. Write in a journal before bed to jot down concerns or things you want to remember. Writing them down can put your mind at ease and allow you to feel more relaxed. You can also refer back to it the next day to remind you of things you wanted to do.

5. Avoid sleep aids. While sleep aids can provide temporary relief, when used in the long term they can actually lead to more sleeping problems. Focus on more natural remedies such as drinking herbal tea, engaging in meditation, and using methods above to promote better sleep.

As you incorporate these strategies into your daily routine, they can improve your quality of sleep. If insomnia or disrupted sleep continue to be a problem and interfere with your life, talk to your doctor to see if there may be an underlying cause. If your senior needs help with their bedtime preparations, an in-home care provider can assist them with their nightly routine. Get peace of mind that they are in good hands with Always Best Care of the Cedar Valley. Call (877) 292-2126 or visit us online to schedule senior care for your loved one.

Helping your Senior to Declutter their Home

As we age, we tend to accumulate a lot of belongings. We save sentimental cards and gifts, stock up on knick-knacks, acquire appliances and electronic devices, and inherit things from others. Eventually these things begin to pile up and take up space. This can become a safety hazard for elderly adults if it interferes with their ability to navigate their home or poses a risk of things falling. Also, should they downsize to a smaller home or move to assisted living, they won’t be able to take everything along.

Periodically helping your senior to declutter their Cedar Valley home can keep their belongings more manageable and reduce time spent on these activities later. Before you jump in and start throwing things away though, keep the following in mind:

Recognize it can be emotionally challenging to part with their belongings. Many things hold sentimental value and can bring up a variety of memories and feelings. Realize that it can take some time for them to come to terms with letting things go. Let them talk about different items and the memories they hold. Don’t force them to get rid of something. You can always come back to it later.

Start small and pick a single area to tackle first. As your loved one gets more comfortable with going through their things and determining what they can get rid of it will become easier. Be willing to negotiate. If they have multiples of the same item, see if they will pick one that means the most or is representative of the group.

Pass on or donate items that are in good condition. Perhaps another family member will appreciate pictures, knick-knacks, jewelry, or other belongings that hold meaning. It is a small part of their family they can keep with them. Ask your senior about donating other things so that other Cedar Rapids residents can benefit from them. If they know that they are helping someone in need it can make letting go a little easier.

Improve storage to keep things more organized. Once you sort through everything and reorganize, you may find that you have more space than you thought. Invest in clear plastic boxes, removable hooks, or other storage containers to give everything a place. This can also help your senior to put things back where they belong and reduce clutter in walkways and other common areas.

Be patient and realize that it took them a lifetime to collect everything, so you can’t expect to declutter overnight. As you help them downsize their belongings, it can make their home a safer place and make navigation easier. If your loved one does need a little more assistance as they age in place, consider investing in in-home care through Always Best Care Senior Services of the Cedar Valley. Our high quality, personalized elder care can give your aging parent the level of support they need. Call (877) 292-2126 or visit our website for more information.

Recognizing Signs of a Heart Attack and Risk Factors

Having a heart attack can be a very scary situation. If not treated early, it can lead to serious damage or even death. While some people experience the classic signs of a heart attack such as chest pain, not everyone does. This is why heart attacks can also be known as a silent killer. Learning to recognize the range of symptoms and how they can present differently in males and females can save lives. Also knowing your risk factors and how to promote a healthier lifestyle can help as well.

Symptoms of a Heart Attack

Chest pain is one of the most recognizable symptoms. It may come and go or feel like constant pressure. Often people become more concerned when they notice that it is not alleviated with resting or becomes very intense.

Arm pain or numbness in the left arm can also be a sign. However, some people experience pain in other parts of their body as well. Women especially may experience pain in their jaw or neck. Some people also experience stomach pain or what feels like indigestion.

Fatigue and weakness are common, but people often describe it as just not feeling “right.” It’s a different type of feeling than being rundown. The person may also feel weaker than usual and have trouble keeping up their energy.

Shortness of breath can also be associated and breathing may become more difficult. This can be paired with chest pain or discomfort.

Dizziness, sweating, and nausea can also indicate a heart attack. They are often accompanied by other warning signs and can alert people that something is definitely not right.

Common Risk Factors for a Heart Attack

Some risk factors for a heart attack can be controlled while others cannot. You cannot change your family history, age, or the presence of certain heart conditions. However, you do have some control over things such as:

• Blood pressure
• Blood sugar
• Cholesterol
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Stress
• Weight
• Diet
• Sedentary lifestyle

The combination of these factors can increase your risk of a heart attack or heart disease. Coronary heart disease is a very common cause of heart attacks. Making lifestyle changes to become more active and improve diet can help to keep other factors better controlled. Monitoring of blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol can also reduce risk.

Seeking Help

If you notice that you or someone you love is experiencing any of the symptoms of a heart attack, it is important to seek help immediately. Even if you are unsure, it is better to get checked out than to risk waiting. Early detection and treatment are essential. Make sure that you know the symptoms as well as your risk to help detect problems early on.

Promoting Heart Health for Seniors

February is American Heart Month and a great time to start implementing healthier habits. Over time, the combination of many different factors can increase risk of heart disease which can in turn lead to a heart attack or heart failure. For seniors, this can be a serious concern as it impacts their health and quality of life. There are numerous ways to be proactive and implement strategies that support heart health:

• Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol. These are two conditions which can increase strain on the heart. Keeping your numbers in check through medication, exercise, diet, and other measures can reduce risk of developing heart disease. Another condition to monitor is diabetes.
• Exercise. Engaging in regular exercise that includes cardio can strengthen the heart and keep blood and oxygen flowing. Aerobics, swimming, biking, and walking or running are effective cardio exercises. You want to increase heart rate and breathing to build endurance, but not to the point where you have trouble catching your breath or feel dizzy or weak. Talk to your doctor about starting an exercise regimen that meets your needs and provides an appropriate level of physical activity.
• Eat a healthy diet. As with many other health conditions, your diet can play a big role. Try to steer clear of foods that are high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Incorporate more fresh fruits and vegetables in a range of colors, whole grains, lean meats, and foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids. This can also help you to maintain a healthier weight. Excess weight can increase risk of heart disease.
• Reduce stress. Elevated levels of stress can take a toll on your heart health. Take up yoga, meditation, or other enjoyable activities to clear your mind and unwind. Reducing tension and stress can also decrease risk of engaging in other unhealthy activities such as smoking or excessive drinking which can contribute to heart disease risk. Spend time with friends and family, laugh, and keep a positive attitude.

Integrating these simple changes into your daily routine can support a healthier lifestyle. Being proactive to reduce risk and keeping existing health conditions managed and monitored is beneficial as well. There are certain factors, such as family history, that you cannot control, but there are many that you can. Stay alert to your risk factors and what you can be doing to stay active and keep your heart in good working order. Don’t let heart disease get the best of you – fight back through improved health.