Checklist for Providing Alzheimer’s Care

Even in the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s disease, you will want to plan for the changes that will take place in the person’s daily life. Types of care to consider for Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s Texas has several resource lists containing contacts for the following types of care. Informal Care: Family Friends and neighbors Community volunteers providing assistance as needed Respite Care: …

Alzheimer’s and Spirituality

Spirit can be defined as the animating force traditionally believed to be within living beings; a human being’s essence.  It is the part of the human being association with the mind and feelings as distinguished from the physical body.  Spirituality is not a doctrine.  It is a remembrance.  It is a feeling.  It is the knowledge that you are more …

Lewy Body Rollercoaster

Article by www.alzheimersweekly.com Attention, alertness and cognition have dramatic fluctuations in Lewy Body dementia. Caregivers call these ups and downs “The Roller-Coaster of LBD.” Learn more about it and where to get essential support. “I watched my husband experience a decline in cognition followed by a period of what seemed like improved function only to plunge again into confusion with …

Helping Your Loved One Get Accustomed to an In-Home Caregiver

As Alzheimer’s progresses, the person with the disease will likely need a level of supervision and assistance that one caregiver can’t provide without assistance.  Often, this situation necessitates that professional caregivers come into the home. It’s not uncommon for people with dementia to resist this change.  Having to spend the day with a person you’ve never met and allowing them …

Dealing with Family Conflict

Conflicts are common as family members struggle to deal with the situations that arise when a loved-one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.  According to Mayo Clinic staff, families should work through conflicts together so that they can move on to more important things – caring for loved-ones and enjoying the time together as much as possible. Share responsibility.  Choices include …

Creative Solutions to Common Caregiving Challenges

Adaptability is critical when working with people with dementia, because every person’s and temperament and personal history is unique. However, there are some typical challenges that people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers experience.  While not every problem has a simple, one-step solution, here are some reliable solutions to common problems. General: Respond to outbursts, accusations, or other dementia-related behavior by …

Dementia and Sleep Disorders

Information is taken from Mattress Clarity, www.mattressclarity.com/blog/alzheimers-and-sleep Dementia and sleep disorders share a paradoxical ‘chicken and egg’ relationship. While many people living with dementia tend to experience poor sleep on a regular basis, patients diagnosed with certain sleep disorders – such as insomnia and sleep apnea – are also more likely to develop dementia symptoms. The Relationship Between Dementia and …

Providing First Aid to a Person with Alzheimer’s

Information is taken from a Pacific Medical Training article written by Sarah Gehrke, MSN, RN Recognize Alzheimer’s Disease Providing first aid for people with Alzheimer’s can be a challenge, and it’s crucial to remember that no two people are the same. The following tips will help you identify someone with dementia. The person may: Appear disoriented and confused. Appear fearful, …

Preparing for the Holidays

Alzheimer’s disease affects every aspect of your family and community life. Your holiday observances are no exception. Holidays can be bittersweet for families affected by Alzheimer’s. The holiday season may bring mixed feelings and concerns about your loved one’s needs, his or her capacity to be involved in holiday festivities and your expectations for experience. Holiday memories from before your …