Activities are the “things that we do.” These include getting dressed, doing chores, playing cards and even paying bills. They can represent who we are and what we’re about. Therefore, allowing the person with Alzheimer’s to participate in these activities can help him/her to maintain feelings of value and importance. Activities can structure time and make the best of retained …
Joe Bargas Honors Wife as Honorary Chairman of Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Andrea and Joe Bargas had a wonderful life. They built it together over 64 years of marriage on 68 acres in the Fayette County countryside. After raising and educating 8 children, they planned to spend their golden years travelling and enjoying their 16 grandchildren. Andrea was a talented gardener and an active member of her community, often reaching out to …
Hospice Care and Alzheimer’s Disease
What is hospice care? Hospice is a special way of caring for people who are terminally ill, and for their family. This care includes physical care and counseling. Hospice provides palliative or comfort care for an individual at the end-of-life. The primary purpose of hospice care is to manage the pain and other symptoms of the terminal illness, rather than …
What to look for in an assisted living facility
Making the transition to long-term care can be difficult for any family. This checklist can help you ask the right questions to find the best possible option for your loved one. Atmosphere/Comfort Level What are the admission requirements? How big is the facility? (Larger facilities may have more organized activities, socialization opportunities, and transportation.) How clean is the facility in …
10 Ways to Love Your Brain
As part of our mission to promote brain health, the Alzheimer’s Association has compiled the findings of recent scientific studies into a list of simple steps anyone can take to reduce their risk of dementia. Small changes to your daily habits could have a big impact on your lifetime cognitive health!
What to do if you suspect elder abuse
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15. Unfortunately, elderly people living with dementia are more likely to become victims of exploitation, fraud, and neglect. In 2014, Travis County Adult Protective Services received 4,014 reports of abuse, neglect (or self-neglect), or exploitation, and it’s believed that most cases of elder abuse go unreported. If you notice any of the warning …
June Caregiver Connection: Making a Smooth Transition to Long-Term Care
Moving an individual with Alzheimer’s disease into a long-term care facility can be a very traumatic experience, not only for the individual with the disease, but also for the caregiver. There are a variety of things that can be done to make the transition go more smoothly. Approach the transition in a way that will create a positive experience for …
Talking Baseball, Finding Community
Jim Kenton has been a self-described “baseball geek” since the age of seven. He fondly recalls immersing himself in the world of baseball every summer of his childhood, glued to the radio listening to broadcasts of games, racing to collect the latest baseball cards and magazines. Over a lifetime, Kenton’s knowledge of baseball has grown so vast that now he …
May Caregiver Connection: How to Know When It’s Time for Long Term Care
The decision to place a loved one with dementia in a long term care facility isn’t easy for most families. Many seniors prefer to remain in their homes, and because changes in functioning due to dementia can be gradual, it is easy to put off making this difficult decision. However, as with all things related to Alzheimer’s, it’s much better …
April Caregiver Connection: Communication Tips
One of the greatest struggles for caregivers is communicating with the person with dementia. Luckily, there are proven strategies for avoiding conflict and making yourself understood. Use these “do’s and don’ts” to refine your caregiving communication style. DON’T Don’t reason Don’t argue Don’t confront Don’t correct Don’t question recent memory Don’t take it personally