News & Blog

1
Jun

Common Misconceptions About Dementia

To those who have not done research into Alzheimer’s or Dementia typically associate this disease with memory loss and being forgetful. In Canada, it is estimated that 25,000 new cases of Dementia are diagnosed each year, and as of 2016, over 500,000 Canadians have Dementia now. It is estimated that over 900,000 Canadians will have Dementia by 2030. “There are

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8
May

What can you do to help prevent Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s symptoms include short term memory loss, mood swings, confusion and difficulties using language. It typically reveals itself in people 65 and up. Early-onset Alzheimer’s can affect anyone, and very rarely people in their youth. Today, Alzheimer’s affects up to 27 million people worldwide. Although there is not yet a cure for Alzheimer’s, doctors agree that there are preventative measures

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1
May

Caregivers need their sleep too.

We often forget to take care of ourselves when we are trying to take care of our loved ones who seem to need it more. Caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s can be extremely time consuming, but you have to make time for you. One of the most important parts of your health is making sure that you are

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10
Apr

Taking Care of the Caretaker

Take care of yourself first Taking care of yourself, as a caregiver, should be your number one priority. The better you’re taken care of, the more effective you can be in your caretaking role. Unfortunately, this seems to be the most forgotten on the to-do list. The Effects on Your Health When you are in a caregiver role, it is

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23
Mar

5 Steps to Creating a Safe Aging Home

We tend to think of our homes as safe places. Everything has its place and its purpose so that we are out of harm’s way for ourselves and our children. Unfortunately, we tend to forget seniors and the possible hazards that a come can create. As seniors get older, the things that were once safe can now cause them harm.

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7
Jun

CareMerge Kickoff

Terra Vista is a technology driven Alzheimer’s assisted living community and is excited to announce the kick off of “Vista Social”, our new web based community and family engagement application.  Teaming up with world renowned, CareMerge, an innovative and tech savvy organization who is paving the way to enhance communication within the care community, Vista Social is one more example

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29
Apr

War of the Words

Among the many struggles of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is communication.  It can be extremely frustrating, for both parties.  The first concern that caregivers and family members bring up during a consultation or support group is usually a problem with communication.  This can range from hyper-repetitive questions, usage of incorrect words and even cursing or offensive language.  There are

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8
Apr

Why I Advocate – Part 2

Sundowning is a term given to those with Alzheimer’s who exhibit an increase in agitation and restlessness in the afternoon.  It has something to do with our circadian rhythm and everything to do with increased confusion.  My responsibility after school was to start the dinner that my mother had usually prepared in advance.  In addition, I was to set the

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1
Apr

Why I Advocate – Part 1

Written by: Nancy McCaffrey,  Director of Operations, Terra Vista of Oakbrook Terrace & Alzheimer’s Association Advocacy Ambassador I’m often asked how I got involved with Alzheimer’s care, both professionally and politically.  The reason is personal.  My Grandmother developed dementia when I was still a teenager.  My mother, her only child, was in her 40’s.  Our family lived on the East

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15
Mar

Its Time to Man Up

March is “Women’s History Month” and with that have come numerous online posts and articles about famous women in history, from Rosa Parks to Christa McAulliffe.   Although women have been making history since the existence of mankind, often their stories are given little recognition or not even told.   Currently, there is a large group of women whose stories need

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