Tag: caregivers

15
Apr

Sundowning Symptoms, Risk Factors & Ways to Respond

What Is Sundowning? Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia can encounter a variety of symptoms at night such as anxiety, insomnia, bewilderment, irritation, and disorientation. This group of symptoms is referred to as Sundowning Syndrome in the healthcare industry. To help you care for a family member with dementia, we have compiled a list of symptoms and

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21
Aug

4 Ways to Help Your Child Understand Alzheimer’s Disease

Our philosophy, from the beginning, is that when someone develops Alzheimer’s disease, it is a diagnosis for the entire family. Spouses, siblings and adult children are usually the first line of caregivers for the affected family member. You may struggle to handle ordinary symptoms such as personality and behavioral changes. How to Explain Alzheimer’s Disease to Children Although it may

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19
Aug

5 Ways Music Affects Individuals With Alzheimer’s & Dementia

Music is one of the most powerful forms of expression for mankind. It can reach us and affect us while we are still in the womb and take us back in time when we are older. Music has been used to stimulate, entertain, soothe, excite, celebrate, and mourn. In some instances, music may have the ability to break through barriers

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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
Jul

Cooking Tips for Caregivers

It is difficult for anyone to find the time to prepare fresh, healthy meals, let alone a caregiver.  Yet, nutrition is so important for both the caregiver and the person they are caring for.  It is easy, and tempting, to rely on fast food, take out and frozen meals.  However the majority of these foods are sorely lacking in nutrients

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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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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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4
Feb

Don’t Take “No” for an Answer!

One of the most frustrating issues a dementia caregiver faces is the word “no”.   It seems to be the go-to answer for those with Alzheimer’s; “Do you need to go to the bathroom?” No.  “Are you hungry?” No.  “Let’s get you a shower?” No.   Even the most persistent caregiver can be worn down by the constant negative responses.

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