How to help seniors who may start to forget

A small amount of memory loss is inevitable as we get older, but can be very frustrating for those who are experiencing this as they age. We can all be forgetful at times, but not remembering to take life saving medications or how to find a family members phone number in an emergency can be very scary.  Some things they remember today they may not remember tomorrow and then remember again the next, so we must always have patience. Here are a few steps you can take to make every day life a little easier for your loved ones.

1. Utilize frequently used places in the house for reminders (fridge, telephone, bathroom).
2. Leave a list of phone numbers of family members and emergency services by the telephone and on the fridge.
3. Leave a medication list with times to take on the fridge and on the bathroom mirror.
4. You can leave a timer on the table with a note reminding them to take their medication.
5. For items they have trouble finding, leave a basket in a heavy traffic area for  their wallets, keys, remotes, and other easily lost items.
6. Leave a checklist on the fridge so they will know when they have eaten and when they need to eat.
7. Get a very basic remote for the television with as few buttons as possible.

It may also be fun to have others in your family come up with ideas and see which ones work the best. Send me a comment with other great ideas and I will add them to the post.

Exercise your brain to slow memory loss and Dementia

Many studies show that keeping your brain active can prolong or possibly prevent the onset of age related brain diseases(Dementia).  Although genetic risk factors do play a strong roll in an individuals chances of getting Dementia you can fight back. The three main factors you have control over is the amount of activity your brain gets, your diet, and physical exercise. Make a conscious decision to promote brain health to your loved ones and find fun ways for the whole family  to participate.  Here is a list of steps that will help you stay mentally healthy and  maybe even a jeopardy wiz.

• Use puzzles, games, books, and stimulating conversation.
• Eat a balanced diet with essential vitamins and minerals. You can find a good list at the Alzheimer Association.
• Stay Socially active and stay open to new experiences(Plays, lectures, and book readings).
• Take advantage of free resources like the public library or free classes at your local community college.
• Use online brain quizzes or print them out for your loved ones. There are some good ones at Braingle.com and more at BrainMetrix.com.
• Get a pet! I know this can be a lot of work but they also need exercise and some one to tend to their needs.
• Make sure your taking your Multi-Vitamin(there are good ones specifically for older adults).
• Exercise can be easy, park further away at the grocery store or wander around the mall. Buying a pedometer can also make walking a little more fun.

For more information on keeping your brain healthy check out WebMD and DementiaGuide.com.

Choosing a long distance caregiving group in Central Oregon

Home care agencies offer different levels of service. Choose an agency that can offer more than basic homemaker services. Eventually your loved one may require personal care services (assistance with dressing,bathing, hygiene). The agency you choose should be bonded, insured and licensed (not all states require home care licensing). Their caregivers should be experienced and screened including a criminal background
check. You or your loved one should be able to meet with the caregiver before you agree to services. Choose an agency that complies with HIPAA.

Choose an agency that has a good reputation for communicating with you and your loved ones, Visiting Angels of Central Oregon finds that when the family is involved the best care is given. It is also a good idea to use a caregiving group for free information about resources in the area and ways to plan ahead. For free information in Central Oregon call (541) 617-3868 or visit COCOA.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease is a disease of the brain that destroys brain cells, causing problems with memory, behavior, and thinking that causes problems for the sufferers in their everyday life. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease and is the 6th leading cause of death in the united states, with no currently cure. Many times this form of Dementia will disrupt the hobbies, social life, and family life of the patient, leading to confusion, frustration, and fear for the sufferer and their loved ones. For the family it is important to remember that there is nothing their loved one can do about it, and that all their symptoms and behaviors are just part of the disease. At the Alzheimers Association they give drug and non-drug treatments for alleviating some of the symptoms and making everyday life a little easier. Alzheimers is only one form of Dementia, some of the other commen forms are vascular dementia where the arteries feeding the brain become narrow or blocked, Lewy body Dementia which is abnormal protien clumps in the brain, and Frontemporal Dementia caused by degeneration of the frontal lobe. For more information on Dementia check out the Mayo Clinic page on dementia, and there are many forums around the web you may find helpful, such as ElderCareInfo. For a downloadable pamphlet from Visiting Angels Click on the brouchure below.

Tips For Selecting a Caregiver

Selecting a caregiver for you or your loved one is one of the most important choices you will ever make. Here are some tips to help you make your decision easier:

1. conduct an in depth interview with the company you choose and thier caregivers.
2. Know what tasks you are looking to have your caregiver in charge of. Some of these can be light housekeeping, cooking, running errands, and help with personal hygiene.
3. Only use an agency that is licensed, bonded, and trained.
4. Look for agencies that seem to genuinely care for you or your loved ones.
5. Ask for references from your agency and their caregivers.

Fall Prevention Checklist

About half of all falls happen at home. To make your home safer: Remove things you can trip over (like papers, books, clothes, and shoes) from stairs and places where you walk. Remove small throw rugs or use
double-sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping. Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool.Have grab bars put in next to your toilet and in the tub or shower. Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.Improve the lighting in your home.As you get older, you need brighter lights to see well. Hang light-weight curtains or shades to reduce glare. Have handrails and lights put in on all staircases. Wear shoes both inside and outside the house. Avoid going barefoot or wearing slippers.

To download a Fall Prevention Checklist click here