Dealing With Elderly Anger

Dealing With Elderly Anger

Sometimes it feels like elderly people are always angry, and not just because they can’t figure out the TV remote. If we’re being honest, TV remotes these days are far too complicated, even for the young and “tech-savvy.” But there’s a reason you smiled at that image as well as the many “old man yells at cloud” memes floating around the internet – angry old people are a real thing. But why do old people get so mean?

Why Do Old People Get Cranky?

Behavioral changes in old age are common and can be caused by a variety of factors. Some of the factors leading to rudeness in old age are:

  • Hormonal changes. Men see a decrease in testosterone beginning around age 40, and women see a decrease in estrogen beginning around age 50,Guide-to-Dealing-with-Elderly-Anger both of which can lead to depression and mood swings. While women tend to cry and vent to friends, men mask their depression with anger, leading us to the “get off my lawn!” cry associated with the elderly.

  • Alzheimer’s or Dementia. Memory loss and cognitive impairment can certainly lead to anger and frustration, which can lead to a senior lashing out at those around them. Luckily, some of this can be treated with medication, so if you are concerned about dementia, speak to your doctor.

  • Vision or Hearing loss. Another reason why old people are so cranky is that they cannot see or hear as well as they used to. You would be cranky, too, if you had to say, “what?!” every time someone tried to talk to you, or you couldn’t see the hotties in your favorite TV shows as well as before.

  • Depression. Change can be rough, and the older you get the more change you experience. Loss of loved ones, loss of ability to drive or care for oneself, loss of one’s home – all of these situations are common to the elderly and can lead to depression. Depression can lead to anger and emotional outbursts. If your loved one (or you) is suffering from depression, definitely reach out to a doctor. There are medications and other therapies that can help.

  • Guide-to-Dealing-with-Elderly-Anger

Obesity in Elderly Adults: How Aging Affects Weight

Gaining weight as you age tends to be one of those things that everyone just assumes is inevitable. Luckily this is not the case, and understanding a bit about how your weight changes as you age can help you maintain a healthy weight.

Your body begins to lose muscle mass as early as your 30s! That muscle mass is replaced with fat. Muscles use more calories than fat so as you lose muscle mass, your metabolism slows. Fat (unfortunately) needs very few calories to exist, so as your metabolism slows, you also need to lower your caloric intake to keep everything in balance. Not maintaining this balance can lead to weight gain and potentially obesity.

Obesity in Elderly

Studies indicate approximately 30% of adults aged 65 or older in the United States suffer from obesity. When your Body Mass Index (BMI) is over 30, you are considered obese. Obesity in seniors is particularly concerning as it decreases the quality of life. Older adults with obesity also have a higher risk of developing serious health conditions, including hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes, and stroke, as well as sleep apnea and other breathing difficulties.

Causes of Obesity in Elderly

Obesity tends to happen gradually – it doesn’t just appear overnight. This sounds a bit silly, but it is actually good news! Knowing the causes and risk factors for obesity can help you prevent it. Some causes include:

  • As mentioned above, your muscle mass naturally decreases with age (approximately 5% per decade after you turn 30) and is replaced with fat. Adjusting your calorie intake and considering some strength training exercises can keep this in check.

  • Natural hormone changes have an effect on weight – particularly for women going through menopause. Men also begin to produce less testosterone, the hormone responsible for regulating fat distribution and muscle mass (among many other things, of course).

  • Metabolism naturally slows down as we age, meaning we need to eat less or consume less calories.

  • As we age, we become more sedentary and potentially also more stressed. This could mean we are sitting down for long commutes or spending too much time sitting in one place at the office. You could also experience an increase in work-related stress, which can contribute to weight gain.

  • Major lifestyle changes can also impact weight gain. Perhaps you used to spend an hour per day at the gym, and now you spend that hour waiting in a pick-up line to get your children after school.

Essentially, many things can change both inside and outside our bodies as we age which can result in weight gain. Some questions you can ask yourself to keep your weight and wellness in mind without spending hours on a scale are:

  • Am I moving around enough or getting enough exercise? Get up off your desk chair, stretch and touch your toes every hour or two. Take a short walk to the restroom or around your office.

  • Am I eating too much? As we age, we need fewer calories and therefore less food.

  • Am I eating correctly? Make sure what you are eating is healthy. Avoid whites like white rice and white flour, cut back on sugars, and load your diet with fruits and vegetables.

  • Am I eating often enough? It sounds counter-intuitive, but it is better to eat many small meals or snacks rather than two or three huge meals each day. Eating every two to three hours keeps your metabolism running. Skipping meals or going too long between meals causes your metabolism to slow or stop, which leads to weight gain.

Hopefully, the tips included in this article can help you and your loved ones stay on top of your health and wellness and be aware of what you need to do to avoid obesity. As always, if you have questions or concerns, bring them to your doctor, who can provide plenty of advice on age-appropriate diet, exercise, and overall health.

AUTHOR: KATERI SWAVELY-VERENNA

Skin Bruising In Seniors

Bruising in the Elderly: What Causes Skin Bruising in Seniors?

Image of close up of a bruise in the arm of senior woman

Bruising in elderly people is a common condition that we see frequently. Have you visited a nursing facility or Alzheimer’s Care Center and noticed bruises on elderly people’s arms and hands?

If you have been around an elderly person, or if you are not as young as you once were, you have probably experienced or witnessed such bruising. Discoloration on an elderly person’s skin is usually not a major cause for concern.

Most of the skin changes you observe can be easily explained. Frequent bruising in elderly people should be evaluated to determine whether it is merely a change in the resilience of the skin or something more serious.

Elderly skin bruising is a common symptom of thinning skin and fragile blood vessels just beneath the skin. A simple brush against a doorknob can result in a bruise that covers the entire hand.

Sometimes a bruise on the arm can even occur if you are assisting someone to the bathroom, assisting with bathing, or helping them change clothes. If you are caring for an elderly person, make sure you use a gentle touch and if possible, allow them to hold your arm for support instead of holding or touching their arm or hand.

This easy bruising in elderly patients is usually painless, and most people don’t know the damage to the skin occurred until they notice it later.

Why do Elderly People Bruise Easily?

There are many causes of skin bruising in the elderly. Thinning of the skin is the number one cause of bruising and skin damage. In some people, the skin becomes so thin that bruising and even small tears occur in the skin, especially on the hands and arms. Skin tears on fragile skin are most common in an area that is already bruised or damaged.

What Else Causes Skin Bruising in Seniors?

Medications can be another cause of bruising on delicate skin. Blood thinners, aspirin, and some antibiotics can contribute to bruising because of the anticoagulant properties they have. Drugs prescribed to treat allergies, eczema, and asthma, called topical and systemic corticosteroids, can also have an effect when it comes to causing bruising in elderly patients.

If you are taking any of these medications that can cause bruising in the elderly, you should consult your doctor and discuss your medication regime regarding your skin condition.

Nutrition can be a factor. An iron deficiency or an inadequate supply of Vitamin C can cause your skin to bruise easily. Have your doctor test those levels and prescribe a supplement if indicated.

How to Treat Bruising in the Elderly

There is not a specific cure for elderly bruising, however supple skin is not as likely to tear or bruise. Applying moisturizing lotion to your hands and arms, or anywhere else you notice dryness or bruising can be helpful. Hydrated skin is happy skin!

If you injure your skin apply a cool compress. Do not apply it directly to your skin. Place a barrier, such as a thin towel or clean dishcloth between the compress and your skin. Then try applying a warm, but not hot, compress to speed up the healing process by increasing circulation to the wounded area.

If your skin is torn, keep it clean and covered until it heals. Use a clean piece of gauze, but no tape on your delicate skin. A skin tear usually heals on its own in a few weeks.

How Can We Prevent Bruising in the Elderly?

Try to wear long sleeves and long pants if the weather permits. You can try using rolled bandages wound lightly around your arms to protect them if you’re working outside.

Eliminate tripping and falling hazards in your home. This will help you avoid the risk of falling which can cause more serious injuries than skin bruising.

Protect your skin from the sun. Use skin products that are gentle to the skin and hypoallergenic.

We can’t completely eliminate the bruising that occurs as we age, but the tips suggested here can help you understand the reasons for the condition and how to minimize and treat your symptoms.

Remember to pamper and take good care of your skin. As always, partner with your health care professional to get the best advice and plan of care for your personal situation.

Aging in Place.

As we all get older our thoughts drift towards possibilities in our future. What happens if I get sick? Who will take care of me if my spouse dies? Will I have to live in one of those Assisted Living Facilities?  These and may more questions arise as we get older. Most people want to age in place, meaning we all want to stay in our homes for as long as possible. In this article we explore aging in place in your own home.

Common Concerns About Aging in Place

If staying in your home is important to you, you may still have concerns about safety, getting around, or other activities of daily life. Find suggestions below to help you think about some of these worries.

Getting around—at home and in town. Are you having trouble walking? Perhaps a walker would help. If you need more, think about getting an electric chair or scooter. These are sometimes covered by Medicare. Do you need someone to go with you to the doctor or shopping? Volunteer escort services may be available. If you are no longer driving a car, find out if there are free or low-cost public transportation and taxis in your area. Maybe a relative, friend, or neighbor would take you along when they go on errands or do yours for you.

Finding activities and friends. Are you bored staying at home? Your local senior center offers a variety of activities. You might see friends there and meet new people too. Is it hard for you to leave your home? Maybe you would enjoy visits from someone. Volunteers are sometimes available to stop by or call once a week. They can just keep you company, or you can talk about any problems you are having. Call your local Area Agency on Aging to see if they are available near you.

Safety concerns. Are you worried about crime in your neighborhood, physical abuse, or losing money as a result of a scam? Talk to the staff at your local Area Agency on Aging. If you live alone, are you afraid of becoming sick with no one around to help? You might want to get an emergency alert system. You just push a special button that you wear, and emergency medical personnel are called. There is typically a monthly fee for this service.

Housing concerns. Would a few changes make your home easier and safer to live in? Think about things like a ramp at the front door, grab bars in the tub or shower, nonskid floors, more comfortable handles on doors or faucets, and better insulation. Sound expensive? You might be able to get help paying for these changes. Check with your local Area Agency on Aging, State housing finance agency, welfare department, community development groups, or the Federal Government.

Getting help during the day. Do you need care but live with someone who can’t stay with you during the day? For example, maybe they work. Adult day care outside the home is sometimes available for older people who need help caring for themselves. The day care center can pick you up and bring you home. If your caretaker needs to get away overnight, there are places that provide temporary respite care.

Resources to Help You Age in Place

Here are some resources to start with:

Reach out to people you know. Family, friends, and neighbors are the biggest source of help for many older people. Talk with those close to you about the best way to get what you need. If you are physically able, think about trading services with a friend or neighbor. One could do the grocery shopping, and the other could cook dinner, for example.

Learn about community and local government resources. Learn about the services in your community. Healthcare providers and social workers may have suggestions. The local Area Agency on Aging, local and State offices on aging or social services, and your tribal organization may have lists of services. If you belong to a religious group, talk with the clergy, or check with its local office about any senior services they offer.

Talk to geriatric care managers. These specially trained professionals can help find resources to make your daily life easier. They will work with you to form a long-term care plan and find the services you need. Geriatric care managers can be helpful when family members live far apart. Learn more about geriatric care managers.

Look into Federal Government sources. The Federal Government offers many resources for seniors. Longtermcare.gov, from the Administration for Community Living, is a good place to start.

How Much Will It Cost to Age in Place?

An important part of planning is thinking about how you are going to pay for the help you need. Some things you want may cost a lot. Others may be free. Some might be covered by Medicare or other health insurance. Some may not. Check with your insurance provider(s). It’s possible that paying for a few services out of pocket could cost less than moving into an independent living, assisted living, or long-term care facility. And you will have your wish of still living on your own. Resources like Benefits.gov and BenefitsCheckUp® can help you find out about possible benefits you might qualify for.

Are you eligible for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)? The VA sometimes provides medical care in your home. In some areas, they offer homemaker/ home health aide services, adult day health care, and hospice. To learn more, visit www.va.gov, call the VA Health Care Benefits number, 1-877-222-8387 (toll-free), or contact the VA medical center nearest you.

For help with caregivers for assistance in your home call Caring Connections Senior Care 850-354-5336

Is your love one SUNDOWNING?

How To Know When Your Loved One Is Sundowning

Most people understand that people with dementia have their good days and their bad days. What’s less known is that the symptoms of dementia can also be affected by the time of day. Researchers named this phenomenon sundown syndrome, and it’s fairly common among people with Alzheimer’s disease. But what causes sundowners, and what can be done to help your loved ones manage it?

What is Sundowning?
Sundowning is one potential symptom of dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, approximately 20% of people with Alzheimer’s will experience sundown syndrome. It’s usually occurs during the middle stages or later stages of dementia, which is part of the reason why sundowners syndrome in the elderly is relatively common.
Sundowning symptoms commonly include feeling restless, irritable, agitated, disoriented, suspicious, demanding, or confused. They sometimes include pacing, shouting, visual hallucinations, and mood swings.
Learning how to know when your loved one is sundowning can be difficult; you probably noticed these symptoms look identical to the typical symptoms of dementia. But when symptoms tend to get worse at night, there’s a good chance sundowning is involved.

Why Does Sundowning Occur?
Much like dementia, sundowning is not totally understood. Some researchers have suggested it could be the result of Alzheimer’s interfering with the body’s circadian clocks, but the truth is that nobody knows for sure.
What we do know is that there appear to be several triggers. One of the most common is fading natural light over the course of a day. Symptoms may worsen as the light fades, and then generally subside when the sun returns in the morning.
Additionally, sundowning seems to occur more often in patients who are experiencing pain, depression, boredom, or preexisting sleep problems. Feeling hungry, thirsty, or fatigue can also increase the chance of sundowning being triggered.

Sundowning Treatment
It’s typically not possible to completely stop sundowning, but you may be able to take steps to manage it. For instance, if you help your loved one develop routines, those routines can help prevent the stressful feelings that can contribute to sundowning. Stick to a schedule, and try to adjust routines as gradually and infrequently as you can.
Because light is a common trigger, consider placing full spectrum fluorescent lights thought the areas where your loved one spends their time. You might also consider running these lights on a timer, so they automatically turn on when natural light starts to dim.
Because sundowners in elderly adults can lead to missing sleep, and fatigue can contribute to future sundowning, it’s easy to create an unhealthy cycle of habits. If possible, encourage your loved one to stay active during the daytime, which can help a person more easily fall asleep at bedtime. It can also help to quit drinking caffeinated beverages.

Taking Care of Everyone
Sundowning can be equally stressful for caretakers. That can be a problem because caregivers who become tired or agitated may give off non-verbal cues which hint at their anxiety or distress. People with dementia may pick up on those cues, leading to confusion or anxiety, and triggering the various symptoms of sundowning. In short, you’re far better equipped to take care of others when you’re healthy and rested.
With the kinds of tips outlined above, it’s possible to take steps to help loved ones cope with these kinds of challenges. But if sundowning persists, consider seeking medical advice. You may discover that side effects of medications are contributing to the problem, or that prescription medication can be used to help.

Any questions with sundowners or for a free in home assessment please call Caring Connections 850-354-5336

The Sandwich Generation

The Sandwich Generation: Stress and Other Issues

The sandwich generation is typically defined as adults who are “sandwiched” between taking care of their aging parents and their younger children. There are three variations of this term:
The Traditional Sandwich Generation: Adults in their 40s or early 50s, who care for their elderly parents and typically adult children, both of whom need financial and emotional assistance.
The Club Sandwich Generation: Older adults in their 50s or 60s who have aging parents, adult children, and possibly grandchildren. The term can also refer to adults in their 30s or 40s with younger children, elderly parents, and grandparents.
The Open Faced Sandwich Generation: Those involved in elder care in a non-professional capacity.
The sandwich generation faces unique challenges in how they navigate life. In this post, we will examine sandwich generation facts, stresses, and tips.
Sandwich Generation Stress
Caring for aging parents and younger children can create high stress levels among this generation.

These hardships include:
-Difficulty achieving work/life balance
-Feeling unappreciated
-Spending most of their income on their parents and children, leaving little    finances for themselves (Caregivers spend an average of $6,954 per year       on their loved one)
-Neglecting hobbies and interests
-Anxiety and depression
-Feelings of resentment toward those they care for
-Difficulty managing relationships
Tips for the Sandwich Generation
There is no tried-and-true way to solve all of the stresses of the sandwich generation but there are a few steps you can take.

These include:
-Share the workload by giving your children chores around the house or receive help from older family members with paperwork and caregiving.
-Hire some help. If it’s financially feasible, hire a professional for help with chores, caregiving, and/or babysitting
-Practice self care. Make sure you get proper rest, nutrition, and participate in activities you enjoy.
-Ask for help. Do not be afraid to ask your employer for a more flexible schedule or to ask family and friends for financial, physical, or mental help.
-Find quality care. Caregivers such as those at Caring Connections can provide assistance as often or as little as needed.
-Find a local support group. Speaking with others in similar situations can make you feel less lonely.

Sandwich Generation Statistics
According to Mass Mutual’s 2018 State of the American Family study, the following is true about sandwich generation issues:
-55% perform chores for parents and/or in-laws
-49% manage parents’ and/or in-laws’ finances
-47% spend, on average, two hours per day caring for parents and/or in-laws
-31% are financially responsible for parents and/or in-laws
-Nearly 25% of sandwich generation families are Hispanic
-27% of sandwich generation families say it adds financial and emotional stress on their families
-While 31% of sandwich generation families struggle to find a balance between work and home, they find ways to achieve it:
-45% work flexible hours
-35% receive help from family with chores
-30% work from home
-17% receive help with childcare from family
The study also noted how the sandwich generation views finances:
-78% prioritize having a stable source of income
-74% place a higher priority on “not becoming a financial burden” to their families
-55% have three or more months of expenses saved

Call Caring Connections for any further questions or a free in home assessment 850-354-5336.

3 Ways to Redirect a Dementia Patient and Embrace Reality

3 Ways to Redirect a Dementia Patient and Embrace Reality

Some caregivers find it difficult to redirect Alzheimer’s patients – why not try these simple methods?1

Some caregivers find it difficult to redirect Alzheimer's patients - why not try these simple methods?

Learning how to redirect an Alzheimer’s patient is often difficult. The concept itself is difficult to grasp.

Learning how to embrace the reality of a dementia patient is also difficult.

Learning how to redirect a person living with dementia and how to embrace reality are essential components of effective caregiving.

Learning how to do this takes patience and a little practice.

By Bob DeMarco
Alzheimer’s Reading Room

When ever possible you should include these two nonverbal communication techniques before redirecting.

First, if close by take the person living with Alzheimer’s Hand. Second, make sure you have their attention and smile. Also, try to respond in a steady voice.

1. I’m hungry, I’m starving

My mother would utter those words over and over every day. In the beginning I would inform her that she had just eaten (often true), that she could not possibly be hungry, or she had already eaten 3 times that day.

What I failed to realize in the beginning was my mother: could not remember she had just eaten, could not remember what she had eaten that day, and that, in fact if she said she was hungry – she was hungry.

I failed over and over in the beginning to embrace my mother’s reality. If she said she was hungry – even right after she had eaten – then she was hungry. Who was I to determine how she was feeling? Aren’t we all entitled to our own feeling, or for that matter beliefs.

Whenever I chastised my mom and told her she couldn’t be hungry it usually ended in a horrible episode. My mom would go into her room and refuse to come out. I would be left alone feeling bad, and having a bad day.

Then one day I discovered the solution by accident. Dotty said, “I’m hungry, I’m starving.” I looked at her smiled and said, “okay, can you give me ten minutes to finish what I am doing and we will eat”. She smile back and said, ‘okay”. That was that.

She didn’t ask again and seem satisfied with my answer. I had embraced her reality, and that was what she really needed.

You might be able to use this form of redirection in any number of situation. Smile and embrace the reality. You might be able to get away with one word – okay.

Need Help? Search Our Award Winning Knowledge Base for Answers to Your Questions About Alzheimer’s and Dementia

2. The distant and no longer past as reality.

My mother did this one over an over with my sister but never with me – go figure?

My mother would tell my sister that she wanted to get Volkswagen (VW) fixed so she could start driving it.

The VW in question had not been around for 30 years. It no longer existed. On top of that, my mother was no longer driving and had not driven in many years.

My sister would smile and respond in her normal voice, “okay, let’s do it tomorrow”. Close enough to the 3 little words rule.

My mother would accept this with out question.

In this example my sister embraced my mother’s reality. That the VW actually existed, and she offered a solution. However, my sister would not address the issue of “driving”. She knew my mother was no longer driving, and, had learned it rarely works when you correct a person living with dementia.

In this example, a bit more complex there are 2 issue. A car that no longer existed and driving. My sister embraced the key issue, and resisted the urge to inform my mother she was no longer driving – she realized it really didn’t matter.

3. Use the Hook

Sometime my mother would do or say something that was not really conducive to redirection. In these cases I learned to use the “hook”.

I might say out of the clear blue sky, mom, why don’t we have some potato chips? This worked every time. My mother loved potato chips.

I had other hooks. For example, would you like some ice cream? Answer every time, yes.

And sometimes I would just change it up completely. Mom, let’s go to McDonald’s and get some french fries. I used examples like this one when my mother seemed to be getting – very negative. I wanted to get her of the house and into some bright light – or just plain out of the house for a change of mood and environment.

I learned over time how to listen to my mom. Once I made it to Alzheimer’s World I learned how to accept that what she was saying was true – it was true to her. I no longer had an incessant need to correct her.

It was no longer all about me, it was about her. Whatever was happening in her world was in fact reality. So even though it took me a long time to embrace her reality, once I did I felt a lot better. Calmer and happier.

Over time I learned how to keep it simple. It seems “simple” really works well in Alzheimer’s World.

Touch, Smile, be Patient, don’t be Judgmental and somehow, someway, life starts improving.

When A Parent Moves In. What To Do?

When a Parent Moves In: How to Get Your House Ready

Unpacking

Preparing for your parent or other older adult’s arrival

If you’ve decided to move your parent, or another family member into your home, it’s time to think about the specifics. Start big — where will she sleep, how will she get around — then tackle the details of making your home a comfortable and safe place for her to spend her time.

Just as you’d babyproof to make your home safer for young children, it’s a smart move to “elder-proof” your house to make it safer for an aging adult. Not only can taking these steps prevent nasty accidents, it will also make life a lot easier and more comfortable for her.

  • Initial changes Some fixes are easy and inexpensive — grab bars in the bathroom and nonslip mats under throw rugs, for example. If she’s less mobile and your home has stairs, you may decide to put in a more expensive ramp or stair-lift. And all sorts of devices — from easy-opening door handles to walk-in bathtubs — are available to make her life in your home much more manageable.
  • Ground rules If you live on one level, you’re in luck. For older adults, a one-story home is ideal. If your home has more than one story, it’s easiest and safest if her bedroom and bathroom are on the first floor, along with the kitchen, so she won’t have to negotiate stairs.
  • Getting around It’s also preferable to have no steps or raised thresholds between one room and the next. These potential falling hazards create barriers that can be difficult to negotiate for someone who’s frail.

Setting up house

If you have a spare bedroom on the first floor of your house, you’re in good shape. If not, perhaps you can convert a dining room, den, or office into a bedroom.

Choosing a space

  • Could an attic or basement room be converted into a bedroom, which could then be used by one of your children while the older adult takes the child’s old room on the first floor?
  • There should be enough privacy so everyone feels comfortable. Will you need to add on a room to have enough living space? This could easily run into the tens of thousands of dollars, but it could still be cheaper over the long run — and might make the person happier — than an assisted living situation.

As an alternative, if it’s a parent you’re dealing with, you might want to consider selling your home and your parent’s current home and buying a larger place that will make everyone more comfortable. Many families pool their resources in this way to find a better living space for themselves and their elderly parent. If you have siblings, this decision also involves them, of course, because at least part of any future inheritance would be used to purchase the larger home.

  • If possible, bring some of the older adult’s furniture into your home, like a favorite couch or reclininer. Even if it doesn’t fit with your decor, this touch of home will help her feel more at ease from the beginning.
  • If she has a pet, try to make room for it in your house. Giving up a pet could be very difficult, and having a beloved animal will help lessen the loneliness she may feel while getting used to her new environment. Of course, you’ll have to consider whether her pet can get along with your pets and children. You may also need to make some cha nges to your home and yard (such as fencing it in) to accommodate a dog.
  • Get her a cell phone to give her a greater sense of independence and help her feel connected to the outside world. This will make it easier for her friends to call her directly, without bothering other family members. And it’s a good way for her to get help in an emergency. An extra line with its own number will cost as little as $10 a month if you already have a cell phone plan. If she isn’t adept with cell phones, the handset could be programmed so she only has to touch one key (say, the 1 key) to call you and a different key to call the local police department.

How to Make Your Home Safer for an Elderly Loved One

As people age, they need more lighting, and obstacles or hazards should be cleared out of their way or made safe, says Donna Schempp, program director for Family Caregiver Alliance in San Francisco. Falls can be very dangerous for older adults and can result in a major injury. Some steps to take to keep an older adult safe:

  • Anti-slip mats. These mats, often made of rubber or a similar material, fit under throw rugs to increase traction, greatly decreasing the chances of a fall. Of course, you can also solve the problem by simply removing throw rugs — as long as you don’t have slick, waxed wood floors, which also can be a hazard.
  • Furniture bumpers. Clear plastic bumpers fit over sharp furniture corners to soften the edges. Alternatively, remove sharp-edged furniture from the room. Unsteady chairs should be replaced as well.
  • Bins for obstacles. If you’re used to leaving toys and other objects lying on the floor, you’ll need to start picking them up. Pick a spot that’s out of the way and set up a large basket to serve as a catchall for things that tend to end up on the floor.
  • Good lighting. Not just the rooms in your house need to be well lit: Make sure walkw ays, hallways, and entryways are illuminated, too. Lighting should be bright but not harsh or blinding.
  • Modifications for a wheelchair. If your new housemate uses a wheelchair (or may need one soon), check that the doorways and hallways of your home will be wide enough for her to get around. Wheelchairs require a minimum of 32 inches — 36 inches is recommended. Hallways should be at least 36 inches wide. If possible, there should be extra floor space so a wheelchair can turn around. It takes about 60 inches of space for someone in a wheelchair to make a 180-degree turn.
  • Door and window sensors. If she has Alzheimer’s and tends to wander off, you may need either special door locks that will keep doors shut or chimes to alert you to her attempts to leave the house. Window sensors with remote alarms are also available.
  • Special doorknobs and window pulls. Older adults may not have the hand or arm strength to open a door using a regular knob. Arthritis can rob even a relatively strong person of the ability to grasp something hard enough to turn it. Consider replacing conventional knobs with easier-to-use lever door handles — or look into an automatic door opener that opens and closes with the touch of a button or by voice activation (around $1,500). Search the Internet by typing automatic door opener. You can also find products that make opening windows easier.
  • Accessible shelving. As people get older, the simple act of bending down or reaching up can become an ordeal. If possible, put extra shelves in closets, pantries, or cabinets at heights an older adult can reach without a struggle. If she’s in a wheelchair, or you anticipate she may be soon, adjustable brackets will enable you to change the height as needed.

Other changes inside and out

Outside the house and between stories

  • Ramps. If there are steps leading to the entrance to your home, can she handle them? If not, you may need to put in a ramp. They start at about $400 for a 4-foot ramp that’s 36 inches wide; an 8-foot ramp is about $800. Do a search using the keywords home ramp.
  • Chair lifts. If you can’t put her on the first floor and she doesn’t do well with stairs, consider an electric stair-climbing chair lift. They generally cost between $1,500 and $4,000. Another option is a home elevator or a platform lift to take her up and down. The cost of home elevators varies widely, but you can expect to pay $15,000 or more. You can find more information by searching the keywords stair lifts or home elevators.

In the bathroom

  • Grab bars and adhesive strips. Grab bars in the tub or shower and besid e the toilet will help her lift and lower herself. These are inexpensive ($40 to $140), and they’re potential lifesavers when it comes to preventing falls. Low-cost no-slip adhesive strips decrease the risk of slippery bathroom areas and steps. Other bathroom additions to consider:
  • Walk-in bathtub. These roundish tubs have a door that opens so she doesn’t have to step over the side to get into the tub. Do a search for these by typing walk-in bathtub.
  • Bath lift. A person sits in this tub-level chair and uses a waterproof remote to lower herself into the tub. The chair then raises her back up after the bath. Some models recline and have other features ($500 to $2,000).
  • Anti-scalding devices. These inexpensive devices (about $40) automatically turn off the water if it gets too hot. They can easily be installed in the bathroom sink, shower, tub, or kitchen sink. An alternative solution: Turn down the thermostat on your hot-water heater so the water never gets above 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

In the bedroom

  • Temperature controls. An older adult may like it a lot warmer than the rest of the family. To keep everyone comfortable and your utility bills under control, it’s best to have a separate thermostat in her bedroom. If that isn’t feasible, a portable space heater may keep her comfortable.

Monitors and alarm systems

  • Baby monitors and walkie-talkies. Sometimes a simple device can make a huge difference. If an older adult’s room isn’t near yours, for example, an audio or video monitor can save you a lot of trips back and forth. (Obviously, you have to consider her need for privacy, so this is something the two of you will need to discuss beforehand.) A two-way walkie-talkie system can help you easily communicate with her anywhere in the house.
  • Personal emergency response system. If you’re going to be out a lot and worry about her being alone, you can sign her up for a personal emergency response system, or PERS. (See our PERS buying guide .) These systems, which work through a console that plugs into your phone line, enable an older adult to summon emergency help with the push of a button.

A live operator at an emergency response center will respond to her call, sending a paramedic or ambulance, if necessary, or, if it’s a minor problem, contacting you or a neighbor to check in on her. These systems can be rented on a monthly basis from the American Red Cross (through Lifeline Systems) and from individual providers. They generally cost $25 to $35 a month for the ongoing serv ice, which is available 24/7, 365 days a year.

  • Wrist monitors . These devices can record a person’s heart rate, blood pressure, and stress level and automatically send a signal to your cell phone or PDA if the measurements get dangerously low or high (from $1,000).
  • TV silencer. For older adults with hearing problems, this device automatically mutes the TV, stereo, or DVD player whenever the phone rings, so she won’t miss important calls.

Two big-ticket items that might be worth the money

  • Three- or four-wheeled scooter or golf cart. These help older adults get around outside if they’re too weak or unstable to walk. They vary widely in size and price, from about $350 to $3,000. Golf carts generally cost $4,000 and up. Scooters and carts can also be rented weekly or monthly. Do a search using the keywords electric scooter or golf cart.
  • Hospital bed or adjustable bed. These enable you to raise or lower the head and knee area of the bed, as well as the level of the entire bed, either electronically or through the use of hand cranks. The flexibility of these beds makes life easier and more comfortable for someone who’s ailing. They generally cost $500 and up. You can find them by doing an Internet search using the keywords home hospital bed or adjustable bed.

We Have a free safety guide we can send you. Call 850-354-5336 or email; sgagne@caringconnectionsllc.com

Caring Connections In-Home Senior Care

267 John Knox Rd Suite 111

Tallahassee, Fl. 32303

850-354-5336  Family Owned and operated!! We care for your loved ones as you would.

HHA#299994634

Dementia vs Alzheimer’s

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease 101: The Difference and Why it Matters

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are often spoken about interchangeably, but they are not the same condition. During Dementia Awareness Week, we want to share the different types of dementia and the warning signs.

Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s

Dementia is a general term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills, including judgment, reasoning, and complex motor skills. There are several dementia-related illnesses, and Alzheimer’s is one of them.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia and accounts for 60–80% of dementia cases. It is a chronic disease that causes memory loss or difficulty thinking or problem-solving to the point where it interferes with everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease can progress to the point where a person doesn’t remember their own family and might undergo a complete personality change.

Other types of dementia include:

  • Vascular dementia: A decline in memory and thinking skills brought on by blockage or reduction of blood flow to the brain that deprives the brain of oxygen and nutrients. Risk factors are similar to those for heart problems, stroke, and other diseases that affect blood vessels.
  • Lewy Body dementia (LBD): An umbrella term that refers to both Parkinsons disease dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies, which are protein deposits that develop in nerve cells in the brain regions involved in thinking, memory, and movement.
  • Frontotemporal dementia (FTD): The Mayo Clinic describes FTD as a diverse group of uncommon disorders that primarily affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain the areas generally associated with personality, behavior, and language.

These dementia-related illnesses are not a normal part of aging, and in order to limit your chances of getting dementia and/or to better manage the condition, its important to know the symptoms and the prevention techniques that are most effective.

Preventing dementia

The biggest risk factors for these conditions are things you often can’t control, including age, family history, and genetics. However, the good news is that studies suggest that lifestyle changes can slow or prevent onset.

  • Exercise:Staying active isn’t just good for your heart; its also great for your brain.
  • Sleep:Your brain does important stuff while you are sleeping, so getting at least 7 hours of deep sleep a night is crucial.
  • Be smart about your diet:Research suggests that the foods you eat can affect your brain health, both for the better and for the worse.
  • Control other chronic conditions:Keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar within recommended limits.
  • Be mindful of harmful substances:Limit alcohol use and eliminate smoking.
  • Challenge your brain:Try small things, such as brushing your teeth or eating with your non-dominant hand.
  • Continue to pursue favorite hobbies or take up new ones:Art, music, gardening, and learning a new language are just a few that can help keep your mind active.
  • Manage stress:Relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation, can be helpful.
  • Use your health care:Visit your doctor or health care professional regularly and be sure to stay up-to-date on preventive screenings and benefits.

Warning signs and symptoms

The following are some common warning signs and symptoms of dementia. Keep in mind that every individual is unique and may not exhibit all of them. Always consult a physician to discuss changes in memory and thinking abilities.A thorough assessment by your physician or a specialist, such as a neurologist, can determine what is causing these symptoms.

  • Difficulty finding words
  • Trouble completing multi-step tasks
  • Challenges with identifying time, person, or place
  • Misplacing familiar objects
  • Personality changes
  • Loss of interest in important responsibilities
  • Expressing false beliefs
  • Changes in judgment

Whether you are a professional, family member, friend, spouse, or community member, it is beneficial to understand different causes that can impact ones memory other than the potential presence of dementia.

Physical health changes, such as a vitamin deficiency, thyroid problem, urinary tract infection, medication side effects, stress, Substance abuse, and depression may all cause changes in memory and other symptoms of dementia, such as confusion. A thorough assessment by your physician or specialist, such as a neurologist can determine what is causing these symptoms.

Take action

Although it can be scary or challenging to acknowledge changes within ourselves or someone close to us, it is important to do so and take action.

Early detection of memory issues can allow you to participate in care planning decisions and explore clinical trials. For some, receiving a diagnosis also can provide some relief in knowing that its not something they are doing but rather something that is occurring in them.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease 101: The Difference and Why it Matters

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are often spoken about interchangeably, but they are not the same condition. During Dementia Awareness Week, we want to share the different types of dementia and the warning signs.

Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s

Dementia is a general term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills, including judgment, reasoning, and complex motor skills. There are several dementia-related illnesses, and Alzheimer’s is one of them.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia and accounts for 60–80% of dementia cases. It is a chronic disease that causes memory loss or difficulty thinking or problem-solving to the point where it interferes with everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease can progress to the point where a person doesn’t remember their own family and might undergo a complete personality change.

Other types of dementia include:

  • Vascular dementia: A decline in memory and thinking skills brought on by blockage or reduction of blood flow to the brain that deprives the brain of oxygen and nutrients. Risk factors are similar to those for heart problems, stroke, and other diseases that affect blood vessels.
  • Lewy Body dementia (LBD): An umbrella term that refers to both Parkinson’s disease dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies, which are protein deposits that develop in nerve cells in the brain regions involved in thinking, memory, and movement.
  • Frontotemporal dementia (FTD): The Mayo Clinic describes FTD as a diverse group of uncommon disorders that primarily affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain the areas generally associated with personality, behavior, and language.

These dementia-related illnesses are not a normal part of aging, and in order to limit your chances of getting dementia and/or to better manage the condition, its important to know the symptoms and the prevention techniques that are most effective.

Preventing dementia

The biggest risk factors for these conditions are things you often can’t control, including age, family history, and genetics. However, the good news is that studies suggest that lifestyle changes can slow or prevent onset.

  • Exercise:Staying active isn’t just good for your heart; its also great for your brain.
  • Sleep:Your brain does important stuff while you are sleeping, so getting at least 7 hours of deep sleep a night is crucial.
  • Be smart about your diet:Research suggests that the foods you eat can affect your brain health, both for the better and for the worse.
  • Control other chronic conditions:Keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar within recommended limits.
  • Be mindful of harmful substances:Limit alcohol use and eliminate smoking.
  • Challenge your brain:Try small things, such as brushing your teeth or eating with your non-dominant hand.
  • Continue to pursue favorite hobbies or take up new ones:Art, music, gardening, and learning a new language are just a few that can help keep your mind active.
  • Manage stress:Relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation, can be helpful.
  • Use your health care:Visit your doctor or health care professional regularly and be sure to stay up-to-date on preventive screenings and benefits.

Warning signs and symptoms

The following are some common warning signs and symptoms of dementia. Keep in mind that every individual is unique and may not exhibit all of them. Always consult a physician to discuss changes in memory and thinking abilities.A thorough assessment by your physician or a specialist, such as a neurologist, can determine what is causing these symptoms.

  • Difficulty finding words
  • Trouble completing multi-step tasks
  • Challenges with identifying time, person, or place
  • Misplacing familiar objects
  • Personality changes
  • Loss of interest in important responsibilities
  • Expressing false beliefs
  • Changes in judgment

Whether you are a professional, family member, friend, spouse, or community member, it is beneficial to understand different causes that can impact ones memory other than the potential presence of dementia.

Physical health changes, such as a vitamin deficiency, thyroid problem, urinary tract infection, medication side effects, stress, Substance abuse, and depression may all cause changes in memory and other symptoms of dementia, such as confusion. A thorough assessment by your physician or specialist, such as a neurologist can determine what is causing these symptoms.

Take action

Although it can be scary or challenging to acknowledge changes within ourselves or someone close to us, it is important to do so and take action.

Early detection of memory issues can allow you to participate in care planning decisions and explore clinical trials. For some, receiving a diagnosis also can provide some relief in knowing that its not something they are doing but rather something that is occurring in them.

 

Sundowners; The Effect Of Light, Sound and Food

Sundowners causes are numerous.  The term “sundowners” refers to how an elderly person who has cognitive impairment or dementia, may start to act confused, angry, or have other disturbing behaviors in the afternoon or early evening – thus “sundowners” syndrome. It may be comforting to know that sundowners syndrome is a well-known phenomenon but the sundowners causes are not as well known.

Some sundowners causes include certain common causes and triggers, such as changes brought about by food and light, may be things a caregiver wants to be on the watch for to predict sundowners syndrome as the sun sets in order to give their loved one the best care during this often trying time of day.

Observing sundown syndrome and diet

A variety of contributing influences may affect the frequency and severity of the episodes from which an elderly person may suffer. Keep in mind that there are a wide range of sundowners causes that can contribute to sundowners syndrome; if you notice something that seems to trigger an episode, it would be well worth your time to experiment with reducing that particular factor in order to determine whether it has an ameliorative effect on your elderly loved one.

An elderly person’s diet can be a significant contributor to sundown syndrome. If your elderly loved one is not eating well enough, hunger pangs can actually contribute to the severity of the episodes. Someone who is already confused and somewhat anxious about their surroundings will be more prone to outbursts if the situation is complicated by hunger.

Further, after a meal—especially a large one—blood pressure will drop while the body focuses on beginning the digestion process. A side effect of this reduced blood pressure is that there will be a smaller amount of oxygen reaching the brain. In sufferers of sundown syndrome, this reduced oxygen level can contribute to an episode, especially if the situation is already complicated by other potential triggers.

In addition, in cases where the elderly person is a diabetic or a borderline diabetic, he or she may react adversely to the change in the glucose level in his or her bloodstream. While a normal, healthy person might experience an unexpected feeling of tiredness or sudden elevated energy levels depending on the situation, a person with dementia or other cognitive impairment will not know how to interpret these feelings, and this may contribute to an elevated sense of anxiety, fear, or hostility.

How does your elderly loved one perceive his or her environment?

Other sundowners causes that can trigger an episode of sundown syndrome are physiological issues that affect your elderly loved one’s ability to see or hear well. An elderly dementia sufferer is likely already experiencing some level of confusion and anxiety. If he or she loses the ability to see or hear at the same level to which he or she is accustomed, this will only add to the situation.

Changes in the environmental setting in regard to light or sound may contribute to sundown syndrome. Is a light bulb that used to remain on now off? Is something now blocking a light source that did not used to be blocked? There could be any number of factors that would negatively affect an elderly person’s ability to see, and—since he or she is in a state of cognitive impairment and cannot easily ascertain the source of the change—this can contribute to sundown syndrome episodes. Has the volume in the environment suddenly been turned up? Are there new noises that weren’t there in the past (drilling in the street or construction going on, for example)?

If environmental factors are stable, yet you notice that an elderly loved one is developing a trend of suffering more frequent or more severe episodes of sundown syndrome, you may want to have his or her hearing and vision checked. There may be preventive or remedial measures available to restore his or her hearing and vision to optimal levels, thereby reducing confusion and anxiety.

Conclusion

While there is no one source of sundown syndrome, by keeping a close eye on the diet and environment of an elderly loved one—as well as his or her ability to see and hear—you may be able to identify some triggers. Removing the triggers—or treating declining sight and hearing when possible—should help ensure a peaceful, quiet evening for your loved one.

By; Stephanie Clark