There isn’t a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, so why does waiting make a difference? The top reason for regret was not being able to access treatment options sooner — options that could help deal the symptoms and potentially slow the progression of the disease. Such treatments could help preserve cognitive functioning and allow people to remain independent longer states an article in Fiftyplus.com. Another reason respondents wished they had known sooner was so they could prepare. Unfortunately, when many patients do get a diagnosis it’s too late for them to make decisions concerning their future — or to be legally,…
Alzheimer's disease: Ten Simple Solutions for Caregivers by Jo Huey Ten chapters, each devoted to one of Jo Huey’s well-known Ten Communication Absolutes. Easy practical suggestions for improving communication, preventing behaviors due to frustration or fear and fostering a hopeful attitude. Talking with Your Doctor from National Institute on Aging This 44-page booklet is full of ideas and tips for good communication with your doctor. The illustrations and conversational tone help to explain how to prepare for a medical appointment, discuss sensitive topics, and coordinate help from family and friends. The Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer's Care by…
Techniques for managing Alzheimer's aggression such as re-directing the person's attention or medication can certainly help. However, the key is figuring what is causing the outburst. Agitation and aggression are typically caused by one or more of these five factors: Cognitive Impairment You may overestimate what your parent is capable of accomplishing i.e. performing a task they are not able to complete. Thus, they get upset and frustrated, causing an outburst. Consequently, you must adjust expectations to their abilities. Plus, Alzheimer's is a degenerative disease. Therefore, your Parent's abilities will decline over time. So, expectations must be shifted continually. Psychological…
When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and requires assistance throughout the day, the spouse and adult children are faced with two choices. First, if you wish to keep that person well cared for in the home; Join the ranks of the 65 million family caregivers in this country and become a full-time caregiver. Or else hire a home-care aide to help with the many tasks throughout the day and night, from bathing and dressing to preparing food and doing housework and laundry. Since each of these options has its own drawbacks, many concerned people, especially those who…
Senior home care services can allow seniors to stay comfortably in their own homes. But, selecting home care agencies for your loved ones is one of the most important decisions you will make; because we desire our loved ones to be safe, comfortable and well cared for. Accordingly, here are some questions to ask prior to hiring the service: 1. When choosing senior home care it's important to consider the needs of the senior. Do they have specific medical requirements? Therefore, they may require a care specialist or have a caregiver with specific training. What about compatibility? As the right…
A disaster may vary by size and intensity, tornado, hurricane, or earthquake. However, the direct effect to a senior (due to evacuations, loss of care and home) is detrimental on their quality of life. Evacuations effect and disrupt their daily activities. Assisted living, long-term care facilities and caregivers have clients who may be immobile, require medical equipment, medications and nursing care. There is jtress does not magnify the issues already being dealt with by both patient and caregiver. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations identified evacuations and multiple transfers as a major problem for seniors i.e. wildfires in…
The number of seniors having dementia is increasing dramatically. However, a majority remain un-diagnosed. Therefore, non-recognition leads to untreated dementia, causing functional failing, difficulties with health and wellbeing issues, and protection dangers. Furthermore, undetected dementia results in lack of assistance for seniors and the care providers. Additionally, overwhelmed family care providers, generally the spouse, are struggling with decreased abilities of their own. Usually, they are not prepared to act. Furthermore, the principal household caregivers often build up their psychological distress conditions. Consequently, un-met care requirements have a deep impact around the older person, family members and also the caregiver. Typically,…
Unfortunately, caregivers are financially burdened by their caregiving duties. While caregiving creates a financial burden, caregiving has a big impact on work and life. Most caregivers are working, either full or part-time, or have worked at some point while caregiving. It is estimated that more than 60 percent of working caregivers have made adjustments to their work schedule, such as leaving early, arriving late, or taking time off. With the current financial situation, can you afford to loose your job because you are worried about your loved one? Caregivers also report they have less time for family or friends, have…
Moving between hospitals or into rehabilitation and other care centers can be a stressful time, especially for an elderly loved one. Unfortunately, too, these “care transitions” can create far greater problems than stress, as they also are prone to creating problems with the patient’s care. Potentially, these problems can have long-term affects. Care transitions are not a recent concern of health professionals, but been on their radar screen for some time. In fact, a recent study is the subject of a recent post on the New York Times’s blog series, “The New Old Age.” According to the study, a very…
Unfortunately, caregivers are financially burdened by their caregiving duties. While caregiving creates a financial burden, caregiving has a big impact on work and life. Most caregivers are working, either full or part-time, or have worked at some point while caregiving. It is estimated that more than 60 percent of working caregivers have made adjustments to their work schedule, such as leaving early, arriving late, or taking time off. With the current financial situation, can you afford to loose your job because you are worried about your loved one? Caregivers also report they have less time for family or friends, have…
Frederick, MD 
301-663-9230
