All Home Care Matters

Have you ever tried to explain dementia to a child? If so, you may have had more questions than answers.

 

All Home Care Matters was honored to welcome the remarkable team behind the book, Dancing with Memories.

 

Dancing with Memories is a children's book that helps to demystify and explain dementia for children to have a better understanding on what dementia is and what a loved one may be going through.

 

If you interested in receiving a copy of Dancing with Memories please email the show directly and we will provide you a with a copy at no charge. *Limited Supply*

If your loved one is no longer able to stay home alone, it may be time to look for a caregiver. There are many types of caregivers, which we have covered in previous episodes, but today we’re talking about the qualities to look for in a good caregiver. Listen to today’s episode to learn more about what to look for when hiring a caregiver and how you can find the perfect fit for your family.

 

Thank you for tuning into All Home Care Matters. We know that caring for your loved one is an important job and can be stressful at times, so subscribe to our podcast to get all the latest insight and information. We are here for you as you face this new journey.

 

Being a caregiver doesn’t mean you neglect your body and personal needs. Staying active and healthy is vital for preventing caregiver burnout.

In this episode, you’ll learn some quick tips to help you stay active and healthy as a caregiver, and some fun healthy tips that you can do right at home in order to prevent caregiver burnout from setting in.

All Home Care Matters is privileged to welcome the founder and president of Zaggo, Inc. Roberta Carson to the show for an in-depth interview about her journey caring for her son Zachary and how this lead to the creation of Zaggo, Inc.  

Zaggo is a national nonprofit organization founded by Roberta Carson in 2010. Zaggo is dedicated to providing patients and their family caregivers with the information and tools they need to become empowered, engaged, effective members of their medical teams for the best possible care.

You may visit your loved one daily and occasionally help them out with chores around the house, but that doesn’t mean you are a caregiver, does it?

If this is a thought you have recently been having, today’s episode can help you see that you are, in fact, a caregiver. Visiting every day, helping with chores, driving to appointments, and even just worrying about your loved one are all signs that you are a caregiver for your loved one. Listen now to learn more.

Sources:

https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/are-you-a-caregiver/

 

https://val-u-care.com/am-i-a-caregiver-how-to-know-if-you-are-a-caregiver/

 

https://www.apa.org/pi/about/publications/caregivers/faq/positive-aspects

 

https://www.easterseals.com/explore-resources/for-caregivers/being-a-caregiver-for-someone-you-love.html

 

http://www.shieldhealthcare.com/community/caregivers/2016/07/01/life-lessons-caregiver/

 

 

Thank you for joining us for another Quick Tips episode of All Home Care Matters. Caring for a loved one comes with many challenges, one of them being resistance. Your loved one may resist your help, which can be frustrating as a caregiver. Today, we are going to be talking about dealing with resistance while caring for a loved one, as well as uncovering the reasons your loved one may be resisting accepting help in order to help you both work together better. Now let’s move on to the rest of the show.

 

According to New Wave Home Care, caring for a loved one undoubtedly adds a mixed bag of emotions to the caregiving process. Not only does assisting an aging family member make you witness to any challenges they face, but you maintain a personal and sometimes painful connection to them while also navigating the difficult world of senior health care and wellness. Perhaps one of the most disheartening circumstances as a caregiver is when your help goes unappreciated, or even worse, unwanted. In caring for an elderly family member, you might carry out tasks for your loved one without any acknowledgment or thanks.  Sometimes older adults flat out resist care altogether. It is not uncommon to witness your loved one reject the care of professional care services, or even protest against help offered by you or other members of your family.

 

If your loved one is resisting care, it can be harder for you to make sure they are safe and their needs are being met. Your loved one resisting or refusing care may annoy, exasperate, or anger you, but it is important to take a step back and evaluate the situation. Why are they resisting care? Try to look at things from your loved one’s point of view instead of from a caregiver’s perspective. Fallon Health says that from your perspective as a caregiver, it may seem that everything would be much better if only your loved one would stop being unreasonable and start cooperating. But the difficult behavior you see may actually be your loved one’s attempt to keep control and maintain a sense of autonomy.

 

Look at the situation from your loved one’s perspective. Whether physical or cognitive, decline can be accompanied by a strong sense of loss for the person experiencing it. As the ability to do things independently declines and dependence increases, frustration can grow.

 

Driving is a common pain point for many seniors and families. If you haven’t dealt with a loved one who continues to drive long after it’s advisable, then you probably know someone who has. The tangible and symbolic loss of independence that goes with giving up driving can be difficult to accept. Many refuse to look objectively at their driving, because they fear that they’ll have to admit it’s time to stop. And they recognize that, when they turn over the keys, their dependence on others will grow.

 

Driving is just one instance where your loved one eventually has to lose their independence. As they continue to need more and more help, they also continue to lose more and more of their independence. Oftentimes, your loved one isn’t trying to resist you, but they are resisting losing their independence, and I think that is something we can all understand.

 

Now that you know why your loved one is resisting care, let’s discuss how you can help your loved one when they do not want your help.

 

When caring for a loved one, it is important to continue to treat them with respect. You and your loved one are both going through a difficult time and there will most likely be times when you slip up and treat your loved one more like a child than someone with years of lived experience, and that’s okay, but you should always try to make the effort to treat your loved one with respect. This goes both ways, though. Your loved one should treat you with respect. If this ever becomes an issue for you and your loved one, sit down and have a conversation with them about it and let them know how it makes you feel. You also have to be ready to own up to your own mistakes, apologize, and be ready to make the necessary changes to continue with your caring relationship.

 

When dealing with resistance, you should first evaluate what care your loved one needs. If you are providing more care than your loved one needs, pulling back and allowing them more independence may help your situation. If your loved one is able to do more for themselves, they may resist less.

 

The next thing to do is sit down with your loved one and asked them about their preferences. Mayo Clinic suggests asking if your loved one has a preference about which family member or what type of service provides care? While you might not be able to meet all of your loved one's wishes, it's important to take them into consideration. If your loved one has trouble understanding you, simplify your explanations and the decisions you expect them to make. Being involved in their own care decisions can help mitigate resistance, as well.

 

Mayo Clinic also tells us that to encourage cooperation, you might suggest a trial run. Don't ask your loved one to make a final decision about the kind of care they receive right away. A trial run will give a hesitant loved one a chance to test the waters and experience the benefits of assistance. Allowing them to make the decision also helps them maintain more of their independence.

 

If you are still experiencing resistance after trying the strategies we have discussed so far, try bringing in other family members or friends to assist you. Leaving the situation, even just for a few hours, may help your loved one be more cooperative, especially if you spend a lot of time together. Everyone needs a break at times and caregivers need breaks more than others to avoid caregiver burnout. For more information on caregiver burnout and for ways you can care for yourself while caring for others, visit our YouTube channel where we have a dedicated playlist for Caregiver Support.

 

The last strategy we are going to be covering today is bringing in a professional. According to Smith Life Home Care, professional medical practitioners or reliable family members, whom your aging loved ones admire and respect, can play a significant role in offering them perspective and insight. Ask your family physician or other reliable professionals to come over and talk to them and emphasize how the care will improve their quality of life as well as your peace of mind.

 

It is often seen that the seniors and caregivers become well-acquainted with each other after a point of time, and the elders start appreciating their company. But, to turn that into reality, you will need to give them time to learn how this new setup will be beneficial for them.

 

And, who else can explain it to them better than a doctor or professional they trust wholeheartedly? A professional can elevate their skepticism towards accepting care by explaining how a caregiver will speak their language and make their lonely hours relaxing and enjoyable.

 

Keep in mind that your loved one is experiencing a lot of changes. Needing your help can be tough for them. Remember to put yourself in their shoes and see how you would feel if you were no longer able to care for yourself. And above all, practice respect and kindness wherever you can.

 

We want to say thank you for joining us here at All Home Care Matters, All Home Care Matters is here for you and to help families as they navigate these long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone who could benefit from this episode, please share it with them.

 

Remember, you can listen to the show on any of your favorite podcast streaming platforms and watch the show on our YouTube channel and make sure to hit that subscribe button, so you'll never miss an episode. We look forward to seeing you next time on All Home Care Matters, thank you.

 

Sources:

 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/caregivers/in-depth/caring-for-the-elderly/art-20048403

 

https://www.newwavehomecare.com/how-to-respond-to-an-elderly-loved-one-resisting-care/

 

https://www.fchp.org/caregiver-blog/2018/November/dealing-with-resistance.aspx

 

https://www.smithlifehomecare.com/how-to-extend-love-and-support-to-seniors-who-resist-care/

 

 

 

 

Today on All Home Care Matters we are privileged to welcome a very special guest, Dr. James Vickers. Dr. Vickers is the Director of the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Center at the University of Tasmania.

 

Furthermore, Dr. Vickers has published over 180 research papers and was awarded a DSc from the University of Tasmania in 2005 in recognition of his contribution to neuroscience research. Professor Vickers has been involved in developing a range of health courses at the University of Tasmania, including Massive Open Online Courses on dementia. He developed the ISLAND Project which seeks to understand who is the Tasmanian population is most at risk of dementia and how our population can self-manage modifiable risk behaviors to build resilience to dementia.

 

We want to say thank you for joining us here at All Home Care Matters, All Home Care Matters is here for you and to help families as they navigate these long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone who could benefit from this episode, please share it with them.

 

Remember, you can listen to the show on any of your favorite podcast streaming platforms and watch the show on our YouTube channel and make sure to hit that subscribe button, so you'll never miss an episode. We look forward to seeing you next time on All Home Care Matters, thank you.

 

Links:

Masters course (https://www.utas.edu.au/wicking/mdem). This is a modularised program based around four thematic areas relevant to dementia – Health and Social Care, Neurobiology, Policies and Systems and Public Health. There is also substantial content around understanding research related to dementia.

 

Other educational offerings are the MOOCs. The next course, Understanding Dementia, is available to start in February. https://www.utas.edu.au/wicking/understanding-dementia.

 

Today’s episode will explore the signs and symptoms that can tell us when to be concerned about a loved one. We will also talk about the first steps you should take when you are concerned about a loved one. Now let’s move on to the rest of the show.

 

We are all constantly experiencing change in our lives. As we age, we watch our loved ones age, as well. According to the Caregiver Resource Center, every six seconds, a person in the US turns 50 years old. The rapidly increasing aging population is creating a care crisis in the United States, and all over the world. In the next four years, there is expected to be over two million people that reach the age of 100. As life expectancy increases, so do the number of families that are taking on responsibilities for aging loved ones.

 

If you are anticipating helping or providing care for a loved one in the future, you may be wondering what signs and symptoms you should be looking for in your loved one, as well as what the aging process generally looks like. According to the Merck Manual of Geriatrics, aging is a process of gradual and spontaneous change, resulting in maturation through childhood, puberty, and young adulthood, and then decline through middle and late age. Healthy aging refers to a process by which deleterious effects are minimized, preserving function until senescence (a productive form of aging leading to organ death), makes continued life impossible.

 

According to the Caregiver Resource Center, studies conducted by The MacArthur Foundation have shed new light on the concept of aging. Findings show only 5.2% of all older persons end up in nursing homes, 89% of persons aged 65 to 74 - reported no disability whatsoever, 73% of persons aged 75 to 84 - still reported no disability, 25% of persons aged 85+ - reported being fully functional, and 70% of the aging process is controllable - only 30% is stamped in our genetic code.

 

The last statistic, 70% of the aging process is controllable, is something we should be focusing on when we are younger. Creating healthy habits, like eating right and exercising regularly, can all lead to longer and healthier lives. Some things are totally out of our control, though, like dementia and other diseases, but even so, taking good care of ourselves can help diminish the risks and symptoms of the unavoidable aspects of aging.

 

The Caregiver Resource Center says that everyone experiences aging differently. Some individuals may experience mental and physical limitations that limit their level of functioning, while others will remain relatively high functioning. In looking at the process of aging, it is important to understand the difference between "normal aging", and that of illness and disease. Usually, people think of aging as beginning around the age of 65, when the changes to the human body actually begin as early as age 30. Research shows that the human body loses about 1% of functioning per year starting at age 30, but the human body is able to adapt to the changes unless some form of illness is present.

 

It is important to note that fundamental changes to a person's physical and mental abilities are a normal part of aging, but disease is not. All too often, an elder is forced to suffer unnecessary pain and discomfort, because their doctor or loved one, has chalked their aches and pains, incontinence, confusion, or depression up to "normal" aging; when many of these problems could be reversed or at least medically controlled.

 

During the normal aging process, changes occur to your cardiovascular system, your bones, joints, and muscles, your digestive system, your bladder and urinary tract, your memory and thinking skills, your eyes, ears and teeth, your skin, and your weight.

 

According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common change in the cardiovascular system is stiffening of the blood vessels and arteries, causing your heart to work harder to pump blood through them. The heart muscles change to adjust to the increased workload. Your heart rate at rest will stay about the same, but it won't increase during activities as much as it used to. These changes increase the risk of high blood pressure (hypertension) and other cardiovascular problems.

 

To promote heart health, you should include physical activity in your daily routine, eat a healthy diet, quit smoking, manage stress, and get enough sleep.

 

With age, bones tend to shrink in size and density, weakening them and making them more susceptible to fracture. You might even become a bit shorter. Muscles generally lose strength, endurance, and flexibility — factors that can affect your coordination, stability, and balance. To promote bone, joint, and muscle health, you should get adequate amounts of calcium and Vitamin D, include physical activity in your daily routine, and avoid substance abuse.

 

Age-related structural changes in the large intestine, as well other contributing factors like medications and lack of exercise, can result in more constipation in older adults. Eating a healthy diet, including physical activity in your daily routine, and not ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement can all help prevent constipation with age.

 

Mayo Clinic also says that your bladder may become less elastic as you age, resulting in the need to urinate more often. Weakening of bladder muscles and pelvic floor muscles may make it difficult for you to empty your bladder completely or cause you to lose bladder control known as - urinary incontinence. In men, an enlarged or inflamed prostate also can cause difficulty emptying the bladder and incontinence. You can promote bladder and urinary tract health by going to the bathroom regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, doing kegel exercises, and avoiding bladder irritants and constipation.

 

We’ve discussed at length changes that happen during aging that relate to memory and thinking skills. We recently released a series on the Seven Stages of Alzheimer’s that discuss the differences between age-related memory issues and dementia-related memory issues. Visit our website or YouTube channel to find these episodes and more, or listen to them wherever you get your podcasts.

 

According to the Mayo Clinic, your brain undergoes changes as you age that may have minor effects on your memory or thinking skills. For example, healthy older adults might forget familiar names or words, or they may find it more difficult to multitask. You can promote cognitive health by taking the following steps: including physical activity in your daily routine, eating a healthy diet, staying mentally active, being social, treating cardiovascular disease, and quitting smoking. Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about any mental changes you may notice.

 

With age, you might have difficulty focusing on objects that are close up. You might become more sensitive to glare and have trouble adapting to different levels of light. Aging also can affect your eye's lens, causing clouded vision, or cataracts. For more information on vision problems and cataracts, listen to our episode on Understanding Cataracts.

 

Your hearing also might diminish. You might have difficulty hearing high frequencies or following a conversation in a crowded room. To promote eye and ear health, schedule regular check-ups and take the necessary precautions to protect your vision and hearing.

 

Age-related changes also occur to your teeth and gums. Mayo Clinic says that your gums might pull back from your teeth. Certain medications, such as those that treat allergies, asthma, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, also can cause dry mouth. As a result, your teeth and gums might become slightly more vulnerable to decay and infection. To promote oral health, schedule regular check-ups and brush and floss regularly.

 

With age, your skin thins and becomes less elastic and more fragile, and fatty tissue just below the skin decreases. You might notice that you bruise more easily. Decreased production of natural oils might make your skin drier. Wrinkles, age spots and small growths called skin tags are more common. To promote healthy skin, be gentle, take precautions, and don’t smoke.

 

Lastly, how your body burns calories (metabolism) slows down as you age. If you decrease activities as you age, but continue to eat the same as usual, you'll gain weight. To maintain a healthy weight, stay active and eat healthily, and watch portion sizes.

 

Now that we know what the normal signs of aging are and a few ways you can help your body age healthily, let’s move on to some of the signs that you are not aging in a normal way.

 

According to the Caregiver Resource Center, depression to the degree that it interferes with usual daily functioning, confusion, delusions or hallucinations, changes in personality, and changes in basic intelligence are all functions that are not a part of the normal aging process. If you notice any of these things happening to a loved one, it may be time to have a conversation with them about their health and stress the importance of scheduling a doctor’s appointment. Go with them to the doctor so you can express your concerns, as well.

 

You know your loved one better than their doctor does. You are able to see more about your loved one’s daily behavior than their doctor is able to observe in a thirty-minute appointment. Keep a record of changes and behaviors you notice that concern you so you can present them to the doctor or other family members.

 

Talk to your loved one’s other family and friends and see what others have noticed, as well. Most importantly, let your loved one know that they have a support system. Aging can be scary and your loved one will worry about what will happen to them. Your love and support can make all the difference.

 

We want to say thank you for joining us here at All Home Care Matters, All Home Care Matters is here for you and to help families as they navigate these long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone who could benefit from this episode, please share it with them.

 

Remember, you can listen to the show on any of your favorite podcast streaming platforms and watch the show on our YouTube channel and make sure to hit that subscribe button, so you'll never miss an episode. We look forward to seeing you next time on All Home Care Matters, thank you.

 

Sources:

http://www.caregiverresourcecenter.com/the_elder.htm#when_to_be_concerned

 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/aging/art-20046070

 

Today we are going to be talking about how you can respect a senior’s independence and help them maintain their dignity while providing care. We will cover ways you can help your loved one without doing everything for them, as well as ideas on how you can make your loved one’s space safer so that they can do more on their own. Now let’s move on to the rest of the show.

 

As we age, things that we used to do without giving it a second thought, like moving something out of the way or opening a door, become more and more difficult. If you are watching your loved one beginning to struggle with simple tasks, you may feel the urge to rush in and help, but that is the opposite of what you should do. As long as they are not going to injure themselves, let them do it on their own unless they ask for your help. If you are worried that they may be straining themselves too hard, ask for permission to help them.

 

Linda Ziac, founder of The Caregiver Resource Center, remembers a time when her elderly neighbor was emptying groceries from the trunk of her car. Linda says she rushed over to help but stopped dead in her tracks when her neighbor said to her, “You can’t do that. You need to let us do things for ourselves. We’ll ask for help if we need it.” Linda then asked her neighbor if she could help her with her groceries. With a big smile, her neighbor said “of course you can help.”

 

This story illustrates the importance of finding a balance between helping a senior and allowing them to maintain their independence and dignity. Helping is okay, it is encouraged, but you need to ask for permission first. Helping a senior do something they want to do on their own will only embarrass them and lead to resenting you, which we know is not at all what your goal was.

 

According to Home Care Angels, when your loved one starts to slow down, it can be tempting to take over and do too much for them. But for seniors, staying independent is an important part of maintaining dignity and respect—and it can contribute to physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

 

Your job is to support their wishes and involve them in as much as they want and are able to do. Talk with your loved one about their interests and give them control over their activities whenever possible. Let them take the lead and then work out the logistics with, or for, them as needed.

 

An active lifestyle and social life can help your loved one maintain their independence, too. Home Care Angels says to help your loved one continue their regular activities like attending church, visiting with relatives, and reconnecting with old friends or groups they were involved in. If they are able to manage it, take them to library lectures, local theater, or any community event they’re interested in.

 

According to Walden University, independence is not solitude. And loneliness can be fatal, with one recent study showing that feeling extreme loneliness can raise an older adult’s chances of premature death by 14%. That’s why, when caring for your loved one, you should encourage them to remain socially active. Maintaining old friendships and cultivating new ones not only helps ward off loneliness but can also help older adults retain a sense of importance and independence.

 

If your loved one has trouble getting out of the house and attending social events, you can help them use a computer, tablet, or cellphone to have video calls with their friends and loved ones. Technology is a great way to bring people together when they are unable to be together physically. If your loved one has any interest in learning about technology, you can find senior-specific technology classes in your area. They can learn how to use their own devices with their friends and others their age and it can also save you time and sanity.

 

Teaching a parent can be difficult. It can take longer than you expect and remaining calm can be hard at times. It requires a lot of patience. For some people, teaching and learning together with a parent is a great way to spend quality time with them, but if that isn’t for you, that’s okay. A class tailored to seniors is a great solution to helping your loved one learn more about using technology and helping them socialize. Plus, once they understand how to work their devices, they won’t need you to help them call their friends and they will be able to talk to them any time they want.

 

Providing care for a loved one is a rewarding job and you get to spend more time with them. It can also be stressful and tiring. Helping your loved one be more independent, not only helps them but it helps yourself, as well. No matter what level of care your loved one needs, allowing them to participate in their care and make choices can help both of you maintain a stronger relationship with less bickering and fighting.

 

Smart home devices can also help your loved one have more control over their environment. According to Home Care Assistance, there are several voice-activated home devices on the market, made by companies like Amazon and Google. These devices are a great resource for people with disabilities. They’re great for those with low vision, difficulty with fine motor tasks, or mobility challenges. Voice-activated devices can do a lot of things, including play music, operate the television, lock and unlock doors, control the thermostat, control lights, tell the time, date, and weather, and make phone calls. You can even order a pizza.

 

Smart devices empower some people to live independently for longer. They allow people who can’t use smartphones or computers to access information. Plus, new uses for these technologies come out all the time.

 

Does your loved one often worry whether or not they locked the door when they are away from home? Another smart device that can be helpful for them is automated door locks controlled from your phone. With smart locks, your loved one will be able to open the app and immediately see if they locked the door, and lock it from wherever they are if they didn’t.

 

Many home security systems offer smart locks, as well as surveillance systems that can notify you and emergency response teams if your loved one has an accident. Make sure you talk to your loved one before having any cameras installed in the home. If they are uncomfortable with cameras, things like life alert necklaces and smartwatches can also be used to notify others in case of an emergency. Some smartwatches now have fall detections that will automatically call first responders if your loved one falls and doesn’t get up.

 

Don’t be surprised if your loved one is resistant to trying new things, even if it can help them do more on their own. Linda Ziac from the Caregiver Resource Center says that family caregivers often tell her that they feel frustrated and guilty when they try to help, but their loved one repeatedly tells them “I don’t need anything.”

 

One suggestion Linda often makes is that after learning your loved one’s wishes, it may be possible to give a gift to your loved one. You can give them a gift for no reason at all, or for a special occasion, such as a birthday, mother’s or father’s day, or during the holidays. These gifts can help improve your loved one’s quality of life in many ways.

 

Linda recalls one evening when she had a blackout in her area. She went next door to check on her elderly neighbor, only to find her walking around in the dark, searching for her flashlight. Once the power came back on, Linda decided to do some research to find a way to help prevent her neighbor from a potential fall during a blackout.

 

She knew that office buildings have emergency lighting systems and researched similar systems for personal use. She found a very reasonably priced product for home use, that didn’t require any installation. Linda purchased two emergency lights for her neighbor to be placed on an end table on each floor of her home.

 

These particular emergency lights lasted an hour before they needed to be recharged and allowed her neighbor time to move safely throughout her home and get settled to wait out the power outage.

 

Linda has a few other gift ideas she’s found over the years to be useful to other caregivers. She suggests creating a gift certificate for rides to the doctor’s office so that your loved one can redeem them with you or someone else and still feel like they aren’t taking advantage of you or being a burden, even after you have told them you are happy to take them.

 

If your loved one has pets, you can walk their dog, or come play with their animals, especially in inclement weather. If you don’t live nearby, ask someone in their neighborhood if they would be willing to walk your loved one’s dog. Even just once a week can be a welcome relief to your loved one.

 

Hiring someone to clean their house, put things away, and do laundry is a great gift for special occasions. Check your local senior center and see if they know of any cleaning services for seniors. Some companies offer free or discounted cleaning sessions.

 

A variety coupon book that includes services you or someone help provide is something else that Linda suggests. Cooking a meal, grocery shopping, and medication pick-up are all things you can include. You can also include going out to lunch and going to a museum or another activity that they enjoy.

 

Other gifts that can help your loved one at home can include, a LifeLine necklace, replacing doorknobs with doorknob levers so that they are easier to open, raised toilet seat with handles, and a phone or tablet specifically made for seniors and those with memory loss issues.

 

Whenever your loved one mentions something that they are struggling with, like turning the faucet on or off, try to make a note of it. If your loved one doesn’t want you to go out and fix everything they mention right away, you can give them items off the list you make as gifts. You can also talk to their friends and anyone they talk to regularly and have them give you gift ideas. Their friends may also be willing to help you give your loved one these gifts, as well.

 

Regular exercise is not only important for maintaining independence, but it’s important for a healthy lifestyle. You can help your loved one find an exercise class they enjoy, like yoga or water aerobics. Going to a class can also be something for your loved one to look forward to and is a lot of fun when taken with friends. Virtual exercise classes can be a good way to keep moving while at home.

 

Whatever your loved one likes to do to stay active, help them continue to do it and make it part of their routine. Even going on walks around the neighborhood can be enough exercise for your loved one to stay healthy. Home Care Angels says that if your loved one has exercises recommended by a physical therapist, remind them and encourage them to do them regularly. According to Home Care Assistance, regular physical activity can help prevent Alzheimer's and dementia plus improve strength and mobility, so make sure your loved one is getting the exercise they need.

 

According to Walden University, physical ailment and/or injury can significantly impact an elderly person’s ability to remain independent. While some of the degenerative aspects of aging are hard to prevent, accidents are not—it just takes an awareness of how accidents happen and how they can be prevented.

 

One of the most common accidents suffered by the elderly is falling. In fact, each year, one in every four people over the age of 65 will fall. However, by helping the elderly take simple safety measures—like securing rugs, installing handrails in bathrooms, repairing uneven flooring, and using a cane or walker—you can help them significantly reduce the risk of falling. Other safety measures you should encourage the elderly to take include maintaining smoke and fire alarms, keeping medications properly sorted, and outfitting stovetops and ovens with nobs that are easy to use and displays that are easy to see.

 

No matter what level of care your loved one needs, allowing them the opportunity to make their own choices is necessary for them to maintain their independence, and for you to have less on your plate. According to Walden University, if we feel powerless we cannot feel independent. That’s why it’s vital for you to ensure any senior you’re working with has a significant say in the choices affecting their lives.

 

From matters of health to living arrangements to diet to exercise, the elderly deserve the right to decide what they want. When you work with seniors, remember your job isn’t to coerce. It’s to empower. And that begins by treating the elderly with the same level of respect—and affording them the same amount of autonomy—you would give to any other adult.

 

Similarly, Home Care Assistance says seniors have their own opinions and preferences. Encourage your loved one to voice these opinions by making his or her own choices. For example, offer several options for what to eat, wear, and do every day, and allow your loved one to choose. Doing so helps your loved one maintain independence while still staying within reasonable, healthy limits.

 

Home Care Angels says that you should also involve your loved one in a day-to-day plan. Ask them to plan meals, fold the laundry and participate in the shopping, cooking, and cleaning where possible. Bake cookies together, even if they can only help stir the dough. Let them decide what TV shows, radio programs, and music they want to listen to.

 

Even if you know your loved one’s favorite shows and programs, they will appreciate you giving them the chance to tell you what they like or what they want to do, even if their answer is exactly what you thought it would be. And you never know when the time may come that they pick something that surprises you. If you don’t ask, you will never get a different answer.

 

We touched on this earlier when talking about gifts, but according to Home Care Assistance, age-friendly home improvements can enable older adults to be independent for longer. In the bathroom, you can install grab bars in the shower and near the toilet. You can add a shower chair and an elevated toilet seat. In the kitchen, you can store items on the counter or at eye level so your loved one doesn’t have to bend or reach. You can also buy weighted utensils to make mealtimes easier.

 

As you make changes to your loved one’s home, think through their daily routine. What challenges are they facing throughout the day? What tasks do they receive support with? Is there any equipment that would make things easier? Are there changes that you could make that would empower them to need less direct support? If you don’t know where to start, you may want to consult an occupational therapist. They can offer ideas of changes you can make to the home.

 

The Caregiver Resource Center also suggests arranging for a home safety audit to identify any areas of concern in your loved one’s home, along with a corrective action plan. A home safety audit can identify areas of risk in your loved one’s home that you may not have thought of on your own. You can also listen to our episode on Aging in Place for more information on ways you can help make your loved one’s home safer.

 

There will be many times where you and your loved one disagree over things as small as what to eat for dinner or as big as where your loved one should live. According to Home Care Assistance, as family caregivers, we want to protect our loved ones from everything that might harm them. From an unhealthy meal to a decision to keep living alone, our loved ones often make decisions that worry us. If we want to empower those we care for, we need to allow them the space to make decisions that we disagree with. Nobody can be safe all the time.

 

Caregivers must balance safety with autonomy. For example, maybe your mother is adamant about living at home. She might also be willing to allow a paid caregiver to come each evening for a few hours to prepare dinner and clean. While this may not be your preferred solution, it empowers your mom to live the way she wants to live. It can bring you peace of mind knowing that someone is checking on her each day. A caregiver can keep your parent safe at home by making sure she gets any assistance she might need.

 

Communication is key in helping your loved one maintain their independence. Sit down and have a conversation with them about things you both can do differently in order for them to do more for themselves. Your loved one may not want to bring up any issues to you on their own, but if you ask them specifically what they want and ways that you could help them achieve this goal, they will be much more willing to divulge the information you need. During this conversation, you should also bring any safety concerns you have to their attention. If you worry about them falling in the shower, let them know and work on a solution together.

 

According to the Caregiver Resource Center, all too often, a senior wants to retain their independence and doesn’t want to become a burden to their loved ones. In order to maintain their independence, the senior may attempt to hide the fact that they are struggling, and are in need of some assistance.

 

One way that you may learn of a problem, is when you receive a phone call in the middle of the night. When you answer the phone you hear your mother is in the emergency room, she’s fallen and broken her hip. As the closest living relative, you receive the call, and within minutes you are being faced with new responsibilities as your mother’s caregiver.

 

Not all problems occur as a crisis like this but instead evolve in a gradual series of warning signs spanning weeks, months, or even years. Look for those signs that your loved one needs help and is not voicing this need to you or anyone else. With open communication, your loved one will be able to safely maintain their independence and you will have peace of mind knowing that they will tell you if they are having trouble.

 

We want to say thank you for joining us here at All Home Care Matters, All Home Care Matters is here for you and to help families as they navigate these long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone who could benefit from this episode, please share it with them.

Remember, you can listen to the show on any of your favorite podcast streaming platforms and watch the show on our YouTube channel and make sure to hit that subscribe button, so you'll never miss an episode. We look forward to seeing you next time on All Home Care Matters, thank you.

 

Sources:

http://www.caregiverresourcecenter.com/Respecting%20Seniors.pdf

 

https://www.homecareangelsinc.com/caring-for-aging-parents/5-ways-to-help-seniors-remain-independent/

 

https://www.waldenu.edu/online-doctoral-programs/phd-in-human-services/resource/helping-the-elderly-maintain-independence

 

https://homecareassistance.com/blog/supporting-seniors-promoting-independence

 

 

 

 

 

Today’s episode has been handpicked by our listeners. We have gotten quite a few comments on our videos wanting to know the difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia and we are going to be talking about the differences between the two and clearing up any confusion you may have. First, we are going to discuss what Alzheimer’s is and how it differs from Dementia before moving on to what dementia is and what it can look like. Now let’s move on to the rest of the show.

 

According to the CDC, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. It is a progressive disease beginning with mild memory loss and possibly leading to loss of the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to the environment. Alzheimer’s disease involves parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language and can seriously affect a person’s ability to carry out daily activities. Age is the best-known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.

 

Alzheimer’s disease accounts for somewhere between 60 and 80 percent of all dementia cases. As the aging population rises, more and more people are being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The CDC says that in 2020, as many as 5.8 million Americans were living with Alzheimer’s disease and this number is projected to nearly triple to 14 million people in the next forty years.

 

Individuals with Alzheimer’s can live for many years with the disease, but it does ultimately end with death, often due to the loss of the ability to swallow. On average, after a diagnosis is made, a person with Alzheimer’s usually lives for 4-8 years. However, someone with Alzheimer’s can live longer than that. Some have lived nearly 20 years after receiving a diagnosis.

 

Early diagnosis is key for this disease. The sooner a treatment plan can be started, the better. According to the CDC, researchers believe that genetics may play a role in developing Alzheimer’s disease. However, genes do not equal destiny. A healthy lifestyle may help reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. If you have a family history of Alzheimer’s, make sure you inform your doctor. There are a few tests they can perform that may result in early detection.

 

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease that is caused by complex brain changes following cell damage. It leads to dementia symptoms that gradually worsen over time. The most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s is trouble remembering new information because the disease typically impacts the part of the brain associated with learning first.

 

As Alzheimer’s advances, symptoms get more severe and include disorientation, confusion, and behavioral changes. Eventually, speaking, swallowing, and walking become difficult. Currently, there is no cure for this disease, but there are a few ways to treat it. If you suspect that a loved one or yourself may have Alzheimer’s, speak with a doctor. They will be able to determine if you have the disease, what stage you are in, and the best course of action for you to take.

 

This episode is closely related to our recent mini-series on the Seven Stages of Alzheimer’s disease. We won’t be talking about Alzheimer’s nearly as in-depth as we have in our mini-series, so if you would like to learn more about Alzheimer’s, listen to the series on our website, our YouTube channel, or wherever you get your podcasts.

 

Now that we’ve covered Alzheimer’s disease, let’s move on to dementia.

 

According to Forbes, dementia is the umbrella term used to describe several diseases that cause changes in the brain that lead to memory loss and language and reasoning difficulties, ultimately disrupting everyday functioning.

 

The National Institute on Aging says that Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning — thinking, remembering, and reasoning — to such an extent that it interferes with a person's daily life and activities. Some people with dementia cannot control their emotions, and their personalities may change. Dementia ranges in severity from the mildest stage, when it is just beginning to affect a person's functioning, to the most severe stage, when the person must depend completely on others for basic activities of living.

 

Dementia is more common as people grow older (about one-third of all people aged 85 or older may have some form of dementia) but it is not a normal part of aging. Many people live into their 90s and beyond without any signs of dementia.

 

There are several different forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and a person’s symptoms can vary depending on the type. Let’s take a closer look at the 5 most common forms of dementia. As you already know, the most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s.

 

According to Mayo Clinic, Lewy body dementia, also known as dementia with Lewy bodies, is the second most common type of progressive dementia after Alzheimer's disease. Protein deposits, called Lewy bodies, develop in nerve cells in the brain regions involved in thinking, memory, and movement (motor control).

 

Lewy body dementia causes a progressive decline in mental abilities. People with Lewy body dementia might have visual hallucinations and changes in alertness and attention. Other effects include Parkinson's disease signs and symptoms such as rigid muscles, slow movement, walking difficulty, and tremors.

 

The third most common type is Frontotemporal dementia. According to Mayo Clinic, frontotemporal dementia is an umbrella term for a group of brain disorders that primarily affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. These areas of the brain are generally associated with personality, behavior, and language.

 

In frontotemporal dementia, portions of these lobes shrink, or atrophy. Signs and symptoms vary, depending on which part of the brain is affected. Some people with frontotemporal dementia have dramatic changes in their personalities and become socially inappropriate, impulsive, or emotionally indifferent, while others lose the ability to use language properly.

 

Frontotemporal dementia can be misdiagnosed as a psychiatric problem or as Alzheimer's disease. But frontotemporal dementia tends to occur at a younger age than does Alzheimer's disease. Frontotemporal dementia often begins between the ages of 40 and 65 but occurs later in life as well. FTD is the cause of approximately 10% to 20% of dementia cases.

 

The next form of dementia is vascular dementia. According to Mayo Clinic, Vascular dementia is a general term describing problems with reasoning, planning, judgment, memory, and other thought processes caused by brain damage from impaired blood flow to your brain.

 

You can develop vascular dementia after a stroke blocks an artery in your brain, but strokes don't always cause vascular dementia. Whether a stroke affects your thinking and reasoning depends on your stroke's severity and location. Vascular dementia can also result from other conditions that damage blood vessels and reduce circulation, depriving your brain of vital oxygen and nutrients.

 

Factors that increase your risk of heart disease and stroke — including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking — also raise your vascular dementia risk. Controlling these factors may help lower your chances of developing vascular dementia.

 

The final common form of dementia is Mixed dementia, a combination of two or more types of dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, In the most common form of mixed dementia, the abnormal protein deposits associated with Alzheimer's disease coexist with blood vessel problems linked to vascular dementia. Alzheimer's brain changes also often coexist with Lewy bodies. In some cases, a person may have brain changes linked to all three conditions — Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia.

 

Researchers don't know exactly how many older adults currently diagnosed with a specific type of dementia actually have mixed dementia, but autopsies indicate that the condition may be significantly more common than previously realized.

 

Autopsy studies play a key role in shedding light on mixed dementia because scientists can't yet measure most dementia-related brain changes in living individuals. In the most informative studies, researchers correlate each participant's cognitive health and any diagnosed problems during life with analysis of the brain after death.

 

According to the National Institute on Aging, researchers have also identified many other conditions that can cause dementia or dementia-like symptoms. These conditions include Argyrophilic grain disease, a common, late-onset degenerative disease. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rare brain disorder. Huntington's disease, an inherited, progressive brain disease. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy, caused by repeated traumatic brain injury. And HIV-associated dementia, a rare disease that occurs when the HIV virus spreads to the brain.

 

The overlap in symptoms of various dementias can make it difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. But a proper diagnosis is important to get the best treatment.

 

Now that you know the difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia, let’s move on to some of the causes, risk factors, and prevention methods of dementia.

 

According to Forbes, one common myth many people tend to believe is that you can’t reduce your risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease or other kinds of dementia—you either get it or you don’t. In reality, adopting healthy habits can lower your risk of developing dementia, or at least delay the onset. “Healthy body, healthy mind,” says Dr. Richard Caselli, associate director and clinical core director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Center at Mayo Clinic in Arizona. “What we can control, we should control.” Though he adds that even a lifetime of healthy habits is no guarantee of protection.

 

Among the 12 factors that increase a person’s risk of dementia outlined in the 2020 report from the Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, most are within one’s control. These include hypertension, smoking, obesity, diabetes, low social contact, excessive alcohol consumption, and being physically inactive. Risk factors that we cannot control include lack of education, traumatic brain injury, depression, hearing impairment, and exposure to air pollution.

 

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia is caused by damage to brain cells. This damage interferes with the ability of brain cells to communicate with each other. When brain cells cannot communicate normally, thinking, behavior, and feelings can be affected.

 

The brain has many distinct regions, each of which is responsible for different functions (for example, memory, judgment, and movement). When cells in a particular region are damaged, that region cannot carry out its functions normally.

 

Different types of dementia are associated with particular types of brain cell damage in particular regions of the brain. For example, in Alzheimer's disease, high levels of certain proteins inside and outside brain cells make it hard for brain cells to stay healthy and to communicate with each other. The brain region called the hippocampus is the center of learning and memory in the brain, and the brain cells in this region are often the first to be damaged. That's why memory loss is often one of the earliest symptoms of Alzheimer's.

 

While most changes in the brain that cause dementia are permanent and worsen over time, thinking and memory problems caused by the following conditions may improve when the condition is treated or addressed: depression, medication side effects, excess use of alcohol, thyroid problems, and vitamin deficiencies.

 

In most people, the cause of dementia is unknown, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways you can lower your risk of developing dementia. Knowing what risk factors, you have can aid in lowering your chances of developing dementia, as well.

 

According to the NHS, some dementia risk factors are difficult or impossible to change, like your age, genes, and level of education. The older you are, the more likely you are to develop dementia. However, dementia is not a natural part of aging and isn’t something that you should be expecting to develop. In general, genes alone are not thought to cause dementia. However, certain genetic factors are involved with some of the less common types. Dementia usually develops because of a combination of genetic and "environmental" factors, such as smoking and a lack of regular exercise. Other risk factors such as hearing loss, untreated depression, loneliness, or social isolation, and sitting for most of the day may also contribute to your likelihood of developing dementia.

 

Currently, there are no proven ways to prevent dementia, but doctors have a few suggestions for prevention methods. Even though you may not be able to alter your chances of developing dementia, following these suggestions can lead to an overall healthy lifestyle and can prevent many other illnesses and health issues. According to the NHS, you may reduce your risk of dementia by eating a healthy, balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, keeping alcohol within recommended limits, stopping smoking, and keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level.

 

Keeping your body healthy may help reduce your risk of dementia, but you also need to keep your brain active and engaged. According to Danone Nutricia Research, the brain communicates through a vast network of billions of nerve cells. These nerve cells or neurons connect with each other via junctions called ‘synapses. Synapses allow communication between neurons and make it possible to create and recall memories.

 

Throughout our lives, we continually lose and re-grow these important brain connections. In a healthy brain, the number of new synapses balances the loss of old ones, allowing for a sustained net number of synapses. In a brain affected by injury or illness, such as dementia, synapses die off faster than they are created. When this happens, it becomes difficult to create and recall memories. Regularly engaging your mind may help your brain create more synapses longer. Activities like crosswords, word searches, and reading are all great ways to engage your mind. Learning new skills can also help your brain create more synapses and the repetitive information you use while learning can double as a recall exercise.

 

Regular physical exercise can also help you keep your mind active. Going for a few 10-minute walks a day can help increase the blood flow in your brain and in the rest of your body. Participating in social activities and maintaining regular social interaction can lower stress and depression, which can affect one’s memory. Getting enough sleep and drinking enough water can both help your ability to focus and your memory.

 

Mayo Clinic says that doing things like playing bridge, taking alternate routes when driving, learning to play a musical instrument, and volunteering at a local school or community organization are all great ways to help keep your brain in shape and keep memory loss at bay.

 

Now that we have covered the causes, risk factors, and prevention methods for dementia, last move on to the last part of today’s episode, the importance of early detection and diagnosis.

 

Early diagnosis of dementia is key because it allows a person with dementia to begin treatment right away and preserve their memory and overall function longer than they would be able to without early detection of the disease. Not only does early detection allows someone to start a treatment plan right away, but it also allows them the opportunity to plan for the future.

 

According to Queensland Health, being familiar with the signs of dementia can help people receive a diagnosis as early as possible. Early signs that a person might have dementia can include: being vague in everyday conversations, memory loss that affects day-to-day function, short term memory loss, difficulty performing everyday tasks and taking longer to do routine tasks, losing enthusiasm or interest in regular activities, difficulties in thinking or saying the right words, changes in personality or behavior, finding it difficult to follow instructions, finding it difficult to follow stories, and increased emotional unpredictability.

 

If you have noticed any of these signs in yourself or a loved one, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Since many of these signs are also signs of normal aging, it’s important to talk to your doctor if you think you may be experiencing the early stages of dementia. As we’ve already mentioned today, it’s better to rule out dementia now than wait for a diagnosis later in life.

 

If you or your loved one are having memory troubles, consider keeping a journal. Your doctor may not be able to see any issues occurring during a short visit and it can be hard to remember everything you have experienced. Keeping a journal can help you remember what you need to talk to the doctor. It can also measure the progression of any potential memory loss.

 

While dementia can be scary, getting a diagnosis doesn’t mean your life stops. People with dementia are still able to take care of themselves, do their jobs, and most importantly, spend time with the people they love doing things they enjoy.

 

Having a support group can make all the difference when living with dementia. Reach out to friends and family when you need help and accept help when offered. Keeping connected can be difficult after a diagnosis. Many people turn away from their friends and family because they are embarrassed but isolating yourself will only make things worse. 

 

Currently, there is no cure for dementia, but there are a few treatment options that can help preserve someone’s memory and ability to function. More research is always being done on the subject. In the next few years, there very well could be a better way to treat or even stop the progression of memory loss.

 

The population of people living with dementia is rising and as more and more people are diagnosed, communities are coming together to support those with dementia. Communities all over the world are coming up with ways to include those with dementia and make sure they are not left out after a diagnosis. A dementia-friendly community offers residents with dementia a safe place to engage in social activities and more even into the late stages of the disease. To learn more about dementia-friendly communities and to learn how you can help make your community dementia-friendly, listen to our episode on Dementia-Friendly Communities.

 

Before we end the episode, let’s have a quick recap of what we’ve covered today. Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia, and they both result in changes in the brain that lead to memory loss and language and reasoning difficulties, ultimately disrupting everyday functioning. In both Alzheimer’s and dementia, early detection is key. Knowing the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia can help you get an early diagnosis and in turn, an early start at treating the disease and planning for the future.

 

 We want to say thank you for joining us here at All Home Care Matters, All Home Care Matters is here for you and to help families as they navigate these long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone who could benefit from this episode, please share it with them.

 

Remember, you can listen to the show on any of your favorite podcast streaming platforms and watch the show on our YouTube channel and make sure to hit that subscribe button, so you'll never miss an episode. We look forward to seeing you next time on All Home Care Matters, thank you.

 

Sources:

https://www.forbes.com/health/healthy-aging/dementia-vs-alzheimers/

 

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/difference-between-dementia-and-alzheimer-s

 

https://www.cdc.gov/aging/aginginfo/alzheimers.htm

 

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers

 

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-is-dementia

 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/frontotemporal-dementia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354737

 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352013

 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lewy-body-dementia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352025

 

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/types-of-dementia/mixed-dementia

 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vascular-dementia/symptoms-causes/syc-20378793

 

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia

 

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/dementia-prevention/

 

https://www.nutriciaresearch.com/alzheimers-disease/synapses-the-building-blocks-of-memory/

 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/memory-loss/art-20046518

 

https://www.health.qld.gov.au/news-events/news/dementia-signs-symptoms-recognise-what-to-do