All Home Care Matters

If you’re a family caregiver, you probably feel overwhelmed when it comes to finding information. You need help and advice from time to time, but how do you know who to trust? How can you tell if a source is really worth following?

Family caregivers have enough on their plate without having to worry about where to find support and information. Unfortunately, the reality is that there are many online resources that simply don’t provide the correct information or the best advice. This can make it hard for a caregiver to know who to trust – and can even keep a caregiver from looking for support online in the first place.

Every caregiver knows how essential it is to stay well-informed and on top of everything when it comes to their loved one’s care. If you have questions about living facilities, need help understanding a possible symptom, or are worried about drug interactions, you want to make sure the information you get is reliable and trustworthy. The wrong advice can have disastrous consequences. 

Today, we’re going to let you know the best online resources available to family caregivers. That way, you can know who to trust from the get-go, and won’t waste precious time hopping from site to site and hoping you landed on a good one. These sites are informative, helpful, and supportive – and they should be able to guide you through almost any caregiving situation.

The first and foremost reliable site for caregivers is AARP. AARP actually has a site dedicated specifically to family caregiving – and it provides endless tools, resources, and information to anyone who needs it. They cover every topic imaginable – from long term care insurance to the best living facilities – so that you don’t have to.

Not only that, but AARP also has an online community that can connect with you via social media – answering your questions on an individual basis. AARP also offers webinars, conferences, and other programs meant to provide you with all the information you might need. Plus, the site is completely free to use!

Aging Care is another wonderful website for anyone who needs some extra tips and resources. The blog posts feature a wide range of topics (from how to speak to your loved one with dementia to bathroom safety tips) and the articles are written by specialists with years of experience in the field. Not only that, but on Aging Care, you can actually connect directly to a specialist who can help you find resources in your local community – like counseling services, assisted living facilities, and social groups.

The Caregiver Action Network is a third reliable site for any caregiver looking for more information. CAN is all about providing the immediate help – when you don’t have time to scroll through long blog posts and need an answer right then and there. They have endless checklists to help you with safety tips, medications, and household organization – and provide access to how-to and informational videos. CAN can also connect you to a caregiver support group when you need it. The site is super user friendly and a fantastic resource for any caregiver.

Another favorite site of ours is Eldercare Locator. This site is a massive directory administered through the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging in Washington DC. You can use the site to find any and all local resources in your community. From adult day cares to support groups to events catered toward dementia patients, this site can help you set foot into the world of family caregiving with a community at your side.

Finally, another important resource is Caring Bridge. Caring Bridge is a site meant specifically to help family caregivers through mental health issues and give them the support they need. The site offers free support groups and connects caregivers to others who have faced similar situations. This is an excellent resource for any family caregiver who just needs a little support.

Finding the best online resources can be a challenge – but when you know which sites to trust, family caregiving becomes a whole lot easier. This job is often messy and unpredictable – so you want to be able to access information and get your questions answered as easily and safely as possible.  

We want to 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 long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone is who could benefit from this episode and please make sure to visit our show notes to learn more about these sites and resources.

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. Join us next time on All Home Care Matters where we will be discussing Hearing Loss.

Sources:

https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/

https://www.agingcare.com/

https://caregiveraction.org/

https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx

https://www.caringbridge.org/

Caring for a loved one with dementia is far from an easy task. Not only is it immensely difficult on an emotional level to watch a loved one experience this disease – but the act of caregiving itself can be exhausting, strenuous, and isolating.

While caregiving can be one of the most immensely rewarding experiences in a person’s life, it does not come without its own set of challenges. For caregivers of dementia patients, the challenges are particularly unique and complex.

While caregiving for people with dementia can feel utterly isolating, there are actually over 11 million Americans providing unpaid care for people with dementia. According to alz.org, “in 2020, these caregivers provided an estimated 15.3 billion hours of care valued at nearly $257 billion.”

These numbers are staggering, and they prove something about dementia caregivers that isn’t necessarily true for other caregivers – at least across a broad scale. That caring for a person with dementia means putting in more hours for more years than most other family caregivers have to.

One reason might be that dementia patients are rarely placed in nursing facilities. There are a variety of reasons for this. For one thing, finances and insurance policies can prevent a person from living in a facility. Medicaid usually only pays for temporary care, for example, and dementia patients require long-term care.

At the same time, dementia patients tend to benefit from staying at home. Unfamiliar surroundings can cause dementia patients to become stressed, anxious, and depressed. It can also increase levels of confusion and disorientation. This can actually accelerate the progression of the disease. Familiar surroundings are much more comfortable for dementia patients, so some families opt to keep their loved ones at home for this reason.

Finally, if a person has a family member who has the capacity to provide the care they need, this can be a far less expensive option for families.

In all, about 85% of Americans living with dementia remain at home or in assisted living facility. The other 15% live in nursing homes, according to the Population Reference Bureau. Those who live in assisted living facilities have the option of having a family caregiver available to them. Usually, people at assisted living facilities do not use hired caregivers, because assisted living is designed for seniors who are relatively independent.

The sheer number of dementia patients living at home means that family caregivers work with dementia patients on a larger level than other diseases. A study by Health Affairs actually found that “while people with dementia account for only about 10 percent of older adults living at home or in residential care, 41% of family caregiving hours are spent assisting loved ones with Alzheimer’s and similar diseases,” according to Forbes.

Additionally, researchers found that dementia patients required care at a more intense level than for seniors with other ailments. According to Forbes, “caregivers who lived with family members with dementia provided nearly 50% more hours of help than those who lived with aging parent without dementia – an average of 143 hours per month (almost 36 hours per week, or nearly the equivalent of a full-time job).”

Too often, dementia caregivers are forced to give up their jobs and careers in order to be there for their loved one. If they are unable to, they are forced to find a balance that leaves little time for sleep or a life outside of work and care.

All this to say, caring for a dementia patient is far from easy – but if you’re a caregiver, know that you aren’t alone. This is an experience that affects millions around the country – and because of that, there are support groups and resources available for those in your position.

Today, we’re going to talk about the challenges and strategies for caring for a loved one with dementia. We hope that this episode will help you to feel supported as a caregiver and provide you with tactics that can make your life and experience a little less stressful and a little more rewarding.

HomeCareAssistance.com says, “caring for someone with dementia is a practice in defying logic,” and we couldn’t agree more with that sentiment. Our instincts not only as caregivers, but as the sons, daughters, or spouses of a person with dementia, is to confront challenges with logic.

For example, if your loved one is having a hallucination of their late mother, you might think that saying, “you’re hallucinating, she’s not really there,” would be enough to snap your parent back into reality. Unfortunately, though, using logic can actually do more harm than good. By telling your loved one that what they are seeing is not real, you are expressing to them that you don’t take them seriously, don’t believe them, and can’t be trusted.

Not to mention, a person with dementia could feel terribly frightened, frustrated, and alone if they think their version of reality isn’t real. Keep in mind that to your loved one, these hallucinations are as real as you are. Denying that reality can cause dementia patients to have frustrated or desperate outbursts.

So, how can you possibly care for someone if using logic doesn’t always work? We’ve found that patience, gentleness, and empathy work a lot better than logic in many situations. Let’s look back at our hallucination example. While it might seem strange, it can be a lot more effective to go along with the hallucination and try to defuse the situation slowly, than to outright deny that it’s happening.

For example, you might say, “Oh yes, Grandma is here, and she loves you, but right now we need to focus on eating your breakfast.” This validates what your loved one is seeing and feeling, while distracting from the situation, so you can shift your loved one’s focus to something else.

In a lot of ways, that’s what caring for a dementia patient is all about. When you’re unable to explain something using logic, gently go along with it until you can distract from the situation. Dementia patients tend to experience a variety of emotions in a single day – and can go from happy and cheerful to angry or explosive out of the blue.

By staying calm, patient, and empathetic, you can help your loved one to feel safe, secure, and loved regardless of how they’re feeling. And responding to anger with patience and empathy is far more effective than fighting fire with fire, even though the latter can be tempting sometimes.

The same goes for repetition. While you might feel frustrated having to repeat the same information again and again, keep in mind that your parent has no idea she’s heard it before. She’s not trying to be irritating or malicious by asking to hear something again – she simply doesn’t know better.

If you react with frustration or impatience, it can cause unnecessary hurt feelings and even damage trust between the patient and the caregiver. While it might be annoying having to repeat something again and again, it’s well worth keeping your loved one in good spirits and feeling confident about themselves.

On that note, let’s talk communication in general. When communicating with a loved one with dementia, make sure to make eye contact, speak slowly, and address your loved one by name. Instead of interrupting or getting frustrated when your loved one takes a long time to say something, wait for them to finish and do your best to understand what they’re saying, even when it’s difficult. It can help to look at their body language and facial expressions.

If you still can’t tell exactly what they’re saying, you might be able to decipher their emotions, and act accordingly to calm anger or encourage good humor.

Chances are, if you’re caring for a person with dementia, you will feel frustrated pretty often. It’s not just hallucinations, mood swings, and repetition that you have to worry about – confusion and disorientation can be frustrating, too. If your loved one is confused about something, the best thing you can do is simplify the situation – and, again, react with patience and kindness.

Now, I know that being patient is far easier said than done. Still, patience is absolutely essential for caregivers. Not only will a consistent lack of patience hinder your relationship with your loved one, but symptoms can actually worsen in dementia patients if they feel unsafe and upset by the situation, they’re in. For example, they might feel they are being attacked or respond with a meltdown if they think they’re being yelled at. So, being patient actually makes your job easier, too.

Still, it’s necessary to have an outlet for your frustrations and heartache. Find a friend or family member that you can vent to safely or join a support group for others in similar situations. The more you can talk about and confront your emotions outside of your loved one’s earshot, the stronger and more prepared you’ll feel to face each day ahead. Your patience will be easier to maintain if you have a regular outlet to express your frustrations, too.

Now, holding onto patience doesn’t just mean being patient with your loved one. It also means being patient with yourself. Many caregivers put a ton of pressure on themselves to get everything exactly right – but the truth is, nobody is perfect, and caring for a person with dementia just isn’t predictable. There is so much out of your control.

The fact that you show up each day, that you are putting your all into being there for your loved one, that alone makes you a wonderful caregiver. At the end of the day, your loved one needs to feel safe and loved, right?

So, if your daily routine gets messed up, or you just can’t get your loved one to eat their breakfast one morning, be kind to yourself. That doesn’t mean you’re not doing a great job. Bad days are bound to happen, and they are not your fault.

Now, some caregivers might find that they are only having bad days – that they’re completely over their heads and this new role just isn’t working for them or their loved one. If this is the case, try taking some time off and finding a bit of respite care. It might just be that you need a little break.

Remember – this role is a huge adjustment. Caregiving is not something that can be mastered overnight, and many don’t realize just how difficult it is until they’re in the thick of it. Most people will find that after a few months of adjusting, they get the hang of things. It helps to find people who can delegate some of the chores and errands – like grocery shopping, transportation, or cleaning the house. When you’re no longer doing absolutely everything yourself, you’ll find that you can better focus on the care itself.

We’ve talked a lot so far about reactions. Being kind, patient, and empathetic with your loved one and yourself, regardless of the situation. Now, let’s get into actions.

Dementia patients need to stay stimulated mentally and physically, as long as they are able. Nourishing the mind and body are key to strengthening memory, slowing the progression of the disease, and keeping your parent engaged and in good spirits.

With that in mind, it’s important to have activities for your loved one to participate in. Activities like baking, dancing, singing, or doing puzzles can help your parent feel entertained and engaged – and increase their socialization, which is key to fighting depression. You can also take your parent on walks, to museums, or to a quiet and peaceful spa day.

That said, your loved one might respond better to some activities than others. Don’t force your loved one to do anything they don’t want to, and if they’re too tired or not in the mood, don’t push. Try something new the next day. You might find that your parent responds to one out of five activities you choose – but even that one activity is a huge victory.

Your loved one might also enjoy participating in household tasks. Chores like sweeping, folding towels, or wiping surfaces can help your loved one feel a sense of accomplishment – and like they have some of their independence back. Not only that, but these activities engage the body and mind. Anytime you can keep your loved one moving and thinking, go for it. If your loved one is interested in helping with the chores, encourage them to try.

Of course, daily activities are about more than stimulating entertainment. For dementia caregivers, daily activities also include bathing, eating, and dressing. Each of these activities come with their own set of challenges, but with the right preparation, you can do your best to keep everything as seamless as possible.

When it comes to bathing, it’s recommended that you choose a time when you know your loved one is the calmest. For instance, if your loved one tends to wake in a cheerful and peaceful mood, mornings are the best time to have a bath. Try to establish a bath time routine and be easy on yourself if that routine is ever pushed back or broken on a hard day.

Remember that for your loved one, bathing can be an uncomfortable experience, especially if they’re being bathed by one of their children. You can distract from the situation by conversing about other topics or playing soft music during bath time. Try to be in good spirits during bath time, so you can help your parent feel happier and more comfortable. You can also try sponge baths every other day or every few days, so you don’t have to deal with bath time on a daily basis.

Eating can be frustrating – many dementia patients don’t like to eat at all, and if they do, they’re drawn to junk food. It can help to make dishes colorful and exciting. Make smiley faces out of colorful fruit, for instance, and refrain from serving the same three meals every week. Food that varies in texture, color, and taste will be more appealing.

Use mealtime as an opportunity to socialize with your loved one. Make conversation instead of turning on the TV and, if you can, eat your meals at the same time. This can help maintain a sense of normalcy and security. Remember that your loved one might take a long time to eat – this is another instance where patience is key.

When it comes to dressing, it can help to lay out outfits ahead of time, either the night before or before your loved one wakes up. Consider choosing two or three options so your loved one can choose what she wants to wear in the morning. Keep the number of choices small and simple – but have at least two options so your loved one can hold onto a sense of independence.

Allow your loved one to dress themselves if they are able – even if it takes a long time. Just as wiping surfaces or sweeping the floor can help your parent to feel a sense of accomplishment, so can getting dressed.   

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be an immensely difficult duty to take on – and we commend you for making the choice to care for your loved one. At the end of the day, our best advice is to be patient, gentle, and empathetic. Kindness can be a superpower – and it can help make these remaining years rewarding, when they could easily be miserable.

Be kind to yourself, too. You’re doing a great job.

We want to 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 long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone is 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. Join us next time on All Home Care Matters where we will be discussing Online Resources for Families and Caregivers.

Sources:

https://www.prb.org/the-demography-of-dementia-and-dementia-caregiving/

https://homecareassistance.com/blog/top-five-strategies-dementia-caregiving

https://homecareassistance.com/blog/challenges-dementia-caregiving

https://www.forbes.com/sites/howardgleckman/2015/10/26/the-challenges-of-caring-for-a-loved-one-with-dementia/?sh=176494723065

https://www.caregiver.org/resource/caregivers-guide-understanding-dementia-behaviors/

https://www.caringseniorservice.com/blog/challenges-alzheimers-dementia-caregivers

https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/coping-strategies-for-alzheimers-disease-caregivers

https://www.agingcare.com/articles/alzheimers-disease-care-at-home-139990.htm

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures

https://www.alzheimers.net/2014-03-06-stimulating-activities-for-alzheimers-patients

Friends, it’s time for another quick tip episode! Quick tip episodes are all about getting some good information and advice to you in a shorter episode – so you can listen between meetings, while you walk your dog, or whenever you have a free second to spare.

On today’s episode, we’ll be discussing advice for personal care. As our loved ones age, personal care can become increasingly difficult. This is due to a myriad of reasons – age can hinder our ability to move freely, and as we struggle to move our arms and legs the way we used to, simple tasks like bathing or brushing our teeth can be harder to accomplish.

At the same time, diseases like dementia, Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson’s can keep a person from being able to care for themselves properly. That’s why patients, especially in the later stages of these diseases, need someone to help them keep up with their hygiene, nutrition, and personal care.

At the same time, depression is common among seniors. While depression isn’t a normal part of aging, a variety of factors – from increased dependence and isolation to coming to terms with an aging body and mind – can lead to depression.

Mental Health America reports that more than two million Americans over the age of 65 struggle with depression. These numbers have only risen during the pandemic, as more seniors are facing isolation during quarantine. One major side effect of depression is feeling lethargic and unmotivated – so many people with depression will neglect their personal care.

Regardless of the reason, it can be difficult to watch our loved one’s struggle with their personal care – and many people aren’t sure how they can provide their loved ones with the help they need. Today, we’ll go over some concrete advice for seniors who need help caring for themselves – from keeping up with good hygiene to getting dressed and ready for the day (and ready for sleep at night).

Before we start, I’d like to note that maintaining good hygiene actually helps a person’s mental and physical health. On the mental health side, people who feel good on the outside, generally feel better on the inside, too. It really is that simple.

Let’s think of our bodies like a house. If our dirty clothes are scattered around the floor, our garbage is overflowing, and dirty dishes are piled up in the sink – we’re not going to feel comfortable. As the dirt and grime build up, the house might even attract bugs and pests. If we’re thinking about our body, the bugs and pests might be health issues that occur when we’re not caring for ourselves.

On the other hand, when our home is clean and nice – we feel so much better. We aren’t overwhelmed with the stress of living in a dirty home – and when we don’t have to focus our attention on the mess, we can focus on taking care of other aspects of our life – like cooking healthy meals, exercising, or even relaxing.

As humans, we have to live in our bodies – so it’s essential that we care for them. If the seniors in our lives are struggling to care for theirs, then they need help to ensure that they stay safe, comfortable, and healthy.

The first step to helping our loved ones care for themselves, is to figure out why they are struggling. When we know the root of the problem, we can make the right steps to fix it. If they are struggling with personal care because of something like Parkinson’s or dementia, for example, then we know that they need assistance from a caregiver because they are physically unable to keep up with their hygiene. This said, we don’t want our loved ones to feel like they’ve lost all independence – so if there is anything they are capable of doing themselves, allow them to do it, so they can hold onto that sense of pride and freedom.

If our loved one is struggling because of depression, then we need to help them to feel better. Depression is a serious mental illness that can lead to other health problems down the line. Have your loved one meet with their doctor to see if any medications are necessary – and also set up appointments with a counselor or therapist, who might be able to get to the root of the depression. In terms of assisting with personal care, the best thing you can do is to let your loved one know you are there for them, you care about them, and you know that things are tough right now. Remind them that if they feel better on the outside, they might feel a sense of relief on the inside, too.

With seniors struggling with depression, you might not be able to care for them in a hands-on way like you would with a person with dementia or Parkinson’s. Instead of bathing them yourself – which could make them feel even smaller and less dignified – help them to establish a routine for personal care and support and encourage them as they try to follow it.

You can make a chart for morning and nighttime routines, so nothing is forgotten. You can even make the hygiene chores more fun – by playing music, setting up a reward system, or choosing fun and colorful outfits your loved one can get excited to put on.

You can also make your loved one’s bathroom a more pleasant place to be in – by setting up essential oils or air fresheners to make it smell good and even light spa music. Avoid candles or any fresheners with too many chemicals as they can be unsafe. You can also heat towels in the dryer while your loved one bathes, so they feel warm and welcoming.

In addition to making the bathroom clean and nice, make sure it’s safe. Install handrails in the shower and by the toilet, purchase raised toilet seats and shower benches, and set up slip-free mats for the bathroom floor and shower floor. This might help your loved one feel more confident as they get ready for the day.

You also want to make sure everything hygiene related is easily accessible and organized. It can be helpful to lay out outfits for the day (although you should let your loved one choose what they want to wear if possible), lay out and organize towels, shampoos, and shower brushes, and keep hair and toothbrushes easily accessible by the mirror and bathroom sink. Sometimes a little more organization is all a person needs to feel back on track. Saige Via, a caregiver specialist at A Place for Mom, says that organization can also help seniors feel a little more independent. Sometimes, a person doesn’t brush their hair because the brush is too far out of reach, not because they’re incapable of it.

According to Via, “I ask if they need me to get the items ready or physically assist them. Sometimes they just need items laid out. I try to let them do as much as possible to help them feel independent.”

On that note, independence really is a key word here. If you try to do everything for your loved one, it might make them feel frustrated, suffocated, and even sad. No one likes losing their independence – so be gentle with how you approach the subject of personal care. Talk to them about what exactly they believe they need help with, and don’t press to help further unless absolutely necessary. If your loved one takes a long time to brush their teeth, for example, don’t do it for them because you’re impatient. Let them take the time they need to get it done. Now, if they physically are unable to brush their teeth, then you need to step in to provide more hands-on assistance.

Personal care can be a struggle for anyone as they get older – but with the right tools and tips, it doesn’t need to be too terribly difficult. Just remember – maintaining personal care is essential for a number of reasons, so if your loved one is having a hard time, don’t ignore it. The more you can provide them with the support and help they need, the better.

We want to 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 long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to and if there is a Quick Tip Topic you would like for us to do an episode on – let us know and it may be featured in a future Quick Tip episode and please 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. On the next episode of All Home Care Matters we will be discussing Tips for Caring for a Loved One with Dementia.

Sources:

https://www.firstlighthomecare.com/blog/2020/07/16/5-tips-for-helping-the-elderly-with-personal-hygiene/

https://www.aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/grooming-and-hygiene

https://www.countrywidehealthcare.co.uk/blog/post/personal-hygiene-care-for-the-elderly

https://www.homehelpershomecare.com/bullhead-city/community-blog/2017/december/10-tips-for-helping-seniors-with-personal-hygien/

https://www.mhanational.org/depression-older-adults-more-facts

If your loved one has survived a stroke, you might be worried about a vascular dementia diagnosis. While vascular dementia can be caused by a number of things, a stroke is one of the most common. If your loved one has already been diagnosed with vascular dementia, you might feel overwhelmed and uncertain about the future.

Vascular dementia can be a difficult diagnosis for anyone to come to terms with – especially because this type of dementia usually occurs after a stroke or other traumatic brain injury. Families and patients alike are already grappling with so much stress, worry, and heartache from the first incident – and the added stress of a dementia diagnosis can feel utterly devastating. 

While there is no cure for vascular dementia, there are treatment options available that can delay the progression of the disease. Usually, if the dementia is caused by a stroke, then the treatments used to control stroke symptoms will also help to control the dementia.

That said, successful treatment depends on an early diagnosis of the disease. So, if your loved one has suffered a stroke, it’s that much more important to be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of dementia – that way, you can make sure your loved one is taken to the doctor at the first possible warning signs.

On today’s episode of All Home Care Matters, it’s all about understanding vascular dementia. From the causes and symptoms, to how the disease functions in the brain, to treatment and care tips – we hope that this episode helps you to feel less daunted and more supported as you move forward on this journey.

Vascular dementia is considered the second most common form of dementia worldwide. According to The World Health Organization, there are 10 million new cases of vascular dementia diagnosed around the world each year. It is estimated that vascular dementia accounts for about 10% of dementia cases worldwide. Even so, the disease is commonly misdiagnosed – confused for Alzheimer’s, other cognitive issues, or even depression.

While a misdiagnosis of Alzheimer’s may not make a huge difference in the care your loved one receives, the correct diagnosis will help you to better understand why your loved one is behaving in a certain way, what they might need, and what to expect in the future. While Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia are similar, they are not the same disease, and understanding the differences is essential to ensuring your loved one is receiving the best possible care.

One of the biggest differences between Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia is the cause. Vascular dementia occurs when the blood flow to the brain is interrupted. This can be due to a stroke, a series of mini-strokes, or damaged blood vessels.

If it occurs after a stroke, it’s because the stroke has blocked a brain artery that impairs the blood flow to the brain. Not all strokes cause vascular dementia. Still, even if your loved one has survived a stroke without noticeable symptoms, it is possible for vascular dementia to occur. Caregivers should always keep an eye out for the possible warning signs.

When it comes to damaged blood vessels, they could be damaged due to becoming worn with age, high blood pressure, diabetes, brain hemorrhages, or abnormal aging of the blood vessels.

The cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not fully understood by researchers – although they know that certain factors, such as age or lifestyle, can increase the risk of getting the disease. People at risk for vascular dementia, on the other hand, are those who have diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or coronary heart disease.

On a cognitive level, there are some key differences between the two diseases. In vascular dementia, cognitive issues might decline quite dramatically in the beginning – usually right after a stroke or a mini-stroke, but then stabilize for longer periods of time. When there is a decline, it tends to happen rather quickly and unexpectedly.

According to Very Well Health, “these changes are often described as step-like since in between them, brain functioning may hold steady” for elongated periods, before taking a sudden decline.

In Alzheimer’s disease, a person’s cognitive function will decline steadily over time, without long stabilized periods in between. Very Well Health explains, “in contrast to the step-like decline in vascular dementia, Alzheimer’s is typically more like a slight, downward slope of a road over time.

There are also physical differences between the two diseases. Because vascular dementia tends to occur after a stroke, a person might suffer from severe physical ailments, depending on their reaction to the stroke.

Some stroke survivors are unable to move one side of their body, for example. Because of this, those experiencing vascular dementia might face an entire other set of struggles, earlier on in the disease.

Alzheimer’s patients, on the other hand, tend to suffer physical ailments only in the late stages of the disease. These ailments can include problems with swallowing, walking, and balance.

Finally, the diseases differ greatly in terms of progression. It’s not possible to pinpoint a specific progression timeline for vascular dementia, because of a number of varying factors. For one, the level of damage to the brain will impact how quickly or slowly the dementia progresses. The health and lifestyle of a patient can also determine progression – people without other underlying health conditions, for example, tend to progress more slowly.

For Alzheimer’s patients, the progression of the disease averages around 8 and a half years – and is a lot more predictable. While every individual case is different, most people follow a similar enough trajectory to make a future with Alzheimer’s relatively predictable for patients and their caregivers.

Now that we understand the differences between Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, let’s get into the symptoms and warning signs of the latter. One reason that vascular dementia is difficult to diagnose, is because symptoms vary depending on where in the brain the blood flow is impaired.

Still, there is a general list of symptoms that many vascular dementia patients experience. Early symptoms include changes in mood and behavior (usually in the form of apathy, depression, and lack of motivation), trouble concentrating, disorganized thoughts, comprehension struggles, and memory problems. It’s important to note that memory problems are slightly rarer in patients with vascular dementia, especially early on.

These symptoms could occur immediately after a stroke or in the weeks or months following – so make sure that you continue to watch out for any warning signs throughout the first year following a stroke.

The early signs of vascular dementia can be relatively subtle – and if they don’t occur immediately after a stroke, they can be easier to miss. Make sure to take your loved one to see a doctor as soon as they show any or all of the early symptoms – even if they don’t seem meaningful or like they’re interrupting daily life. The earlier a person can receive a diagnosis, the better chance they have of controlling the progression.

Many people are not diagnosed with vascular dementia until the later stages of the disease. Because of this, it’s essential that you have an understanding of the later symptoms, also. Some of these symptoms might happen rather quickly – while others progress slowly over years. As with early symptoms, late symptoms vary depending on what part of the brain is affected. 

Late symptoms include disorientation and significant confusion, major personality changes (such as aggression, which can become violent), language problems, depression, frequent falls and difficulty maintaining balance, incontinence, and slow thinking.

If you notice any or all of the early or late stages of vascular dementia in your loved one, arrange an appointment with their doctor as soon as possible. A doctor can evaluate your loved one for vascular dementia, and if they do diagnose the disease, they can work with you and your loved one to create a treatment plan that is best for them. Again, the earlier a diagnosis can be given, the more successful treatment tends to be.

Treatment for vascular dementia varies depending on the severity of the disease and the part of the brain that is affected. Most patients will already be seeing doctors regularly, taking medications, and following treatment for their stroke, mini-stroke, or damaged blood vessels. Still, because the treatment does vary depending on the person, it’s important for patients to consult their care team when coming up with a treatment plan.

In most cases, doctors will recommend a plan for delaying the dementia’s progression. Controlling the disease means stabilizing the symptoms, so the progression of the disease is delayed. Treatment is also aimed at reducing the risk factor for further damage to the brain. Reducing risk factors can also help to postpone decline. 

Everyone with vascular dementia should practice a healthy lifestyle. The National Institute on Aging recommends establishing a safe exercise routine to keep patients active, strong, and motivated. Maintaining a healthy weight is also highly recommended. Not only is exercise an excellent way to stay fit, help with balance issues, and reduce the risk of a second stroke, it’s also a wonderful way to keep your loved one engaged, stimulated, and entertained.

Work with your loved one’s doctor to find exercises that best fit your loved one’s abilities. You can add elements like upbeat music or friendly competitions to keep the exercises entertaining for your loved ones.  

Exercise is also an excellent way to fight depression – which is one of the most common symptoms in vascular dementia patients. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise can be just as effective as anti-depressants for many patients. That’s because when exercise is strengthening the nerve cells in the brain, it improves the connections between cells, and relieves depression. 

In addition to exercise, people with vascular dementia should practice healthy eating. It is recommended that patients eat diets rich with fruits, vegetables, and oily fish. Patients should avoid too much salt and fat.

Patients should also refrain from drinking too much alcohol. This is incredibly important for vascular dementia patients for a number of reasons. Not only does alcohol negatively affect the brain and memory, but it can also have a severe impact on mood – and for vascular dementia patients who already struggle to control their behavior, too much alcohol is never a good idea. In addition to limiting alcohol, patients should cut out smoking cigarettes completely, if they are smokers. Smoking can increase the risk of another stroke or further damage to the brain.

In addition to following a doctor’s treatment plan and practicing a healthy lifestyle, patients can also benefit from other forms of support. Because depression and anxiety are such common symptoms in people with vascular dementia, many patients benefit from support groups, counseling services, or therapy. This disease can feel extremely isolating – so having someone to talk to or relate to can make an enormous difference.

Speaking of health, if you are caring for someone with vascular dementia – it’s essential that you take care of your own mental and physical health, as well. Caretaking, while immensely rewarding, can also be incredibly difficult.

Many communities offer support groups for family caregivers, as well as for people whose loved ones are suffering from dementia. You can also seek the help of a therapist or a counselor. Remember, the better you care for yourself, the better you can care for the person you love. Listen to our episode on Caring for the Caregiver to find out more about how you can find the support you need on this journey.

Vascular dementia can be a difficult diagnosis to come to terms with – but the more you understand about the disease, the better prepared you can be for what’s ahead. We hope that this episode helped you to understand vascular dementia a little bit better – so you can focus on spending time with your loved one and making sure they’re getting the best possible care.

We want to 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 long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone is 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. Next time on All Home Care Matters you’ll want to join us if you are a caring for a loved one or maybe you are working in the healthcare industry and you don’t ever seem to be able to find the time to take care of yourself. We want to help provide you with some tips so that you can better care for yourself. Thank you!

Sources:

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

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vascular-dementia/symptoms/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vascular-dementia/symptoms-causes/syc-20378793#:~:text=Vascular%20dementia%20is%20a%20general,t%20always%20cause%20vascular%20dementia.

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

https://memory.ucsf.edu/dementia/vascular-dementia

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-physical-activity

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-dementia/vascular-dementia

https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/coping-strategies-for-vascular-dementia-caregivers

https://balance.hcr-manorcare.com/blog-posts/5-ways-to-care-for-someone-with-vascular-dementia/

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-dementia/treatment-and-support-vascular-dementia

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vascular-dementia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20378798

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2685259/

https://www.webmd.com/stroke/guide/vascular-dementia#1

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/types-of-dementia/vascular-dementia#:~:text=Vascular%20dementia%20is%20widely%20considered,though%20it's%20recognized%20as%20common.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-differences-between-alzheimers-vascular-dementia-98750

https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/exercise-is-an-all-natural-treatment-to-fight-depression

Hello, and welcome back to All Home Care Matters. If this is your first time visiting us here at the show. Thank you for taking time out to be with us today. We appreciate how valuable everyone’s time is and that is why we try and make each episode here at All Home Care Matters something that will hopefully matter to you.

We are honored to welcome Paul VerHoeve to All Home Care Matters.

On this episode we will be speaking with Paul and answering the question, “Why Americans are still confused by home health, or hesitant to move forward with it?”

We often hear from families who are left feeling confused and overwhelmed when it comes to understanding all of the nuances associated with long-term care and with the home health care sector.

Today, we are going to discuss the various aspects of the home health care and home care sector and how it can be more accessible for families.

We want to 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 long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone is 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. On the next episode of All Home Care Matters we will be discussing an important topic for families and that is Understanding Vascular Dementia.

If you are interested in learning more about Paul, we have included some links below for you to visit.

An Interview with Paul about the Loneliness epidemic:

https://thriveglobal.com/stories/paul-verhoeve-of-mission-healthcare-make-an-effort-to-care-for-people/

Mission Healthcare:

https://homewithmission.com/

Neil Grunberg serves as Co-Founder and Vice President of Strategy & Corporate Development at AlayaCare. Grunberg has spent more than 17 years focused on workforce management, mobility, and operational software. His breadth of expertise ranges from consulting and project management to pre-sales and then eventually onto managing sales and marketing for a successful startup before joining the Vortex Connect team and then onto AlayaCare.

During this interview we explore AlayaCare with Neil. We asked questions such as:

• What is AlayaCare?

• Background on how it started
• What was the underlying need for home care software?
• Neil’s personal connection to home care

• What type of clients does AlayaCare serve?
• What benefits does AlayaCare bring to home care organizations and the clients that they serve?
• What sets AlayaCare apart from competitors?
• Examples of innovative features:

• Virtual Care Suite

• Importance during the pandemic

• Family Portal
• Machine learning/AI capabilities

AlayaCare delivers home health care software, services, and data insights that empower care providers worldwide to deliver better outcomes. Home health care organizations use our end-to-end platform to optimize operations, scale their business, retain employees, and most importantly, deliver better care. For more information, visit: www.alayacare.com

We want to 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 long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone is 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. On the next episode of All Home Care Matters we will be welcoming Paul Verhoeve of Mission Care where he will discuss “Why Americans are still confused about Home Health Care.” This will be an informative and interesting interview that you won’t want to miss.

Here are the sources used for this episode:

https://www.alayacare.com

https://www.allhomecarematters.com

If your loved one has suffered from a stroke, you might feel like the train of your life has completely derailed – and is stuck and sinking in thick, sloshy mud. For the most part, strokes occur unexpectedly. This means that for both the person experiencing the stroke, and their loved ones, life seems to change all at once.

Many family members will have to step into the role of caregiver, while still trying to grapple with the loss themselves. If this is the case, you are probably feeling a whirlwind of emotions – from fear and anxiety, to deep sadness, and even grief – as you watch your loved one recover.

We’ve talked before on this podcast about how difficult it is to watch a parent change before our eyes. The role reversal from child to caregiver is not an easy one by any means, and it’s that much harder when we know that our parents are having a difficult time, or that they’ve been through any kind of trauma.

Stroke survivors can suffer from mild or severe changes – but any change, even the seemingly smaller ones – are hard to come to terms with. It’s important to remember – especially if you are stepping into the role of caregiver – that your reactions to these changes are completely normal. You might feel a great sense of empathy and heartache for your parent, while you are simultaneously frustrated and irritated with them. You might ache for things to return to how they used to be, while also cherishing the extra time you’re spending together now. Mixed feelings are completely normal – and we’ll talk in this episode about how you can find a way to let your feelings out, and validate them, while remaining composed, patient, and warm around your parent.

Strokes can be especially difficult grounds for families to navigate, mostly because they are just so unexpected. Many aging adults with other diseases – like dementia or Parkinson’s – show a slow build up to their disease that gives families a little more time to prepare for the future and get a care plan in order.

When a parent suffers a stroke, though, many adult children find themselves scrambling to learn everything they can about what strokes are, how to assemble a care team, where their parent should live, and how to balance caring for their parent with their current occupation and family, all at once. All that while they try to process what has happened on an emotional level and be a source of support for their parent. If it sounds daunting, it’s because it most certainly is.

On today’s episode, our aim is to give you the tools you need so you can make sure your parent is receiving the best possible care, while also making sure that you are too. We’ll talk about the causes and treatments for strokes, caregiving tips and tricks, and how to plan for an uncertain future with your loved one.

Let’s begin with the basics. It’s important to know that strokes can happen to anyone. While the risk of suffering a stroke rises depending on age, health conditions (people with diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure have an increased risk of suffering a stroke), and family history, the hard truth is that technically, anyone can suffer from a stroke at any time. According to the CDC, about 34% of strokes occur in people under the age of 65.

Nearly 795,000 Americans suffer from strokes each year – and it’s currently listed as the third leading cause of death in the country. Strokes can happen to anyone at any age.

I say this because it’s so important to recognize the warning signs of a stroke before it’s too late. The earlier you can get your loved one to the hospital, the better the outcome will be. Too often, healthy and active people will show warning signs of a stroke and ignore them – thinking that strokes only occur in the obese or the elderly. In fact, one CDC study found that a staggering 55% of respondents did not call 911, even after noticing numbness on one side of their body. Never assume that because your mother or father have been doing well otherwise, that they cannot suffer a stroke. If they complain of a symptom – you must call 911 right away.

That brings me to the warning signs. What are they, anyway? Well, the American Stroke Association describes the warning signs of a stroke as F-A-S-T, or fast.

The F stands for facial drooping. If one side of you or your loved one’s face seems to be drooping or numb, this is a major sign of a stroke. Have your loved one attempt to smile – and if their smile looks a little off, whether it’s lopsided or not happening at all, call 911 immediately.

The A stands for arm weakness. If a person complains of numbness in their arm, or is unable to move their arm, this could be a sign of a stroke. Your parent might complain that their arm doesn’t feel attached, or like it’s a part of them. One woman featured in an American Stroke Association article explained that she woke up thinking there was a “toy in her bed.” That toy turned out to be her numb arm. If one arm is drifting downward when your parent attempts to lift their arms, this is another sign.

The S stands for speech. If your parents’ speech is suddenly slurred or difficult to understand – this is also a sign of a stroke. Have your parent try to repeat a sentence – if they are struggling to do so, do not take this lightly. Call 911.

Finally, the T stands for Time to Call 911. Whether your loved one is experiencing any or all of these symptoms – you need to get them to the hospital right away. The sooner a person can get to the hospital, the better chance they have of a smooth recovery. I cannot emphasize that enough.

Again, the acronym for stroke warning signs is FAST. Facial drooping, arm weakness, speech, time to dial 911.

While a stroke can happen to anyone of any age, there are certain factors that increase the risk. African Americans, for instance, are almost twice as likely to suffer from a stroke than white Americans – and they have the highest chance of death due to a stroke among demographics.

At the same time, underlying health issues such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure can increase the chance of experiencing a stroke.

Other risk factors include age, weight, and even lifestyle. A person who smokes cigarettes and drinks a significant amount of alcohol, for instance, has a higher risk of suffering from a stroke than someone who doesn’t.

While anyone CAN have a stroke at any age and regardless of their lifestyle, a healthy and active lifestyle will reduce the risk severely. Cutting down on alcohol, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly are all ways to prevent a stroke. The CDC recommends exercising for at least 2.5 hours a week – whether by hitting the gym or even taking a brisk walk around the neighborhood.

Cutting out cigarettes and limiting alcohol are another way to prevent strokes. Cigarettes greatly increase the risk of suffering from a stroke. Smokers actually have an increased stroke risk of 54% in women and 53% in men, according to the AHA. As for alcohol, binge drinking can raise a person’s blood pressure, making them more susceptible to suffering a stroke.

It is important to note that everyone who suffers a stroke reacts differently. While some may have difficulty swallowing or have a hard time moving, others might suffer fatigue or struggle to communicate. Because the reactions to a stroke can vary so greatly, there is no single type of care that works for every stroke survivor. Make sure to communicate with your loved one’s doctor about how to find the best type of care for your loved one, depending on their needs and requirements.

On that note, when establishing your care team, make sure to consult your parents’ doctors as well as social services to come up with the best plan for the future. Ask whether your parent could benefit from a speech therapist, occupational therapist, or physical therapist. In many cases, a survivor will need at least one of the above to help them through their recovery. These therapists can be monumental in helping your parent regain his or her independence, as he or she learns to speak, walk, or even practice daily living activities again.

Even if your parent seems to have only mild symptoms, you still want to find out whether a therapist would be beneficial. Think about it this way: a person who has been in a car accident might have mild whiplash that makes it painful to turn their neck. That might be their only symptom. They should still see a physical therapist so they can learn to move their neck pain-free again and prevent any future strains that might occur from overuse before the tissue heals.

Once you know what therapies your parent might need, you also need to find out how intensive their care will be. Can they remain mostly independent, or do they need around the clock care? If they do require constant care, are you able to balance your own work and life with being there for them? Look into their insurance plan and find out whether they qualify for at-home nursing care. If they do, this may be worth considering -just so you can maintain a balance between caring for your loved one and caring for yourself. If not, think about how becoming a family caregiver might affect your own finances. Are you able to leave your job? Does your parent have anything in their savings that can help them afford care?

You might find that a nursing home or an assisted living facility is the best option for your loved one. Medicaid will cover a temporary stay in a nursing home – and for many stroke patients, a temporary stay is all that is needed. Again, evaluate with your doctor what they think the healing stages and recovery period will be for your parent.

To learn more about finding the perfect type of care for your loved one, listen to our episode on choosing the right care. There, we lay out all you need to know about the various options out there – including what they cost, how they might affect quality of life, and how to talk to your loved one about their own desires for the future.

If you opt to go the family caregiver route, know that as exhausting and stressful as it can be, it can also be immensely rewarding. Still, many caregivers can feel daunted, frustrated, and even isolated in their new role. So, make sure that you are taking at least a few minutes every day for yourself – to breathe, process, and do something only for you. The more you care for yourself, the better you’ll be able to care for your loved one.

If you have stepped into the role of family caregiver, there are some things that are essential to know and take care of, right from the start. First of all, take note of your parents’ new medications. Know the side effects, the correct dosage, and the exact time that the pills need to be taken. Do they need to be taken with food? Is it normal for your parent to feel dizzy afterward? Also, find out what other medications your parent is taking and consult their doctor to make sure everything is safe to take together. This includes over the counter drugs, vitamin and supplements, and even creams.

Be on the lookout for warning signs of another stroke. Stroke survivors have an increased likelihood of suffering another stroke, so make sure to be as attentive as possible to the warning signs we spoke about earlier. If your parent experiences any numbness, facial drooping, or arm weakness – get them to the hospital right away.

Be aware, also, that falls are common with stroke survivors – especially in the first few months of recovery. Reduce the risks of falls by making sure there are no loose rugs in the house, spills are cleaned up right away, and installing safety rods in the shower, along with gripping mats. If your loved one shows any signs of bruising, bleeding, or pain after a fall, take them to the hospital. If your loved one falls more than twice in a six-month period, get them to a doctor to make sure nothing else is wrong. 

Depression is extremely common among stroke survivors. In fact, about 30-50% of stroke survivors suffer from depression during their recovery. Depression can make recovery extremely difficult, as people who are depressed tend to feel lethargic, unmotivated, and easily overwhelmed. Try to prevent depression in your loved one right away by keeping their minds and bodies as stimulated as possible. The stimulation will depend on your parents’ capabilities, but they can include taking them outside for walks, playing games, and engaging in social activities.

If your parent is suffering from depression, there are support groups and counseling services that specialize in helping stroke survivors. It can be enormously helpful for a survivor to know that they are not alone – and to join a community of people who have been through something similar. You can also speak to their doctor about anti-depressants, although medication might not always be an option depending on what other prescriptions your loved one is taking. If medication is not an option, making sure your parent feels supported and loved, and keeping them busy and engaged, should help.

You also need to remember to be patient with your loved one. This is easier said than done, I know. Transitioning into the role of a caregiver can feel completely overwhelming, and you might find yourself getting more irritated and frustrated than usual – especially if you’re feeling impatient with how long the recovery process is taking. It’s completely normal to feel angry or even resentful of the situation you’re in – but keep in mind that this is a major loss for your parent, as well.

The physical and mental limitations that they are suffering can be shocking and heart breaking, and they might be more susceptible to sadness and anger as they learn to cope with their new way of life. Lashing out or acting irritated with your parent will not help the situation – it will more likely make your parent feel more disheartened and disconnected and can even slow their recovery. Patience, positive reinforcement, and encouragement will help your parent to feel stronger, happier, and more motivated in their recovery. Most of all, it will help them feel supported during this incredibly difficult time.

Now, I’m not saying not to let yourself feel. Your feelings are normal, valid, and true to your own experience – and you owe it to yourself to let yourself feel what you need to. The key is to find a place to express yourself away from your parent. Finding a community and support system isn’t just important for your parent – it’s important for you, also. Speak to a counselor, find a support group, or look for a friend who you can lean on when you need it. Venting sessions, advice, and support will be crucial to keeping up your own mental health during this time. Again, the better you care for yourself, the better you’ll be able to care for your parent.

Because a stroke comes on so suddenly, it can feel like the world has turned upside down after your parent experiences one. In many ways, it has. Remember that you are not alone – and with the right preparation and care, you can make the uncertain future as smooth as possible, and get to the other side stronger than ever. 

We want to 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 long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone is 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. On the next episode of All Home Care Matters we will be welcoming the co-founder of AlayaCare to the show – Neil Grunberg. This is an interview you won’t want to miss!

Here are the sources used for this episode:

https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/stroke-symptoms

https://whentheygetolder.co.uk/health/health-issues/mobility/how-to-cope-when-your-parent-has-a-stroke/

https://lunchticket.org/five-myths-a-daughters-guide-to-surviving-your-mothers-stroke/

https://www.stroke.org.uk/what-is-stroke/are-you-at-risk-of-stroke#:~:text=A%20stroke%20can%20happen%20to,can%20to%20reduce%20your%20risk.

https://www.jaga-me.com/thecareissue/stroke-home-care-saved-our-family/

https://www.stroke.org.uk/finding-support/caring-for-a-stroke-survivor

https://careinc.com/care-blog/9-ways-to-cope-after-a-family-member-has-a-stroke

https://www.stroke.org/en/help-and-support/for-family-caregivers/15-things-caregivers-should-know-after-a-loved-one-has-had-a-stroke

https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/about-heart-disease-in-women/living-with-cardiovascular-disease/tips-to-combat-depression-after-a-stroke

https://www.webmd.com/stroke/features/stroke-recovery-tips-for-the-caregiver

https://www.visitingangels.com/knowledge-center/why-in-home-care/how-home-care-changes-for-loved-ones-following-a-stroke/372

https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/stroke/caring-for-a-loved-one-after-a-stroke

https://www.flintrehab.com/how-to-care-for-stroke-patient-at-home/

https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/facts.htm

https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/healthy_living.htm

As many seniors get older, they will find themselves spending more and more time in their beds and less time out and about. This is especially true for those suffering from mobility problems or other illnesses that hinder their ability to move around like they used to.

Unfortunately, the more time a person spends in one spot, the higher the risk that they will develop pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores. Bedsores occur when a specific area of the body has a certain degree of pressure on it for an elongated period of time. When that happens, the skin opens up and becomes infected.

On today’s quick tip episode of All Home Care Matters, we’ll go over everything you need to know about bedsores. From the risk factors to how to prevent them from happening, this should be a helpful guide to helping your loved one stay safe, comfortable, and infection-free.

People are at a higher risk of developing bedsores if they are immobile and have to stay in one spot for a lengthy period of time. While this is one common cause of bedsores, it’s actually not the only risk factor out there. Incontinence issues can also cause damage to the skin that can lead to open skin and increased risk of infection. A person might also get bedsores if they have lost their sense of touch – due to a neurological disorder or spinal cord injury – because they will not be able to detect pain or warning signs of a sore and are more likely to get an infection.

Bedsores might seem like a relatively harmless, although uncomfortable, wound on a person’s body – but in reality, bedsores pose a great risk to anyone who has them. There are a number of complications that can occur with bedsores – so extra precautions must be in place to help prevent seniors from getting them. If they do get them, then it’s important that they see a doctor immediately, and do not wait for the infection to spread.

It is possible for a bed sore to cause cellulitis – an infection of the skin and soft tissues that occurs when bacteria enters a break in the skin. Cellulitis can cause severe swelling of the skin, along with pain, blisters, and even fever. If left untreated, cellulitis can spread to the lymphatic drainage system in the body and cause chronic swelling. It can also cause deep-layer emergency infections to the fascial lining, on rare occasions.

In addition to cellulitis, a person with bedsores is at risk of experiencing arthritis from joint infections, which could lead to tissue damage. They are also at risk of bone infections which can cause their joints and limbs to not function properly.

If bedsores are left untreated for a very long period of time, a person is at risk of developing skin cancer as a result of the accelerated growth of squamous cells. Squamous cells grow when a person’s skin is experiencing trauma or abnormal changes – such as an untreated wound.

On rare occasions, bedsores can even lead to sepsis – which can lead to widespread inflammation and even organ damage. 

Clearly, bedsores are nothing to mess around with. While they might not always be completely preventable – particularly for those who have no choice but to spend their time in bed – it is essential that the wounds are treated as soon as they are found. Do not rely on your loved one to notice and report the sore themselves – in many cases, a person does not even realize they have a sore until it’s too late. Have your loved one’s caregiver check for sores on a regular basis.

There are ways to lower the risk of a person getting bedsores – even when they are stuck in bed. The most important way to keep off bedsores is to get moving. Even if your loved one is stuck in bed, make sure to change their position regularly so that no one spot on their body is under too much pressure. At the same time, replace old or worn-out chairs with armchairs and recliners that have comfortable cushioning. If your loved one is able, have them switch between the bed and the chair, instead of remaining in one or the other most of the time.

If possible, have your loved one engage in range of motion exercises that will get the circulation flowing. Exercise can make the biggest difference – and it can be as simple as arm and leg exercises in bed. Physical and occupational therapists can be an enormous help when it comes to choosing the best exercise plan for your loved one.

There is also specialty bedding available that helps to prevent bedsores. Air mattress toppers or customized cushioned padding can be used to reduce pressure on areas of the body. There are special materials that can reduce pressure on mattresses, chairs, and even footwear, to help reduce pressure wherever and whenever possible.

If your loved one suffers from incontinence, they may be especially suspectable to bedsores. Make sure that your loved one’s skin is cleaned regularly and remains dry. If urine or other bodily fluids are not cleaned from the skin, the skin will deteriorate at a quicker rate and bacteria will enter the broken skin. This can be prevented by regular bathing and making sure that the skin always remains clean and dry.

Finally, a healthy diet can actually be key to preventing bedsores. A good diet will strengthen blood circulation and help to fight off any possible sores. Make sure your loved one is consuming a balanced diet filled with fruits, vegetables, and plenty of fiber and protein.

If you notice that your loved one has a bed sore, make sure to change their position immediately to alleviate unnecessary added pressure. Usually, the sore will go away on its own after one to two days pressure-free. If it does not, make sure to contact your loved one’s doctor right away. The doctor will make sure that there is not an infection and prescribe any necessary treatments. If there is an infection, extra medical care or medication might be necessary to fight it. The earlier you find it, the better.

Bedsores might seem harmless, but they’re nothing to mess with. Still, if you notice them early enough, they can usually go away before an infection occurs. Make sure to do what you can to prevent your loved one from getting them – and if they do get them, make sure you don’t ignore it.

We want to 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 long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone is 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. On the next episode of All Home Care Matters we will be discussing Caring for a Loved One Who has had a Stroke.

Here are the sources used for this episode:

https://www.relias.com/blog/7-steps-to-prevent-pressure-sores

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bed-sores/symptoms-causes/syc-20355893#:~:text=Risk%20factors,cord%20injury%20and%20other%20causes.

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/bedsores

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cellulitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20370762#:~:text=Cellulitis%20(sel%2Du%2DLIE,face%2C%20arms%20and%20other%20areas

A diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia, or FTD, can rock a person’s world. Whether or not this was a diagnosis you anticipated, it can be difficult to grapple with the reality of it, for both the diagnosed patient and their family members.

There are a few reasons a diagnosis of FTD can be particularly devastating. For one thing, the majority of people diagnosed are younger than 70, so the last thing they expect is for their life to be uprooted by dementia. For another thing, there is no cure and no treatments available at the moment – even though researchers are working hard to change that. Still, there are ways for a person to maintain a meaningful quality of life for as long as possible, especially if the disease is diagnosed in its earliest stages.

If you or someone you love has received a diagnosis of FTD, we are here to support you and guide you through. We know that this is a difficult time – and it can feel daunting and overwhelming to plan ahead for an uncertain future. While you might feel helpless right now, know that there is hope. Treatments ARE getting better and there is support out there for anyone who needs it.

We’ve spoken on this podcast before about early onset Alzheimer’s, and FTD is similar in many ways – but I am sure if you are experiencing FTD you might be tired of people relating it to early onset. It’s important to remember that these are two separate diseases, although similar, and should be considered as such. For effective treatment and planning ahead to take place, it’s essential that patients understand their own individual diagnosis of FTD, separately from other similar diseases. That’s why today, we’ll be diving into exactly what happens to a person’s brain with FTD, the stages of the disease, and the best way to maintain a high quality of life after diagnosis.  

We hope that by the end of this episode, you’ll feel less daunted and more supported – and that you have a clear understanding of what this disease really is and what it might mean for the days and years ahead. This is not a diagnosis that you chose, caused, or have much control over – but you do get to choose how you can live each day as meaningfully as possible. Even when the disease is in its later stages, your caregivers can do what they can to make every single day count.

Whether you’ve received a diagnosis or someone you love is experiencing FTD, furthering your knowledge of the disease and understanding exactly how it impacts the brain will give you a much better idea of why you are feeling or behaving in a certain way. If your loved one has FTD, then knowing more about how the disease functions will help you to understand those parts of FTD that might feel especially frustrating or disheartening – particularly changes in personality and behavior.

We want to start with a reminder that you are not alone. While FTD can feel extremely isolating, particularly if you are young and do not know anyone in your personal life who is experiencing the disease, about 50,000 to 60,000 Americans are living with the disease today, according to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration. That might seem like a small number compared to other diseases – but it’s large enough that support networks, including specialized therapists and counseling groups, are out there.

Now, we mentioned earlier that many people with FTD might be compared with those who have early onset Alzheimer’s disease. We also mentioned the importance of distinguishing between the two diseases – because while they are similar, they are marked by key differences. For the sake of understanding what makes FTD different than Alzheimer’s, let’s compare.

FTD patients are most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 45 and 65, while the vast majority of Alzheimer’s diagnoses occur in the later stages of a person’s life (early onset is a rare exception). Most notably, though, memory loss is not as prevalent of a symptom in FTD patients.

FTD, especially in its early stages, mainly affects language and behavior, while Alzheimer’s targets memory loss. Now, FTD patients can suffer from memory loss, especially as the disease progresses, but it is not the primary symptom. The first symptom in most FTD patients is behavioral changes, which is one of the later symptoms in Alzheimer’s patients.

FTD patients tend to have more difficulties with speech and communication than Alzheimer’s patients. It can be difficult for an FTD patient to make sense while they are speaking, or for them to make sense of what others are saying to them. In Alzheimer’s patients, communication issues tend to center around remembering names or important information, rather than understanding the concept of what someone is saying. In the later stages of Alzheimer’s, they are more likely to struggle with making sense of language, but this isn’t always the case.

Finally, patients with FTD rarely suffer from hallucinations and delusions, which are common in people with Alzheimer’s disease. This, along with memory loss, are two of the most significant differences between FTD and Alzheimer’s.

In fact, the lack of memory loss in FTD patients, combined with the young age that most FTD patients get the disease, makes achieving a diagnosis particularly challenging. Doctors tend to look for memory loss as one of the leading causes of dementia, and they tend to focus on age. Too often, a person with FTD will be misdiagnosed with depression or other mental illness because of their behavioral changes.

Understanding the differences between Alzheimer’s and FTD is just the first step to having a clear idea of what FTD is and what it means for the lives of those diagnosed (and the lives of their friends and family members). To further our understanding of the disease even more, let’s get into how it actually affects the human brain.

Navigating a life with FTD starts with understanding the disease itself. When we have a comprehensive idea of what our brain is experiencing during FTD, we can better understand our own symptoms and plan ahead accordingly.

As the name implies, Frontotemporal Dementia affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. These areas of the brain are critical to learning, communicating, and empathizing. In FTD patients, the frontal and temporal lobes are suffering from nerve cell damage and death. As the nerve cells in the frontal and temporal lobes are damaged, connections between the cells are broken. These connections are what allows the brain to send signals to itself and the rest of the body. As the nerve cells die or malfunction, the brain tissue in the frontal and temporal lobes actually starts to shrink.

FTD comes in two forms – Behavioral Variant FTD, which is the most common, and Primary Progressive Aphasia or PPA. PPA and Behavioral Variant FTD affect the brain in different ways.

In Behavioral Variant FTD, the frontal lobe is most severely damaged. The frontal lobe affects how a person behaves, plans, problem solves, focus, and process emotions. Suffice it to say, when this lobe experiences damage, it leads to major changes in personality and behavior.  

In Primary Progressive Aphasia, the temporal lobes suffer the most damage. The temporal lobes control much of our understanding of language – they store the meanings of words, the names of objects, and how we recognize important people, places, and things.

In addition to Primary Progressive Aphasia and Behavioral Variant FTD, FTD can also be linked to two very rare neurological diseases that affect mobility. These are corticobasal syndrome (CBS) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).

CBS occurs when nerve cells die in parts of the brain that control movement – most commonly, arms and hands are impacted. CBS patients can suffer from orientation and language problems, but this is not always the case.

PSP affects a person’s ability to walk and maintain balance. Body stiffness, ability to make facial expressions, and falls are common in this disorder. Most people with PSP will struggle to move their eyes – the most differentiating feature between PSP and Parkinson’s. People with PSP can also suffer from memory issues, behavioral changes, and difficulty problem solving.

The symptoms of FTD vary depending on the type of FTD a person has. In Behavioral Variant FTD, early symptoms include lack of focus and motivation, difficulty making decisions, struggling to make plans, loss of inhibitions, lack of empathy, repetitive behaviors, and changes in diet – particularly cravings for junk food. Other signs of Behavioral Variant FTD are ultra-sensitivity to temperature and sound.

You might find that you never want to get up from the couch or turn off the TV, that where you were once social and loved being out with friends, now you’d rather stay inside. You might lash out on friends and family or say whatever it is you’re thinking – even if it’s not appropriate or polite. For this reason, depression is a common diagnosis for people in the early stages of FTD. Personality changes, particularly a loss of inhibition, might be a sign that something even worse than depression is to blame. If you or your loved one has seemed to lose their filter or is acting erratically, you should take them to a neurologist for an FTD evaluation as soon as possible.

One tough reality of FTD is that most patients will not be totally aware that something is wrong. While friends or family might notice behavioral changes, a person with FTD might deny that anything is wrong. While it might be frustrating to see your loved one deny that there’s a problem or refuse to seek medical help, try to remember that this is not on purpose. Many people with FTD genuinely do not realize that there is a problem and might even be offended that others believe something is wrong.

Because many people with FTD do not recognize that there is a problem and refuse to see a doctor, a diagnosis can take a long time. It can seem nearly impossible to convince a family member with FTD to make an appointment, and the last thing anyone wants to do is drag their loved one kicking and screaming into their GP’s office. If you are struggling to convince your loved one to see a doctor, you might want to consider talking to them about making an appointment for depression or another issue that might be affecting them. At that appointment, you can speak to their doctor about evaluating them for FTD.

Symptoms of Primary Progressive Aphasia FTD are mainly centered around language. If you or your loved one is having difficulty remembering the meaning of words or finding the right word for something, they might be suffering from PPA. A person with PPA might use the wrong word to describe something – like calling a chair a couch or a door a window. For some objects, they might not be able to say any word at all.

At the same time, PPA patients might ask what a specific word means, particularly one that they might not use as often. For instance, a person might ask what a jacuzzi is if they see one on TV, or ask what pasta is if they’re having it for dinner.

PPA patients might also not remember how to use objects that were once familiar to them. They might not know how to put the leash on the dog, or even what it’s used for, or forget how to hold a spatula. This symptom tends to arise in the later stages of PPA, but it can occur earlier on. Because diagnoses tend to occur after the disease has already progressed, this is still a symptom you should be on the lookout for pre-diagnosis.

Commonly, a person with PPA will also have trouble reading and writing. They might spell familiar words wrong, forget how to write their name, or write phonetically. For instance, if they are trying to write “k-n-o-w” they might instead write “n-o.”

Treatment for PPA patients is centered around helping a patient maintain their grasp of language while also finding new ways to communicate. Many PPA patients use notebooks to communicate, or else charts where different sayings and objects are drawn out for them to point to. Asking “yes” or “no” questions is also an effective way to communicate with someone with PPA. While these methods can be successful in the early stages of the disease, communication of any kind will become more difficult as it progresses. A person with PPA should meet with speech-language pathologists and therapists to come up with a plan that best fits their needs and abilities.

Unfortunately, there are no more concrete treatments at the moment for patients with PPA or Behavioral Variant FTD. Researchers are working to better understand the disease so they can identify new drugs and treatments to help. At the moment, there are many clinical trials that are testing new therapies and methods for treatments. Some patients might consider speaking to their doctor about participating in a trial.

Still, there are ways for a person to have a high quality of life after a diagnosis. Most beneficial, according to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, is finding a daily routine that keeps the patient active, healthy, and stimulated.

The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration explains that, “the formula is to maintain social relationships as much as possible and adapt interests, accomplishments, and memories into activities that match the person’s current functioning. For example, if competitive poker or bridge was a favorite social activity, playing a more casual or simpler version with fewer rules if needed can engage the person, connect with that part of his past, and provide a meaningful way to interact with others.”

The more you can stimulate the mind while adhering to the needs and comfort of the person diagnosed, the better. Jessica Crawford, the writer of the blog FTD and Me, in which Crawford shares her experience caring for her mother before and after an FTD diagnosis, said that she tried many activities until she found one that successfully engaged her mother’s mind and made her genuinely happy: a spa day. She found that the spa day was especially effective because her mother used to love getting her hair and nails done and “feeling pretty,” and being at the spa was a relaxing and calm environment that did not overstimulate her. She even managed to call ahead and arrange an appointment for after-hours so the spa was not crowded with strangers, who may have intimidated her mother.

The activities you engage with or have your loved one engage with will change over time as the disease progresses, but it is important that new activities are found whenever possible. In the more advanced stages of the disease, it might be helpful to seek out support groups or community resources that specialize in FTD patients. Many groups will hold activity nights catered toward FTD patients that can be extremely rewarding to take part in.

Life with FTD is not easy – but with the right resources and support network, a person can continue to stay engaged, active, and most of all – not feel so alone.

We want to 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 long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone is 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. On the next episode of All Home Care Matters we will be discussing Tips for Helping to Avoid Bed Sores.

Here are the sources used for this episode:

https://www.ftdandme.co.uk/

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/dementia/frontotemporal-dementia#:~:text=Frontotemporal%20dementia%20(FTD)%2C%20a,personality%2C%20language%2C%20and%20movement.

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

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-dementia/frontotemporal-dementia

https://memory.ucsf.edu/dementia/ftd

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/treatment-and-management-frontotemporal-disorders

http://ftd.med.upenn.edu/living-with-ftd-related-disorders

https://www.helpinghandshomecare.co.uk/blog/living-with-frontotemporal-dementia/

https://www.alzheimers.net/11-7-14-caregivers-frontotemporal-degeneration

https://www.crisisprevention.com/Blog/Caring-for-Persons-With-Frontotemporal-Dementia-FT

https://www.theaftd.org/living-with-ftd/coordinating-care/

https://www.alzheimers.gov/life-with-dementia/planning-for-future

https://www.theaftd.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/AFTD-40-pg-booklet-NewDiag_Website.pdf

https://www.asccare.com/stages-of-frontotemporal-dementia/

https://www.brightfocus.org/alzheimers-disease/article/what-are-stages-frontotemporal-dementia

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/types-frontotemporal-disorders

If you spend a lot of time with an aging loved one, you might notice that their relationship with food has begun to change. It’s not uncommon for seniors to eat less, to forget to eat entirely, or even to eat too much. It varies depending on the person, but many seniors will experience diet changes as they get older.

Maybe they are hesitant to eat – they tell you that they’re just not hungry, that seniors don’t require as many calories, that they’ll rifle through the pantry if they need anything. Maybe they’re only eating junk food or drinking more alcohol than usual – and they tell you that they’ve “got it under control” and they just like to treat themselves sometimes. You might notice that your parent is experiencing weight changes as the food in their refrigerator spoils.

It might feel confusing, disheartening, and worrying to watch your parents’ changing relationship with food. It could feel like a fight to get them to eat dinner and it can be alarming to see the expired food piling up in their kitchen.

Bad eating habits (including neglecting to eat at all or choosing to eat very little) can have serious impacts on a person’s health – especially as their bodies are aging and sicknesses are harder to fight. A healthy, balanced diet can prevent a myriad of diseases as it strengthens the immune system, keeps a person feeling energized and upbeat, and generally improves the quality of life.

On today’s episode, it’s all about how to help your loved ones follow a healthy diet. We’ll talk about why changes in diet are common among seniors, the proven benefits of healthy eating for seniors, meal preparation tips, and specialized diets for seniors who are facing other health difficulties. It’s time to get your loved one eating right again.

While you might feel sad or even frustrated when your mom or dad refuses dinner, it’s important to understand why their relationship with food is changing. Here’s the hard truth. According to the CDC, a staggering 20% of adults aged 55 and older have a mental health disorder, such as anxiety, cognitive impairment, or depression. Even more specifically, the CDC has found that 7 million adults over the age of 65 are affected by depression.

Depression and feelings of loneliness, isolation, or anxiety are particularly common among seniors who are living alone. Side effects of depression and loneliness include lethargy, laziness, and lack of motivation. For many seniors who are experiencing these feelings, the thought of meal preparation feels exhausting. It’s simply easier to snack from a bag of chips or head to bed without a bite.

In addition to mental health struggles, as people age, they are more susceptible to physical health problems that might make eating and cooking much harder than before. If they are living through diabetes, congestive heart failure, or even cancer – they will need to follow a specialized diet that can be difficult to maintain. They might also suffer from an extreme lack of appetite when they are not feeling well. Others still, particularly Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s patients, might have trouble chewing and swallowing – making eating feel daunting and not worth the effort. They could also have mobility issues that keep them from cooking their own meals or working their way around the kitchen. 

Believe it or not, dignity might even get in the way. For some seniors, after they are no longer able to drive, they are eager to hold onto any independence that they have left. That means being hesitant to ever ask for help – even if they need it. Sometimes, seniors simply don’t eat because they don’t have a ride to the store for food – and they feel that asking for help will mean failure. Keep in mind that a loss of independence can feel crushing to many aging adults. Some fear that asking for help with simple errands will lead to their children putting them in a nursing home or hiring extra care.

Financial issues also come into play. Seniors who are struggling financially might be less likely to go to the grocery store or even order food for delivery. They might not want to admit that they are struggling and refuse to ask for help, once again afraid of losing their dignity and independence.

For seniors struggling to maintain a healthy diet, there can be terrible consequences. We all know that healthy eating is important regardless of our age – but this is especially true for older adults. Studies by the National Institute on Aging have found that a healthy diet can reduce the risk for diseases like Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and diabetes. At the same time, it can help seniors stay independent for longer – as their bodies are simply better prepared to fight off illness.

We may worry that our parents poor eating habits are keeping them from living their best lives and putting them at risk. The good news is that for most seniors, regardless of why they are no longer eating the way they used to, it doesn’t have to be too terribly difficult to get them eating right again. The biggest factor for many seniors is convenience. If they do not have to worry about meal prep or the chore of cleaning the kitchen after cooking, that will make an enormous difference.

There are weekly food subscription boxes like Snap Kitchen and Thrive Market that send pre-packaged and pre-made healthy meals that simply need to be popped into the microwave. This might be the ideal option for family caregivers who do not want to spend most of their week cooking and cleaning after each meal. These meals are better than those found in the frozen aisle at the store, because they are specially prepared by chefs with fresh, healthy ingredients and offer a wide variety of meal options (so your loved one won’t have to eat the same thing every day). These services might seem expensive on first glance, but when you consider that they’ll pretty much replace grocery shopping, the price tends to even out. Snap Kitchen costs $11.67 per meal and sends 6-12 meals a week. Thrive Market sends 10 meals a week for $89.99.

If you have the time, you can also prepare meals for your loved one yourself. Some families choose to cook meals in bulk one day a week and drop them off at their loved one’s home in Tupperware containers. That makes meal prep so easy for seniors – who just have to pop the food in the microwave – and you can be sure that you’re making food you know your loved one likes.

Pre-packaged meal prep, whether you order a subscription or make it yourself, is often the best option for seniors who live alone. After all, cooking for one can feel depressing and exhausting for many people – especially those who have recently lost a spouse and are not used to living by themselves. When they have a meal ready to go, they don’t have to face the pain that can coincide with cooking for one. 

If your loved one has a hired caregiver, then the caregiver might take on the cooking, feeding, and cleaning themselves – which, of course, can be an enormous help. Just make sure that they are following healthy recipes that your parent loves and not cooking the same three meals every single week. Just like you wouldn’t want to eat the same thing every day, neither does your parent. 

When it comes to handling meal prep either by yourself or with the help of a hired caregiver, there are steps you can take to make sure the meal is healthy, easy to prepare, and enjoyable for your loved one. Begin by choosing one day each week to sit down with your loved one and plan out the meals for the week ahead. Once you’ve come up with a list, write down all the ingredients you’ll need – and see if you can repeat any meals, or repeat any ingredients to save time and money. Left over chicken, for instance, can be chopped up and put in chicken noodle soup later on. Try to come up with recipes that will last in the refrigerator for a few days, so your parent doesn’t have to eat it all at once and can have easy access to leftovers.

Once you have the meals and ingredients, you can talk to your loved one about meal prep. Do they want you to drop off meals at the beginning of each week that they can heat up in the microwave or do they want to cook anything together? For some seniors, time spent in the kitchen can be fulfilling and exciting, especially if it means spending time with their adult children or grandchildren. You can pick one or two days a week where you cook together (just make sure that your loved one isn’t taking on more than they can handle).

When it comes to choosing meals, look for meals with lean protein, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. To make sure that your loved one is getting all the nutrients they need, you can head to MyPlate online, where you can see exactly how the food groups should be divided onto every plate.

Examples of healthy breakfasts include foods like hard boiled eggs and fruit, oatmeal with berries, yogurt, peanut butter toast, or whole grain pancakes. Lunch might include meals like chicken noodle soup, quinoa salad, omelets, salmon wraps, or tuna sandwiches. Dinner could include Alaskan salmon, meat and potatoes, protein fueled pasta, or chicken salad.

If your loved one does want to try cooking, make sure that the kitchen is safe and ready to go. For tips on how to keep the room safe for meal prep and eating, listen to our episode on kitchen safety. Once the kitchen is good to go, make sure that the utensils your loved one will use are easy to maneuver and safe. That means finding ergonomic cooking utensils, like rocker knives, that could help your loved one chop vegetables even if they are suffering from arthritis. Making the kitchen a fun and safe place to be will help make cooking fun again for your loved one.

Of course, everyone is different, and some seniors might be experiencing health issues that require a specialized diet. If your loved one is using blood thinners, has diabetes or congestive heart failure, or has recently suffered from a stroke, they will need to follow certain diets in order to stay healthy and avoid greater health risk. The same is true for those with cancer or other potentially life-threatening diseases.

If your loved one is at risk of blood clots or has had them in the past, they will likely be taking blood thinners. Blood thinners can mean the difference between life or death for many seniors – but they also mean avoiding certain foods that can interfere with the blood thinner and put them at risk.

If you or your loved one is taking blood thinners, be sure to talk extensively with your doctor about what diet to follow. Remember, everyone is different and what you can eat might vary depending on any other illnesses you are facing or other medications you might be on.

Still, for the most part, people on blood thinners will be told to avoid foods that contain vitamin K. Vitamin K can intercept the blood thinners, causing them to malfunction, and leading to blood clots. Most patients will not have to cut out vitamin K entirely – but they will need to avoid consuming large amounts of it.

Leafy, green vegetables like kale, brussels sprouts, chard, collard greens, and spinach are especially high in Vitamin K. These should be avoided entirely for anyone taking blood thinners. You can replace these vegetables with carrots, green beans, and asparagus to make up for the loss of nutrients.

Other foods that should be avoided are foods that thin blood – that’s because if you are on blood thinners and eating blood thinning foods, your blood can become too thin and lead to excessive blood loss. Blood thinning foods include cranberry juice and alcohol. Your safest bet is to stick to water and make sure you’re always hydrated.

If you have diabetes, healthy eating is essential to controlling your disease – and maybe even reversing it. The most important thing for diabetes patients to do is to lose a little weight – in fact, losing as little as 5% of your weight can lower your blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure – and your healthy diet will improve your energy, mood, and quality of life. Avoid junk food and eat more fruits and vegetables, high fiber meals like cereals and whole grain breads, fish, chicken, turkey, eggs and beans.

If you have congestive heart failure, or CHF, eating too much sodium or drinking too many fluids makes your heart work even harder to get extra blood through your blood vessels. Eating a low-sodium diet will help you to stay heart-healthy and avoid any serious risk to your heart.

It is recommended that patients with CHF eat foods like fruits and veggies that are already low in sodium, along with salt-free lean meats, fish, poultry, beans, eggs, milk, pasta, oatmeal, and sodium-free rice. When cooking, either cut the sodium entirely from recipes, or use half or less of the recommended amount. Avoid eating fast food, junk foods, or anything else high in sodium.

If you’ve recently suffered from a stroke, your doctor has likely spoken with you about the importance of maintaining a healthy diet. Healthy eating can help you heal faster, while allowing you to avoid suffering another stroke or heart problems in the future.

It is recommended that those recovering from a stroke eat plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and seeds. Fish is an excellent protein choice and can be mixed with leafy greens and rice for a well-balanced dinner option. 

You should avoid anything high in sodium or in sugar. Processed foods can lead to ischemic strokes – which stroke victims are at a higher risk for – so stick to plant-based diets and low-sodium or sodium-free meals and sugar-free meals. Trade in soda for water (carbonated water might help with the switch) and avoid drinking fruit juice or sports drinks.

It’s hard for seniors to follow a healthy diet for a myriad of reasons – but when they do, they’ll find that they feel so much more energized, happier, and even more independent. Not to mention, their risk for disease is lowered and their quality of life is heightened. Start helping your loved one prep their meals today, so they can stay healthy and happy as long as possible.

We want to 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 long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone is 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. On the next episode of All Home Care Matters we will be discussing Frontotemporal Dementia.

Here are the resources used for this episode:

https://www.care.com/c/stories/5445/quick-easy-healthy-meals-for-seniors/

https://companionsforseniors.com/2018/09/how-to-help-your-elderly-parents-with-meal-prep/

https://www.rightathome.net/blog/meal-prepping-for-aging-parents

https://medium.com/ayuda-care/single-serving-make-ahead-meals-for-seniors-8ab96a7ba6fc

https://www.caringseniorservice.com/services/meal-preparation

https://cphs.wayne.edu/occupational-therapy/resources/nutrition_-_a_simple_guide_to_meal_prep_for_older_adults.pdf

https://www.livestrong.com/article/517108-a-good-diet-when-taking-blood-thinners/

http://www.secondscount.org/healthy-living/healthy-living-detail?cid=05b6a497-6598-43d5-b549-d64e03e94f8c#.YFTbJrRKhfU

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/diets/the-diabetes-diet.htm

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/16-best-foods-for-diabetics

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324416

https://www.everydayhealth.com/stroke/diet-after-a-stroke.aspx

https://www.cdc.gov/aging/pdf/cib_mental_health.pdf

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/healthy-eating

https://www.ncoa.org/article/healthy-eating-tips-for-seniors