One of the biggest struggles of dementia caregiving is challenging behavior. The most common advice is, "Don't take it personally." And while this advice is correct, it is understandably tough when it is your loved one or spouse.
While many caregivers brave stage five on their own, eventually, hygiene and other daily battles become very difficult to manage alone.
Dementia is a general term for a decline in cognitive function that affects memory, problem-solving skills, language, and daily living functions. Specific types of dementias — including Alzheimer's disease and vascular, Lewy body, and frontotemporal dementia — advance at unique rates and differ from person to person. The seven stages of dementia are separated [...]
Alz.org tells us that more than 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer's or other dementias. In 2021, these caregivers provided more than 16 billion hours of care, valued at nearly $272 billion! Eventually, these families need help and rest. Caregiving is a physically and emotionally taxing experience that can last for years. A [...]
Do you care for a loved one with dementia from home? Have their needs outgrown your capabilities? You aren't alone. Many family caregivers reach the end of their rope caring for a loved one with dementia. Eventually, the needs of their loved ones outgrow the caregiver's capacity - this is normal. When you can no [...]
According to the American Geriatrics Society, many seniors take over ten different medications, with 80% of seniors juggling multiple health conditions. Common conditions include heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, COPD, stroke, Parkinson's disease, and sensory loss. Unfortunately, seeing different doctors for each condition can make it challenging to maximize the quality of [...]
Over 40 million Americans struggle with long-term, chronic sleep disorders. From Alzheimer's to depression, sundowners can keep the elderly awake at night and create behavioral struggles during the day. Studies show that 20% of Alzheimer's patients experience confusion, agitation, and anxiety beginning in the afternoon and evening. Sundowners is often characterized by: Anger Depression Anxiety [...]
Travel can be stressful for your family member with dementia. Changes in routine upset their feelings of stability and familiarity. However, you can set it up so that it is easier for everyone. A good first step towards taking your loved one on a longer trip is to plan a day outing or staycation (overnight in [...]
"Every life deserves a certain amount of dignity, no matter how poor or damaged the shell that carries it." – Rick Bragg It can be easy, when your loved one appears to be a shell of the vibrant human being they were in their youth, to treat them with less respect or awareness of the human being that [...]
Dementia is not a normal part of aging. Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability that interferes with daily life. Dementia occurs due to damage to brain cells, affecting a person's ability to communicate, influencing thinking, behavior, and feelings. Alzheimer's is the most common type of dementia. However, while Alzheimer's is [...]
