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 [...]
Are you caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer's? Dementia patients experience big changes in mood and emotion that can be challenging for caregivers. Major physical or emotional changes might be why you landed on this page looking for answers. Memory care, living facilities specializing in dementia care, are just one solution for [...]
The Alzheimer's Association shared that more than 6 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer's in their 2021 Facts and Figures Report. The report also shared that people age 65 and older survive an average of four to eight years after a diagnosis of Alzheimer's dementia, yet some live as long as 20 years with [...]
Short-term memory often fades quicker for Alzheimer's patients than long-term memory. Procedural memory is part of long-term memory. The brain's long-term memory is stored in the hippocampus. Procedural memory allows Alzheimer's patients to continue doing routine habits and skills. While it is frustrating to see your loved one lose skills, focus on the ones they [...]
