Leslie Newlife

Preparing For In-Home Care

by: James Fleming

If you are a family caregiver, you may be supplementing your caregiving responsibilities with an in-home care attendant for your aging parent. In-home care attendants offer assistance helping with everything from activities of daily living like dressing and eating to instrumental tasks like checking mail, refilling prescriptions, and arranging transportation.

They also uniquely provide companionship, emotional support, and mental stimulation that can help older adults feel more engaged and purposeful in life. Once you have come to a joint decision on a home care agency or home care worker, it’s time to prepare for their arrival.

If you’re initiating home care services for your loved one, keep these simple preparation tips in mind:

Discuss your parent’s need with your parent: You may know all the caregiving tasks your loved one requires of you on a regular basis, however, have you stopped to ask them if there is anything else they need help with that they haven’t mentioned. What are the barriers keeping your loved one from living their ideal life? Perhaps there is something more a home care attendant can help with that you were not yet clued in on because your parent didn’t want to burden you.

Print and post a medicine schedule. If your new home care attendant is assisting with medication refills or making sure your loved one takes their medicine on time, it is critical that you have a clearly posted medicine schedule for them to reference. Remember to include the name of the medication, the dosage and frequency at which it is taken, any adverse side effects to watch out for, and the prescribing doctor’s contact information.

Set your loved one up for success. In-home care can be a tool of empowerment that actually helps your loved one build confidence and self-reliance as they can see to more daily activities and tasks. Set them up for success by equipping them with ease-of-use tools like reacher grabbers and dressing aids, adaptive utensils to simplify preparing food and eating, and mobility aids as needed for getting out for walks or exercise.

Set up remote monitoring. If you are interested in seeing how your loved one gets on during the day with their new home care attendant, consider setting up remote monitoring. Many baby monitors these days come with mobile app syncing so you can safely check on your loved one from the convenience of your smartphone. You may also request a live video chat via Skype or Facetime during the day with your loved one and their home care attendant too.

Share the schedule. A daily routine can provide structure and stability for older adults, especially if they have mild cognitive impairment or medical needs (i.e. taking medicine, checking blood sugar levels, etc). Share your parent’s typical schedule with the new home care attendant and even consider posting it so they can stay on track. It can also help your loved one feel more familiar with their day even though a new person is in their home helping them out.

Let them in on the nuances. While your home care attendant will get to know your loved one and form their own relationship with them, you know them best and sharing little details that could help your loved one feel more at ease with a new person is good. Perhaps there is a story your loved one enjoys telling, or a pillow they like to sit with while they watch TV, or a friend they like to call after lunch.

Make necessary home upgrades. If your home care attendant is helping your loved one get up, get dressed, use the bathroom, or take a shower, your home may be in need of some quick, easy upgrades. Installing rails on the bed and grab bars by the toilet and shower will simplify these tasks for your home care attendant as well as make the whole process safer for your loved one.

Suggest meal ideas. If you have not prepared meals to be reheated by your home care attendant, you may instead want to list off available items in the house for eating as well as what your loved one likes to eat for breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner. If your parent puts up a bit of a fight regarding food with their home care worker, they’ll be able to say too that they spoke with you and they know that your parent loves peanut butter and honey sandwiches, for example.

Set expectations. Be ready to set expectations for your home care worker about not just what your loved one needs help with, but what you expect as far as punctuality, phone use while on the job, basic cooking and housework skills, and communication with you while they are with your loved one.

Top 10 Ways To Increase the Quality of Life for Seniors In Senior Homes

by: Cynthia Madison

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1.5 million people live in nursing homes in the U.S and although satisfaction levels among residents and families have increased exponentially over the years, there still are many improvements that can be made to increase the quality of life.

To do that, it’s essential to look beyond the basic requirements of cleanliness, safety and staff professionalism and see senior homes from a holistic perspective: senior homes shouldn’t just be buildings that give seniors a roof over their head and medical supervision, but a new home where they can live in peace, dignity and happiness. Only by doing this can senior homes convince seniors and their families that senior care is a beneficial long-term solution, not the beginning of the end.

1.      Give nursing home residents more personal attention

New research released by the School of Public Health reveals that loneliness is a major issue in nursing homes and that the amount of personal attention received from the staff influences quality of life directly. On average, nursing home residents only spend a cumulated 20 minutes with staff every day, which is not enough to closely monitor residents’ physical health and wellbeing. To increase quality of life, nursing home staff might try to spend more time with seniors, and interactions should not be limited to basic feeding or medication services.

2.      Create a safe and comfortable environment Senior couple image

Most certified senior homes in the States provide residents with an adequate level of comfort, but the administration should aspire to be more than just adequate. A room that only has a bed, nightstand and TV has a very austere, hospital feel and is a downgrade from the senior’s home, so administration should try as much as possible to create a warm space that feels like home. Add decorations and wall art, allow residents to bring items that remind them of home and take into account that a well-planned interior can help elders with cognitive impairments make better sense of their surroundings.

3.      Facilitate social interactions

In addition to encouraging senior home staff to have meaningful personal interactions with the residents, it’s equally important to facilitate the development of a social network between seniors. Research shows that an active social life is essential for seniors because it can help them cope with the loneliness of losing a spouse or the physical changes of aging. Encourage residents to start storytelling groups, take part in group activities and interact with other elders living in the same facilities.

4.      Provide healthy, nutritious meals

Healthy nutrition is just as important in senior years as it is in childhood and the meals senior home residents eat do influence their general mood and wellbeing. In addition to respecting the dietary requirements imposed by pre-existing health conditions, senior homes should offer residents meals that are rich in fibers, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid bland meals as much as possible and aim for diversity when developing meal plans.

5.      Diversify past-time activities

Residents in senior homes have a lot of free time and the way they spend it often determines their perception of the facility. Residents should never feel that they’re bored or trapped in a senior  home. On the contrary, the facility should offer them a wide array of age-appropriate activities they can choose from. For some, reading is the ideal way of spending their time, so your public library or local bookstore should be packed full of lots interesting books and magazines. Others prefer gardening, playing a musical instrument, playing board games, knitting, pottery or painting. Every person now in your senior home used to have a vibrant life – and that should not stop the minute they walk your threshold.

6.      Keep them physically active

Physical exercise is essential for seniors, because it boosts cardiovascular health, increases mobility, reduces muscle pain and mood disorders. Although intense exercise routines are not recommended for safety reasons, there are many other activities that can keep seniors physically active: stretching, yoga, walking, dance lessons, swimming, climbing stairs, or light physical exercises. Apart from the obvious health benefits, they have also been linked to reducing the risk of slip and falls, which are one of the most common accidents in senior homes.

7.      Monitor their mental health

A physically fit resident isn’t necessarily a healthy resident, so staff should also be preoccupied with their mental health. Depression caused by loneliness is a massive issue among seniors, so it’s essential to monitor changes in mood and behavior. Changes in appetite, sleep disorders, and general apathy are serious warning signs and if you suspect a resident is struggling with mental health issues you should not hesitate to sign them up for counseling.

8.      Get the residents involved in community initiatives

Although they live in a senior home, residents should not feel isolated from the local community. On the contrary, getting involved in social causes and helping those in need can give them a sense of purpose and personal fulfillment. For example, in 2016, Rockport Healthcare Services became the first organization to involve every nursing home and assisted living community they serve in fulfilling community service through its A Heart to Serve program. As part of this program, seniors in nursing homes prepare meals for the homeless and deliver them personally to homeless shelters.

9.      Allow pets in the nursing home Elderly with pet image

In 2014, Washington-based nursing home Sunrise Senior Living partnered with local pet shelters to fight for two noble causes: help residents deal with loneliness and give abandoned pets a second chance. Ever since, more and more nursing homes have initiated similar programs and some even put in place bring-your-own-pet policies, which allow seniors to live with their beloved companions in nursing homes.

10. Incorporate new technologies

Times are changing and the average senior no longer rejects technology. On the contrary, more and more seniors over the age of 65 own a smartphone, play computer games and have an active social media presence. Setting up a special area with gaming consoles and computers where residents can use Skype to talk to relatives is the latest trend in senior home care and in the following years, this will become the norm.

Home Care vs. Assisted Living vs. Retirement Communities: Which Option Is Right for Your Future?

by: Cynthia Madison

Understanding senior care and housing services can sound complicated, considering the many options that exist in the United States, but it’s something that you need to navigate if you want to secure a safe and happy future for your retirement years.

When thinking about elder care, nursing homes automatically come to mind, but they are just one of several options you have at your disposal. Here’s how to choose the best one depending on your lifestyle, personal preferences, and health state:

Home careElderly man image

What is it?

Also known as assisted living, home care means that you will still be living at home, but you will be looked after by a professional caregiver. Depending on the case, this caregiver can either live with you full time or only be present at mutually established hours.

Who is it for?

Home care is becoming a popular option among seniors and their families because it still provides a sense of comfort and intimacy to seniors, while at the same time giving their families peace of mind. Home care is a viable solution in these situations:

  • As need supervision and care because you have sustained an injury, or you are recovering after an accident/surgery.
  • You live alone and your relatives are unable to offer you continuous care.
  • You suffer from a locomotor disorder or have a high risk of slip and fall accidents.
  • You don’t have a severe health condition that requires professional medical supervision, but you need someone to help you take your medicine, cooking, personal hygiene, or getting around.

Because you will still be living in the comfort of your home, home care involves no lifestyle changes and requires no getting used to. You will still be living the same independent life, you can go out whenever you like and you can practice your hobbies. The only difference is that someone will be around you when you need them and, if something happens, they will alert the family immediately.

Things to consider:

Home care is a great option for seniors and their families, but your experience with it greatly depends on the professionalism, expertise and approach of the hired caregiver.

The safest option is to contact a certified company that offers senior home care services, because their staff is well aware of the needs and special requirements of senior citizen. They know how to interact, how to provide basic medical care and first aid measures and how to make aging a little easier.

However, many families prefer hiring an independent caregiver, either because they don’t have access to professional caregiving services or because they think this is more cost-effective. In this case, a thorough people search is absolutely mandatory. If possible, work only with caregivers recommended by friends and family, and, if not, do a thorough background search. After all, that person will be inside your hours for hours on end and your safety will depend on them.

Elderly woman imageNursing homes

What is it?

A nursing home is a professional accredited facility that provides permanent residence for seniors. Nursing home staff have more advanced medical skills and provide round-the-clock surveillance for residents.

Who is it for?

Compared to home care, nursing homes offer long term supervision and care for seniors who can no longer look after themselves. In most cases, nursing home residents are over the age of 70 or they are younger, but suffer from a severe health condition. Nursing homes are a great option if:

  • Your health state is not bad enough to be admitted to hospital, but you need something more than home care.
  • You suffer from a serious health condition that requires constant surveillance, such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, dementia or cancer.
  • Your home environment is not safe for your medical condition and you need a place with a high level of security.
  • You must be surrounded by highly skilled nursing staff who can help you take your daily prescription meds, monitor your health and administer emergency services if necessary.

Things to consider:

Nursing homes are currently undergoing a culture change and are no longer the stark, austere places people imagine them to be. On the contrary, quality standards have been raised and now not only can you find a reliable nursing home, but also enjoy more variety in terms of lifestyle options. Many nursing facilities offer their residents opportunities for socializing, practicing their hobbies and getting involved in the community, so keep that mind when making a decision.

Retirement communities

Elderly playing chess imageWhat is it?

Retirement communities are large housing complexes designed exclusively for senior residents who can look after themselves, but need services and amenities matching their needs and interests. Residential communities are usually located in warm regions in the United States (Florida, California, Arizona, Texas) and in some of them healthcare services are also provided.

Who is it for?

Retirement communities are an excellent option for financially stable seniors who want to live their retirement years in a peaceful setting, having access to services and events that meet their needs. Choose this option if:

  • You are retired, but in good health and can look after yourself.
  • You want to live with your spouse and be surrounded by a friendly like-minded community.
  • You don’t want to worry about home maintenance issues such as lawn care, snow shoveling or chimney repairs.

Things to consider:

When choosing your retirement community, consider your small term as well as long term needs. Some communities also have healthcare services available, so you might to invest in those if you want to continue living there as you get older, instead of moving to a nursing home.

4 Ways Caregivers Can Tell if Sleep is Affecting a Senior’s Wellbeing

Elderly sleeping imageAs we age, we all sleep less. In fact, seniors sleep less than any other age group, despite the fact that proper rest is a crucial factor in maintaining good health. Sleep helps prevent both long and short-term illnesses as well as stress-related issues, problems that often plague the senior community. Therefore, as a caregiver, it’s important to keep an eye on the sleep patterns of your senior patients. Read on for the specific signs of sleep affecting a senior’s health and how you can help your patients address the issue.

  1. Worsening memory

While some memory loss is expected with age, it can also be exacerbated by lifestyle choices. If you notice your patient’s memory beginning to slip on small things, a lack of sleep may be to blame. Sleep improves the brain’s ability to recall things by consolidating memories and processing them for long-term storage. If you notice your senior patient having unusual difficulty learning new skills, remembering information, or concentrating for long periods of time, you may want to consider helping them readjust their sleep patterns for improved memory storage.

  1. Anxiety

Keep an eye out for signs of anxiety in a senior, including irritability, fatigue, restlessness and avoidance. These are often signs of inadequate rest. Too little sleep can cause the body to go into survival mode, releasing high amounts of stress hormones and causing anxiety. This can trigger insomnia, rapid heart rate, fatigue and irritability in seniors, often aggravating common age-related discomforts. Ensuring your patient is getting proper rest should return their hormone levels to a normal state and alleviate any additional anxiety they may feel.

  1. Poor heart health

If your patient is experiencing unusual, or unexplained cardiovascular issues, they might not be getting enough sleep. The added stress that accompanies a lack of rest can put a lot of pressure on senior hearts. Forced to pump more blood faster, they can easily get overworked. This often leads to high blood pressure, inflammation and heart disease, a condition which affects nearly 68 percent of adults between the ages of 60-79. If you notice any spikes in heart-related issues in your patient, consider asking about their sleep quality. Proper rest can help regulate their cardiovascular system and allow their heart to recover after strenuous days. If this doesn’t alleviate the issue, consider a medical visit.

  1. Weight problems

Sleep regulates hormone levels, including those responsible for appetite and hunger, so consistently missing a few hours can prevent the body from keeping its hormones in healthy proportions. If you notice your senior patient’s weight fluctuating without a disease-related explanation, they likely aren’t getting enough rest. The hormone imbalance that poor sleep can cause often leads to unhealthy nutritional choices and, ultimately, weight gain, especially in seniors who get less exercise. Keep your patient’s appetite-related hormones in check by encouraging them to drink a glass of water after waking up and get around eight hours of sleep every night.

Tips for better sleep

  • Take a melatonin supplement. The hormone melatonin regulates sleep patterns and is responsible for feelings of tiredness. While it occurs naturally in the body, you can give your patient supplemental melatonin in a pill or through snacks like almonds or kiwi for an added boost.
  • Stick to a routine. It’s important to help your patient keep their body on a bedtime and wake-up schedule because it will make it much easier for them to fall asleep on time. Be strict about them going to bed at the same time every night and not sleeping in for too long. This will create a maintained internal sleep rhythm that will help them stay on track.
  • Unwind. Stress can keep seniors from settling into sleep. Help your patient avoid or unload unnecessary stress and anxiety by practicing calming techniques with them before bed every night. Reading, bathing, stretching, or even praying can all have a relaxing effect and help the brain get better sleep.
  • Take a warm bath. Many seniors struggle with arthritis and stiffness which can keep them up at night. Taking a warm bath will not only loosen their joints and relieve some of these aches, but it can also help calm their mind and prepare for a deeper sleep.
  • See a doctor. If your patient has persisting sleep issues, consider encouraging them to consult a doctor or sleep specialist. Professionals may be able to diagnose a sleep disorder or give your patient more specialized treatment.

There are so many ways that sleep can benefit the mental and physical well-being of your senior patients. Make sure you’re helping them get plenty of rest so they’ll stay healthy and happy! New LifeStyles can help you take better care of your patients and yourself.

How to Achieve a Pain-Free Lifestyle

No Pain imageAs we get older, it only becomes increasingly common for us to feel pain in areas we’ve never felt before. While there are many ways that we can actively stay healthy and fit, as we age, so do our bodies. Whether it’s our back, our neck, or our hips, maintaining a healthy and pain-free lifestyle in our later years can feel next to impossible. If it’s pain that is just starting to appear or if you’ve recently had surgery and are in recovery mode, there are three simple ways to help you have achieve a pain-reduced lifestyle for 2019.

Purchase Pain-Relieving Products

The possibilities of where pain can hit our bodies are just endless. That’s why it’s the smart move to invest in certain items that will help relieve your pain as much as possible. If you’re one of the 50 million Americans who regularly experiences chronic pain, the Quell band is a recommended piece of technology that you can wear around your leg for relief. The band works to stimulate the sensory nerves in your calf which then sends signals to your brain to trigger your body’s natural pain blockers. If you’re not a fan of using pills for relief or just feel like you’ve tried everything with no results, it’s really worth it to check out new and innovative solutions for chronic pain. As back pain is a common issue and can be triggered by many possible factors. It’s very possible that it could be coming from what you’re wearing underneath your clothes. With over 97% of women complaining about their bra fit, it’s important that when shopping for your next bra, that it fits you in all the right places. If you’re unsure of how a correctly fitting bra should fit and feel, it’s helpful to look at a bra size guide. This will lead you towards a well-fitting bra that is both comfortable and supportive.

Use the Facilities in Your Community

Whether you’re living in assisted living or independent living, chances are the community that you live in offers beneficial facilities. When living in a community, look for walking paths, available physical therapists, fitness centers including personal trainers and pools. Each of these will be beneficial in helping to relieve any pain you might be feeling. If you’re working with a personal trainer or a physical therapist, let them know beforehand of where you’re feeling pain. Doing so will help you stretch in all the right places and work out the appropriate muscles. As far as pools go, there are many forms of pool therapy that have been seen to be effective in chronic pain relief. For pool therapy options, there is aquatic therapy, aqua jogging, water yoga or simply just floating. As each form of therapy offers different kinds of relief, it’s helpful to do your research and check out the exact benefits that each kind of pool therapy offers.

Find the Right Way to Recoup

If you or a family member has recently had surgery, have just been involved in an accident or have just overcome from an illness, chances are some form of rehabilitation will be needed. Whether you need to hire a caretaker, a physical therapist, find a rehabilitation facility or move to a nursing home, it’s essential that you find the right way to recuperate. Luckily for seniors, much of the rehab necessities will be covered by insurance or Medicare. No matter what happened, it’s key that you figure how long of a rehabilitation you will need. If it’s short-term, a nursing home may be the right option for you as many offer an inpatient rehabilitation service. If it’s long-term, you may want to look into a permanent caretaker or a nursing home that offers long-term rehab care.

What are some of your recommendations for achieving a pain-free lifestyle?

Connect With Your Patient Through Quilting: 7 Activities for Seniors

by: Susan Ashby

Arts and crafts have a long tradition of connecting generations. Quilting is no different. For hundreds of years, families have passed down the craft, signature patterns and plenty of stories to boot.

Why quilting is a great activity for seniorsQuilt image

Quilting requires crafters to use their entire brain, both the creative side and the analytical side. It’s one enormous geometry problem that you solve with your hands. But, unlike your 9th-grade math homework, this one problem is fun to figure out.

A quilting project involves choosing patterns, fabrics and colors you like. And because it’s tactile and hands-on, it helps crafters maintain hand-eye coordination, finger strength and dexterity. Additionally, crafting has been proven to reduce depression and chronic pain, as well as to protect the brain from age-related damage.

Another reason to put quilting on the list of activities for seniors: It’s social. Quilting is a fantastic way to strengthen personal relationships, make new friends and positively impact your community—all while bringing purpose and activity to the daily life of your senior patient.

There are dozens of ways to build a quilting hobby for you and your loved one. Get started with our seven favorite quilting activities for seniors:

Take a field trip to a quilt show or exhibit

When it comes to quilting, simple nine-square patchwork is just the beginning. There are techniques and designs out there that create true works of art. And they’re all over the place! If you have a nearby natural history museum, chances are good they have a quilt or two on display.

In addition to museum-quality pieces, there are also numerous local, national and international quilt shows held every year all around the world. Most quilt shows feature displays, quilting competitions, meet-and-greets with artisans and fabric designers and workshops to help you learn new skills.

Give seasonal cleaning a surprising new purpose

It can be difficult to get seniors to toss old things, especially clothes or bedding that are still usable–even if they’re stained, holey or ill-fitting. Repurposing these items into a quilt project can make it easier to let them go. It’s also a wonderful way to transform items of personal significance into an heirloom that can be treasured. Spread the word to family members to see if they have any fabrics to contribute, too.

Want to make a t-shirt quilt out of old tees or sweatshirts? No problem! Have your senior patient choose the ones they want to memorialize in a quilt. Then, visit a craft or fabric supply store to pick up interfacing, which will stabilize the stretchy material and make it easier to work with.

Log on to find fresh inspiration

If you’re looking for senior activities that will help your patient become more comfortable with computers, smartphones and the internet, quilting might be a fly-by-night surprise. Quilt designers and hobbyists use the web every day to connect with each other, ask and answer questions and share their work.

For inspiration, try introducing your loved one to social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. For help getting started, search for quilt-focused DIY blogs, online crafting magazines and forums like Reddit that promote community Q&As.

Sit in on a local quilt guild meeting

If you’re on the hunt for accessible, low-key activities for seniors, activity-centric groups are prime picks. There are local quilt guilds in towns large and small across America. They are relaxed environments that are always welcoming to newcomers. And given the surprisingly broad age range of quilters, they present a good chance to make friends across generations.

You can find out about these groups online as well as in local quilting or fabric stores. Some sponsor trips to exhibits and shows, workshops with popular crafters and other social gatherings, too.

Volunteer to make quilts for sick kids

Children’s hospitals and childhood disease foundations across the United States accept quilt donations from crafters. The gifts make these kids’ hospital rooms more cheerful and personal. And knowing that someone cared enough to make a quilt just for them eases the stress and worry chronic illness brings.

Plus, your senior might not have to volunteer from a distance. Research has shown that interaction between seniors and children is beneficial for both demographics. If your patient is healthy, able and willing to spend time with kids, volunteering to read, talk or play with tots at a nearby children’s hospital is one scientifically proven way to keep them engaged with society.

Support a dementia patient with a tactile gift

Dementia and early-onset Alzheimer’s are devastating diseases, but research shows that sensory quilts can help patients and caregivers cope. These sorts of items are crafted for sensory stimulation. Different textures, like fleece, flannel and corduroy, give fidgeting fingers something to do while also calling to mind familiar thoughts.

Whether you’re caring for a patient with dementia or your loved one has friends who are slowly declining, creating a tactile quilt is an activity that maintains bond among the two of you, and between your patient, their memories and their friends.

Get lost in Goodwill

If you’ve been to a Goodwill or a thrift store lately, you know how much of a treasure trove it is. From ’80s wedding dresses to tropical button-ups reminiscent of beach vacations, they’re plum picks for a walk down memory lane with your senior patient.

A nice bonus: You can find scores of good-quality quilting materials for a song. Keep an eye out for interesting patterns and textures, natural fibers and items that are discounted because of a flaw, like a weird stain.

If you’re looking for activities for seniors, quilting belongs at the top of your list. It’s an excellent pick for introverts and extroverts alike. It’s also incredibly easy to get started. While machine quilting is certainly in vogue, piecing and quilting by hand is a time-honored tradition. And all you need to get started is your favorite senior plus fabric, needles, and thread.

 

Author Bio: Susan Ashby joined the Superior Senior Care team in July of 2014 as Community Relations Manager. With over 27 years of experience in geriatric health, Susan brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to Superior Senior Care and plays an integral part in connecting consumers and communities with resources for independent living.

Caring for a Spouse with Dementia: Coping and Support

Caring for a Spouse with Dementia: Coping and Support

Dementia is a scary word. That word gets even scarier when you Senior husband wife imagehear the news that your spouse is diagnosed with dementia.

However, there are ways to cope with the diagnosis and help yourself and your spouse through this difficult time. It takes some adjustments to both of your lives but providing the proper care and dealing with the news is crucial. Luckily, neither of you are alone.

What Is Dementia?

The first thing you need to do is learn exactly what dementia is. It’s best to read up on it and ask your doctor plenty of questions to make sure you understand completely.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, it’s important to clarify that dementia describes a range of symptoms rather than a specific diagnosis. Particularly, these symptoms affect your spouse’s memory and thinking. Dementia is a diagnosis usually pulled in when these symptoms make it hard for a person to complete their daily routine and activities on their own.

If you see that your spouse is showing signs of dementia, it’s imperative that you schedule a doctor’s appointment as soon as you can. This is a condition that usually is progressive, so if it is left alone, it will only get worse.

What Are the Treatment Plans?

When your spouse is diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease, their doctor should give you an idea of what to do and what to expect.

The unfortunate news is that for many types of progressive dementia (such as Alzheimer’s Disease), there is no cure right now. There are some medications that are used to treat the condition by helping to improve some symptoms on a temporary basis.

How to Come to Terms with a Spouse with Dementia

There are many steps you can take to understand a spouse with dementia. Many aren’t simple changes but they are all possible.

Accept Change

The first thing that you need to do when you hear the diagnosis is to reflect on what it means. When a spouse has trouble thinking and remembering like they used to, you are likely to see changes in their personality. This has led many people reacting that they feel like their married to someone they don’t know as well as they once did.

The best way to go about this is to accept that the relationship you and your spouse have will be different than the one you’ve both grown used to. Most suggest that you take the time to grieve what you and your spouse have lost but be ready to change the playbook and redefine your marriage.

This can be challenging but with for many marriages that have lasted almost a lifetime, this challenge is one that can be faced together.

They Might Say Things They Don’t Mean

When you are caring for your spouse and as the disease progresses, you might find yourself on the receiving end of hurtful rhetoric. It’s important to remember that this comes from the disease they are battling and not from any real spite.

You can help yourself and your spouse by trying to bring laughter into your lives. Joking around and keeping each other in light spirits is a good way to battle the angry mood swings they might demonstrate. In addition, it will help you to remember that your spouse still has a bright, loving core through the disease.

Don’t Try to Go It Alone

Just as it’s important that you are there for your spouse, you need people there for you. This is a hard time for both of you and it can go a long way to be able to talk things through with someone else.

It’s also a good idea to use technology to your advantage. For instance, medical alert systems and location devices can go a long way. It’s a harsh truth that no matter how well-cared for your spouse is, you probably won’t have them in your sight every minute of their life. In the case that something happens when you are separated, your spouse can simply press a button for help. Most of these devices immediately reach out to emergency responders when activated and location trackers can help your spouse get help even if they don’t know where they are.

What Can You Do for Your Spouse?

As the diagnosis sinks in, you probably are trying to figure out how you can help your spouse deal with the disease they are now battling. Aside from what we’ve looked at so far, there are some things you can incorporate into your life.

Be Sure to Communicate Clearly

Talking to a spouse with dementia can be hard. They might frequently forget who you are, what your conversation is about, and get distracted by other stimuli.

The first thing to do when you sit down to talk with your spouse is to make sure there isn’t anything that would make a conversation difficult such as a television. Then, when you speak to them, call them by name, and tell them who you are. For instance, “[their name], I’m [your name], your [husband/wife].”

It’s also a good idea to keep things simple. Especially for more severe cases of dementia, it might be hard for your spouse to remember and follow long-winded questions or choose from too many choices. Simple choices such as “Would you like this or this for dinner?” work better than “What do you want to eat?”

Comfort Them

Not being able to remember facts such as where you are or who you’re with can be frightening. As such, it isn’t unlikely that your spouse is feeling scared or anxious as well as confused. When you are working with them, remain calm and comforting to help them stay as at ease as possible.

Don’t Be Afraid to Consult the Professionals

Many spouses try to handle their partner’s symptoms on their own. After all, you love them and want to do what’s best for them. 24/7 care, though, can be difficult and often impossible.

It’s also not a bad idea to recognize when you need to recruit help from a professional caregiver. It isn’t uncommon or bad to call in a caregiver even part-time to help your spouse if you have regular responsibilities that would pull you away from your spouse. It’s also not cruel of you to recognize when you need a few hours to take care of your own needs.

Does Your Community Have a New Resident Orientation Program?

Congrats! You’ve gained another resident. After implementing marketing and sales strategies and great customer service, that potential resident is now your resident. But what’s next? After everything is Community imagecompleted and the resident has moved in, there can still be some uncertainty about moving into a new senior living community as well unanswered questions from not only the senior but their family as well. To combat this, senior living communities should implement new resident orientation when moving in new residents.

New resident orientation should be a program to help seniors become comfortable in your living community. In some cases when a resident moves in to your community this is their first time ever moving into any form of senior living. It is very likely they may have questions about how everything works around your community. Questions can vary from, how to turn the thermostat down, where the cafeteria is or how to get involved in recreational classes. It is your job as the senior living community to provide answers to these questions. A way to help seniors not only feel more comfortable, but their families as well would be to implement the first 100 hours and 100 days rule.


The first 100 hours rule is simple. For the first 100 hours or (3-4 days) of a residents stay, the community will be in constant contact with the resident to make sure that they are settling in comfortably. From making phone calls, or setting up visits to the residents unit, your associates need to be heavily focused on answering any questions or concerns that the resident may have. By making the extra effort to make sure they are adapting to their surroundings, shows your residents that you are care about their well-being.

After the first 100 hours it is still important to be focused on the resident’s needs. Another crucial part of new member orientation is the first 100 days or (3-4 months) of a residents stay. During this time you and your team will still be in contact with the resident once a week to make sure they are still adapting well to the community. During this time you will also need to be in contact with the family of the resident asking them if they have any questions or concerns. By doing this the family of the resident can feel more assured that their loved one is being cared for correctly and will be more likely to tell other friends about the great service their loved one is receiving from your community.

In all implementing the 100 hour and 100 days new resident orientation into your move in process can be beneficial for not only the resident but you as a community. When potential residents learn about this program they might be more susceptible to choosing your community over others leading to more sales. Adding this new resident orientation to your communities move in process could make all the difference.

When is the Right Time to Move to an Assisted Living Community

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by: Acts Retirement-Life Community

Deciding when — and if — it’s a good time to consider moving into assisted living is a highly personal choice. If you’re a caregiver or if you’re making this decision for yourself, here are some common topics to think about. 

Seniors who are feeling the strain of maintaining a safe, happy lifestyle in their current home do have options. They could move to assisted living, or into a relative’s home, or some other solution. Keep in mind that everyone is different, and only you or your loved ones will know when it’s time for a living arrangement that provides you with more care and companionship. 

While there’s no rulebook to guide you, there are common telltale signs that suggest it might be time for someone to consider moving. Use them as guideposts for making your own decision. Here are the most common signs that it might be time to start thinking about moving. 

Important note: Please be aware that there is a distinct difference between independent living and assisted living.  

Independent Living is typically defined as a community of older adults who live in an active community filled with educational, recreational and social activities. Older adults who choose to move to an independent living community typically do so in search of a healthier, worry-free lifestyle that allows them to embrace their passions, make new friends and enjoy life to the fullest.  

Assisted Living, although designed to provide many of the social, recreational and health benefits mentioned above, is designed to cater to the needs of older adults who require a combination of residential housing and supportive health care services. These residents may need additional help with meals, medication or personal care. 

 If you want to learn more about the difference between independent living and assisted living, read about the types of senior living options.  

  1. Signs It’s Time to Make a Change

For some folks, the decision to move is an easy one because circumstances dictate a higher level of care. Here are some examples. 

Safety Becomes an Issue 

When someone faces danger in their own home because of failing health, this is a very large red flag. Memory loss or forgetfulness often causes any or all of the following safety hazards, meaning it’s time to make changes. Some are also considered to be early signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease:  

  • Cooking dangers. The stove accidentally gets left on repeatedly. 
  • Kitchen accidents. These begin occurring more frequently: small fires, broken dishes, burns, burnt food, etc. 
  • Food spoilage. It’s a problem when it goes unnoticed. Sometimes, either because of cognitive problems or neurological damage to the senses, seniors end up eating spoiled milk, rotten meat, and other types of spoiled food that puts them in danger of becoming sick. 
  • Frequent falls. People become frailer as they age and they also begin to lose their sense of balance. This often results in frequent falls which, not surprisingly, are the number one cause of trips to the emergency room for older Americans. 
  • Car accidents. Seniors are often apt to feel challenged when driving, whether it’s because of failing eyesight, decreased mobility, or cognitive issues. They are also statistically more prone to suffer more injuries than younger people when they crash. 
  • Medication mix-ups. Medication schedules and routines are hard for anyone of any age to manage, but seniors often feel extra challenged. Forgetting to take pills, taking the wrong dose, or running out can have serious health consequences. 

 Some of the issues above are caused by a lack of mental stimulation. Read how retirement communities work to prevent cognitive decline in seniors. 

Health Becomes an Issue 

  • Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). The early warning signs of dementia and AD include memory loss. Forgetfulness is natural as we age, but if someone is forgetting whether they ate lunch, that’s a clear sign of a possible health problem. Get checked out by a doctor. If dementia or AD are possibilities, moving to assisted living sooner rather than later can make sense on a number of important levels. Many communities have treatment and care plans that can greatly improve quality of life for people at any stage of dementia. 
  • More trips to the ER. When falls are happening more frequently or when a chronic health issue is worsening, there’s a good chance that someone might need round-the-clock care. In many instances, that level of care requires more than a family caregiver can give. In these cases, moving to assisted living can not only improve the health of a senior, but can also help to improve the relationship to their caregiver. 
  • Problems with the tasks of daily living. When a senior can no longer button their shirt, there’s often a workaround for stiff fingers: zippers, pullovers, etc. But when they’re having trouble with everyday tasks like moving about the house, toileting, or brushing their teeth, there can be health concerns (not to mention quality of life concerns). Moving to assisted living means getting help with those tasks in a dignified manner and a caring environment. 

  1. Subtle Signs that Someone Needs More Care

Sometimes the red flags aren’t as obvious as the danger signs listed just above. Subtle signs that someone is struggling to maintain a normal lifestyle can also mean it’s time to have a discussion. Here are a few examples:  

  • Problems managing finances. With banking changing so fast these days, it’s understandable that older Americans can sometimes feel bewildered by modern money management. But if checks are regularly being bounced, bills are left unpaid, and investments are being forgotten about, it’s time to get some help.  

Want tips? Read Financial Planning Advice for Seniors   

  • Nutrition is suffering. We’re all prone to the occasional nutritional shortcut once in a while, but if someone is eating out of cans or takeout every day, that can be signs of something larger going on. Seniors who are depressed or experiencing mobility issues or cognitive decline often give up on cooking. 
  • Socializing is almost nil. Social circles get smaller as we retire; friends move away and families get spread out across the country. Nevertheless, it’s important to stay social. It’s been proven that isolation can affect a senior’s health as much as tobacco use or obesity. 

Making a Decision 

Asking yourself — or your loved one, if you’re a caregiver — these questions can help you with your decision. But these are by no means the only considerations to make. As you explore your options with your family members or spouse, keep in mind that everyone is different and there may be conversations you’ll want to have beyond the common concerns we’ve outlined here.  

If you find that you are unsure of whether you or your loved one should move to an assisted living facility, you should read about the alternatives to nursing homes. It’s likely that today’s modern, active retirement communities are very different than the nursing home you are picturing in your mind. And Continuing Care Retirement Communities may offer the perfect intermediary solution – they are independent retirement communities that offer extra levels of healthcare based on the need, meaning a senior can live in an active, independent community until such time when true assisted living or even deeper healthcare becomes necessary, and that level of care can occur right within the same campus.  

One final word: what you decide will have an impact on your lifestyle as well as everyone who’s close to you. Ideally, you’ll want to talk things over many times with family members. So give yourself plenty of time and allow yourself the space to make a good choice that not only makes sense, but feels right, too.

Seniors & Technology: Why Smart Glasses Are the Future

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Science fiction authors have written extensively about bionic body parts. Smart glasses are not bionic but are a very real and current example of advanced technology, and now their creators have seniors in mind. Gone are the days of having several different pairs of glasses depending on what one needs at the time: sunglasses, reading glasses, bifocals, etc. While some people will enjoy them for their augmented reality features, anyone with vision problems will appreciate having all-in-one glasses for everyday use. Here’s how smart glasses are a revolution in eyesight for seniors.

They look like regular glasses

Admittedly, some of them — particularly liquid lenses — need improvement in the “style” area, like any new device. But the average consumer’s demand for better quality of life will motivate researchers and engineers to create a pair with the convenience of aesthetic appeal. NuEyes boasts electronic smart glasses that are lightweight, wireless and voice activated.

They focus on what the wearer sees

As we age, our eyes lose the ability to change focus. Seniors and anyone with vision problems find that smart glasses automatically change their focus depending on the wearer’s needs, such as transitioning from reading a book to looking at the distance. Bluetooth allows the wearer to easily update their prescription or add prescriptions for different purposes. The combination of various corrective features in one pair of glasses gives seniors one less thing to worry about, and more time to enjoy life instead of hunting for the bifocals.

They help with many vision problems

Smart glasses promise a better quality of life for the legally blind as well as people with the following conditions:

  • glaucoma
  • retinitis pigmentosa
  • diabetic retinopathy
  • macular degeneration

They help with daily tasks

Seniors who need to take medication regularly or who have trouble recognizing familiar faces will benefit from smart glasses. The glasses remind them when to take their medication, how to check if they’re taking the right one, and discreetly remind them who people are, among other useful features. Seniors with dementia will likewise be less dependent on caregivers. Since smart glasses help seniors deal with daily tasks and social interactions, they’re a great tool for their independence.

Smart glasses combine the single corrections from multiple prescription glasses into one device. Their helpful features, ease of use and widespread appeal make them the future for seniors. New Lifestyles can help you better care for your senior.