Articles for Alzheimer's Family Services

As the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers adding early-onset Alzheimer's disease and related dementias--a term that refers to individuals under age 65--to its list of conditions that qualify for speedier access to disability insurance, AFA has weighed in in support of the proposal.

Here are some options for Adult Day Care in the Pensacola, FL area.

Hi. My name is Holly Herring. I am the Family Centered Care Services Project Manager at Covenant Hospice. I am currently working on a project with Alzheimer’s Family Services. We are in the process of developing a family centered care model for our caregivers and their loved ones. Over the next several months, I will be investigating various services, such as music therapy, massage therapy, in-home physician/nurse consultations, pain management consultations, companion services, dietary ...

In observance of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month we have compiled a list of services Alzheimer’s Family Services provides Pensacola and Northwest Florida.

Activity Corner: Keys to Keeping it Simple this Holiday Season Courtney Cook, BSW The hustle and bustle of the Thanksgiving holiday can present some special challenges for families coping with a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. However, with a little planning you can minimize disruptions and have a joyful holiday celebration for all. Keep it simple. The Holidays often bring with it a feeling of being rushed. These changes in routine and rushed feeling can often bring mental exhaustion ...

Wandering is relatively common in patients with middle stages of Alzheimer’s disease. They often have an urge that they must go somewhere. However, due to their memory impairment they run the risk of getting lost. For the caregiver this can at times be nerve racking and quite stressful. Below are some facts and tips that can help you cope with a wandering loved one. Environmental factors that can lead to wondering: Loud noises or a lot of distractions  ...

Eating difficulties are a common problem encountered in caring for one with Alzheimer’s disease. As the disease progresses, getting the person to eat may become more challenging. In this handout some of the common reasons for decreased appetite are addressed as well as some of the steps you can take to overcome this challenge. It may be helpful to ask yourself the following questions: Is there something physically preventing then from eating? Things to look for: Ill fitting ...

Incontinence, which is the inability to hold ones urine, is an embarrassing, yet common problem. It is especially common in individuals with advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease. In many instances there is nothing the caregiver can do to prevent incontinence. However, there are steps one can take to reduce the occurrences of incontinence as well as reducing the negative health effects associated with incontinence. In this handout some of the common causes of incontinence are discussed as ...

Learn how socializing with others affects the aging process

“65” is often considered a turning point. And so it is as well for Alzheimer’s disease: with age the greatest risk factor for the brain disorder, the number of people with the disease doubles every five years beyond age 65. However, this milestone can also be looked at positively—a time to really concentrate on successful aging. By incorporating these 15 steps into your daily life, people over 65 (and under 65) can help protect their bodies and brains as they age.

It’s a reality in our culture that women grow up in the kitchen. As young girls, we are taught to help out our mothers in the kitchen, as teens we begin to learn how to prepare simple meals, by the time women reached adulthood preparing meals is something that women are often tasked with for their growing family. As women with Alzheimer’s progress more and more into the disease process we often discourage working in the kitchen. This is a responsible decision as there are many safety issues that

By: Lynn Mortimer, Gulf Breeze Courtyard Assisted Living Facility Having worked in this field for 18 years, I have learned the recurring traits of the family member looking for placement. It is usually a caregiver in a crisis situation. “Mom is in the hospital and they are discharging her today.” Prior, there have been many warnings. Spouses and family members tell the loved one that they will never “put them in a home” and are trying to keep the promise that they made. This is usually ...

By Courtney Cook, BSW Music is one of the best, most effective ways to create a calm, soothing environment. Along with the soothing effect of simply listening, participation also provides an opportunity for loved ones with musical or vocal skills to “show off” and boost their sense of worth and provide enjoyment to listeners. It’s not uncommon for patients who played piano much of their lives to be able to play entire songs flawlessly, yet not remember what they had for ...

By: Dawn Hood-Patterson, MDiv It is never easy to care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, especially if you are the primary or sole caregiver. My grandmother-in-law was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. There was a delay in the diagnosis, mainly because we, as a family, simply didn’t know what we were supposed to be looking for. Come to find out, we were not alone. A 2006 study, “I CAN: Investigating Caregivers’ Attitudes and Needs” Conducted on behalf of The ...

By: Dr. Libby Bellinger, DMin, MDiv, MS, LPC Ellen’s mother, who lives alone, insists that Ellen call her every evening. Ellen is busy many evenings and often finds it difficult to make the nightly phone call. When she learned about a program through her church where volunteers make the calls instead, she was delighted and immediately signed her mother up. “I thought this would be a great solution,” Ellen said. “I can still call Mother most evenings, but when I can’t call, someone will ...

By: Mr. Joe Ross This letter was adapted from the testimonial delivered by Mr. Ross at our 2009 Mozart & Margaritas Event. For the last 3 years I have been the sole caregiver for my 92 yr. old Grandmother, Mary Besal, who is in the end stages of Alzheimer’s Disease. Approximately 1½ years ago my initial contact with Alzheimer’s Family Services was with the Client Services Coordinator, Courtney Cook, who received my very desperate telephone plea for help. At the time of my call to ...

She may have changed the eyeglass prescription as years passed but she never left the optometrist’s office without her defining red frames, except for once. Apparently red was not “in-style” that year and she had to do with another, highly-underappreciated color. That, however, lasted but a few month until she found another pair of red frames. My first Christmas with the family was one like no other. Growing up nearly 3000 miles away from my grandparents I couldn’t remember the last time ...

Flying a kite is an activity that people of all ages can enjoy! For those with Alzheimer’s it’s also a great way to reminisce, provide visual stimulation, and help with fine motor skills. Kites can be purchased at most discount stores or, for a fancier kite, try a hobby store. If your loved one is unable to hold the kite, bring along a comfortable folding chair. Have your loved one watch the kite as you fly it and it soars through the air. You can help to involve your loved one by talking ...

The current treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are focused on treating symptoms and not the underlying mechanisms of the disease. This limitation can be very frustrating for patients, caregivers, and physicians. Until recently the pathways associated with Alzheimer’s were uncertain. Scientists and researchers are still working on understanding exactly what causes the plaques and tangles and how to prevent the destruction of brain cells. Numerous biochemical and cellular pathways ...

By: Courtney Cook, BSW Nature can provide many benefits to the person with Alzheimer’s disease as well as to you: physical exercise, fresh air, and stimulation of multiple senses-sights, sound, smell, and touch. Get some fresh air and enjoy these fun activities outdoors! Garden Together Maintaining a garden of flowers, vegetables, or fruit can be fun and productive. The simple of daily care to flowers and place can give your loved one a sense of purpose and provide comfort in the ...