Alzheimer's Family Service

Forgetting Disease

noemail@alzfamserv.org — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:00:00 GMT

It is the forgetting disease….forgetting names, places and eventually even loved ones. More and more we seem to be hearing about Alzheimer’s Disease, a disease of memory loss. There’s a good reason we’re hearing more about it. It is a disease of an older population and on the one hand, there is good news. We are living longer, longer than ever. The average life span in this country is approaching 80 years. But with that advancing age comes the opportunity for old age related diseases like arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease. One of those, one of the very important diseases that is often seen in the later years of our life is Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s has been known for well over one hundred years but recently because we are an aging population it is becoming much more important. We know that about 50% of all the people who are 85 years old or older have some degree of Alzheimer’s. Now that may be very mild and early or it could be quite late causing them to require nursing home care. Alzheimer’s robs memories, precious memories, lives full of memories and it has often been called the cruel thief. Just when an older couple is ready to retire and live out their lives together, perhaps traveling, gardening, being there for the family, if one of them develops Alzheimer’s, this thief of a disease steals their memories, steals their independence, and changes the life for not only them but for the whole family.

Alzheimer’s is diagnosed by history. That means the doctor or nurse will ask important questions. There are four major areas in this medical history. One is memory loss, forgetting first of all short term memory— those things that just happened recently. Like where you put the car keys or what you had for breakfast. That memory loss just progresses and goes further and further back in time until sometimes even the husband or wife of fifty years is not recognized by the Alzheimer’s patient. Secondly, is difficulty learning. We all know that our memory is important when we learn. We all can say our ABC’s because we remembered it as a little child. Remember how difficult it was learning all of the state capitals because we had to use rote memory to pass that state capital quiz in school? The third important historic point in the diagnosis is loss of language skills. People actually forget words but they still try to express themselves. Sometimes this has been called jumbled or scrambled sentences. The words just don’t fit in the sentence—the sentence doesn’t come out the right way and the meaning seems to be all twisted. As the disease progresses the fourth point in the medical history becomes very clear to everyone and that’s loss of normal body function. Functions like eating, feeding themselves, recognizing food, being able to dress themselves, even being able to go to the toilet by themselves—that body function is lost as the disease moves on.

Often times the Alzheimer’s patient can stay in the loving care of their family for quite a long time. As long as the family is able to supervise them and help them with everyday activities the patient seems to do well. Often times there is a sentinel event, that one special time, when everyone seems to realize this person has advancing Alzheimer’s and needs more help. That sentinel event, that signaling change, may be something like getting lost out driving to the barbershop or the grocery store and actually not being able to find their way home. Perhaps clothing themselves. Some times the sentinel event is because the patient wasn’t dressed properly or even at all going out on the front porch to check the mail. It could be that the sentinel event, or that important change in an Alzheimer’s patient’s life, is due to a disease like a fall and a broken hip, or a case of pneumonia or a urinary tract infection. This sentinel event often gets the attention of the family, the doctors and the nurses.

Because Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that cannot be cured it is very important for us to recognize it early on in the very early stages when there’s just little short term memory loss. That way, medications like Aricept, Razadyne, Exelon, and Namenda may be added. Now, these medications don’t cure the disease. In fact, they don’t even make it better. But they do slow the process of the disease allowing the patient and their family to have more quality months and years together.

Early diagnosis is very important so that we can make a care plan—actually take care of this patient and their family. Start the medications if they are appropriate. You would have to check with your doctor about that. So, early diagnosis is what this is about. Often times the patient and the family recognize there is a change but we credit old age and not a disease process. We actually make humor out of it. Like someone with a “senior moment”. Or how about a “brain time out”? We all may have said this when we misplace the car keys or can’t find a matching pair of socks. But in fact, these are little hints in older people that actually memory may be failing and could be very early signs. As the disease progresses the patient often allows family members to take over every day tasks like housekeeping, cooking, or paying the bills. Often times the family is happy to do it. They don’t even realize they are seeing changes in this person because they really just want to help.

Whether the Alzheimer’s patient takes medications or not, we know that this is a slowly progressive disease. That means it gets worse all the time. Toward the final stages the changes come more rapidly. But in the early stages, there may not really be changes for a year or two or even more and that patient can often stay in the comfort of their own home. But finally when they are not able to feed themselves or clothe themselves or take care of themselves in the bathroom it becomes clear to their loved ones that they will need more help. Many Alzheimer’s patients eventually need an Alzheimer’s unit or nursing home care.

So if you have someone in your family who seems to be having more “senior moments” or they are unable to perform everyday tasks around the house you would want to visit with your doctor about these changes. I’m Dr. Leonard Hock wishing you the best of health.

Leonard R. Hock, D.O., CMD, is the Senior Vice President of Medical Services for Covenant Hospice.

17-Jun-08 9:00 AM

When It's Time to Stop Driving

noemail@alzfamserv.org — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:00:00 GMT

Driving and Alzheimer’s can be a very dangerous situation. At some point, a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia will have to stop driving. It is usually better to stop sooner than later. It is very rare for a person with Alzheimer’s to voluntarily give up there keys. This decision usually falls on the caregiver and can be a very hard process. Here are some tips that may be helpful while going through this transition.

· Keep a written record of any changes in your loved one’s driving behavior.

· Contact the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to request that your loved one take a driver’s test.

· Talk to your doctor and have them report your loved one’s condition to the DMV.

· Let your loved one know that they can not drive anymore. Remember, however, that Alzheimer’s can rob a person of their ability to reason to don’t spend too much time on explanation. A short statement may be best.

· Driving is a symbol of independence. When your loved one is no longer able to drive they may need some time to grieve. Allow them this time and acknowledge the emotions your loved one is feeling.

· When your loved one asks to drive, try not to tell them “no” right away. Instead tell them that you would like to drive, you’re taking a new route, offer to drive them so that they can rest or tell them that the doctor doesn’t recommend driving because of another illness such as a heart condition.

· Park the car where your loved one can’t see it. Hide the keys, and if the person enjoys having their own set of keys, provide a substitute set that doesn’t work. Like the old saying goes, out of sight out of mind.

· Make the car more difficult to start by disconnecting the battery or have a mechanic install a kill switch which must be deactivated in order for the car to start.

· If you have a particular place that you always take the car for repairs make sure to alert them about your loved ones condition.

· Substitute a photo identification card for a driver’s license. These are available through the DMV.

· Also, remember that as your loved one’s disease progresses they will be less likely to want to leave the safety of home.

11-Jun-08 10:00 AM

Is Covenant Hospice for Alzheimer’s Disease Sufferers? The Answer is, “Yes.”

noemail@alzfamserv.org — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:00:00 GMT

Covenant Hospice services are geared to be supportive for the patient and the family. Most of their hospice patients are cared for in their homes, although Covenant Hospice also supplements the care given to terminally ill nursing home, assisted living facility, and the residents of other home-like facilities. In the areas served by Alzheimer’s Family Services, Covenant Hospice is often able to provide specialized inpatient care in a homelike facility staffed by the hospice professionals.

However, even though a large amount of care is provided in facilities, most patients can remain in a private residence with their family members being the primary caregivers. Covenant Hospice provides a team of professionals to assist but not to take over the care. The hospice nurse visits the patient as often as clinically needed, but at least once a week, and performs assessments to see if there has been any change of status or if new measures might be beneficial for the patient or family. When needed, a home health aide is sent into the home to assist with personal care. Chaplains are available if requested for spiritual support. Covenant Hospice social workers, in additional to social services direct support, also provide information about additional community services and helps coordinate access to those services. Covenant Hospice also has its own physicians who will visit the patient and provides a medical liaison to the patient’s primary physician. When necessary, the Covenant physician is available to assume the primary physician’s role. Some families request a hospice volunteer to help in ways similar to that of a friendly neighbor. For example, the volunteer might keep the patient company while the caregiver runs an errand. Thus, there are a great many services available through Covenant Hospice, which augment and support the services provided by Alzheimer’s Family Services.

Covenant Hospice is able to provide services to patients with a life expectancy on one year or less, although most patients have six months or less to live, that is also the eligibility period for Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement. Although Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a terminal illness, its progression is so slow over a period of years that it is sometimes difficult to determine when the life expectancy has reached the level, which permits admission to hospice. Physicians sometimes have trouble predicting life expectancy especially when the patient is one whom they have followed for years. Families also have trouble realizing when the critical point has been reached. Because of these and other difficulties, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization professionals who treat AD patients have arrived at a set of guidelines that outline what signs and symptoms to look for to help with the prediction of life expectancy, and particularly in the period of one year or less. As we know, AD patients gradually lose physical as well as mental capacity. It is by comparing these guidelines to the abilities of the AD patient, that a six-month life expectancy and hospice eligibility can be determined.

When the AD patient has six months or less to live, he or she is:
Unable to ambulate without maximum assistance,
Unable to sit
Cannot dress himself without assistance,
Cannot bathe himself,
Is incontinent of bowel and bladder,
Is unable to say more than 6 meaningful words a day
Is unable to hold his head up
Does not smile.

If there are other recent complications the life expectancy drops to less than six months. These complications may include:

Aspiration pneumonia
Hip fracture
Recent stroke
Kidney infections (not bladder infections)
Multiple bed sores
Recurrent fever after antibiotic treatment.
Refusing to eat or difficulty swallowing

If you look at these guidelines and believe that your AD patient is ready for the services that Covenant Hospice can provide, or would like an evaluation by a Covenant professional contact AFS or Covenant Hospice or ask your primary physician and request a hospice referral.

Covenant Hospice Admissions: (850) 433-2155 or (800) 541-3072

11-Jun-08 10:00 AM

Occupation Activities

noemail@alzfamserv.org — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:00:00 GMT

As Alzheimer’s patients begin to progress more into the disease process they often times start to regress in their thinking. They may no longer see them selves at their current age, but at a younger more vibrant age at the height of their career. To help alleviate some of the anxiety a person may have try thinking out side the box and giving that person the tools that they may have used in their previous profession. Here are a couple of examples to get you started. Remember you don’t have to get the exact things that they used and you don’t have to spend a lot of money.

Profession included working with their hands- give them a box of wooden tools. Children’s plastic or wooden tools can be picked up at almost any large discount store.
Profession included drawing or drafting- give them a box of color pencils and blank (not ruled) paper.
Profession as a doctor/nurse- give them a box with children’s medical tools in it and if they were a doctor who made rounds in a hospital give them a clip board with a pad of paper and a pencil so they can write the results down.
Profession included money- give them a box with fake money, a calculator, and a ruled book and pencil. Most large discount stores now have play money that looks pretty close to the real thing.
Profession as a teacher- think lesson plans, grading papers, crayons, books, homework.

There are hundreds of professions one could have had. Think about what a typical day would have been for that profession and the tools they may have used to do it. Once you have your box together, it can be used in several different ways. Some Alzheimer's patients may enjoy just rummaging through the box, others may get up and start to act the part, and others may not show any recognition. In all cases, this is a good time to review with them the different pieces and to reminisce with them about what they may have used it for when they were in that profession.

11-Jun-08 10:00 AM

Navigating the Medicare System

noemail@alzfamserv.org — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:00:00 GMT

Under normal circumstances, Medicare begins automatically at age 65 if a person is receiving or has elected to receive social security at this age. Otherwise, the Medicare process begins with a visit to the local Social Security Office. This visit triggers the system that initiates the Medicare process.

Medicare has several parts: While each part will be briefly described below one of the best tools you can use for your Medicare choices is a publication named Medicare and You 2008. This tool is updated every year and may be found on the Medicare.gov website or can be requested by calling 1-800-Medicare. Once on Medicare you will automatically receive this updated book annually.

Part A of Medicare generally speaking is inpatient events such as hospitalization. If you have worked a minimum of 40 quarters (ten years) paying into the Medicare system you will receive this coverage at no premium cost to you. If you do not meet the above requirements you still may be eligible for part A of Medicare these exceptions and requirements may be found in the publication mentioned above. There is a deductable of 1024.00 for each hospital stay and a co-pay involved for stays over 60 days.

Part B of Medicare broadly speaking is outpatient services such as physician visits. This coverage is provided at a cost of 96.40 per month, it also has a deductable which in 2008 is 135.00 per year and it also involves a co-pay.

We will now skip to part D of Medicare which is the Prescription plan for Medicare beneficiaries. Currently there are over 53 different prescription plans offering varying degrees of co-pays and drug pricings. Part D is not automatically offered, but has to be specifically chosen by the Medicare beneficiary.

Part C of Medicare offers Advantage Plans. These plans are underwritten by a number of insurance companies and offer coverage in lieu of original Medicare (a person does not lose original Medicare). Rather, with an advantage plan a private company manages that care. The Part B premium of 96.40 is still required and there might be a charge in addition. There are currently a large number of Advantage plans to choose from.

There are other choices that may be added to Medicare such as Supplemental (Medigap) plans and Long Term Care plans.

If at this point you are thoroughly confused do not despair The SHINE PROGRAM is here to rescue you. SHINE stands for Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders and is a program offered by the Department of Elder Affairs. The main site for our area is located in the Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging and currently has 26 trained counselors to help you navigate this system. This is a free unbiased service that anyone can access by calling 850-494-7100 or toll free 1-866-531-8011 and simply asking for the SHINE department. The SHINE program has dedicated trained counselors who help with all aspects of Medicare.

A second program offered is the SUNSHINE FOR SENIORS PROGRAM this is a prescription assistance program in which trained counselors assist people in accessing medication through various sources such as manufacture’s programs. The counselors at the SHINE and SUNSHINE FOR SENIORS programs are anxious to offer services to our community so please don’t hesitate to contact the program at the above numbers if we may be of service.

11-Jun-08 10:00 AM

Project Lifesaver

noemail@alzfamserv.org — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:00:00 GMT

More than 60% of patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease will wander away from their home. Many will get lost; can not remember who they are or how they got to where they are. They just want to get “home.”

A tracking device, called Project Lifesaver, contains a unique frequency that enables law enforcement and search and rescue teams to quickly and safely return a lost patient to their home. The water-resistant transmitter is worn on the patient’s wrist or ankle 24 hours a day and is held in place by vinyl band.

Upon intake, AFS will take a digital photo of the patient and gather demographic information. Once a month, we will come out to the patient’s home and change the battery and wristband to ensure the device is working properly.

Project Lifesaver is available for Alzheimer’s patients with a tendency to wander, who are mobile, and who do not reside in the secured section of a facility. Currently, the program is available in Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa Counties. There is a monthly service fee of $50, although some grant funds are available for clients willing to complete a “needs assessment.”

To learn more about Project Lifesaver, contact our office at (850) 478-7790. Donations to support the program can be made to:

Alzheimer’s Family Services (AFS)
1901 N. Palafox St.
Pensacola, FL 32501

A special thanks to the McMillan Foundation for their continued support of the Project Lifesaver program in Escambia County. Gifts like yours help us save lives. Thank you!

11-Jun-08 10:00 AM

Power of Attorney

noemail@alzfamserv.org — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:00:00 GMT

As an elder law attorney, I routinely give advice and recommendations to my clients regarding Powers of Attorney and advance directives. A Power of Attorney typically deals with financial issues, whereas advance directives address issues related to health care such as a Living Will, a Designation of Health Care Surrogate, and a Do Not Resuscitate Order. This article specifically addresses the different types and the basic requirements for drafting a Power of Attorney.

A Power of Attorney in its simplest form is a written delegation of authority from one person (principal) to another person (attorney-in-fact) to do things on behalf of the person granting the authority. More specifically, it is a document that gives the attorney-in-fact the authority to do virtually anything the principal could do with a few general exceptions.

A Power of Attorney must be in writing, signed by the principal in the presence of two witnesses. If the Power of Attorney will need to be recorded in the public records, it should also be notarized. A common example is if the Power of Attorney is being used in a real estate transaction.

Anyone over 18 years of age and who is of sound mind can act as an attorney-in-fact. There are also very narrow circumstances in which a corporation may qualify. What I always tell my clients is that the Power of Attorney is literally the key to the bank. You need to make sure whoever you name is someone you trust! More than one person can act as an attorney-in-fact; however, I do not recommend this as there is the potential for conflicts between attorneys-in-fact. Instead, I recommend naming one individual as your attorney-in-fact and at least one alternate should the first person be unable or unwilling to serve.

There are several types of Powers of Attorney. I highly recommend discussing the pros and cons of each type of Power of Attorney with an attorney prior to executing such a document. Which document is right for you will depend on a number of factors.

A General Power of Attorney goes into effect immediately. Both the principal and the attorney-in-fact can act. A General Power of Attorney stays in effect until the principal dies, revokes the Power of Attorney, or becomes incapacitated.

A Durable Power of Attorney goes into effect immediately. Both the principal and attorney-in-fact can act unless the principal becomes incapacitated. A Durable Power of Attorney stays in effect until the principal dies or revokes the Power of Attorney. Unlike the General Power of Attorney, it stays in effect even if the principal becomes incapacitated.

A Limited Power of Attorney goes into effect immediately. Both the principal and the attorney-in-fact can act. A Limited Power of Attorney terminates at a set time, by revocation, or death.

A Springing Power of Attorney is the only type that does not go into effect immediately. Instead, it goes into effect when the principal lacks capacity to manage their property. This must be documented by an affidavit by the principal’s primary physician.

There are a number of ways to revoke a Power of Attorney such as executing a new one or executing a written statement declaring revocation. They can be revoked fully or partially. What is important to note is that if you provide a Power of Attorney to a third party, such as a bank, you must notify the third party of revocation. If you do not notify the third party and they rely upon the Power of Attorney, they cannot be held liable.

There are many advantages to including Powers of Attorney as part of your estate plan. They are easy to establish, inexpensive, and do not require court oversight. I recommend that you review your estate planning documents and discuss with your legal advisor whether or not a Power of Attorney is right for you.

11-Jun-08 9:00 AM

Outdoor Activities

noemail@alzfamserv.org — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Spring’s in the air…this is a great time to take loved one’s outside before the hot summer weather hits! The fresh air can often have a very positive effect on some Alzheimer’s patient especially if they liked to be outside as a child. With prompting the happy sensations they felt as a child may evoke a smile today. While outside with your loved one, think about all the five human senses: sight, smell, sound, taste, and touch and relate your activities to these senses.

Try these activities for an inspirational day outdoors.

Plant a potted plant together
Sweep the leaves outside
Paint a wooden bird house
Have a cookout
Bird watch/ Butterfly

Good topics while outside include:

How they spent their summer as a child: climbing trees, gardening, wood working, bicycling, swimming, beach going, working on the farm
Sights: birds, butterflies, flowers, insects
Smells: grass, flowers, cookouts, animals
Sounds: birds, bees, lawn mowers,
Tastes: lemonade, hamburger, bar-b-que, family favorites
Touch: dirt, wind, paint, grass, leaves, flowers

If your loved one is unable to move easily or is unable to communicate the spring weather can still be very refreshing. Try opening the windows to let fresh air in. Remember, every Alzheimer’s case is different and every day is different so just because your loved one doesn’t want to go outside with you today doesn’t mean that they won’t want to go tomorrow. Have fun!

11-Jun-08 9:00 AM

Games

noemail@alzfamserv.org — Sun, 11 May 2008 15:00:00 GMT

Everyone including those with Alzheimer’s and dementia loves a good game! The key to playing a game with someone who has Alzheimer’s or dementia to is play at their level. Here are two games to try with your loved one and ways they can be modified for different levels. Give it a try! You may be surprised!

Game 1: Draw the word

Materials: pen, pencil, scrap paper, container of some kind

On each piece of scrap pieces of paper write a one word noun (person, place or thing), such as cat, house, broom.

Place all the scraps of paper into the container

Take turns pulling out a piece of paper and drawing the object.

The other person has to guess what is being drawn.

Variations:

Variation 1- You draw an object that comes to mind and have the person with Alzheimer’s guess what it is.

Variation 2- Collect pictures of different people, places, or things. Let the person with Alzheimer’s disease enjoy looking at the pictures and then work with them to identify the objects in the pictures. Hint: Pick up a packet of children’s flash cards with objects on them.

Variation 3- On one scrap of paper draw the picture and on another scrap of paper write the word corresponding. Have the person with Alzheimer’s try to match the picture with the word. Let them enjoy looking at the pictures and words and enjoy the pleasure of simple words and pictures.

Game 2: Card Games

Try simple card games such as Go Fish and Old Maid. These are games they probably already know how to play. No need to stick to traditional cards, other cards may be enjoyable to your loved one. Try using sport cards or even a regular deck of cards. They can even sort or categorize a regular playing deck.

Be flexible with the rules of the game as sticking to the rules may not be an option for your loved one. Let your loved one look at the cards and play the game the way they would like to play. Overall, just have fun!

11-May-08 10:00 AM

What is Dementia?

noemail@alzfamserv.org — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:00:00 GMT

Dementia is the general term used to describe a group of symptoms related to memory loss and cognitive impairment. Individuals with dementia not only forget people and events, but are also commonly disoriented to time and place: which means they forget what year it is or where they live. They may repeatedly ask what time it is or think a few hours or days have passed when it has only been a few minutes. They may remember living in house from 20, 30, or even 40 years ago – and not realize that where they live now is their current home. Intellectual functioning deteriorates; for example, the ability to balance a check book or learn new information. It is important to recognize that these abilities must have been present in an individual at one point and have become diminished in order to consider dementia as a possibility.

Is Dementia Reversible?

There are two types of dementia: reversible and irreversible. Certain medical conditions can cause reversible dementia such as urinary tract infections (UTI’s). Depression can also cause dementia. Irreversible dementias can usually be reversed with medical treatment. Irreversible dementias can not. Examples of irreversible dementias caused by disease include Alzheimer’s, Picks, Lewy Bodies, Huntington’s, and Parkinson’s.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Nearly 70% of dementias are caused by Alzheimer’s disease. While the exact cause is unknown, scientists have discovered by studying the brain that plaques and tangles develop between neurotransmitters preventing neurons from working properly, which effects the parts of the brain where memory, coordination, logic, reasoning, judgment, and intellect function.

Feelings Intact

When dealing with a person with dementia, beware of their emotions – and your reaction to them. Researchers believe that the part of the brain that stores memories of emotion is different than the area that stores memories of fact. This means that a person may be able to maintain social skills for some time, which can allow him to mask the symptoms of dementia.

An individual often loses his ability to effectively communicate what he is thinking or feeling as dementia progresses. For example, if a woman walks hurriedly through a room with a growl on her face and speaking loudly about an appointment she is late to, a person with Alzheimer’s disease may not understand what the person is talking about, but he can feel upset or even frightened as his emotions react to her behaviors.

Forgetfulness: Do I have Dementia?

When leaving the grocery store recently, I noticed an elderly woman wandering around the parking lot as if she were lost. I asked her if she need some help and she told me she couldn’t find her car. It’s not uncommon for people to take a few minutes to find their car after filtering through the masses for 2 hours at Wal-Mart on a Saturday afternoon. However, it is uncommon for someone to forget what type of car they drive – even when they are standing right in front of it.

When do I talk to the doctor?

If you suspect you - or someone you know – have more than “normal forgetfulness,” talk to your doctor. You can start with a memory screen with your primary care physician. Neurologists or neuropsychologists can also provide elaborate testing to rule out other conditions which may reflect symptoms of dementia. Family members can provide valuable information (things the patient might forget or neglect to mention) to the doctor so it is important for someone to accompany an individual going in for an evaluation.

There are medications that can slow the progression of the illness and help minimize (although not alleviate) associated behaviors. Devising a treatment plan is crucial; the sooner the better. But getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step.

Alzheimer’s Family Services provides free memory screens to assess for memory loss and cognitive impairment. This evaluation is brief and uses a standardized test to evaluate current level of functioning. It is not substitute for evaluation by your doctor, but can help determine if further medical testing is required. This service is available every second Monday of the month and appointments are required. Call the office to learn more: (850) 478-7790.

Caregiver Quiz

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease is challenging. We must evolve from our traditional role as spouse or adult child to “caregiver.” This new role requires us to learn complex skills and become master multi-taskers, while trying to maintain our status as wife, husband, daughter, son, or friend. Take a moment to think about all of the things you are responsible for now. Mark the boxes below of the tasks you do regularly:

o Meal preparer

o Medication giver

o Nurse

o Home safety monitor

o Financial guardian

o Laundry person

o Activities motivator

o Researcher

o Home cleaner

o Driver

o Lawn maintenance staff

o Appointment scheduler

You can probably think of a few more duties that you take care of that may be new to you since your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. It is easy to realize how life can be overwhelming. Learn as much as you can about coping with the disease and remember to take time for yourself; respite will allow you to refresh and rejuvenate – to better care for yourself and your loved one.

11-Apr-08 10:00 AM

Feeling Useful and Keeping the Mind Active

noemail@alzfamserv.org — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 15:00:00 GMT

As human beings we all need to know that we are needed and that we are providing support to those we love. We often do this by accomplishing goals or chores throughout our day such as cooking dinner or paying the bills. These everyday chores keep our minds active and healthy. Alzheimer’s patients also need to keep their mind active and need to feel a since of accomplishment at the end of their day. This doesn’t mean that they can do the Sunday crossword puzzle alone or even read a book, but creating an activity to your loved ones ability is a great way to keep their mind and body active as well as giving them a sense of usefulness to the family. Here are some easy activities to try with your loved one to keep them active!

Sorting- Think in a basic terms of colors, sizes, and shapes.

For a male Alzheimer's patient try sorting poker chips, different size nut shells, pens and pencils, quarters and pennies, envelopes and magazines.
For a female Alzheimer’s patient try sorting onions and potatoes, laundry, silverware, socks, pans and lids, cups and saucers.

Folding- Think in basic terms and limit the amount so as not to overwhelm.

Try asking your loved one to fold the following: laundry, towels, papers that may look like important documents, or even molding clay.

Other easy activities include: wiping the counter and tables, arranging silk flowers, setting the dinner table, and sweeping the porch.

Remember, because of your love ones disease they may be very repetitive with the project and they will more than likely not do the activity the way you would. As long as they are occupied and feel like part of the family, it doesn’t really matter! Have fun with your loved one and smile to reinforce good behavior!

11-Mar-08 10:00 AM

Reminiscing

noemail@alzfamserv.org — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 16:00:00 GMT

Remembering the past is a comforting experience for many Alzheimer’s patients. Thinking and celebrating holidays or past experiences can often trigger other memories and can provide enjoymentfor you and your loved one!

Pictures from your loved one’s earlier years are a great way to initiate reminiscing! Try placing old pictures into a photo album together or looking through already existing photo albums. Don’t be surprised if he/she organizes the photos in a way you don’t understand. The point is not to create a chronologically correct book, but to allow the person to interact with the photos. If your loved one’s memory is not triggered, do not be discouraged. Ask them questions about what the people or places represent. No matter what your loved one is able to remember, organizing photos and reviewing pictures is still a pleasurable activity that stimulates visual and motor skills.

11-Feb-08 10:00 AM

Watch a Musical!

noemail@alzfamserv.org — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:00:00 GMT

Everyone needs stimulation no matter what their age or medical condition! Here is an activity that you may want to try with your loved one! Remember, your feelings are often internalized by your loved one so have fun and your loved one will have fun too!

Watch a musical on video or DVD!

What a fun way to connect with your loved one! Well known musicals such as The Sound of Music or The Music Man can provide entertainment for several hours. Sing along and with the musical if you know the words and see if they will sing with you. You can also encourage him or her to dance like the actors on the screen. Ask questions according to your love ones understanding of the plot or try asking questions such as, “Do you think he/she is a good dancer?” For some people with Alzheimer’s it may be hard for them to sit down for an extended period of time, in these instances try watching the movie in short segments over time. Good luck and have fun!

11-Jan-08 10:00 AM