High blood pressure is a condition that affects the majority of seniors. It negatively affects health and can increase the risk of serious conditions like stroke and dementia. That’s why it’s important to understand the basics and find out how to manage it. Carrington College shared a helpful infographic that has key facts about high blood pressure and tips for reducing it.…
Even if you suspected it, actually getting an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be devastating for you and your older adult. It will likely leave you wondering what to do next. Our friends at Kindly Care share wise advice on what to do after a diagnosis. The shock of getting an Alzheimer’s diagnosis You just got the news. The doctor said it out…
Getting dressed can be difficult for seniors It’s surprising how difficult the everyday task of getting dressed can be for many seniors. Wearing normal clothes can become too difficult because of common medical conditions like arthritis, stroke, or dementia. Common clothing challenges include: Not being able to fasten buttons and zippers Repeatedly undressing themselves (a common Alzheimer’s and dementia behavior) Swollen feet or ankles making…
Music is great for seniors with dementia Music benefits seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia in many ways. Multiple research studies confirm this and documentaries like Alive Inside allow us to witness music’s amazing effect on older adults. Music has even been shown to be more effective than medication in boosting mood, reducing anxiety and agitation, and increasing happiness and engagement – even…
Coping with sundowning caused by dementia Many seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia get increasingly agitated or anxious in the evening. They may become aggressive, delusional, paranoid, or tend to wander. This behavior pattern is called “sundowning” because it usually starts in the late afternoon or early evening and may last into the night. It can be very disruptive and difficult for caregivers…
Behavior changes are alarming If your older adult’s behavior changes, it’s normal to be worried. And with Alzheimer’s and dementia all over the news, it’s natural to think that your senior might have a cognitive or memory issue. Or, if your older adult already has dementia, it might seem like their abilities or behavior have suddenly taken a turn for the worse. …
When older adults hang on to a lot more stuff than they need and insist on living in extremely cluttered spaces, they may be hoarders. If your loved one is showing this behavior, you’re probably worried – for good reason! Hoarding poses physical dangers, including increased fall risk, blocking emergency workers from reaching your loved one, and unsanitary living conditions. It could also be a…
Everyday activities are challenging for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia Helping seniors with dementia look the way they always have helps boost their self-esteem. But the disease can make everyday activities like dressing and grooming challenging for both older adults and caregivers. 9 tips to simplify dressing someone with Alzheimer’s We found this useful infographic from the Alzheimer’s Association with 9 expert…
Reminders and reason just won’t work When caring for an older adult with Alzheimer’s or dementia, it’s instinctive to try to bring them back into reality. When they say something that doesn’t make sense, you’ll want to remind them of the facts or ask them to remember previous conversations or events. What most caregivers don’t know is that this approach often makes…
Alzheimer’s is a rapidly growing problem Today, about 47 million people worldwide are living with dementia. That number is expected to grow to 75 million people in 2030 and to 132 million in 2050. And, in 2015, the global cost of dementia has already risen to 818 billion U.S. dollars! 50 facts about Alzheimer’s Because this terrible disease is affecting increasing…
