Social media gives people more opportunities to connect and socialize, something that’s especially important for preventing senior isolation. But there are risks and challenges. Laurel McLaughlin explains why social media can be dangerous for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia and shares 4 tips to keep them safe while supporting their independence. Social media provides connection, but has a dark side Social…
When seniors with dementia won’t eat What can you do when your older adult loses interest in eating? For seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia, this could be caused by a variety of factors, including loss of taste or smell, distractions, too many food choices, or having trouble with utensils. Of course, you’re trying to make sure they eat enough to maintain their…
Hospitals can bring out challenging dementia behavior Dementia and hospital stays are not a good combination. Hospitals are noisy, confusing environments that are full of strange people, bright lights, and reflective surfaces. On top of that, your older adult isn’t feeling well or is in pain and they’re being constantly touched, questioned, and poked. For someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia, all of…
When a loved one with dementia delays or refuses to sign a Power of Attorney (POA), families often face a heartbreaking dilemma: how to protect their well-being when legal options seem to vanish. Without a POA, critical decisions about healthcare, finances, and living arrangements can become tangled in court battles when swift action matters most. This article will explain what to do…
Understanding what’s causing troubling behaviors reduces conflict Alzheimer’s and dementia are complex brain diseases that change a person’s behavior, abilities, and sense of well-being. Understanding what’s causing challenging or confusing behaviors helps you respond without causing arguments. Minimizing conflict will make life easier and less stressful for both you and your older adult. The Center for Dementia Care at Seniors At Home,…
Someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia can’t carry on a conversation the same way they used to because of the changes in their brain. Without realizing, we might put them under pressure if we communicate in ways that don’t work well for them. To avoid causing frustration or anger, Caring.com shares 3 pitfalls to steer clear of when talking to someone with dementia.…
Make life easier with key Alzheimer’s caregiver tips Caring for an older adult with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be a scary challenge. It’s even more overwhelming because you’ve been thrown into this role with no training. We’ve put together 6 key Alzheimer’s caregiver tips and resources that give a solid foundation. These essentials help both new and experienced caregivers feel calmer and…
Be able to make an informed decision about feeding tubes Most people in the late stage of Alzheimer’s or dementia have trouble eating and drinking. They may lose weight, become weak, or develop pressure sores. Or, food particles could get into their lungs and cause pneumonia. When that happens, families may be asked if they want to put in a feeding tube.…
Knowing more about dementia makes caregiving easier Alzheimer’s and dementia are complex brain diseases that change your older adult’s behavior and affect family and friends. To provide great care and reduce your own stress, the first step is to find out more about the disease. Getting a better understanding of the basics takes away some of the uncertainty and anxiety. We worked…
Screening tests aren’t enough to diagnose Alzheimer’s or dementia Alzheimer’s and dementia screening tests like the Mini Mental Status Exam or the MoCA don’t always detect signs of cognitive problems, especially if someone is in the early stages. Screening tests also aren’t comprehensive enough to make a proper diagnosis. If dementia-like symptoms and a screening test both indicate that someone has cognitive issues,…
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