No one likes to be physically restrained. Whether it involves pinning down the arms or preventing an individual from moving forward, physical restraint often has the opposite effect of its intention. Unwarranted restraint can elicit a violent reaction to free oneself, creating an escalation of resistance that can have negative results. This is especially true […]
Why do colors sometimes seem to make us feel happier or more depressed? Are colors really that powerful in their ability to alter our moods? In many ways, the answer is “yes”, in that different colors and hues are interpreted differently in our brains, some having a profound, yet subliminal impact in how we feel […]
No, the holidays aren’t here yet. But they will be before you know it. So, if you are caring for a loved one with dementia, the time to plan is now! The holidays bring with them special challenges for caregivers of loved ones who have dementia. If you’ve already been through a holiday season or […]
If you’re into yoga, you may be familiar with a new trend sweeping the country. It’s called “goat yoga”. “Why goats?” you may ask. Goats are increasingly being recognized for their therapeutic qualities. These innately gentle creatures are known to be exceptionally even tempered. And, contrary to popular opinion, they are naturally clean animals. They […]
Learning that a loved one has a dementia can turn your world upside down. It will take some time to wrap your head around the fact that your role as adult child, sibling or spouse will be changing dramatically. The good news, however, is that you are not alone. Far from it. There are more […]
There is a reason that we have something called “horse therapy”. These majestic, gentle animals have a presence that has been known to calm anxieties and infuse a sense of joy in those around them. This can be especially true for those living with dementia. Stroking the nose of a horse and looking into its […]
Depression and Alzheimer’s disease, especially in its early stages, have much in common in terms of behavioral changes such as sleeping longer, loss of appetite and withdrawal from activities once enjoyed. If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, you may have noticed behavioral changes that concern you. Of course, you want to make […]
Most of us remember, at some point in our lives, swinging a club in a round of miniature golf. Navigating the many mazes and encounters with cute little houses that would swallow up your golf ball were some of the fun challenges. For others, golf was a serious passion. They would take their clubs and […]
You often will hear it in doctors’ offices, stores, restaurants and even at home – younger people treating aging, disabled adults like children. This is especially prevalent in communications with adults who struggle with cognitive loss, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Even those adult children who vowed they never would, often find themselves resorting to “child […]
When school children sat down, recently, to read to Chelsea Memory Care residents the effect was transformational. Residents who may have been harder to connect with found themselves cracking smiles as the children diligently sounded out words, occasionally stopping to exclaim over colorful pictures. Chelsea Place Memory Care in Aurora, Colorado, is a big believer […]
August is National Wellness Month. It’s a good time to reflect on your own health as well as explore new ways of living a healthier life. This is especially important for those of you caring for a loved one struggling dementia. You need to keep your own health operating on all cylinders to be able […]
When we think of dementia, the primary focus is on how it impacts short term memory. However, an often overlooked consequence of the disease is how it affects the way the brain recognizes and processes the five senses: sight, smell, taste, hearing and touch. If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, here […]
Have you ever noticed how a good night’s sleep can make the next day’s challenges just a bit more bearable and the high points a bit more enjoyable? Of course you have. We have all experienced the added energy and improved frame of mind that comes with good sleep. And, conversely, we all know how […]
Are you getting ready to take a vacation? Are you wondering whether to take along a mom or dad who has dementia? It’s an understandable concern. Vacations, while they can be relaxing, involve getting away from familiar rooms, backyards and routines. That’s why we take them; to enjoy a break from the daily grind and […]
Do you meditate? If so, you are well aware of the power of meditation to restore a sense of calm and physical relaxation. If you don’t meditate you may want to consider it. This is especially true if you are caring for an elderly loved one. A UCLA study found that mindful meditation not only […]