For some, the change is gradual. For others, it seems to happen overnight. Yet, either way, you find yourself in unchartered territory. Your mom or dad now turns to you for decisions he or she used to make routinely. They rely upon you to help them walk, bathe, dress and eat. Your roles are reversing. […]
Had Chelsea Place not been the kind of memory care community whose staff takes an authentic interest in the life history of each resident, Sandra Diskin's graceful hands and pointed toes might have gone unnoticed, during her physical therapy sessions. But, notice they did. So, instead of hand cycling and leg lifts, Sandra, an 80-year old […]
It’s hard to talk to parents about their finances. They are, after all, of a generation where any discussion about finances, especially with their children, was pretty much off the table. Having a parent who has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, however, changes everything. You need to gain a quick and accurate understanding […]
As sympathetic to others as we all try to be, it's very difficult to imagine the world through the eyes of an individual suffering from dementia. But it’s not “virtually” impossible. Anthem Memory Care’s Morningside Place, in Overland Park, Kansas, uses virtual reality tools that work together to mimic what an individual with dementia deals […]
You know more about non-verbal communication than you think. How often have you gotten a “vibe” from a friend or relative that makes you doubt they really meant what they just said? Maybe it is just a look on someone’s face, or their folded arms or hunched shoulders. They are making an emotional statement that, […]
For so many women and men of a “certain age”, Valentine’s Day was once a special day to buy flowers or candy for your sweetheart and celebrate with a romantic dinner. And, for those with energy to spare, it may have even included a turn or two on the dance floor. While they may no […]
We hear regularly from families of loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease who tell us that the words of a favorite quote, poem or scripture are what get them through those tough days when they feel helpless and, often, hopeless. We took some time to scour a variety of sources and found what we think are some […]
Relatives of loved ones with Alzheimer’s often ask us, “What else can we do to help?” In addition to providing emotional support, consider putting a couple of the items below on your shopping list. These are aids developed specifically for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. They can help with every day challenges, as well as bolster […]
What is the best environment for your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease? Is it home? Is it in a memory care community? This is a tough decision, because it’s in our nature to keep our aging parent or other loved one at home for as long as possible. But how long is “too long”? And […]
If you have a loved one who has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, you may feel that your world, as you’ve known it, is falling apart. It is hard enough news for you to digest, let alone other family members. How to tell them? How will they react? And how will you handle their […]
When you suspect that your loved one may be in the early stages of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, the very thought of the road ahead can be overwhelming. If you are like many, your first step might be to reach out for resources and arm yourself with as much information as possible. That’s a good […]
Perhaps it’s your mom, dad or other loved one who has begun forgetting some of the basics --- how to operate the coffee maker, where they keep the cereal bowls, or even how to get to the store. Or perhaps he or she has become more confused lately, asking the same questions over and over […]
The days leading up to New Year’s Day are a good time to reflect on the year passing and think about some goals for the upcoming year. Yes, we all laugh at New Year’s resolutions, mainly because we know how hard they can be to keep. But a new year also marks a chance for […]
This is the season for gift giving. For many, questions like “Mom, what would you like for Christmas?” are greeted by either a short list or, more likely, “Oh don’t worry about me, dear. I don’t need anything.” But if you have a loved one struggling with Alzheimer’s, your holiday wish list is more challenging. The […]
The holidays are a time for family and friends to get together. And, it can get a little crazy with parties, impromptu get-togethers and out of town relatives to attend to. If you are a caregiver you know, first hand, the stress this can cause. Not only do you have a loved one to care […]