Monthly Archives: September 2015

What are the Stages of Dementia?

September 8, 2015Aging Life Care Professionals, Alzheimer's, DementiaAging Life Care Experts, Alzheimers, dementia, WAM2015 Callie Daters

Understanding the Stages of Dementia Can Help You Provide Better Care

by Heather Imhoff, MSW, LMSW, Aging Life Care Association™ Member

Dementia is a progressive and often times, heart-breaking disease. Though every individual is different, there are three primary stages of dementia, each with its own unique set of symptoms. Different care strategies for each stage allow for a reduction in frustration and needless suffering for the caregiver as well as for the individual with dementia.

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

In the early or mild stages of dementia, cognitive deficits start to become apparent to close family and friends. The person generally has more difficulty with remembering names, finding words, and concentrating. He/She may get lost while in unfamiliar settings, or have increasing difficulty performing demanding work. Social interaction generally decreases. The person may start withdrawing from situations that have become challenging. Denial of the problem by the individual with MCI is not uncommon.

During World Alzheimer's Month, the ALCA blog will share posts on dementia. — September is World Alzheimer’s Month

In this stage, it is helpful to assist the person in creating systems to help compensate for memory impairment. This might include utilizing calendars or planners, or offering to accompany the person to appointments.

Moderate Dementia

As dementia progresses to the moderate stage, the individual generally exhibits more noticeable deficits in short term memory and loss of memory for significant details such as his/her own phone number or address. He or she may have difficulty recalling details such as the name of the company he/she worked for, where he/she went to school, and the names of some family members.

Repetitious questions and/or development of anxiety are common. Complex tasks including using appliances, computers, or phones can become increasingly difficult, and highly stimulating situations (lunch in a busy deli, sporting events, etc.) can be overwhelming. People with moderate dementia are typically still able to manage personal care tasks including bathing, using the bathroom, and dressing, though they may need limited assistance, such as choosing clothing that is weather-appropriate.

Routines should be modified to help the individual cope with his/her changing cognitive abilities. Consider small gatherings of people in quiet, familiar settings, or investigating adult day centers to meet the person’s social needs. The individual might also need regular support from others for cueing and direction to complete tasks successfully. Consider safety measures including disconnecting stoves, offering alternative transportation options, and supervision if the person is prone to wandering.

Severe Dementia

By the late stages of dementia, the person usually needs reminders or hands-on assistance with most areas of daily living. He or she is largely unaware of events happening around him/her and may forget the faces of close family members (spouse, children). Verbal abilities generally change and diminish. Challenging behaviors, especially with unfamiliar tasks or in unfamiliar settings, are common.

An individual with severe dementia will need support at all times. If living at home, family members or paid caregivers can offer this support. Alternatively, there are memory-specific residential care facilities that can provide the specialized care the person needs. A predictable routine is vitally important as the person’s abilities to cope with new situations are limited. Further, efforts to reorient the person are usually ineffective and can cause more anxiety and confusion. Using music, photographs, movies, etc. from the distant past can be comforting to the person and help caregivers to connect.

Strategies for Caregiving During any Stage of Dementia

Caring for someone with dementia at any stage can be challenging and emotionally taxing. Having patience and compassion for the person and yourself as a caregiver will help alleviate distress and maximize your ability to cope with changes as the dementia progresses.

If you suspect you or a loved one may have dementia, consult with a professional right away. Early intervention and diagnosis allow for the person to receive the maximum benefit to possible treatments, as well as to plan for future care. An Aging Life Care Professional™ can help you build the right team of medical, financial, legal and care providers to manage the journey. Find an Aging Life Care™ Expert nearest you at aginglifecare.org.

About the author: Heather Imhoff has eight years of experience as an Aging Life Care Professional in both publicly and privately funded sectors. She is currently a care manager at EGIS Care & Support in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Follow Heather on Twitter at @egis_care or email her at heather.egisnm@aol.com.

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to be a substitute for, professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this blog does not necessarily reflect official positions of the Aging Life Care Association™ and is provided “as is” without warranty. Always consult with a qualified professional with any particular questions you may have regarding your or a family member’s needs.

September is World Alzheimer’s Month

September 3, 2015Aging Life Care Professionals, Alzheimer's, Dementia, EventsAging Life Care Expert, dementia, WAM2015 Callie Daters

As the world recognizes World Alzheimer’s Month during September, the ALCA blog will feature posts related to Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia and other cognitive impairments. But first, Alzheimer’s Disease International shares these facts about Alzheimer’s and Dementia:

Worried About Your Memory? Could it be Dementia? Is it Alzheimer’s?

by Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC, Aging Life Care Association™ member and Fellow of the Leadership Academy

We all have bouts of forgetfulness. We drive past the exit we wanted, we forget the name of a neighbor we have known for years, or we go to the market and buy everything but the milk we went for! If you find yourself forgetting names, places, dates, or appointments, you might think you have dementia like like Alzheimer’s.

But stress, dehydration, multi-tasking, being a caregiver for another, and numerous other situations can all contribute to forgetfulness. Before you panic or before you just chalk it up to being overtired, consult with a professional to discuss your specific situation.

Aging Life Care Professionals™ can help guide you to appropriate resources that can evaluate your individual situation and provide answers or possible diagnosis. The Aging Life Care Professional, also known as a geriatric care manager, is a conduit to the appropriate medical or psychological referrals that may be necessary.

Some memory loss can be attributed to other illnesses such as depression, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, and several other medical diagnosis. This is why symptoms should not be ignored, but brought to the attention of your physician immediately.

The benefit of getting a diagnosis of a dementia early is that you may be a candidate for medication that can help slow down, or reverse, your symptoms. These medications may enable you to function independently, longer.

Finding out early that you have a dementia gives you a chance to modify your lifestyle, eat healthy foods, stay engaged and exercise more. You can design the care you want and make the necessary legal and financial decisions to support your wishes.

Pro-actively working with an Aging Life Care Professional ensures that the plan and resources in place respect your values, fit in your budget and meet your current and future needs.

The Aging Life Care Professional can be your coach and guide for the short or long journey of any progressive illness. Connect with an expert in your area – aginglifecare.org.

About the author: Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC, is the Founder and President of Eldercare Services in Walnut Creek, CA. She is also a partner of the VillagePlan. Linda is a Fellow of the Leadership Academy and a past-president of the Aging Life Care Association™. Linda has over 30 years experience working as a Care Manager. You can reach her at linda@EldercareAnswers.com, or connect with her via social media: Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to be a substitute for, professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this blog does not necessarily reflect official positions of the Aging Life Care Association™ and is provided “as is” without warranty. Always consult with a qualified professional with any particular questions you may have regarding your or a family member’s needs.

Fall Risk Among Aging Adults

September 2, 2015Aging in Place, Aging ParentsAging Life Care Expert, Fall Risk Callie Daters

6 Surprising Signs Your Loved One May Be at Risk for a Fall

By Claudia Fine, LCSW, MPH, CMC, CCM – Aging Life Care Association™ Member and Fellow of the Leadership Academy

When it comes to evaluating whether a loved one could be at risk of falling, you may not be able to count on them to assess their own abilities. Many older adults overestimate their balance and mobility – and while one in three older adults will fall this year, less than half talk to their healthcare provider about it.

However, falls shouldn’t be swept under the rug – they are the number one cause of injury, hospital visits due to trauma, and death from an injury among people age 65 and older.
Many caregivers hope they can recognize impending signs of a fall by keeping an eye out for a decline in their loved one’s coordination or a change in gait, but some of the warning signs may not be easy to recognize.

The good news is that if you identify and reduce risk factors, falls can be preventable. Ask yourself the following questions to help decide if your loved one may be at risk for a fall:

1. How many medications is Mom taking?

Your loved one may be taking more than one medication to help manage chronic conditions such as arthritis, high blood pressure, or diabetes. However, both prescription and non-prescription medications can have side effects that increase the risk of falling. A healthcare professional can review your loved one’s medications and identify any interactions that could cause side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness that could lead to a fall.

2. Is Dad wearing his glasses regularly? How long has it been since he went to the eye doctor?

An outdated vision prescription can lead to a fall. As your loved one gets older, it’s important to make sure they are having regular eye exams and wearing their prescribed lenses.

3. Has Mom been turning up the volume on the TV lately?

While hearing might not seem related to balance, even mild hearing loss can triple the risk of a fall! When people can’t hear well they may not have a good awareness of their surroundings, which can increase the likelihood of trips and falls.

4. Have Dad’s worn-out slippers become his favorite footwear?

House slippers and sandals may be easier for older adults to put on and take off, but if your loved one is frequently wearing slip-on shoes ensuring they wear appropriate footwear will greatly lower their chance of a fall.

5. Is Mom bathing less frequently?

It can be a sensitive subject, but if you’ve noticed that your loved one isn’t taking care of themselves like they used to, it may be because they’re struggling to accomplish their daily tasks due to mobility issues. Additionally, if you notice spills or clutter in your loved one’s home, making sure walkways are clean and clear can help prevent a fall. Rearranging closets and cabinets so the items used most often are easily accessible will go a long way towards preventing falls caused by reaching and climbing.

6. Are there any pets in the house?

Don’t worry – your loved one doesn’t have to get rid of Fido or Fluffy! But while pets provide unconditional love and constant companionship, they can get underfoot and cause falls. Make sure their bowls, beds, and toys are out of the walkways and also consider attaching a bell to Fluffy’s collar or enrolling Fido in obedience training so he doesn’t jump up on your loved one.

Here are three more tips to help you prevent a fall:

An Aging Life Care Professional™ can conduct a fall risk assessment and develop a plan to avert risks. Here are some of the ways an Aging Life Care™ Manager can help you and your family:

Make homes safer by reducing tripping hazards such as throw rugs, cords and wires; installing grab bars and hand rails to toilets, tubs and showers; and improving the lighting.
Create an exercise regimen to increase strength and improve balance.
Ensure emergency alert devices are installed and in place.

To find an Aging Life Care Professional near you, search ALCA’s online directory of experts.

About the author: Claudia Fine, LCSW, MPH, CMC is a pioneer in the field of Aging Life Care™ / geriatric care management and has served in industry and community leadership roles throughout her 30-year career in elder care. She is the Chief of Professional Services at SeniorBridge, a national health care company offering individually tailored care management and home care services, and a past president of the Aging Life Care Association. Email Claudia at cfine@seniorbridge.com or follow SeniorBridge on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

What Parents Want Their Adult Children to Know

September 1, 2015Aging Parents, Caregiving, Family MembersAging Life Care Expert, caring for mom and dad, lessons learned Callie Daters

By Miriam Zucker, LMSW, C-ASWCM – Aging Life Care Association™ Member

The caregiving role reversal for aging parents and adult children is never easy. As an Aging Life Care™ Specialist, I have watched this transition happen in a variety of scenarios all with a different set of circumstances. But through them all, there is a common message that parents want adult children to know – don’t forget the person your mother or father was before they needed care.

If your family roles are shifting, take these observations and strategies into consideration:

1. SEE YOUR PARENT IN THEIR PAST ROLE

Your mother or father had a profession…proudly served their country during a war…were little league coaches…won awards for their paintings…led Girl Scout troops…volunteered…played the organ at the church…lived through the Great Depression. They have lost many of these roles, often without their consent. Sometimes this makes them angry and depressed. Guess who gets the brunt?

2. WALK IN YOUR PARENT’S SHOES

Three years ago the wheels they knew were on their car. Now those wheels are on a wheelchair, which they may not even be able to maneuver by themselves.

3. DON’T TALK IN FRONT OF YOUR PARENTS

Do not assume your parents can’t hear or don’t understand what you are saying about them. If you don’t want them to hear something, step into another room. How terrifying would it be for any of us to hear unpleasant news, understand it, and not be able to reply?

4. REMOVE PRONOUNS WHEN YOU SPEAK OF YOUR PARENTS

Repeatedly, seniors are referred to as “he” or “she”. Your mother is sitting across from the doctor while you and the doctor talk as though she is not there. Have you ever heard of an illness that makes people invisible? When an older adult is in the presence of others, using nouns and proper nouns give your parent the respect and dignity they deserve.

5. IF YOUR PARENT DOESN’T THINK SHE HAS A PROBLEM OR IF HE KNOWS HE HAS A PROBLEM AND DOESN’T WANT TO CHANGE:

It becomes your problem to figure out how YOU are going to deal with it.
If a parent is not compelled to change, time will bring a solution — unfortunately, often triggered by a catastrophic event.

If you need help or advice about caring for an aging parent, connect with an Aging Life Care Professional™. You can find an expert at aginglifecare.org.

About the author: Miriam Zucker, LMSW, C-ASWCM is an Aging Life Care™ Specialist. She is the founder of Directions in Aging, based in Westchester County, New York.