• Home
  • About me / Privacy Disclosure
    • Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk Info
    • Contact Us| Or Ask a Question on Facebook
  • The Stages of Alzheimer’s

Alzheimers Support

Learning and sharing information to support those with Alzheimers dementia

  • Just me…
  • The Stages
    • Late Stage
    • Middle Stage
    • Early Stage
  • Questions
    • How to Take the Car Away
  • Best Reads
  • Communication
  • Care Tips
    • Healthy Diet
    • Medical
  • The Caregiver
    • Caring for the Caregiver
    • Memories Forgotten
  • Signs and Symptoms
  • In the News
  • Health and Aging
  • Alzheimer’s Clocks
  • Activities
    • Activities for those with Alzheimers or Dementia
    • Activities to Share with a loved one who has Dementia
    • Best Gifts for those with Alzheimer’s Dementia
    • 5 Activities to Keep Hands Busy for thse with Alzheimer’s or Other dementias
    • Does Mom with Alzheimer’s Need a Baby doll?
    • Baby Dolls Crafted for dementia and the Elderly
  • Holidays and Gifts
    • How to Choose Fun Gifts for Seniors with Alzheimer’s
    • Best Gifts for Caregivers
    • Best Gifts for Elderly People with Alzheimer’s
    • A few Great Gift Ideas for those with dementia
    • Alzheimer’s Digital Clock keeps time for those with dementia
    • Alzheimer’s Fidget Quilts for Sale Online
    • Chocolate may Soothe Anger in Alzheimer’s
You are here: Home / Archives for The Stages / LATE STAGE

Elder Care Decisions and Nursing Home Guilt

01/2817 Comments

nursing-care

Elder Care Decisions and Nursing Home Guilt

Elder Care Decisions are difficult to make, especially when you must find a nursing home.

Deciding how to best care for an aging loved one is a choice often fraught with emotion and stress.

Taking care of an elder requires dedicated amounts of time, energy, and patience. If we have children, extra space in the home is often a non-existent commodity.

If we have to work two jobs to make ends meet, spare time is a distant memory. Despite the financial and physical reasons to struggle with making an elder care decision, the biggest battle is usually an emotional one.

The guilt that often follows the decision to place an ill loved one in a nursing home or long-term care facility can be overwhelming. Feelings of inadequacy, failure, and anxiety can also contribute negatively to the experience.

We worry about their health and if they are being properly cared for. We blame ourselves for not being able to accept the vast amount of responsibility that comes with caring for an elder. We could drive ourselves crazy obsessing over the choice—however, there are a few things to consider that may help soothe the soul.

• Do your homework

Prior to placing your loved one into a care facility, check out nursing homes with the best reviews. Reading what other people have to say about a specific location will allow you to get a feel for the staff, food, care, etc. This way, if something makes you uncomfortable, you and your loved one can explore other options.

• Remain involved

Keep in touch with the facility staff as well as your loved one. Listen to what they say and observe how other patients are treated. Check your elder for bed sores, dehydration, and other signs of abuse when you visit. If anything seems to be wrong, contact your local Department of Public Health here.

• Forgive yourself

The decision to put your loved one in a care facility was not easy, but caring for them yourself was likely no longer possible. Remember that they love you too, and just as you want an unsurpassed quality of life for them—they would want the same for you. The decision was made according to what best fit the needs of all parties involved.

Nursing-Care2

Deciding how to best care for an aging loved one is never easy. However, if you consider all options and find the one that is best, based upon the circumstances, there is no need to feel guilt. Be proud that you care enough for your loved one(s) to put them in the most capable hands possible.

Madison-HillMadison Hill is a freelance writer with the most beautiful daughters in the world.
When she’s not ruling (yes, totally ruling) the Bingo! scene, you can find her scrapbooking and caring for her mother. Google +

———————-—————————–——————-


Filed Under: Care Tips, LATE STAGE, The Caregiver Tagged With: Caregiver Guilt, caregiver remorse, Caring, Nursing Home, stress

Residential Care for the Elderly and Funding Options Available

01/162 Comments

Residential Care for the Elderly – Funding Options

While living at home is still a possibility for many elderly people, others find that it becomes more difficult to remain independent as they grow older.

A residential care home facility can be a good way for older people to get the services they need in one place. There are even homes that provide nurses who can look after residents with complex or advanced medical conditions. In addition, they can benefit greatly from being around other elderly residents and having a social community with which to interact on a daily basis.

Funding a home when you can no longer live lone

However, residential care is not fully funded in most cases. People who choose residential care either for themselves or their loved ones will have to think about how to fund their stay in a residential care facility.

Working with Your Local Authority

If you are considering moving into a resident care facility but you are concerned as to how you will finance the process, then you can contact your local authority for advice. Most people will be expected to contribute to their care costs either through their savings, income, or any assets that they may have. Many local authorities utilize a means test in order to assess your costs as well as the value of your property and assets.

Typically, (for the UK) the first £14,250 of your assets and savings are not counted towards the assessment of your means. If you have assets with a value between £14,250 and £23,250, then your local authority will help subsidise the costs of your care.

If you have any assets above £23,250, then you will be responsible for funding your own care. In addition, the Government has recently handed down legislation dictating that caps will placed on the monetary amount of care that they will cover. There will be a lifetime cap of £75,000 on care costs, and an additional cap of £12,000 per year for hotel (“room and board”) costs.

In the US, some local authorities participate in schedules where your residential care costs are deferred and are paid out of your estate when you die. If you have a significant amount of assets and no heirs, this may be a good choice for you if you qualify for the program. You may also qualify to have some of your nursing care costs covered on the NHS or Medicare, though this will not provide for your room and board.

Making Residential Care a Part of a Retirement Savings Plan, or Asking for Help from Loved Ones

While a pension might provide enough money to cover some of your basic costs, it will not be enough to pay for the costs of a residential home or care facility. By making additional savings a part of your retirement plan, you can provide for yourself or a loved one who needs residential care when they are elderly. Increasing your pension contributions while you are still working can go a long way towards covering costs. In addition, you may be able to receive some financial help from your loved ones. The benefits of professional residential care often outweigh the costs.

care-funding

Funding Your Residential Care – A Smart Choice for the Future
Entering a residential care facility is not a decision to be taken lightly. Funding your care can be done through use of your assets and help from your local authority. Don’t leave arranging your finances until it is too late.

Author: Ryan Hughes writes about Health and Aging.

————————————————————————————————

Stages of Senior CareHOME CARE HOW TOTransforming Palliative CareInsider’s Guide to Better Nursing Home Care

——————————————————————————

Filed Under: Care Tips, LATE STAGE Tagged With: elder care, Financial Assistance, Funding Options, late stage, Nursing Home

How to Help the person with End Stage Alzheimer’s dementia to Eat

12/08Leave a Comment

veggie-juice

Helping the person with End Stage Alzheimer’s to eat

During any holiday season there will be many festive dinners. Friends, family and other loved ones will be joining together to celebrate life and the holiday.

A festival of food and celebrations that remind us all of our loved ones with end stage Alzheimer’s dementia who can no longer chew, nor sometimes taste the savory flavor of a holiday dinner.

A liquid diet works well while the person with Alzheimer’s can still sip from a bottle or straw, as many health drinks provide multiple nutrients for those who can not chew.

With The Bullet, Nutri Bullet or other Juicers, most foods can be pureed until easily swallowed by someone with health issues, yet still provide the nutrients that they need. Later on, when they no longer remember how to swallow, it becomes a little more difficult.

Ensure and other health drinks are super nutritious, easier to swallow as they are thinner and most taste similar to a milk shake. But knowing how to suck on a straw or even swallow eventually evaporates from the memory as well.

If your loved one can no longer chew nor sip from a straw

you might be interested in the article below

Lori La bey (the webmaster at Alzheimer’s Speaks) has written a fantastic article about feeding her own mother from a straw. With text and photos of the exact process, I refer to this article often when asked how to assist a loved one who can no longer chew.

Alzheimer’s – Feeding Tips for End Stages or Nonresponsives

By Lori La Bey of Alzheimer’s Speaks and Senior Lifestyle Trends

My Mom, in her end stages of Alzheimer’s disease now has trouble sipping or sucking to get her fluid intake at times.  This doesn’t happen all the time but when it does I have learned one of the easiest ways to get liquids in her is to use a straw  kind of like an eye dropper.  I use an adjustable straw as seen in the photos. And you’ll also see pictures of Mom and I using this technique. Read More….

Source from : http://alzheimersspeaks.wordpress.com/2010/11/24/alzheimers-feeding-tips-for-end-stages-or-nonresponsives/

==================================

Some wonderful tools to make delicious liquid meals for those who can no longer eat from the table

 Nutri Bullet 12-Piece High-Speed Check Price Breville Compact Juice Fountain 700Check Price Black & Decker JE2200B 400-Watt Check Price Hamilton Beach 67601A Big Mouth Check Price Ninja Master Prep (QB900B)Check Price

————————————————————————–

Filed Under: Care Tips, Healthy Diet, LATE STAGE Tagged With: blender, can't chew, can't eat, can't swallow, smoothie, straw feeding, suck straw

Making the most of your visit to a loved one with Alzheimer’s

10/231 Comment

Making the Most of Your Visit to a loved one

Not being known by someone who is the center of your world; not being able to recognize the person you once idolized; seeing a completely new and strange person replace someone who was once so familiar to you – coping with the changes that the effects of Alzheimer’s can have on a loved one can be quite challenging.

Not only is it hard to accept the changes that you see happening before your very eyes, it is hard to understand how to deal with those changes. However, accept and understand you must, because at the end of the day, that person is still your grandparent, your parent, a dear friend, or someone else who you hold near and dear to your heart.

 

talk-to-parents

Part of the battle of successfully coping is understanding what to expect. You want to make the most of your time with this person, but feeling overwhelmed and unable to process the changed person that you see before you is natural.

In order to make the most of your visit with a loved one with Alzheimer’s, prepare yourself so that you can enjoy your time together as much as possible.

Be Knowledgeable

You have the image of your jovial grandfather in mind, but upon visiting him, you are startled to find how much he has changed. In order to avoid feeling overwhelmed, be knowledgeable about the changes that you will likely experience. He or she may not know who you are, may become easily upset, or may think you are someone else. Knowing to expect this type of experience can allow you to respond in a positive way, ensuring your visit is a successful one.

Offer a Greeting

If your mother has Alzheimer’s, you know that her not knowing or recognizing you is not abnormal. By offering a warm greeting and introducing yourself, you offer her the chance to place who you are and set the stage for a successful meeting. Those with Alzheimer’s tend to crave physical touch, so offer a warm hug or hold their hand as you sit together.

Be Courteous

Though your loved one may be forgetful and may even act childish in some ways, always treat him with respect. Never belittle or talk down to him. He is a person who has lived a full life and is battling a very difficult disease. Show your respect and be courteous – although they may not be able to show their appreciation, it’s very important.

Don’t Overwhelm

Sharing too much at one time with your loved one is often overwhelming for them. Pick and choose what you want to say, or talk about, and pay attention to their physical cues. When you notice them becoming tired or irritable, it’s okay to simply sit quietly.

Show Your Love and Support

Even if your loved one never gains a sense of who you are during your entire visit, show her your love and support anyway. Your loved one can sense your emotions, and those emotions will greatly impact her long after you leave. In fact, she may associate those emotions with you the next time you visit, so be sure to leave things on a calm and positive note.

Don’t Get Upset

Naturally, the changes Alzheimer’s brings to your loved one are difficult and hard to deal with. However, don’t let your frustrations get the best of you! This will make the visit more difficult for everyone, perhaps leading to more discouraging visits in the future.

 

assist-elderly

Preparing yourself, knowing what to expect, and exhibiting the right attitude toward your loved one greatly impact the success of your visit, making your time together memorable and meaningful.

Guest Post Author ~  Tara Heath is a freelance writer in Southern California. As her grandma currently battles Alzheimer’s, she finds these tips practical and helpful for visiting her. She contributes health content to the Presidio Home Care blog.

———————————————————————–

Easy Shopping for the things you need for yourself and loved ones

——————————————–

See’s Candies 1 lb. Chocolate & VarietyKIRKLAND Signature PREMIUM CHOCOLATES of the WORLD ASSORTMENT JAR NET WT 2 Lb…399 Games, Puzzles & Trivia Challenges Specially Designed to Keep Your Brain Young.Wordsearch Collection (Spiral Wordsearch)Ghirardelli Premium Hot Cocoa, Double Chocolate, 1.5-Ounce Envelopes (Pack of 15)Swiss Miss Classics Hot Cocoa Mix, Milk Chocolate, 58.4 Ounce

————————————————-

Filed Under: communication, LATE STAGE Tagged With: how to behave, Nursing Home Visit, What to say

Knowing when more Care-Support is needed : The Experience of Kirsty Boden

09/211 Comment

A Personal Story: Knowing when more care-support is needed

by Kirsty Boden

My grandfather suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, one of the most common types of dementia. As the years have gone on he has required increased levels of support to carry out all his daily activities, because the symptoms have become increasingly severe and more parts of the brain are affected.

I think until you experience first-hand what it is like to constantly have to put someone else’s needs before your own, it is impossible to truly understand the impact that being a full-time carer has on your life, as well as your own health and well-being. What people fail to realize is that being a carer is a full time job and more often than not, one that is thrust upon us unexpectedly. Regardless of whether we feel prepared enough, the fact is that you have to accept the situation for what it is, as the only alternative is usually to have your loved one put into full-time care.

Enter my grandmother; a 75 year-old woman who has been working nose to the grindstone since the premature age of fourteen in order to support her family. She also ran her own thriving business single-handedly for over 30 years until her recent retirement – one would think that she of all people has earned a well-deserved break. Unfortunately this isn’t the case; her husband’s deteriorating health was one of the main reasons she was forced to give up her much loved career so as to dedicate her time to looking after him. As the disease progressed, more and more of her time was devoted to caring duties.

Many people are forced to give up their dream career in order to become a full-time carer for a close friend or family member who can no longer cope by themselves. I have the utmost respect for these people, certainly if they are any reflection of my grandmother. I honestly don’t know how she manages; at 75 she is no spring chicken, and yet every day she demonstrates such strength and bravery that I can’t help but be in awe of her.

For a long time, my grandmother was reluctant to seek care support. Although she insisted she was managing fine by herself, you could see the toll it was taking on her health, both physical and mental. And no wonder, because she must have been exhausted – I know I would be if I was up and about working tirelessly for 20 hours or more a day. On the rare occasion my grandfather managed to make it through the night without disturbing her, she would often lay awake tossing and turning, expecting him to call out for help any minute. I knew that if she carried on the way she was then her health would begin to suffer as well – Carers UK reveals that those who provide high levels of care are more than twice as likely to suffer from poor health compared to people without caring responsibilities.

The turning point for us came earlier this year, when a nasty fall resulted in my grandfather breaking his wrist and becoming hospital bound for a month. Unfortunately, this was the wake-up call my grandmother needed. Leaving him in the capable hands of the nurses for those few weeks did her the world of good, and she came to the realization that accepting help from others was not the worst idea in the world. Seeing him adapt so well to hospital life in the care of the nurses gave my grandmother the reassurance she needed to accept care assistance when he went back home.

On our hunt for a suitable care service we stumbled across Caremark, an established home care provider which appeared to offer the ‘personalized’ approach we were looking for. There is increasing demand for this kind of technique which allows everything to be planned around your individual requirements. I feel that this is a far more pleasant (and affordable) alternative to living in residential care or a nursing home full-time.

What I really like about this company is that they encourage independent living, encouraging the individual to work with them rather than doing everything for them. We found that this approach has really benefited my grandfather as it has given him a sense of purpose and well-being as well as preventing him from becoming too languid. He has daily visits from a nurse to help him up out of bed and dressed, and again in the evening to get him bathed, undressed and back into bed.

Implementation of these simple regimes has made the world of difference to both my grandparents. My grandmother has finally relieved some of the stress from her shoulders and now has more time to care for herself, and my grandfather has showed remarkable progress by managing to sleep right through most nights. This has resulted in him being more energetic and steady on his feet once again.

If you are a carer and can relate to this article, I strongly recommend that you look into home care support in your area.  We chose Caremark with no limit to the type of assistance they can offer, and you can receive as much or as little help as you wish according to your individual needs if you find a good Home Care Support in your area as well.

Kirsty Boden is a keen blogger and social media enthusiast, and enjoys creating quality pieces of engaging content for her followers. Whether it be on behalf of herself or a client, Kirsty enjoys sharing her personal experiences and has a diverse span of interests including technology, food, health, fitness, fashion and the arts. Twitter @littlebearson

————————————-

 If you’d like to share your story or information which is Alzheimer’s or dementia related, Contact  me on the Contact Form:

——————————–

The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book PublishedMore infoBuilding Your Book for KindleMore infoJan’s Story: Love Lost to the Long Goodbye of Alzheimer’sMore infoTangles: A Story About Alzheimer’s, My Mother, and MeMore info

—————————————————————————-

Filed Under: Common Questions, LATE STAGE Tagged With: about-dementia, Caregiver's, long-term care, Nursing Care, tell-your-story

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • …
  • 10
  • Next Page »

Categories

Most of Those with Dementia love Music

Email Updates

Most Recent Articles

  • Answering Your Questions
  • Form a Network of Support when dealing with Alzheimer’s
  • Lesser Known Early Signs of Alzheimer’s
  • Healthy diet and exercise equal sound sleep for the aging
  • 8 Things Can Change How You Approach Caregiving
  • 6 Warning Signs in Elderly Should Never be Ignored
  • Thank you to Nancy Madaris!
  • Home Test for Alzheimer’s – Will You Take the Test?

Let Them Listen to a Favorite Book

Most Viewed Articles

The Famous Faces of Alzheimer’s

What is Early Onset Alzheimers and – can I Inherit it?

A Caregiver’s Guide: “Alzheimer’s Disease – 300 Tips” : Review

Can We Improve Our Memory NOW?

Activities to Share with a loved one who has Dementia

When a Relative Dies, What You Know about Survivor Benefits will be Important

Does Coconut Oil Help Alzheimer’s?

Does the Person with dementia Invent Memories or just lie?

Copyright © 2021 · Lifestyle Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in