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Activities that bring enjoyment and pleasure to the person with dementia

New Assistive Technology Devices

05/102 Comments

Voice Assistant Technology for Alzheimer’s Support 

Assistive-TechnologyAssistive Technology devices are becoming more available than ever. Technology continues to evolve and further assist those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s.

More capable than ever of understanding natural, spoken language, digital “personal assistants” can provide support to seniors and caregivers by proffering daily reminders, responding quickly to crises and communicating a wealth of valuable information.

The records of daily requests are also a convenient way for family members to monitor their loved one’s basic activities and mindset.

The Arrival of Digital Assistants
“Smart” software like Apple’s Siri, Microsoft’s Cortana and Amazon’s Alexa are voice-search enabled and always connected to the Internet.

More than just fancy search engines, digital assistants use artificial machine intelligence in new ways to analyze data from all your online activities. By gathering information from your previous commands, your prior search queries, and the vast constellation of personal data shared across different Internet-enabled devices and platforms, they pick up on behavior patterns and preferences in order to simulate the human decision making process.

To build a more comprehensive, immersive customer experience around the capabilities of the digital assistant, stand-alone units have entered the market as well. Amazon’s Alexa controls the “Echo” product: a cylindrical device with seven speakers that gives users hands-free access to all connected devices in the home. Once it’s turned on, the Echo is ready to respond to any simple verbal trigger.

Helping Those Who Need It Most
The intuitive capabilities of Alexa and the Echo device can be a major convenience for caregivers, saving them a lot of trouble across the board. Interacting with the Echo through voice provides immediate results without any button-pressing. Questions like, “Alexa, what time does the movie theater close?” or, “what is the address of the nearest pharmacy?” will be answered right away.

These digital assistants work with an ever-increasing array of Internet-enabled tools tools, making turning off your lights and changing the temperature easier and more convenient when you’re busy. This website and other resources can help you find out which devices pair with the Amazon Echo – and this list is expanding all the time. Home automation compatibility also opens the doors for these assistants to integrate with “smart” security systems, which can greatly help if an individual is still living alone or if their caretaker is away.

Assisting Alzheimer’s Patients
For aging individuals with Alzheimer’s, the reminder capabilities that a digital assistant can provide help keep daily life on track. The simple verbal functionality doesn’t require users to learn difficult technology or use a keyboard. A digital assistant can even be a source of entertainment; providing news, playing music or even telling jokes.

Most importantly, family members outside of the home can track the real-time interactions technology-elderlywith the virtual assistant to ensure that their beloved senior is doing well and interacting normally with the device. A senior can send his or her caregiver a text or email through the digital assistant, ask for shopping items, receive medication reminders, and call for help during a medical emergency. In a crisis, the reassurance that Amazon’s Echo will respond to the request, “Alexa, call 911!” is crucial. As a combination microphone system and speaker, Amazon’s Echo is ideal for individuals with Alzheimer’s and those who provide their care.

Assistance Online and Off

Alzheimer’s disease impacts everyone in the family, and Alexa can take some of the communication burden off of families and caretakers’ shoulders. As the science of artificial intelligence continues to develop, more capabilities will be available to assist seniors and their caretakers with many basic aspects of daily monitoring and care.

The unique capabilities of virtual assistants provide life-changing help for families, caretakers and senior citizens with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Reminders, to-do lists, music, conversation, communication and emergency assistance are all just a voice request away when senior citizens have a digital assistant at their beck and call.

Author: Beth Kelly is a technology and security blogger, who primarily covers topics pertaining to healthcare tech, energy efficiency, and home security. You can follow her on Twitter at @bkelly_88

Amazon EchoAmazon EchoVoice Remote for Amazon EchoVoice Remote for Amazon EchoAmazon TapAmazon Tap

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Filed Under: Activities, Care Tips Tagged With: Amazon Echo, Assistive technology devices, Assistive Technology for Disablities, List of Assistive Technology

Good Health Tips for Seniors bring Important Lifestyle Changes

03/124 Comments

Good Health Tips for Seniors are

Important lifestyle Modifications

Good health tips for seniors are actually health tips to live longer. Regular exercise and diet are vital for a senior’s general well-being. Adhering to a proper diet plan and working out can have a great impact on their health.

Common health conditions in seniors are heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, dementia, depression, diabetes, arthritis and more. Some can be treated with exercise, a healthy diet and additional lifestyle modifications. For seniors to enjoy a happy life, both physically and mentally, they are advised to follow the guidelines below:

  • Quit smoking and alcohol consumption
  • Daily skin moisturizing and sun protection
  • Dental care, including monthly visits to the dentist, flossing and brushing
  • Health care preventive and screening measures, including vaccinations
  • Good sleep hygiene and at least 7 hours of sleep per night
  • Vacations and social activities
  • Reading to keep the brain healthy and active

easy-exercise

Diet

We cannot stress this enough – a healthy diet promotes general well-being. Vascular disease, lung & heart diseases, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, memory deficit, cancer, skin diseases, strokes, and visual problems have a great impact on the lifestyle of a senior.

Considering that the human body is made of carbohydrates, minerals & vitamins, proteins, water and fat, it is important to keep it nourished and hydrated. A balanced meal plan should consist of whole grains, fruits and veggies, and fiber. These are essential as we age. A nutritionist may also recommend supplementation to substitute for vitamin deficiencies and strengthen your immune system.

Working out

Older people may not have the same drive and strength of younger people when it comes to working out. However, this doesn’t mean you should sit on a couch for 15 hours a day and do nothing else. There are pleasant activities the elderly can try out in order to feel healthier and more alive. Walking for good health is an easy exercise that almost everyone enjoys.

Daily walks in the park, socializing with neighbors, swimming, and enjoying the outside world, are just some endeavors they should explore to feel better and stronger. Regular exercise prevents a wealth of health conditions, including hypertension, osteoporosis, depression, heart disease, muscle weakness, diabetes, and more.

Regular exercise burns excess calories and preserves an average weight. It also builds up physical endurance optimizing the general health of the heart, vascular system, lungs, and muscles by delivering nutrients and oxygen to the tissues. Seniors should adhere to at least 30 minutes of mild walking per day. This will increase their heart rate with up to 75%. If you’re not into walking or running, try swimming. It’s a lot more relaxing and rejuvenating.

senior-exercise

Ask for help

Many seniors want to live alone and preserve their independence. They don’t want to be a burden to their kids; which is why they’re often ashamed to ask for help. Physical or mental impairment are illnesses that may materialize as you grow older, and you should aware of that.

There’s nothing wrong with asking for assistance from your loved ones. The job of a caregiver can be demanding and nerve-raking; and yet you shouldn’t assume that your kids won’t want to help. Make a sensible decision and choose to live your life in the most comfortable way possible.

Care homes

Aging is a natural process that we can’t put an end to. We have to deal with the fact that sooner or later we will all turn 60. It is a time of change and adaptation, which is why seniors must plan their housing needs in advance. You want to live happily and not have to worry about forgetting the stove open right? You want what’s best for you and your kids? Then you should seriously consider home care. The key to a sensible decision is to match housing with daily health, financial and lifestyle needs. This implies making your home safer and a lot more comfortable, or moving into a nursing home.

Seniors who want to live a happy and fulfilled lifestyle should make the smartest choices. Start by assessing your general well-being and if you can’t live by yourself any more, admit it and ask for help. There are home care solutions you should really take advantage of.

Think in your own best interest, make small changes in diet, and engage in fun activities to keep you positive. All these small lifestyle changes should be enough to boost your confidence and make you happier.

Author: Edward Francis and Foresthc.com!


Filed Under: Activities, Care Tips, Healthy Diet Tagged With: good health for seniors, good health tips for seniors, how to live longer, tips to live longer

Fish Aquarium Tanks and Alzheimer’s dementia

12/292 Comments

Home Aquarium Fish Tanks and Alzheimer’s dementia

aquarium-serenityWhen I was much younger with young children of my own, I ran a daycare center for working Moms. One two-year-old little boy was particularly precocious and spent many long minutes in front of our home Aquarium fish tank.

If anything got spilled, broken or turned over– it was usually Jack who got the “time-out” which meant 4 minutes in front of our home fish aquarium.

He wasn’t a naughty boy but slow to talk, and even slower to accept the rules of the house.

Our large fish tank was filled with colorful fish and shells and air bubbles and lots of other activity most of the time. A few minutes in front of the Fish Tank  was little punishment for the small children I babysat, yet it calmed them down and soothed their tears if they were upset.

So recently I was not surprised to learn that a Fish Aquarium can do the same for those with Alzheimer’s dementia.

 Researchers at Purdue University have found that displaying tanks of brightly colored fish may curtail disruptive behaviors and improve eating habits of people with the disease of Alzheimer’s dementia.

Folks with Alzheimer’s react calmly to most house pets such as dogs or cats and now it seems that a fish aquarium can offer the same calming affect for those with Alzheimer’s dementia too.

If you have no time to care for a dog or cat or other pet, yet have  someone with Alzheimer’s in your home, an aquarium with lots of fish and activity may be just what you need.

A fish aquarium is alive with color. Besides the fish, the decorations are colorful and offer a soothing affect as water flows and bubbles float. A beautiful fish tank with many colors and flora is as fascinating for adults as it is for children.

It can bring a sense of peace and quiet. It can calm an angry person to settle down and watch the quiet and peacefulness of life inside the aquarium.

A local nursing home that has a large aquarium for their residents says, “It gives the residents meaning and purpose on a daily basis.”

I remember my own Mom could sit and watch the fish for hours, usually laughing and smiling and talking to them.

If you have someone in your home with Alzheimer’s dementia who suffers from agitation and is difficult to calm, try adding a Fish aquarium to your home with a comfortable chair nearby.

My mom loved the fish aquarium and could watch it for hours, tapping the side and talking to the fish inside. It is an excellent way to end mood swings for the person with dementia.

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All Glass Aquarium AAG54210 Pine Canopy , 48-Inch

 

Aquariums come in all sizes. Extra large tanks, such as this one, which can be recessed into the wall and makes a stunning presentation for the gorgeous fish that are available nowadays.

Yet a moderate size fish tank is just as satisfying for the person with Alzheimer’s dementia.

The attraction is the fish and all the activity happening in the tank.

Yet a moderate size fish tank is just as satisfying for the person with Alzheimer’s dementia. Their fascination is with the fish and activity inside the tank.

 Tetra 29095 Cube Aquarium Wall Aquarium XL 60 GloFish 29045 Aquarium Kit SeaClear 50 gal Acrylic Aquarium Tetra 29008 Waterfall Globe Marineland Pillar Aquarium

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Filed Under: Activities, Care Tips, LATE STAGE Tagged With: Aquarium soothes Alzheimer's, Fish Tanks and Aquariums, Home Aquarium Tanks

Unique Gift Idea for Mom

10/042 Comments

Unique gift Idea for Mom

color-bookIn Mom’s later stages of Alzheimer’s she lived with us until moving into a Group Home. Grandchildren were always around, so Mom became quite addicted to coloring.

Unlike today, Adult Coloring books were not a common item in our home back then. I didn’t consider a Coloring Book a Unique Gift Idea for Mom.

If the Adult coloring books of today existed 7 years ago, Mom would have been overwhelmed with joy and frankly, so would I.

In the beginning, I sat at the table and colored with Mom as a way to share time with her. But I have to say, “coloring” draws-you-in and becomes a captivating hobby. It wasn’t long before I  enjoyed coloring as much as Mom did. It is relaxing to release stress and enjoy the moment. I did prefer the adult coloring books though. 

Mom loved coloring and told everyone she met that she had painted great artistic masterpieces for our home and hers. Mom’s home had been gone for several years since she could no longer live alone. The only master pieces I could remember were the pretty pages she colored in her coloring book, but I would never correct her. Coloring for Mom had become a work of Pride and Joy.

Her first work was pages from my grandchildren’s coloring books.

When I finally realized how much Mom loved coloring, I suggested a trip to buy a few books of her own. A friend had told me about the new Adult Coloring Books Mom accepted the offer with a giggle of excitement like an artist with a new canvas.

Being a religious woman, Mom chose a children’s coloring book of “Bible Stories.” Despite my urging to buy several of the new Adult Coloring books, Mom only wanted the children’s Bible Story Coloring Book.

A thick coloring book that told a Bible Story on each page with large picture and descriptive paragraph at the bottom. Mom recognized each picture without note of the description below.

She remembered bible stories from younger years and recited scripture for each picture in the coloring book without reading the text.

Whether planned or not, this had been the perfect gift for Mom. Though inexpensive, it was the most unique and pleasurable gift Mom received in her later years with Alzheimer’s.

Adult-Coloring

Our second purchase that day was a BIG box of Crayons with a sharpener. No visitor entered our home without seeing Mom’s new coloring book, crayons and the sharpener on the back of the box.

Seeing all the pretty Adult Coloring Books of today makes me sad that Mom will never see them. I wish I had known about those all those years ago. Still, she loved the book she chose.

Now, Mom’s Bible Story coloring book Mom is a constant memory of the pleasure she had during her final weeks. I remember how much she loved it, how often she shared every story. She was so proud of that book that she asked that it be passed down to her grandchildren as an heirloom from her.

Her words make me smile to this day as I think of that Coloring Book stashed away in my closet. It will become an heirloom some day–but not yet.

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 Detailed Designs Adult Coloring Adult Coloring Books

 Haven Owls Adult Coloring Book……….

 A Beautiful Garden Coloring Book: Coloring Book for Adults (Lovink Coloring Books) Color Me Calm: 100 Coloring Templates for Meditation and Relaxation (A Zen Coloring Book) Best Gel Pens – 60 Gel Pen

Filed Under: Activities, Care Tips, Holidays Tagged With: Holiday Gift for Mom, Mom's Favorite Gift, Stress relief with Coloring

Gifts and Activities for Seniors

08/30Leave a Comment

Gifts and Activities for Seniors and those with  dementia

Alzheimer's-Gifts-by-Stages

It can be difficult to know the Best Gifts and Activities for Seniors with dementia

If you buy an electronic gift for someone with Alzheimer’s, you may want to keep their stage of dementia in mind.

Folks with Alzheimer’s love gifts as much as anyone though the Stage of their disease may influence the choice of gift.

==>> A brand new Cell phone might not be a good idea for someone with Alzheimer’s in Stage 6 or 7 <<==

If a loved one is in the later stages of Alzheimer’s, they may no longer understand the idea of holiday gift-giving at all. Though everyone appreciates the thoughtfulness that goes into choosing a special gift, there are times in life when a simple kiss on the cheek may be the best gift a person can receive. And who doesn’t like those?

Stages 1 and 2: Most folks with Alzheimer’s in stages 1 or 2 are seldom aware that they have an issue at all.  During this stage you may suspect that your memory is failing, but it’s doubtful that you’ve mentioned it to either friend, family or physician and it’a very unlikely to have been diagnosed at this stage. Any gift purchases for this group would not require consideration as far as memory loss is concerned.

 Samsung Galaxy [Prime] Black Bluetooth Android Xbox One Halo: The Master Chief Buxton RFID Identity Safe Wallet Panasonic Close Curves Amopé Pedi Perfect Nails Salon Manicure Peticure

Stages 3 and 4: During this stage you may find that you aren’t performing as well at work or have little retention for names of people that you’ve recently met. It also becomes a little more difficult to learn new things or ideas, or to retain new information that you may have learned during Stages 3-4.

During Stages 3-4 you may still be able to Read the hands on a clock, but may have difficulty recollecting things you learn more recently, especially any sort of new electronic gadget with many functions.

I say: “Thank goodness for grandchildren.” So far, my grandchildren never complain about my constant text messages and questions about any new electronic gadget that I’ve acquired.

Gadgets that help you stay in-touch are vital. Fitbit for health, Big Button Controller for the TV. A digital watch because you may be having issues with the hands on a regular clock. They are generally difficult to read fairly early-on. A journal is a must-have!

True, you will have notes all over the house but you still need a journal to store things away that you know you will forget later. A special Notebook. Only ONE special notebook or your special writings will get lost in the shuffle.

 Fitbit Flex Wireless Activity LIGHTED BIG BUTTON TV Digital Watch A Journal

I recently purchased a new Electronic Tablet and I love the darn thing. And, for the most part, the grandkiddos  know exactly what I’m talking about when I say “thing-a-mig-jig,” or “doo-dad“ because I’ve forgotten the real name for the Electronic tool I’m trying to use.

Example: “I couldn’t figure out why the camera didn’t work on my brand new tablet and  felt slightly foolish when my granddaughter reminded me that it wouldn’t work if the lens was hidden inside the case.”

 Samsung Galaxy Smartab Kids Tablet LG Electronics 10″ Tablet VTech Max Kids Tablet, Pink

I’m totally comfortable with my Kindle, probably because I’ve had it for a long time and there is nothing new to learn or remember. So the Tablet has been a little more difficult.

In the beginning, I intended to move all my books on the Kindle to the brand new Tablet, but seeing the slight difficulties I have with the Tablet, I decided to keep my books on the Kindle and have two devices rather than just one.

My older Sony Camera is simple and easy to use, so despite my desire for a new and fancier one, I’ll be keeping the easier one that I already know how to use. Most older folks love their camera. With traveling and grandchildren, a nice camera is a Must-Have. And it does fill an inner need to document things, at least for me.

 Sony Digital Camera Canon Digital Rebel Canon EOS Rebel Canon PowerShot

The issue with Electronic Gifts is the difficulty your loved one may have with learning something new. In later stages of Alzheimer’s it’s difficult, if not impossible to learn and remember new things. If your loved one has an electronic tool that they are familiar with, try upgrading what they already have rather than buying a brand new electronic tool. New information does not stick easily when someone has Alzheimer’s dementia. So the less information they need to retain to enjoy their new Electronic Gift– The Better.

Stages 5 and 6: During the later stages of Alzheimer’s, most appreciated electronics are the ones that help to make their life easier but do NOT require complicated instructions nor learning or remembering new things.

==>> These are a few Electronic Gifts that Are Awesome for almost any Stage of Alzheimer’s dementia! ==>> 

Photos are some of the best Christmas gifts for the elderly. I know, myself, that there is not a better gift than to receive photos from our children, adult children or our grandkids. I especially love these animated photos. If the photos are family members who don’t visit often, all the better. Watching the lively photo keeps the person constant in their memory.

 Micca M808z 8-Inch Pink smooth faux leather Pix-Star 10.4 Inch Micca 10.1-Inch Wide

Despite the fact that we’re talking Electronics, I can tell you that all the women and men I’ve known with Alzheimer’s love chocolate candy as much as I do. In later stages, when Mom lived in the Group Home, she would hide her candy and sweet treats because she was quite certain the ladies at the nursing home would steal them. By the time Mom finished-off a large package of M & M’s, she was certain someone else stole them.

M&M’s PeanutGolden State FruitWhitman’s Giant SamplerHealthy Snacks In-a-box

Some electronics are a necessity during the later stages, especially if your loved one still takes walks alone. There are many types of Electronic bracelets, or telephones, or other electronic devices that store valuable personal information including: Name, age, medical reference and phone number to contact if they become lost.

 The Medical ID Alert Bracelet Medical Alert USB Flash Drive Music Primo Voice Activated Alarm Clock Multimedia Monitor

There are many Electronic Gifts available for those with Alzheimer’s. Taking your loved ones level of Alzheimer’s in-mind, You will always make the Best Choice for Electronic Gifts.
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During the very late stages, most folks love seeing and hearing familiar things from their far distant past. As most of you know, my Mom’s favorite character was Bob Barker. She never failed to recognize him even after she forgot me. And these are some fun gifts for elderly folks since they are humorous but following a story line is not required.

Legends of CountrI Love Lucy ComicsLucille Ball RKOClassic WesternsThe Best of Tex RitterTo Hell and Back

 

 Women love the soft feel of Lifelike Baby dolls While the men are content with a lifelike breathing Puppy There are breathing Kitties for the Cat lover too

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Filed Under: Activities, Care Tips, Holidays Tagged With: Alzheimer's Gifts by Stages, Best Gifts for Alzheimer's, Best gifts for someone with dementia

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