Activities that bring enjoyment and pleasure to the person with dementia

Best Gifts for those with Alzheimer’s Dementia

Best Gifts for those with Alzheimer’s dementia

==> This article was written a couple years ago, but it is always in-demand this time of year. So I’ve spruced it up a little and here we have our favorite Holiday List <==

There are many gifts that make a person with Alzheimer’s dementia smile. But the Best gifts for those with Alzheimer’s dementia often depend on the individual personality.

My mom was easy to please when it came to gifts. If I gave her a stack of Oreo Cookies and a glass of milk, her eyes lit up like Christmas.

I don’t know about all folks who have dementia, but most that I’ve known are very affectionate, thankful and easy to please.

My Mom had many inhibitions about affection while my brothers and I were growing up. Hence, ours was not a very affectionate home. I knew my mother loved me, but she wasn’t a person to do a lot of hugging. Something that went far back into her own family roots, I suppose. Still, we always knew she loved us.

But some time during mid-stage Alzheimer’s Mom started hugging. It was almost like some buried inhibition had finally been forgotten and she was free to show the affection that she’d always felt. She did enough hugging and cheek-kissing during those last few years to make up for any lack of affection during the previous 60 years.

So buying gifts for my Mom was easy. She was a pleasant, happy person who loved to stay active. I think personality plays a big part in buying gifts for others, and that includes those with Alzheimer’s dementia.

Mom loved watching TV. She couldn’t follow the story-line of a movie, soap opera, or even half-hour drama. But she loved game shows. She would watch Television game shows all day long if I allowed it.

Some might think that is a lazy way to tend to someone with dementia, having them idly watch television for an hour or two. I’ve heard others say that Movie and TV shows, etc., might be too sedentary for the person with dementia. But–you didn’t know my Mom.

Bob Barker was Mom’s favorite. While she watched Bob Barker and (The Price is Right.) Mom giggled and laughed and clapped her hands. She popped up and down like a “jack in the box.” And Mom was on her feet as much as sitting while she applauded, hooted and squealed for every winner. Television game shows were no sedate activity for my MOM!

Jeopardy! What’s My Line?: T Family Feud The Price Is Right

Other folks may not care for Television and have much more fun with Puzzles and Beads and Blocks. Almost everyone I’ve known with dementia enjoys keeping their hands busy since the fingers have a tendency to “fidget” when not active.

Exactly the name for the quilt in their honor. Here, you can read more about The Fidget Quilt.

Crayola 64 Ct Crayons Secret Garden Adult Coloring Book Ravensburger Ravensburger Fun Fusion Fuse Beads Glass European Beads FlexiBlox Fidget

When Mom finally went into a Group Home with 9 other ladies, I’m telling you, those women would fight over laundry. I’m not kidding. The Group Home was a regular style home renovated to serve the needs of all these sweet ladies. It was located in a residential neighborhood near my own home. So I was able to visit whenever I liked.

In the afternoons, the staff would do laundry and bring the heaping baskets filled with towels and sheets and other linens to the Television room. An uproar ensued at this time every day. “You got towels yesterday, it’s my turn.” “No, it’s my turn.” “I don’t want those fitted sheets, I want the flat ones!” and on it would go as they argued about folding towels or anything else those baskets offered. The ladies loved folding! sheets, blankets, clothes– they loved folding.

Apple iPod touch G.G.Martinsen Sleep Soundly Effortless Relaxation

All the older folks I’ve known have a love of music. They especially like music that was popular from their own generation. Truthfully, I can understand that. I still enjoy the 50’s rock and roll myself. Music brings happiness and joy and memories of youth.

In later stages comfort is often the most necessary item. Soft house-shoes, a fluffy warm robe, soft music, a gentle foot rub. When that time comes, comfort is every bit as important as any activity or pleasure they found in earlier times.

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I hope you and your loved ones enjoy Fall and all the Holiday Season ahead. After a little forethought, you’ll know exactly what gift your loved one will enjoy most!

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How to spend time with Aging Parents

06/03Leave a Comment

How to Spend Time with Aging Parents

Nearly 10 million US citizens are caregivers and spend time with their aging parents who have dementia. The job is grueling, and many of these caregivers have other duties too. Most of them work on a daily basis, have kids of their own, and somehow find time to care for their aging parents too. It can be excruciating to raise your own children and all of a sudden become a “parent” for your parents too. The responsibilities can be huge, and some people can’t do it all by themselves.

Do a little digging into the chores of a caregiver, and get to know as much as possible about Alzheimer’s. It won’t be easy but at least you’ll have some pointers on how to be better at lessening your loved one’s suffering. Here are 5 important tips to help you make spending time with an aging parent a pleasant and enjoyable experience.

5 Tips on How to Spend time with Aging Parents

1. The first step to making your job as a caregiver easier is to accept it. You are no longer just a parent to your kids or just a worker with a 9 to 5 job; you are a caregiver to your own parent too.

At first, the tasks involved will overwhelm you, and at times you may feel like the world is crashing over your head.

Experts claim that caregiving doesn’t have to involve taking care of a patient 24/7.

Alzheimer’s is a serious condition, and as it advances it may become difficult for you to cope with your parent’s mood swings and changes in personality. In this case, you might want to consider professional assistance.

Spend quality time with parents daily

Alzheimer’s is a degenerative disease that affects the brain. Sooner or later your aging parent will start forgetting things. He will begin having irrational behaviors, experience memory loss and you will be compelled to consider professional assistance. You can either hire a nurse to assist with daily chores or put your loved one in a nursing home or assisted living facility. Make sure to visit them daily for at least 20 minutes, and try to enjoy the time spent together. This will give both of you strength and willpower to move on and just make the most of the time you have left together.

Bring albums

Albums with family photos is an excellent way of making your aging parent feel happy again. Even if they won’t remember everything, you might strike a nerve with photos that depict essential moments of their life, such as their wedding, your birth, and others. If you can, write the date of the picture underneath, as well as the names of the people in the photo. This is a great way of helping an Alzheimer’s patient remember things without struggling.

Read to them from their favorite books

Dementia is without a doubt one of the worst possible diseases that occurs in seniors. Sadly, there’s no proven cure for it; several related studies performed over the years claim that reading can delay the materialization of dementia. But there’s no living proof this is true.

Visiting parents in nursing homes doesn’t just mean stopping by every once in awhile. Make the most of that time and bring with you a former book your loved one adored. Start reading it to them and they might even reckon parts of the book. Reading is an excellent type of activity for the brain.

Set up monthly meetings with the whole family

It is extremely important to help aging parents maintain a sense of reality. Dealing with dementia or Alzheimer’s is tough; however, rather than complain and do nothing about it, you should at least try. Set up monthly meetings with the whole family; bring the kids along and other siblings, and spend quality time together.

Allow the little ones to interact, and say their names numerous times for your parent to remember it. Even if your mother or father may forget names and even that meeting, if you do it often enough it will be like waking them up from a dream every month.

Whether in early or advanced stage or dementia, it is fundamental for the aging parent to receive periodic visits from the people he cares most about. Be prepared as the visits won’t always be the same. Sometimes they will remember you, other times they won’t. Show that you care and make the most of every second.

Author: Edward Francis and Foresthc.com!

How to Care for Aging Parents Coping With Older Parent Elder Rage or Take My Father

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A few Fun Activities to enjoy together

Kid’s Card Games -Remember Go Fish!Outside Play – Even from a Sitting Position Share Movies from their generation Lotion on hands and arms by Loved one feels so good Share Memories from days gone by Someone to hold when you walk away

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5 Easy Ways to Banish the Winter Blues!

01/131 Comment

Five Easy Ways to Banish the Winter Blues

What is it about certain seasons – winter, to be more specific – that makes us feel more “down in the dumps” than others?

Is it something beyond the mere fact that daylight doesn’t radiate as long…or that we, as human beings, associate cold with sadness, harshness and abandonment?

Whatever the reason, there is a prevalence of depression in the winter, and studies have suggested a connection between Alzheimer’s patients and a vulnerability to seasonal depression. Further, research has exposed a sub-genre of this condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which requires people suffering from it to add “light boxes” in order to approach the problem. While this an extreme example and variation of the subject, there is indeed scientific evidence to shed light on Alzheimer’s and the “winter blues.”

Whether it’s loneliness over the holidays, Seasonal Affective Disorder as a consequence of less sunlight or something else, all hope is not lost: Here are five simple ways that can go a long way toward helping you feel your best, any time of year.

1. Quality Time with Friends

Research indicates that those people who boast a large support network of friends outlived others by approximately 22-percent – in the context of this conversation, that is monumental. Communities can help people deal with the burden of stress, allow for feelings or support and belonging and can boost self-esteem…even in the life of an Alzheimer’s patient. The next time you or a loved one is feeling blue, call up a friend for coffee or join a hiking club in your city; the possibilities are endless, and connecting with other people can do wonders for the emotions.

2. Dietary Adjustments

Depression is a cruel condition. It starts out as an unassuming, unobtrusive “emotional tug” and evolves – when left untreated – into a life-altering and sometimes even life-threatening disease. Aside from omega 3 fatty acid-rich foods, some examples of foods that can have a beneficial effect on mood include turkey, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, organic potatoes, corn, rice grain and St. John’s Wort, an herb that is said to somewhat effectively ease milder forms of depression. This herb is widely prescribed in Europe for depression, though there is more evidence to the effect that the “power” of St. John’s Wort in treating serious cases is more akin to a placebo effect.

Of course, proper medical care for a case of depression cannot be substituted by a “depression diet” or from food or dietary supplements; psychotherapy and medication is still the most effective means of treating the condition.

Using the Internet to Stay Connected

It’s been estimated that as many as 10 million older Americans suffer from depression, often brought on by feelings of isolation. New research has found that Internet use among the elderly, especially with those in more rural or isolated areas (use satellite internet where cable is unavailable), can reduce the chances of depression by more than 30-percent. It all has to do with an older demographic – some with Alzheimer’s – being able to communicate and stay in contact with their social networks.

Regular Exercise

With regular physical activity, a good amount of endorphins are released, which have been proven to help increase energy levels and improve mood. This doesn’t necessarily mean running marathons, either – reaping the emotional benefits of exercise can encompass a brisk walk around the neighborhood, a dance session in your living room or some yard work.

Incorporating a UV Lamp

This ties into the Seasonal Affective Disorder we mentioned in the beginning. Some light therapy lamps are designed for skin disorders, not SAD or depression, so it’s important to make sure the light box you obtain is made specifically to treat SAD. Further, there’s the UV factor to consider: Light boxes for SAD should be designed to filter out most UV light, with such light radiated by tanning beds found to be ineffective for treating SAD.

Beating the winter blues is not impossible, and a few mood-lifting exercises can go a long way towards regaining a healthy mental outlook. Your brain and your body will thank you!

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

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A few Great Gift Ideas for those with dementia

11/162 Comments

Super Gift Ideas for those with dementia / Alzheimer’s

Activities for elderly with dementia

My first title for this article was BEST Gift ideas for those with dementia/Alzheimer’s. But that didn’t feel appropriate to me because most folks I know who have Alzheimer’s are not difficult to please at all.

All you really need is activities for the elderly with dementia that make them happy. Many are simple things. My Mom loved crocheting, playing solitaire, Seek ‘n Find books, and her very special coloring book with Bible Stories.

Truthfully, the “Best” gift would be a sweet serenade from you, a date for lunch with you. Maybe a trip to the beauty salon for “The Works!” A gentle massage of each hand from a loving daughter. I’ll never forget how excited my Mom was when the podiatrist came to the Group-Home to clip her toe nails.

Wow, did she ever feel special! And, miraculously, she never forgot it and told everyone who would listen. We never did tell Mom that the Owner of the of the Group-Home paid for this service on a monthly basis for all residents.

Those with dementia want love and affection and kindness. After all that– they might still like a few of these goodies too…

Plush Microfiber Robe – Soft, Warm, and Lightweight – Full LengthMore info

Elderly folks are easy to please. I can say that because that group includes me, and I know how I feel. The big things in life are family and good health and after that, everything else is floss.

A big thing for those who are ill is comfort. A big furry robe, or warm blanket on their feet. If you snuggle-up for a cuddle beside them, I know they’d love it.

But sometimes you have other things to do and need to keep them busy for awhile. The person with dementia can still do/and enjoy many activities.

My Mom loved TV. She couldn’t watch a movie or series-show on television that required remembering long segments, but she loved Bob Barker, Game shows and Old Sitcoms: “I love Lucy,” “Jackie Gleason,” and even “Jack Benny.”

If you’re loved one needs more activity than a television set, there’s always: Seek ‘n find books, puzzles, beads, counting coins, stacking pennies, folding clothes and many other things.

Some older folks can’t keep their hands still due to constant fidgeting. The toy manufacturers have caught-on to this idea and built fidget toys and puzzles by the 100’s. These are only a small few.

Grandma’s Cookies Jigsaw PuzzleMore info BIDDEFORD Comfort Knit & Sherpa ELECTRIC KiING BLANKET- Dual Controls IvoryMore info Set of 3! Tangle Jr. Original Fidget ToyMore info Wooden Puzzle FidgetMore info Special Needs Sensory Activity Apron (Children & Adult Sizes)More info

And then we have the ladies who simply love baby dolls! (Which includes most women with Alzheimer’s dementia.) My Mom was certainly one of that group, and her mother too. I can remember when I was a little girl and visited my grandma’s house. Her bed was always full of dolls. My mom wasn’t quite as bad but as soon as her bed was made, her family of dolls were all in a row, reclining against the pillows like distant relatives.

Now they create these darling Newborn Baby Dolls! I wish I had known about them when my Mom was alive. She would have loved them like her own child! Yet, the “Real, life-like dolls” are more expensive than most. And a simple Little Girl’s Baby Doll will do just as well.

JC Toys La NewbornMore info Paradise Galleries Lifelike Realistic Weighted Baby Doll, Tall Dreams, 10 Piece Ensemble, 19-inch, Ages 3+More info JC Toys La Newborn First Day- Real GirlMore info Baby Doll: Little Peanut Baby Doll – 17More info JC Toys La Newborn- Real Boy 18540More info JC Toys La Newborn First Yawn- Real BoyMore info

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These are baby dolls for children and more affordable than the “Real Life baby dolls.” My Mom had a couple like these and carried them everywhere. She loved her baby dolls like her own children.

Newborn- Real Girl My First Baby – 12 Inch Baby Huggums Soft Body Newborn- Real Boy Huggums Soft Body 12″JC Toys 20 JC Toys 16 Newborn Baby Doll

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Alzheimer’s apps help those with dementia stay safe

10/282 Comments

Alzheimer’s apps can help find the wanderer, Id the person with dementia, keep the time for those who have lost sense of time

Alzheimer’s apps help those with dementia stay safe. For the millions who have Alzheimer’s, their loved ones and caregivers, every day can present different obstacles. Yet while it may sometimes feel like it, you’re not alone; there are an estimated 5.2 million people in America fighting this cognitive disease. With Alzheimer’s, accomplishing everyday activities often requires a whole new approach. And Alzheimer’s apps can help.

For all the conveniences technology brings us, persons with Alzheimer and their support team stand to benefit as well. Mobile phone applications and wearable devices can now help to fight the effects of the disease, organize and manage medication and physician appointments, and, in some cases, even take steps to prevent the disease.

It’s all part of a rapidly expanding sub-section of the health industry striving to innovate the way we communicate with both our doctors and our bodies themselves.

There are a range of Alzheimer’s apps available on the market now.

Below are just a few:

Brain Map – As the official app of the Alzheimer’s Society this is a must have and is really a fascinating piece of technology even if you’re not using it for the treatment of Alzheimer’s. What the app does is allow you to upload a picture of yourself or someone else, and it superimposes a 3-D image of a brain over it. From there you can look at, examine, and study the different parts of the brain and learn what their functions are. The app also has a specific section on Alzheimer’s with lots of valuable and new information.

Clevermind – This app was created by Glenn Palumbo, who experienced great difficulty in finding the right resources to help his father after his Alzheimer’s diagnosis. He told Cult of Mac, “based on my personal experience with my father, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 78, I realized there was a need for a comprehensive app that tailored to my father’s condition, so I decided that I would create one.” Palumbo developed an app specifically for seniors that engages them in games that boost cognitive abilities and is entertaining to boot.

MIND – Created by GE Healthcare along with a team of neurologists, MIND (Make an Impact on Neurological Disorders) is designed not only for those who have Alzheimer’s, but those with Parkinson’s or a history of a stroke that resulted in brain damage. What the app does is incorporate music, which has been shown to be beneficial to cognitive function, with art in a multi-sensory experience that encourages creativity as well as memory training.

tweri – Designed in collaboration with the Association of Relatives of Alzheimer’s, this is an app that gives caregivers what they crave most: peace of mind. What the app does, once downloaded onto the phone of a person with Alzheimer’s, is give them freedom and safety while keeping their loved ones and caretakers informed. Through the app a caretaker can set maximum distances and time limits for walks and/or drives.

Alerts are sounded when the patient has exceeded the maximum distance from their home or have been away from home longer than the time that was pre-established. Once the alert is sent, their GPS location is shown immediately. It also features an alert button that messages caretakers if your loved one is out on a walk or drive and becomes disoriented, lost, or just needs help.

While none of the aforementioned apps are by any means a suitable replacement for necessary medical attention and supervision, they serve as helpful tech tools for the Alzheimer’s care community. And the tech-savvy side of the medical world is only projected to grow from here.

Many health professionals envision a day, not far from now, when patients will able to seamlessly connect with their doctors and “share” their symptoms.

“Yet as the new wearables market produces more specialized care products we must not lose sight of the privacy issues that could arise if security is not properly integrated.” says Tim Cannon of HealthITJobs.com. “With a flood of new hardware, and software entrants to this growing space, the handling of sensitive health data must be done with great care.”

As the realms of healthcare and technology continue to merge, we can look forward to seeing better, safer, tech options to help those with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers solve the everyday challenges of this disease.

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

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