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Medical Facts
in my opinion, drugs work less most of the time
Antidepressants work less than 30% of the time
In a sample of Medicare beneficiaries discharged from hospitalization to a skilled nursing home, patients have been prescribed an average of 14 medications that can have many side effects that could exacerbate symptoms in the elderly.
Adverse Drug Events
Catastrophes
Elderly patients taking more than 3-4 drugs have an increased risk of falling.
TEAS ( Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events ) are side effects from treatments that were not present before the treatment
PIMs ( Potentially Inappropriate Medications) are drugs prescribed for symptoms rather than a cure
Bad Combinations
Plavix and aspirins or NSAIDS can cause excessive bruising or internal bleeding
SSRI & PPI can increase the chances of falling/ factures
NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory Drugs) include aspirin, Indocin, Ibuprophen- Aleve, and Motrin, which can interfere with platelet aggregation, interfere with kidney function, and increase the chance of stomach ulcers
PPI (Protin Pump Inhibitors)
Nexium and Prevacid can reduce gastric inflammation by neutralizing stomach acid. PPIs should be used for less than 6 weeks.
Statins (Lipitor, Crestor, Lescol, Zocor, etc.)
Patients can experience muscle weakness, dizziness, diarrhea, or constipation. Statins should be supplemented with Coenzyme Q10
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Re Uptake Inhibitors) Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, and Lexapro can cause side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia, etc. This drug requires gradual withdrawal
What are dementia and Alzheimer's disease?
Everyone forgets things or can't think of that one word it's on the tip of your tongue. If you occasionally cannot think of things or perhaps put the milk in the cupboard instead of the refrigerator, that's just normal forgetfulness. Forgetting how to change the settings on the television or remote and if you need help is normal.
Memory loss is not dementia.
Memory loss is a symptom and there are several other symptoms that have to be present in order to be diagnosed with dementia.
Dementia is the loss of severe enough activities to interfere with your daily life. Dementia is a loss of mental power, severe not to interfere, with or change your daily living.
There are several conditions attributed to dementia or Alzheimer's disease that are sometimes caused by other factors:
Poorly managed diabetes, drug interactions, infection, alcohol, abuse, depression, dehydration, poor nutrition, thyroid issues, brain, tumors, overuse of over-the-counter sleep aids
Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. According to the Alzheimer's Association website, there are 10 warning signs for AD
loss of memory that distracts daily life challenges and planning problems
difficulty completing familiar tasks within your home, at work, or in your free time confusion with time or places
trouble understanding visual images
new problems with words when you're speaking or writing
misplacing things around your house decreases poor judgment
Fast Facts for Dementia Care: What Nurses Need to Know 2nd Edition book
This quick-access clinical reference for nurses in adult health settings addresses the most prevalent and complex management challenges in caring for people with dementia. The second edition―completely updated with the newest guidelines for evidence-based, person-centered care―includes two new chapters on the Emotional Needs of People with Dementia and Self-Neglect, and Elder Abuse, along with new information on cultural considerations and distinguishing between dementia and delirium. Quotes from people with dementia are included in this edition to give first-person accounts of their experiences.
I recommend this book for caregivers caring for a Loved One with Dementia. The book was a helpful reference with lots of facts and definitions of medical terms.
I shared this book with my family. I use the Quick Reference section as a guide when I have doctor's appointments for my dad.
https://amzn.to/3Fp0d9n BOOK for Caregivers
Life-Giving Dementia Care: Let's Talk: How to Bring Confidence, Compassion, and Joy Into Your Role as a Caregiver Paperback – December 13, 2020
If someone you love has Dementia or Alzheimer’s, and you’re their caregiver, what do you do first and where can you get help?
Written by a daughter who provided care for her mom, this easy-to-read, non-technical Amazon bestseller (May 2021) walks you step-by-step through all phases of dementia or Alzheimer's care. I recommend this book because it has everyday activities and ideas to utilize in your daily routine as a caregiver.
Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias: A Practical Guide 3rd Edition
by Marc E. Agronin (Author)
Working with the needs of patients with Alzheimer’s disease can be a major challenge for primary care physicians, psychiatrists, caregivers, home health aides, and other mental health professionals. Alzheimer’s and Dementia create chaos for the patient, and the family, and its degenerative nature can create a protracted period of anguish and anxiety for the patient’s family. Dr. Marc Agronin used his years of experience as a geriatric psychiatrist to work to create a useful resource for psychiatrists and others who treat patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias.
Preclinical stage. Changes in the brain begin years before a person shows any signs of the disease. ...
Mild, early stage. Symptoms at this stage include mild forgetfulness. ...
Moderate, middle stage. This is typically the longest stage, usually lasting many years. ...
Severe, late stage.
FYI
you can’t have Alzheimer's without Dementia but you can have
Dementia without having Alzheimer's
3 ways to deal with STRESS
1. you can change your environment
2. you can change how you cope with stress
3. you can change both
Chronic long-term stress is what affects your body-mind your soul. Chronic stress is not good for your health.
Stress is the inability to cope with your feelings with your environment with your mind.
Short-term stress is things that occur for short periods of time which may be a few hours or an hour or two that create an uncomfortable feeling. Short-term stress can affect you temporarily.
Long-term stress things that occur over weeks can definitely affect your health your mental stability and how you react to things
How can you reduce stress?
.1 Pray
2. Meditation
3. Exercise
4. Talk to a friend
5. sleep
6. downsize/ prioritize your schedule
7. Ask for helpand have losea tasks
check out our Facebook page
Dementia
What is Dementia? Dementia is the term used to describe the symptoms of a wide range of illnesses that cause a progressive decline in a person's functioning. It is an umbrella term that describes the loss of memory, intellectual ability, reasoning, social skills, and changes in normal emotional reactions.
What is the Mild Cognitive Deficit?
Mild Cognitive Deficit is a medical condition generally defined as the loss of cognitive abilities (the thinking functions of the brain) to a greater extent than is expected for a person's age. This loss does not significantly interfere with daily life and is not severe enough to warrant a diagnosis of Dementia. People with MCD have more memory or thinking problems than would be expected for their age and show some decline in their cognitive abilities. People with MCD, although they may have increasing difficulty in daily activities, are usually able to function independently.
Memory Change
What is the Mild Cognitive Deficit?
Mild Cognitive Deficit is a medical condition generally defined as the loss of cognitive abilities (the thinking functions of the brain) to a greater extent than is expected for a person's age. This loss does not significantly interfere with daily life and is not severe enough to warrant a diagnosis of Dementia. People with MCD have more memory or thinking problems than would be expected for their age and show some decline in their cognitive abilities. People with MCD, although they may have increasing difficulty in daily activities, are usually able to function independently.
Stages of Decline For Dementia Patients
Stages of Dementia for my Dad
No impairment. ...not visible by the average person, no memory loss
Very mild decline. … slight memory loss, repeats, no bathroom issues,
Mild decline. … Memory loss, talks about childhood memories, some bathroom issues
Moderate decline. ...memory loss, repeats frequently, cannot remember friend’s names
Moderately severe decline. … does not know his address, cannot complete daily tasks,
Severe decline. … cannot drive a car, bathroom issues, says things that inappropriate, cannot watch television, cannot cook meals, loss of appetite,
Very severe decline. Cannot drive a car, memory loss, cannot remember family members by name, loss of appetite, cannot feed themselves, loss of daily task, cannot care for themselves in their own home, cannot cook meals
Attitudes- Thoughts -Goals
Take action
Take charge of your thoughts
You can make it a good day or not
GOALS
Focus on goals
Focus on what you can accomplish
Focus on baby steps
THOUGHTS
Be thankful to be a caregiver
enjoy the moments
take time to find something to celebrate
look in the mirror let yourself know you are worth it
smile and say, “you’re a great person”
"you’re exceptional"
THOUGHTS
do you know that you are wonderful
go outside
smile, get some sun
take a walk
call a friend
if you’re having negative thoughts, change them
you are in control of the way you feel
you are in control of what you do
You cannot control what your loved ones do but you can control the way you react to it
Dementia Daycare
What are the benefits of daycare for a Dementia loved one?
For people with dementia, adult day centers provide a chance to socialize and to participate in activities such as music and exercise programs with educated staff. The person with dementia will need time to adjust to the experience of going to the center. Some people may resist going at first, but they often look forward to the visit after several weeks of attending, meeting people, and joining in activities.
Find the right center for you and your loved one.
When choosing an adult day center, arrange a meeting with the staff and ask these questions:
What are the hours, fees, and services? (Be sure to ask about the minimum attendance requirements and the notification policy for absences.)
What types of programs are offered and when?
Are people with dementia separated from other participants or included in general activities?
Will the center evaluate the person's needs? How will this evaluation be accomplished?
Is staff trained in dementia issues?
What types of healthcare professionals are on staff? How do you screen them?
How are emergency situations handled?
How do you ensure the safety of the participants?
Is transportation available?
How many patients can be at the center at one time?
Is the center 'private pay' or covered under insurance?
Do I need to send a change of clothes?
Can I call and check on my loved one?
Do you have holiday parties?
Adult Daycare is finally open for therapy and socializing. My dad is enjoying the time to get out. My dad is attending a local daycare. The facility is a social adult day care center that is both upbeat and upscale. The Social Adult Day Care Center is a place where those 55 and over come to enjoy their day. The daycare offers full meals, exercise, in a social setting.
My dad attended Adult Social Daycare for 7 months. He started to become irate and irritated so we stopped him from going to the program. We added a day time Health Aide to his schedule.
An Average Day as a Caregiver
God blessed me with amazing parents. I miss my mom.
I am thankful I was graced by her strength and courage.
Some moments are challenging, exhausting, and heartfelt. I feel BLESSED to have my parents in my life.
Caring for my mom while she was on hospice was a learning experience and educational time which pushed me beyond my limits. I learned how to care for another adult. I experienced ups and downs and many traumatic days. I learned how to research and gain information for my mom’s medical needs and my dad’s daily needs.
This journey has been educational, heartfelt, demanding, agonizing, and entertaining. My dad makes me smile. He is like a child with Autism. He is carefree most of the time during the day. He likes to be busy using his hands to clean, eat, work, play or make something.
My family has rallied together to surround my dad with love and support.
My mom would be so proud of us.
Heading to
Men’s Club today
My little brother is picking him up later.
God Bless Us!
As time has passed, my dad does not want to attend daycare . We send him 2 days per week. It is good for him in so many ways. He gets out of the house, walks to the car, talks to other people his age, gets dressed and ready to go out, interacts in a public environment, and enjoys time without me.
Power of Attorney for Parents
My father has dementia. He lives with me full-time. My family is helpful. A few things I have learned watching my parents get older and my mom being on hospice and passing away.
A few things I want to do before I get older
# 1
have my daughter be my power of attorney.
sell everything I own
cash out my life insurance and pre-pay for my burial services, luncheon, and anything that my kids may have for me when I pass away
have all my documents in order and in one place
have extended care insurance so if my husband and I develop some type of medical issue we will have insurance to put us in an adult daycare or a facility
my children won’t have to make decisions on my health care
Dementia Book Reviews
Book #1
"Keep Sharp" by Sanjay Gupta
I highlight and write in every book I own
Because I like to go back and read my messages on each page.
I read so many books that they tend to mesh together.
A great quote in this book
“If there’s one fact that’s increasingly becoming apparent in scientific circles, it’s that we are not doomed by the genetic cards we were dealt with at birth. If a certain disease runs in your family you can still stack the deck in your favor and avoid that fate. Our everyday experiences include what we eat, how much we exercise, with whom we socialize, what challenges we face, how well we sleep, and what we do to reduce stress and learn, a factor much more into brain health and overall wellness that we can imagine.” Page 13
The information in this book is very encouraging.
There is a self-assessment on page 21 that can be completed by the caregiver or a loved one.
The self assessment reveals your risks of brain decline in the future.
Book #2
Defeating Dementia Book
Defeating Dementia: What You Can Do to Prevent Alzheimer's and Other Forms of Dementia
Dr. Richard Furman helps readers understand dementia and Alzheimer's and shows them how to make three powerful lifestyle changes that can help decrease the probability of developing this disease. He presents three actions to take to increase the chances of preventing Dementia or other cognitive decline. Changes should include eating the right foods, exercising, and sustaining an ideal weight to reduce the likelihood of developing dementia and how these changes can slow the progression of the disease in someone who has already received a diagnosis. A person’s lifestyle and habits can have an impact on their physical and mental health as they age. When you are young, you don’t think about life at 60 or 70 years old.
Shower Bath Brush Teeth Oh no!!
Bathing, changing clothes, brushing teeth, and shaving are things that can be difficult for our loved ones who struggle with Dementia or Cognitive Impairment. Everyone is at a different stage as they age. What works for us right now is ...
I have all my dad‘s toiletries in a little caddy that I carry into the bathroom. It includes his toothbrush, hairbrush razor shaver, deodorant, Cologne moose and anything else you might need in the bathroom. Then, we go in there. I have a check off list that I get out. On the list
It starts with
brush your teeth
next shave
next takeoff your shirt
empty your pockets
takeoff your belt off
Takeoff your shoes and socks.
Before he goes in the bathroom
I put a clean diaper, clean clothes
I take everything out of the shower except for the shampoo.
I give him a clean towel and I tell him it’s time for a shower. He always says he already showered but I know he didn’t. Then, when he gets into the shower I quickly grab all his dirty clothes and I put a clean hankie and clean socks in there so he doesn’t put the dirty clothes back on.
For us it’s all about planning. I make sure I have everything in the bathroom. I try to minimize what is in the bathroom so he doesn’t get confused. I try to give him a shower early in the morning when he is still in a good mood. The earlier the better. If he wakes up in a bad mood, I don’t even try to shower him that day.
Shower Parade
Before my mom passed away, he would get all changed and put his shoes on. Then, we would fix his hair and we would go in front of my mom. We would parade around to make a big deal that daddy showered and shaved, brushed his teeth and put on his clean clothes. My mom would clap and cheer. We always try to be positive and complimentary with my dad. It helps put a smile on his face.
We try everything possible to make it pleasant. Try to simplify the steps. Don’t just say go in the bathroom and get a shower. They don’t understand or remember the steps. You need to break them down as far as you can. You need to make it as simple as you can so they can go in the shower and come back out with the least amount of confusion as possible.
Three Months Later- Shower Procedure
As time passes, you have to adjust the way you complete tasks with your loved one. Sometimes you have to deconstruct the steps even further so they can complete the tasks.
Getting a Shower Step by Step
Dad took a shower today without a problem. This was a first for us. It can take time and patience for my dad to comply with getting a shower. The best way for us to coax him into the shower is to deconstruct the steps of getting undressed and into the shower. I put the shower on so it will be warm when it enters the tub. I put his clean clothes and a new pullup diaper on the hook in the bathroom next to the shower First, I asked him for his shoes, then his socks. Then, I say, “Dad, I need your belt.” I tell him to empty his pockets onto the bathroom counter. I then ask him for his shirt. He is in a pull up diaper. I leave the bathroom and stand in the hallway. I tell him to take his underwear off and place it in the empty bag on the counter. I tell him to enter the shower and pull the curtain back. After he is in the shower, I enter the bathroom and take his dirty clothes from the bathroom so he doesn’t put them back on. When he is done showering, and is dressed, I enter the bathroom. I got the shaver, shaving cream, toothbrush and toothpaste out. I put shaving cream on his hand and told him to put it on his face and chin. I handed him a razor and told him to touch his face with the razor and pull down slowly to remove the shaving cream. I hand him a towel and tell him to dry his face. I put toothpaste on the toothbrush and wet it. I tell him to put it in his mouth and move the toothbrush around touching his teeth. I give him a small plastic cup with cool water. I tell him to put some water in his mouth and swish it around. I tell him to spit it out. I have him dry his face again.
He needs a shower because we are going to the pharmacy later today. We are going for the 2nd vaccine. I pray all goes well.
Hospice Dementia Care- JACC Care NJ
My mom was on hospice care at my home. This helped us identify and receive some resources in our home. Mom had music therapy once per week. The therapist came to the house and brought a keyboard and stand. She would play music most of the hour she spent at our house. It is so relaxing. The music therapist asked which songs we wanted to hear. The time was interactive and soothing. The music therapist played all types of oldies and Irish music. My parents enjoyed the music.
The massage therapist visited once per week for my mom.. She told my parents about her great-grandfather who lived during wartime. My parents listened so intently. It is enjoyable and relaxing to sit back and let someone else talk to my parents and engage my parents. The nurse stopped by once per week but was always available via text or calls any time.
My dad with Dementia is not in the hospice program but we just applied for JACC. (JACC is a State-funded program that provides a broad array of in-home services to enable an individual, at risk of placement in a nursing facility and who meets income and resource requirements, to remain in his or her community home. By providing a uniquely designed package of support for the individual, JACC delays or prevents placement in a nursing facility.) JACC is a New Jersey program. Each state has their own programs. Contact or research your state website under ‘senior services’
Take Action Be a Grateful Caregiver Poem
Attitudes
Thoughts
Take action
Take charge of your thoughts
You can make it a good day or not
Focus on goals
Focus on what you can accomplish
Focus on baby steps
Be thankful to be a caregiver
enjoy the moments
take time to find something to celebrate look in the mirror let yourself know you are worth it
while you’re looking in the mirror smile and say, “you’re a great person”
“you’re exceptional”
Engage with your loved one
take time
do you know that you are wonderful
go outside
smile, get some sun
take a walk
call a friend
if you’re having negative thoughts, change them
you are in control of the way you feel
you are in control of what you do
You cannot control what your loved ones do but you can control the way you react to it
Have a great day
Dementia Care Help in my Home
Today, we hired a young man ( my best friend's son ) to help my dad in the shed and to hang out with him. I didn't know who to ask to stay with my dad or to help him because my dad can be easily irritated by strangers. Everyone I know is working or collecting unemployment. I called facilities to hire a person to be a one-to-one caregiver/ aide for my dad and no one was available.
The young man arrived and was very pleasant. I introduced them and walked them to the shed. I gave them 2 shelves to assemble. It was completed quickly. My dad came back into the house and forgot what he was doing. Then, the 2 of them sat on the beds and talked. It was comforting to see a young man so patient with my dad. He comes back tomorrow. My instructions were to talk to him, take him on a walk, hang out, make crafts in the shed, etc.. I look forward to another happy day. I need help. I need time for myself. I need someone to be with my dad so I can go to doctor ‘s appointments and errands.
Dementia Fidget Aprons, Boards, Blankets
Creating Fidget activities and toys for my Dad's busy hands
What is a fidget apron?
DEMENTIA/ ALZHEIMERS Activity APRONS are helpful for people with active hands. There are several types of ideas including an Aid Comfort Apron (soft, can be weighted), Fidget Apron (which has items to button, snap, move, touch, manipulate), or Sensory Apron (things to touch that have various textures).
These aprons can help keep dementia and Alzheimer's sufferers calm and stimulated with this comfort apron which has lots of pieces and parts to focus agitated or anxious minds and keep their hands busy. Aprons can be tied to the neck and waist. Aprons are suitable for male and female adult users. I prefer the weighted aprons which allows the user to feel warm, comforted and secure when using it. Using a selection of tactile materials can be soothing and interactive so it stimulates and relieves restlessness with your loved one. The focus and the stimulation aprons and mitts provide truly adds to the quality of life of the individual using them.
Many different types of Fidget blankets and aprons are on sale on Amazon
Hospice Prayer and Poem
Dear Father God, we thank you for my Mom (insert name of your loved one), for her sweet smile, and her courage. May you send a precious angel to usher her into Your Presence and for Jesus to tell her, Welcome!" Please provide our family with Your Peace and Comfort. Prevent the family from dwelling in sadness or despair. Allow them to love her memory and remember her greatness. In Jesus Name. Amen
My Poem for My Mom on Hospice
Heart to heart, hand to hand
My love for you is as pure as sand
As weeks grow into months and months grow into years
Thoughts of our separation intensify my fears.
Family traditions replay in my mind
Your compassionate heart and words are so kind.
The love you give, the love you gave
Created fond memories that were easily saved.
As our roles reverse and time goes by
A vulnerability I can see in your eye.
Bones become stiff and your joints don’t move
Your movements look weak
You barely whisper when you speak.
Your pleasant disposition and contagious smile
We hope you stay with us for a while.
Sit back and relax, let me fix your hair
You nurtured us, now it’s time for us to give you care.
I am happy you need me, I want to be there
With an open heart and open arms
I begin your medical care.
It’s my privilege and honor to tell you every day
I am forever grateful to care for you in this way.
There isn’t another place in this world
I would rather be than with you
And Daddy and our crazy family.
When the angels appear and God says,”Come Here”
Let go, be free, there is nothing to fear
God will take you, heart and soul
Know that He will be in control
Your body will be gone and no longer here
I will hold my memories of you so dear
I Love You and I miss You
More than you'll ever know
I reluctantly had to let you go
I LOVE YOU, Mom!
Holidays Without You
As time passes and the world moves on
I think about you with love and tenderness
With numerous memories, I have to cherish
I wish time could standstill
I want to remember every fun activity
Every minute we laughed together
Every Christmas morning we laughed
Time marches on
Family grows
My thoughts of you are strong
I share holidays of the past with new grandchildren
Another holiday has passed without you
I feel you in my heart
I sense you near me
I know you are here
Lights brighten our home
Decorations get put away
I miss you!
But I know you are forever in my mind
I shed a tear but I smile with fondness
I remember so many wonderful days, weeks, holidays
I preserve images of us in my mind
You are with God but forever in my heart and soul.
Happy Holiday
Merry Christmas in Heaven
Feliz Natal in Heaven
Buon Natale in Heaven
Until we meet again
I Love you, Mom!
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Dementia Ideas
Name tag
We ordered a name tag for my dad. He wears it around his neck.
It has his name and address on it. It looks like an Army tag. He likes to wear it.
It resembles a military dog tag. It was not expensive so if he loses it, it will be okay.
We have a large whiteboard in the living room to write on. When my dad starts asking the same questions over and over again. You know the questions are not different every day. My dad asks:
Where is my pension?
Where are my siblings?
Where is my bank?
Are my children alive?
What am I doing today?
I write the answers on the whiteboard and it helps so I don't have to answer the same question 200 times in a few hours. My dad feels better because he feels more independent. Some days, he tells me what to write on the board. I use expo markers on the whiteboard so I can easily erase and reuse the board daily.
I also include a list of Daily Chores for my dad so he has a list to follow of tasks to complete. He likes to feel a sense of accomplishment.
Self Assessment for the Caregiver
How do I feel? Circle all that apply
Happy Sad Upset Angry Fearful Tired Blessed
Why do I feel like this? _______________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
What do I do for myself to feel better? Check all that apply.
Go to the gymTanning salonHair salonGet nails doneexerciseCall a friendbakecookcleanRead a bookrelaxchiropractorGo to the casinoGo to dinneryogameditateGo to ChurchListen to musicnapshopTake a walk
List 3 things you want to accomplish this month
_______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
List 3 things you want to accomplish this year.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
How much time daily do I do for myself? Write a number in hours ____________________
How much sleep do I get on average every night? ___________________________________
Have I seen my Family Doctor / Primary Care Doctor this year? YES or NO
Do I eat balanced meals daily? YES or NO
Checklist for Home Safety
Signage for Safety
use yellow paper and black, bold font laminate the signs
Make signs approximately 4 “ x 6” Look around to create list of signs needed
Suggested signs
Bathroom Exit Not An Exit
Bedroom Door Window
Closet Medication Food Allergies
Emergency Contacts (include Family Doctor, Nurse, Home Health Aide,
Children, Neighbors, Farmacy, Daycare)
Medication
Keep all medication labeled and locked up
Have a current list of medication with the medicine
Food Allergies
Keep a sign with a list of food allergies clearly posted
Install a smoke detector and Carbon Monoxide Detector
Rules For This House
Keep calm and use your inside voice
Do not ask a lot of questions
Follow the Rules that are posted inside
Do not move any objects
Do not use the following words or phrases:
You are repeating, Can you listen to me, Why can’t you comprehend this,
I already said that, change that diaper, dementia, memory problems
Keep the television remote in the same place
Keep a nightlight on
Keep the cell phone charged
Give pills the same time every day
Do not give Dad a lot of sugar
Use decaf tea or coffee
Use one command at a time when giving directions
Keep distractions to a minimum
Activities and Games to Enjoy with your Loved One
Board Games - Keep it simple
Trouble, Uno, Card Games, Checkers, Connect Four, Jenga, Sorry
We use ziploc bags to keep the pieces together. Label the bags with the game name
Laptop Whiteboards or Chalkboards approximately 8” x 12”
Use wipes away markers on whiteboard and chalk on the chalkboard to write messages or play quick games like tic tac toe
Complete puzzles - choose a size that is appropriate for your loved one
Puzzle should be completed within 2-3 hours. We uoard as a board as a base so we can complete the border first
Rock or Seashell decorating
Use permanent markers or paint to decorate rocks or shells. Coat with a clear coat protector and allow them to dry. Hide around neighborhood
Adult coloring books, maze books, seek and find books, sticker books
Legos, Mega blocks- ot in use keep them in a container to store when not in use
I have been ordering items from Amazon. My dad helps me unpack them. He found a huge amount of bubble wrap. He started popping them and enjoyed every minute of it. It lasted for an hour. He enjoys popping and snapping the bubble wrap. This is a new activity for us. It's free!
Bird Watching
Bird feeders are a fun way to rest and relax. Get a bird feeder (squirrel proof). Hang the feeder near a window or on a post near the window. Keep the feeder filled. Use a bird identification book to identify which birds are visiting the bird feeder. In our area, we see Cardinals, Bluebirds, Woodpeckers, Morning Doves, Sparrows, and Goldfinches.
It is extremely relaxing to watch the birds come and go.
Tie Dye Shirts, masks, handies, Bandanas, socks
We purchased a tie-dye kit from Amazon to dye clothing items. We mixed the colors and placed rubber bands on the clothes. It took 30-45 minutes to place rubber bands on the masks, socks and tee shirts.
After we placed rubber bands on the material items, we put a little bit of dye on different areas. After the dye is on the item, we put the item in a plastic bag to dry and set. We had to let them dry for a few hours.
Newest Fall Painting Project For Outside
Painting wood rounds to make Jack o lanterns
Supplies needed : Fresh cut wood rounds approximately 8 inches across and one inch thick, Orange paint, White paint, Black paint or stickers, Clear coat or polyurethane, sandpaper
Sand the wood rounds lightly. Paint the whole round orange. Let it dry. Use black paint to make eyes, nose and mouth, add white to the eyes to make them look round. Let it dry. Spray with a clear coat. Let it dry. Decorate for Fall.
Pinecone wreath
Collect pinecones approximately 100 different sizes
Soak them in water for about 5 hours
Empty water and make wreath while they are still wet but not soaked
Get a 3 ring round metal wreath base - $1 at Dollar store
Take oine cones one at a time and push it through the round hole of the wreath ring- push them close together so the base is ½ inch through the ring and most of the pine cone is sticky out
Fill the metal ring until all spaces are filled with pinecones
Let the wreath dry over night
Hot glue small balls to the wreath
Add bow
Add wreath holder to hang it up
Spray with clear coat to seal
Positive Thoughts To Keep You Going
To care for the one who cared for us when we were in need is the greatest gift you can receive..
Love and compassion is understood and observed not spoken.
The love and time you give your Loved One will come back to you in numerous ways.
Let little things go
Don’t stress out
Think about the big picture and what’s important
If I do something or say something will it change the situation, if not, then let it go
Forget about the time
Questions To Ask The Doctor
Questions to ask the Neurologist
is there medicine for shaky hands?
What medicine can he take to sleep better?
Does he need a head scan?
What type of Dementia does he have?
Are there foods to avoid for memory loss?
Are there clinical trials for Dementia?
How many hours of sleep does he need?
What are the signs of a stroke?
Do you recommend OT/PT or speech therapy for Dementia?
Which day center do you recommend?
Dementia Vocabulary
Geriatric Care Manager
A geriatric care manager is a professional who can help you and your family to identify daily medical and social needs and find ways to meet those needs. Geriatric Care manager professionals can help by leading family discussions about sensitive subjects such as hospice care, living will, home care, diapers, bed wetting,
"They are usually licensed, nurses or social workers".
Positive Sayings on Cards
If you are a caregiver or work with Dementia patients, you know that keeping the person busy and engaged is important and can help keep their mood regular.
I purchased 5x7 inch index cards in different colors. We brainstormed positive sayings, Irish Blessings, and happy phrases. I included my dad in every step of this process. I printed the phrases on the cards. We then decorated the cards and added some stickers. We even decorated the back of the cards. We keep the cards close by to use. When someone says something mean, negative or derogatory, any of us can pick up a card and read it aloud. We hand it to the person that said the negative comment and they have to read it too. My dad hung some of the cards on his bedroom door. He takes pride in making things. You can make a set of cards to use. Every few days, make some new cards. This is an ongoing activity. We made cards with rules and directions on them. We posted them in different places in the house.
IE
Bathroom Rules flush the toilet
put dirty clothes in the hamper put dirty underwear (diaper) in the trash can
Kitchen Rules put dishes in the sink
keep the refrigerator door closed don’t put food in your bedroom drawers
My dad enjoyed working on the positive cards. His writing is wobbly so I wrote the sayings he wanted on the cards. We decorated them together. We have worked on these for hours each week. My dad is Irish and especially likes Irish blessings so we wrote blessings on the cards too.
Family Visits With Dementia Patients At Home
How to Care for dementia Patients At Home
It is important to be flexible and patient when caring for a loved one with dementia. The Mayo Clinic provides tips for daily tasks and how to care for someone with dementia, including:
Reduce frustrations Be flexible
Create a safe environment Focus on individualized care
Some days are easier than others. My family was here from Texas and my Dad had so many wonderful moments of clarity while they were here visiting.
I am grateful to my niece and her family for spending so much quality time with my dad.
He loved it. He has nicknames for everyone. He gave us so many laughs this week.
His humor shines through since his filter is gone. Short family visits seem to be a positive outlet for my dad as long as they are not too loud or busy.
Set boundaries and let family and visitors know the house rules so your Loved One will be safe and happy. Be direct. Let visitors know things that bother your Loved One so they don’t disturb him.
Use a large wall calendar to keep track of visitors, medical appointments, home health care aide schedules, birthdays, and important events.
Dad's Daily Schedule
Date
ActivityTimeDaddy
Am medicine
Appetite
bath/ shower
Sponge bathe
Change clothes
Bed dry/ wet
Am MOOD
Blood pressure
Bowel Movement
Walk dog
Heart rate
Food consumed
Salty? Sugary
Breakfast
OJ
Nurse visit
Aide visit
Include time
temperature
Shave
Mondays
Wednesdays
Fridays
Physical description
Sores
bruises
Lunch
description
PM activity
Where did he eat?
Sleep
When
where
Pm MOOD
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Shoulder exercises
Snack
Walk dog
Dinner
activity
Mood
dessert
PM medicine
PJs
Brush teeth
Bathroom
Get into bed
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