Caregiver Topics
Caring for Someone with Parkinson’s Disease
After a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, both the individual and caregiver must begin adapting to a new reality and way of life. Some of the biggest challenges for those caring for someone with Parkinson’s disease are preventing falls, maintaining independence, managing freezing episodes, and overseeing Parkinson’s medications. The first step is to get educated about…
Read MoreWhen Dementia Turns Hurtful: How to Cope with Mean Words and Difficult Behavior
Caring for a person with dementia can be stressful under the best conditions, but can be downright heartbreaking when they say or do hurtful things – especially when it’s a parent, partner, or close friend. The best way to protect your heart is to remember that their words or actions aren’t meant as a personal…
Read MoreVideo Tips: How to Help a Person Living with Dementia Brush Their Teeth
Dental care, immensely important to a person’s overall health, becomes more and more challenging for care partners as the person’s dementia progresses. They are likely to react negatively to common oral care procedures while simultaneously experiencing changes in motor skills and sensation. Learn the best techniques for “tricking the brain” to help a person with…
Read More3 Stages of Dementia: What to Expect as the Disease Progresses
One of the most stressful parts of dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease) is the uncertainty of what comes next. Since each person’s experience with the disease unfolds differently (often dramatically so), no one can say exactly how or when their thinking, behavior, memory, or abilities will change over time. While there is no exact roadmap for…
Read More6 Tips for Dining Out with Seniors with Dementia
Dining out at a restaurant is an enjoyable social experience for most people. Both the break in routine and the social connections involved can provide a nice diversion from normal life. While going to a restaurant can also be a pleasant event for those with dementia, it does present its own set of challenges as…
Read MoreVideo Tips: What is Paratonia?
@belightcare #dementia #paratonia #alzheimers #physicaltherapy #pt #ot#cota #pta #occupationaltherapy click here to see what paratonia is: @belightcare ♬ Lofi – Domknowz When someone with dementia is resisting when you’re trying to help them, it actually might be paratonia. Passive movement occurs when someone is lifting your arm without you engaging at all. Paratonia is…
Read MoreHow to Make Father’s Day Special for Senior Dads
If you’re fortunate enough to still have your father in your life as a senior, or if you’re a caregiver for a senior dad, this Father’s Day (June 21) is the perfect time to honor him by spending quality time together. Focus on making memories and providing comfort more than on grand gestures. Whether he…
Read MoreVideo Tips: What to Do When a Person with Dementia Tries to Wander Off
It can be easy to overreact when a person with dementia starts to wander off, panicking and insisting they get back inside. That’s not usually the best approach to dealing with the situation, however. It’s much wiser to appear to support their action, even asking if you can join them. You can then suggest you…
Read MoreVideo Tips: The Second Worst Question to Ask Your Person with Dementia
The worst question to ask someone with dementia is, “Do you remember…?” or “Don’t you remember…?” The second worst question to ask someone with dementia is, “Do you want to…” This question can be confusing and may lead to frustration. Here are four alternatives to foster more positive and engaging conversations. Click here to learn…
Read More11 Ways to Get Someone with Dementia to Take Medication
Many caregivers find it challenging to give medication to those with dementia or Alzheimer’s. This is often due to multiple factors, including feeling confused, being afraid, or experiencing anger or resistance over the fact that they’ve lost control over so many areas of their lives. Obviously, medication is important and cannot be stopped, even when…
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