Client & Family Topics
Video Tips: How to Redirect and Distract Dementia Patients
@yourdementiatherapist ♬ Roxanne – Instrumental – Califa Azul When someone suffering from dementia forgets something they’re supposed to do or thinks they’re still living in the past, it can be tempting to try to orient them to reality, argue, or reason with them. Brain change experts advocate that it can be far more effective to…
Read MoreVideo Tips: Too Tired to Shower?
@belightcare ♬ Knowledge – Vin Music It may not be a copout if someone with dementia says they’re too tired to shower, or that it takes too much energy. Showering can require a tremendous amount of physical and/or mental exertion for some individuals. Click here or on the video above to learn the best way…
Read MoreWhat to Check After an Aging Person Falls
Falls by an older person shouldn’t be taken lightly. Even if no injuries are apparent, and it seems the individual tripped and fell, it’s still important to be proactive about getting the proper medical assessment after a fall. Most doctors’ visits after a fall are to check resulting injuries, but more care is warranted. Falls…
Read MoreHow to Develop a Backup Medication Supply for Emergencies
Many seniors need to take multiple medications for chronic health issues. Often, missing even one dose of medicine can be very dangerous for the elderly, causing them to become sick or even end up in the hospital. Unfortunately, running out of timely medications could happen if an existing supply gets misplaced or contaminated or if…
Read MoreTax Tips to Help Caregivers Maximize Deductions
Those caring for an older adult typically know first-hand how quickly additional expenses can pile up. Fortunately, there’s good news come tax time: caregiving-related tax deductions can help to lower your taxes and maximize your refund. Use these smart tax tips as a caregiver to find as many deductions as possible: 1. Save any and…
Read MorePreparing for Snow Removal
The 2023 Farmers’ Almanac is warning readers that this winter will be filled with plenty of “shaking, shivering, and shoveling.” In particular, it suggests a stormy winter for the eastern half of the country, saying that for some areas this may mean snow, while for others it will produce more slush and mush. Regardless of…
Read MoreWays for Caregivers to Deal with Difficult Family Members Over the Holidays
Though the holidays can be merry and bright, they can also be stressful and overwhelming for some. This can be especially true when you’re a caregiver of an older adult and have difficult or insensitive family members who show up with unrealistic expectations. Caregivers often run into these types of scenarios over the holidays: They…
Read MoreHow to Care for Veterans Living with Dementia
Each November, we observe Veterans Day to honor all U.S. military veterans. As we pay tribute to these worthy men and women, it’s important to remember that their time of service may have left its mark on them physically, emotionally, psychologically, and socially. These “scars” may become even more apparent as the individual age, mainly…
Read MoreHow to Handle Dementia Accusations
The brain of a person struggling with dementia can begin to link facts and details in unusual ways. As the brain starts to change, a false-memory phenomenon can occur. This causes the individual to perceive reality differently than those around him or her and can lead to hurtful behavior toward caregivers. One common scenario experienced…
Read MoreHurtful Words and How Caregivers Can Cope
It’s no easy task to care for an individual suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia. Still, difficulty can quickly escalate when that person starts using hurtful words to interact with you. It’s human nature to take rude or mean words personally and feel that the individual is consciously attacking you verbally; however, in the case of…
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