When you are the caregiver for someone that suffers from dementia, it is essential that you choose your battles wisely. When you care for someone suffering from dementia, you will find yourself at times having the same frustrations with them over and over again. This is not something they can change. This is something you must change about yourself and how you handle the situation.

A frequent concern my client’s families come to me about is their loved one’s refusal to bathe. Most of us probably shower on a daily basis. Prior to their diagnosis of dementia, so did your loved one. It comes as a shock that this very basic activity of daily living is something that they no longer want to or are able to do. This can be very frustrating for some caregivers. I try to help the caregiver realize this is an issue they have to get over. If you look at your loved one’s current level of activity, it is probably significantly less than it once was so a bath every day is really not necessary. They probably hardly ever break a sweat. Unless there are incontinence problems, they have an odor or they have sores, the need for daily bathing is a routine that can be changed. This is a daily argument or frustration that you could avoid. It may be beneficial to consider home health care; in my experience, people are more likely to listen to a stranger that they recognize as a caretaker than their own family when it comes to personal hygiene.

Another chronic problem that I hear, is difficulty having your loved one with dementia change their clothes. How many of us wear the same outfit two days in a row? Not anyone that I know. So why do so many dementia patients develop this habit? I don’t have the answer to that question but it occurs none the less. Rather than arguing with them about having worn that outfit yesterday or repeatedly trying to explain that their clothes need to be washed, a simpler solution might be to just remove the clothes they had on that day from their site when they get ready for bed at night and to lay out a new outfit for the next day the night before. Seems like an obvious solution but you would be surprised at how many caregivers have never thought to do that. Especially if it is a husband and wife dealing with this situation, they have lifelong habits and routines that have always worked for them and because of the progression of dementia those routines must all change. Again this is also an area where home health care could offer relief for you in the daily care of your loved one.

I could go on and on with examples of ways that you could try different approaches to the ever changing challenges of dementia. The point I want to make the most is that you choose your battles wisely. Attempting to argue with someone with dementia is a losing battle that will only make you, the caregiver, feel bad in the end. The progression of dementia cannot be stopped or controlled not matter how hard you try. Remember to try to enjoy each moment that you can no matter how brief they may be. Spending your time trying to get them to understand something that they are no longer able to is a waste of your precious energy.

Choosing your battles wisely promotes Aging with Ease!

Article by: Christy Carpenter

About the author: My name is Christy Carpenter, I am a nurse manager and have worked in several different areas of long term care for more than 18 years. My grandmother taught me at a young age to love, respect and value older adults. With the knowledge I’ve gained through my experiences and training, I hope to offer insight to older adults and their caregivers who would like to follow a path of Aging with Ease.

Follow me on my blog at http://chris41.eprofits.com/ and, while there, sign up for my newsletter for regular updates of what’s new!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christy_L_Carpenter

Foter

Did you know the Ontario government provides support to families through a series of “refundable tax credits?” You can still qualify for some of these tax credits and get money back even if you don’t have income to report on a tax return. Our helpful tax credits calculator gives you information on the many credits and/or benefits available if you’re eligible. Visit our website http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/en/credit/index.html (eng) or http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/fr/credit/index.html (fr).

In past years, many of the refundable tax credits were paid to people in one lump sum after they filed their tax returns. People across the province have asked for predictable and more regular payments of tax credits to help make it easier to manage monthly expenses as the bills come in. So, that is why the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) was created.

The OTB combines the payments of three tax credits – the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, the Ontario Sales Tax Credit and the Northern Ontario Energy Credit. For this year, the OTB will be paid in 12 instalments, beginning in July. Now, instead of a lump sum, payments will be made faster and ahead of tax-filing time. People simply need to file their tax return to get the tax credits or benefits they deserve.

The monthly repayment schedule applies only to the three refundable tax credits rolled-up as the OTB, not income tax returns in general.

The government has heard from many people who receive these refundable tax credits that they would like to have the choice of receiving monthly payments through the year, or a single payment. In the coming year, the government will look at options for giving people that choice.OTB cheques can be cashed for free at any Canadian bank. You can also sign up to have your cheques deposited directly into your bank account. Some Canadian banks also offer no-fee bank accounts.

Eligible seniors may also qualify for the Ontario Senior Homeowners’ Property Tax Grant. There are a number of free and easy ways to file or prepare  a tax return:

• ·         Use Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) Telefile service to file your simple tax return over the phone;
• ·         There are free CRA-approved tax software programs you can use; or
• ·         Visit a local tax clinic run by volunteers through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program.

For more information on direct deposit, volunteer tax clinics and income tax filing, visit the Canada Revenue Agency website at: www.cra.gc.ca or call 1-800-959-8281. To learn more about Ontario tax credits and to use our online tax credits calculator, visit Ontario.ca/taxcredits or call 1-800-337-7222.

I hope you find this information useful. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. I would be happy to provide you with more information.

Sharyn

Sharyn.MOF@ontario.ca

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia and is progressive in nature. The number of people being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease is on the rise.  One in eight people over the age of 65 are diagnosed with the disease.  Alzheimer’s disease destroys brain cells and is, unfortunately, fatal.  There are many symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, including: memory loss, difficulty with activities of daily living, difficulty with decision making and mood changes, among others.

The cause of Alzheimer’s disease remains unknown, but scientists believe that it occurs when a person has too many risk factors and the brain is unable to repair itself. Risk factors that have been identified include:  older age, family history and genetics, female gender, removal of the ovaries, diabetes, Down’s Syndrome, Mild Cognitive Impairment, head injury, cardiovascular disease, low levels of education, inflammatory conditions, stress, and depression.

At the present time, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease.  However there are resources to help individuals as well as their families live with the disease.   If you feel that you may be showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease or you think a loved one is, it is best to speak with your doctor to discuss potential treatment options.

Exercise and Alzheimer’s Disease

According to the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation, regular physical activity decreases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by 50%. If a person is already showing signs of cognitive impairment, regular physical activity has been shown to slow the progression of the disease.  Currently, the recommendation is a minimum of 20 minutes of physical activity at least three times per week.  Activities that will benefit you include: walking, jogging, dancing, swimming, cycling or other fun activities that get your heart pumping.   In addition to the brain benefits, physical activity is beneficial in a number of other ways including: increased stamina and energy, heart health, bone health and many others.

Exercise and your Brain

There are two ways in which exercise may affect your brain:

1. Your brain has a left side and a right side and both sides have a structure called the hippocampus. The hippocampus is where memories are formed and organized. Many things such as stress and sleep deprivation can lead to a decrease in the volume of the hippocampus.  Memory loss can occur when the hippocampus is damaged.  Research has found that regular exercise helps to maintain the volume in the front of the hippocampus which helps to retain memory.
2. Many people know that physical activity reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.  It is believed that physical activity may affect the brain using the same mechanism of action.  Physical activity increases blood flow and oxygen saturation to the brain.   A study conducted by Washington University found the individuals who exercised regularly had lower levels of plaque buildup and had lower levels of tau.  Tau is a marker for neural dysfunction and is found in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Lower levels of tau equals a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

With the aging population in Canada, it is vital to find ways to prevent this fatal disease.  This new research shows that getting active will not only keep you in shape, but it will also help to save your brain.

Article by: Shaina McQuilkie, B.Kin., D.C.
www.formeclinic.ca

If you’re looking for more information about Alzheimer’s disease please visit: http://www.alzheimer.ca/en

With aging, our skins are constantly in need of extra moisture. Older skin is fragile and delicate and will burn more easily than younger more resilient skin, so make sure there is ample sunblock and moisturizing creams on hand. It is best to limit activities to early morning and late afternoon when the heat of the day is less severe. Try to keep the older and the very young members of your family in the shade and away from direct sunlight whenever possible. Make use of wide brimmed sun hats and beach umbrellas and remember that hydration is essential in hot weather. Always have plenty of water on hand and encourage your family to keep well hydrated no matter what their age, but especially the elderly. Seniors who are dehydrated often experience dizzy spells and interestingly enough, this is a common cause of falls in the elderly. So make sure they drink plenty of water through the day, no matter what the weather.

I was raised in South Africa and have a “peaches and cream” skin complexion. My half sister, who was quite a bit older than me had a naturally olive complexion. I remember that my mom refused to allow me to swim between 10am and 2pm due to my easy tendency to burn. I would gaze out of my bedroom window with rage and resentment when I saw my older sister lathered up in baby oil and baking to a golden tan in the midday sun. Today as a middle-aged women, my skin is still in fairly good nick and no amount of expensive creams, lotions and potions will resurrect my sister’s crocodile skin. Thank you mom for being so strict with me.

Staying out of the sun in these harsh hours of the day when the sun is at its most vindictive, will save your skin and quite possibly your life too. Back in the day we were not concerned with cancer and melanomas, but we are seeing the results of our folly now, years later, when incidents of skin cancer are on the rise in our elderly population.

Have fun this summer, but remember that there are a lot of things to do and enjoy in the early morning and later in the afternoon. There is no point in spoiling your summer with sunburn and it can be prevented with a little bit of planning and prevention. Happy holidays!

Article by: Rosemary Charlton

“My sisters/brothers don’t lift a finger; I do everything for dad!” and “My mother’s become my child!” Common cries among adult children caring for elderly parents at home. I ask in return, “Why are you the caregiver?” It’s an admirable job; after all they raised you and loved you as you were growing up; now it’s your turn. Or is It? Why only you and not your siblings? Is there another way to care for them and still show your love? There is a high incidence of caregivers’ health failing before their loved one goes.

It is a stressful job. It’s often a 10 hr/day, 7 day/wk job, if not 24/7, without breaks, days off, vacations, or even pay. It is one that involves chef and shopper, chauffeur, self-care manager, social events and appointment scheduler, bath aide, nursing attendant, laundress, companion, financial manager, and…. Then mom complains because you don’t do right. And that’s just your job with her. What about your own life?

When siblings stop by to visit they see the two of you sitting there saying “everything is fine”. Or they hear you complain, but see that everything looks in order and mom tells them she is “fine”. From their point of view it looks like a pretty cushy job; how hard can it be staying at home all day?

These issues can lead to family strife and conflicts that permeate throughout the rest of your lives.

The “50-50 rule” refers to the age when most people start planning for, or are caring for elderly parents, as well as the necessity of sharing that care among family members. Remember, the jobs get more complex as your loved one declines.

1. Plan ahead. Who is best suited and most willing to be the primary caregiver. Consider your relationship with your parent and with your own family. All family members including your parent should be a part of these discussions, as well as share the care.

2. Divide the duties: what’s needed and who can take it on? Can the money-savvy sister take on the bills and banking? And handle insurance issues? Who can take mom to the doctor, drop her off at the senior center, grocery shop, or pick up prescriptions?

3. Food preparation: can a sister or other family member prepare meals ready to eat or for the freezer several times a week of month?

4. Care for the primary caregiver: who can spend the day, or weekend with dad to give her a break? If not family members, is there a student aspiring to be a nurse, or a retired nurse/caregiver at the church? No one can be expected to do a 24/7 job, especially one this stressful.

5. Outside resources: who will contact the senior center or other organizations to find out about activities, services, and senior lunches? An outing for your parent a couple of times a week, or every day will give the primary caregiver a few hours break to handle his/her own life. And check out respite care and caregiver support groups when the going gets tough.

6. Reduce the risk for falls: modify the house for safety by using a room-by-room safety checklist (see a comprehensive one in the book Dad’s Home Alone); provide grab bars, shower seat, and a high toilet or raised toilet seat, for bathroom safety. Don’t forget a medical alert pendant or wristband. In case of a fall help is just a press-of-the button away. Falls can’t be prevented. Gravity is the same whether in a nursing home, at home, or standing next to a loved one.

Remember, elderly people, just like you and me, want to remain as independent as possible. Respect who they are and make sure your parent weighs in on the decisions. But also, know that they may not be as realistic about their safety and care needs. You are there as their safety net, not their “parent”.

I earned my M.A. in occupational therapy at USC, and then dedicated my career to working with elderly and disabled men and women in hospitals, nursing homes, and private homes. I then cared for my own father as he declined, making modifications and providing care that allowed him to age in comfort in his own home.

Article By: Gail McGonigle

Though I was well versed in the how-tos of providing care, that personal experience brought home to me the emotional challenges, as well. After his death at 92, I wrote a book, DAD’S HOME ALONE, Caring For Your Elderly Parent. It provides details and encouragement for others facing the many choices and issues involved in caring for an elderly loved one. The often humorous stories help to exemplify the challenges we all face when caring for our loved ones.
Read more about it at HTTP://www.DadsHomeAlone.com 

It is available at http://www.amazon.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_McGonigle

Pink Sherbet Photography 

       Activities for People in the Early-Middle Stages of the Disease

                                                                                                                                                                               Entertainment is essential for the well being of people with Alzheimer’s. Generally speaking, when planning entertainment for people with dementia there’s “play,” then there’s “PLAY!” The former includes pursuits that are relatively passive – things the person could do pretty much on their own, like folding laundry, sorting silverware or doing other rote activities. And those certainly have value. People with dementia can really enjoy such activities.

But what I’m talking about here is how you, the caregiver, interact with someone who has Alzheimer’s - play with the person - who is now functioning more like an infant, toddler, or young child than like an adult. I’m talking about how you actively engage with them the same way a parent does with their young children.

Of course, when choosing entertainment it’s important to select things loved ones enjoy and are capable of doing at their stage of the disease. If they are generally functioning at the level of a toddler, for example, try activities or playing with them like you’d play with a real toddler.

Activities for People in the Early Stage of Alzheimer’s

At this stage you can often share in whatever fun activities the person enjoyed before developing Alzheimer’s. Some games may need to be adjusted, however, to accommodate your loved one’s diminishing mental capacity. For example, you may need to play a child’s card game instead of bridge; checkers instead of chess. Or, if the person previously enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, you may need to find ones with fewer and larger pieces.

Activities for Persons with Mid-Stage Alzheimer’s

At this stage, people with Alzheimer’s may have more or less the mental and social skills of a toddler. While it’s excellent to do the standbys – things like looking at old pictures or watching movies together, those are still somewhat passive.

With a little thought you can find more active ways to spend time together, such as giving the person toys or other “props” that the two of you play with together. The key words here are “play” and “together.”

Many people with Alzheimer’s enjoy stuffed animals, doll babies and other “props.” If you find some item the person really likes, you can use your imagination, again, to invent simple games to play together with it.

It goes without saying that some people with Alzheimer’s cannot be reached by any means, but try experimenting with several of the ideas mentioned here. You may be amazed to find your loved one can suddenly function at a higher level and become happier when involved in these types of activities. And that can bring joy to both of you.

Note: You can find puzzles designed especially for Alzheimer’s patients online at Puzzles To Remember. They come in various sizes and number of pieces to accommodate the skills of an early or middle stage patient. Other sources for entertainment can be found online at Best Alzheimer’s Products, an online store that features games for those with Alzheimer’s.

Article by: Marie Marley

Please visit http://www.ComeBackEarlyToday.com to sign up for a free newsletter containing Alzheimer’s patient caregiving tips. You’ll also find a link to purchase Dr. Marley’s latest book, Come Back Early Today, which illustrates fresh approaches to the numerous heartbreaking problems that arise when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. The book is a Santa Fe Writer’s Project Literary Award Finalist.

Resources for puzzles and games for those with Alzheimer’s include:

o Puzzles to Remember

o Best Alzheimer’s Products

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marie_Marley

Our seniors are more frail and unable to stand up to bullying or to retaliate to unfair treatment. Often their aging condition makes for trying times with the caregiver and some abuse may be unintentional, but it is still abuse. Sadly millions of cases go unreported each year and we must be proactive and learn the signs and how to act on it.

Abuse comes in many forms and can be done by virtually anybody who comes into contact with the senior person, often close family or relatives. Sadly even so-called professional caregivers in trusted facilities have been found guilty.

• Physical abuse includes pushing and shoving and also the inappropriate use of restraints often causing bruising and injury of some form.
• Emotional abuse can be verbal and nonverbal. Verbal abuse includes yelling and shouting, humiliating or constantly blaming the individual. Nonverbal would mean ignoring, using threatening gestures and isolating the person or prohibiting activities.
• Financial abuse includes scam artists as well as anyone close to the senior who might abuse financial privileges in any way. This is a vast field of abuse ranging from stolen cash, income checks, identity theft and forging of signatures.
• Sexual abuse not only means physical sexual misconduct, but also forcing one to watch pornographic material either on TV or in print.
• Neglect. More than half of all abuse cases reported involve the failure of the caregiver, whether intentional or not, to fulfil the expected obligation and satisfying the needs of the elder.
• Healthcare Fraud happens when one charges for a service but does provide it. It also involves health insurance fraud, overcharging medical procedures and getting kick backs for referrals to other health care providers.

Seeing the signs of suspected abuse is not always easy. Often the wariness or self explained injuries from the elder may make us believe that all is in order. However if you start to notice certain clusters of symptoms, you should be aware and become pro-active.

• be suspicious when a caregiver refuses to let be alone with the elder.
• symmetrical injuries like bruises on the arms or restrain marks on the wrists.
• increase in general injuries and unexplained broken bones.
• unusual behaviour from the elder like rocking, sucking or mumbling often attributed to dementia.
• In sexual abuse watch out for blood stained bed sheets and clothing and bruising of the breasts or genitals.
• Be suspicious of a diagnosis of venereal diseases.
• Symptoms of neglect include, poor hygiene, loss of weight, dirty living environment, bed sores, and unsafe living conditions
• With financial abuse watch out for sudden changes in power of attorney, missing valuables and cash, an unexpected change in the financial situation of the elder. Look out for unnecessary good and services being provided as well as financial activities beyond the capability of the senior like ATM withdrawals far from the home.

This is a vast topic and it is impossible to cover all aspects in such a short space.  If you would like more information please visit www.helpguide.org and search elder abuse.  Lets all become more aware and put a stop to this insane cruelty to our Seniors.

Article by: Rosemary Charlton
Thistlecreek Health Care Ltd.