What comes to mind when you hear the term "Palliative Care"? If you are like me, it's synonomous with Hospice Services. In fact, when a nurse practitioner recently recommended it for my father, I became alarmed. I knew Dad's COPD, Congestive Heart Failure, and Diabetes conditions were serious but felt unprepared to hear a recommendation for "Palliative Care". That's because my understanding of the term was flawed. I believed that Pallative care was designed to keep terminal patients "comfortable" at life's end. Dad's conditions were serious and definitely difficult to manage but no one had labeled them as terminal. I came to learn that Palliative care can be a vital addition to an active treatment plan for many serious and chronic diseases.
Are you or a loved one missing out on the benefits of Palliative Care?
With medical advances, Americans in general, are living longer. However, many find themselves also living with chronic disease conditions. The burden these diseases place on patient and family members can be enormous. Where can a family turn for assistance when the chronic medical needs of a loved one are becoming difficult to manage? For many, Palliative Care can offer patients and their families another layer of support.
Unfortunately, many people do not take advantage of this resource due to misunderstanding of Palliative Care and its goals. In fact, research indicates that many physicians often equate Palliative Care with Hospice and therefore, are unlikely to recommend it to patients unless they have a terminal/end stage illness. The reality is that Palliative Care is beneficial for many patients with serious or chronic illnesses along with curative treatment.
Palliative Care: The Definition
"...is specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses. This type of care is focused on providing patients with relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of a serious illness, whatever the diagnosis. The goal is to improve quality of life for the both the patient and family. Palliative care is provided by a team of doctors, nurses, and other specialists who work with a patients primary doctors to provide an extra layer of support. This care is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness, and can be provided together with curative treatment."
In short, Palliative care is NOT end of life care. It's designed to enhance the care a patient is already receiving by improving care coordination, better managing and controlling symptoms, and helping families navigate the complexities of living with chronic disease.
Is Palliative Care Right for Your Loved One?
Consider turning to Palliative Care for extra support if you or a family member are dealing with any of the following issues:
- Serious illness such as Cancer, Congestive Heart Failure, COPD, Emphysema, Lung Disease, Kidney Failure, Liver Failure, Neurological Disease (ALS, Parkinson's, MS...), Dementia.
- Unmanaged symptoms like pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, anxiety, depression, poor appetite, nausea, constitpation.
- Difficult side effects from treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation.
- Frequent ER visits or hospitalizations for the same symptoms or conditions.
- Indecision regarding treatment options...needs assistance evaluating medical choices and finding necessary resources.
- In need of assistance coping with the stress of a chronic disease and emotional or spiritual support.
What assistance does Palliative Care include?
Patients and their families gain access to a team of professionals including physician, nurse practitioners and social workers all working together in support of the patient. The team works in concert with the patient's primary medical care team to provide assistance in reducing pain, minimizing side effects and symptoms, connecting patients with complimentary services like acupuncture or massage therapy for stress reduction, disease education and more. While primary care physicians and specialists are typically focused on treating the disease condition, a palliative care team will devote their efforts to enhancing quality of life.
Is Palliative Care covered under insurance plans?
With a physician's referral, pallative care is often paid under Medicare Part B, Medicaid and most private insurance plans. Check with your plan for coverage details and applicable co-insurance fees before initiating care.
What benefits does Palliative Care Offer?
In my Dad's case, the Palliative care team offered a great deal of education and advice for minimizing his primary concern, frequent trips to the ER and hospitalizations for CHF symptoms and complications. The team helped us develop a detailed "Action Plan" to better manage his symptoms. The plan was presented as a flow chart and detailed the actions we were to take with progressive symptoms. It really helped reduce anxiety levels for all parties and restored a feeling of control over the process.
Additionally, Dad had so many specialists who operated independently. It was often frustrating because there was virtually no coordination between the different physicians. Information frequently wasn't shared between offices and family members were constantly having to follow up. It was a real relief when the Palliative Care team stepped in to coordinate medical care between the different specialities. They assisted us in making care choices by educating us on the "pros and cons" of options.
The team also recommended some complimentary therapies which helped alleviate some of my father's symptoms and discomfort. Specially trained massage therapists worked to reduce swelling in extremities through lymphatic drainage. This greatly reduced pain and improved dad's mobility. Dad was also connected with a social worker who helped him deal with some of the anxiety associated with health conditions. Most of these services were provided in the comfort of Dad's own residence which was a "plus" for the family.
After gaining a new understanding of Palliative care, I am now able to recommend these services to our agency's clients. Often, Easy Living caregivers work in conjunction with Palliative Care providers to maximize the quality of life for clients with dealing with serious disease conditions.
Interested in learning more? Call Easy Living Services today at 770-442-8664. We're pleased to help in any way possible. Home Care for Atlanta Seniors | Easy Living Services
If working out makes you cringe, it's time for a mental makeover. Here are exercise tips for healthy aging and a how to guide on becoming more active and enjoying it. We all know that exercise is the key to being healthy along with improving sleep, boosting mood and self-confidence, great for the brain, can even reverse some of the symptoms of aging and so much more! But...for many, it is a challenge to commit to a regular routine or to even exercise at all.
It's time to consider physical activity a part of your lifestyle instead of a bothersome task to check off you "to do" list. Keep in mind that mixing different types of exercise helps both reducing monotony and improvement in overall health. The components of a balanced exercise program include:
- Cardio increases your body's ability to deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues and to remove waste over sustained periods of time. Cardio gets your heart pumping and helps lessen fatigue.
- Strength Training with repetitive motion using weights or resistance helps prevent bone mass, builds muscle and improves balance.
- Stretching and Flexibility challenges the joint's ability to move freely and can be done through stationary or moving stretches. Stretching and flexibility exercises help the body to stay limber and mobil.
- Balance improves posture and quality of walking and helps reduce the risk of falling. Yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates are great exercised to improve balance.
There are lots of ways to make exercise a pleasurable part of everyday life. Just think about activities that you enjoy and how you can incorporate them int9 an exercise routine.
- Work out to music that motivates you. If you love music and like to dance, Jazzercise is a great fitness program that is lots of fun. The program is designed for all fitness levels and incorporates cardio, strength, stretching and flexibility along with balance in every workout segment.
- If you enjoy shopping, walk laps at the mall.
- Join a team sport. You become more dedicated when the team is counting on you to show up.
- Take nature hikes or walks and take photos to share with family and friends or for scrap booking.
- Buddy up! Get a neighbor or friend to join a program or take classes with you.
- Stay inspired. Read health magazines. Watching sports, weight loss and healthy cooking shows can help remind you how great it feels to take care of your body.
- Watch a favorite movie while using stationary equipment.
- Take a walk through your neighborhood while incorporating stretching and strength training.
- Always choose the stairs over the elevator and park at the far end of the parking lot on outings.
- Do a set of wall push ups while waiting for the microwave to finish.
- Sweep the sidewalk, deck and porch.
- Rake leaves, shovel snow or work in the garden.
- Lift weights and stretch while watching the news.
- Do toe-raises while talking on the phone.
- Each time you get up from a seated position do knee bends and lunges.
Exercise helps reduce the impact of illness and chronic disease. It also helps improve immune function, better heart health and blood pressure, better bone density, and better digestive functioning. People who exercise also have a lowered risk for Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, osteoporosis and colon cancer. And as we age exercise helps us maintain independence.
The most rewarding part of beginning a fitness routine is noticing the difference it makes in the rest of your life. Even if you begin with just 15 to 20 minutes of heart-healthy exercise, you'll notice an improvement in how you feel as you go about your day. The best part about working out is that it gives you energy for more activities. When it becomes habit, you'll never want to give it up!
Home Care for Atlanta Seniors | Easy Living Services
The costs of caring for a loved one, long term, can be staggering and sometimes catastrophic on a family's financial health. Many families find that they must spend down their entire life's savings in order to qualify for long term care under medicaid.
The Long-Term Care Partnership Program, administered by the Georgia Department of Community Health, provides an alternative to spending down or transferring assets by forming a partnership between Medicaid and private long-term care insurers. The program was designed to serve as an incentive for Georgia residents to plan for their future long term care needs.
This public-private partnership creates an innovative program offering individuals quality, affordable long-term care insurance and a way to receive needed care without depleting all their assets.
Only Partnership policies provide Medicaid asset protection. Under the benefit of the Dollar-for-Dollar Asset Protection, every dollar that the insurance pays out in benefits equals a dollar of family assets that is protected. When the policy holder has exhausted the benefits under the LTC plan and needs assistance under Medicaid, the protected assets are exempt from consideration during the Medicaid eligibility process.
Here's an example to illustrate how the Partnership program can preserve personal assets...
Bob and Gloria have assets totaling $500,000. The couple has purchased a shared Partnership Program Long Term Care Policy with total coverage of $350,000 over a 5 year benefit period. Bob has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and is in need of long term care. The policy pays out the benefit of $350,000 for Bob's care. Without a Partnership Long Term Care Policy, if Bob and Gloria were to file for medicaid relief for LTC costs, they would need to spend down their assets to $2,000, leaving Gloria with no savings. With a Partnership Policy, the couple would be able to claim $350,000 as protected funds during the Medicaid eligibility application process, leaving Gloria with access to retirement funds.
Partnership policies will be tax qualified plans under federal law and provide inflation protection benefits for purchasers.
Partnership policies provide compound annual inflation protection for individuals less than 61 years of age as of the date of purchase. This is one of the distinguishing features of a Partnership policy and also the inflation protection is a valuable benefit regardless of whether policy is a Partnership policy.
Partnership policies provide some level of inflation protection for individuals at least 61 years of age, but less than 75 years of age on date of purchase.
Partnership policies may provide inflation protection, but is not required, to individuals 76 years of age as of the date of purchase.
SOME PARTNTERSHIP POLICIES COVER IN-HOME CARE as well as other community based services. Individuals should consider looking into a policy that pays for these types of services.
A Partnership policy is ideal for someone who will not be able to afford the high cost of long-term care, but who can afford the reasonable cost of long-term care insurance. The younger individuals are when purchasing a long-term care insurance policy, the less expensive it is.
Individuals who have accumulated resources by saving or investing may be the best candidates for a Partnership policy.
Before purchasing a Partnership policy, you may want to consult with a trusted advisor or long-term care insurance agent so you are able to pick a long-term product that is right for you. If you want to buy a Partnership policy, you must select a State of Georgia approved vendor....CLICK HERE for company contact information. The State of Georgia does not sell Partnership policies; they administer and monitor the Long-Term Partnership Program.
Costs will vary and each company sets its own rates. A local insurance agent can provide specific information related to rates and premiums. Premiums can vary greatly across companies and within companies depending on what features are included in an individual policy.
Need more information? Contact Easy Living Services at 770-442-8664.
Source: excerpts from Office of Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner
Home Care for Atlanta Seniors | Easy Living Services
There's no question that evaluating care options for a loved one can be quite overwhelming, not to mention costly. You might be surprised to learn that "Live-In" home care options can be among the best values in senior care.
The term "Live-In" refers to a caregiver that lives with the care recipient for a specified period of time (usually several days), providing 24 hour coverage. "Live-In" care is typically billed at a flat, daily fee with rates ranging from $175 to $185 per 24 hour period. "Live-In" rates are considerably less expensive on a per hour basis than standard hourly care. One qualifier on "Live-In" care arrangements is that the client must sleep on average 7-8 hours per night without needing care. If regular sleep is not possible for the caregiver, an additional Aide will be needed to provide nighttime coverage, on an hourly basis.
Before you dismiss "Live-In" care as too costly, consider how comprehensive the care is for the money. Besides "hands on", personal care services such as bathing, dressing, mobility assistance and companionship, caregivers serve as Household Managers. Consider the tasks listed below that are rolled into the job of "Live-in" caregiver:
Household cleaning & laundry services--- a $540 per month ($135 per week) value
Personal Meal Planning/Shopping/Preparation Services--- a $450 per month value (30 homecooked, nutritious meals)
Pet Care (feeding/walking)---a $270 per month ($9 per day) value
Errand & Transportation Service---a $320 per month value (2 local outings per week)
These extra services, of course, are in addition to the priceless benefit of one-on-one personal care and companionship in one's own home. "Live-In" care is especially economical for couples or those requiring significant levels of personal care.
A word of caution---some might be tempted to search for a "Live-In" caregiver on their own. "A friend of a friend" may sound like an attractive option. This person may be someone that you believe you would be comfortable around. After all, conern about having a stranger in the home is a major hurdle for most. You should question the motivation of people who claim they will move in on a permanent basis to care for all of the needs of an elderly person. Professional Caregivers are real people with families, homes and their own interests. A professional, skilled caregiver will NOT be willing to move in permanently and give up their own lives without a break. He or she should possess the credentials/experience necessary to work with the elderly. Be skeptical of those who are willing to accept room/board and tiny salaries in exchange for a loved one's total care. Many seniors have fallen prey to dishonest "caregivers" who take advantage of the situation.
Instead, consider retaining the services of a professional In-Home Care agency. Agency personnel will handle the screening and make certain that the caregiver sent to care for your loved one is skilled, professional and has a solid track record. Agencies also guarantee coverage if your primary caregiver must miss work. Agency caregivers receive regular breaks so that when they return to care for your loved one; they are refreshed.
Do you think "Live-In" care might be right for your family? Call Easy Living Services to learn more...
770-442-8664. We're here to help!
Home Care for Atlanta Seniors | Easy Living Services
It's fairly obvious that long term caregiving for a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer's or dementia can take its toll on the caregiver's emotional and physical health. New studies suggest that toll may even include higher risk for cognitive decline or developing dementia over non-caregivers. 
A 2011 study published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society identified this link as well as the risk factors for cognitive decline including social isolation, depression, stress, poor lifestyle choices such as unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity.
Studies have shown, for example, that caregivers of Alzheimer's disease patients had lower scores on tests that measure attention, visual processing speeds, and memory than adults of the same age who were not caregivers. Additional stressors like disturbed sleep and fewer positive experiences excacerbated the processing problems. Another study published in 2010, followed more than 1,200 older married couples in rural Utah for 12 years and found that spouses of husbands or wives that developed dementia had a 600% greater risk of developing dementia themselves. More studies are needed to further explore the nature of the relationship between caregiving and cognitive decline.
The good news is that although primary family caregivers are more susceptible to the risk factors...they potentially have the ability to modify behaviors and environments before they become compromised. Family physicians should pay close attention to older patients who are caring for spouses impacted by the disease. Efforts need to be made to decrease stress levels in those patients, and help them focus on the positive aspects of caregiving over the negative.
Consider the following tips: 
1) Schedule mini-workouts throughout the day. Ten minute sessions sprinkled over the course of the day are easier to block out than an hour away. Excercise boosts endorphins which promote a positive attitude.
2) Take time to play. In the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, the caregiver and patient can enjoy some activities that gave them joy in the past. Taking walks, gardening, doing puzzles, playing with a pet are some ideas for simple activities that can bring happiness to both parties.
3) Appreciate the humorous side of things. Laughter is an antidote to stress, anxiety and boredom. Caregivers should give themselves permission to laugh about some of the absurd situations they find themselves in when caregiving for a dementia or Alzheimer's patient. Watching comedy shows or funny movies can bring some sunshine into an otherwise grey day. Laughter will work to soothe both caregiver and patient.
4) Count the blessings. A daily gratitude list can chase away the blues and shift focus on a loved one’s capabilities.
5) Accept the situation. Its normal to want to avoid facing what is happening to a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. After all, the disease is progressive. Taking steps to understand its predictable progression will allow a caregiver to mentally prepare for the future and reduce anxiety over an uncertain future. Understand that a loved one's difficult behavior usually results from confusion, disorientation, and frustration. This will assist the caregiver in letting go of blame and unfullfilled expectations.
Do you need help caring for a spouse or loved one? Respite time is essential for primary caregivers. Get the rest you need so that you can continue to provide the care your loved one depends on. Call Easy Living Services at 770-442-8664 and we'll send a qualified, compassionate caregiver to care for your loved one safely at home.
Home Care for Atlanta Seniors | Easy Living Services
Recently, I came across some information that I found helpful as it relates to a elderly loved one. My dad's chronic vivid and active nightmares caused me to do a little research. It's definitely an issue that I will discuss with his physician. Consider the following:
Recent scientific research has identified a probable link between REM sleep disorders and degenerative neurological conditions like Parkinsons and memory loss issues. Mayo Clinic researchers have found that people with REM sleep disorders have approximately double the risk of developing cognitive impairment or Parkinsons. The onset of the cognitive impairment is on average about 4 years after first diagnosis of the sleep disorder. This is significant because it may allow physicians to intervene early in the disease process, minimimizing brain cell death.
What is an REM sleep disorder? What symptoms are associated with this condition?
When people are in the deep REM (rapid eye movement) sleep stage, their muscles are "paralyzed" so that they do not physically act out their dreams. However, in a person with REM sleep disorder, the muscle paralysis is absent so his/her body is free to move and act out the dream sequence.
This condition is most common in middle aged and elderly people. Men are more often affected than women. In most cases, the behavior comes on gradually and worsens over time. When the disorder appears suddenly, it is typically related to drug or alcohol withdrawal.
Patients suffering with this condition can experience nightmares in which they are attacked and pursued and in response, scream, cry, kick, punch, thrash and sometimes jump from bed while still asleep. Not all dream sequences involve a frightening experience. My dad, for example, had a fantastic dream where he dove to catch a football and scored the winning touchtown in the Superbowl! Unfortunately, he also dove out of bed, knocking over a lamp, crashing into a nightstand and doing a number on his knee. He has also been a "boxer" in his dreams, complete with loud "trash talking" and a fierce punch that almost clipped me when I went to check on him. These stories are little humorous but other experiences have been no joke. The behavior associated with REM sleep disorder can be frightening to experience and upsetting to observe. This intense physical activity while sleeping can lead to injury to self or mate. Upon waking, the individual may remember the dream but not his actions.
Can REM sleep disorder be treated?
The condition can be treated with prescription medication. Low dose benzodiazepine may be prescribed which is believed to suppress the muscle action. Physicians are cautious when using this medication to treat patients who also have signs of dementia or gait disorders. Melatonin has also been prescribed and used with some success as a natural alternative. You will definitely want to have your loved one evaluated by a physician for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Your physician will want to follow him closely due to the link between REM sleep disorder and possible serious neurological conditions.
Implement physical safeguards such as placing mattress on floor or place a pad on the floor next to the bed, using padded bedrails, moving the bed away from other furniture or windows and removing unsafe objects from the room. His or her mate should also consider sleeping elsewhere until symptoms resolve.
REM sleep disorder can be a serious condition. Don't chalk up the symptoms to "old age"; seek medical advice. Evaluation and treatment of this condition may alert your loved one's physician to hidden risk factors for Parkinson's disease and other neurological conditions down the road.
Home Care for Atlanta Seniors | Easy Living Services
All of us realizes just how critical it is to get adequate sleep at night. Missing your "ZZZs" can wreak havoc on your physical and mental well being. Unfortunately, the senior population is most at risk for insomnia and the resulting negative health effects. Approximately 50% of seniors report problems falling or staying asleep. Factors such as poor sleep habits, lack of exercise, unhealthy diet, untreated sleep disorders, and other medical issues can all contribute to sleeplessness. Unfortunately, chronic sleep problems can impair concentration and memory functions and compromise the immune system. Additionally, senior adults who don't sleep well are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease, depression, nighttime falls, and increased sensitivity to pain. 
How much sleep does the average senior need? Research supports that most healthy adults require between 7.5 to 9 hours of sleep per night to function optimally.
How can you assist an elderly loved one in restoring a healthy sleep pattern?
1. Make certain he is engaged in physical and mental activities as much as possible during the day. Exercise releases endorphins that boost mood and reduce stress, allowing for a better night's sleep. Avoid prolonged daytime napping. Limit a nap to 30 to 45 minutes in the early afternoon.
2. Get some natural sunlight which regulates melatonin levels and the sleep/wake cycle.
3. Limit stimulants like caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine. Minimize liquids before sleep--cut off 1.5 hours prior to bed. Avoid large or spicy meals before sleeping.
4. Prepare for bedtime by using dim lighting and turning off TV and other electronics at least one hour prior to turning in. Develop nightly rituals such as taking a soothing bath, playing relaxing music, praying or practicing mediation. Follow the same routine every night
5. Make sure the bedroom is quiet, cool and dark.
6. Encourage a consistent sleep schedule, going to bed and waking at approximately the same time, 7 days per week.
7. If worries are a source of sleeping problems, encourage your loved one to keep a journal to release thoughts before retiring for the night.
Do you frequently find your elderly loved one asleep during the day in his recliner? Have you ever considered enlisting the support of a professional companion caregiver to encourage him to make the most out of his days? Getting adequate stimulation is essential for overall mental and emotional health, not to mention a better night's sleep. Sometimes a new friend can make all the difference.
Call Easy Living Services to learn more about our fabulous companion caregivers. Don't wait another day!
770-442-8664.
Home Care for Atlanta Seniors | Easy Living Services
Communicating effectively with a loved-one who has been diagnosed with Dementia poses a real challenge for all family members. The disease is a progressive brain disorder that, over time, diminishes a person's ability to think clearly, process information and communicate well with others. Dementia may also cause intense mood swings and personality changes. Learning how to better relate to the person with dementia and making adjustments in communication style to fit their limitations will greatly reduce stress levels and strengthen relationships.
The following are some strategies for enhancing communication with your loved-one:
- Minimize distractions. Effective communication starts with getting the person's attention. Take steps to minimize noise or competing activity. For example, you may need to turn off the TV or close a door.
- Set the proper mood. Make certain that your body language and facial expressions are consistent with your message. Set a relaxed tone by using a calm, pleasant voice. If appropriate, use physical touch for reassurance and to keep him/her focused.
- Simpify your message. Use simple words and sentences. Do not include a great deal of detail or background information. Speak slowly and distinctly, over-annunciating, if neccessary. Be prepared to repeat yourself several times, slowly and calmly if he dosen't comprehend the message at first.
- Avoid "interrogations". Do not ask too many questions at once which could cause your loved one to become overwhelmed and shut down. Use questions with simple "yes" or "no" answers rather than open ended questions. If you are asking him to make a choice between multiple options, consider using visual prompts to facilitate. For example, if you are asking your mom to choose between two blouses, show the blouses to her to facilitate. Also, keep in mind that his or her short term memory may be significantly impaired. Asking questions such as, "what did you have for lunch" or "what time did you have physical therapy" will be difficult and frustating for the dementia patient.
- Use affection to offer reassurance. A person living with dementia may feel very confused, anxious, and self-conscious. He or she may believe certain events occurred when in fact, they did not. The feelings and fears associated with these imagined events are very real to the dementia patient Often, the best way to help your loved one cope with these feelings is to offer verbal and physical expressions of affection and reassurance. Avoid the tempation to openly dismiss the events as this could cause your loved one to become defensive or frustrated. Instead acknowlege their feelings and remain empathetic.
- Use humor to keep the dialogue open. Dementia typically does not impair a person's ability to see the humor in a situation. Enjoy a good laugh together to keep the communication lines open.
It can be a real challenge both mentally and emotionally, to maintain effective communications with a dementia patient. Taking the time to better understand the challenges a dementia patient faces can enhance your relationship with a parent or loved one. Experimenting with different communication strategies can help you develop the tools needed to connect with your loved one. Ultimately, it's the connection that enables a caregiver to continue caring for the long haul.
Need more information on Dementia related topics? Explore our complete list of informative articles at www.easylivingservices.com.
Can't find the information you are searching for? Call us at 770-442-8664.
We're here to help!
Home Care for Atlanta Seniors | Easy Living Services
It seemed as though your mom was really sailing through her old age. Still relatively healthy and sharp, your normally sweet tempered mom is suddenly prone to angry outbursts and cursing. What's going on?
A trip to your parents' physician is definitely in order, especially, if violent or physically aggressive behavior has emerged. The physician will want to determine whether the behavior problem stems from an emotional vs. physical/disease related issue. Leading causes of verbal and physical aggression include:
- An underlying health problem like urinary tract infection, pneumonia, and endocrine problems associated with the thyroid or adrenal glands can cause aggressive behavior. Medication reactions and interactions as well as drug or alcohol abuse can also create this type of behavior.
- Unrecognized or verbalized physical pain can lead to sudden displays of anger and aggressive action.
- Depression and mental diseases can manifest as aggressive behavior. A depressed senior may feel sad, hopeless or guilty which can evolve into anger and frustration. Any small incident can ignite an "over the top" reaction.
- One of the leading causes for aggressive behavior among seniors is dementia including Alzheimer's Disease. "Sun-downing" describes the agitated behavior a dementia patient may exhibit in the early evening hours.
Aggressive behavior related to a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is not curable so effective management tools are essential. As a family member, how will you best respond during one of these episodes?
Suggestions for diffusing agitated/aggressive behavior:
- Do NOT argue or correct your loved one when he/she is agitated. Arguing only serves to increase the liklihood of escalation. Use a calm, confident voice to communicate and avoid making sudden or large movements.
- Do NOT minimize or dismiss their anxiety and concerns. The anxiety or delusions she may be experiencing can be extremely realistic and alarming. Telling her that "it doesn't exist or not to worry" will not bring comfort. Instead, acknowlege just how frightening or upsetting the experience must be.
- To the extent possible, reduce environmental stressors. An individual suffering with dementia may reach a point of "sensory overload" which triggors the aggressive behavior. Excessive noise, temperature extremes, new people or environments, hunger, need to empty bladder or bowels, multiple activities...all can lead to a "melt down." Take the time to observe unique triggers for your loved one.
- Do NOT insist on completing an activity that is agitating your loved one at the moment. For example, if getting her into the shower is a struggle; reschedule for a later time. Remain flexible as much as possible on non-essential activities. Consider enlisting the support of another trusted person to assist. Perhaps, a new face will elicit cooperation.
- When your parent is upset but NOT displaying physical aggression, try communicating at or below eye level to appear non-threatening. If physical aggression is threatened, use a calm, firm voice and remain at or slightly above eye level.
- Always try and redirect your loved one away from the activity or situation that is triggering the anxiety. Suggesting that you take a walk together can be a great way to redirect and diffuse the situation. Allow your parent to express their feelings openly while you just listen. Changing the topic to something pleasant or reminiscing about happy times can be a successful tactic. Get your parent started on an activity that affirms their usefulness like sorting laundry, clipping coupons, folding clothes, setting the table, etc.
Do you need assistance caring for a loved one at home? Easy Living Services can help.
Call today and learn more about flexible care plans, designed for your unique family.
770-442-8664.
Home Care for Atlanta Seniors | Easy Living Services
What's the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's Disease? Does a diagnosis of dementia symptoms indicate that Alzheimer's is present or will develop?
Any of us with older parents has certainly noticed at one time or another certain symptoms that has us wondering, "Could this be dementia or maybe Alzheimer's setting in?" The terms are often used interchangeably but in reality Alzheimer's Disease is just one of several causes of dementia. In other words, all patients with Alzheimer's disease have dementia while all dementia patients do NOT have Alzheimer's disease.
The term "dementia" actually refers to a group of symptoms such as short-term memory loss, poor judgment, difficulty performing familiar tasks, etc. Increasingly, I have noticed several of these symptoms in my own father. My sister recently noticed him becoming frustrated while trying to operate the same coffee maker that he has used every morning for years. He simply could not remember how to put it together. A trip to his physician and subsequent exam & testing revealed that his dementia symptoms were likely attributable to "Vascular Dementia" rather than Alzheimer's Disease.
What are the main causes of "dementia"?
1. Reversible causes of dementia include depression, vitamin deficiency, drugs and infections. Consult with your physician for testing to evaluate whether dementia symptoms may be reversed by treating an underlying condition or switching prescription medications.
2. The number one cause of irreversible dementia is Alzheimer's disease which is responsible for approimately 60% of all cases. Early symptoms include difficulty remembering names and recent events, apathy and depression. Later symptoms include confusion, disorientation, difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking.
3. Another common cause of dementia is "Vascular Dementia", also called "Multi-Infarct Dementia". It develops when impaired blood flow to parts of the brain deprives cells of food and oxygen. This condition is most evident after a stroke blocks a blood vessel and disrupts blood flow to a significant portion of the brain. The patient with Vascular Dementia may have a history of heart attacks, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, hardening of the arteries and other risk factors for heart disease. Symptoms may include: memory loss, reduced ability to carry out normal daily tasks, poor concentration and communication, confusion which is possibly worse at night. Vascular dementia is potentially reversible with improvement of underlying health conditions.
3. The third most common cause of dementia is Parkinson’s Disease. Not all Parkinson's patients develop dementia, but some will. This type of dementia usually develops in later stages of Parkinson's disease.
4. A less common cause of dementia is known as "Lewie bodies". Patients exhibiting this form of dementia have some of the symptoms common in Alzheimer's, but are more likely than people with Alzheimer's to have early symptoms such as sleep disturbances, hallucinations, and muscle rigidity. Patients with Lewie bodies type dementia may exhibit "Parkinson like" tremors.
All cases of suspected dementia should be evaluated by a Geriatric specialist for a proper diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.
Home Care for Atlanta Seniors | Easy Living Services