Tag: Alzheimer’s disease Philadelphia

Frontotemporal Dementia Warning Signs and Symptoms

Posted on November 4, 2024 by Peter R. Abraldes

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to a progressive decline in behavior, personality, language, and motor function. Unlike Alzheimer’s disease, which is more common in older adults, FTD often impacts individuals between 40 and 65, and research shows that it is slightly more prevalent in men than in women.

early onset dementia Frontotemporal Dementia Warning Signs and Symptoms

Why FTD Is More Common in Men

Several factors contribute to the higher prevalence of FTD in men. Genetic research has suggested that certain genetic mutations linked to FTD, such as in the C9ORF72, MAPT, and GRN genes, might be more commonly expressed or lead to more severe symptoms in men. Additionally, some studies have found that brain networks and functions disrupted by FTD may vary subtly between genders, with the behavioral and emotional changes often associated with the male presentation of the disease possibly resulting in earlier and more noticeable symptoms. Lifestyle differences, like higher reported rates of traumatic brain injuries in men, could also contribute to this gender disparity.

Symptoms of FTD

The symptoms of FTD vary by subtype, but the most common form, behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD), involves:

Behavioral and Personality Changes: This includes increased impulsivity, social withdrawal, apathy, and inappropriate social behavior. Patients may struggle to understand social cues and exhibit compulsive or repetitive behaviors.
Language Difficulties: Known as primary progressive aphasia (PPA), this subtype affects speech, reading, writing, and comprehension. Over time, affected individuals may have difficulty forming sentences or finding the right words.
Motor Symptoms: In some cases, FTD can lead to physical symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, such as tremors, muscle stiffness, and balance issues.

Implications of FTD Prevalence in Men

The slightly higher prevalence of FTD in men highlights the importance of early detection, particularly when behavioral changes are involved. As symptoms of FTD can sometimes resemble psychiatric disorders, particularly in men, an accurate diagnosis is crucial for receiving appropriate treatment and support. Increased awareness of these gender differences may lead to better diagnostic and care approaches, helping families and caregivers better understand the progression of FTD and support loved ones affected by it.

Creating a Care Team

It is challenging to build a care team around someone living with FTD. This is often the case because the disease progresses rapidly, and the care recipient often rejects proactive actions to implement a care team. The challenges are compounded by their impulsivity and sometimes boots of aggression and eloping.

It is crucial that you involve a professional caregiving team as soon as possible. These individuals have core skills that allow them to meet the individual where they are currently and scale up services once trust has been established. Want to learn more? Call us at 610-323-9800.

Bathing a Senior living with Dementia: A Gentle Approach

Posted on October 21, 2024 by Peter R. Abraldes

Bathing a senior with dementia can be a delicate and challenging task. Dementia often affects memory, comprehension, and emotional responses, so it’s important to approach bath time with sensitivity, patience, and respect. Creating a positive experience can improve not only hygiene but also the person’s sense of dignity and well-being. Here are key considerations to keep in mind:

1. Prepare the Environment Ensure the bathroom is warm, well-lit, and safe. Have all the necessary supplies ready—towels, soap, and clean clothes—to avoid leaving the senior unattended. Non-slip mats, grab bars, and a shower chair can make the process more secure and comfortable for both the caregiver and the senior. Go the extra mile by bringing warm towels, adjusting the room lightening and scents, and ensuring that everything is set up for enjoyable experience.

2. Communicate Calmly and Reassure Explain each step gently, even if the person may not fully understand. A soothing tone and familiar words can reduce anxiety. For example, say “Let’s wash your hands” instead of “It’s time to bathe,” as specific instructions may feel less overwhelming.

3. Maintain Privacy and Dignity Many seniors with dementia may feel vulnerable during bath time. Keep them covered with towels or a bathrobe as much as possible to maintain privacy. Letting them participate—like washing their own face or arms—can promote independence and preserve dignity.

4. Be Flexible and Attentive Adapt to the senior’s preferences and moods. If they seem resistant or fearful, it may help to switch to a sponge bath or try again later. Being attentive to their reactions ensures a gentler, more respectful experience.

5. Use Touch to Reassure A comforting touch can offer reassurance. Holding their hand or gently guiding them can reduce feelings of confusion or agitation. Stay mindful of non-verbal cues, as body language often communicates more than words.

6. Focus on Comfort, Not Perfection The goal is to keep the person clean and comfortable. If a full bath is too stressful, consider alternatives like a sponge bath or focusing on key areas—hands, face, underarms, and the groin.

Caring for a senior with dementia requires adaptability and empathy. By creating a calm and supportive environment, you can help ensure that bath time is a positive experience that maintains their dignity and comfort.

Helping Older Adults Bathe, Using the Positive Approach to Care

Posted on October 14, 2024 by Peter R. Abraldes

Teepa Snow, a renowned dementia care expert, developed the Positive Approach to Care (“PAC”) to provide compassionate and effective caregiving strategies, especially for those living with dementia. Bathing is often a challenging task for older adults, particularly those with memory or cognitive impairments, but Teepa’s approach offers valuable insights to make this experience more comfortable and respectful.

Key Principles for Bathing:

Create a Positive Environment: Teepa emphasizes the importance of setting the right mood before bathing. The environment should be calm, well-lit, and warm, reducing sensory overload that may trigger anxiety. Avoid rushing, as this can create unnecessary stress.
Use Hand-under-Hand® Technique: This method involves placing your hand underneath the older adult’s hand, helping guide them through the bathing process while preserving their sense of control. It fosters a sense of connection and reduces resistance by making the person feel they are part of the process, not just the recipient of care.
Focus on Comfort and Safety: Teepa advises caregivers to always prioritize the person’s comfort. Ensure the water temperature is appropriate, and consider using a washcloth for sensitive areas instead of directly using the showerhead, which can be startling. Providing towels for warmth and maintaining privacy also help the older adult feel secure.
Be Mindful of Language and Approach: Teepa recommends approaching from the front, making eye contact, and using a soft, reassuring tone. Avoid giving too many instructions at once, as this can confuse or overwhelm the person. Instead, guide them step-by-step and use visual cues to help them understand the process.
Adapt to Their Abilities: If the older adult can participate, encourage them to do what they can, such as washing certain parts of their body. This involvement can help preserve dignity and foster independence.

Conclusion:

By following Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care, caregivers can transform the often challenging task of bathing into a more comfortable, cooperative, and dignified experience for older adults. Her focus on empathy, communication, and person-centered care ensures that the needs and feelings of those being cared for are always respected.

bathing older adults 1 Helping Older Adults Bathe, Using the Positive Approach to Care

When is it time for home care?

Posted on October 4, 2024 by Peter R. Abraldes

A Professional, Non-Medical Home Care Company Can Help

As people age or face chronic health conditions, they need assistance with daily tasks. This can be done while they age at home, as independently as possible. Non-medical home care companies provide support for everyday activities like bathing, meal preparation, social engagement, and housekeeping.

What is Non-Medical Home Care?

Non-medical home care helps with activities like personal hygiene, cooking, light housekeeping, mobility assistance, and companionship. Caregivers focus on assisting with daily living while allowing individuals to stay in their own homes, wherever home may be.

When to Consider Non-Medical Home Care

Here are some signs it might be time to employ a non-medical home care service:

Difficulty with Daily Activities: When tasks like bathing, dressing, or eating become difficult, non-medical caregivers can help.
Chronic and Progressive Conditions: Those with conditions like arthritis, COPD, or dementia may need help keeping a routine.
Post-Surgery Recovery: After surgery, people might need support with daily tasks while they regain strength.
Caregiver Burnout: If family members are overwhelmed by caregiving duties, non-medical services offer respite.
Social Isolation: Non-medical caregivers provide companionship for individuals who may feel lonely.
Household Management Issues: Difficulty with cleaning or cooking is another reason to seek assistance.

Benefits of Non-Medical Home Care

Personalized Care: Services are tailored to individual needs.
Cost-Effective: Home care is often more affordable than assisted living.
Independence: Caregivers help people remain in their homes.
Support for Families: Caregivers ease the burden on family members.

Choosing a Provider

When selecting a non-medical home care company, consider their reputation, the qualifications of caregivers, the flexibility of services, and transparent pricing.

In summary, non-medical home care is an excellent option for those who need help with daily activities but want to stay independent. Recognizing the right time to seek this support ensures a safer, higher quality of life.

Want to learn more? Call us today at 610-323-9800.

Understanding Extreme Symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia

Posted on September 30, 2024 by Peter R. Abraldes

Introduction

Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is a progressive neurological disorder caused by the buildup of abnormal protein deposits (Lewy bodies) in the brain. This results in both cognitive and motor impairments, which worsen over time. Here, we’ll explore some of the extreme symptoms that can emerge as the disease progresses.

1. Severe Hallucinations and Delusions

A hallmark of LBD is vivid visual hallucinations, often involving people, animals, or objects. Over time, these hallucinations become more frequent and intense. Patients may also experience delusions, like Capgras syndrome, where they believe their loved ones are impostors. These false beliefs can cause paranoia, fear, and mistrust, making caregiving especially difficult.

2. Cognitive Fluctuations

Cognitive function in LBD patients can fluctuate dramatically, even within a single day. Patients may switch between near-normal cognition and extreme confusion. During severe episodes, individuals may not recognize familiar people or become completely unresponsive, leading to significant distress for both the patient and their caregivers.

3. Severe Parkinsonism and Mobility Issues

LBD often causes Parkinson’s-like motor symptoms, including tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movement. In advanced stages, these symptoms worsen, leading to severe mobility impairment. Many patients eventually become bedridden, needing full assistance with daily tasks. The risk of falls also increases, making mobility challenges even more dangerous.

4. Sleep Disorders and REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

Patients with LBD frequently suffer from severe sleep disturbances. The most extreme form is REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), where individuals physically act out their dreams, sometimes violently. This poses a risk of injury to both the patient and their bed partner. Insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness are also common, worsening cognitive and emotional symptoms.

5. Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction

LBD often disrupts the autonomic nervous system, leading to extreme symptoms like:

Blood pressure fluctuations: Frequent dizziness and fainting due to orthostatic hypotension.
Bladder and bowel dysfunction: Incontinence or severe constipation.
Body temperature regulation issues: Difficulty feeling comfortable, leading to extremes of feeling too hot or cold.

These complications can worsen overall health, leading to additional challenges like dehydration and infections.

6. Medication Sensitivity

LBD patients are highly sensitive to certain medications, especially antipsychotics. These drugs can exacerbate symptoms, causing severe side effects like worsened motor control and even life-threatening conditions. Non-drug approaches are often preferred, though options for managing psychiatric symptoms are limited.

Conclusion

Lewy Body Dementia is a complex and severe condition marked by extreme symptoms such as hallucinations, cognitive fluctuations, motor impairments, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms make caregiving challenging and require comprehensive, specialized care. Awareness of the extreme nature of LBD’s symptoms can help families and caregivers better understand and manage this debilitating disorder.

NursePartners has helped thousands of families in the Philadelphia region, caring for loved ones living with Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy Body disease, and other forms of dementia. Call us to learn more about how we can best support you, 610-323-9800.

Signs of Dementia in Older Adults with Low Brain Engagement

Posted on September 30, 2024 by Peter R. Abraldes

Dementia, a decline in cognitive function beyond normal aging, can be worsened by a lack of mental stimulation. Older adults who stop engaging their brains through activities such as socializing, problem-solving, or learning may experience a more rapid onset of dementia. Here are the key signs to watch for, especially in those who are running more on habit than on social and intellectual curiosity:

1. Memory Loss

Difficulty remembering recent events, names, or tasks is often one of the earliest signs. Repeatedly asking the same questions or forgetting appointments is common in dementia.

2. Confusion and Disorientation

People may lose track of time, forget where they are, or become confused in familiar settings. This is especially prevalent in individuals who aren’t actively engaging in cognitive activities.

3. Difficulty with Daily Tasks

Familiar tasks such as cooking, managing finances, or following directions become challenging. This may happen more quickly in adults who don’t challenge their brains regularly.

4. Decline in Communication Skills

A person might struggle to find the right words or follow conversations. Social withdrawal often accompanies this, particularly when the individual is no longer mentally or socially active.

5. Mood and Personality Changes

Depression, irritability, or apathy can occur, especially in those who are less engaged in stimulating activities. These mood shifts often signal cognitive decline.

Cognitive Inactivity and Dementia

Lack of mental stimulation can accelerate cognitive decline in older adults. Regular brain engagement—through reading, puzzles, or social interaction—helps build neural connections. Without these activities, the brain’s cognitive reserve diminishes, increasing the risk of dementia.

Preventive Measures

While there’s no cure for dementia, engaging the brain can help delay its onset. Simple steps like doing puzzles, learning new skills, staying socially active, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can slow cognitive decline and promote better mental health.

In summary, older adults who stop challenging their brains are at higher risk of developing dementia, or having their dementia progress quicker. Recognizing early signs and promoting brain-engaging activities are key to maintaining cognitive function as we age. NursePartners has a team of dementia certified carepartners who seek to build engaging and durable relationships with your loved one. Want to learn more? Call us today at 610-323-9800!

seniors by the beach Signs of Dementia in Older Adults with Low Brain Engagement

Top Five Benefits of Professional Caregivers for Older Adults

Posted on September 25, 2024 by Peter R. Abraldes

Expertise and Experience
Professional caregivers bring specialized knowledge and training in geriatric care, enabling them to address the unique needs of older adults. Their experience helps in managing chronic conditions, ensuring medications are taken, and recognizing early signs of health issues, ensuring a higher standard of care.
Personalized Support
Professional caregivers assess the individual needs of each older adult on an ongoing basis, providing tailored assistance that can enhance their quality of life. Whether it’s help with daily activities, companionship, or specialized care, personalized support can lead to better outcomes for seniors.
Improved Safety
Having a professional caregiver can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries at home. They can help prevent falls, ensure safe mobility, and manage medications properly, creating a safer living environment for older adults.
Emotional and Social Well-Being
Professional caregivers often provide companionship, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. Their presence can foster social interaction, engage seniors in meaningful activities, and promote emotional well-being, which is crucial for mental health.
Relief for Family Caregivers
Professional caregivers can alleviate the burden on family members, allowing them to take breaks, recharge, and manage their own lives more effectively. This respite can prevent caregiver burnout and maintain healthier family dynamics.

Challenges Faced by Caregivers of Individuals Living with Dementia

Posted on September 25, 2024 by Peter R. Abraldes

Caring for someone living with dementia is both a profound privilege and a significant challenge. As the prevalence of dementia rises globally, caregivers—often family members—are increasingly feeling the weight of this demanding role. Here are some of the key challenges they face.

NursePartners works with families every day to help alleviate these burdens.

shutterstock 2480651009 1 Challenges Faced by Caregivers of Individuals Living with Dementia

Emotional Strain

Caregivers frequently experience a range of intense emotions, from grief over the loss of the loved one they once knew to frustration when faced with the individual’s cognitive decline. The unpredictable nature of dementia can lead to feelings of helplessness and anxiety, as caregivers navigate daily changes in behavior and mood.

Physical Demands

The physical toll of caregiving can be substantial. Many caregivers find themselves engaged in strenuous tasks, such as lifting or assisting with mobility, which can lead to exhaustion and even injury. The round-the-clock nature of care means that caregivers often have little time for their own self-care, leading to burnout and health issues.

Social Isolation

Caregiving can be an isolating experience. Many caregivers withdraw from social activities due to the demands of their responsibilities, leading to loneliness and a diminished support network. This isolation can exacerbate feelings of stress and depression, making it crucial for caregivers to seek social connections, even if it requires extra effort.

Financial Burdens

The financial implications of caregiving are significant. Many caregivers reduce their work hours or leave their jobs entirely to provide care, resulting in lost income. Additionally, the costs associated with medical care, therapies, and sometimes institutional care can be overwhelming, creating financial strain for families.

Navigating Healthcare Systems

Caregivers often find themselves acting as advocates for their loved ones, which requires navigating complex healthcare systems. This can involve coordinating appointments, managing medications, and communicating with multiple healthcare professionals—tasks that can be both time-consuming and stressful.

Lack of Training and Resources

Many caregivers lack the training needed to manage the specific challenges associated with dementia care. This includes understanding the progression of the disease, effective communication strategies, and coping techniques for difficult behaviors. Access to resources and training programs can help alleviate some of these challenges, but many caregivers remain unaware of available support.

Conclusion

The challenges faced by caregivers of individuals with dementia are multifaceted and deeply impactful. Addressing these issues through better support systems, access to resources, and community engagement is essential for improving the well-being of both caregivers and those they care for. By fostering a more supportive environment, we can help caregivers navigate their roles with greater resilience and compassion.

NursePartners supports older adults and their loved ones by uplifting the burden of caregiving. We would prefer loved ones enjoy their moments with their friends and relatives, while we take care of the hands on care.

Most Effective Phrases for those living with Dementia

Posted on August 10, 2023 by Peter R. Abraldes

As we know, often it is not what we say, but how we say it, that impacts our probability of success. It is no different than with caregiving.

Someone living with dementia is grappling with a loss of control. They are older adults who have lived their entire lives, led successful careers, raised families, and are used to being in control. It is not easy to accept the fact that they need help from others to carry on with basic tasks.

Therefore, consider the following phrases and how we might change them:

I want you to … –> May I help with that?
You need to … –> Can I do that with you?
That’s not what I told you … –> Would it be alright if?
No, not like that… –> How about we try it this way?
You can’t… –> How do you feel about this?
Let me do that for you… –> How about we do this together?
Why don’t you… –> Do you prefer this or that?
Don’t you remember? –> This is your (house/sister/son,etc.).
Please do this… –> Would you like to do that now or in a few minutes?

In addition to changing our phrases, we can also use new ones when we encounter difficult situations. If your loved one in angered or frustrated, acknowledge how they feel and explicitly express empathy. They do not like their situation any more than you. This will help them feel understood.

walk outside Most Effective Phrases for those living with Dementia

Some of these ideas came from the Mayo Clinic’s magazine “Living with Dementia”, specifically Chapter 3, p. 42.

How to Help Your Elderly Parents Move House

Posted on March 13, 2023 by Peter R. Abraldes

It’s more likely that our parents will need to relocate to a new house as they age. Moving your parents into a new house may be challenging and stressful, whether due to their deteriorating health, the death of a spouse, or simply because their existing home is no longer adequate for their requirements. This blog article will review the importance of relocating your elderly parents, getting them ready for the change, and making the transfer go as smoothly as possible. After reading this article, we hope you understand what must be done to ensure your elderly parents receive the proper care.

Elderly Parent Moving How to Help Your Elderly Parents Move House

Communicate openly

Seniors may have an emotional attachment to the house they’re leaving, so it’s normal for them to feel sad and uncertain about the transition. It might be challenging to discuss the move with your elderly parent, but doing so can help the transition go more smoothly. Give them time to adjust to the change and talk to them about where they will live and why they are going. Giving your loved one as much control as possible while they plan and carry out the relocation can help them feel less stressed when asked to leave their long-time residence.

Make a plan and downsize

There is no such thing as early planning when you need to help your elderly parents move house. Downsizing their stuff with them before you start packing is an excellent place to start, especially if they are relocating to a place considerably smaller than their present residence. You may lessen the tension and any sense of being kept hostage by their possessions by selling, recycling, giving unwanted goods as gifts to relatives, or donating them. That is a sensitive procedure you should go through with your parents, at their own pace. You may always hire a professional to help if you’re having trouble finding the time or the emotional stamina for the task. The expert will sit with them and assist them with decluttering and downsizing, listen to their tales, and ensure that each thing goes to its proper home.

Rent a storage unit for what’s left

Your loved one might not be quite ready to part with particular objects. Maybe they want to entrust them to future generations. Whatever the reasons, it’s possible that you’ll have to rent a storage unit to keep the rest of their possessions. Storage facilities are a safe, practical, and accessible solution for anyone needing to store their belongings temporarily during relocation. Furthermore, suppose you need to relocate somewhere in Philadelphia. In that case, local movers can help you get your items safely to any location, whether it is your parent’s new home or a storage unit. Professional movers will offer expert help with any task, making your relocation a breeze.

Involve the rest of the family

It’s not necessary to help your elderly parents move house alone. Even if you may take the initiative, don’t be reluctant to enlist family members to share the workload. One person may, for instance, be in charge of getting moving supplies and finding a storage facility, while another compiles an inventory of every item in the house by room. This procedure will simplify relocation and assist in reuniting the family for a significant life event.

Start packing

Nobody likes packing the night before a move, including your elderly parents. You want to prevent unnecessary tension, which might result from unpreparedness. As a result, start packing as soon as you have assisted them in decluttering and know what will be moving. Work your way through the house packing the items that aren’t used frequently first before moving on to the items required daily. You may even hire a professional to pack and move your parent’s possessions for them, relieving the tension even more. Doing this assignment early can save you worry in the long run and make the relocation a much simpler process.

Clean the old house

You still have much work to do after you finish organizing and packing. Whether you sell the old residence, rent it, or give it to another relative, you must do the same tasks. Therefore, consider cleaning the house and making necessary repairs before they become irremediable. Taking care of maintenance concerns immediately rather than later when the property is up for sale is preferable.

Prepare the new house

After you’ve located the ideal new residence for your elderly parents, it’s essential to check that it is senior-friendly. That entails making sure there are no stairs or steps that can present fall risks, the restroom is simple to use, and the kitchen is spacious enough to walk around without being restricted. Also, pay attention to how you organize the new home. For example, if the arrangement of the pictures on the living room wall was the same for as long as you can remember, carry it over to the new house. If you need to buy new furniture, arrange things in the same order and include decorations like throw blankets and pillows. Additionally, put pots and pans where you know your loved one can find and reach them.

Transfer paperwork

If your parent is relocating far away, they might need to replace their dentist, doctor, or any other services they have. That may be a specific aspect of moving, but if your family has been seeing the same physician for a long time, the change in routine might be stressful. To prevent papers from sitting at their previous location, make the address changes as soon as possible. Additionally, have their mail forwarded to the new address.

Make the travel arrangements

Transportation may be a little more complicated, depending on how far you relocate your elderly parents. A short vehicle trip is not too challenging if you relocate them down the street. But, if they are traveling a long distance, the physical journey may become problematic. Will your elderly parent feel comfortable driving a long distance in a car? Is it preferable to transport them by train or plane? Find that out and plan a schedule that works for both of you. However, no matter how you plan to transfer them, wait until all their possessions are moved and unpacked.

Final thoughts

As you can see, it’s not that difficult to help your elderly parents move house. All you need is a good organization and a well-thought plan. Your loved one should experience a smoother transition if you carefully plan the relocation and the new house is ready to welcome them.