Tag: best dementia care Philadelphia

Bathing a Senior living with Dementia: A Gentle Approach

Posted on by Peter R. Abraldes
senior bathing with candles Bathing a Senior living with Dementia: A Gentle Approach

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 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Positive Approach to Care for Deescalating Conflicts

Posted on by Peter R. Abraldes
memory loss, dementia care, Philadelphia dementia care, Montgomery County dementia care, Rosemont dementia care

Teepa Snow and the Positive Approach to Care (“PAC”) team, emphasize several key strategies for deescalating tension between caregivers (“carepartners”) and individuals living with dementia. Her approach is rooted in the Positive Approach to Care, which focuses on understanding the person with dementia, adjusting care strategies, and promoting positive communication. Here are some of their recommendations:

1. Stay Calm and Use a Positive, Supportive Tone

  • Approach with empathy: The PAC stress the importance of remaining calm and non-confrontational. The care partner should use a gentle, positive tone of voice, avoiding frustration or anger, as people with dementia often react strongly to emotional cues.
  • Body language: Non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, body posture, and gestures are critical. Teepa advises maintaining a relaxed posture, a soft gaze, and open palms to convey safety and support.

2. Step Back and Observe

  • Recognize triggers: The PAC suggest that care partners should try to identify what might be causing the tension. Is the person with dementia feeling anxious, frustrated, or confused? Understanding the root cause can help the carepartner intervene more effectively.
  • Pause before reacting: Instead of reacting immediately, encourage caregivers to take a step back and assess the situation. This moment of reflection can allow both the carepartner and the person with dementia to cool down.

3. Use Positive Physical Approach (“PPA”)

  • Approach from the front: The PAC emphasize approaching the person living with dementia from the front, so they can see the care partner coming. Sudden movements or approaching from behind can be startling and escalate tension.
  • Create a connection: Establish eye contact, offer a smile, and touch gently if appropriate (for example, on the forearm or hand) to create a sense of trust and safety.

4. Modify Communication

  • Simplify language: The PAC advise carepartners to use short, simple sentences with clear instructions. This helps the person with dementia process the information more easily.
  • Validate emotions: Acknowledging the feelings of the person with dementia, even if their logic seems off, is crucial. For example, saying something like, “I see you’re upset. Let’s see how we can make this better” can help defuse a situation.
  • Avoid arguing or correcting: Instead of trying to convince the person of reality or correct them, go along with their perspective in a non-confrontational way. This prevents unnecessary conflict.

5. Redirection and Distraction

  • Shift the focus: Gently redirect the person’s attention to something else if they are fixated on something that is causing distress. This could be an activity, a change of environment, or engaging them in a simple task.
  • Offer a choice: Giving the person two simple options (e.g., “Would you like to sit here or over there?”) can help them feel a sense of control and diffuse tension.

6. Adapt Environment and Expectations

  • Minimize overstimulation: The environment can play a significant role in how a person with dementia responds. Reducing noise, simplifying the space, or turning off a TV can reduce confusion and agitation.
  • Adjust expectations: Encourage carepartners to meet the person where they are, adjusting tasks to the person’s current abilities and avoiding frustration with unrealistic expectations.

7. Use a “Hand-under-Hand” Technique

  • The PAC developed a method called the Hand-under-Hand technique, which allows the carepartner to guide the person with dementia through tasks, offering support and connection without being overpowering. This technique helps with both communication and physical interaction, providing a sense of safety and reassurance.

The PAC methods focus on fostering a compassionate, respectful relationship, where the carepartner seeks to understand the perspective and needs of the person living with dementia, thus preventing and deescalating tension effectively.

Signs of Dementia in Older Adults with Low Brain Engagement

Posted on 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 by Peter R. Abraldes

shutterstock 1483690310 Top Five Benefits of Professional Caregivers for Older Adults
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 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 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.

Caring for a Senior Loved One: When to Move Closer

Posted on by Peter R. Abraldes

Modern technology has enabled people to work and communicate from any part of the world, resulting in many families scattered around several cities and states. However, there are instances when your physical presence and attention are needed. Taking care of a senior loved one presents specific practical challenges that can’t be managed from a distance. Relocating to a new city can be traumatic for your loved one, and there are times when moving closer is the best option. But what are the telltale signs that the time has come?

Today, NursePartners shares some tips to help you recognize and respond to the signs.  

best home care, best dementia care

Signs Your Senior Loved One Needs You

Parents and close relatives who’ve been leading independent lives may not want children, family, or other loved ones to know they require increased care. You may notice their eyesight is deteriorating, and they’re less mobile and active than before. For example, they may have difficulty with day-to-day tasks, such as driving and cooking. A loss of interest in activities and hobbies they previously enjoyed may indicate they suffer from depression and feel isolated.

Before contemplating any action, take a trip to visit them, and talk to friends and any caregivers. By getting a realistic picture of their current situation, you can make informed decisions on the best plan moving forward.

Taking Steps to Move

One of the primary challenges of moving is finding a new home. The best way to overcome these challenges and avoid an emotion-driven purchase is to rent a property in an area close to where your senior loved one lives to assess the situation.

If you plan to purchase a home, for example, top mortgage lenders can help you. The house you can buy depends on your monthly income and total monthly expenses. It means that you have to add up your monthly expenses and divide the total by your gross monthly income. Some online calculators can assist if you aren’t sure how to calculate your debt-to-income ratio. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, it’s a good idea to get a feel for the market and the prices you can expect.

Lastly, develop a plan to help you prepare for the move itself. Don’t think you need to do everything yourself. You can do yourself a big favor by searching online for “movers near me,” then browsing ratings and reviews to get the best deal.

Getting a jump start on this can make all the difference in the world; the sooner you start making a plan, the smoother the process can be. Sure, there will still be a few bumps in the road, but planning ahead is essential when you’re moving — especially if you’re moving yourself and your business.

Arranging Care for Your Senior Loved One 

Your loved one may experience loss of memory, act impulsively, or lose their balance when walking, which may be indicative of the early stages of dementia. Depending on the level of care your loved one needs and the amount of time you can spend taking care of them, consider using professional caregivers’ services. In many cases, seniors require specialized treatment as their condition advances.

Take Preventative Action

Whether or not to move closer to a senior loved one isn’t an easy decision, as it involves several changes for you and the person you’re caring for. By carefully assessing the situation and determining the actual level and need of care, it can help make a move successful in the long run.

NursePartners provides services to assist someone living with this ever-changing condition to help them live fully in their moment. Call 610-323-9800.

This article was submitted by Donna Erickson.

All Home Care Clients are Entitled to a Bill of Rights

Posted on by Peter R. Abraldes

 

Our traditional home care clients are entitled to a basic list of rights, which we call the “Bill of Rights”.  We keep these in mind throughout the entire process, from meeting the client, forming the care team, and through supporting them throughout the length of service.

  1. Know his/her rights.
  2. Choose the home car agency that will provider their care.
  3. Receive competent care without regard to race, creed, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin.
  4. A personal and written care plan and participation in decisions affecting their care.
  5. Receive services with reasonable accommodations of individual needs and preferences.
  6. Be treated with respect, consideration, and kindness.
  7. Be served by dependable and responsible caregivers.
  8. Enjoy confidentiality regarding all medical, financial, and personal information.
  9. Be free of physical, verbal, emotional, and sexual abuse from anyone, including caregivers.
  10. Request caregiver replacements when necessary.
  11. Contact the agency twenty-four hours a day, seven days per week.
  12. Receive services as contracted and given an explanation of all changes.
  13. Voice complaints, have them reviewed, and resolved without an interruption in service.
  14. Receive referrals to other health care providers if the service is denied based upon the ability to pay.
  15. Refuse any treatment or service.
  16. Entitled to privacy, modesty, and security.
  17. Have their property respected.

If the client is living with dementia, they are entitled to the rights above, in additional to a few more which are worth enumerating.

  1. To be informed of their diagnosis.
  2. To have appropriate, ongoing medical care.
  3. To be productive in work and play.
  4. To have expressed feelings taken seriously.
  5. To be free from psychotropic medications if at all possible.
  6. To live in a safe, structured, and predictable environment.
  7. To enjoy meaningful activities to fill each day.
  8. To be out-of-doors on a regular basis.
  9. To have physical contact including hugging, caressing, and handholding.
  10. To be with persons who know one’s life story, including cultural and religious traditions.
  11. To be cared for by individuals well-trained in dementia care

 

Home Care Services for Your Loved One - Nurse Partners

Carole receives the first dose of her COVID-19 vaccination

Posted on by Peter R. Abraldes

Our Clinical Specialist, Carole Derr, BSN, receives her first COVID-19 vaccination in an auditorium last week.  She has been working tirelessly since March, enforcing our protocols hands on, including visiting your clients at their personal homes and apartments at facilities.  The first round of vaccinations continues to be administered to those in Tier 1A, including nurses.

Carole vaccination Carole receives the first dose of her COVID-19 vaccination

Tier 1A includes others outside of nurses and other types of frontline workers.  The Pennsylvania Department of Health lists the details on their website, including a map with sites for vaccinations.  This information can be assessed here: COVID-19 Vaccine (pa.gov).

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