Tag: senior care

Late Stages of Dementia – How to Identify Them and What to Expect

Posted on by Abraham Aquino

Late-stage dementia can be a tough and challenging time for caregivers and loved ones. However, understanding what to expect during this stage can help make the experience more manageable. The progression of dementia is marked by changes such as memory loss, language impairment, and carrying out familiar daily tasks. Though it’s difficult to predict the exact course of this progressive disorder, the last stage of dementia has specific identifiable characteristics. 

As caregivers, it’s important to understand what happens in your loved one’s brain and how that affects their behavior and capabilities. At NursePartners, our Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), also known as CarePartners, support and care for dementia patients whether they are aging at home or in a healthcare facility. We’ll connect with your loved one as they endure the last stage of dementia symptoms, which can be a challenging and emotionally charged experience. 

It’s important to understand the final stages of this disease so you can better adjust your care techniques to be more effective. In this post, we’ll let you know what to look out for during the final stages of dementia.

late stage dementia

What is Late-stage Dementia?

Late-stage dementia is the final stage of progressive brain disorder. This is when symptoms become severe enough to significantly interfere with daily life and everyday activities. The exact symptoms will vary from person to person, but they can be extremely challenging for the individual and their caregivers.

At NursePartners, we are trained in using The GEMS™: Brain Change Model, designed by world-renowned occupational therapist Teepa Snow. We use this approach to connect with and care for patients at every stage of dementia. 

Under The GEMS™: Brain Change Model, Dr. Snow categorizes dementia stages as gemstones. It’s an approach that encourages a strong care partnership by seeing your loved one as precious, unique, and capable. Our CarePartners use this model to help them to live fully in their moment. The advanced stages of dementia are classified as follows:

Amber

Ambers prefer to live in the present and are sensation-driven, manipulating, gathering, and touching objects. They emphasize wants and needs and occasionally wander while unaware of risks. Since they have trouble comprehending and expressing needs due to their limited communication ability, choosing familiar and sensory-stimulating activities is best.

Ruby

Rubies start to lose their motor coordination. They also experience difficulty with visual awareness and major sensory changes, causing them to require assistance with everyday activities and actions such as brushing, buttoning, and walking. Hand-under-hand assistance helps rubies feel safe and secure.

Pearl

In the last stage of dementia are our Pearls. They are oblivious to their surroundings like a pearl layered and concealed within a shell. They are also motionless and quiet. Pearls cherish intimate moments by clinging to pleasant noises and recognizable voices.

What are the Symptoms of Dementia Towards the End of Life?

The symptoms of late-stage dementia can vary depending on the underlying cause. Still, people in the last stage of dementia are more likely to experience a decline in physical and cognitive function.

The last stage of dementia symptoms include:

  • Difficulty remembering names and faces
  • Struggling to speak coherently
  • Having a limited understanding of what is being said to them
  • Inability to walk
  • Difficulty swallowing and feeding themselves
  • Inability to use the toilet independently. 

They may also suffer from weight loss, incontinence, and sleep problems. In addition, people with late-stage dementia are at an increased risk for falls and other accidents. As the condition progresses, they typically become bedridden and require around-the-clock care.

Further changes are common as a patient’s condition deteriorates within a few days or hours of dying. The person may:

  • worsen more quickly than before
  • lose consciousness
  • be unable to swallow
  • become agitated or restless
  • develop an irregular breathing pattern
  • have a chesty or rattly sound to their breathing
  • have cold hands and feet.

How Long Does the Late-stage of Dementia Usually Last?

On average, the final stage of dementia last one to two years. Ultimately, the length of time a person spends in the last stage of dementia will depend on many factors, including the underlying cause of the disease and the individual’s overall health.

How to Support Someone During the Last Stage of Dementia?

Knowing that your family member or friend is near the end of life can be devastating, but making some plans may make things easier. When someone reaches the final stages of life, one of the main concerns is ensuring they are comfortable and as pain-free as possible. 

There are a few things that you can do to manage difficult behaviors associated with late-stage dementia:

  • Create a calm and safe environment: Make sure the space around them is uncluttered and free from potential hazards. Consider using soft lighting and calming music to create a soothing atmosphere.
  • Encourage communication: Try engaging them in conversation and activities they enjoy. This can help them feel more connected and less frustrated.
  • Provide support: It is important to provide physical and emotional support to the person with dementia and other caregivers. This can help reduce stress levels and prevent burnout.

Professional Help for Late-Stage Dementia Available in Philadelphia, Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware Counties

For 20 years, NursePartners has supported families by providing compassionate and experienced nurse care to their loved ones living with dementia. We will work with you to devise a comprehensive care plan for your relative. 

Contact us today by calling 610.323.9800 for a free consultation. You may also complete our online contact form. 

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.  

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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.

Understanding Behaviors and Adapting Approaches in Dementia Care

Posted on by Peter R. Abraldes

Your role as caregiver, family member, or friend evolves with the progression of dementia.  Even faced with challenging behaviors, you can still connect with your loved one and fill their day with meaningful activities.  NursePartners is here to support you while your relationship evolves with the person living with dementia.

 

What is their behavior telling you?

We are constantly learning more about the brain’s ability to comprehend messages.  This includes messages that are delivered through speech versus writing, in a crowded space versus a one-on-one situation, or even a familiar voice versus one of a stranger.

Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias can cause people to act in unpredictable ways. Some individuals become anxious or aggressive while others repeat certain questions or gestures. Messages can be misinterpreted, surprising both the care recipient and caregiver. These types of reactions lead to misunderstanding, frustration, and tension.

It’s important to understand your loved one is not trying to be difficult and that these behaviors are also forms of communication.

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Tips for managing behavioral changes

As carepartners, we need to adapt our delivery process throughout the progression of the disease. When we carry on a traditional conversation, we usually engage in a back and forth volley of information. When a person is diagnosed with dementia, it is important to realize that the three essential language skills for processing and sharing verbal messages need to be supported in different ways. These core linguistic skills are:

  • Vocabulary (the words – the meaning of the content)
  • Comprehension (receptive language – the ability to process the message)
  • Speech production (expressive language – the ability to deliver the message)

Certain retained skills will assist you in conveying a message:

  • Social chit-chat (the back and forth that can mask loss of comprehension, but covers in short simple conversations)
  • Rhythm of speech (this includes awareness of the rhythm of a question that is seeking an answer, as well as ability to sustain rhythm or hear a rhythm that sounds familiar).  Additionally it can and does signal changes in emotion – changes in frequency, intensity, or volume can indicate shifts in emotional state or discomfort.
  • Rhythmic speech as is present in music, poetry, prayer, counting and even spelling.

What you can do:

There are important supportive phrases that can help when they are used in combination with pauses, inflections, visual cues, props, and partial reflective statement to confirm what was said or south:

  1. Seek more information by being nonspecific, try phrases such as  “Tell me more about it.”
  2. Seek demonstration or visual representation with phrases such as  “Could you show me how you would use it?” or“Show me how you’d do it.”
  3. Offer simplified options, by using two options at a time, or encouraging yes/no responses.  Employ the use of object pronouns.

What can help:

Awareness, knowledge, skill and support for both parties.

Mary Stehle, licensed social worker and Senior Care Advisor says, “A person with Alzheimer’s who has lost the ability to understand and communicate through language is always looking for cues from us as to how to interpret the world. They are constantly reading our tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language. When we are tired, stressed, and resentful, they pick up on this and it often impacts them negatively.” It’s important to remember that asking for help is not an act of selfishness, it’s providing better care for both you and your loved one.

We can be by their side when you can’t be. If your loved one need home care assistance or relief – Contact us today.

NursePartners is committed to providing uncompromised care to those living with a diagnosis of dementia. Our carepartners work with each family to enable safety, comfort and happiness through home-care services.

Understanding Fall Risks

Posted on by Peter R. Abraldes

Falls are a common and serious problem affecting many older adults. Individuals suffering with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia however, are twice as likely to experience annual falls and fractures. This varies from a range of factors including medication, night waking, shuffling, weakening musculature and balance. The first step in protecting your loved one from a serious injury associated with a fall is understanding the risk factors.

 

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The following are common causes of falls:

Health Conditions

While everyone is at risk for falls, older adults are at the greatest risk due to chronic health conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, low blood pressure, Parkinson’s disease, dementia and other cognitive impairments. While some individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s are in excellent physical condition, many others seem to develop difficulties before cognitive impairment even begins. As Alzheimer’s progresses, it can cause lack of coordination, muscle weakness and diminished joint flexibility.

Reaction Time

As we get older, the nerves that carry information to and from the brain deteriorate. This slows reaction time and the ability to navigate around obstacles. This can be hazardous as seniors do not react as quickly in dangerous situations.

Medication

Many medicines also have side effects, causing dizziness, drowsiness and impaired vision.

Environmental Hazards

Many times, falls can happen because of environmental factors and hazards found throughout the home. These include everything from wet or slippery floors, poor lighting, to tripping hazards such as loose rugs, uneven floors, and trailing wires.

Visual-Spatial Problems

Because Alzheimer’s disease can affect the visual-spatial abilities, an individual can misinterpret and misjudge steps, uneven terrain, shiny areas on the floor or changes in floor color.

What you can do:

  1. Identify the risk factors for your loved one. Many people with Alzheimer’s and dementia suffer from poor eyesight, shuffling gait, muscle weakness and generalized frailty.
  2. Minimize or avoid medications that have been linked to falls. People with dementia are also more likely to fall when taking sedatives, tranquilizers, and antipsychotics.
  3. Exercise is important in preventing people from falling, especially if it includes balance and strength exercises. Ask the doctor about leg strength, gait, and balance evaluations. These tests help can determine physical risk factors.
  4. Consider a physical therapist or occupational therapist. These experts can work with your loved one to develop exercises strengthen joints.
  5. Make sure your loved one has eye tests regularly. Low vision is a huge risk factor for falls, and many vision problems come on gradually but steadily.  NursePartners’ use of theGEMTM methodology will also alert us towards changes in vision.
  6. Finally, get a home-safety assessment. Carepartners routinely perform these and can target danger spots and suggest easy improvements. This assessment can focus specifically on the needs of your loved one.

If you or a loved one is thinking about home care assistance, our team would love to help. Contact us today.

 

Sources:
Heerema, Esther. “Common Causes of Falls in People with Dementia.” Verywell.com. N.p., 31 Dec. 2015. Web. 30 May 2016.
 Perkins, Chris. “Dementia and Falling.” Continuing Medical Education 35.1 (2008): n. pag. Web. 31 May 2016.

Daily Care: Late Stage Alzheimer’s Disease

Posted on by Peter R. Abraldes

How can we, family and carepartners, support the people we know living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia?

Keeping loved ones stimulated and providing ability-based care and support cannot be overstated. At NursePartners, we recognize the GEMS™ model as an effective method for providing a treatment plan for individuals affected by dementia.  Click here for an introductory overview of the classification system describing the stages of the journey.

By appreciating what is changing and what is still possible, we can provide care that is more effective and less challenging.

 

Stage 3 – Severe/Late (lasts about one 1-3 years) – Rubies and Pearls

As dementia moves into the final stage, it can be difficult to know how to meet needs. Many lose their ability to control movement and respond to the environment. As memory and cognitive skills worsen, your loved one may need extensive help with daily activities.

The goal of care at this stage is to focus on preserving dignity and quality of life. Although your loved one may lose the ability talk and express needs, you can still connect with them, enjoying interactions and experiences of their past life.

 

About Rubies and Pearls

Rubies

Rubies experience late stage changes as fine motor skills are very limited. Losses in depth perception, as well as limited visual awareness and major sensory changes result in needed assistance with utensils, brushing, buttoning and moving. Hand-under-hand assistance helps rubies feel safe and secure. Suggested activities together include: reading, playing music, and looking through old photos.

Pearls

Pearls are still and quiet, unable to actively move or respond, with limited awareness of the world. Pearls enjoy pleasant sounds and familiar voices, grasping onto moments of connection.  Whether it’s the smell of their favorite perfume, or a beloved radio program, these small experiences can help capture a moment in time and evoke pleasant memories. Being present, patient, and understanding with your loved one will help them escape feelings of isolation associated with late stage Alzheimer’s.

Planning the Day

  • Tailor the environment with the interests of your loved one. This can allow them to emotionally connect to things they previously enjoyed.
  • Plan the days to have a balance of restful and active periods to help your loved ones transition slowly and gradually from one to the other.
  • Observe the person for signs of stress. Keep lights low and noise to a minimum. Consider visiting in smaller numbers.
  • Use your voice to engage and encourage, talking quietly to tell stories and reminiscing about past events.
  • Discover which eye they use for vision.  Do not obstruct their line of site and get on or below eye level when speaking with them.

At this point in the disease, the world is primarily experienced through the senses. You can express your caring through touch, sound, sight, taste and smell.

Activities for Rubies and Pearls

  • Playing their favorite music
  • Reminiscing about past events
  • Reading portions of books that have meaning for the person
  • Looking at old photos together
  • Preparing a favorite food
  • Rubbing lotion with a favorite scent into the skin
  • Brushing their hair
  • Sitting outside together on a nice day

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NursePartners is committed to providing uncompromised care to those living with a diagnosis of dementia. Our carepartners are trained in the Positive Approach to Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care (GEMS™) and work with families to enable safety, comfort and happiness through home-care services.

If your loved one need home care assistance or relief, our team would love to help.

Contact us today.

 

 

Daily Care: Moderate Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

Posted on by NursePartners

We can support the people we know living with dementia by keeping them mentally stimulated and providing ability-based care and support. At NursePartners, we recognize the GEMS™ model as an effective method for providing a plan of care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.  Click here for an introductory overview of the classification system and to understand the stages of the journey.

By appreciating what is changing and what is still possible, we can provide care that is more effective and less challenging.

 

Stage 2 – Moderate/Middle (lasts 2-10 yrs) – Emeralds and Ambers

At NursePartners, we use the “Emerald” or “Amber” classification for clients with moderately developed dementias.  We prefer this terminology because we know that all clients are operate at their best with the right approach to care.

A client normally persists in the Emerald and Amber stages the longest out of the other GEM levels. During this time, damage to the brain can make it difficult to express thoughts and perform routine tasks. It is important to allow your loved one to be involved in their day-to-day routine. Provide meaning through relevant activities that were part of their past because this will provide them with a sense of self-worth and add to their quality of life.

There will be acute changes to their self-awareness and senses.  We need to be able to distinguish daily changes and overall trends.  By having an established relationship with the client, we are also able to tell the difference between a client’s personality quirks and further developments of the disease.

 

About Emeralds and Ambers

 

Emeralds

Emeralds may get lost in time, thinking that are in another place or assuming a former role. They have problems with communication and comprehension, often asking questions that begin with “who”, “what”, “where”, and “when”.  At this GEM level, clients are making small mistakes with their personal care, but may not recognize it.  Some examples of this might be fastening buttons in the wrong holes, putting shoes on the wrong feet, or not changing clothing or brushing hair before leaving the home.  It is not important that we “correct every mistake”, but make changes subtly by using the right approach.  Sometimes this requires relating to the “mistake”, by discussing how we do this ourselves.  We could also pull out another piece of clothing and convince the client how good they look in that particular piece.

Emeralds are most comfortable when doing familiar tasks. They like to engage and help others, as well as feeling like they have a purpose. At a family functions, engage them by asking to help set the table and then clean it up. Choose favorite activities or hobbies of the past, but do not impose time limits for completing each task

Activities at home

Activities around the house can help Emeralds feel involved and provide a sense of normality. Activities such as setting the table, watering plants, and cooking can reflect past hobbies and interests, and can be a good way of retaining skills. Helping in the kitchen can also bring people together, as many experiences revolve around meals: holidays, birthdays, church potlucks, summer barbecues, weddings. Some activities for Emeralds include:

  • Cooking: salads, ice cream, Jell-O, pudding, no-bake cookies and pies, etc.
  • Copying recipes from magazines onto cards
  • Making a grocery list of items needed for recipes
  • Setting the table: Folding or rolling silverware into napkins

 

Ambers

Ambers like to live in moments of time, and are focused on sensation – manipulating, gathering and touching.  They are focused on wants and needs, and sometimes are exploratory without safety awareness. Their communication is limited with difficulty understanding and expressing needs, so activities selected need be familiar and sensory stimulating. Ambers may enjoy sing-alongs or being in visually stimulating outdoor locations.

Family members find it hard to find new ways “to say hello”.  We need to remember that there are other ways to communicate beyond verbally.  This is the time to start using those our methods.

Some activities for Ambers include:

  • Sorting nails, screws, and other hardware.
  • Organizing nail polish and lipsticks by color and shape.
  • Grouping coins, according to date, value or place of origin.
  • Rearranging the order of the silverware drawer by forks, spoons and knives.
  • Categorizing playing cards into decks or suits that match.

Planning the Day

  • Make a schedule and follow it: be structured but allow flexibility.
  • Offer a variety of activities everyday: leisure, work, rest, and self-care.
  • Create a flow for the day: build up and then slow down.
  • Build a foundation of familiar and favorite activities.

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NursePartners is committed to providing uncompromised care to those living with a diagnosis of dementia. Our carepartners are trained in the Positive Approach to Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care (GEMS™) and work with families to enable safety, comfort, and happiness through home-care services.

If your loved one need home care assistance or relief, our team would love to help.  Contact us today.

 

Daily Care: Early Stage Alzheimer’s Disease

Posted on by Peter R. Abraldes

 

The early stages of dementia sometimes go unnoticed, especially if the older adult lives alone.  In the cases that we do learn of an early diagnosis, the challenge becomes how to best support the person living with dementia.  Typically the diagnosis may be Alzheimer’s disease, but the reality is that there are over 80 types of dementia and other conditions that produce symptoms similar to dementia.

Keeping loved ones stimulated, and providing ability-based support and care cannot be overstated. At NursePartners, we recognize the GEMS™ model as an effective method for providing a treatment plan for individuals living with dementia. Click here for an introductory overview of the classification system and to understand the stages of the journey.

 

Stage 1 – Mild/Early (lasts 2-4 yrs) –  NursePartners refers to these individuals as “Sapphires” and “Diamonds”

In the early stages of dementia, your loved one may withdraw from activities they previously enjoyed. It is important to help them remain engaged and stimulated. Even the most simple, everyday tasks such as setting the table or folding clothes can help a person with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia feel connected to “normal” life. Activities linked to hobbies and interests can maximize choice and help build the relationship between that person and the carepartner.

 

About Sapphires and Diamonds

Sapphires

Sapphires may feel “blue” due to changes with the aging process, although there may be no significant changes in cognition.  Sapphires are committed to lifelong patterns, enjoying the things the way they always have. Sapphires prefer being asked what to do when making decisions. Pamper them – spending a spa day or a trip to the barber/beauty salon can help them feel less blue.  Sapphires are not living with dementia.

Diamonds

Diamonds are “clear and sharp,” successful with established habits and routines. Diamonds like to feel competent and valued, and it is important for them to feel comfortable and in control. A diamond can still do things as they always have, but they become more territorial and less aware of boundaries. Diamonds enjoy familiar places, whether that be a family member’s home or a favorite restaurant. Suggested activities include attending concerts or plays and getting fresh air – picnicking or walking outdoors.

 

 

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A stroll in the neighborhood helps animate most older adults.

Activities for Sapphires and Diamonds

  • Thinking: crosswords, jigsaw puzzles, cards, board games, and reading.
  • Physical: walking animals, gardening, walking, swimming, and dancing.
  • Social: visiting with family or friends, or going to a favorite restaurant.
  • Home Activities: folding laundry, feeding pets, cooking and helping in the kitchen.
  • Creative: arts and crafts projects, knitting, painting and drawing, playing music or singing.
  • Daily living: taking a shower, brushing teeth, eating, and getting dressed.

Reminiscence activities:

  • Looking through photo albums.
  • Creating a scrapbook, pasting photos onto the pages and writing notes about the memory beside the photo.
  • Reading saved letters and greeting cards.
  • Life Story Game: Ask your loved one to list the steps and necessities associated with an activity. For example: “We are going on a picnic, what would we bring in the picnic basket? Where would we go for the picnic?”

Some suggestions could be:

  1.   A day at the beach.
  2.   A ride in the country.
  3.   First day at school.
  4.   Getting married.
  5.   Social functions.

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NursePartners is committed to providing uncompromised care to those living with a diagnosis of dementia. Our carepartners are trained in the Positive Approach to Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care (GEMS™) and work with families to enable safety, comfort, and meaningful activity through home-care services.

If your loved one need home care assistance or relief, our team would love to help.

Contact us today.

Exercise for those living with dementia

Posted on by Peter R. Abraldes

Exercise is essential for a healthy lifestyle, contributing to physical and mental health, muscle control, coordination, and a sense of wellbeing. It plays a huge role in reducing Alzheimer’s and dementia, by maintaining blood flow to the brain and stimulating cell growth.

These are the benefits of physical exercise for these individuals:

  • improved cognition, sleep, and mood;
  • opportunities for social interaction;
  • reducing feelings of confusion and isolation;
  • improved confidence and self-esteem;
  • reduced risk of breast and colon cancer, stroke, and type II diabetes;
  • improved physical fitness (maintaining strong muscles and flexible joints can help people maintain independence for longer).

Getting started

The Department of Health recommends 150 minutes of physical activity per week. This equates to 30 minutes of activity per day. This can be broken up into shorter sessions throughout the day, with each session lasting a minimum of 10 minutes. Allow your loved one to go at their own pace. Plan a day around physical activities: a fifteen minute walk in the morning, followed by housework or gardening tasks in the afternoon.

It is important to consider ability, stage of dementia, and preference, as individuals undertake physical exercise. Some might be more adaptable to exercise, while others start with simpler activities.

Always talk to a healthcare professional before creating a exercise plan.  Often clients have previously worked with a physical therapist.  NursePartners is able to help clients follow those plans already developed.

What is the right exercise?

An exercise program incorporated into a routine in the early stages of dementia is more likely to be maintained, extending the benefits to health and well-being.

Consider a physical activity that is mentally and socially engaging, such as walking, gardening, dancing, or an exercise group. Repetitive activity such as walking on a treadmill or using an exercise bike can also help reduce anxiety and confusion.

Exercise in the later stages of dementia

If possible, physical activity can be very beneficial in the later stages of dementia.

Some suggested exercises:

  • Have your loved one sit on one end of the bed, and then scoot to the other end while sitting. This exercise is good practice for getting up from a chair;
  • Encourage them to sit in a different chair at each mealtime throughout the day;
  • Help them sit without support. This exercise helps with balance and posture and can form part of everyday activities;
  • Have your loved one walk short distances between rooms as part of a daily routine.  This will help maintain muscle strength and joint flexibility.

Physical activity creates an opportunity for your loved one to socialize with others, as well as working to improve and maintain their independence. NursePartners is committed to providing uncompromised care to those living with a diagnosis of dementia. Our carepartners are trained in the Positive Approach to Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care (GEMS™) and work with families to enable safety, comfort, and happiness through home care services.

If your loved one need home care assistance or relief, our team would love to help.

Contact us today.

Dispelling a few myths about home care

Posted on by Peter R. Abraldes

Over the next few weeks we will spending time with those we might not get to see often.  It is important to recognize that they will be putting their best face forward during these reunions.  We should have an acute awareness of changes that have occurred since we last saw them.

The AARP, published a report “Chronic Conditions Among Older Americans” where they state: “More than 70 million Americans ages 50 and older suffer from at least one chronic condition.”  This translates to 4 out of every 5 older adults.

Home care can be the perfect solution, but families worry about entrusting someone with the care of their loved one. When it comes to the health of your loved one, there is no room for uncertainty.  In the interest of setting the record straight, we’ve identified four major myths surrounding home health care:

Myth No. 1: Caregivers aren’t trustworthy

Many families believe that an in-home care provider cannot provide the quality of care their loved one needs and deserves. But trained care providers are knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated to providing peace of mind for you and your family. All NursePartners’ care providers are bonded, screened, insured, and have clean backgrounds.  You can rest assured that your loved one will be safe in our care. Each carepartner participates in a behavioral interview, competency testing, skill matching, and orientation to meet the needs of your loved one.

As a licensed home care agency, we specialize in providing highly individualized, quality care in one’s home or residence. We are a network of caring professionals who work with each family to enable safety, comfort, and happiness through home care services.

Myth 2: I will have no say in choosing a care provider.

Reputable agencies will work diligently to match care providers that fit the needs of your loved one. When you choose NursePartners as your home care provider, we begin by reviewing your loved one’s current level of health and wellness. After a care consultation and assessment, we’ll work to match an experienced carepartner to fit your preferences, including personality, communication, behavior styles, and skill set.

Myth 3: Home care will take away independence from my loved one.

Care at home can actually provide a new level of independence for your loved one. A professional care provider can help maintain a person’s safety and independence at home, from planning and preparing meals, to providing transport, and support around the house.

NursePartners strives for exceptional care, forming interactive, trusting relationships with our clients. By appreciating and understanding what is changing and what is still possible, we generate a plan of care that is positive and productive.

Myth 4: Home care is unaffordable.

Many people assume in-home care is more expensive than assisted living.  However, assisted living communities in our area cost at least $5,500 a month.  Once these communities determine that your loved one needs additional care, the daily rate will increase or they will be moved to another facility such as skilled nursing.

Home care is flexible because you choose the hours of care.  Although we may suggest a certain level of services based on our experiences, it is ultimately up to you to decide what coverage is needed.

Many individuals, if given the choice, would choose to remain in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible. In-home care is an option for providing support, without moving them from their current residence. While there is a lot to navigate, it’s important for you and your family to know that many options exist.  Our team is available to guide you through this process.

If you or a loved one is thinking about home care assistance, our team would love to help.Contact us today.

Sources

“Genworth 2015 Cost of Care Survey.” Genworth (n.d.): n. pag. https://www.genworth.com. Genworth, 20 Mar. 2015. Web.

The prices of assisted living communities was compiled through a screening of over 20 assisted living communities in Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania and Camden and Burlington counties in New Jersey.

Alzheimer’s disease and the Ability to Walk

Posted on by Peter R. Abraldes

Dementia inhibits the ability to walk

Dementia can affect areas of the brain that are responsible for movement and balance. Many individuals affected by Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia gradually lose the ability to walk and perform everyday tasks. Knowing what to expect can make an easier transition for you and your loved one in the late stages of dementia.

Understanding balance and gait

One of the first signs of loss of mobility, is walking unsteadily and shuffling. Your loved one may seem slow or clumsy, causing more accidents and bumping into things. This “slowing” is typically associated with a syndrome called “parkinsonism.” Other signs of Parkinsonism include the shortening of steps, “stooped” posture, and the narrowing of the space between feet. Turning can become more difficult, because the person no longer pivots on their heels, but instead turn in a series of short steps. During the turns, their balance can become unstable, increasing the changes that they fall backward.

Apraxia is another condition associated with dementia and the ability to walk. An ataxic gait is characterized by imbalance, and abnormal, uncoordinated movements. Typically the individual can stand, but is very unsteady, taking small irregular steps. Very early in the course of apraxic walking in dementia, a cane or a walker can help. It is not uncommon to see a person go from a slow, cautious gait, to a normal walking pattern simply by taking up a cane.

How you can help

  • It is important to note that people with dementia can have problems with walking that are not associated with dementia. Exhaustion and pain can limit how far a person can walk. Sometimes that pain can reflect an unattended problem in foot care or muscle fatigue.
  • The person you care for may also require a mobility aid, such as a walking cane or a wheelchair in order to feel secure. Sometimes just being physically present can provide your loved one with the confidence and security to walk.
  • Consider a physiotherapist: They can help with anything from exercises to strengthen muscles to walking aids.

It is not easy to care for someone with mobility constraints!  Unfortunately, this issue is usually compounded with others, including constipation, blood clots, and pressure sores.

It takes a team

We can be your team.  Falls can happen at any time, leading to permanent deteriorations in health, and it only takes a moment.  Let us be there when you cannot.  Call us today to learn how we help: 610-323-9800.

Sources:

Understanding Dementia: Balance and Gait Examination – DementiaGuide.com. DementiaGuide, 2001. Web. 23 June 2016.