Showing posts with label burlington nj. Show all posts
Showing posts with label burlington nj. Show all posts
Monday, November 19, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Alzheimer’s: Understanding and Preventing Memory Loss Part I
Alzheimer’s: Understanding and Preventing Memory Loss Part I
Senior Helper
One
of the most troublesome issues with aging loved ones is their common
tendency to lose their memory. As our parents get older, we often start
to notice that they are forgetting to do simple daily activities or even
forgetting things from the past. This memory loss can lead to Alzheimer’s or dementia.
While memory loss is common with seniors, it is does not happen in all
(or even most) cases. Most people can cite examples of elderly loved
ones they know who are in their late 80s or even into their 90s and
still have vivid memories going all the way back to their childhood.The fact that some elderly people have been able to retain sharp memories while others experience memory loss has lead scientists to study memory loss in further detail in hopes of discovering what physical and mental factors contribute to loss of memory and what is necessary to prevent it. So far, scientists have made some interesting findings.
When Does Memory Loss Begin?
Scientists believe that memory loss begins in most people toward the end of middle age and as they approach retirement. During this period, the brain begins to lose cells at a rate of 1% per year. 1% may not seem like much, and at first it may not be noticeable. But 1% compounded year after year becomes a noticeable loss in brain mass as people get further into their retirement years.
What Contributes to Memory Loss?
In addition to the loss of brain cells, it is believed that lifestyle changes related to retirement often contribute to the speeding up of memory loss. For example, when people stop working or doing regular daily activity, much of the information stored in the brain no longer has meaningful structural support. This makes it much more difficult to access the information.
For more information please visit Alzheimer’s Care NJ
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Senior Care Support & Elder Care Sup
Monday, February 20, 2012
Elder Care: 3 Signs Senior Care May Be Needed
Elder Care: 3 Signs Senior Care May Be Needed
Senior Helper
Many
of us have a tendency to put off tough choices. Often, it’s simply
easier to pretend there’s no problem and expect it to go away. It is no
different when it comes to elder care for aging parents. A lot of times, it seems easier to keep things the same and not address the needs of aging loved ones.The reality is, this is one problem that is not likely to go away. It’s better to address it early, so you have a well thought out plan in place. Here are 3 signs to watch for to indicate if it may be time to for senior care:
Missed Doctor or Social Appointments
One of the first signs of possible trouble is if your loved one begins to miss important appointments with the doctor or social engagements. Your loved ones most likely realize the importance of seeing the doctor, and they also place a high value on being with their friends. If you see a lapse in either of these two areas, it could be the beginning of further trouble.
Misplacing Important Medications
Many elderly people are taking multiple medications a day. These have been prescribed by their doctor to treat specific health concerns. It is critical that the proper amount of each medication is taken daily, and your aging loved one knows that. This is why if they are misplacing or losing medications, it is a further sign that help is needed.
Not Keeping Up the House
If your aging parents are failing to keep up the house they are living in, at the very least they will need someone to help with some of these tasks. As the physical health fails, so does the ability to effectively clean, cook, do dishes, etc.
If you have observed any of these 3 signs, it may be time to have a family conference to discuss senior care options. While the best option will always depend on the individual family situation, in home senior care is fast becoming a popular choice because it allows aging parents to receive the care they need while remaining in the comfort of their own home.
For more information please visit Senior Care NJ
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Thursday, February 9, 2012
Senior Care Options for Alzheimer’s Disease
Senior Care Options for Alzheimer’s Disease
If you have an aging loved one that is showing signs of Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia, then you will need to come up with an elder care treatment plan very quickly.If you suspect that Alzheimer’s may be setting in, the first thing you want to do is confirm this condition with a medical professional. Before taking that step, here are some signs to look for that may indicate your aging family member has Alzheimer’s disease:
- Frequent memory loss disrupting daily activities
- Inability to handle what used to be simple problems and challenges
- Being confused about what time it is or where they are
- Difficulties forming words when writing or talking
- Losing things and not being able to remember where they put them
- Lack of good judgment
- Mood and personality changes
- Withdrawing from social activities or work
When a family first discovers an aging parent or loved one that has Alzheimer’s, it is understandable to react with shock and sadness. Life with this person will never be the same again. You will need to deal with some new realities-like the fact that there will be times when your loved one will not remember certain things about the past, or even who you are.
Although there is no way to restore life to what it once was, there are ways to deal with this situation that will make things as normal as possible under the circumstances. When it comes time that your valued family member can no longer look after their own affairs because of Alzheimer’s, you will need someone else to look after them and make sure they are well cared for.
Your options are either to do it yourself, send them to a nursing home, or use an in home elder care service. Looking after your family member yourself may be quite difficult. If you are working and raising a family of your own, you may just not have the time. You also may not have a medical or nursing background, which will also make things harder. Sending them to a nursing home is very expensive and will likely result in a much lower quality of life for your aging parent.
In most cases, the best senior care option for an Alzheimer’s patient is in home care provided by a caring medical professional that has the experience and skills to look after your loved one, make sure they are taking their prescribed daily medications, and monitor their activities. Some of these in home senior care providers even have customized programs for Alzheimer’s patients designed to stimulate their memories and minimize the negative effects of the disease.
With an experienced in home care professional looking after your aging loved one who is suffering from Alzheimer’s, you will be able to breathe easier knowing you are giving your valued family member the best care possible. And although things will never be exactly like they were before, at least you know that you are doing everything possible to restore their fading memory and give them a better quality of life.
For more information please visit Alzeheimer’s and Dementia Care
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