What Appleton Seniors May Not Know About Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Posted on October 12, 2018

Common Misconceptions and Surprising Facts About Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Dementia affects about 50 million people in the world and there are approximately 50 million people in the world living with dementia. Dementia is an “umbrella term given to the symptoms caused by various diseases — most commonly Alzheimer’s”. These numbers are expected rise to 152 million in 2050, according to Alzheimer’s researchers. Business Insider, Lindsay Dodgson, writes “Despite the massive impact dementia has on the economy and people’s livelihoods, there are still many misconceptions around it. There are also some facts that still surprise people.”.

Dodgson put together a list of Common Misconceptions:

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are not the same thing
People react differently to the words ‘dementia’ and ‘alzheimers’
Dementia isn’t an inevitable part of getting older
More people at 90 don’t have dementia than have it
Almost half of adults don’t realize it causes death
A brain that is affected by Alzheimer’s can weigh 140 grams less than an unaffected brain
There are more symptoms than memory loss
A third of risk factors are within our control
Heart health and brain health are intrinsically linked
Mid-life is the most important window for risk reduction
It doesn’t just affect old people
Sometimes, it only affects sight and perception
Aggression and confusion may come from these small perception errors
Disrupted sleep can be a factor
There is no cure or treatment for the progression of diseases that cause dementia

To better understand Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease read the entire article. Click Here https://www.businessinsider.com/alzheimers-and-dementia-misconceptions-and-surprising-facts-2018-10

Please join me in sharing this article and helping raise awareness for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease in Appleton.

Support Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

Posted on May 1, 2018

Support Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month: What You Can Do

Whether or not you have a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, chances are you’re aware of the devastating effects of these diseases. Indeed, with more than 47 million people worldwide affected (projections estimate this number to rise to 76 million by 2030^[1]), it’s hard to stay ignorant. Yet spreading awareness is more important than ever. Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. and the only one in the top 10 that can’t be prevented, slowed, or cured^[2]. BrightStar Care eagerly supports the Alzheimer’s Association in its organization of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month this June. We’ll be blogging all month on ways to learn more and get involved, so keep checking back. This week, we share ways you can show support and honor Alzheimer’s sufferers.Participate in the Longest Day

Monday, June 20 marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. In time with this, The Longest Day is a unique fundraising activity to honor those living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, for whom every day is long and hard. Not simply a run or walk, the Longest Day invites participants to spend the day doing something they love, whether that’s kayaking, biking, or dancing.^[3]Go Purple

People can also foster Alzheimer’s awareness on the Longest Day by “going purple,” the color of the Alzheimer’s Association. A few ideas to get involved: wear purple, change light bulbs, or write #ENDALZ on your windows in washable purple window chalk. However you participate, make sure to share your pictures on social media and use the hashtag #ENDALZ.Become an Advocate

Anyone can sign up at the Alzheimer’s Association website to join their network of Alzheimer’s advocates. Advocates receive regular emails with ways to help influence national policy and create widespread awareness—everything from joining support groups to writing letters to congress to serving on advisory boards.^[4]Take Care of Yourself

Perhaps one of the simplest, but most profound ways to honor Alzheimer’s sufferers is to live a healthy lifestyle. Though there’s no known way to definitely prevent Alzheimer’s, research shows that following a healthy diet and exercise plan, keeping social engagements, and fueling your mind with ongoing education and stimulating activities may all slow cognitive decline. ^[5]

^[1]http://alz.org/abam/?_ga=1.84317712.865058079.1393898811#getTheFacts

^[2]http://alz.org/abam/?_ga=1.84317712.865058079.1393898811#getTheFacts

^[3]http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=8480&pg=informational&sid=22697

^[4]http://www.alz.org/forum/experience.asp#advocateStoriesAnchor

^[5]http://alz.org/abam/?_ga=1.84317712.865058079.1393898811#loveYourBrain

BrightStar Home Care of Appleton and Waupaca area proudly provides medical staffing, skilled nursing and non-medical in home care for seniors and children, including a passion for elder care companionship and supportive services in Outagamie, Waupaca, and portions of Winnebago, Calumet and Brown counties. We are very proud of our Joint Commission Accreditation to provide you the highest quality of care in the Appleton, Fox Cities and Waupaca areas.

10 Activities to Do With an Appleton Senior Loved One Who Has Alzheimer’s

Posted on May 1, 2018

10 Activities to Do With an Appleton Senior Loved One Who Has Alzheimer’s

Activity Ideas for Appleton Seniors with Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia are progressive illnesses. It’s understandable then that when a loved one receives an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, many families respond with an urgent wish to spend more time together. However, finding healthy activities that take into consideration an Appleton senior loved one’s changes in memory, thinking, mood, and behavior requires some thought. As part of our ongoing series for Alzheimer’s Awareness Month (organized by the Alzheimer’s Association), we’ve highlighted 10 simple activities the entire family can do together. Keep in mind that as Alzheimer’s symptoms progress, you’ll want to tailor activities to accommodate. For instance, for someone with late-stage Alzheimer’s, sensory activities such as describing a smell or petting a dog will be more appropriate than a complex game.
Reminisce Together Old family photos stir a treasure trove of memories. Sit side-by-side on the sofa or porch and invite loved ones to recount stories. These moments will in turn become the basis of precious memories for you and other family members in the years to come.
Go for a Walk The health benefits of walking are many, and it’s something the whole family can enjoy. As you walk, point out the sights and sounds of the season, whether the arrival of birds in the spring, or the changing colors of fall.

Tell Stories Children and grandchildren can practice new reading skills by reading aloud to an Appleton senior relative with Alzheimer’s. They might also try creating their own stories together. Start with a simple prompt, such as planning an imaginary day at the beach.
Listen to Music Music can calm as well as conjure old memories. It can also provide a basis for building new memories: choose songs with catchy melodies and simple lyrics and hold a singalong.
Try a Craft Crafting has a meditative effect. Ideas include stringing beads for a necklace, or Cheerios for the birds. Even just rolling yarn can absorb the attention of a relative with Alzheimer’s.
Put Together a Puzzle Large-piece puzzles provide an activity that’s both tactile and visual. Sorting through pieces for the right fit is engrossing and watching an image emerge can create a sense of accomplishment.
Play a Game Bingo requires only the ability to identify letters, numbers, and other basic symbols. By completing a row and calling “Bingo,” an individual can fell a sense of accomplishment.
Help with Household Tasks Invite a loved one to help with light tasks, such as washing produce or folding napkins. Praise their efforts and let go of imperfect results—involving them in daily chores can build confidence and a sense of normalcy.
Sort Items As symptoms progress, Alzheimer’s patients can engage their minds with sorting tasks. Give them a deck of cards to pile by suit. Or ask them to help sort socks from the dryer—again, asking them to assist with meaningful household tasks can inspire self-esteem.
Stimulate the Five Senses For family members with late-stage Alzheimer’s, activities will likely need to be pared back. Sit with them while they pet a dog or soft blanket, ask them to describe the scent of baking bread, or watch for birds together by the window.

Detecting Alzheimer’s in Appleton Seniors

Posted on April 2, 2018

Detecting Alzheimer’s in Appleton Seniors

Early Onset Alzheimer’s and the Appleton Senior

As Alzheimer’s is normally seen in older Appleton seniors, so many times, as one begins the aging process, they are not looking for early onset Alzheimer’s or dementia. Obtaining an accurate diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer’s can be a long and frustrating process. Symptoms may be incorrectly attributed to stress or there may be conflicting diagnoses from different health care professionals. People who have early onset Alzheimer’s may be in any stage of dementia – early stage, middle stage or late stage. The disease affects each Appleton senior person differently and symptoms will vary.

Have a comprehensive medical evaluation with a doctor who specializes in Alzheimer’s disease. Getting a diagnosis involves a medical exam and possibly cognitive tests, a neurological exam and/or brain imaging.
Write down symptoms of memory loss or other cognitive difficulties to share with your health care professional.
Keep in mind that there is no one test that confirms Alzheimer’s disease. A diagnosis is only made after a comprehensive medical evaluation.

Signs of Appleton Seniors Living with Alzheimer’s

Posted on April 2, 2018

Signs of Appleton Seniors Living with Alzheimer’s

Knowing the Signs of Alzheimer’s for Appleton Seniors

As Appleton age, so do our bodies and brains. With age comes forgetfulness and slower thinking, Alzheimer’s and dementia are different. When it comes to Alzheimer’s, you lose new information. As the disease progresses, disorientation presents itself. Along with these memory and coherent struggles, if you have a loved one suffering from the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s disease, they may be in denial of the diagnosis. With this denial, angry reactions and emotions may present themselves. Do not be discouraged, you are not alone! Visit your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter for more information and community.

Alzheimer’s Activities for Appleton Fox Cities and Waupaca Area Seniors on New Year’s

Posted on December 1, 2017

Appleton Seniors with Alzheimer’s: Activities for New Year’s

Seniors: 5 Alzheimer’s Activities for Them on New Year’s

New Year’s Eve typically gets associated with staying up late and going to big, raucous parties—not exactly the ideal activities for Appleton Fox Cities and Waupaca Area seniors. That doesn’t mean that you and your elderly loved one can’t celebrate the holiday together. We’ve shared a few simple New Year’s activities below that are well suited to older adults. Try them out, and remember it’s smart to have your celebration at an alternative time, such as morning or afternoon, especially for seniors with dementia who may experience “sundowning” in the evening hours.

1. Share a Favorite Meal

Does your Appleton Fox Cities and Waupaca Area senior loved one have a favorite dish? Make a plan to enjoy it together. If you’re cooking at home, give him or her simple cooking tasks, such as sorting ingredients, rinsing vegetables, or stirring batter. If you’re eating out, treat it as a special occasion and invite parents to get dressed up or even have their hair done.
2. Reflect on Years Gone By

Pick a few important years from your parent’s life, such as the year he or she got married, or when children were born. Sit down together to look at photos of those days and talk about what they were like.
3. Have a Singalong

Listening to music and sharing singalongs are two great activities for seniors with dementia in particular. Start by making a playlist with your loved one of all his or her favorite songs. You can do this online via YouTube or a free music service, such as Spotify. You can also skip this step and simply play your parent’s favorite CD’s or musical movie. The real fun is in singing along together.
4. Make a Party Hat

A custom party hat is an easy New Year’s craft that seniors of all cognitive and physical abilities can make. Help your parent measure a piece of construction paper to his or her head, then ask them to decorate it. Markers, stickers, stamps, and glitter pens are all great supplies to have on hand—there’s no right or wrong way.
5. Set New Year’s Intentions

For many, New Year’s resolutions trigger thoughts of weight loss or career goals, two topics that aren’t very relevant for Appleton Fox Cities and Waupaca Area seniors. Instead, come up with positive intentions for the coming year, such as spending time together, enjoying lifelong passions like music and art, or simply taking time to appreciate the little things, like the sound of birds or changing seasons.

BrightStar Home Care of Appleton and Waupaca area proudly provides medical staffing, skilled nursing and non-medical in home care for seniors and children, including a passion for elder care companionship and supportive services in Outagamie, Waupaca, and portions of Winnebago, Calumet and Brown counties.
We are very proud of our Joint Commission
Accreditation to provide you the highest quality of care in the Appleton, Fox Cities and Waupaca areas.

New Year’s Resolutions for the Appleton Senior with Alzheimer’s

Posted on December 1, 2017

Resolutions for Appleton Seniors and Their Caregivers

New Year, New Resolutions: Resolution Ideas for the Appleton Senior and Their Caregivers

A new year means it’s time for a fresh start. It’s time to grab the reins on the things we’ve all been saying we are going to get around to doing but haven’t yet. When you have an aging Appleton senior loved one you are caring for, this means having to make New Year’s resolutions for not only yourself, but for them as well.

Take a look at our New Year’s resolution lists of our top suggested goals for 2017.

Top 5 New Year’s Resolutions to do with your Aging Loved One

Fall proof the home of any hazards to help prevent future falls.
Go through family photos and create an album showcasing the photo along with labeling who is in the photo, when it was taken, and a story behind the photo to help preserve memories for your aging Appleton senior loved one and for future generations to enjoy.
Make sure to keep your loved one active to not only stay strong, but healthy as well. This can be done through walks, water aerobics, and the like.
Being healthy doesn’t only mean exercising daily, but also eating right. Make sure to have plenty of fruits and vegetables in the house, and less junk food.
Make sure your loved one’s important documents, financial information, will, assets, etc. is in order. It’s not a fun task, but it’s a better feeling knowing it’s completed.

Top 5 New Year’s Resolutions for Family Members of an Aging Loved One

Become educated on the medical conditions your loved one is living with as it will help provide comfort to both parties.
Start asking for help. BrightStar Care is here to help you with the daily caregiving responsibilities for your loved one.
Seek financial advice from an expert to ensure your Appleton senior loved ones needs are covered and how to make the money last.
Make sure to thank yourself for all you do every day. Your loved one might not be able to thank you out loud, but they are thinking it.
Always remember to stay positive. You’re making a huge difference in your loved one’s everyday life.

BrightStar Home Care of Appleton and Waupaca area proudly provides medical staffing, skilled nursing and non-medical in home care for seniors and children, including a passion for elder care companionship and supportive services in Outagamie, Waupaca, and portions of Winnebago, Calumet and Brown counties.
We are very proud of our Joint Commission
Accreditation to provide you the highest quality of care in the Appleton, Fox Cities and Waupaca areas.

Celebrating the Holidays with your Appleton Senior with Alzheimer’s

Posted on December 1, 2017

Celebrate the Holidays with your Appleton Fox Cities and Waupaca Area Senior with Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s and Holidays: Celebrate with Your Appleton Fox Cities and Waupaca Area Senior during the Holidays

For families with Alzheimer’s, celebrating the holidays can require a little extra effort. You want to involve your Appleton Fox Cities and Waupaca Area senior loved one living with dementia in holiday events, but you want to do it in a way that is appropriate for his or her needs. If you’re the main caregiver in the family, it’s also very important that you practice good self-care and don’t try to take everything on yourself. Keep reading for tips to plan activities and buy gifts for people living with dementia.

Remember to tailor your approach to how progressed your Appleton Fox Cities and Waupaca Area senior loved one’s Alzheimer’s is. For someone in the middle-to-late stages, you’ll need to make bigger changes to accommodate his or her needs. For someone earlier on, you don’t want to overdo it and cause him or her to feel embarrassed or diminished.

Communicate with Other Family Members

If you have relatives coming who aren’t aware of your parent’s condition, let them know what to expect in advance to avoid any awkwardness. Likewise, talk to children ahead of time so they understand that Grandma or Grandpa may act strangely or seem confused at times but that they are still the same loving grandparent. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from siblings, spouses, and other family members—you don’t have to tackle this all on your own.

Keep Things Simple

Both for the sake of your Appleton Fox Cities and Waupaca Area senior loved one living with Alzheimer’s (who may get easily overstimulated or agitated) and for your own sake as the family caregiver, give yourself permission to pare down decorations, traditions, and even your guest list. It’s okay and makes sense to evolve your typical celebration to meet the needs of your changing family.

Check the Environment

Unfamiliar environments can trigger disorientation in seniors living with dementia, so hold celebrations at a location your parent knows, such as your home or a favorite restaurant. As a further step, take precautions to prevent falls and schedule festivities during the day. Evening hours can trigger “sundowning,” a set of behaviors that includes agitation, confusion, and hyperactivity.

Involve Your Parent

Though she may not recall it later, involving your mom in party planning shows her you care and helps you feel better as a caregiver. Ask her what her favorite traditions, songs, or dishes are. You can also take her shopping to pick out gifts she can give to family members. If this is too much for her, buy gifts yourself and have her help with wrapping. Individuals with Alzheimer’s tend to enjoy paper and other tactile experiences.

Plan Appropriate Activities

As mentioned, tactile experiences can make great activities for adults with Alzheimer’s. If you’re writing holiday cards, ask your parent to help with a single tactile task, such as stuffing envelopes or applying stamps. Singing is another great activity: it’s joyful and the ability to sing tends to endure longer than others. You can also watch favorite holiday movies together, or look at old photos—just resist the impulse to quiz your loved one on his or her ability to remember details.

Choose Appropriate Gifts

For someone in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, pause before buying him or her memory aids (e.g. label machines, automatic nightlights, etc.)—depending on the person, this might feel like a reminder of his condition. An alternative might be to take him or her out to their favorite restaurant or, if they love the theatre, go to see a play. In the later stages of Alzheimer’s, you might choose comfortable clothes that are easy to remove, such as a sweat suit, or something to stimulate the five senses, such as a scented lotion, fuzzy blanket, or favorite music and an easy-to-operate device to play it on.

Take Care of Yourself

Perhaps most importantly, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Let go of perfectionism: don’t try to do everything yourself or worry if it doesn’t all go as planned. Be kind to yourself and schedule time just for you to do things you enjoy.

BrightStar Home Care of Appleton and Waupaca area proudly provides medical staffing, skilled nursing and non-medical in home care for seniors and children, including a passion for elder care companionship and supportive services in Outagamie, Waupaca, and portions of Winnebago, Calumet and Brown counties.
We are very proud of our Joint Commission
Accreditation to provide you the highest quality of care in the Appleton, Fox Cities and Waupaca areas.

Caring for Appleton Alzheimer Seniors

Posted on November 29, 2017

Caring for Loved Ones in Appleton with Alzheimer’s

Advice for Caregivers of Appleton Seniors with Alzheimer’s

In the early stages, you may act more like a care partner, than a caregiver. Your role is one of support, love and companionship. You are there to help with daily life, as needed, and to help the person with Alzheimer’s plan for the future. Since no two people experience Alzheimer’s alike, the degree of assistance needed from a care partner in this stage varies.

Being a caregiver for someone in the middle stages of Alzheimer’s requires flexibility and patience. As the abilities of the person with Alzheimer’s change and functioning independently becomes more difficult, you will have to take on greater responsibility. Daily routines will need to be adapted, and structure will become more important.

During the late stages, your role as a caregiver focuses on preserving quality of life and dignity. Although a person in the late stage of Alzheimer’s typically loses the ability to talk and express needs, research tells us that some core of the person’s self may remain. This means you may be able to continue to connect throughout the late stage of the disease.
Care Partner Resources and Support

We provide families and caregivers of loved ones living with dementia an array of material to help them stay informed and take a proactive role in their caregiving. These resources include a daily connections guide to assist the BrightStar Care caregiver trained in Alzheimer’s and Dementia deliver personal and meaningful care, home safety checklist, guide to health and wellness, assessing and responding to the effects of Alzheimer’s and Dementia, and more.

How BrightStar Care can help

BrightStar Care® is your solution for professional care for early, middle, and late-stage dementia care. Our mission is to provide your loved one living with Alzheimer’s or Dementia the individualized care and support they need to:

Live with Dignity and Purpose safely and securely in their own home
Enjoy Optimal Health and emotional well-being
Maintain Connections to the people, places, things, and memories that matter most to them

We call this specialized approach “BrightStar Connections”

BrightStar Connections is the Only In-Home Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care Program of its Kind, and truly is A Higher Standard of Memory Care.

Call us today to speak with one of professional care experts, or click here to learn more about the BrightStar Care person-centered approach to Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care.

The Different Stages of Alzheimer’s

Posted on September 20, 2017

Communication and Alzheimer’s

Communicating in the Different Stages of Alzheimer’s with Your Loved One

In the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s, you may not noticed big changes in behavior or communication with your loved one. As it progresses however, the person you once knew will be constantly changing. While this is difficult, you do not have to feel alone or at a loss as to what to expect or what to do. Below is a list of changes that will begin to happen, as well tips on what to do when different situations arise as the disease progresses.

Train of thought is easily lost. – Don’t rush them. Practice patience and silence. Don’t try to finish sentences for your loved one as this may fluster them more. Wait for them to ask for help before jumping in.
Your loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease may have a hard time finding the right words to say, or struggle to articulate a particular thought. – Remember humor and honesty. Be honest about what you as the caregiver is going through, reassure them of your relationship, that they do not need to feel bad around you, that you are there no matter what. And remember to laugh together. Sometimes humor is the best kind of medicine and helps to ease nerves which will alleviate stress, in turn, sometimes improving conversation with those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Along with struggling with articulation, a person with Alzheimer’s may have a hard time putting words or thoughts in the right order, causing communication to be a struggle. – Don’t leave your loved one intentionally of conversations just because it may be “easier.” Encourage involvement, keep communication lines open, figuring out with them different ways the can communicate that is best and most comfortable and effective. Some people are better in person, some via email or phone.
As the disease progresses, remember to continue being supportive. Your loved one may become more and more silent, or they may be repetitive with words and thoughts/ideas they are familiar and comfortable with. – Eye contact and one on one conversations are a huge help when encouraging a person struggling. This makes them feel special, there are less things to be distracted with than if in a group conversation, and you as the caregiver, can more easily pick up on cues to help out your loved one.