Planning Holiday Celebrations with a Loved One Suffering From Dementia

The holiday season is the perfect time to gather with your family and loved ones. For some families, the holidays can be a challenge if they have to host the family get-together while taking care of aloved one suffering from Dementia.

It can be a little tiresome to manage, but it shouldn’t mean thatyou have to miss the holiday festivity.

How do you plan for the holidays when your loved one has dementia?

If you have someone living with you, who is suffering from Dementia then thesetips and suggestions mayhelpyoumake your holiday get-together go as well as initially planned:

Make Sure Your Guests Are Aware Of Your Situation:

Let your guests knowin advance that you are also taking care of aloved one who has Dementia. Your guests will then be more understanding when they meet.

Try To Keep A Peaceful Environment

Try to maintain a calm and soothing ambiance to help yourloved one feel peaceful and tranquil. It is sometimes difficult for people with Dementia to deal with many unfamiliar faces and a calm atmosphere will help. They might getagitated if they hear loud music or the sound of new voices.

Consider Your Get-Together’s Timing 

There are particular time intervalsthroughout the dayin which those with Dementia feel better and times when they feel worse. Keeping that in mind, invite your guests accordingly for the holiday party. It might be a little easier for you when you know your loved one will be at their best.

Stay Flexible 

You should expect that there will be times when you need to excuse yourself and cater to your loved one’s needs and requirements. Your guests will understand. 

Get All The Help You Can Get 

The holiday season can get quite stressful if you’re the only one managing the whole party and also taking careof your loved one. Try to taketime for yourself by involving your close family members to pitch in and help you as much as they can. Be it planning for the get-together or taking care of your grocery shopping and other errands.

How Art Therapy Benefits Adults with Alzheimer's

Caring for family members with Alzheimer’s isn’t easy. The disease can cause mood swings, some good days and some not-so-good ones, leading to agitation and aggression without any reason. Circumstances such as these can take an emotional toll on the caregiver, and finding good ways to help adults with Alzheimer’s becomes a priority. Science has no definite answer to the whys and hows of the many moods of fluctuation in people with Alzheimer’s, but art has proven to be an effective way of helping those with this condition.

• A successful way of communication: Art provides a non-verbal platform of communication for those suffering from dementia and is an effective mode of expression. Art can help release emotions in adults with Alzheimer’s.

• Helps in concentration: Another use for art is that enhances the ability to concentrate. It uses the brain in a positive way and helps them combat their other physical deficits.

• Fosters bond: Working on art together is a great way to encourage bonds between family members, say an ailing grandfather and his grandchild. Art is a wonderful way to buildties and relationships.

• Craft store goodies: Visiting your neighborhood craft store can give you great ideas where you can pick up fun things to create activities for your senior family member.

• Sign up for art class: Art classes for people with Alzheimer’s are on the rise, thanks to more awareness in the society. It might be a good idea to enroll your family member for a special art class where he can enjoy himself, alongside his care giver.

• Make A Memory Book: Make a bright photo album or memory book where your elderly relative can continue to view his fondest memories of family and friends.

Starting these activities at home while caring for someone with Alzheimer’s will can help them share their emotions productively.

4 Common Balance Problems among Seniors You Should Watch Out For

Whether you’re young or old, keeping balance is critical. While it’s easy for young people to achieve this, it can be a challenge for the elderly because of factors such as poor vision, weak muscles, and certain medications. However, the natural process of aging doesn’t mean you have to lose balance. If a senior person is struggling to keep steady on their feet, the cause could be something different from age. The major causes are a disorder, a specific injury, or disease.

Here are some balance problems that seniors and caregivers need to know:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)- Least known among many people, it’s a common type of balance disorder. Those above 60 should watch out for its major symptom: intense vertigo whenever you bend down. It can even occur when you’re rolling over in bed. BPPV is an inner ear disturbance, and its possible causes are aging, head injury, or ear infection.

• Méniére’s disease- It’s another common cause of balance problems, and its common sign is feeling ‘full’ in your ear. Those with this disease may also experience ringing in their ears, vertigo, and occasional hearing loss. It’s important to note that hearing loss may affect your balance, increasing the risks of falling.

• Labyrinthitis- It’s an infection that affects the inner ear, usually associated with flu. When your inner ear is infected and inflamed, the outcome can be balance problems.

• Chronic medical conditions- Lingering health conditions can cause balance problems, a good example being eye problems, arthritis, and heart problems. Also, long-term medical conditions may interfere with the nervous system and may possibly affect balance. Examples include Alzheimer’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease.

One out of three senior Americans experience falls every year. So, if balance problems continue, check out the home surroundings for obstacles that can be causing the problem. You may also consider relocating to a safer community designed to address older adults’ unique needs.