How to Boost Self-Confidence for Someone With Dementia

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An older woman smiles as she dries a dish in the kitchen, thanks to a caregiver who knew how to boost self-confidence for someone with dementia.

Boost self-confidence for someone with dementia with these empowerment tips.

Common small successes for a person with dementia—like tying their own shoes or fixing what they want to have for lunch—can feel monumental. These experiences boost self-confidence for someone with dementia while strengthening their sense of identity in the middle of the difficulties they are facing. One important part of taking care of a senior loved one with dementia is to foster these opportunities, preserving the joy and dignity of independent living. Here are some tried-and-true tools to help.

Create a Supportive Environment

Ensure the person’s home is safe and easy to get around. Small modifications, such as installing motion-sensor lights for better visibility at night and securing loose rugs, can help prevent falls and boost confidence. Introduce tools that streamline daily tasks—like ergonomic kitchenware that’s easier to hold—to help them feel competent and in control. Adding clear labels on drawers and cabinets can also guide them more easily through their day-to-day routine, decreasing confusion and promoting independence.

Break Up Tasks

Tackle daily activities with patience and creativity. For example, if getting dressed independently becomes a problem, organize clothes in a sequence that makes it easier for them to understand and select outfits. Choose clothing with elastic waistbands or magnetic buttons to lessen frustration. Every small step they can do by themselves is a boost to their self-esteem. Providing visual aids or step-by-step instructions for more complex tasks can also help them maintain autonomy.

Promote Regular Exercise

Exercise is a cornerstone of healthy living for all of us. Motivate your loved one to engage in doctor-approved exercises that are enjoyable and safe, like short walks in the park or light stretching at home. Adapt the intensity according to their ability, focusing on fun and the sense of accomplishment. Encourage regular schedules to help them build a routine that includes physical activity to enhance both their mobility and mood.

Leverage Helpful Technology

Utilize technology designed to maintain independence. Think about devices like simplified phone applications and GPS trackers which help manage everyday life without overwhelming them. These tools offer peace of mind to you both, ensuring safety while respecting their need for independence. Smart home devices that can control security, lighting, and temperature with simple commands can also improve their living environment and provide extra comfort.

Engage With Empathy

Empathy goes a long way when caring for someone with dementia. Validate their perspectives and feelings, whether or not they are different from your own. Engaging in their reality helps decrease their stress and helps them feel respected and understood, strengthening their sense of self-worth. Regular, open conversations can help establish trust while making them more at ease in expressing their emotions and needs.

Fostering independence for someone with dementia improves their lives. Celebrate each victory, regardless of how small it might appear. It can truly make a significant difference!

Our dementia care experts, serving Fort Lauderdale, Lighthouse Point, Deerfield Beach, and the surrounding areas in Broward County, have additional tips to offer along with skilled hands-on care to help the person you love live their best life. We are just a phone call away at 954-486-6440.

5 Ways to Help Your Parents Maintain Independence

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A woman who utilizes tips on how to help parents maintain independence wraps an arm around her older mother on the sofa as they both smile at each other.

Help your parents maintain independence and empower them to continue living life on their own terms with these tips.

Imagine if your mother, who has always had a knack for gardening, decides she wants to redesign the family garden. Though she might move a little slower than she used to, her passion for gardening hasn’t decreased. This can be a perfect opportunity for you to step in—not to take over, but to facilitate her vision, perhaps by providing tools that make gardening easier for her to undertake. It is extremely important to help your parents maintain independence, and to empower them to follow their interests with a little bit of thoughtful support when necessary. Here’s how you can work together with your parents to help them continue to live life on their terms:

  • Emotional Support: Stay connected with older loved ones through regular activities that nurture your relationship with one another and spark joy. Share stories, engage in hobbies together, or explore new adventures. This kind of support is essential for their emotional health and strengthens the bonds within your family. Consistent communication can help reduce feelings of loneliness or isolation they might experience, ensuring they always feel loved and connected.
  • Financial Oversight: Offer your assistance with managing finances by discussing their preferences and goals, and introduce tools that make budgeting and bill payments simpler. This can help protect their assets while empowering them with the information and resources they need to maintain control of their financial health. Regular reviews of their financial circumstances can also provide peace of mind for both you and your parents, confirming that their finances are in order and well-managed.
  • Home Safety: Enhance their living environment with modifications that promote safety without sacrificing style or comfort. Simple adjustments like improved lighting and accessible storage can greatly increase their confidence and independence in the home, making it a safer and more comfortable place for them to live.
  • Daily Living Activities: If everyday tasks become a bit more complicated for your parents, work together to find creative, supportive solutions that respect their independence. This could include introducing handy tech tools that simplify cooking and cleaning, or adapting their residence to make it more ergonomic. These changes help maintain their self-sufficiency and make everyday life a little easier. Also consider regular assessments of their living space to further enhance convenience and accessibility, to enable them to continue to navigate the home safely and comfortably throughout aging.
  • Health Management: Help your parents manage their health by actively taking part in their care. Go to doctors’ appointments with them, not just for support, but to stay fully informed. Together, you can track treatments and medications, ensuring they feel comfortable and confident with their healthcare decisions. Engaging actively in these conversations also helps you advocate for their needs and ensures that their treatment plans are fully understood and properly managed.

The ultimate goal in caring for aging parents is to enable them to continue to lead vibrant, autonomous lives. It’s about helping them make the most of this enriching phase of life, with just the right amount of assistance that is never overbearing. We are here to assist you and your aging parents with highly personalized senior care services in Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Plantation, and throughout Broward County. Reach out to us at 954-486-6440 for a complimentary consultation for more information.

Power Outage Tips for Seniors: Prepare Now to Prevent Problems Later!

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A battery-operated radio and flashlight symbolize power outage tips for seniors.

Implement these power outage tips for seniors today to ease stress when the lights go out!

Summertime is a prime time for power outages. For many of us, it is a minor inconvenience; however for older adults, it may cause an actual safety concern. The simplest way to handle sudden power outages is through proactive preparation to ensure older loved ones are equipped and prepared to ride out the storm, giving you the peace of mind you need. Knowing and implementing power outage tips for seniors in advance of an emergency is the best way to alleviate stress and worry.

Help older family members stay prepared and secure during unexpected electricity emergencies by first evaluating their particular situations. Consider daily routines, mobility limitations, and medical needs. Develop a crisis plan that addresses these factors, ensuring it’s straightforward and easy to follow. Include clear instructions on what to do and the best place to go if there is a need to evacuate quickly.

  • Establish a Support Network: Identify a community of relatives, neighbors, and friends who can help in an emergency. Ensure they are informed about the person’s specific needs and know how to help with the emergency plan. Communication is key, so keep contact details updated and easily accessible. Also, provide a list of emergency contacts in this network to local emergency services, which can save valuable time in critical situations.
  • Routinely Review and Practice the Plan: Review the emergency plan regularly, making alterations as necessary to adapt to any changes in the senior’s health or living situation. Practice emergency drills to make sure everyone feels comfortable about what to do in various scenarios, like power failures, medical emergencies, and natural disasters, to cover a broad range of possibilities.
  • Install Safety Enhancements: Implement modifications in the house to make it safer during emergencies. Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and ensure they function correctly with battery backups. Consider the use of non-slip mats and adequate lighting, particularly in areas like bathrooms and hallways, which could prevent accidents when the lights are out during an electrical outage.
  • Explore Emergency Power Options: Consider installing backup power solutions like generators or battery backups, particularly for homes where medical equipment is in use that requires electricity. Teach family members how to safely operate these devices and check them regularly to make sure they are functional when needed.
  • Secure Important Documents: Keep copies of important documents like insurance plans, identity cards, medical records, and contact info for healthcare providers in a safe, easily accessible place. Consider having digital copies available as well, protected by strong passwords and stored on a secure cloud service or a USB drive in a waterproof and fireproof container. This will ensure that crucial information is retrievable in a variety of emergency scenarios.
  • Keep a Well-Stocked Emergency Kit: Prepare an emergency kit that includes essentials such as water, non-perishable food, medications, and first aid supplies. Also, take into account the need for extra batteries, a flashlight, a battery-operated radio, and a manual can opener. Include a supply of blankets and warm clothing in the event of unexpected cold temperatures. Make sure to check and update the contents of the kit on a regular basis, replacing expired items and adapting to changing medical needs.

Being proactive with emergency preparedness can significantly lessen the stress and confusion faced during actual emergencies. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that older adults stay safe and secure, no matter what challenges may arise.

At Responsive Home Care, our caregivers are here to help provide necessary care and support during power outages or any other emergency situations. Ensure smooth, seamless care, regardless of the weather! Partner with Responsive Home Care for all of your care needs in Fort Lauderdale, Plantation, Deerfield, or the nearby areas in Broward County by calling 954-486-6440 today!

What Is a Plan of Care and Why Is It So Important?

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An older couple who asked their care professional, “What is a plan of care?” look closely at her computer screen as she explains.

If you’re wondering, “What is a plan of care?” we have the important details you need.

You have just started exploring in-home care choices for a loved one, and you’re becoming somewhat overwhelmed. There are countless options to consider, and many new and unfamiliar terms to understand. Take, for example, the plan of care. What is a plan of care, and is it necessary? It may seem like just another piece of jargon in a sea of perplexing terms, but it’s actually one of the most important aspects of senior care services. Here’s why:

Personalized Care Coordination

A care plan isn’t only a document; it is a tailored blueprint designed to meet an individual’s distinct needs and preferences. This plan makes certain that all facets of care, from day-to-day routines to the person’s interests and hobbies, are integrated to make life more comfortable, more enriching, and safer. It helps avoid generalizations in care, concentrating instead on providing what is most advantageous for the person’s health and happiness. This proactive approach supports not just physical health but also emotional and social well-being, adjusting seamlessly to evolving conditions.

Transparent Communication

Among the important functions of a plan of care is to foster clear and consistent communication among everyone involved—caregivers, medical professionals, and family members. This document serves as a central point of reference that everybody can turn to, decreasing misunderstandings and making certain everybody is on the same page concerning the care provided. By developing a common framework for responsibilities and expectations, it encourages a collaborative environment that enhances the quality of care.

Ongoing Assessment and Adaptation

A care plan is a living document that changes with a person’s evolving needs. It contains mechanisms for regular assessment and review, making it possible for adjustments as the senior’s preferences or health status change with time. This flexibility is important for accommodating the natural progression of aging along with any unforeseen health problems, making certain the care provided continues to be effective and appropriate. Through continuous reevaluation and monitoring, the plan stays aligned with the person’s current needs, promoting optimal wellbeing outcomes.

At Responsive Home Care, our services always begin with a complimentary in-home consultation and development of a tailored plan of care. This lays the foundation for the services that will be provided, which caregiver or caregivers will perform these services, when they will occur, and other key details the care team will adhere to.

Your engagement in the care planning process offers you a voice in the care a family member receives. It can help you grasp the rationale behind each aspect of the care strategy and reassures you that their health and happiness are prioritized.

Ready to get started on the creation of a customized care plan for an older loved one? Give us a call at 954-486-6440 to set up your in-home meeting today! We are happy to offer our customized senior care services throughout Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Lighthouse Point, and throughout Broward County.

New Ideas for Dementia Care That Make a Difference

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A caregiver utilizing music as one of a number of new ideas for dementia care listens to headphones with a happy older woman.

Caring for someone with dementia means always searching for new ideas for dementia care, like the ones we’ve provided here!

Taking care of a loved one with dementia is unlike any other responsibility you will tackle. It requires you to dig deep down into your reserves of patience, flexibility, and perhaps most importantly, creativity. You need to be prepared to pivot at a moment’s notice from one strategy to another to promote a fulfilling and enriching life for the person you love, all while dealing with the more challenging facets of the disorder. It requires you to always be on the lookout for new ideas for dementia care that will make life as fulfilling as possible for the person you love.

Our highly trained dementia care team is here to offer support with some innovative tips you can easily implement to make every day the best it can be for a loved one with dementia.

  • Montessori methods: Adapt Montessori principles to create meaningful and engaging activities that stimulate cognitive function and promote independence.
  • The hand-under-hand technique: When assisting with tasks, gently place your hand underneath the person’s hand to support them, promoting a feeling of control and dignity.
  • Red tableware: Studies show that using red plates and cups may increase intake of food in people who have dementia by enhancing contrast and visibility of food.
  • Light therapy: Exposure to sunlight or specialized light therapy devices can help regulate sleep patterns and improve mood in those with dementia.
  • Tailored storytelling: Customize familiar stories to incorporate specifics from the individual’s past. For instance, if the person loved fishing at a certain lake, weave the name of the lake into a story you’re telling to spark memories and conversations.
  • Biophilic design: Incorporate aspects of nature, such as plants or nature-inspired artwork, into the living environment to create a calming and familiar atmosphere.
  • Reminiscence boxes: Create personalized boxes full of meaningful objects or photos from the individual’s past to spark memories and facilitate reminiscing.
  • The magic of music: Music is a remarkably effective tool you’ll likely want to turn to over and over again. This can involve creating a playlist of the person’s favorite songs to sing and dance to together, playing instruments, attending concerts (in person or online), etc.
  • Adaptive games: Adjust simple games like memory matching, puzzles, and bingo to accommodate cognitive changes. For instance, use larger, easy-to-handle pieces for puzzles or vibrant colored cards for bingo to improve visibility and ease of use.
  • Customized workout routines: Incorporate gentle, guided exercises that match the person’s current physical abilities and help maintain mobility. Talk to the person’s doctor for recommendations.
  • Soothing scents: Aromatherapy can work wonders in providing a relaxing effect to decrease anxiety and agitation. Try scents like lavender, peppermint, or vanilla.
  • Virtual reality (VR): VR experiences tailored to the individual’s interests and abilities can offer immersive and therapeutic experiences, triggering memories and boosting mood.
  • Sensory stimulation: Engage the senses with tactile activities like folding clothes or working in the garden, which can soothe and ground those with dementia.

Partner with our dementia care specialists for additional socialization opportunities, creative activities[JL4]  specific to the person’s interests, and the chance for you to step away for some well-earned time to yourself. Serving Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Plantation, and the surrounding areas in Broward County, you can reach us any time at 954-486-6440.

Once My Caregiver Responsibilities Are Over, Who Am I?

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A woman contemplates who she is without her caregiver responsibilities.

Do you know who you are without your caregiving responsibilities?

Caring for a family member is often an all-consuming role. It takes a great deal of your time, focus, and energy that when your family caregiving role ends, for any reason, it can leave you feeling lost. Other common feelings to expect if you’re no longer serving as caregiver for a loved one include:

  • Exhaustion
  • Confusion
  • Hopelessness
  • Relief
  • Grief
  • Sadness
  • Anger
  • And so many more

Finding Yourself After Caregiving

You will want to allow yourself some transitional time to rediscover what it’s like to live a life that does not include putting someone else’s needs first. Devote some time for reflection on your caregiving experience. What did you learn? How did it change you?

It is also common to feel some degree of guilt when your caregiving role ends. You may feel as if there were things you should have done differently or might have done better. The “what ifs” are quite common, and it can be easy to get caught up in feelings of regret.

It’s important to forgive yourself and alter your internal dialogue to concentrate on the many positive ways you impacted your family member while providing care. Accept any mistakes, real or perceived, by understanding that you are human and that you did your best. Extend the same grace to yourself that you would extend to another person.

Once you’ve processed the complex emotions surrounding this transitional time, think through the following:

  • What activities, hobbies, and passions do you want to pursue?
  • What relationships have had to take a back seat while you were providing care? What steps can you take to rebuild them?
  • Are there volunteer opportunities that interest you?
  • How would you like to structure your days now that you have extra time available?

It is best to establish small goals that are easily reached, as opposed to biting off more than you might be able to chew. For example, you might decide to reach out to one trusted friend to see if they would want to meet for a regular coffee or lunch date. Take plenty of time for self-care to nurture both your body and mind, and gradually add on more activities as you feel prepared to take them on.

Talk to Responsive Home Care

If you learn that you miss providing care for others, we would love to talk to you about an opportunity to make use of your skills and compassion to brighten life for another person in need of assistance. Your experience as a family caregiver makes you a great fit for a professional caregiving role, and we will equip you with full training and all the support you need to make a difference in someone else’s life.

Contact us at (954) 486-6440 to find out more.

The Ins and Outs of Senior Exercise

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A senior smiles as he swims for his daily senior exercise.

These exercise tips are a great place to start to introduce more physical activity into the life of an older loved one.

The countdown is on to the new year, and this means only one thing: deciding on a resolution you can make that you’ll actually be empowered to keep. How about setting a goal that will help both you and someone you love live healthier and feel happier? It starts with knowing effective exercise tips to achieve success.

A regular physical exercise routine is vital for all of us, but not always easy to start or maintain. One smart way to keep motivated is to identify an accountability partner and encourage each other. If you’re providing care for an older loved one, you have the perfect opportunity to help each other become more physically fit! But it is important to first know how much and what forms of exercise are best for seniors.

What’s the Ideal Amount of Exercise for Older Adults?

This varies from one person to another, and should always begin with a visit to the physician for a complete check-up and recommendations. Whatever an individual’s ability level, appropriate exercise is important. It improves bone density, muscle mass, heart and lung functioning, and much more, including boosting mood and emotional wellbeing.

There are a few general guidelines for exercise for older adults, and the news could not be better: even a small amount of physical activity will make a big difference. As little as 15 – 20 minutes per week of vigorous exercise (running, swimming, playing basketball or tennis) has been shown to lower mortality rate by 16 – 40%.

What Are Some Good Exercises for Older Adults?

Some of the best aerobic exercises to consider, which can be modified when necessary based on ability level, include:

  • Dancing, which helps strengthen multiple muscle groups while improving balance and mood – and, if dancing with a partner, socialization too.
  • Walking, particularly in nature, to experience varied terrains and the psychological effects that come from spending time outdoors, including a boost in mood, lowered anxiety and stress, and more.
  • Cycling, either on an outdoor or stationary bike: a great low impact activity that benefits the heart, lungs, and large muscles.

How to Get Started

Getting started with a new fitness program is often the hardest part. Here are a few tips to help you both achieve success:

  • Begin slowly and set attainable goals. Then celebrate reaching them!
  • Select activities that are fun. With so many options, there is no reason to settle for a tedious, boring routine.
  • Be sure to stay hydrated.
  • Include warm-up and cool-down periods.
  • If any pain or discomfort is experienced, stop.

Let Us Help!

A caregiver from Responsive Home Care makes an excellent exercise buddy to help older adults remain on track with a brand new or existing physical fitness routine. We are here to provide accompaniment to the gym, pool, senior center, or wherever else the person would like to go. We also make great walking partners! Contact us at (954) 486-6440 to find out more about our senior care services in Fort Lauderdale, Lighthouse Point, Hollywood, and the surrounding areas.

Reality Orientation in Dementia: The Pro and the Cons

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A caregiver helps guide a senior with dementia through reality orientation.

Reality orientation can help loved ones with dementia through confusion.

Did you ever wake up in the middle of a dream and wonder, just for a moment, if what you were dreaming about was real? It can feel very disorienting until you open your eyes and take in your familiar surroundings. An experience like this can give you just a brief glimpse into the ongoing disorientation for a person with dementia. When confusion about time, place, and even identity settle in for a person you love, you’re faced with two options for responding: either stepping into their reality with them, or practicing reality orientation for someone with dementia.

Which Reality Is Best?

In a nutshell, each approach has its place in dementia care. However, there are specific cautions to understand when using reality orientation for someone with dementia. It is important to first understand what is involved with both options and when they could be most appropriate.

Accepting Their Reality

Living in an alternate reality is quite typical for a person in the mid to later stages of dementia. The individual may believe they are a young adult engaged in their previous career (or a different one altogether), with a spouse and young children to look after. Going along with their perception of reality helps them maintain a feeling of self-worth and purpose. It instills comfort and peace, and it is often the recommended approach.

Orienting Them to Your Reality

On the other hand, reality orientation involves providing cues and prompts about the current time, date, and place. Studies have shown that it can improve cognitive functioning, especially when combined with donepezil, and help with some of the more difficult aspects of dementia.

However, reality orientation should be handled gently with compassion, skill, and awareness of the person’s emotional state. For example, if the person asks where their mother is, it could be extremely harmful to respond, “Why, she died 40 years ago! You are 95 years old, so there is no way your mother could still be alive.” In contrast, reality orientation may be effective in ordinary conversations. For instance, if the individual wakes up and asks what day it is, you might respond, “Today is Friday, the day you have your exercise class and then dinner with Steve.”

If the person seems to become agitated or anxious with reality, it’s always best to join them in the perceived reality that feels comfortable to them.

Our specially trained caregivers are pros at knowing how to effectively engage someone with dementia and make each day the best it can be. We utilize imaginative, customized approaches that help with memory, communication, safety, and comfort, while encouraging independence and a sense of purpose and self-worth.

Reach out to us at (954) 486-6440 for more information on our dementia care in Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Plantation, and the surrounding areas.

 

Are You Prepared for the Responsibilities of Hospital Care at Home?

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A woman in a wheelchair receiving hospital care at home is assisted by her adult daughter.

It’s important to understand and prepare for your role before agreeing to hospital care at home for a loved one.

No one wants to spend any more time than needed in the hospital. The aim is to get the necessary treatment or procedure over with as quickly as possible and move on to recovering. Unsurprisingly, the growing trend in hospital care at home is one being met with open arms. Imagine being able to avoid:

  • Isolation and loneliness from short visiting hour periods
  • The risk of infection inherent in a hospitalization
  • The need to share a room with somebody else who is ill
  • Institutional food
  • The bright lights, alarms, and bells that make sleeping difficult

Hospital level care in the home allows someone whose condition is serious yet stable to receive visits from clinicians and any necessary medical equipment—so treatment is provided in the most comfortable and least restrictive environment.

There is nothing not to love about such a program, right?

The Downside to Receiving Hospital Care at Home

While the benefits of in-home hospital care are incredible, there’s one main factor to take into consideration: are you ready and equipped to serve as the caregiver for a family member who is critically ill? While physicians and nurses visit the home and are available by telehealth sessions for questions, the majority of care falls on the family.

“In the hospital, if something happens, they know how to take care of it,” explains Clare Semling, whose husband participated in a hospital-at-home program. “Now it’s on you.”

It’s important for family members to participate in the decision-making process about a loved one receiving hospital care in the home, and also to be made aware of the implications it will mean in their own lives. For instance, you’ll need to think through:

  • What will you do in the event of an emergency?
  • Can you handle getting up as required during the night to check on the person, help them to the bathroom, etc.?
  • Are you ok with having clinical staff coming in and out of the home at regular intervals?
  • Will you be able to manage medications and ensure they’re taken as directed?

Also, think about your current commitments and responsibilities: caring for children, taking care of household chores and errands, working outside of the home, and other important activities such as spending time with your spouse, nurturing relationships with friends and other friends, participating in hobbies and pastimes you enjoy, engaging in healthy lifestyle choices, etc.

It can be helpful to create a quick estimate of how much time you currently have available to care for a family member at home, considering all of the factors above. If it feels unmanageable or overwhelming, seek out help.

Responsive Home Care is here to help if a loved one chooses to receive hospital-at-home care. We can provide medication reminders, run errands, prepare meals, and take the night shift if you would like, enabling you to maintain the healthy life balance you need. Contact us at 954-486-6440 for more information on how we can help with personalized in-home care services in Fort Lauderdale, Lighthouse Point, Hollywood, and the surrounding communities.

Boredom and Alzheimer’s: How to Avoid This Dangerous Combination

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A woman experiencing both boredom and Alzheimer’s stares blankly into the distance.

Avoid the dangerous combination of boredom and Alzheimer’s with these tips.

Salt and pepper. Macaroni and cheese. Peanut butter and jelly. Some things are just meant to go together. One combination you want to avoid, however, is boredom and Alzheimer’s. Studies have revealed that boredom in dementia contributes to an increase in:

  • Anxiety
  • Aggression
  • Agitation
  • Hallucinations
  • Delirium
  • Wandering
  • Depression
  • And more

Not only that but, boredom in family members providing care for a person with dementia is also troubling, resulting in a heightened risk for burnout and depression.

Tips on How to Prevent Someone With Dementia From Becoming Bored

Clearly, preventing boredom is essential. These tried and tested strategies are a good place to begin.

  • Since boredom and loneliness often occur together, make certain there are regular opportunities for socializing in accordance with the individual’s comfort level. If large groups of visitors are overwhelming, for instance, ask family members and friends to visit one or two at a time.
  • Maintain a journal of which activities were most well received, as well as the ones that seemed to be of less interest.
  • Take lots of time for reminiscing. Use photo albums, scrapbooks, and home movies. Browse the internet for top news articles from a particular timeframe to talk about together.
  • Play the individual’s favorite music through a variety of means: the radio, a playlist, videos of concerts, outings to local school musical programs or the person’s religious organization to enjoy spiritual songs. Perhaps even plan a karaoke night with friends and family, or a guitar or piano singalong.
  • Provide plenty of meaningful activities that build a feeling of purpose and self-worth. This could include helping with folding laundry, preparing meals, sorting nuts and bolts in a toolbox, or whatever provides a connection to the person’s past occupation or passions.
  • Know what sparks interest, and seek out opportunities for engagement accordingly. For example, if the individual’s face lights up whenever they see a dog, explore pet therapy or arrange for regular visits with family and friends who have dogs.

A companion from Responsive Home Care is an excellent way to bring a breath of fresh air into the day of someone with dementia. Our caregivers are experienced and highly skilled in creative techniques to boost engagement and contentment for someone with dementia. A caregiver from Responsive Home Care will add much-needed socialization for your family member, while providing you with the opportunity to step away and take some time for yourself.

Some of the many ways we are able to help include:

  • Providing transportation and accompaniment for fun outings
  • Planning and preparing nutritious meals and snacks
  • Engagement in ability-appropriate activities that provide purpose and help boost memory
  • Reminiscing and conversations
  • Assistance with personal care and hygiene
  • And so much more

Call us at 954-486-6440 for more information on our customized care solutions in Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Plantation, and the surrounding areas.

Dressed for Success: The Best Senior Adaptive Clothing

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An older man wearing the best senior adaptive clothing smiles at his reflection in the mirror.

The best senior adaptive clothing improves safety and comfort while empowering older adults to remain self-sufficient.

What were your thoughts when choosing the outfit you put on this morning? Style? Comfort? A particular memory attached to a piece of clothing? The clothes we wear are a fundamental part of our identity, and the simple act of choosing what to wear and being able to put it on is essential to our independence. When the effects of growing older or a health condition like arthritis make it challenging to self-dress, knowing how to choose the best senior adaptive clothing is an excellent way to maintain self-sufficiency.

What Is the Best Senior Adaptive Clothing to Choose?

There are several key features to consider in adaptive clothing, including:

How it fastens: Zippers and buttons are harder to manage than Velcro, snaps, or magnets.

How it’s put on: Raising the arms and pulling a snug sweater over the head is a lot more difficult than slipping on a cardigan. For a person in a wheelchair or with other mobility issues, clothing that opens in the back or on the side is an even better choice.

How restrictive it is: Clothing with adjustable straps or an elastic waistband is less restrictive and also works well for someone with fluctuating weight or issues with swelling.

How it aids in preventing falls: Do not forget about footwear! Adaptive shoes are usually slip-resistant and will accommodate swelling or a brace.

How easy it is to wash: Choose machine wash/tumble dry clothing made from fabric that resists wrinkles and will be most convenient and comfortable.

Will It Fit?

Purchasing items that fit well and are comfortable isn’t always easy, especially if you are ordering clothing online. Here’s how to achieve the very best results:

Measure first. Get an accurate measurement of the person’s waist, hips, inseam, and for women, bust.

Check the charts. Many online adaptive clothing sites will provide size charts. In addition to the person’s body measurements, pay attention to whether the garments will have a slim or relaxed fit.

Try it on. Whenever possible, the most reliable way to ensure a good fit is by trying the items on and having the person move about to check for mobility, flexibility, and comfort. If a piece of clothing misses the mark in any of these areas, return it or talk to a seamstress or tailor about altering it.

Keep in mind too that while adaptive clothing’s purpose is to make getting dressed safer and easier, that does not mean you have to settle for frumpy frocks! Sit down together and look at patterns, colors, and styles online so the individual can select the items they like best.

Contact Responsive Home Care for further help with your adaptive clothing needs. We’re here to offer tried and true tips, take older adults shopping, provide support with getting dressed, and much more. Serving Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Lighthouse Point, and nearby areas, you can reach us any time at (954) 486-6440 to find out more.

Dementia and Conversation Looping: How to Break the Cycle

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A young man smiles as he implements techniques to effectively respond to his father, who is experiencing dementia and conversation looping.

Dementia and conversation looping often go hand in hand, which can lead to frustration without knowing how to effectively respond.

If you have ever played music on vinyl records, you know that the needle does not always track properly. Occasionally, a small piece of debris or dust may cause it to get stuck or skip, leaving you hearing only a few words of the song over and over again until the problem is addressed.

In Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, memory blips can result in a similar effect described as conversation looping. Typically occurring in mild and moderate stages of the disease, dementia and conversation looping may look like this:

  • You’re having an engaging conversation about your favorite football team’s latest victory.
  • The individual with dementia suddenly changes gears and asks you if you’ve finished your homework.
  • Knowing it is important to step into an alternate reality or timeframe with the person, you respond that all of your homework is finished.
  • You then resume the conversation about the unbelievable touchdown that clinched the win.
  • The other person asks again if you have finished your homework.

What Is the Appropriate Way to Handle Issues With Dementia and Conversation Looping?

It is beneficial to first understand why the behavior is occurring. We all experience repetition to varying degrees. We may forget that we have told someone a particular memory or story and tell them again. We also may repeat a question we have in mind, unsure whether we actually asked the question or simply just thought about it. These types of situations occur when we are not fully focused or paying close enough attention to the environment around us.

In contrast, conversation loops in dementia can happen as frequently as every couple of minutes. Professor of Psychology at Western Washington University Ira E. Hyman, Jr., Ph.D., explains that with cognitive impairment, “…the work of binding the elements of an experience into a personal memory is disrupted.”

It is important to recognize that correcting someone with Alzheimer’s is not a successful tactic. Understanding that, it’s advisable to continue to respond to the person’s repetitive question or story, keeping your reply brief. You can then try changing the topic to something you know is of particular interest to them now or was important to them during their younger years, as long-term memories stay intact considerably longer than more recent ones.

How a Specialized Alzheimer’s Caregiver Can Help

With many challenging behaviors and symptoms to manage, caring for a person with Alzheimer’s on your own can be daunting. Our caregivers are especially trained in effective approaches to managing the challenges experienced in dementia. Let us partner with you to ensure the highest quality care for someone you love.

Whether you are struggling with wandering, sundowning, hallucinations, aggression, or any other complications a family member is experiencing from Alzheimer’s, we can help. Contact us any time at (954) 486-6440 to learn more about our expert dementia care, available throughout Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Plantation, and the surrounding areas.