Preparing to Visit a Loved One Who Has Alzheimer’s

Elderly couple smiling outside

When you have a loved one who is suffering from Alzheimer’s, you know how difficult it can be to have the same kind of relationship you use to have. Questions of whether or not they will remember you begin to flow into your mind, causing yourself to lose confidence in your ability of trying to maintain their memories. For this difficult time, Visiting Angels Cincinnati West, a senior home care provider, shares some insight on how to prepare for the next visit you make.

In their article, Visiting Angels suggests that laughter can help in bringing up old memories. As you spend time with your loved one, its’ important to try to make them laugh. By telling them jokes or singing old songs, you can help them recall old memories and people. Visiting Angels notes that depending on what stage of Alzheimer’s your loved one has, you’ll be surprised at how far back they can remember.

One of the most important things you can do to maintain your relationship with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s is to accept the reality of the situation. When you try to have a conversation with your loved one, you’ll have to accept the fact that it won’t be as linear as you would like. Allow them time to recall details and to understand the conversation. While the conversation may not be as focused as you would have hoped, know that just by being there and providing company is more than enough to raise their spirits.

Alzheimer’s is a serious illness that affects millions of adults across the country. For more information on how to spend time with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s, you may read the full article by Visiting Angels Cincinnati West here: https://www.visitingangels.com/cincinnatiwest/connecting-with-your-loved-one-who-has-alzheimer%e2%80%99s-disease-weekly-message_3620

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Why Seniors Need a Companion

Senior woman talking with friend
Positive woman visiting retired mother. Senior elegant woman meeting with daughter over cup of tea and laughing. Care of parents concept

Having meaningful friendships is especially important for emotional health. For seniors, this can become increasingly difficult as their social circle begins to shrink due to close friends and family passing. To help prevent feelings of isolation and depression, Visiting Angels South Elgin, a senior home care agency, provides a few reasons why it is important for seniors to have a companion.

In their article, Visiting Angels notes:

“A companion caregiver helps prevent a senior from becoming isolated, especially in colder months when it is more difficult for the senior to get out of the home. The personal link a companion caregiver provides is crucial for seniors who live alone and may be isolated from others. A companion provides emotional support, as well as physical support.”

For the full story, you can visit their article here: https://www.visitingangels.com/southelgin/four-reasons-why-seniors-need-companions-weekly-message_3636

Placing Your Loved One in Long-Term Care

Elderly couple
Photo by Tristan Le from Pexels

As people grow older, they tend to need more assistance with their day to day tasks. Most of the time, children tend to take over the caregiver role for their parents. While the gesture is kind, there comes a time where people become overwhelmed with the responsibilities that come with watching over another adult. Elmhurst Extended Care Center breaks down when people should consider transferring their loved one to a long-term care facility.  

Reasons and Stigma 

Elmhurst Extended Care Center starts off by saying that children often care for their loved one out of guilt. People feel guilty when they cannot look after the needs of their parents and they force themselves to handle more than they can.  

Furthermore, there are various movies and novels that display nursing homes in a negative point of view. Yet, despite the stigma, there are great care centers available for the elderly. EECC says that you should visit the nursing homes you are interested in. And if the nursing homes have a Respite Care service, you can place your loved one in their care for a short time to see how they are treated.  

Deciding When It Is Time 

There are various factors that can be taken into consideration when deciding if you would like to place your loved one in a nursing home. When making the decision, you should consider you loved ones needs, especially if they need special care like physical rehabilitation. 

To read the full article, visit: When It’s Time to Consider Long-Term Care for Your Parent.  

What to Consider When Looking for Senior Home Care Services

Staying at home and aging in place is something many seniors want to do with their retirement years. While many seniors are able to take care of themselves, the likelihood of needing additional assistance at home increase each year. When it is time to look for senior in-home care, Visiting Angels Sarasota states that there are a few things to consider:

senior couple sitting together

“. . . the next step is to meet with in-home care agencies and learn about the services that they provide. Most in-home care agencies will sit down with you for a free consultation. This is a great opportunity to learn more about what services the agency provides. If an agency disagrees with the sort of help you’re asking for, walk away. Your safety and well-being should be their primary concern.”

It’s important to consider many factors when looking for the right senior home care provider. To read the read the full article for more information, you may visit: https://www.visitingangels.com/sarasota/what-to-consider-when-choosing-in-home-care-weekly-message_3718

Fall Prevention for Seniors

When a senior experiences a fall, the aftermath can be quite devastating. The injuries can be fatal, and the medical expenses can take their toll. As dangerous as a fall can be, luckily there are ways to lower the risk and prevent it from happening. Visiting Angels Barrington, a senior home care provider, shares some details.

To lower the risk of a fall from occurring at home, it’s recommended to:

  • Move objects that are obstructive – bathmats and throw rugs can be especially dangerous, so be mindful.
  • Address slippery, worrisome or broken items in your home.
  • Install proper lighting, especially near staircases.
  • Install handrails – especially near all stairs.
  • Install grab bars in the bathrooms – particularly near the bathtub and the toilet.

Being mindful of our surroundings and taking the necessary precautions will help in reducing the risk of a fall. If you want to learn more, you can read the full article here: https://www.visitingangels.com/barrington/step-up-your-safety-routine-this-fall-weekly-message_3638

Approaching Your Loved One to Seek More Help

As we watch our loved ones become older, it can be difficult to witness. They may have lost certain abilities due to the physical limitations of their body which then forces them to give up their favorite hobbies or even downsize to an environment that is more forgiving. As they make these changes, it can be difficult to witness. When you offer them help, your loved one will typically refuse. They may refuse asking for help, accepting help, and even refuse to admit they need help.

When you come to this kind of situation, it can be difficult for you and your family because despite wanting to assist them, you don’t want to tarnish their dignity. When this issue arises, Visiting Angels Punta Gorda shares some pieces of advice:

“Chances are that once you’ve expressed your concerns, your aging loved one will be eager to end the conversation. They probably are already aware of their need for help, and your confrontation only makes it public now. Give them time to process what you’ve said before moving forward with a plan. Wait a couple of weeks before talking about in-home care or making appointments with in-home care agencies. You can certainly set a date with your aging loved one to discuss what’s next, if that helps move things forward.”

To read the full article, you may visit: https://www.visitingangels.com/puntagorda/how-to-approach-the-more-help-conversation-with-your-aging-loved-one-weekly-message_3726