As we age, we tend to notice that our bodies are not what they use to be when we were in our twenties. Certain foods don’t agree with our stomachs, various parts of our bodies tend to ache more, and we may even experience a decrease in our daily energy. These are all normal changes that come with aging. However, we may also experience another kind of change in our bodies. As we get older, we may tend to forget things more frequently – where we parked our car, the name of an actor in a film we use to love, and perhaps what were about to do as soon as we enter a room. While forgetfulness is a normal sign of aging, we must be careful to not confuse it with signs for Alzheimer’s. In their latest article, Visiting Angels South Elgin describes how to know the differences.

When it comes to differentiating normal forgetfulness with Alzheimer’s, it’s important to consider how much of an impact our forgetfulness has on our daily life. As Visiting Angels points out, “When memory lapses occur daily and the senior seems to struggle with normal, everyday life, it might be a sign of Alzheimer’s or another dementia.” This includes smaller things such as forgetting to wear glasses, getting lost on a familiar route, and even confusing your adult children.

There are many signs that may indicate Alzheimer’s and it is important to recognize them. To read the full article and learn all the details, you can visit: https://www.visitingangels.com/southelgin/am-i-having-a-senior-moment-or-is-this-alzheimer%e2%80%99s-weekly-message_3957.

Caregivers often put in the more effort than they are expected to when providing care for a loved one. Because they work their hardest to ensure that you and your family are comfortable, Visiting Angels West Cincinnati shares some ways you can show your appreciation in their latest article.

As simple as it sounds, doing something like sending a thank you card can go a long way. Think about how caregivers consistently go above and beyond to make your family feel comfortable at home. Putting your appreciation into words can give them the boost they’ve been needing.

You can read more about how to show appreciation for your caregiver by visiting the full article at: https://www.visitingangels.com/cincinnatiwest/how-to-honor-your-caregiver-weekly-message_3958.

When a loved one has Alzheimer’s it’s never easy to cope with. The person you once knew and connected with has seem to disappeared almost entirely. On top of feeling like you lost someone special, you must also spend a great deal of your own time and energy to consistently provide care and ensure that they’re safe. All this happening all at once can feel completely overwhelming. However, as difficult as it can be, Visiting Angels Punta Gorda shares some insights on how to engage with your loved one to help make things easier.

If you have found yourself struggling to have a conversation with your loved one, Visiting Angels recommends to prepare questions to help you on your next visit. Often times, you may feel as though conversations can be repetitive, but with prepared questions, you can provide the conversation direction. Visiting Angels suggests, “Remember to ask open ended questions and prompt conversation with phrases such as “tell me about the time when….”.”

To learn about other methods of engaging a loved one with Alzheimer’s, you can read the full article by visiting: https://www.visitingangels.com/puntagorda/five-simple-ideas-to-engage-your-loved-one-with-alzheimer%e2%80%99s-weekly-message_3990.

There comes a moment in life where we find ourselves in need of additional assistance at home. As we age, our ability to maintain our independence slowly dwindles. Luckily, there are many options for us to choose from but how do we know which is the right choice? When deciding between moving to a senior living community or having a caregiver provide home care, Visiting Angels Southlake argues that home care is the better option.

Visiting Angels raises the point that if a senior were to have dementia, memory care facilities are often limited in providing the individualized memory care they truly need. If a spouse were to have dementia, they would be separated from their loved one in order to keep them safe. However, by choosing in-home care, a loved one with dementia won’t have to be separated and because they are the only ones there, they can receive the personalized care from a trained professional.

To read more on the advantages of home care over a senior living community, visit: https://www.visitingangels.com/southlake/reasons-to-choose-home-care-over-a-senior-living-community-weekly-message_3988.

When a loved one needs additional help at home, a family member will typically volunteer. However, as their loved one’s condition worsen, their needs tend to increase in demand – often becoming overwhelmed. A family caregiver may experience increased fatigue physically, mentally, and even emotionally. To help, Visiting Angels Santa Clarita shares some insight on caring for a family caregiver.

One of the first things you can do is offer your family caregiver time off. Something as simple as taking time to be away and recharge can make a world of difference. Once they come back, they’ll have regained the emotional and physical energy they need.

With plenty more options to care for a family caregiver, you can read the full article by visiting: https://www.visitingangels.com/santaclarita/taking-care-of-the-family-caregiver-weekly-message_3960

When we laugh, it’s one of the best feelings we could ever experience in our lives. It helps us forget our worries and fills us with joy. We’ve all heard the saying, “laughter is the best medicine in the world” but is there actual merit to that saying? Visiting Angels Barrington takes a deeper look into the possible health benefits laughter has to offer in their latest article.

Visiting Angels Barrington notes that when we laugh, our brain releases an increased amount of endorphins – the hormone responsible for making us feel happy. That’s why after every time we laugh, our mood seems to be high spirits and refreshed. Laughter has also been found to enhance our immune system and even provide some pain relief.

For more information, you can read the full article by visiting: https://www.visitingangels.com/barrington/the-best-medicine-weekly-message_3959

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

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