Golden Nuggets Newsletter, a publication of
Golden Horizons Elder Care Services, Inc.
Celebrating 20 Years Serving Seniors in CT!
Golden Horizons Elder Care Services, Inc.
Celebrating 20 Years Serving Seniors in CT!
 Lisa Gradzewicz, President/Owner | A Message from our President I am so excited that April is here! I love month of April. In fact, I named my dog April. She is so happy to be getting out and romping around in the good weather. I am pleased to report that Golden Nuggets getting such positive feedback. Here we are in our 6th issue with the April edition. This month we are featuring articles on dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. These conditions know no barriers, and there is no cure. |
The information included in these articles centers around signs, symptoms and safety tips if you know or care for someone with the disease. A diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer's is a devastating blow, but there is hope and help to increase the quality of life and to make those precious memories. It's not easy. I hope the information provided is helpful. ~ Lisa Gradzewicz
| A Message from our VP Happy April Everyone! First, I want to say congratulations to Deb N. on being named Caregiver of the Month for April. Secondly, to all Golden Horizons Employees, keep up the great work! I hope everyone stays dry this April and that you all enjoy the warmer weather that is slowly, but surely, coming this spring! ~Megan Gradzewicz |  |
Alzheimer's & Dementia: Signs, Symptoms, Facts & Safety Tips
Alzheimer’s Disease is the most diabolical of dementias. It doesn’t care who you are, what you’ve accomplished, how much you love your family or how you’ve impacted society. It knows no race, creed or profession; it takes no
prisoners. While there is endless research on the disease, there is no known cure...So what do we do?
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
1) Loss of memory hindering daily life.
2) Trouble with planning and/or solving problems.
3) Issues completing daily, familiar tasks.
4) Confusion with comprehending time or place.
5) Challenges in understanding visual images and spatial
relationships.
6) New issues using words, writing and speaking.
7) Losing things and losing the ability to retrace steps.
8) Diminished or poor judgment.
9) Withdrawal from work and social situations.
10) Changes in mood and/or personality.
*Source: Alzheimer’s Association: alz.org/10signs
Enrich the Life of Someone with Alzheimer’s/Dementia
We don’t know the exact cause of Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia. We know there is no cure. There is much in the way of accomplished and ongoing research to find a cure. There is also research being conducted to find ways to prevent the disease and improve the quality of life for those who have been diagnosed. How do we delay the progression of Alzheimer’s/dementia?
a) Music. Studies show that music reduces agitation and improves behavioral issues. Be sure to choose a music source without interruption/commercials. Use music that they enjoy and are familiar with. Encourage dancing, clapping and interaction.
b) Art. being creative with arts and crafts provides a feeling of accomplishment and purpose. Be sure to use safe, nontoxic materials.
c) Brain Puzzles & Activities. Even with a diagnosis, studies show that doing puzzles and brain teasers helps to exercise the brain and delay the progression.
d) Eat foods proven to help increase brain function. Nuts, fish, superfoods etc.
e) Show love and care through the whole ordeal. A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia is not easy. We have to face the person losing themselves. Showing love and care might just in nitely improve the process.
*Source: Alzheimer’s Association: alz.org
Safety Tips: Alzheimer’s & Dementia
Do you know someone who has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease? It’s a devastating blow. There is no cure. We can fi nd ourselves in denial, anger, isolation, depression or any other host of emotions. As we come to grips with a diagnosis, we must understand that this disease leaves our loved one vulnerable. Safety measures must be taken. Someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s will have issues with memory, spatial and visual stimuli, time and place, socialization, judgment and more. With these signs and symptoms in mind, here are some tips for the safety:
1) Assess the home and take appropriate steps to and secure the house where the diagnosed person lives. Clear hallways and walkways of any tripping hazards and make sure they are well lit. If there are weapons in the house, safely unload and remove them. A person with dementia/Alzheimer’s might mistake their caregiver for an intruder. Make sure all safety devices - smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, re extinguishers etc. - are installed and working properly.
2) Reassure them if they feel lost or are disoriented. DON"T CORRECT THEM! Use communication/language that validates and encourages. “We are staying here tonight.” “We are safe here.”
3) Make sure their basic needs are met. Are they thirsty? Hungry? Do they need the restroom?
4) Prevent wandering. Determine the most likely times when the person might wander, then make sure those times are fi lled with activities. Camou age locks on doors and windows, or place them out of eyesight. You can hide them by painting them the same color as the surrounding walls, covering them with curtain etc. You can also opt to use childproof knobs and locks. Place devices on doors and windows that signal when they open/close. Keep car keys out of sight. Make sure to always supervise. Never let them stay in the house or in a car by themselves.
5) Medication Safety. Hide and secure all medications. Supervise them whenever medications need to be taken.
6) Structure and Repetition. Develop a plan for daily living and get into a routine with them. Do ADLs at similar times each day. Alzheimer’s/Dementia is never easy, but with these tips, quality of life can be high, and precious memories made.
*Source: Alzheimer’s Association: alz.org
Alzheimer’s Disease is the most diabolical of dementias. It doesn’t care who you are, what you’ve accomplished, how much you love your family or how you’ve impacted society. It knows no race, creed or profession; it takes no
prisoners. While there is endless research on the disease, there is no known cure...So what do we do?
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
1) Loss of memory hindering daily life.
2) Trouble with planning and/or solving problems.
3) Issues completing daily, familiar tasks.
4) Confusion with comprehending time or place.
5) Challenges in understanding visual images and spatial
relationships.
6) New issues using words, writing and speaking.
7) Losing things and losing the ability to retrace steps.
8) Diminished or poor judgment.
9) Withdrawal from work and social situations.
10) Changes in mood and/or personality.
*Source: Alzheimer’s Association: alz.org/10signs
Enrich the Life of Someone with Alzheimer’s/Dementia
We don’t know the exact cause of Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia. We know there is no cure. There is much in the way of accomplished and ongoing research to find a cure. There is also research being conducted to find ways to prevent the disease and improve the quality of life for those who have been diagnosed. How do we delay the progression of Alzheimer’s/dementia?
a) Music. Studies show that music reduces agitation and improves behavioral issues. Be sure to choose a music source without interruption/commercials. Use music that they enjoy and are familiar with. Encourage dancing, clapping and interaction.
b) Art. being creative with arts and crafts provides a feeling of accomplishment and purpose. Be sure to use safe, nontoxic materials.
c) Brain Puzzles & Activities. Even with a diagnosis, studies show that doing puzzles and brain teasers helps to exercise the brain and delay the progression.
d) Eat foods proven to help increase brain function. Nuts, fish, superfoods etc.
e) Show love and care through the whole ordeal. A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia is not easy. We have to face the person losing themselves. Showing love and care might just in nitely improve the process.
*Source: Alzheimer’s Association: alz.org
Safety Tips: Alzheimer’s & Dementia
Do you know someone who has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease? It’s a devastating blow. There is no cure. We can fi nd ourselves in denial, anger, isolation, depression or any other host of emotions. As we come to grips with a diagnosis, we must understand that this disease leaves our loved one vulnerable. Safety measures must be taken. Someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s will have issues with memory, spatial and visual stimuli, time and place, socialization, judgment and more. With these signs and symptoms in mind, here are some tips for the safety:
1) Assess the home and take appropriate steps to and secure the house where the diagnosed person lives. Clear hallways and walkways of any tripping hazards and make sure they are well lit. If there are weapons in the house, safely unload and remove them. A person with dementia/Alzheimer’s might mistake their caregiver for an intruder. Make sure all safety devices - smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, re extinguishers etc. - are installed and working properly.
2) Reassure them if they feel lost or are disoriented. DON"T CORRECT THEM! Use communication/language that validates and encourages. “We are staying here tonight.” “We are safe here.”
3) Make sure their basic needs are met. Are they thirsty? Hungry? Do they need the restroom?
4) Prevent wandering. Determine the most likely times when the person might wander, then make sure those times are fi lled with activities. Camou age locks on doors and windows, or place them out of eyesight. You can hide them by painting them the same color as the surrounding walls, covering them with curtain etc. You can also opt to use childproof knobs and locks. Place devices on doors and windows that signal when they open/close. Keep car keys out of sight. Make sure to always supervise. Never let them stay in the house or in a car by themselves.
5) Medication Safety. Hide and secure all medications. Supervise them whenever medications need to be taken.
6) Structure and Repetition. Develop a plan for daily living and get into a routine with them. Do ADLs at similar times each day. Alzheimer’s/Dementia is never easy, but with these tips, quality of life can be high, and precious memories made.
*Source: Alzheimer’s Association: alz.org
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