Author: lakesidemanor

This author has written 67 articles

What Is Hospice Care?

Learning that you or a loved one requires hospice care is devastating. There are lots of questions you want to ask, the main one being, "What is hospice care?" Hospice care is often recommended when a patient's medical condition has reached its end stage. Therefore, it's only natural to have questions about the processes, treatments, and what happens next. Hospice Centers On the Patient Hospice is a field of medicine that centers on making the patient's final days as comfortable and peaceful as possible. It provides resources for both the patient and their loved ones as they strive to accept the upcoming transition. The main objective is to ease the patient's pain and suffering while maintaining a relaxed environment. There are several chronic illnesses that progress slowly before they reach an end stage. For instance, a…

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Understanding Respite Care

Everyone needs a short break to regroup and refresh themselves. If you're wondering what is respite care, our guide can help. You'll get time to relax, and your loved one will get an environment where they can thrive. What is Respite Care? By definition, respite means to take a short break or a time of relief and rest. Both the person who needs care and their caregiver can get a short break from their normal routines. The caregiver gets some time to relax and rejuvenate themselves while the person they're caring for gets care from a qualified staff. Today, a person can get respite care by: Family, friends, volunteers, or paid staff At home, a residential care center, or a community organization For a few hours, overnight, or a few weeks On a regular basis or…

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Diseases without Cures

Does the term, "incurable diseases," conjure up the frightening image of your doctor telling you or a loved one that you have only a few years or months to live? There are actually several different outcomes for those who are diagnosed with a disease without a cure. While it is true that many incurable diseases are often terminal, that is not true of all of them. There are many incurable conditions that the patient will live with for their entire life but will still allow them to enjoy the longevity of healthy individuals. Here's what you need to know about the distinctions between terminal and incurable diseases, as well as the treatment protocol for each. Terminal Illnesses As mentioned above, terminal illnesses cannot be cured. In most cases, they are likely to result in death within…

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Impacts of Dementia on the Brain

The impacts of dementia on the brain are complex and not fully understood, but as medical researchers and doctors learn more, the medical community has been able to develop more effective methods to support those who are suffering. Dementia is a degenerative brain condition that affects millions of seniors here in the U.S. and around the world. Although research technology has come a long way in recent years, making it easier than ever before to study the condition, there is still a lot that we just don't know. Here's what we do know about the impacts of dementia on the brain. Types of Dementia The area of the brain that dementia affects depends largely on the specific variation of dementia that afflicts the patient. There are five primary categories of dementia: Alzheimer's Disease Atypical Alzheimer's Disease Vascular Dementia…

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Advance Care Directives and End of Life Resources

When you are nearing the end of your life, you have a number of advance care directives and other end of life resources available to you. This can help to ensure that you are cared for in your later years in the manner you prefer, even if it reaches the point where you are unable to communicate your wishes on your own. Here's what you need to know about your options and how to make the most of them. Advance Care Directives Advance care directive is a general term that refers to the legal documents that specify your preferences for your medical care. It is also often called a living will. It is considered to be a legally binding document, meaning that your family and doctor must comply with your wishes or risk legal action being…

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San Diego Memory Care and the Seven Stages of Dementia

Understanding the symptoms associated with the various stages of dementia will help you make the decision about the right time to seek San Diego memory care for your loved one. Early on, it is easy to miss the signs of dementia, especially when the person lives alone. People often refer to the “early stages of dementia” or, later on, to more “advanced stages,” during which symptoms become more apparent. In fact, there are seven distinct stages, which are based on the symptoms experienced at any point in the progression of the disease. Doctors often use the Reisberg Scale, often called the GDS, to separate the seven stages of the disease. Although this scale includes multiple stages within the categories of “No Dementia” and “Mid-Stage Dementia”, it further separates the symptoms for a more accurate diagnosis. This…

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Nine Top Risk Factors for Dementia

Dementia is a broad term that refers to overall cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's disease. There are many risk factors that can increase a person's likelihood of developing the condition later in life. It is important to note that risk factors are not causes; just because you have one or more risk factors does not necessarily mean that you will develop dementia. It merely means that your chances of developing the condition are higher than those of someone who doesn't exhibit any risk factors. Some risk factors are within your control, while others are not.  Nine Top Risk Factors for Dementia Age  Age is the strongest risk factor for dementia. Although it is possible to develop dementia at a younger age, the vast majority of cases occur in individuals aged 65 or over. In fact, once you…

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Respite Care San Diego | Everyone Needs a Break

One of the most difficult things for a caregiver to do is to take time out for self-care. Making the decision to include Respite Care San Diego into your care plan could be one of the best things you can do for your loved one and yourself. Dealing with a loved one who has Alzheimer's or some other form of disability can take a toll on the person or persons responsible for their around the clock care. Coming to terms with the disease process and gaining an understanding, in regards to the things you need to do for yourself to maintain both your physical and mental health is important. Here is some information about respite care, and things you can do to take care of yourself while you care for your loved one. Respite Care San…

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Choosing a Dementia Residential Care Home

Choosing a dementia residential care home is not something a person usually does for themselves. The fact that they are often looking for a place for a loved one to live out the rest of their lives makes it even more challenging. Even when you know your loved one’s condition means they are no longer safe, making the decision to move them is often one that causes a great deal of guilt. If you struggle with the decision of when to put your loved one into a dementia residential care home, you aren’t alone. More adults find themselves facing the fact that in-home care is more demanding on them than they ever imagined. Most adults have other responsibilities that prevent them from giving the round-the-clock care that dementia patients eventually need. Instead of taking on a…

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