This comprehensive guide will arm you with the right questions to ask your prospective San Diego Dementia Care Facility. Take the time to clearly write down the specific needs of your loved one.  What type of environment do they need to thrive, what specific medical needs they have and what areas would be a good fit for your family.

Conduct a search in your area for available facilities. Ask your friends or neighbors, conduct some searches on Google, Yahoo and Bing and utilize a local directory like Choose Well.  Note all the residences you want to contact and proceed on your outreach mission.

First Contact With The Prospective San Diego Dementia Care Facility

When you are calling the facility for the first time, you may only get general information and the chance to ask for brochures to be sent to you. Below are some great initial questions to ask the facility:

• How long has this facility been open? If the facility is newly opened, then you know that their buildings are also new. If they tell you that the center is more than 20-30 years old, ask if they do maintenance and how often. You don’t want your loved one to end up in an old place with bad plumbing and cracked walls.
• Are you licensed? Make sure they are licensed. Keep in mind that all assisted living facilities are licensed and regulated by each state and not the federal government. If they are not straightforward with answering this question, they are probably not, so cross them off your list.
• What kind of services do you offer? Learning about what they offer will help to give you a clearer idea if you’d like to learn more or not. For example, if the say they are an Assisted living facility for Alzheimer’s Dementia patients you need to ask for clarification. It’s important to understand if they are a general Assisted Living Facility for the elderly that also caters to residents with Alzheimer’s Dementia. Or, if they are an Assisted Living facility dedicated exclusively to residents with Alzheimer’s Dementia. Obviously the latter is a smarter choice for your family. I can’t stress how important it is to understand the difference between general assisted living vs a Memory Aid Facility.  You want a facility that was built around the disease and has the sole purpose of providing the highest level care and compassion to residents with Alzheimer’s a Dementia.

After asking your questions, request a package with brochures or an email with pertinent information relating to  price, the rights and rules of the residents and activities for the residents.

Your On Site Visit To The San Diego Dementia Care Facility

When you have narrowed the field and identified which facilities are a potential fit, call to schedule a time for a tour.  Make sure to write down any questions that arose from reading the material they sent you. Make a list of other questions you want to ask during your tour and take it with you. This list might come in handy. The idea here is make the most of the visit. Spend the time to prepare yourself to ensure you ask all of the pertinent questions during your schedule tour.

Here are some great questions to ask to help you out with your due diligence:

• What level of care does the facility provide? There are several types of care facilities. Here, you can read about them and find the one that is most suitable for you.
• Can I see your license? They told you with confidence on the phone they are indeed licensed, but it never hurts to see for yourself.
• What type of training has the staff received? Make sure the facility is staffed with trained nurses and a team specifically trained and experienced in caring for patients with Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
• What is the monthly rate for housing and care? What services does that rate include? What is the rate for extra services? It’s important to know that the community is within your price range. Make sure you can not only afford the standard fees, but also the occasional extras that may arise every month.
• Are rooms private or semi-private? How do prices vary for each? Depending on the needs of your loved one, you can choose the level of privacy you will get them, always making sure it’s withing your budget.

• What level of personal assistance can residents expect? You should know if someone will be helping your loved one with daily necessities, like eating, bathing, dressing and taking medication. If not, ask how they can help you provide to your loved one all the help they need.
• What is the policy for handling medical emergencies? Is there a stand-by doctor for that? Will they call an ambulance or you in case of emergency? Knowing these details will help you plan for emergencies accordingly.
• How is the community secured? It’s very important that the facility’s security is tight. A resident might wander off and their relatives should be assured they won’t be getting lost or leaving the premises and chance getting hurt.

• What kind of meals are provided? Make sure all the meals are balanced and nutritious and dietary requests, such as kosher meals, are accommodated.
• How often are housekeeping and laundry services provided? Clean space and clothing are important. Make sure your loved one’s living space will be constantly clean and their clothes often laundered. If not, you might consider another solution for that.
• What programs (exercise, physical therapy, social and other activities) does the facility offer? Socializing is very important. Residents must be active and energized, engaging in fun activities.
• What is the ratio of staff to residents during the day/night? Having a substantial amount of staff working is important because they can attend to the needs of every resident without being pressured by time or another task.
• How does the facility communicate with families about a resident’s well-being? It’s very important for you to know how often and the way the facility will communicate with you. Choose a place that will keep you informed about all the aspects of your loved one’s life and will communicate with you often, at least a couple times per week.
• What is the discharge policy? You need to know the reasons a facility might discharge a resident. Knowing that will help you prepare to care for your loved one in case of a sudden discharge.

Choosing the ideal San Diego Dementia Care Facility is a huge task. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions you may have in addition to these to help you find a resident community that you and your loved one are comfortable with.

At Lakeside Manor we understand how difficult it can be to transition to a San Diego Dementia Care Facility, which is why we’re here to help you through the process. We’re happy to answer any questions and invite you to tour our community. Please contact us to schedule your tour of our lovely facility. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

The post Questions to Ask When Interviewing a San Diego Dementia Care Facility appeared first on Lakeside Manor.

What is Alzheimer’s Assisted Living and what does it offer?

Alzheimer’s assisted living is a type of housing for elderly residents who have Alzheimer’s or Dementia. The staff undergoes special training in order to specifically work with Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients.

Alzheimer’s assisted living facilities offer:

• A safe and stable environment for your loved one
• A secured facility to ensure your loved one does not leave the establishment
• A specialized staff that can deal with difficult situations and behaviors, such as wandering
• Activities for each person living in the facility, structured to reflect their daily routines that they established during their life
• Indoor and outdoor activities
• Medical and personal care
• Regimented dining schedules
• Music and Craft Therapy 

Why choose Alzheimer’s Assisted Living?

One of the most important benefits of Alzheimer’s assisted living is knowing your loved one is in good hands and their quality of their life isn’t reduced due to their condition. This may be an even bigger concern if your loved one suffers from memory loss. Naturally, you want to find a San Diego memory care facility that has the knowledge and compassion to work with people who are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

At a specialized Alzheimer’s assisted living facility that has years of experience with memory loss patients, you can be assured that your loved one will be attended to by trained professionals who understand the needs of an Alzheimer’s disease patient.

Finding the right San Diego Alzheimer’s Assisted Living Facility

If you decide that an Alzheimer’s assisted living is the right choice for your loved one, start by making a list of the facilities that you want to visit. These resources might help you find some:

• The Choose Well San Diego website has a list of facilities in San Diego County that you can sort with a lot of different ways, like license, city, zip code and capacity.

• Conduct a search on Google using keywords like “dementia care facilities San Diego.”

• You can also find information by consulting friends and neighbors.
• Keep in mind; all these facilities are licensed and regulated by each state.

Make sure all Alzheimer’s assisted living facilities in San Diego on your list are licensed.

Finding out more about the facilities

After you decide on a few Alzheimer’s assisted living facilities you are comfortable with, call them and ask a few general questions about their facilities. Ask about the programs they offer for their seniors, how willing they are to accommodate dietary restrictions, what are the residents’ most popular activities and other questions that will help you get a better feel for the environment.

If you are still interested in the facility after the call, ask for some information to be mailed to you, such as brochures, a price list, map and the rights and rules of the residents. Don’t forget to ask about any documents that will need to be signed upon admittance and of course, the contract. You need to review them on your own time before you sign anything.

After you receive all the materials, review them carefully and write down your questions or concerns. Strike out the places that don’t meet your criteria.

If your loved one can choose for herself or himself, make sure to include them in the process.

Visiting a San Diego Alzheimer’s Assisted Living Facility

Now, you have a list of the places you want to visit, so book appointments for tours. Make sure to take your loved one with you so they can take part in the decision process.

Have your questions and the material that was sent to you in hand and make sure to get as much information as you can from the tour.

Your first visit is important

When you get there, a guide will show you around the facility, explaining the programs the offer and how your loved one will benefit from their stay there. Keep in mind that the person talking to you is an employee and their job is to turn you into a customer.

Ask to meet other members of the staff and a few residents as well. When you talk to them, pay attention to their body language, if they are happy and comfortable working or living there. Find out how long the staff members have been working in this facility. Long-term employees are unlikely to be unhappy or bad at their jobs. Ask the residents how they feel about the place, what they do for entertainment and if they like the staff.

Apart from asking questions, pay attention to how people behave when they think you are not looking. If someone told you that they are happy in this facility but when you turned around their facial expression said otherwise, you should reconsider.

Also, check if the facility is clean and tidy. Are there any weird smells? Is the building well maintained? Are the staff’s uniforms clean? What about the residents? They should be clean, without emitting any bad odors and, most importantly, look (and be) well cared for.

Make sure to pay them one more unannounced visit after a few days. You may find out important information by making that second visit.

How you feel is important too

Asking questions and noticing behaviors is crucial in deciding on a facility, but it’s very important to bring your own feelings into this decision.

Be aware of how you feel when you are on the facility’s premises; do you feel comfortable, is this really a safe place for your loved one? Trust your gut–it’s usually right.

Aarp.org has a very helpful checklist you might want to print out and take with you.

Deciding on a facility and signing the contract

After visiting the facilities, reviewing all the information you received and having your questions answered, choosing your favorite memory care facility in San Diego is the most important step. The contract you will sign is the legal document that states what kind of care will be provided to your loved one, regardless of what was promised verbally or mentioned in the brochures. Make sure everything you want is written down; the more details, the better. Compare the information you received before with what is in the contract and pay close attention to fees, services provided and discharge policies.

Tips

• Make sure you understand what the contract says. Ask questions and get answers before signing anything.
• Ask about anything not included and make the changes you want.
• Don’t sign the contract until you see everything you want in it.
• Take the contract with you and review it with other family members and make sure to consult a lawyer.

The cost of a San Diego Alzheimer’s Assisted  Living Facility

Paying for a high-quality Alzheimer’s assisted living center can be quite costly. Before you decide on searching for a facility for your loved one, make sure that you (or them) can afford it long-term. Expect that you might need to pay for extra services as needed and don’t forget that the price might go up due to the increase of the standard cost-of-living.

At Lakeside Manor, our San Diego Alzheimer’s Assisted Living Facility offers a caring, nurturing environment for our residents. Take a look at our testimonials and contact us for more information and a chance to see for yourself! Our staff will be happy to answer any questions or needs you might have.

The post How to Choose a Memory Care Facility or Alzheimer’s Assisted Living Facility in San Diego appeared first on Lakeside Manor.

Dementia is a progressive disease that affects memory. The longer the person has it, the less they remember. They begin to forget how to do things and people they knew. Simple tasks become more difficult and more dangerous. But it isn’t until the end stages of the disease that the person loses their own identity. During the earlier stages, they still need something that gives their day meaning. Sometimes completing a craft and producing a finished product is all it takes to instill a sense of pride.

How Crafts for Dementia Patients Improve Quality of Life

Diminished cognitive function is also a part of dementia. Although a dementia patient’s ability to reason continues to diminish with progression of the disease, ‘exercising’ their brain can slow that process down. Not only are crafts beneficial to dementia patients, many experts say they’re essential to their health and well-being. That isn’t just a fact that comes from research, either. It’s something that caregivers of dementia patients know from their years of experience.

Some ways that crafts help dementia patients include:

• Relaxation
• Sensory Stimulation
• Boosts Self-Esteem
• Reduces Depression
• Increases a Sense of Playfulness and Humor
• Gives them a Sense of Control
• Aids in Socialization

Choosing the Best Crafts for Dementia Patients

The best crafts for dementia patients are those that offer physical, emotional, and cognitive stimulation. The craft also needs to meet the level of challenge that is right for the person. Two types of activities are used to meet this goal; person-centered and stage-specific.

Person-centered activities are based on what the patient likes and doesn’t like. The caregiver looks for topics of inspiration that will get the patient’s interest. Stage-specific activities differ in that they are based on the patient’s cognitive abilities and the stage at which their disease has progressed to. Whether the patient lives in their own home with a caregiver or in a living environment that specializes in dementia care, each individual needs to have activities that are tailored to them. To be effective, patients in groups need to share common interests and abilities.

Dementia patients gain even more benefit from socializing with others while doing their crafts. It’s a chance to share similar interests with another person.

Some of the easiest crafts are drawing and painting. People at various stages of dementia and with various skill levels can all benefit from these activities. It is important to provide the right materials and tools to create a safe environment. Don’t allow anyone to use sharp scissors or toxic glue or paint. Take similar precautions that you would with a child, starting with constant supervision. Something as simple as forgetting that there’s paint in a cup and not soda can quickly turn into a dangerous situation.

If they can’t draw their own pictures, try coloring instead. There are some creative adult-level coloring books on the market these days that are more interesting than those made for children. A more cost-effective option is to print pages out for free from any of the many websites available online.

Scrapbooking is a fun hobby that dementia patients find entertaining. All it takes is an inexpensive notebook, a glue stick, safety scissors, and some old magazines and catalogs. It’s a great way for them to create a scrapbook filled with things they like or that fit with their interests. For example, a patient who enjoys gardening might like collecting pictures of flowers.

Many dementia patients enjoy making paper flowers. Not only do they have the fun of being creative and making all kinds of blooms in beautiful colors, but they’re also making something they can share with others.

Food activities often invoke fond memories while allowing the dementia patient to engage in an activity they’ve performed for most of their lives. Simple recipes like no-bake cookies, chocolate covered strawberries, or chocolate spoons are a great choice. You can microwave the chocolate to ensure it isn’t hot enough to burn. Guide them through the remaining steps and they have a tasty treat to eat or share with others.

Follow the Leader

Knowing the patient and their capabilities allows you to choose crafts that are suitable for them. One reason you need easy crafts for dementia patients is to help ensure their success. Another reason is that they can complete easy crafts in a shorter period of time. Consider how long it will take to complete the chosen task. A patient with a shortened attention span could get frustrated before they finish the project if it’s too complex.

Making arts and crafts a regular part of their routine will help. A routine helps them focus on what they are doing without forgetting and getting frustrated.

If possible, link crafts time with something else in their daily routine. For example, right after their morning walk or after lunch. Even though their sense of time has changed, following a routine helps them keep track of what they’re doing.

If you have trouble thinking of something new to do, there are always lots of new ideas online. No matter what you choose to do, always put safety first. Consider the types of tools and materials required, and whether they pose any risk.

Most importantly, provide lots of praise for everyone who participates. Remember, the main idea behind doing crafts for dementia patients is to help them enjoy a sense of accomplishment.

Caring for a dementia patient at home is challenging. Establishing a routine complete with the activities they need for optimal health is nearly impossible for one person. Contact Lakeside Manor to schedule a tour of our facilities. We offer a range of activities that are proven to help dementia patients enjoy a better quality of life and health!

Remember, it isn’t about creating a perfect piece of art. Never criticize or correct the patient’s choices or mistakes. Help them stay focused when noises or other interruptions get their attention. If you work with dementia patients regularly, you know that their abilities change from day to day. As the leader, you need to adjust what you’re doing to fit the needs of the day.

The post Easy Crafts for Seniors with Dementia appeared first on Lakeside Manor.

Although engaging in conversation with a person whose condition has progressed is more challenging, it is possible. It’s important to both of you to take advantage of every moment you have while they can still communicate orally. Once that ability is gone, there are still some activities that will help them communicate. Getting the greatest value from every moment matters to the both of you even if that’s a feeling they can’t express.

Top Tips for Talking with an Alzheimer’s Patient

Every Alzheimer’s case is different but the one feature every patient has in common is memory loss. In the early stages, they may have difficulty finding their words or remembering names. As their condition progresses, memory loss tends to go backward from the present. They may remember things as they were ten, twenty, or thirty years ago.

Their abilities may also differ from one day to the next. Some days they may be more responsive to your attempts at conversation than others. Don’t let a less-than-amazing interaction keep you from attempting to talk with them again. Consider the tips below to help build your skills for more effective Alzheimer’s communication during any phase of the disease.

• Don’t assume they can’t communicate with you based on their diagnosis alone. Depending on the stage of the disease and how it affects them individually, their capabilities will differ.
• Approach them from the front so you don’t startle them. Bend down or sit in a chair across from them so you are at the same level. Approaching or speaking from the side or hovering over them can be intimidating or scary.
• Always engage them face-to-face. Make eye contact and keep it throughout the conversation. Call them by name to help keep their attention. Their name is something they’ve known their entire life. It’s one of the last things they’re going to forget.
• Choose a place where there aren’t a lot of distractions or background noise. A TV playing or people talking nearby might not be distracting to you but they make it more difficult for the person with Alzheimer’s to stay focused.

• Keep it simple. Although you shouldn’t prevent others from talking with the person, one-on-one conversations are best.
• Don’t make any surprise moves. Let them know if you plan to take their hand or you plan to place a photo album in their lap. Touch is an important way to make a connection with an Alzheimer’s patient. Just make sure they know what to expect so their fear doesn’t overshadow anything positive your actions would otherwise gain.
• Speak with kindness in your voice. If you feel any anger or hostility, make sure it doesn’t come through in your tone. Otherwise, they’re likely to respond in a similar albeit more hostile manner.
• Keep your speech short and slow. The less you throw at them, the more likely they’ll be to interpret what you’re saying. Expect their answers to be just as short and to the point. “Has Jill been to see you this morning? Did Rob call yesterday? These questions are better than those that require more complex answers. “Has anyone been to see you lately?”
• Don’t turn your conversation into a memory game. They may realize they can’t remember things or not. People with Alzheimer’s often use familiar words repeatedly or struggle to find the right one. You don’t need to point out their shortcomings. If you see they’re struggling with something, just lead them in a different direction. “Let’s talk about something else instead. You don’t have to be coy about leading the conversation in a new direction. They are still adults and deserve to be treated with respect.
• Give them the time they need to respond. If they’re struggling to find a word, don’t help unless they ask for it. There’s no need to hurry.
• Don’t argue, criticize, or correct them. If they are angry or upset over something without merit, acknowledge their feelings and then lead them in another direction. Allowing them to focus on these feelings will only allow them to intensify.
• Reading body language is one of the skills you need for successful Alzheimer’s communication. Once their ability to speak and express their thoughts is compromised, facial expressions or actions can give you clues. Pay attention to their responses and their actions in addition to what they say.
• Be prepared to enter their world. Agreeing not to correct them on using the wrong word is one thing. Being prepared not to argue that a deceased spouse is still there is more difficult. The fact is that it isn’t going to hurt anybody if you just play along.
• Have a good laugh. Laughter relieves stress and might even pave the way for a better conversation.
• Be patient. That can be easier said than done but it’s a necessity. It’s impossible to know what is going on in their mind. Make it as easy as possible for them to keep up their side of the conversation.
• Be a good listener. Let them know that you really care about their feelings. They could offer clues about things that they need. Most importantly, they need the interest and support that your efforts show.

Having a conversation with your loved one is just one of the ways to make life better for an Alzheimer’s patient. It is important to have them in a safe environment where they feel secure. They also need to engage in regular activities designed to stimulate the brain and help preserve their memory. Even after Alzheimer’s communication is no longer possible, engaging in music therapy or arts and crafts allow them to express themselves.

Contact Lakeside Manor to learn more about Alzheimer’s assisted living and get the best possible care for your loved one.

The post Alzheimer’s Communication: How to Talk to Someone with Alzheimer’s appeared first on Lakeside Manor.

Like many other symptoms of dementia, those affecting sleep vary from one person to the next. Some experience more intense feelings of confusion and anxiety during the latter part of the day. Feelings of agitation prevent them from being able to sleep. Sometimes they get up and wander during the night. Others start to feel sleepy during the day and become restless at night. These symptoms of late-day confusion are called “Sundowning” in Alzheimer’s patients.

Changes in sleep patterns often lead to an increase in behavioral issues as well. Both factors add to the challenges family caregivers face in providing care to their loved one. Often, the caregiver ends up losing sleep as well.

Common Sleep Problems with Aging

It isn’t unusual for anyone to develop changes in how they sleep as they grow older. A shift in the circadian rhythm causes sleep patterns to change. Seniors begin to sleep at different times of the day and in shorter intervals. These fragmented sleep patterns prevent them from achieving a deep level of sleep that makes them feel rested.  Sleeping lighter also means waking up easier throughout the night. Seniors often wake up earlier, getting fewer hours of sleep than they did earlier in life. These normal changes in sleep patterns often occur due to symptoms of underlying medical conditions.

Underlying Medical Conditions

Medical conditions including arthritis, heart and lung conditions, reflux disease, and urinary conditions are common in seniors. Symptoms from any of these conditions can interfere with sleep. Pain, anxiety, depression, and side-effects of medications or alcohol can also be to blame. Seniors also have an increased incidence of sleep apnea, breathing disorders, and restless leg syndrome. Any of these causes of sleep problems can contribute to sleep disturbances in dementia patients.

The Added Complications of Dementia and Sleep

For most patients, sleep disorders are ‘multifactorial’ meaning that there are multiple issues causing their sleep disturbances. In addition to the underlying medical conditions, fatigue, depression, anxiety, or confusion caused by dementia can make it difficult. For example, a loss of light and increased shadows in the evening can cause confusion and fear. The way that dementia affects the brain causes them to see things much differently than someone without dementia.

Since the cause of sleep issues and dementia problems is multifactorial, you need to take a multifactorial approach to treatment as well. Start by working with their doctor to pinpoint as many underlying causes as possible. Describe the types of problems the person is experiencing. Do they have trouble going to sleep, wake up frequently, or wander during the night? Do they often nap during the day, doze off randomly, or snore loudly? Write down a complete description of their issues including the times they normally go to bed and get up.

The more information you can provide to the doctor, the more accurately he/she can diagnose the underlying conditions. They will also consider whether any current medications might be adding to the problem. Never assume that dementia is the primary cause of the sleep disturbances and that there is nothing you can do to improve the situation.

Advice for Caregivers

Everyone needs quality sleep to stay healthy, alert, and functional during the day. Caregivers are especially vulnerable to the effects of dementia and sleep deprivation. Caring for an Alzheimer’s patient with sleep deprivation extends your day. It also depletes your energy and your ability to provide top quality care.

One of the first things to do to improve your loved one’s sleep is to treat any secondary conditions adding to the problem. Even though the dementia is the major cause of the problem, there are some things you can do to help.

• Keep the Home Well Lit – Once the sun sets and the light begins to fade, make sure there’s plenty of light in the home. This reduces the shadows and keeps the home from feeling unfamiliar to the person.
• Invest in An Alarm – A bed alarm alerts the caregiver when the patient tries to get out of bed. This allows you to have peace of mind while you get rest without worrying that the patient will get hurt or leave the home.
• Get Into a Routine – Get them up and into bed at the same time every day. Discourage them from watching TV when they wake at night to avoid stimulation. Getting into a routine will help them go to sleep at night without waking soon after.
• Encourage More Activities Throughout the Day – The last thing you want them to do is to get their rest during the day. Instead, find activities that keep them moving during the day so they’ll be ready to sleep once bedtime rolls around. Physical and mental exercise is good for them. Just make sure you slack off at least four hours before bedtime.
• Feed Them a Healthy Diet – Eating healthy is one of the best things anyone can do for their physical and mental health. Make sure they get the nutrition they need without stimulants like caffeine and nicotine.
• Talk to a Doctor or Nutritionist – If you aren’t sure which types of foods are best for dementia patients, a nutritionist can help you plan a healthy menu. If your attempts at improving their sleep patterns don’t work, the doctor can make additional suggestions. They understand how dementia and sleep disturbances can impact the person’s life. Most will recommend other changes before prescribing any medications.
• Consider Putting Them Into an Assisted Living Facility – Being a primary caregiver for a dementia patient is very demanding. Once it gets to the point where you aren’t getting the rest you need, it impacts your well-being and theirs. An assisted living facility gives your loved one the advantage of a full staff to provide their care. One that specializes in dementia care also helps give them the physical and emotional support they need at every stage of the disease.

Contact Lakeside Manor to schedule a tour of our assisted living facility today. Meet our team and learn more about the quality of dementia care we can provide to your loved one on a daily basis.

The post Dementia and Sleep: A Sleep Aid for the Elderly appeared first on Lakeside Manor.

Defining Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is one common type of Dementia, and it is an illness that affects memory, behavior, and the thinking process. Alzheimer’s is a slower onset type of disease, and this means that the common symptoms can slowly develop and get worse as time goes on. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but the various Alzheimer’s treatment options can help to slow the progression of the symptoms.

A lot of people don’t notice the early-onset symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease because they can dismiss them as being hazards of aging. Also, the early-onset symptoms can last between one to three years, so this can make it harder to get a definitive diagnosis.

The symptoms do start to get worse over the years, and it will eventually lead to the person not being able to perform everyday tasks, and it can also include severe behavioral changes. In the late stages, the person can lose the ability to converse or respond to their environment. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but you can manage the symptoms.

Common Alzheimer’s Behavioral Symptoms

For everyone involved, the behavioral changes seem to be the hardest and most distressing aspect of dealing with this disease. As the disease causes the person’s brain cells to deteriorate, marked and sometimes more violent behavioral changes are common occurrences.

In the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, the symptoms may slowly present themselves as smaller personality changes. The person may seem more depressed, anxious, or irritable, and these symptoms progressively get worse as the disease gets to the later stages.

When a person gets to the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease, they can have more pronounced behavioral symptoms including aggression, anger, agitation, emotional distress, verbal outbursts, restlessness, physical outbursts, hallucinations, delusions, and sleep disturbances.

You may notice the person doing things out of the ordinary like pacing around, shredding paper, or shredding tissues. These symptoms may also seem to get worse during the nighttime hours and get marginally better during the day. There are also situations that can trigger these behavioral problems.

Triggering Behavioral Symptoms

Along with the symptoms getting worse during the evening and night hours or Sundowning, triggering situations can make them worse. In particular, change is very stressful for a person with Alzheimer’s disease. It can increase the fatigue and fear that the person feels when they’re trying to navigate an already confusing situation.

Change doesn’t have to be a large thing to trigger behavioral symptoms either. It can be something small like asking them to change their clothes or take a bath. Other triggering situations can include being admitted to a hospital, caregiver changes, moving to a nursing home or assisted living facility, or misconceiving actions as threatening. Once you’ve identified what triggered the change, you can figure out which way is the best way to approach it.

Different Ways to Manage Alzheimer’s Behavioral Symptoms

You have a few different options when it comes to finding the best way to help manage the Alzheimer’s behavioral symptoms. It’s important to note that everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work successfully for another.

1. Medications

Medications have come a long way in recent years, and there are several medications that are specifically designed to help manage Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. They won’t cure them, but they can help to slow the symptom progression. They may also help make the person seem more aware and able to navigate day-to-day routines by themselves.

The medications are called Cholinesterase Inhibitors, and there are five main medications medical professionals use to manage the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. One of the most common medications is Aricept, and it can treat symptoms with all three stages of Alzheimer’s. Razadyne and Exelon are two medications that help with mild to moderate symptoms. Finally, Namenda and Namzaric can help manage the more severe symptoms.

2. Non-Medication Approaches

Non-medication approaches are typically one of the first things people use to help manage behavioral symptoms before medications. They help to promote emotional and physical comfort for the person. The main goal of a non-medication approach is to help identify and meet the person’s needs because they might have difficulty expressing it in a clear manner.

The first step is recognizing that the person isn’t being mean or agitated just to be mean or agitated. Instead, they’re having further Alzheimer’s symptoms, or they’re getting worse. It’s good to also try and identify what’s causing the symptoms. Another approach is to change the person’s environment and remove any obstacles or challenges that might be upsetting.

Coping Tips

There are several smaller things you can to do help both yourself and the person with Alzheimer’s cope with the disease’s progression.

• Create a Calm Environment – If it’s possible, you want to create a calm environment that promotes relaxation. Avoid things like noise, tight spaces, a lot of background distractions, and glare.

• Continually Monitor Personal Comfort – Make sure that you check and see if the person is hungry, thirsty, in pain, constipation, bladder issues, or skin irritation. Also, make sure that the room temperature is comfortable.

• Avoid Confrontation – Don’t argue about facts or be confrontational, and be careful how you word things. For example, if the person tells you they want to visit a family member that passed away years ago, don’t tell them that they’re gone. Say something like “I would like to see them too.”

• Have a Support System – It’s a good idea to have a support system in place. If it’s not other family members or friends, try an Alzheimer’s support group or forum. They’ll be able to relate to what you’re going through and offer advice or support.

If you have any questions or concerns about Alzheimer’s treatment, or if you’d like to schedule a tour of our facilities for your loved one, contact us. Our friendly and professional staff are ready and will to set up a tour or answer any of your questions.

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Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that is progressive and irreversible. It slowly starts to destroy a person’s cognitive skills and their memory. Eventually, it progresses far enough that people who have it can’t carry out simple everyday tasks. Medical experts generally split this disease into two different categories including:

1. Late-Onset Alzheimer’s – With this type of Alzheimer’s, people generally start showing common symptoms in their mid-60s. This is the most common type of Alzheimer’s disease.
2. Early-Onset Alzheimer’s – This type of Alzheimer’s disease is very rare, and people can start showing symptoms starting in their 30s and going up to their 60s.

Common Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

No matter which type of Alzheimer’s a person has, there are several common symptoms that go with both types, and they go into three stages.

Early Onset Alzheimer’s is the first stage, and it typically lasts anywhere from 2 to 4 years before it progresses. The symptoms include:

• Less energy to be out and about
• Trouble putting thoughts into words
• Recent memory loss
• Mood swings that usually involve depression
• Trouble completing familiar tasks

Moderate Alzheimer’s is the second stage of the disease, and it can last between 2 and 10 years.  The symptoms start interfering more with everyday tasks, and they include:

• Rambling speech patterns
• Difficulty planning or problem-solving
• Wandering
• Delusions
• Seeming to be angrier and lashing out

Severe Alzheimer’s is the final stage of the disease, and it can last between 1 to 3 years. The symptoms can make someone completely dependent on other people for everyday care, and they include:

• Major confusion about the present day
• Extreme mood swings, including lashing out
• Problems controlling their bladder and bowels
• Hallucinations
• Inability to easily move around on their own

Cholinesterase Inhibitors

Medications have advanced over the years, and there is now a class of different drugs that can help control the common symptoms that come with each stage of Alzheimer’s disease. These medications are commonly grouped together as Cholinesterase Inhibitors.

Cholinesterase Inhibitors work to prevent a chemical messenger in the brain called acetylcholine from breaking down. Acetylcholine is important for helping improve memory function, and it supports communication between nerve cells. They can also help to delay the symptom progression or severity. There are five main medications people use to treat the symptoms that occur during the various stages of this disease.

Five Alzheimer’s Medications

Aricept (donepezil)

Aricept is a medication that can treat Alzheimer’s disease symptoms during all of the stages of the disease. Its basic function is to help preserve memory by improving how well the brain’s nerve cells function. This medication prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine, and this chemical is largely responsible for memory, reasoning, and coherent thinking.

It’s important to note that people with Dementia or Alzheimer’s usually have lower levels of the chemical acetylcholine in their system, so this medication can help to slow down the progression of the disease. Side effects of this medication are rare, but they typically include things like vomiting, nausea, and feeling lightheaded.

Razadyne (galantamine)

Razadyne is another common Alzheimer’s medication, and it can treat mild to moderate Alzheimer’s symptoms. It works by slowly restoring the balance of neurotransmitters in a person’s brain. It can help to treat mild or moderate confusion levels, as well as improve awareness, memory, and the ability to perform day to day tasks.

Typically, you start at a lower dose with this medication and slowly increase it until you meet your target dosage. You should start to notice an improvement in the person’s awareness, and they may seem more present and focused. This medication does come with some mild side effects including nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, and diarrhea.

Exelon (rivastigmine)

Exelon is a Cholinesterase inhibitor that can help to control the symptoms that come with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. It works similar to Razadyne, and it also helps to restore the neurotransmitter balance in the brain. In turn, this can help to treat the confusion that Alzheimer’s brings, as well as improving memory, awareness, and the ability to perform daily tasks.

The doctor usually starts on a lower dose to decrease the chances of side effects, and they’ll gradually increase the dosage over a period of two to four weeks until you get to the target dosage. The common side effects that can appear when the doctor introduces this medication include nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

Namenda (memantine)

A doctor will typically prescribe Namenda when a person reaches the moderate to severe stages of Alzheimer’s disease. The basic function of this medication is to block glutamate, which is a natural substance found in the brain. Glutamate is thought to be responsible for causing more severe confusion, coordination problems, mood swings, and insomnia.

You start taking it once a day, and the dosage slowly increases as your body will tolerate it. As it starts to work, you may notice that the memory capabilities start to improve, there is a greater awareness of the surrounding environment, and it’s easier to perform daily tasks. Common side effects include constipation, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

Namzaric (memantine + donepezil)

Namzaric is the fifth medication that can help alleviate common Alzheimer’s symptoms. Doctors can prescribe it for moderate to severe symptoms, and it helps to regulate any irregular activity associated with the natural chemical Glutamate. It also helps to slow down the breakdown process of acetylcholine. There are two medications that work in tandem in Namzaric.

It’s important to note that this medication doesn’t stop Alzheimer’s disease from progressing. However, it can help people be more aware of their surroundings, and it can help them perform day to day tasks more easily. Common side effects of Namzaric include nausea, headache, constipation, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, and loss of appetite.

Alzheimer’s disease can be a scary diagnosis, but Alzheimer’s medications can help to reduce the symptoms. If you have any questions or concerns, or if you’d like more information, contact us. Our staff are ready and willing to help and get you the answers you need.

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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
• Frontotemporal Dementia
• Dementia with Lewy Bodies

In the sections that follow, we’ll look at the distinctions between the various types of dementia and how each affects the brain. The key differences are often in the earliest symptoms. As the damage spreads later on, the lines blur between the different dementia types.

Alzheimer’s Disease

With Alzheimer’s disease, it is typically the hippocampus that experiences damage first. This area of the brain is responsible for forming new memories. Oftentimes, those suffering from Alzheimer’s have difficulty remembering recent details, like what they ate for breakfast that morning or a conversation with a friend the previous day.

The hippocampus doesn’t play as much of a role in long-term memories so Alzheimer’s sufferers often have vivid recollections of their younger years, even when they can’t remember something that happened an hour ago. One point of interest, though, is that emotional memories are processed through the amygdala, which Alzheimer’s doesn’t affect until the disease has progressed. It is not uncommon for a person with Alzheimer’s to feel an emotional connection to a person or place, even if they can’t remember why.

As the disease progresses, it becomes more difficult for Alzheimer’s sufferers to learn new things, though they typically retain skills learned earlier on, like playing musical instruments. As symptoms become more severe, common tasks that require multiple steps, like cooking and managing finances, present greater challenges.

Atypical Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t always follow a predictable path of progression, leading to a diagnosis of “atypical.” In this rarer form of the disease, the damage doesn’t start in the hippocampus, so the patient may not have any memory issues.

Instead, the early damage may affect the occipital and parietal lobes of the brain. These areas specialize in collecting and interpreting visual data. When this ability is compromised, atypical Alzheimer’s patients may have difficulty with a variety of common activities. Reading is often challenging, even with healthy eyes, and tasks that require spatial awareness, like driving or walking on stairs, can be incredibly difficult.

Coordination is often affected as well. This can make it harder for the person to care for themselves. Tasks like dressing, cooking and completing household chores may no longer be feasible without a bit of help from a caregiver.

Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia affects the blood flow to the brain. When the brain doesn’t get enough blood, it is unable to extract enough oxygen to function at its optimal level. Over time, this leads to brain damage, but it is difficult to predict the specific areas that will be affected.

Vascular dementia is often the result of a major stroke or of multiple smaller strokes over time. When a stroke occurs, the blood supply to a particular area of the brain is suddenly cut off, causing the tissue to die. The damage is typically evident long after the person has recovered from the stroke.

Vascular dementia sufferers can have difficulties in a wide range of areas of their lives, depending on where the damage is located. Issues with memory, concentration, planning, speech, vision and small motor skills are common.

Frontotemporal Dementia

Frontotemporal dementia involves shrinkage of the frontal lobe, temporal lobe or both. The frontal lobe is responsible for mood and behavior. Damage in this area can cause the patient to become withdrawn or depressed, and they may also have issues with motivation and self-control. It is common for people with frontal lobe damage to repeat themselves when speaking or to repeat similar behaviors.

If the damage starts in the temporal lobes, the symptoms will depend on which side of the brain the damage occurred. The left side of the brain handles speech and language, so the person may have difficulty finding the right words to express their thoughts or may forget the meaning of common words. Right-side damage affects recognition, often of people or familiar objects.

Dementia with Lewy Bodies

Rather than finding damage or shrinkage of the brain, in dementia with Lewy bodies, you’ll see protein deposits throughout the brain. They are typically found in the cerebral cortex, limbic system and brain stem. Vision and attention problems are common in the early stages of this form of dementia and difficulties with movement are also fairly prevalent.

Caring for a Loved One with Dementia

It can be quite challenging to care for a loved one with dementia as the specific symptoms are often difficult to predict. You may notice significant changes from one day to another, with good days interspersed between the difficult ones. It is admirable to want to care for your loved one yourself, but as the disease progresses, your loved one may require professional care to ensure their safety and well-being.

Here at Lakeside Manor, we provide memory care and assisted living services for seniors. Our caregivers are highly trained in working with dementia patients and can give your loved one the care they need. We are always compassionate and caring with our residents and their families. We welcome you to schedule an appointment to visit our facility for a tour. We’ll be happy to answer all of your questions to help you decide if Lakeside Manor is right for your loved one with dementia. Call us today to book your tour.

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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 taken against them.

A living will is a document that you create while you still have the mental and physical capacity to do so. Although no one likes to think about the possibility of becoming incapacitated, this is always a possibility, so it is best to get your advance care directives in place as early as possible. You can always amend your requests at a later date if your preferences change.

Typically, this type of document will specify your wishes with regards to life support, pain relief, resuscitation, medications, hospice care and other healthcare concerns. For example, if you suffer a stroke and lose the ability to breathe on your own, you may not wish to be kept alive with artificial life support when there is no chance of a recovery. On the other hand, if you slip into a coma but there is a chance that you could recover, you may wish to be kept alive on life support indefinitely or for a specified length of time.

It is important to note that advance care directives only cover issues relating to your medical care; finances and the distribution of your estate are not included. For these concerns, you’ll need to make use of other end of life resources.

Power of Attorney

A designated power of attorney is related to, but not the same as, advance care directives. Instead of creating a document that specifies your wishes, you appoint a family member or close friend to manage your affairs if you become unable to do so yourself. Often, this person is a spouse or adult child.

When you create advance care directives, you are often planning for hypothetical situations. Because you can never truly know what to expect, you may not be able to cover every possibility. This is where a power of attorney can come in handy, as it allows the person you appoint to make decisions for you in real time. As your health condition changes, your needs may change as well, so you want to know that someone is looking out for your best interests, even if you did not specify a course of action for a particular scenario.

When you grant someone power of attorney, you are trusting that they will act according to your wishes. Because of this, it is important to communicate your requests clearly to this person so that they know what you expect of them. As unfortunate as it is, there are those people who seek to take advantage of the elderly by abusing this power, so it is recommended that you still create advance care directives in order to protect yourself and your wishes.

One key factor that distinguishes power of attorney from living wills is that this designation also includes financial and legal matters. This enables your appointee to manage your investments, arrange to cover funeral expenses and handle estate planning, if need be.

Last Will and Testament

Your last will and testament is a document that you create while you are still living, specifying the division of your estate after your death. This is where you’ll catalog your finances, property and other assets so that you can allocate your money and belongings to your surviving loved ones. Like an advance care directive, this document is considered to be legally binding.

What sets this document apart, though, is that it only goes into effect after you have passed on. Of course, you are free to make changes to your will at any time up until your death, assuming that you still have the mental faculties to do so.

Trusts

Many people choose to incorporate a trust into their wills. This is a popular option for those who have beneficiaries who are not good at managing their money or who have not yet reached the age of 18, like grandchildren. Within the trust, you can specify that a beneficiary only be able to receive a certain amount of money during a specified period in order to prevent them from spending the cash all at once.

In the case of minors, you can specify that they will have access to the funds when they reach a certain age or pass a specified milestone in life, like graduating from college or getting married. You can also designate what you would like the money to be used for, like paying tuition costs or purchasing a home.

Enjoy Your Golden Years

Of course, it is advisable to be prepared legally and financially for the end of your life, but what about the years you still have left? Here at Lakeside Manor, we provide assisted living, hospice care and respite care services for seniors in and around San Diego. We also have the facilities to care for those who suffer from dementia, Alzheimer’s and other conditions affecting memory.

We welcome you to come by our property for a tour of our residences and medical facilities. Our associates will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the care we offer so that you can make an informed decision about the best care facility for you or a loved one. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment for a tour.

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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 pass the age of 65, your risk of dementia doubles roughly every five years. While there is nothing you can do to stop the ageing process, you can focus on ageing well to help stave off physical and cognitive decline. 

Family History and Genetics 

Scientists have discovered numerous genes that play a role in whether or not a person will ultimately develop dementia or Alzheimer’s. Some of these genes are considered risk genes, meaning they increase the likelihood of developing the condition while not directly causing it. There are also a few deterministic genes that guarantee a person will develop dementia at some point in their lives. If you have others in your family with the disease, your risk is greatly increased as well, multiplying for each additional family member with the condition. 

Frequent Head Injuries 

Researchers have found a strong link between head injuries and cognitive decline. The risk is increased even more when head injuries occur frequently and when the person loses consciousness. The best way to minimize your risk in this area is to employ basic safety practices, like always wearing a helmet when riding a bike and a seat belt when driving. If you have experienced head trauma in the past, all hope is not lost. Do your best to prevent it from happening again in the future, though. 

Cardiovascular Conditions 

There are a variety of cardiovascular conditions that can increase your risk of developing dementia later on in life. Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity all boost your risk. To help combat this risk, do your part to stay healthy by reducing the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet, and practice physical fitness on a regular basis. Your doctor can advise you on the best diet and exercise choices to meet your needs and help prevent these common conditions. 

Sedentary Lifestyle 

In addition to increasing your risk of developing the cardiovascular conditions listed in the previous section, leading a sedentary lifestyle also increases your risk of dementia. While the specific reasons behind this are not entirely clear, researchers believe that it is due to the changes physical exercise creates in your brain. A lack of physical activity reduces blood flow to your brain, which can lead to damage over time. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day, even if it is just a leisurely stroll. 

Smoking 

Smoking has major effects on your entire body, not just your lungs. Smoking also affects your heart, brain and entire vascular system. Not only that, but it also increases your risk of developing cardiovascular conditions. The combination of all of these effects significantly increases your risk of dementia. It is never too late to quit smoking. When you quit, the positive effects on your body begin almost immediately and continue to increase over time, so get the help you need to quit right away. 

Lack of Cognitive Stimulation 

Your brain needs ongoing stimulation to stay sharp. If your lifestyle doesn’t provide much in the way of mental stimulation, you’ll need to go out of your way to get it for yourself. This is common among retirees who no longer have their jobs to keep their minds active. Activities like crossword puzzles and other word games can help stave off cognitive decline. Try to remain socially active as well; interacting with others helps to keep your mind active. Playing games, either in person or online, can help too. Basically, anything you can do to keep your brain as active as possible will help. 

Alcohol Abuse 

Consuming too much alcohol on a regular basis can have far-reaching effects, not just on your body, but on your brain as well. Frequent drinking can lead to short-term and long-term memory loss, as well as difficulty forming new memories. Excessive alcohol consumption over a period of many years can also increase a person’s risk of Korsakoff syndrome, an extreme form of dementia. In the past, some scientists believed that occasional drinking could help to prevent cognitive decline, but that notion has fallen by the wayside in recent years. 

Depression 

People who have experienced bouts of depression in the middle of their lives have increased risk of developing dementia. Scientists are unsure of what exactly causes this connection, but it may carry over into a person’s latter years as well. There is a possibility that depression is a byproduct of dementia in the later stages of life rather than a risk factor, but it is undeniable that the two often go hand in hand. More research will be needed to determine the specific reasons for the connection between depression and dementia. 

Caring for Yourself or Your Loved One 

If you or someone you love have one or more of the risk factors outlined here, it is never too late to make changes to your lifestyle to help prevent the onset of dementia. However, there may come a time when your loved one needs full time care. Here at Lakeside Manor, we offer best in class Alzheimer’s Care in a cozy residential facility.  Reach out to us today to learn more about what we have to offer and how we can help care your loved one.

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