Caring for Someone With Dementia

Caring for a loved one with dementia may seem daunting for many families. When you have no clue what dementia care is, you will feel nervous, anxious, stressed out, and afraid, but don't fret because it is normal to feel this way. Even professional caregivers can find it taxing to attend to their dementia patients. After all, people diagnosed with dementia, whether it's Alzheimer's or other related issues, have a progressive biological brain condition. That's a tough reality for anyone to accept. Hence, you must prepare yourself for the challenges that lie ahead. Whether you're a family member or a professional caregiver, you must keep in mind that an elderly with dementia needs patience. It is difficult for someone with dementia to think, remember, and communicate with others. They may even forget to care for themselves.…

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Improving Quality of Life for Dementia Patients

Dementia progresses through 7 stages of decline over a period of several years. During the first 6 stages, dementia patients are still capable of leading productive, satisfying lives. Some people think that once a person is diagnosed, they are no longer capable of doing any of the normal activities they once did. In reality, people in the earlier stages of dementia can do a lot of the things they’ve always done. They want to feel like they make a difference and contribute to their family’s and friends’ lives. As the disease progresses, they will need supervision and assistance to ensure their safety. But that doesn’t mean they can’t continue to be functional and happy for most of the time they have left. The type of care dementia patients receive, as well as their living environment, greatly…

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A Warning to Dementia Caregivers

“No one else can provide the same quality of care to my loved one that I can give them myself.” Many dementia caregivers genuinely feel that they are the only ones who can care for their loved one. There are almost 15 million people in this country providing unpaid care to a person with dementia. The majority of them will have difficulty coping with the changes that occur as the disease progresses. Caring for a person with a physical disability is challenging enough. Few people are prepared for the challenges they will face when their loved one begins to lose their identity. During the first stages of dementia, the symptoms may be limited to forgetfulness and an inability to concentrate. They may not be able to complete tasks as efficiently as they used to. Caring for…

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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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