San Diego

Finding a home for your loved one

Feel free to print this out and use it.  Dan TO DO’S Identify homes that are geographically located close where you want the resident to live. Call each home and ask if there is availability. The ones that have openings, take a copy of this list and ‘show up’ for a visit. When you arrive, ask to walk around immediately. Look in each room, bedroom, bathroom and around the facility. Look at the residents. Talk to the residents. Ask if they like it there. Then sit down with this list, (one page of questions for each facility). Ask the questions and write down the answers as you get them.   QUESTIONS TO ASK How long has this facility been open? Are you licensed? May I see a copy of the license? How many beds are there?…

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Memory Care – What’s it all about?

Memory Care refers to addressing the loss of memory and confusion of residents (at Lakeside Manor they are residents - not patients)  by the caregivers who are trained specifically in this type of care.  The loss of memory is frustrating and can contribute to anxiety, mistrust, fear and anger. The trained caregiver is fully aware of what is happening: - repetitive questions of the same wording; - confusion about time and place orientation - "where am I?" - requests for something has just happened - to do it again - and again; - wanting to talk to folks from their past who are no longer around; and, - with little comprehension that they have a loss of memory. The best ways to address this are: - stop what you're doing and listen to the resident; -…

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Alzehimer’s Myth

Myth 1: Memory loss is a natural part of aging. Reality: As people age, it's normal to have occasional memory problems, such as forgetting the name of a person you've recently met. However, Alzheimer's is more than occasional memory loss. It's a disease that causes brain cells to malfunction and ultimately die. When this happens, an individual may forget the name of a longtime friend or what roads to take to return to a home they've lived in for decades.

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Severe Alzheimer’s

In late-stage Alzheimer's, you may no longer be aware of where you are or remember your life history. Your physical abilities are also affected, and you may not be able to carry out simple tasks. You may: *Be unable to speak more than a half dozen words *Need help walking and later be unable to sit up, smile, or hold up your head *Have trouble controlling your bowels or bladder *Wander and get lost *Know familiar faces but have trouble remembering their names *Have more personality changes *Have habits like wringing your hands or shredding tissues

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Moderate Alzheimer’s

This is the longest stage of Alzheimer's. It can last many years -- it’s different from person to person. As your Alzheimer's evolves, your memory will get worse. You'll have more trouble with language and thinking clearly. You may: *Not always know family and friends *Lose track of the day of the week or where you are *Forget details in your life, like your address, phone number, or where you went to high school or college *Have trouble putting clothes on in the right order or picking the right clothes *Jumble words *Have poor judgment about your health, finances, or safety *See or hear things that aren't there *Suspect people of lying, cheating, or stealing from you *Be depressed or anxious *Become angry or violent

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Mild Alzheimer’s

The most common early symptom is trouble recalling something you just learned. In this early stage, you may also notice it's a little harder to remember other things, make decisions, and find your way around new places. Other people may not notice your symptoms at first. You may find that you: *Forget where you put everyday things *Get lost *Have trouble with complex tasks, like paying bills or planning a party *Have trouble coming up with the right words sometimes *Feel less social or moody

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Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over a number of years. In its early stages, memory loss is mild, but with late-stage Alzheimer's, individuals lose the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to their environment. Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Those with Alzheimer's live an average of eight years after their symptoms become noticeable to others, but survival can range from four to 20 years, depending on age and other health conditions.

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Reminiscing

Today we spent an hour after lunch reminiscing on our past. We learned quite a few interesting facts about one another.     * Harriette and Roland have been married for 68 years, and have no children together. * Claire was once a nurse, on her free time she enjoyed exercising and spending quality time with her family. *Ann was a kindergarten teacher who loves to dance and sing. She has one son, Curt who means the world to her. *Allen retired from the U.S Navy, one of his favorite things to do was travel the world and spend time with his wife.           Reminiscing is a great way for all seniors, especially those affected by Alzheimer’s disease, to recall memories from their distant past. You can reminisce in an informal way through storytelling, questions and…

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