When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, learning how to communicate the right way can be challenging for family, friends and caregivers. While some challenges are of course going to occur during an adjustment period, some problems are created because of misconceptions. When communicating effectively, seniors with Alzheimer’s should never feel demeaned, and they should be able to maintain some semblance of independence even if their communication skills are changing. If someone you know has just received an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis, follow these tips from the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.
1. Have patience – a senior with Alzheimer’s may have trouble getting their thoughts out, but caregivers and family members need to be patient and allow the senior to communicate independently without trying to finish their sentences
2. Declining communication skills does not mean they’re not mentally capable – unfortunately as seniors with Alzheimer’s begin to lose their communication skills, some people assume that means they aren’t able to understand or process information properly and they speak to them like children. While it’s important to speak clearly, seniors with Alzheimer’s can be spoken to normally and in a respectful way just like anyone else
3. Ask one question at a time – if having a conversation casually, or asking about elements of care, only pose one question at a time. Don’t ask for too much information at once; allow the senior with Alzheimer’s to process what’s being asked, and after they’ve had that opportunity, ask again.
There are greater risks in abusing alcohol and drugs in older adulthood, and older Canadians are not exempt. In order to get a sample of just how prevalent the use of alcohol and prescription drugs is amongst Canadian seniors, a survey was completed in New Brunswick, with 1000 seniors participating. There were a number of trends in the findings that have been consistent across the country. The survey involved older adults aged 55+
• 50% of seniors drink – over 50% of seniors claim to have had a drink within the last 12 months, though approximately 25% claim that they have never consumed alcohol and another 25% have not had a drink in the last year
• Drinking declines with age – more seniors reported drinking within the past year between the ages of 55 and 64, while the numbers declined in those up to a decade older. The numbers decline even further in those 75 and older
• More men drink than women – a greater number of men reported drinking alcohol, despite the fact that more women participated in the survey.
• Married people are more likely to drink – surprisingly, more people living with a spouse drink than those who are living alone following divorce or death
• Little daily drinking – only about 5% of seniors admitted to drinking daily. Less than 2% claimed to drink 5 or more drinks in a sitting daily or weekly
Mississauga Home Care helps seniors stay safe, active and healthy in their own homes.
Many seniors choose to move into a hospice program towards the end of their life because it’s focused upon delivering medical care that focuses upon comfort rather than treatment. Seniors make this decision to try and reduce their suffering, and to allow them to end their lives with a greater sense of peace. Because hospice programs provide some level of care, few seniors or their families think to use caregiving services to supplement; not even those who have worked with professional caregivers earlier on.
When seniors are in a hospice program, they’re focused upon living out the rest of their days in comfort. It’s important for them to continue to have familiar faces for the sake of their emotional well-being. Those who have a caregiver before entering a hospice program therefore benefit greatly by continuing to use their services. The role of a caregiver may change depending upon the type of services provided by the hospice; but they can be there to provide for any need and even simply provide companionship. This is something that’s lacking in a hospice program since all care providers there are responsible for caring for multiple seniors.
Supplemental care can be beneficial to seniors whatever their situation, and for those in a hospice, a professional caregiver can provide that added level of comfort.
Families often have the misconception that home care services are only for those seniors who require nursing care because they’re sick, recovering from an injury, or suffering with diseases like Alzheimer’s that affect their cognitive processes. In Canada, there are home care agencies that specialize strictly in non-medical care. While they can provide services to people who suffer from more serious issues and require a greater level of non-medical assistance; this is not their exclusive clientele.
Home Instead Senior Care in Canada can offer Canadian seniors the help that they need to fill in the gaps. Seniors who are feeling isolated or lonely may benefit from companionship. Those that don’t drive may require an escort out on errands. Seniors who find that some household tasks are just becoming too much can also have a little bit of help from home care agencies. Families may feel like these are areas that they can help with; but with their own families and careers, it can be a lot to balance when it becomes part of a regular routine and turns into an obligation. It’s great to help loved ones; but no one has to do it alone or feel guilty about needing the help. Canadian seniors and families can benefit with home care help regardless of their background, condition or age!
No one said caregiving is an easy job, especially not when the care is provided to a family member. Most caregivers would never change what they do for the world, but that doesn’t make the process any easier as they feel like they have the weight of the world on their shoulders. Caregivers can feel isolated, stressed, and generally, run the full gamut of emotions. To be better caregivers, they need to take care of themselves and that can mean access to resources and support. Across Canada there are a number of programs that provide this help to family caregivers in need.
• Alberta Caregivers Association – Freedom and Friendship
• Canadian Association for Community Living – Building
• Effective Strategies for Family Caregivers
• Foundation for Vital Aging, and CSSS Cavendish
• Care-Ring Voice
• Lighthouse, Families and Children – Home Respite
• Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada – Caregiver Wellness
• Funding Pilot Project
• Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada – Inuit Family
• Caregivers Strategy
• Schizophrenia Society of Canada – National Respite
• Strategies for Caregivers of Individuals with Psychiatric
• Disorders
• Seniors Resource Centre of Newfoundland and Labrador – Caregivers Out of Isolation
Being a caregiver for a senior can be a stressful and exhausting experience. While the caregiver spends most of their time focusing on the senior, they must also make time to care for themselves. This is the best way to survive the caregiving experience and make sure it is a positive experience for everyone involved. Below are some tips that can help caregivers ensure they are taking the right steps to provide the best care for the senior as well as for themselves. There are many support systems in place in Canada that can help caregivers.
1. Make good use of respite time. This is similar to vacation time at a regular job. Respite time should be used for the caregiver to take care of themselves. It is a time for relaxation and regrouping, allowing the caregiver to have some time away from the daily pressure of caring for a senior.
2. Make use of available support systems. More that 75% of caregivers have a difficult time adjusting to and performing their role of a caregiver. In Canada, the Care-Ring Voice project can help caregivers connect with others who are experiencing the same difficulties.
3. The Care Renewal program offers some great services to caregivers. If you are a caregiver looking for respite, support or social connections to other caregivers, this is a great place to start. The program focuses on the well-being of the caregiver so that they will be able to best provide for a senior loved one.
Mississauga seniors and their families were told last night that it’s important for people to stay active as they age.
Doing so can help fight off frailty and medical complications arising from inactivity, the group at Regency Retirement Residence in Port Credit was told at the kick-off of a public awareness program designed to keep seniors fit.
Greg Bechard, a seniors’ care expert with Home Instead Senior Care, a provider of non-medical home care for Mississauga seniors, delivered the presentation. He said a lack of activity can lead to a downward spiral of poor health resulting in frailty, which threatens the mind, body and social life of older adults.
“We see many seniors who are trapped in their homes because they are too weak to perform the activities they must do to remain safe and independent,” said Bechard. “That’s why staying active is a prerequisite for healthy aging, but addressing these issues can be a challenge for many families.”
A survey of Canadians age 65+ conducted by Home Instead Senior Care found that the two top challenges the elderly face are maintaining their independence and staying physically active. Other challenges of managing finances, eating healthy and keeping socially engaged, while important, were further down the list.
Bechard also provided his audience with a list of activities to help with the mind, body and soul.
Mississauga Senior Care helps aging adults stay safe, active and healthy in their own homes.
Family caregivers don’t have an easy job. Family caregivers are often women, and they sacrifice to care for others. Caregiving can be stressful and it’s often isolating because caregivers feel like they don’t have anyone to relate to. Changes are needed in our society, and it’s necessary that other Canadians reach out to help family caregivers.
1. Support services – according to studies, approximately 75% of family caregivers have problems coping as caregivers due to the gross responsibilities and overall stress. Because caregivers often feel isolated and alone in their experiences they’re not sure who to turn to for support
2. Respite care – caregivers may be focused on providing helping others, but they need to take care of themselves as well. Respite care can be provided by anyone provided caregivers are willing to accept help. However, affordable professional respite care is also necessary
3. Empowerment – one of the biggest hurdles that family caregivers face is accepting the fact that they require care of their own. Most caregivers are women who are used to taking care of everyone else through the jobs and in their families. These women should feel empowered and recognize that they’ve earned a break now and again
Mississauga Senior Care helps aging adults stay safe, active and healthy in their own homes.
If you’re a family caregiver, do you know others who are? Do you feel alone in your experiences and wish that you had more support? If so, you’re not alone; because statistics show that there are plenty of others out there like you.
1. Family caregivers in Canada number into the millions – the last census was completed in 1997 and numbers showed that approximately 3 million family caregivers were caring for a loved one. It’s been estimated that today there are about 4-5 million
2. One growing demographic – most family caregivers in Canada are women aged 45-64. Most of these women are also balancing careers, families and other responsibilities
3. Costs to families for caregiving are extensive – caregiving duties cause family members to take on additional costs, and its estimated to total approximately $8 million annually
4. Caregiving causes stress – since approximately 65% of female caregivers who work feel the weight of stress, support and assistance is necessary for their efforts!
Mississauga Elder Care helps aging adults stay safe, active and healthy in their own homes.
Seniors need to make sure they have a well balanced diet. At least five servings of fruits and vegetables should be consumed each day. This may sound like a lot, but it is very easy to add an extra serving during a meal. Below are some tips that can help seniors make sure they are getting their daily servings. Fruits and vegetables are essential to senior health.
1. At breakfast time, use fruits to top cereals and yogurt. Drinking fresh orange juice is a great way to get an additional serving of fruits and vegetables.
2. Adding a piece of fruit to a lunch can help increase energy in the middle of the day while adding a fruit serving. Seniors can use celery sticks in lieu of a piece of fruit. When making sandwiches, add tomato, cucumber and pepper.
3. Salads can make for a nutritious dinner. Try to add new vegetables to a weekly menu. Having different kinds of vegetables in a diet is beneficial since not every vegetable contains the same nutrients.
4. When making any meal, use fresh fruit or vegetables as a garnish. This will dress up the dish but will also add an extra serving of fruits and vegetables.
5. Many seniors snack during the day. Try to refrain from sweets and fatty foods. Choose a piece of fresh fruit. When drinking, try to opt for a fruit or vegetable juice instead of a soft drink.
