Treat caregivers with these special coupons
Caregiving is often a 24/7 job. Cooking, cleaning, running errands, making appointments, providing love and companionship—caregivers do all of this and so much more.
Recognize the challenges and sacrifices of the caregiver in your life by presenting a book of coupons, which entitle the recipient to things like a full day off for “me time” and a home cooked meal, among other little luxuries.
http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php
NIH, NFL team up to explore long-term effects of head injuries
The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Football League (NFL) are teaming up on research into the long-term effects of head injuries and improving concussion diagnosis. The projects will focus on a number of aspects of traumatic brain injury, including how chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) may relate to neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.
http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php
How can you make a difference today – Alzheimer’s Association
As 2013 draws to a close, we’re excited to share a new challenge with you! Longtime supporter Abbe Sue Rubin will donate $10,000 to the Alzheimer’s Association if we can raise that same amount online by December 31, 2013.
I can’t think of a better time to make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Like so many of us, she knows firsthand the terrible toll Alzheimer’s can take on individuals and families. Her generous gift will support public policy initiatives.
When you make your gift today to this special challenge match, your donation can have twice the impact and support our mission to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
There are less than two weeks left in 2013 to make a tax-deductible contribution – and your donation can have twice the impact thanks to Abbe’s gift. Don’t let the year end without taking a stand against Alzheimer’s. Please give as generously as you can.
http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php
My father has just been diagnosed, but we’ve been noticing some problems for a while. When does he need to stop driving? And how do we tell him?
A dementia diagnosis does not necessarily mean that driving must stop at once. However, it does mean that at some point in the future, the person with dementia will no longer be able to drive safely.
My father has just been diagnosed, but we’ve been noticing some problems for a while. When does he need to stop driving? And how do we tell him?
A dementia diagnosis does not necessarily mean that driving must stop at once. However, it does mean that at some point in the future, the person with dementia will no longer be able to drive safely. Driving is a complex task that depends upon our sensory, physical, and cognitive abilities. As dementia progresses, all of these abilities are impaired.
Conversations about driving can be very challenging. We live in a world where driving and independence are practically synonymous. Having to give up driving means facing the losses that come with dementia and this can be difficult for everyone involved.
If the person with dementia is diagnosed early, he may be aware of his diagnosis and understand the impact it will eventually have on his ability to drive safely. Ideally, he should participate in conversations and decisions regarding driving. However, if he cannot or will not, caregivers must prepare for a time when he will not be able to drive, and intervene to keep him and others safe.
Assessing safety
Because individuals with dementia can lack self-awareness, it is critical that someone else assess driving ability. One way to do this is to observe the person with dementia while driving, either as a passenger or by following them. Some warning signs include:
• Getting lost
• Forgetting the destination during the trip
• Failing to observe traffic signs
• Making slow or poor decisions in traffic
• Becoming angry or confused while driving
• Hitting curbs
• Confusing the brake and gas pedals
• Multiple accidents or near misses
Having the discussion
Be sure to approach the topic with empathy. Also, appeal to the person’s sense of responsibility: no one wants to be responsible for harming others on the road. It may be helpful to reinforce medical diagnoses and directives; sometimes people will respond to a doctor as an authority figure when they won’t listen to their children or spouse. Some options for this include:
• Illinois driver’s license renewal: road test required over age 75
• Comprehensive driver evaluation. You can search for a diagnostic driving evaluation center at our community resource finder.
• A “Do not Drive” prescription from a doctor
• Physician report to Secretary of State
However, keep in mind that even loss of a driver’s license may not be enough to keep the person with dementia off the road if he still has access to a car and is determined to drive. He may not remember that he has been told by his doctor not to drive or that he has lost his license.
Alternate transportation
• You will want to explore alternative transportation options. Some resources include:
• Family/friends/neighbors/religious community: Coordinate with Care Team Calendar.
• Volunteer driver: National Volunteer Caregiving Network
• City or township programs such as paratransit or taxi vouchers for seniors or disabled persons. Click here to access these via your local Area Agency on Aging or dial 1.800.252.8966
Deterring the Determined Driver
Sometimes you may need to actively prevent the person with dementia from driving. This can be very difficult. Children find it emotionally challenging to start exerting authority over their parents, and spouses don’t want to make their loved one angry by insisting they stop driving. However, no one wants the person with dementia to injure or kill themselves or someone else. Here are some ways to prevent an unsafe driver from getting on the road:
• Distract and re-direct: “We’ll go visit your friend next week when they’re back from vacation. Can you come help me with…”
• Offer to drive: “It’s my turn to drive today.”
• Restrict access to car keys.
• Disable the car.
• Remove or sell the car.
Giving up driving can be a significant loss. Conversations about driving are one of the difficult situations in dementia care, especially because the safest solution may not be the choice that makes an affected loved one happy. The Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline is here to talk you through this and provide support, resources and advice.
Click here to learn more about dementia and driving, including videos of four families having this discussion.
http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php
Holiday travel may be overwhelming for someone with Alzheimer’s
When taking a trip to visit friends and family over the holidays, it’s important to consider the difficulties and benefits of travel for a person with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. In the early stages, a person may still enjoy traveling; as the disease progresses, travel may become too overwhelming.
If a person has Alzheimer’s or other dementia, it doesn’t mean he or she can no longer participate in meaningful activities such as travel; but it does require planning to ensure safety and enjoyment for everyone.
Whether taking a short trip to see friends and family or traveling a far distance for vacation, it’s important to consider the difficulties and benefits of travel for a person with dementia. In the early stages of dementia, a person may still enjoy traveling. As the disease progresses, travel may become too overwhelming.
When you take into account the needs, abilities, safety and preferences of the person with dementia, what’s the best mode of travel? Consider the following:
If you will be at a location for an extended period of time, consider contacting the local Alzheimer’s Association for resources and support.
Find a chapter anywhere in the United States.
Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter
Want more info about Alzheimer’s and safety? Sign up and receive helpful tips, plus be the first to know about new safety services from the Alzheimers Association. Subscribe now.
Documents to Take with You when Traveling
The Love Story of a Football Wife Who Tackled Dementia
Sylvia Mackey was a caregiver for husband and football legend John Mackey, who had dementia. Here, she tells her story and details the obstacles she faced and overcame when traveling to the Super Bowl each year.Read more …
Traveling in airports requires plenty of focus and attention. At times, the level of activity can be distracting, overwhelming or difficult to understand for someone with dementia. If you are traveling by plane, keep the following in mind:
http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php