Marathon runner to crochet flowers to help raise Alzheimer’s disease awareness

David Babcock, a.k.a. “the knitting runner,” will crochet flowers while running the New York City Marathon Nov. 1 and hand them to race spectators to help raise awareness and funds to fight Alzheimer’s disease. Babcock hopes to finish 20 of the 6-inch flowers, symbolic to people impacted by Alzheimer’s. He raised almost $10,000 running the marathon last year while knitting a 6-foot scarf with the words “I’ll Remember For You.”

http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php

http://optimumseniorcare.com/blog/

https://www.facebook.com/OptimumseniorcareIL

Receive your gift for Caregivers Month -Alzheimer’s disease

Last year, more than 15 million family and friends provided 17.9 billion hours of unpaid care to those with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease can be overwhelming, so we would like to take this opportunity torecognize those who care for others.
In recognition of November as National Family Caregivers Month, I hope you’ll join us in honoring the true unsung heroes of the Alzheimer’s epidemic. Make a gift today and we’ll send you our special lapel pin in time to show your support next month.

http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php

http://optimumseniorcare.com/blog/

https://www.facebook.com/OptimumseniorcareIL

Respite care can help Alzheimer’s caregivers recharge

Respite care provides caregivers a temporary rest from caregiving while the person with Alzheimer’s continues to receive care in a safe environment. Using respite services can support and strengthen your ability to be a caregiver

Everyone needs a break. Respite care provides caregivers a temporary rest from caregiving, while the person with Alzheimer’s continues to receive care in a safe environment. Using respite services can support and strengthen your ability to be a caregiver.

• Using respite care
• Types of respite care
• Overcoming concerns

Using respite care

\

Respite care can help you as a caregiver by providing a new environment or time to relax. It’s a good way for you to take time for yourself.

Respite care can provide:

• A chance to spend time with other friends and family, or to just relax

• Time to take care of errands such as shopping, exercising, getting a haircut or going to the doctor

• Comfort and peace of mind knowing that the person with dementia is spending time with another caring individual

Respite care services can give the person with dementia an opportunity to:

• Interact with others having similar experiences
• Spend time in a safe, supportive environment
• Participate in activities designed to match personal abilities and needs

Caregiving is demanding — and it’s normal to need a break. Seeking help does not make you a failure. Remember that respite services benefit the person with dementia as well as the caregiver.

Plan Ahead: Respite Care for Unexpected Situations

Emergencies, unplanned situations or unexpected trips can create a need for immediate care by an alternative caregiver. Try providers out in a non-emergency situation, so you’re ready if the need arises. Also, talk with people you trust — including family, friends and neighbors — about helping out in an emergency. It’s a good idea to have contact information for the person with dementia’s medical team as well as a list of all current medications (with dosage and frequency taken) easily accessible at all times.

Types of respite care

Respite care can be provided at home — by a friend, other family member, volunteer or paid service — or in a care setting, such as adult day care or residential facility.

In-home care services offer a range of options including:

• Companion services to the individual with companionship and supervised activities
• Personal care or home health aide services to provide assistance with bathing, dressing, toileting and exercising
• Homemaker or maid services to help with laundry, shopping and preparing meals
• Skilled care services to help with medication and other medical services

Adult day centers offer a place where the person with Alzheimer’s can be with others in a safe environment. Staff leads planned activities, such as music and art programs. Transportation and meals are often provided.

Residential facilities may offer the option for a stay overnight, for a few days or a few weeks. Overnight care allows caregivers to take an extended break or vacation while the person with dementia stays in a supervised, safe environment. The cost for these services varies and is usually not covered by insurance or Medicare.

Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter

Learn caregiving tips, where to find support, and the care options available to meet the person with Alzheimer’s changing needs.Subscribe now.

TIP: Sometimes, a person with dementia may have difficulty adjusting to a new environment. Regular stays can allow the overall adjustment to become easier.

LEARN MORE:
In-Home CareAdult Day CentersResidential Care Facilities

It’s normal to be apprehensive about trying something new. Common concerns caregivers have about using respite care include:

• Cost: You may be concerned about how to pay for services. Look into financial assistance such as scholarships, sliding scale fees or government programs. Contact your local Alzheimer’s Association to learn what kind of financial assistance may be available.
• Reliability: You may be concerned about the dependability of the aide or service. Those who work for an agency or facility should be reliable and well trained, and are often certified. Ask each individual and facility about training and qualifications. If hiring someone independently, interview the person thoroughly and check references.
• Guilt: You may believe that you should be able to “do it all. “Seeking help does not make you a failure. It’s important to remember that respite services benefit the person with dementia as well as the caregiver.

http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php

http://optimumseniorcare.com/blog/

https://www.facebook.com/OptimumseniorcareIL

Free comfort care guide – Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter is pleased to offer this free online resource, Encouraging Comfort Care: A Guide for Families of People with Dementia Living in Care Facilities. This 21-page booklet provides useful information to families and long-term care facilities personnel about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, particularly care issues related to the late and final stages.

The Alzheimer’s Association-Greater Illinois Chapter is pleased offer this free online resource, Encouraging Comfort Care: A Guide for Families of People with Dementia Living in Care Facilities. This 21-page booklet provides useful information to families and long-term care facilities personnel about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, particularly care issues related to the late and final stages.

For families, this guide will enable them to make informed choices about a variety of medical decisions they may face on behalf of loved ones with dementia living in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other types of care facilities. It will also equip families to ask good questions aimed at obtaining the best care for their loved ones, including a handy checklist of comfort care measures to be discussed with staff members of care facilities.

For staff members of long-term care facilities, the guide will serve as an important tool for those who wish to educate families and assist them in care planning. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to disseminate this booklet in electronic and print formats.

Encouraging Comfort Care was made possible through a generous grant from the Retirement Research Foundation to the Alzheimer’s Association-Greater Illinois Chapter.

View and download the free guide by clicking below:
Please note: the comfort care guide may take up to several minutes to download due to the large file size.

http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php

http://optimumseniorcare.com/blog/

https://www.facebook.com/OptimumseniorcareIL

It can take a village to care for a parent with Alzheimer’s disease

Many challenges exist for families when dealing with a parent with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. Experts say one key to dealing with the rules and costs of care is planning. Families should start thinking about obtaining care, and how to pay for it, as soon as the individual with dementia is diagnosed.

http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php

http://optimumseniorcare.com/blog/

https://www.facebook.com/OptimumseniorcareIL