Download our Caregiver Buddy App today
Caregiver Buddy is a free app with quick and easy access to tips and tricks for caregivers in many areas including: daily routine, communication, behaviors, and activities of daily living. This app, developed by the Greater Illinois Chapter, also offers countless resources from throughout the country.
http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php
The holiday season can be challenging for families living with Alzheimer’s disease
The holidays are a time when family and friends often come together. But for families living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, the holidays can be challenging. With some planning and adjusted expectations, holiday celebrations can be happy occasions.
The holidays are a time when family and friends often come together. But for families living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, the holidays can be challenging. Take a deep breath. With some planning and adjusted expectations, your celebrations can still be happy, memorable occasions.
The holidays are full of emotions, so it can help to let guests know what to expect before they arrive.
If the person is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, relatives and friends might not notice any changes. But the person with dementia may have trouble following conversation or tend to repeat him- or herself. Family can help with communication by being patient, not interrupting or correcting, and giving the person time to finish his or her thoughts.
If the person is in the middle or late stages of Alzheimer’s, there may be significant changes in cognitive abilities since the last time an out-of-town friend or relative has visited. These changes can be hard to accept. Make sure visitors understand that changes in behavior and memory are caused by the disease and not the person.
You may find this easier to share changes in a letter or email that can be sent to multiple recipients. Here are some examples:
>> “I’m writing to let you know how things are going at our house. While we’re looking forward to your visit, we thought it might be helpful if you understood our current situation before you arrive.
>> “You may notice that ___ has changed since you last saw him/her. Among the changes you may notice are ___.
>> “Because ___ sometimes has problems remembering and thinking clearly, his/her behavior is a little unpredictable.
>> “Please understand that ___ may not remember who you are and may confuse you with someone else. Please don’t feel offended by this. He/she appreciates your being with us and so do I.”
For more ideas on how to let others know about changes in your loved one, join ALZConnected, our online support community where caregivers like you share tips on what has worked for them.
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Arrange for respite care so you can enjoy a movie or lunch with a friend.
A holiday is still a holiday whether it is celebrated at home or at a care facility. Here are some ways to celebrate together:
We Can Help
Do you have questions or concerns about your loved one’s changing behavior? The Alzheimer’s Association is here to help.
http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php
Greater Illinois Chapter magazine
Read about some of the latest advances in Alzheimer’s disease research and highlights highlights from our International Conference in our annual research issue of Impact, the Greater Illinois Chapter magazine.
http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php
Alzheimer’s disease researchers hopeful that treatments can save lives, costs
Leading Alzheimer’s researchers are optimistic that treatments to slow or halt the symptoms of the disease may be on the horizon. The direct cost to the U.S. economy of caring for people with Alzheimer’s is a staggering $226 billion, with half being borne by Medicare. Delaying the onset of the disease by just five years could significantly decrease Medicare spending.
http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php
Memorable Meals – Alzheimer’s Association
Because the best memories are made around the table.
Memorable Meals is a campaign to spread awareness and raise funds for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease simply by indulging in something you do every day…eating!
Join local restaurants in this delectable campaign benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter.
Memorable Meals is a campaign to spread awareness and raise funds for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease simply by indulging in something you do every day…eating!
Join local restaurants in this delectable campaign benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter. Each restaurant has chosen a specific day to participate or picked an item from their menu and are donating a percentage of sales back to the Greater Illinois Chapter.
Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and currently there is no way to prevent, treat or cure it. These restaurants are fighting back by spreading awareness and raising funds for research, care, support and advocacy in our community.
Together, we can turn the tables on Alzheimer’s!
Spread the word! Check in to our restaurant on social media and use #MemorableMeals, #86ALZ and #ENDALZ
Don’t see your favorite restaurant on the list? Let us know where you like to dine so we can get them involved! Contact Bethany Moore at 847-779-6952 or bmoore1@alz.org.
November is National Family & Cargivers Month! Take a night off from cooking and dine out!
http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php