8 opportunities to learn during January8 opportunities to learn during January

If you are curious about memory loss, look at Living with Alzheimer’s. If you need specific knowledge or just something to make your life easier, try Effective Communication Strategies, Healthy Habits for a Healthier You or learn about Caregiver Stress: Relief, Acceptance and Empowerment. No matter where you are in the journey we have a program that will help.

There are currently 44 education program events listed in our database. To view and register for our events, use the search tool below.

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Educational Programs by Phone

Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters

The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease

Legal and Financial Planning

Learning to Connect: Relating to the Person with Alzheimer’s

Living with Alzheimer’s: For Middle-Stage Caregivers

Caregiver Stress: Relief, Acceptance and Empowerment

Understanding Early Memory Loss

Dementia Conversations

Healthy Habits for a Healthier You

Alzheimer’s Research: Get Informed, Get Involved

Effective Communication Strategies

Understanding and Responding to Dementia Related Behavior

Your Service, Your Health, Our Focus

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We have tips to help you communicate with someone with Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias gradually diminish a person’s ability to communicate. Communication with a person with Alzheimer’s requires patience, understanding and good listening skills. Our strategies can help both you and the person with dementia understand each other better.

Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias gradually diminish a person’s ability to communicate. Communication with a person with Alzheimer’s requires patience, understanding and good listening skills. The strategies below can help both you and the person with dementia understand each other better.

• Changes in communication
• Helping the person communicate
• Best ways for you to communicate

Changes in communication

In addition to changes in the brain caused by Alzheimer’s, a number of physical conditions and medications can affect a person’s ability to communicate. Consult a doctor if you notice major changes.

Changes in the ability to communicate are unique to each person with Alzheimer’s. In the early stages of dementia, the person’s communication may not seem very different or he or she might repeat stories or not be able to find a word. As the disease progresses, a caregiver may recognize other changes such as:

• Using familiar words repeatedly
• Inventing new words to describe familiar objects
• Easily losing his or her train of thought
• Reverting back to a native language
• Having difficulty organizing words logically
• Speaking less often

Helping the person with Alzheimer’s communicate

Caregiver Stress Check

Alzheimer caregivers frequently report high levels of stress. Take our quiz and get resources to help.

People with Alzheimer’s and other dementias have more difficulty expressing thoughts and emotions; they also have more trouble understanding others. Here are some ways to help the person with Alzheimer’s communicate:

• Be patient and supportive.
  Let the person know you’re listening and trying to understand. Show the person that you care about what he or she is saying and be careful not to interrupt.
• Offer comfort and reassurance.
  If he or she is having trouble communicating, let the person know that it’s okay. Encourage the person to continue to explain his or her thoughts.
• Avoid criticizing or correcting.
  Don’t tell the person what he or she is saying is incorrect. Instead, listen and try to find the meaning in what is being said. Repeat what was said if it helps to clarify the thought.
• Avoid arguing.
  If the person says something you don’t agree with, let it be. Arguing usually only makes things worse — often heightening the level of agitation for the person with dementia.
• Offer a guess.
  If the person uses the wrong word or cannot find a word, try guessing the right one. If you understand what the person means, you may not need to give the correct word. Be careful not to cause unnecessary frustration.
• Encourage unspoken communication.
  If you don’t understand what is being said, ask the person to point or gesture.
• Limit distractions.
  Find a place that’s quiet.The surroundings should support the person’s ability to focus on his or her thoughts.
• Focus on feelings, not facts.
  Sometimes the emotions being expressed are more important than what is being said. Look for the feelings behind the words. At times, tone of voice and other actions may provide clues.

We Can Help

If you have questions about communicating with a person with dementia:

• Call our 24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900
• Locate a support group in your community
• Visit our message boards

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Best ways for you to communicate

While a person with later-stage Alzheimer’s may not always respond, he or she still requires and benefits from continued communication. When communicating with a person with dementia, it’s especially important to choose your words carefully.

• Identify yourself.
  Approach the person from the front and say who you are. Keep good eye contact; if the person is seated or reclined, go down to that level.
• Call the person by name.
  It helps orient the person and gets his or her attention.

  Ongoing communication is important, no matter how difficult it may become or how confused the person with Alzheimer’s or dementia may appear.

• Use short, simple words and sentences.
  Lengthy requests or stories can be overwhelming. Ask one question at a time.
• Speak slowly and distinctively.
  Be aware of speed and clarity. Use a gentle and relaxed tone — a lower pitch is more calming.
• Patiently wait for a response.
  The person may need extra time to process what you said.
• Repeat information or questions as needed.
  If the person doesn’t respond, wait a moment. Then ask again.
• Turn questions into answers.
  Provide the solution rather than the question. For example, say “The bathroom is right here,” instead of asking, “Do you need to use the bathroom?”
• Avoid confusing and vague statements.
  If you tell the person to “Hop in!” he or she may interpret your instructions literally. Instead, describe the action directly: “Please come here. Your shower is ready.” Instead of using “it” or “that,” name the object or place. For example rather than “Here it is” say “Here is your hat.”

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• Turn negatives into positives.
  Instead of saying, “Don’t go there,” say, “Let’s go here.”
• Give visual cues.
  To help demonstrate the task, point or touch the item you want the individual to use or begin the task for the person.
• Avoid quizzing.
  Reminiscing may be healthy, but avoid asking, “Do you remember when … ?”
• Write things down.
  Try using written notes as reminders if the person is able to understand them.
• Treat the person with dignity and respect.
  Avoid talking down to the person or talking as if he or she isn’t there.
• Convey an easygoing manner.
  Be aware of your feelings and attitude — you may be communicating through your tone of voice. Use positive, friendly facial expressions and nonverbal communication. For communication tips from other caregivers, join ALZConnected, our message boards and online support community. Every day, caregivers like you share new ideas and encourage one another.

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Sign up for January’s audio conference – Alzheimer’s care

Join us on January 12 from noon to 1 p.m. for an audio conference on, paying for Alzheimer’s care: what resources are available?
Alzheimer’s disease takes an incredible human toll on families, but there are heavy financial demands for which few families are prepared. In this program, Area Agency on Aging experts will guide us through the different sources of assistance that are available.

Cost: None.

Registration
Register online below or to register by mail or fax, click here to download form.

Dates and time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Program

Day

Register

Paying For Alzheimer’s Care: What Resources are Available?
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
[ click here ]

Anxiety, Aggression and Alzheimer’s: Effective Strategies For Difficult Times
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
[ click here ]

Sundowning, Sleeplessness and Alzheimer’s: How To Cope in the Evening
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
[ click here ]

Minds in Motion: What’s The Best Way To Exercise Your Brain?
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
[ click here ]

Making the Move: Choosing a Nursing Home, Alzheimer’s Unit or Assisted Living Facility
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
[ click here ]

Successful Daily Plans for a Person With Alzheimer’s disease
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
[ click here ]

Listen to past Audio Conferences

Program and Date

Listen

“Overwhelmed? Run, Don’t Walk to Get Help Now!”
[ click here ]

Tune In to Music: It is a Powerful Tool

[ click here ]

Specific Strategies You Can Use Today for Helping People with Memory Loss
[ click here ]

Description:
Are you too busy to attend an in-person education program? Our Educational Program by Phone are designed for busy people who aren’t able to attend a program outside of their home or office. Registration is easy–call or click (see below) and you will receive a toll free number to call, and materials to follow along during the program. Call from your home, office, or car. You can listen in, or if you’d like, you can even ask questions of our expert speakers.

Paying For Alzheimer’s Care: What Resources are Available?
Gail Johnston, BSW, Program Manager
Rindi Reeves, Program Coordinator
Egyptian Area Agency on Aging
Alzheimer’s disease takes an incredible human toll on families, but there are heavy financial demands for which few families are prepared. In this program, Area Agency on Aging experts will guide us through the different sources of assistance that are available.

Anxiety, Aggression & Alzheimer’s: Effective Strategies For Difficult Times
Kathy Rhoads, MSW, LCSW
Owner, Circle of Friends Adult Day Center
Anxiety is one of the greatest challenges of Alzheimer’s disease. This can cause agitation and, in some cases, even aggressive behavior. Join us as we examine factors that contribute to agitation, and learn practical steps to lessen anxiety and promote a sense of wellbeing.

Sundowning, Sleeplessness & Alzheimer’s: How To Cope in the Evening
Sue Sklar, Manager, Education & Outreach
Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter
Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease can not only have a tough time making it through the day, but the nights can be especially challenging. Day and night can become confused, and late afternoons can be difficult due to a variety of contributing factors. We will look at those factors and discuss effective strategies for dealing with late day confusion, lethargy and sleeplessness.

Minds in Motion: What’s The Best Way To Exercise Your Brain?
Sandy Burgener, PhD, RN, FAAN
Associate Professor Emerita, University of Illinois
There is a growing body of evidence that shows the incredibly positive impact certain physical activities have on brain health. The great news is that the impact is positive for both persons with dementia and those who are in early cognitive decline. Join us for this important audio conference and learn which types of physical activity show the most promise for supporting brain health.

Making the Move: Choosing a Nursing Home, Alzheimer’s Unit or Assisted Living Facility
Lee Moriarty, CTRS ,
Illinois Pioneer Coalition Founding Board Member and
Consumer Project Manager
Moving our loved ones to a residential facility can be one of the hardest decisions we are faced with. Safety, affordability, quality care, fun and friendship all factor into this important decision. Join us to learn a step by step decision-making process, and receive a workbook that will help guide you through this transition.

Successful Daily Plans for a Person With Alzheimer’s disease
Hadi Pagonis, Manager, Education & Outreach
Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter
If you want to hit a home run when caring for a person with memory loss, it helps to have a game plan that is heavily focused on activities. Being an arm chair quarterback and saying, “Hey, why don’t you work on your crafts now?” just won’t work. Managing our energy while helping the person with memory loss to be actively engaged will bring satisfaction and fun to all. Join us to score some strategies for fun!

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

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Man with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease relishes the holiday season – Alzheimer’s Association

Man with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease relishes the holiday season

The holiday season that commences with Thanksgiving and concludes on New Year’s Day is one of the favorite times of the year for Paul Hornback, who was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s in 2009. Even though Hornback, a member of the Alzheimer’s Association 2015 National Early-Stage Advisory Group, says he struggles with the daily demands of the disease, this time of year is special to him because he is filled with joy, peace and hope.

The holiday season that commences with Thanksgiving and concludes on New Year’s Day is one of my absolute favorite times of the year. Even though I struggle with the daily demands of younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease, this time of year is special because I am filled with the joy, peace and hope.

I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in November of 2009, so I’ve had lots of time to learn to cope with the challenges of this disease.

This will be my seventh Christmas season since my diagnosis. Here at the Hornback Homestead (a name we’ve given our family home), we go all out for Christmas. Decorating our home and grounds has been a family tradition for decades. Every room in our home has at least one themed tree. Some of our favorites include a Longaberger basket tree, family picture tree, nature tree, angel tree, military tree and a White House ornament tree. We start decorating right after Thanksgiving and usually complete the task within two weeks. At night, our home – which sits atop a small hill – gently glows with the warmth of thousands of white Christmas lights.

In our neck of the woods, this time of year is celebrated with down-home gatherings of family and friends.

One especially wonderful time at the Hornback Homestead is Christmas morning breakfast. We serve platters of poached eggs, country ham, red-eye gravy, biscuits, smoke-cured bacon, special seasoned sausage and white sausage gravy. It is a delightful meal our family enjoys with my wife’s side of the family just before we open presents on Christmas morning.

It also has been our tradition to host a large open house for the community at our home. However, this tradition will change this year as I’m unable to handle large crowds as well as I once did. Instead, we will host smaller groups of friends and family at our home.

I’ve found that smaller groups are much easier for me to handle. If things get too hectic, I often leave the room and find a place of solitude until my stress and confusion subside. If I’m having trouble communicating, I simply listen and enjoy the company rather than attempt to join in the conversation. These strategies have made the holidays more enjoyable.

A huge part of our holiday traditions center on our faith.

We celebrate this time of year with our church family as we joyfully thank God for His many blessing throughout the year. Even in the midst of living with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease, I have so much to be thankful for in my life: a devoted and caring wife, a loving and understanding family, a top-notch team of medical professionals, an active and caring Alzheimer’s Association, a new clinical trial for Alzheimer’s disease, faithful and helpful friends, wonderful support groups and a compassionate and caring God who gives me strength for my daily battles.

As you enter this holiday season, let your heart be filled with the joy and peace which the angels declared over 2000 years ago.

To my wife and family, thank you for the joy you shower my life with, for making every day special and for loving me unconditionally. From our home at the Hornback Homestead, we pray that God’s rich blessing will blanket your home and family during this holiday season.

About the Author: Paul Hornback was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2009. He is a member of the Alzheimer’s Association 2015 National Early-Stage Advisory Group and encourages newly diagnosed individuals to stay positive and active.

Paul and his wife Sarah live in Hodgenville, KY. Together they have three children.

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Urgent: Only 1 day for this matching gift – Alzheimer’s Association

Ann and Randy Lipton have agreed to donate $300,000 to the Alzheimer’s Association if we raise that same amount before midnight tomorrow. This generous matching gift is in honor of Randy’s mother, Marilyn, who bravely fought Alzheimer’s disease before she passed away. We need your support to make the most of their generosity.
When you make a gift by the end of the year, your gift can go twice as far.Your tax-deductible year-end donation of $35 can become $70, or a gift of $60 can become $120.


Your gift can go twice as far. But only until tomorrow!
$35 can become $70
$60 can become $120
$120 can become $240

Please don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Your gift can have twice the impact on the care and support services we provide to those impacted by the disease; it can go twice as far in advancing cutting-edge research that could lead to methods of treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure for Alzheimer’s. But only if you donate by tomorrow.
Please give generously to take advantage of this generous matching gift.

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