As Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progresses, it destroys memories, causes erratic behavior and robs a person of their personality. As a family caregiver, you may find you are caring for a father who no longer recognizes you, a mother with whom you no longer share any emotional connection, or a previously gentle, loving spouse who is now […]
Covid-19: We Strive to be Prepared As the global outbreak of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) continues to unfold, Kemper House is being responsive to the evolving health situation. Be assured that the health and safety of our residents and team members remain our number one priority. These are unprecedented times, and Kemper House believes it is […]
As you get older and retire, you may not have quite as many opportunities to socialize as you did when you were younger. If you’re not heading to an office or getting out and about each day, you may be missing out on important social interaction that you need to stay sharp, healthy, and maybe […]
Caregiving can be an isolating experience, but you’re not alone in this challenge. There are over 34 million Americans providing unpaid care to an adult age 50 or older. And nearly 16 million are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia. But when you’re overwhelmed and exhausted by caregiving responsibilities, it can feel like you’re the only person dealing with so much. That’s […]
The Importance of Socializing for Older Adults The need for company, love, and support is not something that diminishes as we grow older. In fact, a healthy social life is particularly important for seniors. Read on to learn why, and what to do about it. Why Socializing Matters Healthy relationships are necessary at every age, […]
Eating healthy becomes especially important as you age.That’s because aging is linked to a variety of changes, including nutrient deficiencies, decreased quality of life and poor health outcomes.Luckily, there are things you can do to help prevent deficiencies and other age-related changes. For example, eating nutrient-rich foods and taking the appropriate supplements can help keep […]
The brain controls many aspects of thinking—remembering, planning and organizing, making decisions, and much more. These cognitive abilities affect how well we do everyday tasks and whether we can live independently. Some changes in thinking are common as people get older. For example, older adults may have: Increased difficulty finding words and recalling names […]
Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, is characterized by the accumulation of two types of protein in the brain: tangles (tau) and plaques (amyloid-beta). Eventually, Alzheimer’s kills brain cells and takes people’s lives. Alzheimer’s causes: What causes Alzheimer’s? We still aren’t sure. “For 1% of all cases, there are three genes that determine […]
Despite its challenges, dementia doesn’t mean that life can no longer bring happiness or that patients can’t make the most of every day. Coping strategies can help people with dementia stay as independent as possible for as long as possible and make it easier for caregivers to do what they need to do. While scientists […]
When caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, it’s not uncommon for the caregiver to battle lack of sleep and exhaustion. Psychologists define the exhausted caregiver as a recognized medical condition known as a “debilitating psychological condition brought about by unrelieved stress”. As a caregiver you may suffer from both emotional and mental exhaustion. Signs of […]
Conditions that damage the heart or blood vessels increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. What’s good for your heart is good for your brain! Regular exercise Engage in small ways to add more movement (park at the far end of a parking lot, pace while on your cell phone, walk […]
Its a wonderful time of the year–for everyone. If you are caring for someone with Alzheimers there are some easy safety tips to ensure a pleasant summertime experience. Ensure your loved one stays in the shade and try not to have them outdoors between 10-2. Wear sunglasses and a sun hat!! WATER WATER WATER–drink lots […]
Don’t panic if you forget things from time to time. We are busy people who have busy lives. If , however you have genuine concerns see your doctor. -SOMETIMES forgetting names or appointments is normal especially if you remember them later. If this disrupts your normal life you may want to see your doctor. […]
Everyone forgets occasionally but memory loss is nothing to take lightly. Consider some steps to sharpen your memory: -Stay mentally active- crossword puzzles, play a musical instrument,take a new route home from a friends house. -Socialize regularly. It helps ward off stress and depression. -Get organized- Clutter is not your friend. Limit distractions and do […]
We’ve all heard –you can’t drink from an empty cup,right?? There is nothing in the world more difficult than being a caregiver;especially if you feel like you are in over your head. Conversely the rewards are extraordinary…. If you find yourself feeling hopeless and helpless, have trouble relaxing or your entire life revolves around care […]
Do you ever get in front of your physician and get tongue tied. Why not write down your concerns before you get there? – Note any health changes and when they began. -Note how you react-how it makes you feel–when these changes occur. -Ask doctor to review your meds to see if they are causing […]
TRAVEL SAFETY You don’t have to stop traveling just because your loved one has dementia. It just requires careful planning to ensure safety, comfort and enjoyment for everyone. Before you travel, be sure to enroll your loved one in the Alzheimer’s Safe Return Program, a national registry that can help if your loved one wanders […]