Becoming Your Parent's Parent, One Family's Story from Comfort Keepers Elderly Care inTroy, MO

I ran across this story about one family's struggle with a loved one with Alzheimer's. It's not just about one family but about what so many family's struggle with when a loved one is diagnosed with dementia.

Becoming 'parent of your parent' an emotionally wrenching process

Tips for Communication with a Loved One with Alzheimer's from Comfort Keepers Elder Care in Troy, MO

Often, because of the changes brought about by Alzheimer's and dementia there can be quite a bit of difficulty understanding what your loved one wants and also making yourself understood by them. I just ran across this article giving some excellent tips to make communication much easier.

COMMUNICATING WITH THE PERSON WITH DEMENTIA/ALZHEIMER'S

November is National Hospice Month from Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

The hospice movement was founded in England over thirty years ago to help cancer patients "die with dignity." It was conceived as a way to plan the end of life for terminally ill patients. Hospice care covers everything from pain management to funeral plans. Although dying at home surrounded by family and loved ones is th central idea of in-patient facilities do exist. The hospice companies we work with here at Comfort Keepers see patients at home and nursing homes as well as other facilities.

Hospice focuses on the individual and their family, not the illness, and brings dignity to life’s end. It's always difficult to lose a loved one but having the support and care tailored to their needs can help people live every moment of life to the fullest, leaving loved ones with memories they can treasure.

Preventing Falls From Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

It has been estimated that over one third of all adults over the age of 65 fall each year. Falls are the leading cause of injury death in this age group and the also a common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma. How can you keep the loved one in your care safe?

Your loved one:
1. Encourage exercize, see if there's a local program nearby, Tai Chi and similar programs that increase strength and improve balance are especially good.
2. Have their doctor or pharmacist go over their medications to see if there's any drugs or drug interactions that can cause dizzyness or balance problems.
3. Make sure they get an eye exam yearly.
4. Wear proper footwear.

The home:
1. Increase the lighting for better visibility.
2. Remove throw rugs, use carpet tape to secure edges on other carpets.
3. Reduce clutter
4. Make sure electrical and telephone cords are safely out of walking paths
5. Install grab bars in the bathroom
6. Buy a shower chair and raised toilet seat if needed.
7. Use a non-skid mat or appliques in the bathtub.
8. Arrange furniture so it can easily be walked around.
9. Use nightlights.
10. Have sturdy handrails on both sides of all stairs.
11. Use brightly colored tape to mark the edge of stairs both inside and out.
12. Adjust the height of the bed to make it easy to get in and out of.

Coping With Dementia from Comfort Keepers Elder Care in Troy, MO

One of the things that make dealing with a parents Alzheimer's or related dementia is that your reality and their's aren't necessarily the same thing. If your mother thinks it's 1968 and she can't understand why her daughter isn't home from school yet, all the arguing that it's now 2009, you are her daughter and you haven't been in school in over 30 years usually isn't going to change what she believes is true. I found this blog post about Coping With Dementia that gives some good tips on how to deal with different situations.

Ask Medicare for Caregivers from Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

Did you know that Medicare has a website designed just for caregivers? To sign up just go to this link:

Ask Medicare for Caregivers

What About Controlling Behavior from the Seniors in Our Care? in Troy, MO

As difficult as it is for us to 'parent our parents', imagine what it's like to be parented by your children. Often controlling behavior from our parents we are trying to care for a symptom of their fear of losing control over their own lives. Please read the following article for more insight into this situation and how to handle it.

Elders and Controlling Behavior: What's a Caregiver To Do?

Warning Signs for the Long Distance Caregiver from Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

It is very hard sometimes to tell what is happening with our paremnts from a distance. I know my parents don't tell me certain things because they don't want me to worry. Fortunately, I have several siblings that live close enough to visit on a regular basis. But what if I didn't? I only visit every other year. Even then, would I really be able to tell what is going on? The article I've linked to below has some warning signs to look for if your parents aren't telling you everything.

Long Distance Caregiving

Having the "Money Talk" from Comfort Keepers Elder Care in Troy, MO

I think for some people having the "money talk" with their elderly parents is almost as uncomfortable as having a "sex talk" with them. If you wait until you need to know, it may be too late. Understanding your loved ones finances may turn out to be a big help in a crisis. Read the following article to find out more.

Discuss finances, final wishes with elderly parents