specific condition

Caring for a loved one with memory loss: Are you ready to time travel?

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When caring for or visiting with a loved one with memory loss, try to meet them where they are. If he is in the war in 1940, be fighting right alongside him in 1940.

When caring for someone with memory loss, we must keep things in mind. Family and friends have special ways of reminiscing. There are shared memories which bubble to the surface with inside jokes and memories about each other that remain unspoken because of that shared history. We will never know what tales a loved one would share about us with a stranger.

Louise, a resident at the Cottages, was excited to have a visitor. She had donned her favorite scarf and made sure her nail polish matched. As she sat across from the beautiful younger woman, she caught a hint of familiarity as she noticed a silver elephant pendant sparkling on her necklace. Louise perked up, “My daughter Sarah loves to collect elephant figures and jewelry. She started gathering them when she was just three years old after she saw one at the zoo and her eyes lit up with such joy because it very carefully took a peanut from her outstretched hand. Every time I see an elephant I think of her and I see that look on her little face…”

This could go one of two ways…

Scenario 1

Holding Louise’s warm hands, Sarah felt simultaneously touched by the story and hurt that her mother didn’t recognize her. “Mom, it is me- Sarah- your daughter!” Flustered, Louise tried to gather herself as she wiped the tear from her eye, trying to regain her composure. She felt humiliation, suspicion, and confusion- my daughter? How is this her- how did she grow up so quickly? This is impossible. She is just three years old. This grown woman can’t be her, but there is something familiar about her so maybe she is right… “Oh, uh, yes, of… of course, dear. I knew that…”

Scenario 2:

Although Sarah felt disappointed that her mother didn’t recognize her, she decided to put her own feelings aside and instead assume the role of “Friendly Stranger” which her mother had assigned to her. She said “Tell me more about your daughter.” Louise lit up, her eyes sparkling like they did when she was younger “She is three years old and she has the most beautiful curly golden hair. Everyone says I should cut it, but I just couldn’t bear it so it has grown down to here…” Sarah listened intently, soaking up every word as she realized that she had never known exactly what she was like as a three year old, nor how her mother felt about her at the time. She felt like she was spying on the woman her mother was when Sarah was a young child- a woman that she as an adult had never known.

This Means…

When caring for or visiting with a loved one with memory loss, try to meet them where they are. If he is in the war in 1940, be fighting right alongside him in 1940. If she thinks she needs to get home to her young children, ask her about her children and find out more about them even if those “young children” she’s describing are yourself or your parents.

Typically, when two people are talking, one is remembering a moment from the past. However, when one of those people has memory loss they are living a moment from the past. If you go on that journey with them, you become a time traveler.

Article Provided by:
CarePartners Senior Living
www.CarePartnersLiving.com

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Hearing impairment is not a benign condition

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We all know how important it is for them to be able to hear as well as possible so they can function at their fullest potential, at school, work, and
in relationships.

We all instinctively know hearing impairment is not a benign condition. When a child or adolescent is diagnosed with even a mild hearing loss there are multiple programs that can help them get hearing aids – we value their hearing. We all know how important it is for them to be able to hear as well as possible so they can function at their fullest potential, at school, work, and
in relationships.

Yet for some reason, when adults have a hearing loss many people seem to think that it’s nothing to worry about. Most people seem to think that it’s okay to just live with the impairment. However, untreated hearing impairment can have serious consequences.

Hearing impairment contributes to:

  • Social isolation
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Increased hospitalization
  • A decline in physical functioning
  • An increase in falls –
    a mild loss = 3 times more likely to have a history of falling
  • Cognitive decline
  • Early death

Hearing impairment does not primarily affect the elderly. The majority of people, 50% of women and 64% of men, start to perceive hearing impairment between the ages of 20 to 59 (20% of females and 17% of males are identified as having impairment before the age of 20). And 12% of adults between the ages of 21 – 84 have hearing difficulties even though they have normal pure tone test results. Because we associate hearing loss with old age most people put off dealing with hearing impairment thinking they aren’t “old” enough to have hearing aids. Imagine what would happen if people still thought this way about glasses. Most people think hearing aids just aren’t worth the costs. Hearing loss is usually ignored for years and by the time it is dealt with there are often irreversible complications such as treatment options are limited yet more costly, and outcomes are less satisfactory.

Hearing impairment is a disease state and not a benign condition. Early diagnosis and treatment of hearing impairment is an important part of limiting its effects upon our mental, emotional, and physical health as well as upon our work and relationships. We need to stop ignoring hearing impairment.

Article Provided by:
Nathan Willard, Hearing Aid Specialist, SoundScape Hearing Aids
541-414-8488
www.SoundScapeHearing.com

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Coping with Parkinson’s Disease

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If you or someone close to you has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD), you probably have many questions and concerns and you may be on an emotional rollercoaster.


If you or someone close to you has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD), you probably have many questions and concerns and you may be on an emotional rollercoaster.

Remember that you are not alone. As many as one million people in the US and an estimated seven to ten million worldwide live with Parkinson’s disease.

With a diagnosis now in hand and the freedom to learn at your own pace, you can begin to understand Parkinson’s and its treatments and the role they will play in your life. Your diagnosis can be the first step to taking charge of your life with Parkinson’s disease. What are some next steps?

Inform Yourself about PD:

You will need time to adjust to the new diagnosis, so educate yourself about PD – slowly. Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon provides individual counseling, educational workshops, a HelpLine, suggestions of local support groups and classes to help you and your loved ones become informed.

Assemble a HealthCare Team:

Managing PD and the varied symptoms that arise over time requires expertise and a team of health professionals. In addition to a neurologist you trust, you might seek connection with a social worker, physical therapist, speech therapist and of course your primary physician as well.

Make a Plan for Telling Friends and Family:

As Parkinson’s symptoms progress, friends and family may notice changes and become concerned – even though you are feeling fine! Remember, you control the information about your diagnosis and how you share with others. A simple explanation is typically sufficient. If you have concerns about disclosing at your workplace, ask your physician or seek advice.

Accept Support From Others:

You don’t have to cope with Parkinson’s alone. There is a community ready to accept you, share stories of success and bolster you on down days.

Get Moving!

There is no better time than today to take action to control your health and wellness. Find an exercise class, learn about nutrition and engage with your neurologist to optimize your treatment plan.

With Parkinson’s disease, situations will change. You will need to be prepared, flexible, and willing to seek information and support as needed.

If you have questions about Parkinson’s, resources in the community or would like to schedule a time to talk with one of our counselors, please call: 800-426.6806.

Article Provided by:
Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon
800-426-6806
www.ParkinsonsResources.org

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Alzheimer’s Association – We’re here for you day or night

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If you or a loved one needs resources or support, call our 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900. We also offer many Web-based services you can access whenever and wherever it is most convenient for you.

The Alzheimer’s Association is here to help you any time. If you or a loved one needs resources or support, call our 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900. We also offer many Web-based services you can access whenever and wherever it is most convenient for you.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Center

Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s often involves a team of people, and no matter your role, there is much to do and plenty to know. But it doesn’t have to be a lot of work to find the resources and support you need. The Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Center can help. While there, be sure to check out the Community Resource Finder and the Care Team Calendar.

ALZConnected

This online social networking community is designed specifically for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. Members can connect and communicate with people who understand their unique challenges. They can also pose questions and offer solutions to dementia-related issues, create public and private groups organized around a dedicated topic and contribute to message boards.

Alzheimer’s Navigator

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease raises many questions. Alzheimer’s Navigator helps guide you to answers by creating a customized action plan and linking to information, support and local resources. Depending on the needs of the user, specific action steps are created for the following areas: planning for the future, working with doctors/health care professionals, caregiver support, activities of daily living, home safety, driving and knowledge of Alzheimer’s.

E-learning

The Alzheimer’s Association Oregon Chapter offers classes every quarter throughout the state, and some of our classes are also offered online — and are available 24/7.

“I Have Alzheimer’s”

“I Have Alzheimer’s” is a section of the Alzheimer’s Association’s website created with input from individuals living with the disease. It is easy to navigate and helps answers many questions, including:

  • How do others respond to their diagnosis?
  • What should I expect as the disease progresses?
  • How should I plan for my future?
  • How do I live day to day?
  • What resources are available through the Alzheimer’s Association?

This comprehensive website offers information and advice for people in the early stage of the disease. We encourage users to take their time and digest the content at a comfortable pace. They can return as often as needed; we’re always here to help.

Article Provided by:
Alzheimer’s Association Oregon Chapter
800-272-3900

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