Yoga for Living was a great success, thanks to all who participated, and to our sponsors: Art Cliff Diner, Cronig's Market, DD Designs, Fire Cat Farm in collaboration with Second Bloom MV, IFP, The Green Room, MVYRADIO, and Quitsa Kitchen.
Falling back into Daylight Savings time can be a challenging adjustment for us all, but especially for those affected by memory impairment, and of course, their caregivers. Here are some tips to help make the upcoming switch a little smoother.
Daylight Savings can do all of the following:
Throw off your bodies internal clock…
Mental status examinations measure orientation, word recall also referred to as retention, calculation, cognition, attention, language ability, and visual construction. There are many different exams available. The more common ones are the Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA). The following explains the Mini Mental Status exam.
Orientation
The Mini mental status…
Are you uncertain about which foods are important to be aware of in combination with your medications or supplements? Some foods can impact or even eliminate their effectiveness so this is important information.
Taking ACE inhibitors to lower blood pressure will increase potassium retention. Best not to eat too many high potassium foods such as…
Sundowning is a symptom of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. It’s also known as “late-day confusion.” If someone you care for has dementia, their confusion and agitation may get worse in the late afternoon and evening. In comparison, their symptoms may be less pronounced earlier in the day.
Stick to a schedule
Dementia can make it…
Your house temperature is set at 80 degrees … too hot for you but your elder is complaining they are cold!
Elders experience cold due to poor circulation or poor temperature regulation…..or both. Elders with dementia may have lost the ability to differentiate between hot, warm and cold.
Here are some suggestions:
Dress your elder…
Risk of Falling is increased by:
Conditions that affect balance such as diabetes, heart disease and problems with thyroid, nerves or blood vessels
Walking and balance disorders like MS or Parkinson’s
Muscle weakness in the legs and feet
Foot pain or wearing unsafe footwear
Medications such as antidepressants, sedatives,…
~ Smile, it takes fewer muscles to smile than it does to frown.
~ We are not born happy or unhappy... we must make our own happiness.
~ Start every day with gratitude for all that is good in your life and your world.
~ If you are a caregiver be sure to take care of yourself.
~ Focus…
For caregivers of those with memory challenges: Keep it simple. Don’t over commit.
Small groups and familiar places work best for those with memory challenges.
Be aware of the signs that your loved one is tired, hungry or overwhelmed and address it before it becomes a problem. Know what triggers behaviors that you prefer to…
A health problem for older adults.
People who are engaged socially tend to be healthier, even if they have complex medical conditions. Friendships can actually help you live longer. The benefits of a social life include:
Speeds recovery time after illness
Lowers blood pressure
Strengthens the immune system
Lowers the risk…
What you can do to reduce the risk.
Most people with dementia eventually wander. It’s not a matter of if, but when.
Prevention Tips
Pay attention to the times of day that the person you cared for seems more restless, agitated or confused.
Offer an activity that can redirect their attention. Coloring, a simple puzzle,…