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Tips for Communicating With A Loved One With Dementia

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Communication

Dementia affects so many areas of a loved one’s life. These areas include memory, communication, and even their personality. Because of this, conversing with a loved one with dementia is a challenging process. However, knowing a few things ahead of time can make a world of difference. Here are five tips for communicating with a loved one with dementia.

Establish A Positive Environment

First off, you have the ability to set the mood of the conversation. This is done through your tone of voice, body language, and facial expressions. Communication may be more difficult when a loved one has dementia, but they can still understand your actions. Essentially, you want everything you do and say to radiate warm, affectionate feelings to make them feel at ease.

Speak Simply & Clearly

Simple words, questions, and statements are highly important. Speaking calmly in easy to understand words and phrases will help them stay engaged. Another way to do this is to use “yes-no” questions. Basically, questions that are too open-ended can be confusing. 

Be Patient

Listening closely and exercising patience will go a long way in dementia communication. Sometimes, your loved one will get stuck in the middle of a thought. When this happens, it is okay to offer support and help them find their words. Ultimately, being patient will make all the difference.

Offer Distractions When Necessary

Unfortunately, there are times when your loved one’s mood will be out of your control. If this happens, it’s important to not only be patient with your loved one but also with yourself. However, redirecting the conversation or offering healthy distractions can help if they are upset. Some effective options are offering to go for a walk or getting something to eat.

Laugh

Sometimes, the best medicine is laughter. While communication is challenging, those with dementia do often still maintain a number of social skills. Because of this, they are often happy to enjoy a sense of humor alongside you. However, always remember that laughter should never be at their expense. 

Dementia Care With Compassion

At Courtyard Manor, our goal is to see a smile on your loved one’s face every day. Your family becomes our family. Our all-inclusive nursing care is on the floor 100% of the time, 24 hours a day. Visit our site today to learn more.

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Five Activities To Help With Memory Loss

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Elderly Memory Loss

There are many benefits for elders for staying mentally engaged. Most notably, implementing activities and brain exercises can help with memory loss. There are a wide variety of activities that can be used that are enjoyable, engaging, and easy to do. Using these practical exercises can greatly help elders’ mental and social needs, as well as improve their mood and quality of life. Here are five activities to help with memory loss. 

Cooking

First off, simple baking recipes are a great way to stay mentally active and fight memory loss. Following the instructions and using their hands to make something keeps them engaged and active. Moreover, this activity can also be done with others to socialize.

Reading Aloud

Reading on its own is effective for staying mentally engaged. However, reading aloud is even better. This uses both their mental and verbal skills. If they have books, newspapers, or online articles they enjoy reading, try having them read aloud to stay even more mentally active.

Share Memories

Reminiscing together is an enjoyable way to bond and spend time. Socializing and sharing stories together will help fight memory loss and keep their minds sharp. Even more, sharing pleasant memories will help boost their mood and fight anxiety and depression. 

Crafts

Simple crafts require creativity and mental effort. Ideas such as knitting and painting can be a fun way to engage, socialize, and express themselves. In a nutshell, art and creativity of any kind that is practical and fun can help with memory loss.

Board Games And Puzzles

Finally, board games and puzzles are an easy and enjoyable way to stay engaged. Moreover, these are perfect for group settings so they can socialize as well. Finding a game or puzzle they especially enjoy will fight memory loss, boredom, and give them a sense of connectedness and purpose. 

Family-Like Environment

At Courtyard Manor, your family becomes our family. You deserve to know your loved one is treated with respect and dignity. Our all-inclusive nursing care is on the floor 100% of the time, 24 hours a day to give exceptional care and quality of life. Visit our site today to learn more!

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Do you want to learn more about our many services, including memory care? If you do, please reach out to us today!
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Three Benefits Of Aging In Place

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Aging In Place

Nine out of ten seniors would like to live in their own home as long as possible. Moving into new environments can be a great undertaking. On the other hand, aging in place can be very beneficial for the aging process. Even more, aging in place is not limited to a single home. This can also be done through living facilities with aging in place services, homelike environments, and caring assistance. Here are three benefits of aging in place for your loved ones.

Independence

First off, maintaining independence is vital for achieving a high quality of life for seniors. However, the physical and cognitive decline that comes with aging can make this difficult. There comes a time when complete independence is no longer a viable option, and assistance is needed. Aging in place can help maintain their independence so they still feel like their own person. 

Healthy Routines And Setting

Seniors need an environment that they can feel at home in. Having familiar and healthy routines go hand in hand with a home-like environment. Aging in place gives your loved ones a sense of belonging and comfort that feels familiar and safe. Undoubtedly, this is a major factor in determining quality of life.

Safety

An unhealthy environment can be detrimental for the physical and mental health of seniors. This can lead to depression and overall poor quality of life. Aging in place can solve this issue, keeping seniors safer and healthier. Additionally, a loving and caring 24-hour staff is one of the best ways to help age in place. 

Quality Of Life You Can’t Find Anywhere Else

At Courtyard Manor, we offer a quality of life your loved ones deserve. Our goal is to see a smile on your loved one’s face every day. Our aging in place services and loving, home-like environment will give your loved ones the safety, care, and compassion they need. Are you ready to learn more? Contact us today for a 100% risk-free assessment!

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4 Self Care Tips For Caregivers

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Being a caregiver is not an easy task. Caring for someone else’s life and putting their needs before your own can be overwhelming, especially if you were suddenly thrust into the position of caregiver. This is why self care is so important for the caregivers themselves. If you aren’t taking care of yourself, it can become more difficult to take care of someone else. Here are 4 self care tips for caregivers.

Don’t Be Afraid To Say No

This is at the top of the list because it is one of the hardest to do. As a caregiver, you may find it comes naturally for you to say “yes” to everything asked of you. It’s in your nature to help others as much and as often as possible. However, sometimes you need to say no: and that can include turning down invites to fun things that you’d even like to attend! You might occasionally need a night of alone time just to recharge, and that’s fine.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help

This is another one that can be daunting. Do you find yourself piling on responsibilities so you don’t inconvenience others? Perhaps you think you’d be a bother to ask others for help. However, this can quickly take a toll on you and cause burnout. Your friends and loved ones are there for you, and chances are they would be happy to help you. Even if it’s just something small, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Get Enough Rest

Easier said than done, right? However, getting proper rest is essential for your role as a caregiver. Having a routine sleep schedule can be a great help to staying properly rested. Avoiding naps during the day will also help you sleep easier at night so you can more easily develop a healthy sleep schedule.

Find A Therapist

In an ideal world, everyone would have a therapist. But caregivers especially need a professional they can talk to. Mental health is just as important as physical health. Finding a therapist doesn’t mean you have “failed” or that you are weak. Quite the opposite: it means you are strong enough to know your limits. Caregiving day in and day out means putting others before yourself. Having professional help makes this journey easier on you. Even if it’s just to have a licensed professional there to listen, it makes a big difference.

Peace Of Mind For Assisted Living

Do you have a loved one in need of assisted living? Courtyard Manor promises you the peace of mind you deserve. We guarantee safety and quality of life you can’t find anywhere else. Our goal is to see a smile on your loved one’s face, every day. Contact us today for a free assessment.

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Benefits of Caffeine for Seniors

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Do you think healthy aging means giving up your morning cup of coffee? Think again! A caffeinated jolt in the morning may help prevent many age-related conditions, including dementia and heart health problems. Caffeine is an effective antioxidant, which means it can help fight age-related oxidative damage. This can improve one’s health in numerous ways, especially as you age. Keep on reading to learn more about some of the benefits of caffeine for seniors! 

Enhanced Memory

According to a study involving military personnel who lacked sleep, 200-milligram doses of caffeine increased logical thinking and reasoning skills. Seniors who have difficulty sleeping may also enjoy similar benefits. An average amount of caffeine can also increase your loved one’s long-term memory. This is because caffeine boosts the brain’s consolidation process, helping them retain information for extended periods. Although too much caffeine can make your loved one feel anxious, impeding long-term memory formation.

Decreased Risk of Dementia

Another benefit of drinking caffeine is the reduced risk of dementia. Studies involving coffee and tea drinkers suggest that caffeine may be associated with the reduced cognitive decline with age. Researchers have concluded that drinking three to five cups of coffee may help decrease the risk of dementia later in life by as much as sixty-five percent. Scientists also found that those with cognitive impairment had unwanted built-up in the brain that may be responsible for dying brain cells. Caffeine helps counteract this buildup by blocking the processes that lead to harmful tau protein.

Reduced Risk of Stroke

Additionally, caffeine reduces the risks of a stroke. A study involving middle-aged women found that those who consumed more than a cup of coffee per day were least likely to have a stroke. As with all lifestyle habits, it is recommended to consult your loved one’s physician about appropriate daily amounts of caffeine. 

Less Driver Errors

Lastly, caffeine reduces driver errors and accidents. For seniors, increased alertness behind the wheel aided in the prevention of accidents. When your loved one consumes a caffeinated drink, caffeine directly affects the central nervous system, boosting brain activity. This often leads to enhanced muscle coordination and increased cognitive awareness. Your loved one can earn a mental boost throughout the day by regularly drinking tea or coffee. However, various drugs are known to interact with caffeine, so seniors looking to boost their cognitive functioning should first speak with their doctors. 

Emma Mastel - KARMA Jack Digital Marketing Agency