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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

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5 Misconceptions Surrounding Alzheimer’s

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Although Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, there are many misconceptions and myths about the condition. Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia that causes memory loss. The disease progresses slowly, with symptoms worsening over time. In the early stages, those with Alzheimer’s may change personality, experience mood swings, and become depressed or irritable. They typically begin to lose interest in activities and people, including loved ones. In the later stages, your elderly loved one grows less aware of their environment, and their ability to function physically decreases. Eventually, they will require full-time care. The cause for Alzheimer’s is unknown, and there is no cure. Here are the top 5 misconceptions surrounding Alzheimer’s disease.

Early Treatment can Reverse the Disease

While there are specific treatments that can help combat Alzheimer’s symptoms, there is no current way to stop or slow down the disease itself. There are also no supplements, diets, or regimens that claim to cure it. There are five FDA-approved medications to treat Alzheimer’s symptoms: donepezil (Aricept), galantamine (Razadyne), memantine (Namenda), rivastigmine (Exelon), and tacrine (Cognex). These medications aid with thinking, memory, language skills, and some behavioral problems. But they do not work for everyone. If they do help, the relief is usually temporary as it lasts six to twelve months. 

Alzheimer's Disease is Genetically Inherited

This misconception is somewhat true. Researchers found that genetics does play a part. But, new research has discovered a link to health conditions and lifestyle choices. For instance, head trauma, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease are some examples of possible factors. Researchers state that healthy aging strategies, like weight control and exercise, may decrease the chances of getting Alzheimer’s. 

A Normal Part of the Aging Process

Some memory loss is a normal part of aging. But Alzheimer’s symptoms are not. It is normal to forget where your keys are from time to time. However, if you fail to drive to a place you have been many times, it points to a more severe issue. Unlike the mild memory loss that can occur with aging, Alzheimer’s disease takes a gradual toll on the brain. As the condition gradually worsens, it takes away someone’s ability to function. 

Causes Rapid Loss of Communication Ability

Generally, the disease’s progress is gradual, and the individual concerned will slowly lose spoken language skills. In the early stages, there will be difficulty remembering the names of objects and expressing thoughts. A rapid deterioration in language skills may be due to some other causes. It is only severely progressed dementia that can lead to loss of the ability to speak.

Alzheimer's Disease is Not Fatal

Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Most people live eight to ten years after they are diagnosed. Your loved one can forget to eat or drink or have trouble swallowing, which can lead to a severe shortage of nutrients. They can also develop respiratory problems, and that can lead to pneumonia, which is often deadly. Additionally, the high-risk behaviors that sometimes stem from Alzheimer’s, like wandering into dangerous situations, can be fatal.

Learn More Today

You deserve the peace of mind knowing your loved one is in a loving, caring environment. At Courtyard Manor, we offer assisted living and memory care for those with Alzheimer’s. Visit our website to learn more today! 

Emma Mastel - KARMA Jack Digital Marketing Agency

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Managing Heart Disease in Seniors

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Managing Heart Disease in Seniors

According to the American Heart Association, about eighty percent of people with coronary heart disease are 65 years old or older. What are the causes of heart disease? The leading causes of heart disease are congenital heart defects, high blood pressure, stress, and diabetes. Health behaviors like physical inactivity, a poor diet, smoking, and binge drinking are heart disease risks. Heart failure is the most common cause of hospitalization for adults over the age of 65 and costs the nation an estimated 32 billion a year. However, seniors who modify their lifestyle can reduce the risk of hospitalization. Here is how managing heart disease in seniors can avoid grave situations. 

Symptoms of Heart Disease

It is crucial to understand the early detection of heart disease in seniors since the symptoms are hardly noticeable. This is why regular checkups with your local doctor are essential. Get in touch with your doctor right away if you feel any chest pain, pressure, or discomfort. Additionally, Inform your doctor if you have experienced the following:

  • Pain, numbness, or tingling in the shoulders, arms, neck, or back
  • Shortness of breath when active or at rest 
  • Chest pain during physical activity that gets better when you rest
  • Lightheadedness
  • Confusion
  • Headaches
  • Cold sweats
  • Nausea/Vomiting 
  • Fatigue 
  • Swelling in the legs 
  • Reduced ability to exercise

How to Manage Heart Disease

Be More Physically Active

Speak with your doctor about the type of activities that would be good for you. Aim to get at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week. It is best to do some form of physical activity every day. It doesn’t have to be done all at once. Start with physical activities that you particularly enjoy—for example, brisk walking, dancing, bowling, bicycling, or gardening. Especially, try to avoid spending hours every day sitting or laying down. Get up and move! 

Quit Smoking

Quitting smoking will benefit your heart and blood vessels. Among those diagnosed with coronary heart disease, stopping smoking dramatically reduces the risk of a recurrent heart attack and cardiovascular death. In many studies, this risk reduction has been fifty percent or more. Smoking only damages your artery walls. It is never too late to benefit from stopping smoking. Quitting smoking can be difficult, but it is possible. In fact, millions of people have successfully quit smoking and remain nonsmokers. If you are having trouble quitting smoking, ask your family and friends for support in your effort to quit smoking. 

Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet

Another step to managing heart disease in seniors is to have them eat a diet rich in heart-healthy foods. Try to pick foods that are low in trans and saturated fats, sugar, and salt. As we get older, we become more sensitive to salt, which can cause swelling in the legs and feet. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and foods high in fiber, like those made from whole grains. You also can find more information on the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan. The DASH diet is a lifelong approach to healthy eating designed to help treat or prevent high blood pressure (hypertension). Balancing the calories you eat and drink with the calories burned by being physically active will help you maintain a healthy weight. 

Manage Stress

Stress is one of the leading causes of heart disease. Learn how to manage stress, relax, and cope with problems to improve your physical and emotional health. Consider activities such as a stress management program, meditation, physical activity, and talking things out with friends or family.

While heart disease remains the number one killer in America, more and more people are more aware of the risks and start to follow a heart-healthy lifestyle. When you begin to apply the following to your life, you will manage your heart disease or even prevent it effectively. If you are still unsure of how to go about it, speak with your doctor. 

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is my risk for heart disease?
  2. What is my blood pressure?
  3. What are my cholesterol numbers? (These include total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.) Make sure your doctor has checked a fasting blood sample to determine your cholesterol levels.
  4. Do I need to lose weight for my health?
  5. What is my blood sugar level, and does it mean that I’m at risk for diabetes?
  6. What other screening tests do I need to tell me if I’m at risk for heart disease and how to lower my risk?
  7. What can you do to help me quit smoking?
  8. How much physical activity do I need to help protect my heart?
  9. What’s a heart-healthy eating plan for me?
  10. How can I tell if I have a heart attack? If I think I’m having one, what should I do?

Emma Mastel - KARMA Jack Digital Marketing Agency

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Healthy Foods for Fighting Diabetes

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An estimated thirty-three percent of adults aged 65 or older have diabetes. Research shows that making a few changes to your diet, such as eating more produce, fewer refined carbohydrates, plenty of lean protein, and more ‘good’ fat helps improve blood-sugar control and cuts the risk of diabetes-related complications. Don’t assume that only one or two of these foods on this list will transform you. You need most of these foods because together, they represent a new approach to eating and a healthier lifestyle. Every time you go to the store from now on, take this list of foods with you. If your favorite store has a delivery service, sign up and automatically get your groceries every few weeks! Here is a list of healthy foods for fighting diabetes in seniors.

Healthy Foods for Fighting Diabetes

Avocados

Avocados are fantastic to have in your kitchen since they have less than one gram of sugar, few carbohydrates, a high fiber content, and healthy fats. Avocado consumption is also associated with improved overall diet quality and weight loss. Try it on some toast for breakfast; you might love it! 

Beans

Beans are cheap and super nutritious. Beans are a type of legume-rich in B vitamins, beneficial minerals (calcium, potassium, and magnesium), and fiber. They also have a very low glycemic index, which is vital for managing diabetes. Beans also help prevent diabetes.

Berries

Berries are full of fiber and antioxidants. The red and blue varieties also contain natural plant compounds called anthocyanins. Scientists believe these may help lower blood sugar by boosting insulin production. Put some in an easy-to-grab location or freeze a handful to use as ice cubes in your water.

Broccoli

Broccoli is one of the most nutritious vegetables to consume. A half-cup of cooked broccoli contains only 27 calories and 3 grams of digestible carbs, along with essential nutrients like vitamin C and magnesium. In addition to this, studies show that those with diabetes have found that eating broccoli sprouts help lower insulin levels and protect against cellular damage. Broccoli is another excellent source of lutein and zeaxanthin, essential antioxidants that help prevent eye diseases. 

Eggs

Eggs provide fantastic health benefits. Eggs are known to decrease inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels, and modify your LDL (bad) cholesterol’s size and shape. One study found that eating a high-fat, low-carb breakfast of eggs could help individuals with diabetes manage blood sugar levels throughout the day. Just be sure to eat the whole egg. The benefits of eggs are primarily due to nutrients found in the yolk rather than the white. 

Fish

Some people consider fish to be one of the healthiest foods on the planet. Salmon, sardines, herring, anchovies, and mackerel are excellent sources of the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, which have significant heart health benefits. Regularly getting enough of these fats is vital for people with diabetes, who have an increased risk for heart disease and stroke. Fish is also a great source of high-quality protein, which helps you feel full and helps stabilize blood sugar levels. 

Flaxseeds

Also known as common flax or linseeds, flaxseeds have a high content of heart-healthy omega-3 fats, fiber, and other unique plant compounds. A portion of their insoluble fiber is made up of lignans, which may help decrease heart disease risk and improve blood sugar management. Flaxseeds are also very high in viscous fiber, which improves gut health, insulin sensitivity, and feelings of fullness. 

Leafy Greens

Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are good sources of many vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C. They are low in calories and carbs and high in nutrition. They also have a low glycemic index, so they’ll help keep your blood sugar under control. 

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is a wonderful dairy choice for those with diabetes. Eating certain dairy products like Greek yogurt help improve blood sugar management and reduce heart disease risk factors, perhaps partly due to the probiotics it contains. Studies also indicate that yogurt consumption may be associated with lower levels of blood glucose and insulin resistance. So enjoy some greek yogurt with berries on top! 

Nuts

Another great food to fight diabetes is nuts as they are perfect for snacking and putting in salads. All types of nuts contain fiber and are low in net carbohydrates, although some have more. Studies on various nuts have shown that regular consumption may reduce inflammation and lower blood sugar, HbA1c (a marker for long-term blood sugar management), and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Extra-virgin olive oil is perfect for managing blood sugar levels and high triglyceride levels since it is unrefined. It contains oleic acid, a type of monounsaturated fat that has been shown to improve glycemic management, reduce fasting and post-meal triglyceride levels, and contain polyphenols. Polyphenols reduce inflammation, protect the cells lining your blood vessels, keep your LDL (bad) cholesterol from becoming damaged by oxidation, and decrease blood pressure. Try to utilize it more in your cooking and enjoy the benefits! 

Whole Grain Bread

Eating white bread is very unhealthy as it is highly processed flour and contains sugar. If you consume plenty of it (including bagels), then switching to whole grain bread may improve your insulin sensitivity. One study showed that those who increase their intake of whole grains, the greater their insulin sensitivity and blood-sugar stability. Be careful. You do not want to mistake brown bread, or even multigrain, for whole grain. You want to make sure the word ‘whole’ is in the first ingredient. 

All in all, when diabetes is not well managed, it increases the risk for other serious diseases. By eating healthy foods that help keep blood sugar, insulin, and inflammation manageable can dramatically reduce your risk for complications. Remember, the most crucial factor in fighting diabetes is following an overall nutritious, balanced diet.

Emma Mastel - KARMA Jack Digital Marketing Agency

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The Causes of Malnutrition in Seniors

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The Causes of Malnutrition in Seniors

Since the coronavirus outbreak has presented such a severe risk to seniors, a poor diet is often overlooked by family members. Your elderly loved one’s primary goal might be to stay at home and avoid trips to the local grocery store. Even before concerns about the coronavirus caused so many seniors to self-isolate, an elder’s poor diet and malnutrition was a challenge many families faced. As the global pandemic continues to pursue, researchers say a weakened immune system can increase seniors’ risk of catching the virus. A diet low in nutrients can lead to a decrease in immunity. Other health issues linked to malnutrition include chronic fatigue, loss of bone density, slow healing wounds, and increased risk for falls. But, what are the causes of malnutrition in seniors?

The causes of malnutrition are incredibly varied, and they can be divided into three main types: medical, social, and psychological. 

Medical

As you explore potential reasons that an older loved one isn’t eating well, consider their medical problems. A poor appetite is probably the most common cause of malnutrition and is mediated by various factors. It is well known that energy intake decreases with age and that micro‐nutrient deficiencies are more likely to occur with a reduced energy intake. Taste and smell are another reason your loved one may have lost their appetite as they cannot enjoy their food. Oral health and dentures have been shown to affect food intake and generally deteriorate with aging significantly. For example, poorly fitting dentures might make chewing painful. Struggling to stand for very long and prepare meals could lead a senior to eat very little. There are conditions like Parkinson’s disease and arthritis that make tasks associated with preparing a healthy meal, such as slicing and chopping vegetables, difficult and even dangerous for a senior.

Social

Meals are often associated with socializing and a specified time to connect with friends and family. For seniors who are trying to distance themselves from others, eating alone might be necessary. However, the situation can become unpleasant for seniors, the longer they are isolated. Cooking and shopping for one may also seem like too much work after a while. Because of this, a senior may turn to fast foods and convenience items, including frozen dinners, processed foods, and canned foods instead. These foods tend to be low in nutrients and high in sodium and trans-fat. 

Psychological

Grief, depression, isolation, and loneliness are other reasons your loved one may not get the essential nutrients they need. A death in the family, a change in personal health, or anxiety about the coronavirus are just a few psychological challenges that can affect a senior’s eating habits. For instance, those trying to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression may consume too many unhealthy comfort foods or sugary treats. In contrast, others in psychological pain may lose their appetite altogether.

Once you pinpoint the leading cause of your loved one’s malnutrition, it will be easier to address those concerns. Whether it’s having groceries delivered or exploring meal delivery services, there are various solutions for you to consider. If you have any questions or concerns about your elderly loved one, please contact their local doctor. At Courtyard Manor, we are now offering Zoom tours and assessments! Feel free to give us a call today. 

Emma Mastel - KARMA Jack Digital Marketing Agency

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How to Host a Virtual Family Holiday Party

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How to Host a Virtual Family Holiday Party

While Christmas and New Years’ are around the corner, concerns about the coronavirus spread persist. Many seniors and their families are not sure how to plan for what is typically the most festive time of year. Unlike summer days, when families could quickly gather and even social distance, the colder weather makes that impossible for many. A solution that may make the holidays better this year is to host a virtual holiday party with your loved ones. The variety of video chat services that are now available and how easy they are to set up make this a viable way to celebrate. Keep on reading to learn more about how to host a virtual family holiday party! 

If your elderly loved one hasn’t done so already, walk them through adding Skype, Zoom, Google Hangout, or FaceTime to their laptop or tablet. You can accomplish this during a phone call. Each is a free platform that allows for virtual face-to-face interactions. While it’s always better to be together, these are possible solutions to consider during unusual times like these. Once you have that set up for them, here are some enjoyable virtual party ideas for you and your loved ones to consider!

Holiday Caroling

While it may feel silly to sing a holiday carol together virtually, it can be fun if there are little ones involved. Create a holiday playlist ahead of time with input from all of your family members. You could also have your family members download an app, like Sing-Along Christmas Carols. Christmas carols might be what your family needs this year! 

Gift Exchange

Who doesn’t love a fair gift exchange? With many people trying to stay at home and others fearful of traveling, you might need to reconsider how to host your family’s usual gift exchange. Organize gift drop-offs, and pick-ups or shipping presents to those who live further away. Then, get dressed up just like you would if you were meeting in person, and then jump on a video chat to open all of your gifts “together.” Also, don’t forget to decorate your background!

Classic Christmas Stories

Another great idea for your virtual holiday party to enjoy together is to read classic Christmas stories through a virtual call. Everyone can download or borrow favorite stories from the local library to read along with the storyteller. Have the grandparents read to the kids! Another fun option is to utilize the Share Screen feature on Zoom and watch a YouTube video like this one of Santa reading the story of Twas the Night Before Christmas.

Even though these are trying times with the coronavirus, there’s nothing like an excellent virtual holiday party with your loved ones. So, go online and make new memories with your family! 

Emma Mastel - KARMA Jack Digital Marketing Agency

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The Benefits of Music for the Elderly

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According to the American Music Therapy Association, studies have shown that music can provide comfort and relief to seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia. There are many ways to incorporate music therapy for the elderly, including creating playlists, popping in a sing-along DVD, or only singing along with your loved one and the music. The relationship between music and the elderly can be beneficial both as a form of stress relief and to aid in cognitive abilities. Keep on reading to explore how music can assist seniors in living a quality life. Music for the elderly can help promote overall health and wellness while eliciting positive memories and reactions. Here are the benefits of music for the elderly: 

Encourages Exercise

One of the benefits of playing music for the elderly is that it promotes exercise. Studies show that music aids in increasing coordination and mobility in seniors. It also helps motivate walking, running, dancing, and even stretching. Seniors of all ages and fitness levels can benefit from increased movement, improving muscle strength, flexibility, heart health, bone density, and balance.

Promotes Overall Wellness

Music has the power to stimulate feelings of well-being by evoking powerful memories and emotions. Seniors who have trouble remembering recent events may find meaning in songs that bring back older memories. Experts note that music can improve a person with dementia’s quality of life. It can help reduce pain and recovery time, increase relaxation, and enhance one’s mood. 

Improves Memory

Music therapy can increase brain chemicals that arouse positive feelings in people diagnosed with dementia, experts say. If you have a loved one who has dementia, you may have noticed that music can seem to lift her spirits and even transform her entire demeanor. Not only does music aid in the treatment of dementia, but it can also help prevent the debilitating disease. It can help assist in memory recall and also provide a communicative structure. 

Social Interaction

For some seniors, various health problems can make communication more difficult as they age. The resulting isolation can increase health risks — and shorten life spans. Music-related activities in assisted living — including dancing, singing, playing musical instruments, listening to music, and watching musical performances — can spark discussions that improve connections with friends and family members. Music could also help encourage self-expression and increase your loved one’s self-esteem. 

How to Integrate Music into Your Senior Loved One's Life

It is easier than ever to bring music into your parent’s life. Not only has technology made once forgotten media available at the tip of our fingers, but live music is also more abundant than ever. Here are several music activities for seniors to try out:

  • Create a personalized playlist with songs that your parents love. With the internet, you can find any song from any era you may be looking for. 
  • Encourage your loved one to play an instrument they once played. Studies have shown hobbies, like playing music, can help increase self-esteem and is therapeutic for seniors. Playing music can also help slow down the heart rate and lower blood pressure.
  • Have a sing-along to a song such as “When the Saints Go Marching In.” Sing-a-longs can also help promote a sense of community and allow people to interact while singing aloud.
  • Introduce your loved one to YouTube. Not only will they be able to find music they may have forgotten about, but they can watch live performances from their favorite artists in a bygone era.

Music has a significant impact on our lives, so it only fits to bring it back into your family member’s life as they grow older. Go put that record on and enjoy it together!

Emma Mastel - KARMA Jack Digital Marketing Agency

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Recognizing Depression in Seniors with Alzheimer’s

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More than 6 million Americans aged 65 years or older are affected by depression, but as few as 10% receive treatment. This may be because depression in older adults can confuse the effects of illnesses and the medicines used to treat them. Depression in seniors can severely limit the ability to rehabilitate from illness. Most often associated with an increased risk of cardiac diseases, depression increases the likelihood of death from those illnesses. Even if mild, depression should be evaluated and treated. Depression is more than just feeling sad. It is a common but serious mood disorder that needs treatment. 

Elderly individuals with depression may not feel “sad” at all. It may seem that sadness and depression go together, but many seniors with depression claim not to be sad. They may complain of not feeling motivated or having a lack of energy or may suffer from physical problems, all of which may represent symptoms of depression. Keep on reading to learn more about recognizing depression in seniors with Alzheimer’s.

Symptoms of Depression in Seniors

Insomnia is probably one of the most common symptoms of depression, and it is also a risk factor for depression onset and recurrence. Other sleep disturbances, including difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, oversleeping, or daytime sleepiness, are also signs of depression that you should be aware of. 

Other symptoms of depression in seniors include:

  • Sadness 
  • Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
  • Fixation on death or thoughts of suicide
  • Unexplained or increased aches and pains
  • Loss of interest in socializing or hobbies
  • Weight loss or loss of appetite
  • Slowed movement or speech
  • Lack of motivation and energy
  • Neglect of personal hygiene
  • Skipping meals or forgetting to take medication
  • Increased use of alcohol or other drugs
  • Worries about being a burden, feelings of worthlessness, or self-loathing
  • Memory issues

Medications to Avoid

It’s essential to understand some medical problems can cause depression in older adults either directly or as a psychological reaction to the illness. Any chronic medical condition, mainly if it is painful, disabling, or life-threatening, can lead to depression or make the symptoms of depression worse. These medical conditions include Parkinson’s disease, stroke, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, thyroid disorders, vitamin B12 deficiency, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. Symptoms of depression can also occur as a side effect of many commonly prescribed drugs.

Some medications that can cause or worsen depression include:

  • Blood pressure medicine
  • Beta-blockers
  • High-cholesterol drugs
  • Tranquilizers
  • Sleeping pills
  • Ulcer medication
  • Heart drugs containing reserpine
  • Steroids
  • Medications for Parkinson’s disease
  • Painkillers
  • Arthritis drugs
  • Estrogens

If you’re worried that your loved one may be experiencing depression, please contact a health professional. By recognizing depression in seniors with Alzheimer’s, you will get them the help they need before it becomes severe.

Emma Mastel - KARMA Jack Digital Marketing Agency

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5 Dementia Care Mistakes to Avoid

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We know how difficult it can be to look after someone with dementia. You can research all you want, search the web, and buy all of the books. However, there are some situations you can’t foresee and seem impossible to prepare for. Luckily, we have discovered the common mistakes caregivers make when looking after one with dementia. Here are the following 5 dementia care mistakes to avoid. 

Do Not Argue

One of the 5 dementia care mistakes to avoid is arguing with those with dementia. This is easier said than done. A person with dementia sees the world very differently from the caregiver, so it is best to be agreeable and relaxed when talking to them. If they say they haven’t eaten all day when you know that they have just finished lunch, there is no point in contradicting them. You will have to learn to let things go and avoid tension by stepping into their world. Try to listen to what they are saying, even if it doesn’t necessarily make sense from your perspective.

Do Not Assume

Another mistake many caregivers make is that they treat those with dementia the same. The trajectory of dementia is very different for each person. There are guidelines to consider, but everyone has different experiences, coping mechanisms, and personality traits. Take these into account and enjoy their individuality! Do not assume. Always stay positive, verbally, and non-verbally!

Those with Dementia aren't Children

This is very important to take into account. Please do not treat those with dementia like infants. Yes, you may need to talk slowly, but this doesn’t mean you should talk down to them. They must keep socializing without being patronized. Acknowledge that their intelligence has not diminished, just their ability to understand you and express themselves verbally.

Do Not Mention Problematic Topics

Asking whether someone remembers something is very easy to do but can be very embarrassing and frustrating for the person with dementia. Stick to simple subjects or topics that they bring up themselves and be very aware of mentioning anyone who has died. This may be a passing comment for you, but for them, it could bring back all the emotions as if they had only just found out for the first time. Try not to say “calm down” instead be reassuring and understanding without disagreeing or aggravating the situation.

Delaying Care

It can be hard to let go, but it is essential for both your well-being and your loved one’s safety and health. In the later stages of dementia they may need constant company and supervision, which you can not provide. At Courtyard Manor, we offer all-inclusive nursing care on the floor 24 hours a day to provide care to those with dementia. No matter what stage of dementia your loved one is at, get in touch with our friendly team! We can discuss options with you and advise on the best care option for your specific situation. Feel free to reach out to us today! We would love to hear from you. You can also visit our website to learn more!

Emma Mastel - KARMA Jack Digital Marketing Agency