After a stroke, many people ask the question “What do I do now?” No one expects to have a stroke, and it can be devastating when it happens. Everyone has a different length of recovery, and everyone typically worries about the same things. Whether you or your loved one has suffered a stroke, there are several important things to know about the recovery process. Use Your Primary Doctor Immediately upon leaving the hospital after a stroke, arrangements should be made for the patient to see their primary doctor. The physician will give you invaluable information on how to stay healthy, and ensure proper rehabilitation. He or she will inform you about treatment options, as well as any other specialists that you may need to see. Your primary doctor is one of your best resources in this difficult situation. Reduce the Risk of Additional Strokes The main concern of the stroke survivor and their families is the risk of having repeat strokes. Talk to your diet about diet, exercise, medications, and a course of treatment. Make sure he or she outlines exactly what you need to do, and certainly don’t hesitate to ask questions! If there is anything that you are unclear about, ask for clarification. Ask your doctor for recommendations about what your daily routine should be in terms of reducing the risk of repeat strokes. What Does Recovery Depend Upon? Since no two situations are alike, this varies from person to person. Some people may recover in a few months, while it takes others several years. That being said, the factors that your recovery depends upon are: the percentage of the brain that was affected by the stroke, the course of treatment and rehabilitation that the patient receives, and, most importantly, the motivation of the patient to take the necessary steps toward recovery. Family members need to check in regularly with patients and make sure they are eating healthy, getting proper exercise, and enough sleep. Make sure that the patient is following all of the doctor’s orders exactly in order to make the road to recovery as efficient as possible. The Importance of Repetition Many people, both patients and family members, may not realize just how important repetition is when recovering from a stroke! Neuroplasticity is rebuilt, and the brain is rewired to make new connections. It is vital that the patient not grow frustrated with the process. At times, even simple tasks need to be relearned after suffering from a stroke. The patient will benefit from exercises such as repeatedly lifting a small weight. Ask your doctor which exercises you should be doing on a regular basis that will have the most benefit. Know How Much is Enough While exercise is important after experiencing a stroke, the patient still needs to pace themselves. Light exercises, such as a walk around the block, are highly effective for stroke survivors. The patient should never push themselves to do more than they are comfortable with. If you feel that you need a day to rest, certainly take it. There is no benefit in overdoing it, so have realistic expectations of what you should or should not do. Recovery is Possible Positive thinking is of utmost importance after a stroke. Patients and family members should never make comparisons between two or more people. Remember, every stroke is different, and each patient will have different needs. Never give up or get discouraged. Family Support is Vital for Stroke Survivors Survivors need to know that they have family members that they can depend upon. Having a sense of security for personal needs is important in a person’s recovery. The best thing you can do for a loved one who has suffered a stroke is to be there for them as much as possible. At Elderlink Home Care, Inc. we understand the stress that stroke recovery can put on the survivor and his or her family. We can help ease the stress on both the family and the stroke survivor by placing caregivers into the home to provide assistance with the activities of daily living. We can lighten the load for everyone involved. If we can help, contact us today, or call us at (303) 734-0641.
As we age one of our great fears is the loss or significant decrease of our mental faculties. Our mind is one of our great assets as human beings. However, getting older does not have to signal the loss of mental capabilities. They are plenty of ways to stay sharp over the years. Just because your body is not as active as it used to be does not mean that your mind also has to follow suit! Here are some great ways to keep your mind sharp! 1. Stimulation The mind is very much like a muscle in a lot of respects. In one aspect, the more you work it out and stimulate it, the healthier and more active it will be. Research indicates that keeping your mind moving (stimulated) helps promote neural activity, can create new connections between nerve cells and even help generate new cells which can combat the loss of cells due to aging. Some great ways to work out your brain is to read books, stories, news articles, etc., play word games and other puzzles such as Sudoku or crosswords. Also, engage in activities that require your mind and body to work as one (activities that are great are the arts such as painting, playing music, etc.). 2. Exercise Physical exercise is not only great for your body, but it is also great for your mind! Research shows that regular exercise increases the amount of tiny blood vessels carrying oxygen laden blood to the parts of the brain that promote thought. Besides promoting more thought, exercise also promotes cellular growth of nerves and increased connections between the brain’s synapses. With exercise, comes lower blood pressure, cholesterol, stress and a host of other health benefits that are not only beneficial for an aging heart, but also an aging mind. 3. Socialization Having friends, a sense of community and socialization is great for morale and your overall quality of life. However, new research has shown that people who maintain a large group of friends or socialize regularly decrease their risk of dementia. The feeling of loneliness has been linked to mental decline as we age. Part of a balanced, healthy life is regular socialization. Going out and making friends is a great way to stay young in more ways than one! 4. Writing Stimulating your brain can also be achieved by writing. Writing (even non-fiction) makes your brain stronger. The connections you make and create on paper help stimulate neural activity. As we’ve already discussed, the more active a brain is, the healthier it will be. Writing is a great way to really strengthen your brain and engage creative and critical thinking. 5. Sleep The proper amount of rest is one of the most crucial aspects of maintaining a healthy brain. This is especially true as we age. The proper amount of sleep not only boosts your overall mood and sharpens your memory, but it also ensures that you are more alert and focused and ready to take on daily tasks and challenges. 6. Proper Diet Taking care of your body is more than just getting enough sleep and exercising your mind and body. A large component to our overall health, especially as it pertains to the brain, is eating a proper, balanced diet. Not only does a poor diet put more stress on your body, but it also puts more stress on your mind, which makes stimulating brain health or development difficult. 7. Quit Smoking and Drinking Smoking and drinking are bad for your health; we all know this, but they are also bad for your brain. Smoking leads to the build-up of plaque in your arteries, which increases your risk of stroke and it makes it harder for your heart to pump blood, which puts strain and stress on it, which puts stress on your brain. Drinking, on the other hand, has been shown to decrease cognitive abilities over the years and seriously affect memory alongside a host of other liver and heart related health concerns. Please contact us to learn more about the home care services we provide.
People cannot always tell the difference between delirium and dementia. Although both conditions can cause cognitive confusion and lead to emotional distress for a senior, there are some differences family members and caregivers should be aware of so the senior can receive appropriate care and treatment. What Is Delirium? Delirium is an abrupt change in the brain that causes confusion. This condition may come and go and is generally temporary and reversible. This is one of the key differences between delirium and dementia: “Delirium is also unique for its severe disorganized thought. This usually leads to a period of inattention or distraction, making the individual unable to focus on tasks. Dementia also features a poor level of focus and concentration, however, the difference is that delirium’s lack of focus stems from rapidly processed thoughts,rather than the stifled ability to conduct thought.” Delirium occurs when the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen or other nutrients, which can be caused by a variety of factors. The biggest one is chronic disease; in fact, dementia itself can cause delirium. Other causes of delirium may include: Alcohol or Drug Abuse and Withdrawal Bacterial Infections, like Urinary Tract Infections or Pneumonia Certain Prescription Medications Surgery and Procedures Requiring Anesthesia Severe Emotional Distress High Fever Sleep Deprivation Dehydration What Is Dementia? Dementia is cognitive impairment that worsens over time, caused by damage to the brain. As the Alzheimer’s Association points out, “Dementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a group of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities.” The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s; the second most common type develops after a stroke, which is known as vascular dementia. Dementia can also be caused by a head injury or trauma, a brain tumor or even a vitamin deficiency, although such a deficiency represents a type of dementia that can often be improved when the cause is recognized and treated. Recognizing the Difference Between Delirium and Dementia Delirium and dementia have many similar symptoms: Difficulty focusing and solving problems Irritability Aggressiveness Memory loss and trouble forming new memories However, it’s essential to recognize the difference. Certain medications that may be used for dementia could actually make delirium worse; in other cases, failing to recognize delirium might mean the senior doesn’t get the care that would help ease or reverse the condition. Here are three key points to help you identify the difference between delirium and dementia: Delirium comes with an inability to focus on a task; a patient with dementia is confused because of an inability to process thoughts. The Alzheimer’s Association says the hallmark of delirium is inattention. Delirium is generally intense and short-lived; dementia is a gradual decline and you will tend to notice symptoms worsening over time. Delirium can generally be reversed if the cause is recognized and corrected; dementia generally cannot. How Elderlink Home Care, Inc. Can Help You If you have a loved one suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s, Elderlink may be able to help! Elderlink Home Care, Inc. has served the Denver community for 30 years with a stellar reputation and thousands of satisfied clients. We take great pride in our knowledgeable, compassionate staff and our commitment to high-quality care. For more information about Elderlink Home Care’s services, contact us today. We’ll work with you to identify the best strategy to get your loved one the care he or she needs.
Sleeping patterns change as people age. In fact, one study has shown that the majority of older adults experience some symptoms of sleep disorders, demonstrating the obvious need to help seniors sleep better. There are many reasons for this. Illnesses and their corresponding medications can cause sleep disruptions like insomnia or dreams that might affect sleep. Even something as positive as retirement can impact the quality of someone’s sleep because suddenly a lifetime routine is thrown off balance. A poor night’s sleep can lead to daytime fatigue and possibly more serious issues. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that lack of sleep contributes to impaired judgment and chronic health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and heart disease. If your aging loved one or client isn’t sleeping well, there are a few simple things that may help. Simple Rituals to Help Seniors Sleep Better at Night 1. Make the Bedroom a Sleep Zone When you use your bedroom for a variety of activities, like browsing the internet, crafting, or watching television, your body doesn’t know what’s expected of it when you go in there. By making the bedroom a ‘sleep-only’ zone, your body knows it’s time to wind down and go to sleep when you’re in there. Choose a comfortable mattress and shades that block the light and help control the temperature so it’s conducive to sleep. 2. Establish a Regular Bedtime Mayo Clinic suggests going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, because, “Being consistent reinforces your body’s sleep-wake cycle.” When your bedtime approaches, your body will know it’s time to sleep. 3. Don’t Drink Alcohol Close to Bedtime Even though that glass of wine may make you feel sleepy, it interrupts your sleep during the night by blocking REM sleep (the most restorative sleep), contributing to breathing problems and causing you to get up to use the bathroom! Develop other evening rituals to wind down, such as reading, meditating or chatting on the phone. 4. Drink Less Liquid at Night Going to the bathroom throughout the night not only interrupts your sleep, but you could also have trouble falling back asleep once you get back in bed. If this is the case, even one nightly bathroom trip can potentially make you lose a lot of sleep. Encourage your loved one or client to slow down the liquid consumption in the hours before bed and of course to go to the bathroom before getting into bed. 5. Wake Up to an Active Day Keep your body moving! Often times, the aging years are less active than the earlier years in one’s life, so help your loved one or client to find activities they enjoy. Getting the recommended amount of exercise per week (two hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise and muscle strengthening on two days) has been shown to help with insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and sleep apnea. This could include walking, biking, or dancing. Don’t forget that everyday tasks and enjoyable things like cleaning, gardening, shopping, playing with grandchildren, and more all contribute to an active day that could improve one’s sleep! Getting More Help If these tips don’t work, your parent or loved one should talk to his or her doctor about other options. A good night’s sleep is important for overall physical, mental and emotional health as well as the quality of life. If your parents need extra help at home with activities of daily living, they may benefit from in-home care. A caregiver can help your loved one have an active day and create an ideal environment for sleep. Contact us to learn more about hourly and live-in senior care.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia in patients. It is a degenerative, progressive and irreversible brain disease that slowly destroys memory and one’s thinking capacity. As the disease progresses, simple tasks and conversations can become difficult and cumbersome; language, executive functions, decision-making and logic are all affected. Although it can develop at any age, the typical onset occurs at 65 years old. Alzheimer’s is currently ranked as the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, affecting over 5 million people nationwide. One common concern for those suffering from Alzheimer’s is the sense of a loss of one’s self and independence. For patients and families who are struggling with the diagnosis and management of Alzheimer’s, knowing what to expect and having a plan can be an empowering step. This plan may include ideas for activities that can be done with your loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s. Need help caring for your loved one with Alzheimer’s? Elderlink Home Care, Inc. is here to help. The following are a few easy, flexible and supportive activities that can comfort and greatly benefit Alzheimer’s patients. Easy Activity Ideas for Alzheimer’s Patients 1. Read books they enjoy- Reading is important as it stimulates the mind, spirit and imagination. Reading increases brain power, improves comprehension, assists in activating empathy and helps maintain cognitive reserve. It could be helpful for an Alzheimer’s patient to have some of their favorite novels close-at-hand. 2. Encourage enjoyable organizational tasks around the home- Focusing on tasks they are able to do safely can bring a sense of independence and self-accomplishment. It can also help provide someone with Alzheimer’s a sense of control over their life. 3. Cook or bake simple recipes together – Who doesn’t love the smell of chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven? Using the sense of smell can activate positive cognitive recognition, while bringing warmth to the soul. Cooking and baking can stir memories, reduce feelings of stress and anxiety and strengthen emotional connections with others. 4. Interact with simple arts and crafts- Using art is an excellent way to relax, but it is also a fun recreational activity. Art can be used as a form of expression, exploring feelings, communication and managing behavior. The creative process can help improve the physical, mental and emotional well-being of an Alzheimer’s patient. 5. Ask them to untie knots- This is a problem-solving and kinesthetic activity. It stimulates the mind, provides sensory stimulation and helps to foster and improve eye and hand coordination. 6. Listen to familiar music- Music has many benefits including: sparking memory, soothing anxiety and engaging the mind. Engaging the auditory senses helps to activate brain activity. You can also encourage sing-alongs and karaoke to add some fun! 7. Watch family videos- Watching family videos can stir stored memories and bring about positive feelings and emotions. It can help an Alzheimer’s individual feel connected and engaged in life and with those around them. 8. Garden outdoors – There are many emotional benefits in being outdoors and connecting with nature. Gardening is a great interactive activity to keep the mind and body moving- improving core strength and flexibility. Being in nature can also bring a sense of peace and serenity to the spirit. 9. Play with a deck of cards – Playing with cards can go a long way to activate the mind. Whether the cards are used for pairing, sorting, matching, or playing games- remaining engaged and active is good for both mental and emotional stimulation. Not only do activities that engage the mind, body and soul increase mental activity and release positive endorphins, they help in maintaining interactions and connections with others. It’s physically and emotionally beneficial for an Alzheimer’s patient to continue participating in activities and hobbies they once enjoyed. Activities that stir memories, foster emotional connections with others and encourage self-expression, can lessen anxiety and help an individual with Alzheimer’s feel more engaged in life. Elderlink Home Care, Inc. has many rewarding years providing quality in home care for Alzheimer’s patients. We can help you assess which activity ideas for Alzheimer’s patients best suit your loved one. For your home care service needs, you may request a free consultation.
