Seven Ways to Keep Aging Brains Active and Healthy

Jennifer Moorehead Jun 25, 18 Tags: Active Brains, alzheimer care denver colorado, Alzheimer's care Denver, dementia care denver, Denver caregivers, Elderlink, Elderlink Home Care, healthy brains

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.

5 Ways to Help Seniors with Poor Eyesight

Jennifer Moorehead Jun 04, 18 Tags: Alzheimer's care Denver, caregivers in Denver for seniors, denver home care, denver home care agencies, denver senior assisted living, Elderlink, Elderlink Home Care, Elderlinks, Poor Eyesight

Vision loss is difficult for seniors. As the years go by, they may start to lose the ability to do the things they’ve always done, simply because they can’t see well enough to do those activities. The most common causes of poor eyesight in elderly adults are macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataract and glaucoma; however, no matter the reason, the result can be the same: feelings of frustration and depression due to decreased independence. Fortunately, there are ways for you and your elderly loved one’s caregiver to ease this challenge. Use these five techniques to help your loved one navigate the world with greater ease and comfort despite a loss of vision. Face Them While You’re Speaking Facing a senior with vision loss helps them hear you more clearly and identify where you are in the room. Listen attentively and offer verbal cues to indicate your involvement in the conversation. You’ll also want to be clear about ending a conversation or leaving the room, so the person doesn’t keep talking while you’re not there to listen. Let Them Set the Pace While walking with a vision-impaired senior, match their pace to avoid accidentally pushing or pulling. It can be difficult for the elderly to maintain balance, anyway; with poor eyesight this becomes even more challenging. If you accidentally encourage them to move a step too fast or too slow, it can disrupt their balance and cause a fall; it may also cause anxiety if they are placing their feet before they feel comfortable and ready for each step. Explain Loud Noises We may hear a strange noise and see a dog across the street; we know the dog was barking or howling. However, sometimes a bark doesn’t sound like a bark at all, especially if you don’t have the visual cue to know where the sound came from. Screeching tires, backfiring cars, animal noises, and falling objects can be difficult to identify without seeing where the sounds originated. Without that visual context, the sounds can be alarming or even frightening. Therefore, it’s helpful if you simply explain the noises: “Wow, that’s a big dog! He looks like a bear” or “Those construction workers just knocked down an entire wall!” gives context to the sudden noise. Describe What’s Happening Every moment is full of little pleasures, and your elderly loved one may miss a lot of them if they can’t see them. Take some time to talk about what you’re seeing in front of you. If you’re at an event, like a graduation, this might mean a little play-by-play of what’s happening on stage and how your graduate looks in his gown. If you’re walking down the street, you might like to point out a unique car, an especially beautiful house or landscaped yard, or the kids who are skateboarding in the park. Let Them Hold Your Arm Even a small degree of vision loss can dampen his confidence about getting around safely. While walking with your loved one, hold their arm or allow them to hold yours so you can help guide them. Not only will this improve their confidence (they know you won’t run into anything!), it also helps them feel more stable and balanced. If you need help caring for an elderly loved one with poor eyesight, we’re here for you. Elderlink Home Care, Inc. has served the Denver area for 30 years with a commitment to high-quality home care. Our compassionate staff is dedicated to creating a high quality of life for your senior in the comfort of his or her home. For more information about Elderlink Home Care, Inc.’s services, contact us. We’ll work with you to develop the right care plan for your loved one.

Delirium or Dementia? 3 Ways to Tell the Difference

Jennifer Moorehead May 29, 18 Tags: alzheimer care denver colorado, Alzheimer's care Denver, caregivers in Denver for seniors, Delirium, Dementia, dementia care denver, Denver caregivers, Elderlink, Elderlink Home Care, home care agencies in Denver

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.

Home care Denver, Senior care Denver, In home care Denver, Home health care Denver

9 Stimulating Activity Ideas for Alzheimer’s Patients

Jennifer Moorehead Jan 27, 18 Tags: alzheimer care denver colorado, Alzheimer's, Alzheimer's activities, Alzheimer's care Denver, dementia care denver, Denver caregivers, denver home care agencies, denver senior assisted living, home care in denver colorado, in home care for seniors near me, in-home care Denver, senior care, senior care Denver, senior care services colorado

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.

Alzheimer's care Denver | Elderlink Home Care

Seven Ways to Keep Aging Brains Active and Healthy

5 Ways to Help Seniors with Poor Eyesight

Delirium or Dementia? 3 Ways to Tell the Difference

9 Stimulating Activity Ideas for Alzheimer’s Patients

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