Author: hallenmedia

In previous blogs, we’ve looked at how engaging in creative activities and socializing can help people with Alzheimer’s in a number of ways. If a friend or a family member has Alzheimer’s, it is important to keep including them and socializing with them as much as possible, but this can become difficult as their condition worsens. They might not be as physically capable as they used to be and may not be able to keep up with conversation in the same way as before. It can be a challenge, but it is important to try your best to adapt your outings and activities to that person rather than excluding them. Here are a few ideas to help you do this successfully. Move to a quieter location In environments with lots…

When you’re looking for an assisted living community for a senior family member, it’s important that you select carefully to make sure they’ll be happy and well looked after when they need to be. We’ve already looked at some key things you should do when choosing a nursing home or assisted living, now let’s look at some of the things you shouldn’t do. These are mistakes that are commonly made by families when choosing assisted living. Be aware of them so that you don’t make the same mistakes, helping you make a more informed decision and saving you time in the process. Not involving them in the decision When you look up assisted living communities online or visit them in person, it’s easy to automatically consider your own tastes rather…

If it comes to the time when a family member needs moving into a nursing home or other care facility, you want to make sure that they’re going somewhere they’ll be happy and well looked after. So, you should do some research to make sure you find the perfect nursing home for them. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a nursing home. Get recommendations The best way to find out about quality local services is to ask for recommendations from friends, family members, and colleagues. They may have had a good experience with a particular home when finding care for their own family. You can also ask your healthcare provider for their recommendations. Which services are important? What does your loved one need from the nursing home…

We all start to get a bit more forgetful as we get older. Even in our younger adult years, we’re all prone to walking into a room and completely forgetting why we went in there. This is common and may get worse as we age, but it’s normally nothing to worry about. So, when we start to reach our more senior years, how can we tell the difference between normal memory loss and more serious problems like dementia? If you’re caring for an elderly relative or loved one, this blog will help you with assessing their memory when you suspect a problem. Knowing the difference To help you identify whether your elderly relative’s memory problems are a concern or not, you should be aware of the difference between normal and…

Flu season is fast approaching and, while we’re never quite sure when it will hit, right now is a good time to start preparing yourself. Flu season in the U.S. was particularly bad last year, and seniors are at more of a risk than anyone else, with flu symptoms and their complications being potentially fatal. Don’t get caught off guard this flu season, follow these tips to prepare yourself and your loved ones. Get vaccinated Flu vaccinations are essential for lowering your chances of getting the flu. The CDC claims that vaccinations reduce flu risks by 40-60% during flu season. Flu vaccinations are updated each year to match the current strain, as illnesses like cold and flu strains are constantly evolving. You should try to get your flu shot by…

If a family member or someone else you are providing care for is suffering from memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer’s disease, it can be extremely difficult for you as well as them. Watching them change from the person you know and even forgetting who you are is an upsetting experience, but it is important that you continue to support them and remain patient with them through this difficult time. Read on for more tips and advice on how to communicate with people who have memory loss. Avoid complicated conversations If you quickly change the topic of conversation, talk too fast, use complicated language, or include a lot of new information and facts in conversation with someone who suffers from memory loss, it can be extremely overwhelming and confusing. Try to…

Research is constantly being done into how we can attempt to prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, slow down its progression when it does occur, and generally improve the quality of life of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. One promising area of research is into the benefits of participating in creative activities, for those already diagnosed with the condition, but also as a way to help us to prevent it. Creative activities for Alzheimer’s patients There are a number of documented benefits of Alzheimer’s patients taking part in creative activities such as drawing, writing, and making music. Arts projects have been particularly praised as positive activities for patients at whatever stage of the illness they are at. There are many reasons why creative activities are thought to help Alzheimer’s…

  One of the most common problems that face elderly people is loneliness. Perhaps their partner and many of their friends have passed away, and they don’t see their family as much. Mobility issues can also make it harder to socialize if they find it difficult to get out of the house regularly. This loneliness and isolation can cause their health to deteriorate, so it’s important that efforts are made to maintain socialization for seniors. What are the benefits of socialization for seniors? Socialization has a range of benefits for both the mental and physical health of seniors. Mental health Psychologically, isolation can have serious effects. Socializing regularly helps to keep issues like depression at bay, which can lead to further complications like failing to look after themselves properly. Regular…