Dementia is progressive by nature and causes impairment to a person’s reasoning, memory, social skills, and activities of daily living. The number of people living with dementia at present worldwide is estimated to be close to 50 million. This is projected to increase to more than 80 million by 2030. Dementia is challenging and overwhelming not only for those who have it, but also for families and caregivers. In most countries, a lack of awareness of the condition often puts a barrier to diagnosis and care, and results in stigmatization. If you or a loved one has just been diagnosed with the condition, you might have a lot of questions and concerns about it. Go through the following five important facts related to dementia compiled by WHO, and see if they answer some of your questions.
1. One new case every three seconds Each year, nearly 9.9 million new cases of dementia is reported worldwide. This translates into one new case every three seconds. The number is projected to increase to 82 million by 2030, and 152 million in 2050. Due to this, the demand for 24-hour home health care is bound to increase in a country like the U.S. 2. Not a part of ageing Although dementia affects mainly people in older age groups, it is not a normal part of the ageing process. It is an umbrella term for a set of symptoms that are progressive or chronic in nature. A variety of illnesses of the brain are known to be behind dementia, and they affect a person’s thinking capacity and memory. 3. Early diagnosis is key Early diagnosis of dementia is vital to attain an assured quality of life for people with dementia and their families. That’s why the primary goals of dementia elderly care are early diagnosis, optimized physical and mental well-being, and long-term institutional support to caregivers. 4. Need for awareness People fear what they don’t know or understand. Increased awareness and advocacy at all levels of society is a must to eliminate discrimination. Dementia should be made a public health priority. This will turn the tide in favor of people with dementia, their families, and caregivers. 5. More research needed Till date, there’s very little research on modifiable risk factors of dementia. More research is needed in this regard. Along with this, there is a need to better understand the underlying causes of the condition and develop newer and more effective methods of cognitive intervention program. Looking for Dementia Care in Dallas? Hope the above information sheds some light on dementia, and helps you understand it better than before. The rise in the number dementia cases offers a real challenge to people with dementia, families, and heathcare providers. Awareness and cooperation among all stakeholders are necessary to address the problem. If you are looking for dementia care in Dallas, contact a leading home healthcare service provider today for round-the-clock service. They provide quality care through professional and personable heathcare experts.
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![]() Alzheimer’s is a progressive disorder that, in time, becomes serious enough to interfere in a person’s daily routine. Alzheimer’s patients experience memory decline, which worsens over time, making it difficult for them to go about their daily routines. If you or a loved one are becoming forgetful or experiencing major behavioural changes, you need to establish if it's not the onset of Alzheimer's by knowing the different behavioural changes that it causes. If a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it will become essential at some point to get Alzheimer's home care. Continuing the discussion, this blog covers some of the common behavioral changes that characterised Alzheimer’s patients. 1. Money Management Problems Alzheimer’s is a condition where patients lose their ability to think rationally. People who are diagnosed with ALzheimer’s find it difficult to manage a range of tasks that require rational and smart thinking, be it basic mathematical calculations or solving a puzzle. If you or a loved one have started experiencing difficulty in managing taxes, bills, or expenses, it is advisable to seek professional help for an early diagnosis. An early diagnosis helps doctors to better curb memory decline in patients. 2. Repetition of Words/Phrases Alzheimer patients usually repeat phrases, words, questions, or declarations. Most people let this behaviour slide, but is it advisable to keep a check on whether you or a loved one repeats one thing multiple times. Repetition is a common behaviour change seen in most Alzheimer patients and it is best to consult a doctor to diagnose the condition in its early stages. 3. Poor Judgement If you or a loved one find it difficult to make important decisions, and usually make poor judgement calls, it is a major cause for concern. Behavioural changes, poor understanding of day-to-day activities, and unusual decisions are changes that a person may experience if they have Alzheimer’s. 4. Forgetfulness Another common behaviour to watch for in Alzheimer’s patients is forgetfulness. Alzheimer’s is a degenerative disease and its progress is different in every individual. The first sign of memory decline is forgetfulness, such as missing appointments, forgetting important dates, or difficulty in keeping track of events in a month. A person may forget details occasionally, but if this is a continuous cycle, consult a doctor immediately. Wrap Up Alzheimer’s patients with worsening symptoms need to seek professional help in the form of Alzheimer’s home care centers. If you or your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it is advisable to search online for Alzheimer's care in Dallas or anywhere in the country to get the best care. Browse the web and shortest a few reputable Alzheimer's home care service providers in your area. Go through client feedback and finalize one that generally has positive feedback. Visit the home care to clear all doubts before making an informed decision. ![]() Caring for a family member, who is experiencing mental disorders can be quite taxing. First there is the herculean task of balancing your everyday commitments such as work or study with the needs of a loved one, followed by the fact that some elements of care require some level of skill or training. If a loved one is experiencing cognitive disorders, opting for home care assistance is often a smart decision. Home care allows you to continue living with loved ones without having to send them away to a care facility. The care helps patients stay independent, increase their level of confidence, and enjoy complete peace of mind. There are many types of mental disorders for which patients can benefit from professionals offering home health care in Dallas, Tx. Here are some mentionable patients that can benefit immensely from home care assistance in Dallas. Take a look. 1. Alzheimer’s or Dementia Patients Dementia or Alzheimer’s patients experience memory loss, impaired reasoning, and sudden changes in personality. As the stages of dementia progress, it becomes dangerous and even difficult for patients to live without professional assistance. Dementia patients can suddenly forget what they are doing, where they live, turning off a gas stove, or taking important medications. It is, therefore, important to consult home health agencies in Dallas, Tx to make arrangements for Alzheimer’s or dementia patients. 2. Diabetics Diabetics face problems such as kidney failure, blindness, and nerve damage which can lead to heart diseases, strokes, and other macrovascular illnesses. A home caregiver can help diabetic patients in preparing meals, monitoring blood sugar levels, and introducing light exercises and walk routines to their schedule. Opting for home care assistance in Dallas for your diabetic loved ones helps make their day to day lives easier. 3. Other Patients Apart from dementia and diabetes patients, people with muscular degenerative disorders such as ALS, muscular dystrophy, or spinal muscular atrophy face the inevitable loss of muscle use, requiring the best care. The conditions directly affect patients’ motor neurons in the brain, resulting in difficulty moving, speaking, eating, and even breathing. A trained caregiver can allow a patient to live a healthy life in their own home, and assist them in their daily tasks, such as bathing, eating, running errands, and more. Final Words If your loved one is experiencing any of the conditions discussed or some other chronic disorders, you need to consult home health care agencies in Dallas as soon as possible to discuss the nature of help that you need. Professional caregivers will help patients in their day to day activities, remind them to take medications, assist them in bathing, manage housekeeping work, help them move from one place to the other, and even be a great companion. By arranging home care assistance in Dallas, patients and their loved ones experience an improved quality of life free from worry. Remember their love when they can no longer remember. ![]() Caregivers of people with dementia know how challenging the job can be, at times. A part of the challenge is communicating with individuals with cognitive problems. After they are hurled into the world of dementia, patients find that they are no longer in control of things like they used to be. They may also find it hard to comprehend a caregiver’s efforts to communicate with them. To help overcome the challenge, this blog post highlights some of the ways caregivers can communicate with dementia patients. Read on. Focus on Positive Interactions People with dementia, especially those under dementia elderly care, may be forgetful or have diminished reasoning capacity, but what others say and do leave a lasting imprint on their mind. It is, therefore, crucial that caregivers interact with them in a positive manner. They must build a pleasant atmosphere around dementia individuals by having positive conversations that are helpful and respectful. One can also use touch and facial expressions to convey messages more affectionately. Speak Coherently While conversing with people with dementia, use as simple words and short sentences as you would do with a 6-year-old. When caregivers speak clearly, slowly, and logically, it helps the patients comprehend the message more easily and faster. This is especially true for people on senior dementia care. Caregivers must maintain a reassuring tone at all times. If the person under care fails to grasp a message the first time, the caregiver should repeat the same in a better way, but without using loud or harsh voice. Stick to One Subject at a Time Dementia patients are usually not in a position to follow conversations on multiple subjects due to cognitive limitations. When a conversation involves mental juggling, they may find it difficult to maintain it. That’s why it’s advisable to keep conversations simple, short, and related to a single thread. Do not quibble or play with words. Wrap Up Effective dementia care not only requires a friendly environment, but also the conscious efforts from the patient’s loved ones. The communication tips discussed in the post are endorsed by healthcare professionals across the United States and are sure to help you take better care of individuals with this disorder. Another way to ensure the right care for Dementia patients is hiring professional caregivers specializing in Dementia care. Taking care of an invalid parent or a relative is an enormous responsibility. With working children and nuclear families becoming a social norm, elderly people are left to tend themselves in most cases. But now these needy senior citizens, many of whom are chronically ill and struggle with activities of daily living, have a reason to smile. 24-hour, in-home senior care offers long-term solution to this problem common in most households today.
A U.S.-based and award-winning provider of home health care with presence in multiple countries has made available the following key benefits of assisted living and home care. Support Services for Independent Living A professional 24-hour home health care service offers necessary support to senior patients for a secure and independent living. For millions of senior citizens encountering serious medical issues, it is a rewarding experience to be able to remain in their own home and get assistance in daily activities such as bathing, cooking, toilet, and housekeeping round the clock. Companionship and Emotional Support Oftentimes, 24-hour home health care providers engage seniors on the emotional level, besides rendering support in ADLs. Virtually stranded at home and deprived of an active social life, these citizens are prone to slip into loneliness and depression. Home health caregivers provide companion care as a component of their services, and engage with their clients on an emotional and social level through games, regular outings, etc. Financially Cheaper Option At a time when rising healthcare cost is a big concern for patients and their families, it is delighting to learn that assistive medical care at home is less a drain on one’s financial resources compared to a hospital stay. When one is cared for at his or her own home, it removes the need to pay hospital charges for room, medicines, equipment, tests and nursing services that are billed by the hour or day. Now one can receive professionals care in the comfort of one’s home. Conclusion Quality care from a friendly, knowledgeable and trusted home caregiver ensures independence of the patient while encouraging active family participation in the care. It is also financially more sustainable. Except in cases of medical emergencies, many elderly persons can be provided complete care at home through a licensed senior home health care service provider. Remember, no place is like home especially when you are not well. ![]() Medical researchers are yet to discover the actual cause of dementia and ways of treating it. However, as the world waits patiently when a surefire solution to dementia will be obtained through various researches going on in different medical laboratories, one of the things we can do for our loved ones suffering from this condition is to provide them with quality residential care. If you are living in Dallas, there are a number of home health agencies Dallas TX that will help you choose the best dementia care Dallas home for a loved one. This blog post provides you with some essential guidelines to keep in mind when you are searching for assisted residential facility for dementia and Alzheimer’s care Dallas. Consider the Needs of the Patient and their Family Take note of the particular needs of your loved one with Alzheimer before starting your search for dementia care Dallas facility. If it is possible, write them down and assess each facility you visit based on the extent these needs are realized in them. Don’t also forget your family needs as well. Choose an Alzheimer’s care Dallas home that has the facilities to meet all of them. Visit a Number of Facilities before Making Your Choice It is essential that you visit about three or more facilities taking into consideration the above mentioned point when assessing them. It will be great if another person not emotionally involved in the issue accompanies you in these visits so that both of you can assess the facilities visited. As it is said, two good heads are better than one. So, the judgment of two of you will help you to make an informed choice that you will not regret. Don’t Lose Sight of Your Budget There is no doubt you want the best for the patient. However, in such a case bothering on emotion, everybody is limited by their financial capacity. You have to be realistic with your choice of assisted dementia care Dallas home. Don’t choose an assisted living facility that is beyond your financial power, otherwise you will end up creating more tension for yourself. Dementia-Friendly Environment is a Must Ensure you choose a dementia Care Dallas facility that has a dementia-behavior friendly environment. A good facility should offer maximum comfort to the patient. The atmosphere there should be home-like. It should also be well staffed with trained personnel to supervise and provide for the need of the patients on a 24/7 basis. Wrap Up The decision to take your loved one to a dementia care facility may not be an easy one, but it is a smart one because left alone, you may not be able to offer the best care to patient. Some of these facilities are handled by experts trained in the management of such medical conditions. With them taking care of your loved one, you will have a peace of mind that nothing will happen to the patient as you go about your job and other daily routine. The only thing that comes to men without effort is old age.
We often hear people say that aging is a fact of life but feeling old is necessarily not. More than the actual age of a person, what matters more is how he or she feels inside. In recent years, one of the focus areas on aging population in the U.S. is the challenge of keeping their minds young, healthy and functional. With age, our cognitive power starts to decline, but medical experts say that this natural process can be slowed down. Below we discuss 3 efficacious remedies for cognitive decline in old people that they can try at home before opting for cognitive intervention program. 1. Get sufficient amount of sleep daily Several studies by NCBI have related the amount of sleep a person gets in a day to chances of developing cognitive decline. In one study involving cognitively healthy individuals aged 65 and above, it was found that daytime naps are associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline. Conversely, less than 6.5 sleep at night leads to excessive daytime sleepiness, which increase the risk of cognitive decline. These studies concluded that duration and quality of sleep are essential to counter early onset of cognitive issues such as forgetfulness, decreased ability for judgment, and declining problem-solving capacity. 2. Create regular moments of intimacy Intimate moments such as sex are known to result in better cognitive function in men and women. In another study by NCBI, 28 men and 45 women, aged between 50 and 83, who had sex weekly scored on average 2 percent higher on some cognitive tests than those who had sex monthly, and 4 percent higher than those who never had sex in a while. Private moments of companionship and intimacy that heighten brain function may be attributed to pure social or biological factors, the study said. Release of sex-related hormones such as dopamine and oxytocin seem to affect our brain functions in positive ways. 3. Engage in leisure activities Similar studies on cognitive decline revealed that active participation in all form of activities - physical, mental and social is linked to a slower rate of cognitive decline in elders. Researchers call it a ‘dose-response’ wherein the more active senior citizens remain during the latter part of their lives, the slower the rate of decline. Activities such as gardening, brisk walking (for at least 30 minutes), reading, playing puzzles and quizzes, and socialization lead to cognitive stimulation and keep one’s brain active and alert. Conclusion A proper assessment of patients suspected of cognitive decline at any stage is essential to prescribe first-line treatment involving various cognitive therapeutics methods. Even though this condition is a natural process attending one’s aging, it can progress into more serious conditions such as dementia if left unchecked. We may not be able to prevent so many diseases when they come unannounced, but it is in our hands to make them gentler, tolerable and less severe to affected individuals. The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.
Home health care services entail personal care of a patient who is disabled, chronically ill or recovering from a major surgery. It involves basic daily care like washing, dressing, and administering drugs. Patients with special needs are usually provided these services to promote healthy living. Underutilized Treatment Option Home health care services still remain highly underutilized in a place like Dallas compared to institutionalized care. But it is hoped that this will change soon as we are witnessing a growing public demand for such services delivered in one’s own home environment. Some of the reasons why home care assistance should be encouraged everywhere are discussed below.
Conclusion A recent Health and Retirement Study by Michigan University revealed that men and women need help with activities of daily living as they age. It said 32% of men and 66% of women start experiencing limitations in normal activities like driving by the time they reach 85 years. In such cases, it is best to provide them long-term home care assistance for improvement in lifestyle. Particularly, if the illness is of a debilitating nature, long-term hospitalization is not viable, and thus home care is the only desirable option for millions of patients and their families. ![]() Elderly patients in last stages of dementia, Parkinson's and other neurological disorders often need 24 hours in home senior care. For many family members, it is often difficult to be present with the elderly people round-the-clock to look after their every small need, be it taking medication on time or going out for short walk. This is where professional home health care services come into the picture. Most service providers offer the options of 24-hour and live-in care with each having its pros and cons. In this blog post, we give an overview of the two types of elderly care in detail to help you choose the option that is best for you and the loved one. Read on. Live-in Care In live-in care, one caregiver is booked for a period of 24 hours. The maximum duration for which a caregiver can be booked is four to five days per week. The caregiver gets a break of 4 hours every day, and an additional break of 8 hours to sleep. The billing is usually on a per day basis. Pros A live-in service reduces the number of caregivers scheduled for the entire week (the number is two in most cases). This enables the caregivers to build a better relationship with the senior patient and have consistency in the schedule. Cons The 4-hour break with an optional coverage is the biggest disadvantage of live-in care. If you don’t have the cover, the caregiver can still leave the patient alone and one of the members of the family will have to take the responsibility. If you opt for the cover, you will have to pay an additional price for the 4hours service on the hourly basis. 24-hour Care In 24-hour care, two caregivers work on 12 hours shift every day. The service provider can also arrange 3 x 8-hour shifts so that caregivers get better rest and are more alert on-duty. The maximum work limit for a caregiver is 4 x 12 hours per week. The caregiver doesn’t get any sleeping break in the 12 hours. If you are paying for 24-hour care on an hourly basis, you can allow the overnight caregiver to sleep during the visit. Pros The biggest advantage of 24-hour care is that the caregiver is there to assist the client even at night. Since there are rotational shifts, caregivers are more alert and refreshed. Cons A 24-hour care service is more expensive than live-in care as it is mostly billed at an hourly rate. Another drawback is that the number of caregivers will be more because of rotational shifts, which may not be a good option if the elderly patient needs more familiarity. Final Words Both the types of services have their advantages and disadvantages. It is always better to discuss the condition and needs of the elderly patient with caregiver services to understand the type of senior care that would be the most beneficial. Do consider the total experience of the caregiver and reputation of the company before you hire someone for the assistance. Dementia is a mental disorder that affects two or more core mental functions of an individual, such as memory, logical reasoning, language and ability to focus. As core mental functions are affected, it interferes with social or occupational functioning. Though most people believe that Dementia causes only memory loss, the fact is that if left unattended, the disorder can cripple the routine life of a patient, leading to immense frustration. To help understand Dementia better, in this post we discuss the symptoms, causes and available treatment options to help Dementia patients.
Symptoms Dementia is progressive which means the symptoms start to appear slowly and gradually get worse with time. The symptoms of Dementia may vary depending on the cause and the level of progression, however, notable symptoms that reflect a decline in cognitive ability include:
Apart from cognitive changes, a Dementia patient is most likely to exhibit psychological changes such as:
Types of Dementia Dementia can be attributed to a number of factors such as age and disorders such as Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease. More often than not, people above the age of 60 years are most likely to develop a type of Dementia. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of Dementia that people develop, however, other types of Dementia also exist such as: Vascular Dementia Vascular Dementia is the most common after Alzheimer’s and is mainly caused due to a damage to blood vessels in specific areas of the brain. Lewy Body Dementia Lewy Body Dementia, as the name suggests, is caused due to lewy bodies, that are abnormal clumps of proteins found in the brain. Mixed Dementia When Vascular Dementia, Lewy body Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease coexist in patients, the condition is called Mixed Dementia. Treatment Though medical researchers are yet to find a permanent cure for Dementia, there are some treatments available to help a patient lead a normal life. Here are some of them. Medications Cholinesterase inhibitors are used to boost the level of chemical messengers involved in memory and judgement. Although Cholinesterase inhibitors are primarily used for treating Alzheimer’s disease, they are effective in treating Vascular Dementia, Parkinson’s disease Dementia and Lewy body Dementia, too. Other than Cholinesterase inhibitors, Memantine is also prescribed for Dementia patients. It works by regulating the activity of chemical messengers responsible for memory and learning. Therapy Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Cognitive Stimulation therapy helps strengthen memory, problem solving skills and language abilities of a Dementia patient. The therapy involves taking part in physical activities and exercises and is mostly effective for patients with mild or moderate levels of Dementia. Modification Therapy Though this is not a therapy, it acts like one. Modifying the surroundings of a Dementia patient can have a profound impact on their overall mental health. This may include hiding objects such as knives and tools that pose a physical threat to a patient or using a monitoring device that alerts you whenever Dementia starts showing any effect. Behavioral Therapy Behavioral therapy aims to combat behavioral problems that stem from Dementia such as depression, anxiety, mood swings and delusional thinking. It is supervised by a healthcare professional or a caregiver; however, family members living with the Dementia patient can also conduct behavioral therapy sessions. Prognosis Dementia is a disorder that progresses over time. The rate of progression can, however, be slowed down with medications and cognitive therapies. Dementia patients also require 24/7 care, given those bouts of frustration and unpredictable behavior. When someone in the family is diagnosed with Dementia, other commitments may take a backseat as the primary motive would then be to care for the person and help them lead a normal life. A caregiver from any reputable home health agencies in Dallas can help you meet the objective. |
Brooklyn
Brooklyn falls under the list of top home care assistants. Apart from being a healthcare expert and investing her time in working for renowned medical firms, she has a passion for writing too. She maintains a blog that talks extensively about home care assistance and healthcare. Archives
January 2018
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