<!–[CDATA[It’s heartbreaking to watch a senior loved one with Alzheimer’s disease lose their memory and struggle with daily activities. Tasks such as getting dressed or eating can become a challenge.

But when a loved one with Alzheimer’s becomes agitated, it’s especially difficult to deal with. If you don’t have any medical or senior care training, you may be at a loss about what to do.

Understanding some of the main causes of Alzheimer’s-related agitation can help you minimize anxiety and angry outbursts by avoiding stressful situations.

And if you can’t prevent a difficult behavior completely, at least you will be better prepared to manage it.

5 Reasons a Senior with Alzheimer’s Gets Agitated

1. Fear or fatigue

Older adults with Alzheimer’s live in a scary, unfamiliar world. The fatigue that comes from trying to understand their surroundings often causes agitation.

By creating a calming, distraction-free atmosphere most of the time, you may be able to decrease some of the agitation your loved one feels.

2. A break in routine

It’s hard enough for someone with Alzheimer’s to understand their everyday world when things around them remain stable. A break in routine—even seemingly positive changes like a visit from friends—can cause agitation.

To prevent agitation in these situations, explain in advance to your loved one what’s happening.

Whether it’s a trip to the doctor, a visit from the grandchildren, or a family celebration, remind your loved one what’s happening, what they can expect, and that you’ll be with them through it all. You may need to repeat this over and over depending upon how great their memory loss is.

3. Perceived threats

People with Alzheimer’s often become agitated when they perceive a threat. And what we view as normal could be seen as a threat to someone with Alzheimer’s.

To minimize this risk, strive for a stress-free, calming environment. Avoid too much noise, or even “loud” colors and patterns, which can cause agitation.

If your loved one perceives a threat, don’t try to invalidate their feelings.  Instead, tell them it will be okay and that you will stay with them until they feel better.
Speak in calming tones. Ask how you can help. You might also distract your loved one with an easy chore or some light exercise.

4. A change in caregivers

Any change can cause agitation in someone with Alzheimer’s. But one of the most disruptive changes relates to caregiving. Changing caregivers removes someone the senior has grown to trust and rely on, and introduces a new person. This is tough for a person with memory loss.

If you think about a toddler with separation anxiety, it’s easy to understand what a senior with Alzheimer’s may be feeling when a new caregiver joins the family. Consider making a slow transition to the new caregiver, and expect some agitation until your loved one settles into the new routine.

5. A change in location

There is, perhaps, no change more jarring for a senior with Alzheimer’s than a move—especially a move from a lifelong home.

Moving your loved one into a memory care community, staffed with experts trained to manage agitation and other Alzheimer’s symptoms, can ease the transition. From moving day to the weeks following, the staff will ensure your loved one feels safe and protected, while also caring for their daily needs.

Change is one of the most common causes of agitation, but a move to Five Star Senior Living doesn’t have to create anxiety for your loved one. Contact our expert team for advice on making this transition go smoothly.
 

 
Nearly 26% of adults age 65 and older live with diabetes. The condition occurs when the body doesn’t process insulin properly. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form and it is the result of the pancreas not being able to produce enough insulin to keep blood glucose at normal levels. The body is said to become insulin resistant. Diet and lifestyle often contribute to this form of diabetes.
 
Is there a Link between Diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease?
 
Research showing a potential link between Alzheimer’s and insulin-resistance continues to mount. Studies have found that seniors with diabetes have lower cognitive function and are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. It has led some scientists to go as far as saying that Alzheimer’s should be classified as type 3 diabetes.
While they don’t yet understand the connection between diabetes and dementia, doctors do believe that high blood sugar has a negative impact on the brain. It creates inflammation in neurological pathways which causes arteries in the brain to harden and narrow. When the necessary amount of blood can’t reach brain cells, an older adult’s cognitive abilities may decline.
 
Excess glucose also limits the brain’s ability to break down fatty membranes. These proteins clump together and form plaques and tangles that are believed to be associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
 
6 Steps to Lower Your Risk for Diabetes and Alzheimer’s
 
While researchers largely agree that staying physically active and mentally engaged in hobbies and social activities likely helps prevent Alzheimer’s, older adults also need to work with their primary care physician to monitor to their blood sugar levels.
 
The American Diabetes Association suggests the following tips to manage blood sugar:
 

1. Follow the plate-method when planning healthy menus
2. Work with your doctor to develop an exercise plan that includes 30 minutes of physical activity five days a week
3. Maintain a healthy weight
4. Keep your cholesterol and blood pressure at healthy levels
5. Stop smoking
6. Limit consumption of alcoholic beverages to the amount recommended by your primary care physician

The good news in all of this research is that type 2 diabetes can often be controlled with lifestyle changes. By successfully controlling your blood sugar, you may in turn reduce your risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
 
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<!–[CDATA[Every year November is designated as National Alzheimer’s Month. One of the goals in establishing our Senior Care Blog for Indiana was to help raise awareness of issues affecting caregivers and older adults.

Earlier this year, the Alzheimer’s Association released the 2015 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures Report. This comprehensive study looked at how the disease impacts families on a variety of fronts. The financial impact of Alzheimer’s is one.

Here’s what we know:

• In 2014, friends and loved ones of people with Alzheimer’s and related forms of dementia provided an estimated 17.9 billion hours of unpaid care.
• The unpaid care is valued at $217.7 billion. That figure equates to 46% of the net value of Walmart sales in 2013 and almost eight times the total revenue for McDonald’s restaurants in 2013.
• Approximately two-thirds of primary family caregivers are women. 34% of them are age 65 or older.
• An estimated 250,000 children and young adults help care for a loved one with dementia.
• 41% of caregivers have a combined household income of less than $50,000.
• Because of the physical and emotional demands of caregiving, dementia caregivers racked up $9.7 billion in additional health care costs of their own in 2014.
• In 2015, the direct costs of caring for people with Alzheimer’s in this country are projected to be about $226 billion. Half of those costs will be covered by Medicare.
• Medicare spends three times more money on people over the age 65 who have Alzheimer’s and related forms dementias than for seniors who don’t. For Medicaid, the rate is 19 times higher.
• Nearly one in every five Medicare dollars is spent on people with dementia. By 2050 that number is expected to climb to one in every three dollars.

What can you do to help?

Become an advocate.

The Alzheimer’s Association has a variety of opportunities in which you can become involved. Whether it is for a few hours a month or a day a week, you can help in the fight against this disease.

Another organization to consider supporting is the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. They host a variety of events and programs to support people with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers including Memory Screening Week in early November.

If you have questions about Alzheimer’s or are concerned about your ability to keep a loved one with the disease safe at home, we encourage you to call the Five Star Senior Living closest to your home. Our caregivers will be happy to help!

<!–[CDATA[Family members often say one of the greatest emotional struggles Alzheimer’s disease presents is finding ways to protect their loved one’s dignity. As the disease advances, the senior loses the ability to care for themselves. They may not recognize that their hair is a mess or they need a shower. 

Struggling to find the right words can cause a senior with dementia to withdraw. This may cause friends and family to treat them differently or give up trying to communicate at all.

For family members, watching the decline of a beloved elder can be painful. Families can take certain steps, however, to make sure visitors and health professionals interact with the senior in ways that protect their self-esteem.

Protecting Dignity and Promoting Self-Esteem

1. Don’t allow the senior to be treated like a child.

When verbal skills and short-term memory are impaired, a senior may be unable to retain new information and carry on a conversation. People they encounter might unconsciously use language or a tone that is patronizing. It’s important to gently intervene and not allow the elder to be treated like a child. 

Also, replace words like “diaper” or “bib,” with kinder words such as “brief” or “clothes protector.” Don’t talk about or allow others to talk about the older adult in front of them. Even if the senior can’t respond verbally, it’s important to include them in conversations.

2. Remind people of your aging loved one’s story.

The senior is more than their diagnosis. It might take reminding people of their story to keep that in perspective. When friends and family visit, share the senior’s highs and lows in life, and how they overcame adversity. 

Talk about what the older adult’s hobbies were in younger days, and what they like to do today. Shining the spotlight on their remaining abilities instead of their losses may help people see beyond the disease.

3. Encourage and support independence.

There is a saying among dementia-care providers that the more you do for an adult with dementia, the more you take away from them. Allowing a person with dementia to maintain as much of their independence as possible is important. 

Because your family member’s capabilities may fluctuate from day-to-day, you will need to be flexible. Allow them to attempt to do as much as they are able to at any time. Be patient, and step in to help only when it’s needed. 

4. Be a patient, kind listener.

When it comes to dementia, entering the world of the person with the disease is important. That includes watching and listening with true empathy. It can be tough to do sometimes, especially when you are busy and words don’t come easily for the senior.

The same is true when visitors or outsiders are involved. For example, if the senior has a doctor’s appointment, encourage the staff to include the senior in conversations. Step in if your loved one is struggling and you sense their self-esteem is suffering. 

Memory Care at Five Star Senior Living

Memory care communities help adults with dementia live their best life despite the disease. If you are beginning the search for memory care, we have some tips for making the transition. “Preparing a Loved One with Dementia for a Move to Memory Care” addresses the unique challenges of moving an adult with memory loss.

From a wide variety of life enrichment activities to a structured day that supports success, Five Star Senior Living is one of the nation’s leading providers of memory care. Call (853) 457-8271 to learn more or to schedule a private tour!
 

<!–[CDATA[When a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, family members may struggle to find ways to manage difficult behaviors. A common one is agitation. It is difficult on its own, and can also cause other issues to arise, such as wandering. That’s why it’s so important to learn what might be triggering agitation and to take steps to minimize it whenever possible.

Potential Alzheimer’s Agitation Triggers

Here are a few potential causes of agitation you can explore to help your senior loved one:

• Fatigue: Adults with Alzheimer’s commonly go without sleep for long periods of time. They can also have difficulty relaxing during the day. Both can contribute to extreme fatigue which increases the risk for agitation. If this sounds like your loved one’s situation, it might be good to talk with their physician for help overcoming their sleep problems.
• Environment: Alzheimer’s makes it difficult for a person to process too much at one time. When the adult is in a noisy location, such as during a party or at a mall, the noisy, hectic environment can lead to anger and agitation. An environment that is calm is usually better. Playing soothing music may also be beneficial.
• Pain: Verbal communication skills are often impaired early in the disease. This makes it tough for the senior to let you know when they are in pain. Undiagnosed pain is a common trigger for restlessness and agitation. While it might be difficult to do, try to assess your loved one for signs of pain. Do they have a fever? Are they grimacing? Having trouble walking? You may need the intervention of a physician to pinpoint the problem.
• Change: Memory loss can make it difficult for a senior with Alzheimer’s disease to adapt to change. Because short-term memory is typically compromised in the early stages of the disease, a person with Alzheimer’s may not be able to remember new things. A change in one’s daily schedule, caregiver, or environment can increase the risk for agitation. It is usually best to create and stick with a structured daily routine.
• Fear: When memory is impaired, even once familiar faces and places can seem foreign. This can leave a person with Alzheimer’s fearful and uncertain about what is happening to them. Understandably, this confusion can trigger episodes of agitation and wandering. This fear can be a difficult trigger to overcome. Try placing family photos in the home—those from past days are generally best. While it can be frustrating to do, some days might require you to explain who you are over and over.
• Overactivity: Family caregivers have busy days. You may have no other choice than to take your loved one along when you run errands. Be aware, however, that doing too much in one day can increase the risk for agitation. Consider splitting up your stops over several days instead. Alzheimer’s experts recommend planning your outings around your loved ones best and worst times of day. For many, mid-morning is the optimum time of day for activity.

If you test each of these potential triggers without seeing any change in a senior’s agitation, you will likely need to talk with their primary care physician or neurologist for further advice.

Dementia Care at Five Star Senior Living

As part of our commitment to educating older adults and their families about dementia care, we routinely share resources and information on our blog. One you might find especially helpful is 5 Alzheimer’s Communication Tips for Families. We offer tips for communicating with a senior whose verbal skills are limited.

If you would like to schedule a tour of one of our award-winning Bridge to Rediscovery programs, please call us at (853) 457-8271. We’ll be happy to make the arrangements!

As our population continues to grey, the number of people living with Alzheimer’s is climbing. Because Alzheimer’s frequently robs people of their verbal skills, finding ways to communicate with a senior loved one who has the disease can be challenging.

The Alzheimer’s experts at Five Star Senior Living have pulled together a few tips to help.

8 Tips for Communicating When a Senior Has Alzheimer’s

1. Empathize: Understand that your loved one with Alzheimer’s has lost some or all of their verbal abilities. It is frustrating and frightening to them. They may be in be in pain, hungry or thirsty and be unable to convey that to you. Using a calm, soft voice can show them you empathize with them. This will help put them at ease as they try to use other methods to communicate with you.
2. Eye Contact: Making eye contact with someone with Alzheimer’s is important. It not only helps you assess their face for signs of pain or sadness, it also ensures they see you approaching them. This disease often leads to a loss of peripheral vision. If you approach your loved one from behind or beside them, it can be startling. They might strike out at you unintentionally.
3. Enter their Reality: Avoid trying to correct or set your senior with Alzheimer’s “straight” when they confuse things. Because the disease impairs short-term memory and reasoning skills, they won’t be able to understand or even remember if you try. This includes forcing them to “understand” that a loved one has died. It only causes them to relive their sadness over and over again.
4. Non-Verbal Cues: A kind facial expression is one of the non-verbal cues that can make a big difference to a loved one with Alzheimer’s. Keep a friendly smile on your face when you are talking with them. It lets them know you aren’t angry. Remember that talking too fast around someone with this disease can increase agitation. Try to keep all non-verbal cues gentle and calming.
5. Be Patient: If your senior loved one still has some verbal skills left, allow them to try to express themselves. It might take longer to find the right words, but it is important to let them try without interruption.
6. Limit the Distractions: When you want to have a conversation with your family member, pick a quiet place free of distractions. Turn off the television and sit close to them. It will help them focus on your words.
7. Short, Closed Questions: It also helps in communicating with an adult with Alzheimer’s if you use short sentences and questions that can be answered with a yes or no.
8. Visual Cues: One final tip is to use visual cues to help make communication easier. It might include pointing to items you think your loved one needs, such as a glass of water or a blanket. It could also be by creating cue cards with photos on them for frequently used words, like toast, eggs, coffee or even a photo of the bathroom.

   The Alzheimer’s Association created an Alzheimer’s Communication Guide you can download at no cost. It outlines additional techniques you and your family can utilize with the senior you love.

If you’re caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, there’s no reason to forego holiday travel. In fact, your loved one may be excited to see far-away family and friends. It just takes a bit more planning to allow for a successful trip. These tips can help ensure your trip goes smoothly.

Pre-planning for a Trip When a Loved One has Alzheimer’s

In the planning stages, opt for the familiar.

This includes familiar modes of travel and visiting familiar locations. Your loved one with Alzheimer’s may find comfort visiting places, family, and friends they knew well before the onset of their disease.

Plan your days to enable your loved one to stick to their usual routine as much as possible. Long days on the road, staying up late at parties, or straying too far from the normal routine can cause agitation and stress for people with Alzheimer’s.

Planning Where to Stay

Staying with friends and family may be preferable, as you might have more control over the environment. And it may feel more familiar to your loved one.

If you’re staying at a hotel, notify hotel staff of any special needs in advance.

How to Pack the Essentials

Traveling with an older adult who has Alzheimer’s requires careful packing. Be sure to include:

• An ample supply of all necessary medications, including over-the-counter medicines
• A complete list of their medications (if you are traveling by air, the airline may need to see these before you can bring prescription meds in carry-on luggage)
• An up-to-date medical history
• Copies of any legal information or documents such as a living will
• Activities to keep your loved one busy while you travel

Take Advantage of Conveniences that Come with Age

Call the airport and ask about TSA pre-check screening requirements. Individuals 75 and older may qualify for expedited screening.

If your loved one isn’t 75, they might still qualify for TSA pre-check screening, a paid service that allows participants to go through security faster and without removing jacket or shoes.

Even without paying for TSA Pre✓® your loved one may get special considerations if you notify the TSA representatives that your loved one has Alzheimer’s. They may be able to perform the security screening without separating your group.

Make sure to ask about senior discounts on airlines, hotels, and restaurants, too!

Know What to Expect

Be prepared for the possibilities of agitation, sundowning, and other challenges when traveling with a loved one with Alzheimer’s. It helps if you can be flexible in your schedule. It might mean canceling a day trip or cutting sightseeing outings short if your loved one isn’t up to it.

Try to plan your schedule around your loved one’s best and worst times of day.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

Seniors with Alzheimer’s who are taken out of their typical surroundings are more prone to wandering. Consider downloading a tracking app on your loved one’s smart phone or using GPS jewelry so you can keep track of your loved one, especially in crowded places.

With the proper preparations, traveling with a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be rewarding and fun.

If your loved one isn’t up for the challenge of holiday travel, Five Star Senior Living offers respite care and short-term stays for older adults with Alzheimer’s. Call today to learn more!

Contact Us Today

When an Indiana senior you love is becoming forgetful or repeating what they just said in a conversation, you might wonder if this is an early sign of dementia or just a typical part of aging. Some of the myths surrounding aging make it difficult for adult children and family caregivers to tell the difference. But there are some early warning signs that are important to monitor and discuss with your aging parent’s physician.

Recognizing the Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

If you suspect your senior loved one might be developing Alzheimer’s, keep a journal to track these warning signs:

1. Significant memory loss: Some forgetfulness is common in adults of all ages. When memory loss affects daily life, however, Alzheimer’s disease or a related form of dementia may be the cause. Make note of what kind of information your senior loved one forgets (i.e. names, events, appointments) and how often. Also keep track of whether or not they remember the information later.
2. Neglecting hygiene: Does your loved one seem to be neglecting their personal hygiene? You might notice they are neglecting to shave or not styling their hair like they’ve always done. While this is sometimes a sign of depression, it can also be an early indicator of dementia.
3. Misplacing belongings: We all misplace things on occasion. Some younger adults may even routinely lose track of their car keys or wallet. But when a pattern of losing things or placing things in odd locations develops in an older adult, it can be cause for concern. Keep track of those situations and especially monitor how your loved one reacts. Do they accuse people of stealing from them? Paranoia is often an early sign of Alzheimer’s.
4. Decline in abstract thought process: You may notice your Indiana senior is struggling to balance their checkbook, put money in the parking meter or enjoy a crossword puzzle. These are all behaviors that require problem solving and abstract thought. For someone in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, these types of tasks can be challenging. It isn’t uncommon for a senior to recognize there is a problem but try to hide these behaviors from caregivers and loved ones.
5. Withdrawing from family and social activities: If your aging family member has been isolating themselves from friends and loved ones, it can be a red flag something is wrong. They may be uncomfortable in social situations because they know something is wrong but don’t understand what is happening to them.
6. Change in personality: Alzheimer’s disease can cause significant change in personality. Paranoia, mood swings and angry outbursts are common. Be sure to track those behaviors and note them in your journal to share with their family physician.

While these issues may seem small, the Alzheimer’s Association recommends that older adults who exhibit noticeable changes in memory and reasoning talk with their primary care physician. Early detection means your family member may be able to explore clinical trials that may help slow the progression of the disease. It also allows your family to plan ahead and make important decisions about the future.