Retirees, Empty Nesters, and Newcomers to the CSRA...We Have a Place for You!
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Serving AUGUSTA & the CSRA Information For Ages 50 PLUS! Retirees,Retirees, EmptyEmpty Nesters,Nesters, andand NewcomersNewcomers toto thethe CSRA...CSRA... ...We...We HaveHave aa PlacePlace forfor You!You! StoryStory onon PagePage 66 November 2011 Vol. 25, No. 11 Page 2 • November 2011 • Senior News • Augusta Taking Care Managing challenging Alzheimer’s behaviors by LISA M. PETSCHE have been found to be successful in man- Avoid clichés. • Keep frequently used items in a con- aging, if not reducing, confusion, agitation • Keep questions to a minimum and sistent, easily accessible spot. Labels may and frustration. Medications may be used avoid open-ended ones, especially those be helpful. Store valuables and items that One in ten Americans over age to treat some of the more severe behav- that begin with “Why” or “How.” Allow could pose a danger – including car keys, 65 and almost half of those over 85 have ioral symptoms. However, because they plenty of time for a response. knives and toxic substances – in a secure Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder, are a chemical form of restraint, they are • Simplify tasks and break them down place. according to the Alzheimer’s Association. generally as a last resort. Moreover, many into manageable steps, communication • Keep rooms well lit to eliminate shad- Alzheimer’s disease is dementia-related behaviors do not respond them one at a time. Demonstration may ows. Minimize glare by removing mirrors the most common to medication. help. Try different words when your mes- and covering shiny surfaces. form of dementia (loss If you are a caregiver of someone sage is not getting across. • Minimize noise from televisions, of cognitive function- with dementia, you may find the follow- • Offer limited choices – for instance, radios and telephone ring tones. ing) and involves ing behavior management strategies help- “Would you like coffee or juice?” rather • Avoid changes to the environment and breakdown of nerve ful in looking after your relative. than “What would you like to drink?” don’t allow clutter to accumulate. cells in the brain. • Respond to your relative’s mood when Consistency and simplicity are key. Affected persons Some general advice his words don’t make sense – for exam- • Avoid situations involving crowds, Lisa Petsche gradually lose the • Learn as much as possible about your ple, “It sounds like you’re feeling sad.” noise or unpredictability. ability to interpret relative’s disease and its management, and Listen, show empathy and provide reas- information and to send messages to their educate family and friends to help them surance. Health Tips body to behave in certain ways. understand. (Your local chapter of the • Use humor to deflect a tense situation. • Ensure your relative eats nutritious Mental changes include memory loss, Alzheimer’s Association is an excellent • Be patient and allow ample time to meals, gets adequate exercise and rest, difficulty carrying out routine tasks, dis- resource.) Knowing what to expect and carry out activities. and has regular medical and dental check- orientation to time and place, difficulty how to deal with challenges can go a long • If your relative becomes argumenta- ups. adjusting to new places and situations, way to reduce anxiety and foster a sense tive, don’t debate the facts – a no-win sit- • When your relative appears agitated, loss of language skills and decreased of control. uation. Instead, focus on feelings or use investigate physical causes such as pain, judgment. Mood-wise, there may be anxi- • Try to identify an underlying cause for distraction. hunger or need for toileting first, since ety, decreased expression or inability to behaviors of concern. Keep a log that • Learn to recognize early signs of frus- these needs are easily addressed. control emotions. includes triggers, strategies attempted and tration and be prepared with some calm- • Arrange a doctor visit if you notice Some common behaviors are wander- your relative’s response. With patience ing strategies to head off problematic sudden changes in your relative’s func- ing away from home and becoming lost, and creativity you will develop a reper- behavior – for example, putting on sooth- tioning, mood or behavior, which may repetitious behavior, sundowning (escala- toire of strategies you can draw from to ing music or serving a favorite snack. indicate an acute (treatable) health prob- tion in behavior in the late afternoon and help prevent or manage behavior. • If your relative becomes aggressive, lem – a bladder infection or medication early evening) and altered sleep patterns. remain calm and give him space. Retreat side effects, for example. Other challenging behaviors may include Interpersonal strategies and seek help if you feel threatened. • If you have ongoing concerns about hallucinations (distorted sensory experi- • Use a low-pitched voice to convey your relative’s mood or behavior, request ences), delusions (false beliefs), paranoia calmness and reassurance. Be conscious Environmental adaptations a referral to a geriatric mental health serv- (suspiciousness), and agitation. of your facial expressions and other body • Establish and stick to daily routines. ice. Awide variety of interpersonal strate- language as well. • Provide meaningful activities to occu- ********* gies and environmental modifications • Use simple words and short sentences. py your relative’s time. Investigate avail- Lisa M. Petsche is a social worker able day programs in the community. and a freelance writer specializing in • Prominently post a calendar for mark- boomer and senior issues. She has per- ing events and appointments and keep sonal and professional experience with T OUCHING easy-to-read clocks around the house. elder care. Annual Faith and Aging Conference LIVES scheduled for November 8th Submitted by Para-Professional Caregiver of the JEANETTE CUMMINGS Year and the Volunteer Family Director, Area Agency on Aging Caregiver of the Year. The Care-Net A Division of the CSRA Regional of the Area Agency on Aging accepts Development Center nominations meeting published crite- ria throughout the year as a partner of the Rosalyn Carter Institute of The CSRA Regional Caregiving. Local winners are eligi- Commission Area Agency on ble to run for a state awards present- Aging’s Care-Net will be celebrating ed at the Institute in Americus, National Georgia each October. Security... Services... Southern Hospitality! Caregiver’s The Care-Net Caregiver At Thomson Health and Rehabilitation we believe in resident-centered care. Month by honor- Luncheon is the event that brings Preservation of our residents’ dignity, self-respect, rights and privacy is our ing our care- faith communities, caregivers and primary concern. Our programs focus on assisting residents to live each day to givers by host- community resources together. their fullest in a caring and professional environment. We believe this means ing an awards While celebrating our caregivers, it developing personal relationships with our residents and their families. luncheon in also offers caregivers and profes- Our professional staff provides compassionate, individualized care in a home-like, recognition of sionals the opportunity to network family atmosphere... including, but not limited to: 24-Hour Skilled Nursing Care, their contribu- and learn from their peers, visit Pharmacy Service, Physician Services, Restorative Program, Physical Therapy & tions to family exhibitors with the latest products Rehabilitation, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Short or Long Term Jeanette and the commu- and services and take advantage of Rehabilitation, Subacute/Post Hospitalization Care, Dining and Nutrition Services, Cummings nity. The lunch- the strengths of other organizations. Specialized Wound Care, Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care, Pain Management and eon will occur Participants will also be delighted Palliative/Hospice Care. on Tuesday, November 8, 2011 from with good food, entertainment and We look forward to the opportunity to provide tours and answer any questions you 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Julian door prizes. The registration fee for may have regarding short or long term care services. Smith Casino at 2200 Broad Street professionals is $10.00 and the event in Augusta. The keynote speaker will is free for caregivers. be Shirley Garrett, who will present For more information or to reg- Thomson Health and Rehabilitation “Serve from the Top of your Lungs ister, contact Janice Adams, 511 Mount Pleasant Road • Thomson, GA 30824 and the Bottom of Your Heart.” Caregiver Program Manager, at 706- Following her presentation an 210-2000 or toll free 888-922-4464. awards program will recognize the E-mail all inquiries to 706-595-5574 Family Caregiver of the Year, the [email protected]. November 2011 • Senior News • Augusta • Page 3 AGENCY ALERT: When the Cupboard is Bare – Elderly Nutritional Health Faces Multiple Challenges by KATHLEEN ERNCE favorite recipes – or yours – that incor- back-up food, water and high-nutrition and neighbors who can stop by for Executive Director porate healthy products. products such as Ensure® in case a trip lunch or dinner, or enlist the services of The Senior Citizens Council 4. The illness. Many older adults are to the store isn't possible. a professional Caregiver. Augusta, Georgia struggling with health conditions. Some 10. The support. Isolation is one of don't feel like eating as a result. Others the biggest threats to an older adult. As always, if you need additional say that an illness or condition has Suggestion: Encourage your loved one information or have comments about forced them to change the food they to invite friends to dinner. If you can't this article, please call us at 706-868- You've just arrived at your eld- eat. Suggestion: Discovering favorite be there, develop a schedule of friends 0120. erly mom's house and, once again, the recipes from the recipe box and making fridge is empty and your mother is eat- mealtime a social event may help. ing toast for dinner. "Why cook," she 5. The physical problems.