Dementia is one of the most challenging conditions to live with, and it can be equally difficult for family members who are caring for a parent who’s suffering from this. Thankfully, there are some proven cognitive stimulation activities for seniors with dementia that can help to slow down the progression, sharpen their memory and reduce feelings of anxiety and anger. 

Try out these activities with your loved one to reduce the symptoms and enjoy more meaningful moments together while enhancing their quality of life.

Baking

For seniors with early or mild stages of dementia, baking is a wonderful activity to get them involved in. Baking activates multiple areas of the brain and is fully immersive. Therefore, all of our senses become engaged including sound, sight, smell, taste and touch. Working with dough or baking cakes offers various textures and sensations for them to experience. And in addition to the stimulating benefits, it’s also relaxing and enjoyable since they get to tap into fond memories of baking, and reminisce about family recipes or bake offs which are always uplifting. Just make sure to be cautious when working with any sharp items or hot surfaces.

Knitting or Crochet

If your senior parent loves to knit but hasn’t in a while, get them back into the hobby! If they were unable to continue with this passion due to pain in their hands or coordinating the yarn, consider getting them large gauge needles or oversized yarn in bolder colours. This way, they can easily see what they’re working with. In fact, they can even forgo the needles and just use their hands for finger knitting. It’s a simple yet soothing and productive activity that’s ideal for keeping the hands and mind busy.

Dancing

Dancing can be a fun way to get seniors up and moving around while getting in some gentle exercise. It’s also excellent for improving coordination since it requires you to move multiple body parts or follow a rhythm. If your parent loves to dance, put on their favourite record and get them up on their feet. It’s a guaranteed way to put a smile on their face while stimulating the body and mind.

Simple Chores

Simple chores like folding laundry or setting the table can be calming ways to get your loved one involved while helping them feel like they’re still contributing to household tasks. Even if the end results aren’t perfect, helping them feel capable and included is well worth it.

Playing Music

Any sort of activity within the creative arts is a great option for stimulating cognitive function for seniors with dementia and rekindling pleasant memories. Playing music is one of the most popular activities and is an excellent form of reminiscence therapy. Similar to baking, it often helps those who are suffering from dementia remember and recollect happy memories. It’s also a good way to keep them calm and at ease during moments of high anxiety and/or frustration.

If your aging parent is suffering from dementia and you’re unable to provide the dedicated care that’s needed, that’s where we can help. At C-Care Health Services, we have qualified nurses and personal support workers who can step in and deliver the level of care your loved one needs. Whether it’s taking care of personal hygiene, daily chores, medication, or providing enjoyable, stimulating activities, you can depend on our team! Reach out to us today to learn more about our services and how they can be tailored to your needs.

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If you have a loved one who’s suffering from dementia, caring for them can be an extremely challenging and emotional experience. As behavioural and cognitive changes occur, they can become unpredictable and distraught, making it even more difficult to provide them with the assistance they need. However, one of the best ways to support them is to learn about the dos and don’ts in caring for a family member with dementia. 

The more you understand what they are going through, the more you can adapt and learn how to make them feel comfortable and safe so they can have a better quality of life. This may be the case even as the disease progresses. Consider the following practical tips when caring for your loved one.

Do:

Create a Familiar Routine

The idea of change can heighten stressful emotions when someone is suffering from dementia, which is why a familiar routine is essential. By creating scheduled daily tasks, your loved one can be better prepared for them, which will reduce anxiety, confusion and stress. Although some flexibility will always be necessary when dealing with an unpredictable illness such as this, try to keep their tasks consistent including meals, medication time, bathing, outdoor time, and so on.

Ensure a Calm and Comfortable Environment for Them

Living in an environment that is chaotic, messy, and/or noisy can be overwhelming for anyone. But for someone with dementia, it can trigger confusion, frustration, and even anger. Consider removing anything that could be contributing to a chaotic or noisy environment, whether that means switching off sources of noise or tidying up their living space. Even clutter and materials with patterns can be off-putting. The goal is to create a space that is calming and comfortable.

Support Them

While your loved one is willing and able, support and encourage them to keep participating in things they enjoy. Even minor household activities like folding laundry, basic yard work, or helping to set the table can help them feel good about themselves.

Don’t: 

Don’t Talk Down to Them

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be very taxing on any family caregiver, but it’s important to remember that it’s a difficult and scary time for them. As the disease progresses, they will gradually lose sight of their own identity, piece by piece. Remember this whenever you’re frustrated so you can empathize and be patient and kind instead of talking down to them.

Don’t Scold Them

There will be times when your loved one does something they were not supposed to do. But remember, this is not intentional. Never scold or speak to them in anger when something goes wrong. They won’t necessarily have control over their actions.

Don’t Talk About Them as if They are Not There

Talking about someone as if they aren’t there is hurtful and can make your loved one feel small and insignificant. Never treat them like they’re a child or incapable of understanding what is going on around them. Be respectful and treat them as you would want to be treated.

C-Care Health Services has been delivering in-home caregiving and dementia nursing services in the Toronto area for more than a decade. Our professional and dedicated team understands the importance of providing reliable, quality assistance to your loved ones. We offer affordable, hourly rates to make it easy to find the flexible service you need for their unique needs, and we can customize a care plan to suit your budget. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how they can help you and your loved one.

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When a loved one is living with dementia, it’s a difficult situation for both sides of the proverbial table. However, the experience does not have to be a stressful, upsetting one for anyone. With the right activities and means of stimulation, dementia patients can enjoy each day, every day! Let’s spotlight some of these excellent activities to help you determine which is right for your loved one.

Memory-Related Games

With memory games, it’s a good idea to avoid solutions that will easily upset your loved one. So, in that sense, you’re better off not trying to get them to recall who is in a picture, for instance. Instead, simple matching games are a safe bet. Word searches and crosswords are extremely popular for this reason, as well as board games that aren’t too complicated or stressful for them.

Creative Outlets

A day behind the easel, simply created without any burdens, is a blessing for loved ones living with dementia. It’s a freeing exercise that also stimulates the mind, letting them choose where the brush glides across the canvas without any consequences. Provide them with a vibrant and fun set of colours to work with and see them bring a beautiful creation of their own making to life! If this sounds too messy and they’re not into fingerpainting (or you’re not into cleaning up afterwards!) then consider alternatives like sketching, quilting, or ever-popular knitting. Just be sure they can be trusted with whichever tools you provide, and don’t leave them unsupervised. Do not give them anything sharp or swallowable at any time.

Reading

If your loved one’s dementia hasn’t progressed to the point where reading a novel is a chore, now’s the time to provide them with plenty of exciting, immersive reading material. Reading and writing acts as a therapeutic form of escapism for many, serving as an inspiration and means of creativity. This is especially handy for loved ones who have a hard time with mobility and need to remain at home or in a certain room.

Musical Instruments

Even if they hit all the wrong notes, letting a loved one hammer away on a keyboard or strum a ukulele hits all the right ones in terms of mental stimulation and excitement. This is a great way to keep them focused, if perhaps even distracted, so that they can remain in a positive and entertained mood. 

There’s no shortage of safe and fun ways to keep your loved one with dementia enjoying each day as it comes. This is just the beginning, and we highly encourage you to research the many other fun activities out there that are suitable for them! If you require assistance with looking after your loved one, don’t hesitate to contact us at C-Care. We’re happy to help with compassionate, integrity-focused caregiving that doesn’t forget the fun factor. 

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Wondering how to tell the difference between normal aging and dementia? Though certain behaviours might feel like a cause for concern, there are many common occurrences that are merely a normal part of the aging process. To gain a better understanding of the two, here are some key differences between normal aging and dementia.

Short-term Memory

Normal Aging

It can be quite normal when an individual begins to forget things such as names or scheduled appointments. They may also misplace items like the remote, their phone, their glasses, or other everyday items. The key indicator that this is a normal part of the aging process is that it isn’t a common occurrence. The individual will often be able to retrace their steps and retrieve their memory.

Dementia

A significant decrease in short-term memory can highlight potential signs of dementia, such as when an individual begins to forget the names of family and relatives, and other individuals who may have recently visited them. They may also struggle to recall information that was just provided to them or ask about the location of something they access frequently such as the keys. An individual with dementia may also start to place items in odd locations, like a putting a cup in the fridge.

Problem Solving and Planning

Normal Aging

An individual’s ability to plan and solve problems also deteriorates with age. As individuals age, they may take more time to think things through, struggle with multi-tasking, and make occasional mistakes that they normally wouldn’t.

Dementia

Some typical signs of dementia include having significant difficulty concentrating on things, feeling very agitated and confused when trying to plan something, and frequently struggling to perform tasks they would normally be proficient with.

Language

Normal Aging

We all struggle at times to find the right words, and this generally becomes more common the older we get. Losing track of a conversation and struggling to concentrate when multiple conversations are happening is also quite normal.

Dementia

With dementia, these types of scenarios tend to happen more regularly. Struggling to find words will become more frequent as well as struggling to contribute to conversations or keeping up with discussions. 

Orientation

Normal Aging

Going into a room and forgetting why you went there to begin with or feeling confused about which day of the week it is are normal hiccups when they are recalled and remembered quite quickly afterwards. 

Dementia

It can become more concerning when someone begins to lose their sense of time and struggles to recall the date or even the month. They may also start to feel disoriented and confused when in a familiar setting.

Mood and Behaviour 

Normal Aging

Feeling a bit anxious, worried, irritable and weary are all normal emotions we feel at some point or another, so these are not usually a cause for concern.

Dementia

If your loved one starts to become noticeably withdrawn, unusually anxious, sad, frightened or uncomfortable, even when among familiar people and settings, then this could be a potential red flag. They may also start to lose interest in regular hobbies and socializing.

Our team at C-Care Health Services is here when you need professional and compassionate care for your loved one. We know how difficult it can be to care for a family member who is struggling with dementia, and taking it all on your own can often be too much to handle. Reach out to us today to learn more about our dementia services.

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Did you know that there are many people living with dementia today who don’t even know that they have the condition? Scientists are only starting to understand dementia and are finding that most people don’t understand what it is or what the symptoms even are. If you’d like to learn more, here are 5 things you likely didn’t know about dementia that could help you or a loved one with the condition.

Woman Are Diagnosed More Than Men

Dementia doesn’t discriminate but women tend to be diagnosed more often than men. Some scientists believe it’s because women tend to have longer lifespans. Other studies have found a correlation between dementia and those who live in lower-income areas. Since women are also more likely to receive lower pay than men and live in lower-income areas, they are more likely to develop the condition.

Alzheimer’s Disease is a Symptom of Dementia

Many people get Alzheimer’s and dementia mixed up. Although it’s true they are related, dementia is not a disease. It is an umbrella term for a group of symptoms that affect thinking, remembering and reasoning. On the other hand, Alzheimer’s is a disease that is a symptom of dementia. It is the most common form of dementia that is a progressive brain disorder, leading to memory loss, confusion, disorientation, and communication impairment. 

Dementia Can Also Impact Your Behaviour

In the middle to later stages of most types of dementia, a person can start to behave differently than they did before. Some typical changes include restless behavior, sleep disturbance, anxiousness, insecurity, agitation, and aggression. Leading an active lifestyle can help to minimize these behavioural changes.

There Is No Known Cure

To date, there is no cure for dementia. Treatments are, however, available to help manage the symptoms. Fortunately, many of the causes can be prevented including diabetes, hearing loss, poor diet, and brain injury.

Many Lead Fulfilling Lives with Dementia

Life doesn’t have to stop when you have dementia. Many people lead fulfilling and active lifestyles even years after the diagnosis. Finding a caregiver and support group that specializes in dementia can greatly help to better manage the condition and allow you to lead an independent life for as long as possible.

If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with dementia or are struggling with the condition, our private care team can help. A C-Care nurse is ready to listen to all your needs and provide you with the care and support that you need.  We can arrange for home care or facility care for as little or as much time as needed. To find out more about what we do and how we can help, reach out to us today.

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It’s not uncommon for people to confuse Alzheimer’s disease with dementia. Even though they have similar symptoms, there are many differences between the two that you should be aware of, especially if you are a caregiver of someone who’s living with one or the other. Here we’ll outline how the two diagnoses are both similar and remarkably different. 

Similarities

They Cannot Be Prevented

So far, neither Alzheimer’s or dementia can be prevented with certainty. You can, however, reduce your chances of developing either of these by eating healthy, staying active, and continuing to learn and challenge your brain.

The Likelihood of Having Both Increases with Age

The chances of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia increase as you age — although they are more common among the elderly, they are not considered a regular part of the ageing process.

Differences

Dementia is Not a Disease

Dementia is not considered a disease. In fact, it’s a general term that describes symptoms associated with memory loss and thinking skills. The symptoms are caused by actual diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Causes

Dementia can be caused by a variety of diseases and illnesses. Some are treatable while others, like Alzheimer’s, are not. Treatable causes include metabolic disorders, strokes, blood clots, nutritional deficiencies, substance abuse, exposure to heavy metals, and untreated infections.

Development Symptoms

The earliest symptom of dementia is memory loss. Forgetting appointments, where you left your keys, what day of the week it is, and turning off the stove are a few common signs. Personality changes will be frequent as well as speaking difficulties and coordination issues.

As a degenerative disease, Alzheimer’s develops slowly and in various stages. Early stage symptoms include disorientation, memory problems, and depression. Middle stage symptoms include hallucinations, paranoia, eating difficulties, and complications performing regular activities, like reading and writing. With late-stage symptoms, you’ll notice the inability to recognize family and friends and problems walking, talking, and even swallowing, therefore requiring around the clock care.

Treatment Processes

To date, there is no known cure yet for Alzheimer’s — treatment focuses on slowing the progression of the disease. However, with dementia, some patients can be treated and even cured (depending on the underlying cause[s]).

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are often mixed up and can cause confusion for patients, families, and caregivers alike. Fortunately, you can rely on us at C-Care Alzheimer’s nursing care services to assist you and your family when it comes to dealing with the symptoms. We can provide private hospital or retirement facility care, home care, and even palliative care for your loved one. Whether you need a couple of hours of monitoring a day for early-stage Alzheimer’s or full round-the-clock care, we offer flexible scheduling to provide the extra support you need. To learn more, contact us today.

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The effects of dementia happen over time and can be overwhelming to a senior loved one. Both them and their family often become frustrated because of the gradual and progressive lack of communication. Your senior loved one will show signs of confusion, and the inability to understand what is going on around them, and often worst of all, who is around them.

The time will eventually come when information on living in a care facility for dementia patients is needed.

When it is time to consider dementia care

The onset of dementia will usually allow time for the family to discuss a care and treatment plan for the loved one. During the early stages, the elderly patient may wish to stay home because they think that the issue can be handled by themselves and family members.

The progressiveness of dementia could be a slow process or an immediate one. The senior loved one may soon be unable to complete their daily tasks, including their self-help skills. Talking with the consultants at C-Care Nursing support of Toronto will help you make the most beneficial decision about the care of your loved one.

Dementia care includes the best nursing care

Most people live a very fast paced lifestyle where every family member has a busy day, every day. They may find that taking proper care of their loved one is something that they can not do by themselves. The services provided by C-Care Health Services will enable families to continue their everyday living, and give a dementia patient the kind of care that they deserve.

If being at home becomes too great for the dementia patient to face, a nursing facility or home care is the best alternative option. The senior loved one will receive the ultimate in nursing care by a team of experienced and caring staff members.

Getting the best care for dementia

As the stages of Dementia advance, it may require that the patient is placed in a facility specially designed for the care of the disease. The qualified, expertly trained staff of C-Care Health Services will provide the most professional around the clock care for your loved one.

Your loved one will be made to feel comfortable with their surroundings and become accustomed to the friendly faces. For more information on dementia care, visit the C-Care Health Service’s website here.

To learn more, call C-Care Health Services today at +1-866-433-1085 or contact us here.

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Aging is a big factor in dementia development. On top of the typical advisory care elders may already need in order to tackle their health problems, dementia patients need utmost, specialized care. Though dementia is not a curable mental disorder, it advances in a series of stages from moderate to severe. The earlier the dementia can be detected, the earlier patients can decide their care options for themselves. Patients may choose a lifestyle fitting to their needs entering the advanced stages of dementia.

Health providers of dementia patients recommend empathy and deep patience from those who surround dementia patients. Truth is, once the patients are in the middle of it, they will no longer have much agency to execute the normal things they used to. They need support above all else, and positive people to try understanding them and their needs. Because of the sudden strokes of confusion in dementia patients, a specialized caregiver is essential in the case of strenuous physical movements that may bring about injuries or accidents.

Dementia health doctors concentrate on building trust with the patient in order to gain access into their thoughts and feels to foster communication. Specialists also provide medical analyses over time. They will assess the growth stage of dementia to decide on the best recourse for each patient.

C-Care is a primary health provider offering personal services to either dementia patients or via close communication with their primary care providers, loved ones or family. C-Care offers personal services at-home or at other healthcare locations. The specialists can be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, depending on the selected plan. Physicians also assist with everyday activities that are otherwise hard for the dementia patients and their primary caregivers. Activities include patient bathing and grooming, physical therapy, exercise or walking, nourishment, and lying in bed. The physician is also specialized to prepare patients’ given environments. This includes making the patient’s home hazard-free and tracking their conditions or progress.

For more information, call C-Care at 1-416-724-2273 or contact us here.

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Let’s look at several tips for getting organized for a medical emergency, especially with a senior.

Consider What Could Happen

Of course, anything can happen but depending on the senior, some problems are more likely to occur than others. Is your senior still living at home? Do they live with you? Do they have ambulatory issues, are they hearing impaired, diabetic, or have heart disease? Consider everything, then determine which emergency situations are most likely to happen. Focus on those.

Make your home or theirs ‘senior friendly’ and safe. Bathrooms should have guard rails. Remove rugs and any obstructions that could lead to a fall. Maybe ramps are necessary if they take walks, or chair lifts if they must climb stairs. Be proactive and prevent what you can control.

Create An Emergency Response Kit

Think of every single thing you would need if any situation arose.

• Full list of current medications

• Emergency and other important phone numbers like primary physician, friends and relatives. Most of us keep phone numbers in our cell phones, but if another family member is there during an emergency, they should have this information

• First Aid Kit

• Consider keeping an extra one in your car

Become Certified In First Aid

Classes are available in your community so caregivers can learn what to do when certain emergencies arise. Taking appropriate action quickly can be the difference between life and death.

Whether it’s broken bones after a fall, a heart attack, or a possible stroke, time is critical and knowing what to do can save a life or prevent a long term rehabilitation.

Have A Plan Of Action

Include your family in whatever plans you make. Everyone can have a part. Even if you have elderly dementia care from professionals like C-Care Health Services, everyone needs to be on the same page.

Actually practice and have an emergency drill with your family so it will become clear what everyone’s role will be.

Some Additional Tips

• Order a medical alert bracelet if appropriate.

• Consider a medical alert system for your senior.

• Being prepared for any medical emergency assures that your loved one will get the timely first aid and medical attention they require.

If you need additional assistance with elderly care and dementia care,

contact the professionals at C-Care Health Services.

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If you find yourself caring for elderly parents, it can be very challenging! Reality hits you in the face when your elderly parents exhibit unusual behaviour. If you are involved in Alzheimer’s care in Toronto, unusual behaviour can actually be the norm.

Let’s take a look at some of the more common “unusual behaviours” and how to handle them.

Personal Hygiene Issues

Many elderly people will resist bathing and putting on clean clothes everyday. If they had been scrupulous about cleanliness in their youth, this can be quite shocking for you. They may even become belligerent when you try to encourage them to take a shower.

Seniors can lose their sense of smell, as well as knowing what day it is. They may not realize that several days have passed since they changed clothes and showered.

Their resistance could also be a control issue. They don’t want to be told what to do or when to do it.

How To Handle Personal Hygiene Issues:

Don’t argue and nag. This will only make it worse.

Try to discover why they are not bathing. It could be fear of falling in the tub. If so, purchase a tub chair. It could be they know they need help but are shy about letting a family member assist them, This might be an opportunity to bring in some outside Alzheimer’s care. They may be more accepting of this solution.

Inappropriate Language Or Behaviour

Sometimes the most quiet and proper person can become the opposite, if they are suffering from dementia. They will shout obscenities, make crude remarks, or even disrobe publically.

How To Handle Inappropriate Language Or Behaviour:

Calmly but firmly explain that certain behaviours are unacceptable. Children could be around, and you are embarrassed. That may cause them to stop. If not, it’s best to back off and walk out of the room until they calm down.

Distract them with something like photos of a pleasant experience from their past.

You may need a visit to their physician if this becomes unbearable. Medication may also help.

Angry, Belligerent, or Depressed

This can be scary when it happens. Mom or dad are angry for no apparent reason, and they take it out on you. If they live with you, and you have children of your own, this can be especially frightening for them. It can be quite dangerous if seniors become violent, throw things or become out of control.

Their anger could be from their own loss of control and always needing help, so they react almost like frustrated little children.

How To Handle Anger, Belligerence, or Depression

First and foremost, try to diffuse the situation. Don’t try to touch or console them. This may only make things worse. Again, walk away until they have calmed down.

They may act out and blame you for their situation. Whatever happens, do NOT take it personally. If it reaches a point where you are fearful, ask for help. Their physician may be able to give guidance, or find support from professional Alzheimer caregivers like C-Care Health Services in Toronto.

Strange Obsessions And Anxiety

You may find that your elderly loved one is hoarding objects. They may exhibit extreme anxiety about going anywhere, concerns about their safety, be experiencing hallucinations, or suffering from paranoia. These mental issues are common with dementia and require special care.

How To Handle Strange Obsessions And Anxiety

Do your best to make them feel safe. Talk lovingly about how much they mean to you and that you would never let anything happen to them.

Certain behaviours like these may require professional expertise from those skilled to handle these issues.

The Bottom Line

Stay upbeat and try to laugh. Sometimes your laughter can become contagious and your loved one will join in. Laughter, or music, can help diffuse many situations.

Be calm. Always respond in a reassuring manner.

Never try to reason; it will only become more frustrating for you.

Ask for help when it becomes too much for you to handle.

Alzheimer and Elder care in Toronto from C-Care Health Services could be the support you need. Don’t hesitate to contact us.

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