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The most common cause of Alzheimer’s disease is dementia. In a recent blog post we discussed at length the confusing difference between the the two. The cognitive impairment of Alzheimer’s disease progresses slowly once symptoms appear. The family and friends of a patient with Alzheimer’s are challenged as routine activities become more difficult with each passing day. This emotional roller coaster can be lonely, frightening and frustrating for caregivers. This sadly debilitating disease has some early signs and basically 3 stages. Although there are those who break the stages into 5 or 7 parts, we will deal with the 3 main stages. Before Symptoms Appear New imaging technologies can determine someone’s propensity for developing Alzheimer’s long before any symptoms appear. Protein deposits may be found in the brain, forewarning its development. Genetic tests and biomarkers can also indicate increased risk of the disease. These new discoveries may aid in finding…

Appreciation for the blessings we possess is the hallmark of happy contented people. You don’t have to be involved in elder care in Toronto to practise gratitude every day, but it surely will benefit any caregiver. The struggles and the stress that come from elder care can make anyone feel overwhelmed and alone. It’s easy to look at everything in your life as the glass being half empty. Let’s look at how to practise gratitude every day in your own life and maybe even pass it on to your senior loved one. Gratitude can be contagious. It’s A State Of Mind We all know that person who is perpetually happy and upbeat. Nothing gets them down. If you would ask them why, they would most likely say, “I have so much in my life: good friends, my health, my family and I’m grateful for it all.” There it is: the…

“The times they are a-changin’.” This pertains to most everything in our world today, but none more so than how seniors communicate. A digital-savvy senior now uses email, Facebook, and a cellphone when they used to use a landline and get all their news from the newspaper. Senior home care in Toronto today finds our elderly using all kinds of “newfangled” apps for information, entertainment, and organization. If your loved one wants to stay in touch, recommend some of these 7 helpful apps for the elderly. Maybe they already have them, and they can teach you about some new ones. Pandora This free app will keep anyone entertained, but your senior chooses the kind of music they want. They can pick a genre, time period or artist and create their own playlist. Dark Sky This is another free app on Android phones that is useful for everyone. Your senior doesn’t…

There is power in art. It is everywhere around us providing a sense of well-being and enjoyment, including for seniors. It does not matter if a senior lives with chronic pain, has memory issues, or is just a bit depressed due to inactivity. There are multiple benefits of art therapy for seniors. If you are involved in senior care in Toronto and are caring for a senior who is still at home, or if you have a professional home care service assisting you, art therapy should be added to your senior’s routine. Kinds Of Art Therapy Choose from painting, drawing, sketching, music, dancing, knitting, weaving, and creating collages. There are endless possibilities to engage a senior who is lonely, depressed, has memory loss, or is in pain. You can find something that will help them become less stressed and gain a sense of well-being. General Benefits Of Art Therapy For…

Stigma is defined as “a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.” You could also say stigma is a negative stereotype or attitude. Many people feel that way about those with a mental health condition. Unfortunately, for all of us this attitude or “judgement” about something or someone is quite common. This belief usually comes from lack of information. What Are Some Common Mental Health Disorders? The most common mental health disorders include: Major depression Obsessive compulsive disorder Generalized anxiety disorder Bipolar disorder Schizophrenia Dementia due to substance abuse, inhalants, drugs, and alcohol abuse is also considered a mental health disorder. It’s safe to say many of us know someone with at least one of these mental health problems. So why is there so much stigma still attached to them and their condition? The most damaging result of this stigma is that those who suffer from…