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One of the most emotionally draining times in a person’s life is when their loved one needs special care, especially one with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Once a family realizes that their older loved one needs care and cannot be independent any longer or live alone, it usually falls on one person in the family to be the major caregiver. Unless that primary person gets support from other members of the family, the consequences for all can become unfortunate. The Family Dynamic Every family knows who the “leader” is; it could be the oldest or just the most responsible. When a loved one becomes ill and cannot care for themselves any longer, someone in the family steps up to be the primary caregiver. In some cases, it is just because of geography and or because that person is closest to the older loved one. It has become common for caregivers to…

The terms dementia and Alzheimer’s are used interchangeably by many, but they do not mean the same thing. It’s confusing because the symptoms of both many times overlap. It is important to understand the differences between the two in order to manage this special area of senior care and treat both effectively. The most important difference is that dementia is a syndrome or a set of symptoms, whereas Alzheimer’s is a disease. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Let’s take a look at what these two senior care conditions are and how they are different. Dementia Dementia is actually a syndrome or a set of symptoms. These symptoms can be caused by other issues or some specific disease. There are in fact 10 different types of dementia, a common one being vascular dementia. In this particular type of dementia changes in the brain are caused by a…

How often do you find yourself driving in the car and a familiar song from your past comes on the radio? It evokes memories, most likely good memories, and you are instantly taken back to that time of your life. Music can do amazing things! Music can do the exact same thing, and even more, for Alzheimer’s patients. Music does not require any mental processing, and in fact, music appreciation and aptitude are the last two abilities that Alzheimer’s patients retain. For this reason, using music in Alzheimer’s care has countless benefits. Why Use Music in Alzheimer’s Care? The key brain areas associated with musical memories are not damaged in Alzheimer’s patients. Music can help evoke emotions and memories and improve communication. Researchers have concluded that caregivers can use music to positively address the cognitive and emotional symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s. The right kind of music can: Relieve stress…

Seniors can develop balance problems, causing them to feel dizzy and unsteady on their feet. Everyone needs good balance to get around, to maintain independence and to perform daily activities. Mobility is an essential requirement to live an independent life, and it is especially so for seniors. According to the Center For Disease Control and Prevention, one-third of adults 65 and older fall each year, making it the leading cause of injury related deaths. Fall related injuries like hip fractures can seriously affect the daily life of seniors. If you are involved in elder care in Toronto, be aware of the causes of balance problems in seniors. Certain medications, low blood pressure, smoking, diabetes and poor vision can all contribute to balance issues. Losing strength in the muscles, hips and legs can also create balance problems. If you have noticed a senior having difficulty getting up from a chair or…

Today’s seniors are active and want to remain as youthful as possible for as long as possible. According to the Pew Research Center, over 55% of senior adults aged 65 and older have a home computer. How much that computer is used is up for debate. If you care for a senior and your goal is to help them stay active, socialize better, and become more involved in the community, increasing their online and tech skills is a good way to start. Understanding and utilizing technology will help seniors stay connected to the world and their families, and encourage them to be more productive. Computer based activities for seniors are both mentally stimulating and fun. Simple Computer Based Activities Facebook If your senior has any computer skills at all, signing up for Facebook is easy. In fact, seniors are the fastest growing demographic on Facebook. 62% of online adults 65…