Carefect Blog

June 24, 2021 by Carefect Admin

Anosognosia and Alzheimer’s Disease: Coping Strategies

The relationship between anosognosia and Alzheimer’s disease has been well documented. It is a medical condition that inhibits their ability to develop the insight necessary to understand and acknowledge their specific condition. It is most common in people who have Alzheimer's disease however it is also common in those with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Anosognosia Diagnosis From the perspective of friends and family, it will be difficult to differentiate between denial and anosognosia. This is due to the varied experience of people with dementia or mental illnesses. Anosognosia, in particular,...

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June 17, 2021 by Carefect Admin

Anosognosia and Alzheimer’s Disease

Anosognosia, pronounced ‘uh-no-sog-NOH-zee-uh’, is a condition that sometimes affects people with Alzheimer’s disease which impairs their ability to understand that they are being affected by an illness. In etymology, anosognosia means “to not know a disease” in Greek: a- (without) + nosos (disease) + gnosis (knowledge). Thus, anosognosia is more than just denial is a complex condition that can vary in severity over time. Your loved one may have more recognition of their condition at times, and other times have a total lack of awareness. This varying degree of awareness...

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June 10, 2021 by Carefect Admin

Sundown Syndrome – Coping Strategies

As sunset looms over the horizon, elders with dementia may be affected by this shift in their environment. The early evening can be a challenging time for people with Alzheimer’s Disease as they may experience sundown syndrome. Sundowning can manifest as confusion, agitation, and restlessness which worsens as daylight begins to fade. This can be difficult because if sundowning affects your elder’s ability to sleep well, then it will subsequently affect their functioning the next day. Sundown Syndrome manifests during sunset and being tired or worn out can increase restlessness....

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June 3, 2021 by Carefect Admin

Sundowners Syndrome: Causes and Symptoms

Sundown syndrome sounds as mysterious as it is. The medical industry does not have definitive proof as to what causes sundown syndrome, however, there is evidence of specific triggers that causes behavioral changes. This behaviour shift predominately affects elderly people with forms of dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease during the time of sunset and can manifest in increased confusion, agitation, mood swings, and memory loss. Sundown Syndrome Sundowners or Sundown Syndrome is a term used to describe a behaviour shift in people with dementia during the transition from daylight to...

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May 27, 2021 by Carefect Admin

Eldercare Tips: How to Choose the Right Stairlift

Looking at eldercare means looking at accessibility, compassion and independence. Most elderly people who are 65 and older wish to live independently in their home for as long as they care. This means that eldercare needs to look at how to empower seniors and maintain their independence. Increasing safety in the home can minimize the dangers of falling. Unfortunately, 1 in every 4 seniors will fall each year and after that first fall, the chances double for that person to fall again. Navigating up and down stairs can be increasingly...

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May 19, 2021 by Carefect Admin

Ways to Help Your Elderly Loved One Manage Balance Issues

Balance issues can be dangerous as they pose a significant risk for falls. Several conditions may cause balance issues from cognitive disabilities to damaged joints and other injuries. Caregivers should take active steps to address any movement concerns as soon as possible to minimize the risk of injury. Here are some concerns to address to keep your loved one safe. Keep Terrain Accessible If your loved one is exhibiting signs of movement issues due to age or physical deterioration, the first step is to ensure their environment is safe and...

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May 11, 2021 by Carefect Admin

Tips on How to Talk to Your Ageing Parents About Their Finances

When it comes to the discussion of finance, takes a gentle touch and a respectful tone to facilitate a conversation. You can never have enough sensitivity when it comes to discussing the future of your ageing parent's finances. The tact necessary for this discussion will stem from a supportive stance. It may be difficult to know when to initiate the conversation, however, it may be better to start the discussion earlier rather than later to set a foundation of trust before it becomes necessary. The following is a step-by-step guide...

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May 3, 2021 by Carefect Admin

Elder Care: Family Caregiver vs. Professional Caregiver

When your elderly loved one begins to need caregiving, it is often the family that is the first in line to assist. Due to an increasingly aging global population, the role of caregivers has become a critical part of our national and communal healthcare. Eldercare has always been a valuable part of community living, but with the increase of elders and their life expectancy, it is becoming a ‘hot topic’ as to what strategies must be implemented. Culturally, it is expected for the adult children of ailing parents to take...

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April 26, 2021 by Carefect Admin

Tips to Help Navigate the Role of a Spousal Caregiver

Caregiving can be a gift to those who need it, and it can be a natural part of the progression of a person's life as they age. It can look like a lot of different things including caregiving from a professional or a spouse. Spousal caregiving is when a spouse acts as a caregiver for a dependent spouse. Acting as a caregiver can lead to a shift in the dynamics between the married partners. This shift can blur the lines between loving spouse and acting caregiver; therefore it is important...

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April 19, 2021 by Carefect Admin

The Challenges of being a Spousal Caregiver

When you get married, you vow to your partner to be there for them in sickness and in health. These precious vows may lead to you or your partner becoming a spousal caregiver down the road. Spousal caregivers act as caregivers for their partners who are suffering from disabilities and/or chronic illnesses. Becoming a spousal caregiver is more common than you may think, with almost 7 million current and former caregivers in North America. Being a spousal caregiver can lead to unique challenges because of the physical, emotional, and social...

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