October 28, 2021 by Carefect Admin

Elder Care: Hospital Delirium Prevention

Delirium is a mental illness that can be brought upon by external stress and is often due to hospitalization. It is serious enough that people with delirium are often twice as likely to die in the next year as those without delirium. As well as due to it being an invisible illness, it is much harder to catch in hospitals by medical staff. The internal struggle and external confusion may not be perceived as delirium and can go unnoticed. However, due to the severity of its consequences, it is important...

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October 21, 2021 by Carefect Admin

Elder Care: Hospital Delirium

Hospital visits can be stressful and frustrating even to the healthiest of us. They are often associated with demanding paperwork, long wait times, and of course the painful reason that sent you there. It is no wonder that most people avoid hospitals and clinics - and for good reason, as despite going to the hospital to get better, being in the hospital long-term can often be associated with the decline of health. Perhaps due to the emotional demands that come with navigating hospital life or even the stress that comes...

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August 26, 2021 by Carefect Admin

Tips for Dining Out with an Elderly Loved One with Dementia

Dining out with your loved ones with dementia can be a joyous occasion that builds precious memories. However, it is important to be sensitive to the needs of those with dementia, as unfamiliar public restaurants may be challenging for them to navigate. Environment People with dementia are more sensitive to the sights, sounds and smells of their environment. When choosing a restaurant, you should consider one that will not be overly busy, smelly, or loud. A restaurant that is a sensory overload may cause agitation and anxiety which can lead...

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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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March 8, 2021 by Carefect Admin

Dementia Care: Common Behavioral Triggers

Life can be over-stimulating and stressful at times, especially for people with dementia. This can lead to difficulty navigating the world, especially during challenging times. It is valuable to understand the common triggers which lead to behavioral issues to avoid the triggers or prepare for them in advance. Note that these behavioral issues are not stemming from any type of ill will or maliciousness, they stem from their brain trying to make sense of the world around them and their self-dysregulation because of their dementia condition. Common Behaviours when Triggered...

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August 10, 2020 by Carefect Admin

Understanding Dementia: Communication Strategies

When communicating with a loved one who has dementia, it is important to consider their specific cognitive circumstances. Each person will have unique symptoms and will need a tailored approach to communication. Dementia and other physical ailments can affect speech, hearing, thinking, memory, and focus on a range of severities. Thus, it is important to differentiate your strategy to hone in on what communication accommodations are necessary to meet their needs. Check-In With Yourself First People with dementia can be easily overwhelmed, so it is important that you are staying...

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August 3, 2020 by Carefect Admin

Understanding Dementia: Communication

Dementia is a group of symptoms that affects cogitative function which negatively impacts thinking, socializing and communicating to the extent that it interferes with daily life. Brain function that is impacted affects memory and judgment, which compounds their issues with communication. People with dementia have difficulty expressing their thoughts and feelings because of the impacted brain function. Alzheimer’s disease and diseases with dementia symptoms can worsen over time and diminish a person’s ability to connect with their loved ones. Stages of Dementia Symptoms Earliest Stage - Mild severity: when a...

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June 29, 2020 by Carefect Admin

Memory Loss: Age-Related or Dementia? (Part 2)

Age-associated memory impairment, as stated in the last blog post, is a frustrating, but possible outcome of the aging process. However, even possible age-related memory loss can be highly disconcerting for people because of the fear of developing dementia. In our last blog post, we outlined the various causes of memory loss not related to dementia, and emphasized working with your doctor in order to address and combat symptoms. Despite the fear of having dementia, early diagnosis is hugely beneficial for managing the progression and navigating medication and therapy to...

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June 22, 2020 by Carefect Admin

Memory Loss: Age-Related or Dementia? (Part 1)

As we age, some of us may suffer from forgetfulness or memory loss. It can manifest differently for each person and can be a source of stress and anxiety. A significant amount of stress related to memory loss is the fear of inadequacy or losing a sense of self. This fear is fueled by a lack of information about memory loss and the diversity of diagnosis which may affect memory. This myth-busting article will cover memory loss from normal aging, or age-associated memory impairment and other important factors to consider....

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June 1, 2020 by Carefect Admin

Caring for Parents with Dementia at Home

As your parents get older, you will find yourself being called over for chores, maybe even more then when you were a kid! Physical or complicated domestic duties that they need help with might be mowing the lawn, cleaning the roof and spring cleaning their attic. However, if your parent has dementia, those domestic duties are ever-expanding with their progression and specialized care will be necessary. There are a variety of different diagnoses that lead to dementia, but it is important to be mindful that the symptoms may range from...

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