Tag Archives: Treating Dementia

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Come from a Place of Love When Caring for Those with Dementia

Demenita Care Blog HeaderThe newly released 2023 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures Special Report by the Alzheimer’s Association highlights the disease’s troubling projected growth. Nationally, there are more than six million Americans living with Alzheimer’s Dementia. That number is on pace to more than double to 13 million by the year 2050. Unfortunately, things do not appear any better from a local level. The number of Marylanders with the disease is on pace to grow by nearly 20% from 2020 to 2025. Next door in Delaware, that number is 21%. In Virginia, it’s over 26%. 

While these trends have tremendous implications for the nation’s healthcare policy, facilities and resources, they also present an unpleasant eventuality for many of us – a future caring for a loved one suffering from dementia. 

There are no easy diseases when it comes to having a loved one afflicted with a life-threatening condition. Any debilitating affliction that diminishes the life of someone you care about is a terrible burden. That said, dementia is an incredibly cruel disease that robs us of our loved one’s personality and essence before claiming their body. It turns spouses into strangers, best friends into afterthoughts and children into unwanted visitors. And left in its wake is a person who is scared, frustrated, confused and, in many ways, alone, surrounded by loved ones who share all of those same feelings. 

Despite the rollercoaster of emotions you may experience when caring for someone with dementia, it’s important to approach the situation with a calm demeanor, a sound plan and plenty of love. While it may seem prudent and safe to help them as much as possible, let them be somewhat self-sufficient. Treating a loved one as if they’re completely helpless can exacerbate their condition and leave them less connected to their surroundings. 

It’s also important to speak to them like their adults, not children. And while it’s helpful to talk at a slightly slower pace and give them more time to respond, always remain respectful, as that will encourage them to engage more. Speaking of a slower pace, it’s also good to walk and act at a slower pace so your loved one doesn’t feel rushed or fall behind. 

As you care for a loved one with dementia, you must be realistic and honest about your ability to look after them. While you undoubtedly have their best interests at heart and give them the finest care you possibly can, it may not be enough. And if that happens, you must not feel shame, guilt or any negativity about your attempts to care for them. Dementia is an incredibly difficult disease to treat, which almost always requires the help of professional caregivers. With each case being as unique as the loved one it afflicts, knowing how much or how little care to give is an immense challenge.

That’s why we at Sagepoint Senior Living offer such a wide range of care options for those with Alzheimer’s disease or suffering from dementia. Sometimes people in the early stages of the disease only need a little assistance around the house, like meal preparation or doing a load of laundry. As their condition changes, so can their care. We offer adult day services, assisted living, memory care and everything in between – all specifically tailored to the specific needs of your loved one. 

With the growing number of people being diagnosed with dementia by the year, the likelihood that you will care for a loved one with this horrible disease is also growing. Please, follow the advice above. Stay patient and loving with them; after all, if this journey is frustrating, scary and confusing for you, imagine what it must be like for them. 

Be strong for them. Remember them as they were, and love them as such. It may not save them from Alzheimer’s, but it may make their time with you more special and rewarding.

Dementia Demonstration for Leadership Southern Maryland

Dementia Demonstration for Leadership Southern Maryland

Members of the 2020 class of Leadership Southern Maryland recently participated in a dementia demonstration presented by the team at Sagepoint Senior Living.

LSM’s Executive Leadership Program is a nine-week course aimed at developing a diverse network of community leaders in Southern Maryland.

“The dementia demonstration was part of the program’s Healthcare Day,” said Sagepoint President and CEO Andrea Dwyer. “It provided these local leaders with a glimpse into the struggles that dementia patients face each day, as well as the challenges that our healthcare community works to overcome.”

Demonstrating the Difficulties of Dementia

Nurse Educator Lee Giannini led the activity which guided the participants through a series of exercises designed to simulate the struggles people with dementia experience with sensory, sensitivity, coordination and cognitive deficits.

Following the discussion, our clinical leadership team, including Dwyer, Michele Buscher, our Chief Nursing Officer (Long-Term Care and Rehabilitation) and Denise McCann, our Chief Nursing Officer (Assisted Living, Memory Care and Adult Day Services). The panel answered questions and presented information to help caregivers and families who have a loved one with a dementia-related illness.

 

Memory Care

Memory Care Makes a Difference

Memory Care 

It’s the most frustrating thing in the world when suddenly everything from the most impactful moments of your life to cherished memories with loved ones seems to disappear overnight. Nothing is sacred when it comes to memory loss, a devastating reality that many will struggle to come to terms with. When dealing with dementia, it’s incredibly important to arm yourself with the information needed to navigate the unknown. Because with the right tools, you can help your loved ones live a fulfilling life after their dementia diagnosis.

What Is Dementia? 

Dementia is the deterioration of memory in ways that affect thinking and behavior within everyday life. The result is a loss in capacity that exceeds what can be accounted for through normal aging. And for so many elderly individuals, this is the main factor that increases their dependency on others. One of the most common forms of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, however, there are many other known types that present in various ways.

Who Is Affected?

Nearly 10 million new cases each year contribute to this world-wide epidemic with nearly 50 million individuals affected in total, according to the World Health Organization. Plus — since age is the strongest known risk factor of dementia — as the population continues to grow, a rise in dementia cases can also be expected in the coming years. Because of its broad impact on so many facets of daily life, dementia will not only bring new and overwhelming changes for the individual but will also deeply affect family members and others in their social circle.

How Is Dementia Treated?

While there is no known treatment to cure dementia at this time, there are a number of ways to improve the lives of those affected by dementia. One of the best things you can do is diagnose dementia early, from there it will be easier to discern exactly what impact it’s having on the individual and what type of care would be best for their particular symptoms to optimize their well-being.

Memory Care Solutions

At Sagepoint, there are a variety of Memory Care options available at our facility. Our highly trained staff is always on hand, providing top-notch supervision and compassionate care. Each day activities and trips are provided to keep our residents active and engaged. The Opening Minds Through Art activities are a perfect example of how we tap into the creative pathways that are still active so that our residents can create something that they’re proud of.

Along with doing all we can to care for our residents with dementia, we’re also focused on educating our wider community about this widespread syndrome. Earlier this winter we had the opportunity to work with our community leaders during Leadership Southern Maryland’s Healthcare Day. There, we led a demonstration that provided a glimpse into the struggles that dementia patients face each day, as well as the challenges that our healthcare community works to overcome.