Memorial Day

The following is courtesy of Home Helpers of Lake Norman & Central NC.  
Visit our website at www.homehelpers.cc/lkn58445 , or call us at 704.909.7958

 Memorial Day is Monday, May 30th.  Remember to honor a veteran...

May - Older Americans Month

The following is courtesy of Home Helpers of Lake Norman & Central NC.  
Visit our website at www.homehelpers.cc/lkn58445 , or call us at 704.909.7958

 Designated by President Kennedy as “Senior Citizens Month,” and later as “Older Americans Month” by President Carter, May is a time when area agencies on aging and community providers celebrate the contributions of Americans age 65+. This year’s theme: “Older Americans: Connecting the Community,” pays tribute to the
many ways older Americans bring “inspiration and  continuity” to their communities and the role technology plays in helping older individuals live “longer, healthier, and more engaged lives.”

 Home Helpers of LKN & Central NC has been particularly active with our local Senior Centers, as well as volunteering to assist other organizations active with Older Americans Month.  It's both fun and rewarding.  Take a moment to give a little of yourself this month.  We don't think you'll regret it. :-)

Mother's Day

The following is courtesy of Home Helpers of Lake Norman & Central NC.  
Visit our website at www.homehelpers.cc/lkn58445 , or call us at 704.909.7958

 You only get one mom.  Remember her this weekend...  

Alzheimer's Disease featured on CNN

The following is courtesy of Home Helpers of Lake Norman & Central NC.  
Visit our website at www.homehelpers.cc/lkn58445 , or call us at 704.909.7958

  CNN carried a great program on Larry King Live about Alzheimer's Disease on May 1st.  It also covered the affects it has on the patient's family.  It was an informative presentation, and the interviews with the families were heart touching.  A recurring message that came from everyone was how severely the disease not only affected the sufferer, but the impact it had on the families.  The information they presented was valuable and easily understood.  
  If you know of someone that is struggling to care for an Alzheimer's Patient, follow this link to the CNN website that has an overview of Caring For Caregivers.  The article provides a synopsis on information that was provided in the show.  You can also search the CNN website with the keyword "Alzheimer".  In addition, should you have questions about getting assistance in providing Alzheimer's Patient care, feel free to call us.  Our number is listed above, and we'll be happy to answer any questions you may have as well as provide additional information that may be helpful.

Aging Is Not For Wimps!

The following is courtesy of Home Helpers of Lake Norman & Central NC.  
Visit our website at www.homehelpers.cc/lkn58445 , or call us at 704.909.7958

 We began our new educational series "Aging Is Not For Wimps" this past week.  The presentation is intended to educate the community on options that are available when extended care is needed, how to pay for it, how to find information, who to turn to, etc.  We had a lot of fun with the audience, and have scheduled more presentations in the near future.
  Shortly afterwards, I stumbled across a well written article (click here) where 3 daughters are struggling to get the proper care for their father, who suffers from Alzheimer's.  Due to prior decisions, obscure law's, and a confusing care system, they are finding themselves caught up in legal and procedural loop holes.  It's a touching article, and makes one wonder if the situation could have been avoided with some prior planning.
  It's human nature to want to put things off, especially when hard decisions must be made for a loved one.  However, doing so can lead to a situation that's difficult to manage and uncomfortable for all.  Facing challenges, educating yourself on options, and taking action can help avoid this.  Hopefully, none of us ever finds ourselves in the position of the 3 daughters in the above article!
  Be sure to check our website and FaceBook page if you're interested in attending one of our presentations.  We'll post the schedules as soon as they are finalized.

Alzheimer's care: Therapeutic Fibbing

The following is courtesy of Home Helpers of Lake Norman & Central NC.  
Visit our website at www.homehelpers.cc/lkn58445 , or call us at 704.909.7958

  One of the most challenging aspects of caring for the Alzheimer's or Dementia patient is accepting their reality.  To accomplish this sometimes requires a little 'therapeutic fibbing', the goal being to avoid causing distress or anxiety in the sufferer.  The caregiver should understand that altering the truth can be acceptable when the patient is no longer in touch with reality.
 For instance:

• The patient is reluctant to allow a caregiver to assist them.  In this case, you can try introducing the caregiver as a friend that just wanted to drop by and visit.  As the patient grows more comfortable with the new 'friend', more time, and thus more assistance can be comfortably provided.
• The patient is restless and bored.  Try to get them to do something they used to enjoy doing under the guise of 'helping out'.  For instance: Mom used to enjoy folding clean sheets.  Ask if she would help out by folding the clean laundry.  If she accepts, simply provide a basket of unfolded sheets which she can fold!  If she wants to help more, simply provide more sheets (you may have to unfold the sheets again in another room!).  Then thank her for the help.
• The patient is reluctant to bathe.  Try redirecting the act of simply bathing to something that is part of another activity. For instance, instead of "Time for a bath!", try something like "We'll be having dinner soon, let's get your bath done before dinner so that you'll look your best for everyone..."

 Sometimes, you may have to be a little creative.  As a child, we're always taught to tell the truth. But when dealing with a patient with Dementia, a little fib can be the biggest act of kindness.