#dementia elderly care

[blissfulgardens]

5 Incredible Benefits of Memory Care Facilities

Memory care facilities provide senior residents with constant care, a safe environment and an intimate home-like atmosphere that helps them relax and have a healthy lifestyle. It is important to choose the right place as choosing to live in a memory care can be a life-changing decision. Read here to learn more about the advantages of a memory care facility in El Dorado Hills.

[youngpeachenthusiast]

kind of a vent under the cut but i wanted to ask does anyone have any advice when it comes to elderly care and specifically dementia and loss of physical autonomy??

have been stepping up a lot to help my mother care for my grandfather in the past few months and it is taking a big big toll on me. i'm happy to help and even if i weren't i'd still have to because my mom is less than a step away from having a massive breakdown and uh..... i'd rather not but um. the responsibility is taking its toll to be honest.

i am not physically strong enough to lift and move him a lot of the time when it is needed so i'm expending all of my energy (not even mentioning that i have a chronic illness myself) and i do not have much knowledge on dementia care so i'm always grasping at straws trying to figure out how to talk to him. he's not eligible for either a nursing home or financial help with carers because they won't give us disability and we do not have the means to get him proper care on our own. this just really sucks and i'm heartbroken that he isn't getting the care he deserves but i have no idea how to make it better.

the most i can honestly do is try to offer some kindness and positivity, i've been reading picture books with him and stuff, but other than that i feel really tired and helpless

[allthecanadianpolitics]

New data shows that the number of people with dementia is rapidly growing in Ontario and doctors are urging the province to invest in home care now to meet their needs. There has been a 48 per cent increase in the number of patients with dementia in Ontario since 2010, according to a new analysis of Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) billing released by the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) on Thursday. The OMA represents more than 43,000 doctors. Dr. Andrew Park, president of the OMA, said resources need to be put in place to better support the province's aging population and people with dementia. "With an already strained health care system and fewer than 300 dementia care specialists across Canada, we are not prepared to meet their needs," Park said at a virtual news conference.

Continue Reading

Tagging @politicsofcanada

[ajokeformur-ray]

One of the most horrifying things I've ever had to deal with while working in a care home, especially with residents suffering from some form of dementia, is when you walk into their room and they're at another point in time. They're sobbing, begging you to tell them where their mother is. They're pleading, crying the hardest you've ever seen them, and even after almost three years of being in this profession I still struggle to react appropriately. What are you supposed to say? There's no script for something like this and it breaks my heart every time. In truth, there's nothing you can say to help make it better.

I always spend some time by their bedside comforting them and offering some form of distraction. It doesn't always work, but I try to. I can't say or do anything to relieve their experiences, whatever they may be, and I definitely can't tell them where their mother is, but I can offer company. I try not to leave until they've cracked a smile or given an indication they're feeling better, no matter how busy I am. I don't always manage to cheer them up, but the majority of them thank me for my time.

After the long lives these people have led, five minutes of my busy day is the least I can give them.

And when that time is up, I go back on the floor and carry on. I have a job to do and I do it. If I need space to cry, I take it. If I feel sad, I let myself feel it. And when I clock out, I leave all my work related emotions at the front door. It's the only way to deal with it.

[all-my-secrets-in-a-pickle-jar]

So I’ve lived with my mum to help take care of her, her house, and her cats (now OUR cats! ^__^ but I digress) since around July/August of last year, but only been *cooking* for her since around November/December, when I got really tired of eating processed food all the time… she’s still not used to the way I cook. She also has an obsessive need to organise and clean everything all the time.

So today I’m getting the arroz y frijoles started (rice & beans); I’ve got all the ingredients all laid out in a line on the counter, and I turn around and I’m getting the pan hot, rinsing the rice, measuring the water, etc etc. I turn around to start grabbing ingredients and… she’s juuuust finishing putting everything away.

* facepalm *

[tratserenoyreve]

like i am "fortunate" insofar as not being in an immediate situation where people are rationalizing exploding sheltering children into bits and to have a gender identity that is None which prevents people from retaliating strongly against me when i already don't feel strongly about it and you can't misgender someone whose pronouns are "whatever dude" (which pales in comparison to the daunting nightmare that is people rationalizing exploding entire sheltering displaced families into smithereens)

the problems i do have (longstanding unattended health issues, surgery included, not especially stable housing) are still very much present and quietly compounded by me witnessing friends and neighbors also struggle more and more. i may not be in immediate danger but many people i've known are and in my compassion for them i sit on a precipice and im witnessing others in similar positions getting shoved abruptly and unceremoniously into the ether

i care! a lot! about a lot of things! so, im not doing particularly good!

[epocheldercare]

Epoch Elder Care is India's leading expert in assisted living & Dementia care. It provides top-tier services for individuals suffering from Dementia across the country. With over a decade of experience, Epoch Elder Care is the most trusted name in the industry.

[waderockett]

Back in the 80s my friend Tamara was a cool, funny, and sweet rock 'n' roll chick at my high school in Las Vegas. Now she's a disabled caregiver facing homelessness for herself and her elderly mom, who has dementia. If you can donate or share the link, anything helps.

[nomaishuttle]

have you killed yourself. will you kill yourself when wil you kill yourself

[viobliterator]

so i suppose this is the start of a new blogging series. check tags for triggers/squicks or whatever they're called

to keep things brief, ever since my mom finished her chemo/radiation years ago, she's been in a cognitive decline. i initially thought it was just chemo brain plus her being older, but my family and i noticed change in her. it feels like she's turning into me, and i'm turning into her, if that makes sense. i'm wondering who the mom is and who the daughter is.

she and my dad have been to the memory clinic a few times. i've chatted with my dad about what i notice in my mom, since i spend more time with her during the week. my dad and i recently had a conversation about the memory clinic's assessment, and it's apparent that she's definitely under the dementia umbrella but we still have yet to find out exactly what kind, since it's all kinds of different diseases with different progressions and prognoses

now to get to the emotion-side of this, because that's the purpose of this blog series. i try to be patient with my mom, i really do. but i'm so dang frustrated about the wholel thing. i know the boss ass bitch that is my mom is still in there but there's her shitty brain in the way and i just want to shake it out of her and tell her to snap out of it.

for example, she's always misplacing things and i end up having to help her find them. if i dare suggest her putting things in the same place or giving her advice that works for me, since i'm ADHD and autistic and understand the whole executive dysfunction thing, then i get hit with a response that sounds like it came straight out of a teenager's mouth. i dare to suggest she get a dang hobby, something mentally stimulating, same thing. she's frustrated with herself, i get it. she's also frustrated that she's losing independence. i sympathize.

but where's the part of her that's disciplined?

where is my mom?

i'm also mad that i have to deal with this before my 30th birthday. most people who deal with this kind of thing don't have to even think about it till their 40s or even 50s. but here i am. my sister is only in her early 40s. i still have no idea what i'm doing 90% of the time but here i am having to think about what we're going to do with my mom. i bet things will only progress from here too, and i don't like thinking about it. it feels fake but i also thought i'd had way more time than this.

part of me wishes she hadn't had me as late as she did, so i'd at least have a bit more wisdom under my belt by the time this happened.

i try to stay patient with her and not express my frustrations directly to her. i don't want her to feel like she's a burden, even though she kinda is. even thinking things like that makes me feel like a bad person, and a bad daughter. i want to tell her to figure things out. i want to tell her to pay attention. i want to tell her to snap out of this funk. i want to leave the house just to get away from the bullshit. i want to look up assisted living just so i don't have to deal with this.

idk if that makes me a bad daughter. my dad tells me he doesn't want me to feel obligated to take care of her as this goes on, but i'm her daughter. my sister took care of her when she had cancer, so it's only fair that i take care of her during this period??

and what kind of daughter doesn't take care of her aging mother

but yeah i hate this crap. i just want my mom back. even the annoying parts.

[blissfulgardens]

Memory Care Facility in El Dorado County

Blissful Gardens excels at offering memory care in El Dorado County. Our daily activities, compassionate physical surroundings and memory training programs help in maintaining memory and enhanced cognition. Our specially trained staff treat the residents with the extra care and patience they need to ensure a healthy lifestyle. Schedule your visit today!

[potato-mother]

I work in Activities for a Veteran's Home. They don't always remember the little things like my name or where I'm from, even if they've lived there for years. However, they light up when they see me because "You're the nice one! You always take the time to say hi to me and see how I'm doing."

With dementia, Alzheimer's, things that affect memory, one of the last sections of the brain to be affected is usually the emotional receptors. You might not remember asking the same question four times, but you remember if you're angry with the person you're asking. You might not remember who the person next to you in bed is, but you remember you care deeply for them.

The brain forgets, but the heart remembers.

[kizunacareblogs]

Finding Quality Dementia Care in San Francisco: Your Guide to the Best Options

This Blog was Originally Published at:

Finding Quality Dementia Care in San Francisco: Your Guide to the Best Options

When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, finding the right support is crucial. Dementia care requires specialized knowledge, empathy, and often a customized approach. For families in San Francisco, where healthcare needs and resources vary greatly, navigating through available options can be overwhelming.

Understanding Dementia Care Needs

Dementia is a progressive neurological condition that affects memory, cognitive functions, and the ability to perform daily tasks. People with dementia may experience different symptoms and progress at different rates, requiring flexible and patient-centred care that adjusts to their changing needs.

Types of Dementia Care Options in San Francisco

San Francisco offers various types of dementia care services, including:

In-Home Care

For many families, keeping their loved ones at home is preferable to moving them into a facility. In-home care allows individuals to stay in a familiar environment while receiving professional assistance with daily tasks. This option often involves hiring a caregiver with experience in dementia care, which can be facilitated through caregiving platforms like Kizuna. Home care can be tailored to the individual’s unique needs, allowing them to maintain a sense of independence while receiving personalized support.

Assisted Living Facilities

Some individuals require more hands-on care that can’t always be met in a home setting. Assisted living facilities with memory care units provide structured environments designed to support those with dementia. These facilities often include specialized programs and activities designed to stimulate cognitive function, reduce anxiety, and foster social interaction. Families considering assisted living should visit facilities in person, review their dementia care programs, and assess the level of personalization offered.

Memory Care Communities

Dedicated memory care communities specialize in serving individuals with dementia and related cognitive conditions. These communities feature secure environments and staff trained specifically to handle the complexities of dementia care. Memory care communities offer a higher caregiver-to-resident ratio and advanced memory care programs. Families who are considering this option should inquire about staff training, resident engagement programs, and emergency care protocols.

Respite Care

Respite care is designed for caregivers who need temporary relief from their responsibilities. Many in-home care services and assisted living facilities offer respite care programs, allowing families to access professional support for a limited period. This is particularly useful if the primary caregiver needs a break or is unavailable for a short time. With Kizuna, families can arrange for a respite caregiver with dementia experience who understands the importance of continuity and compassion in care.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Dementia Care

Choosing the right care provider involves assessing various factors to ensure they meet your loved one’s needs.

Experience and Training in Dementia Care

Dementia care requires unique skills that go beyond traditional caregiving. When evaluating providers, it’s essential to ensure caregivers have experience and training specific to dementia. At Kizuna, only a small fraction — less than 10% — of applicants make it onto the platform, meaning families can trust they’re hiring a qualified caregiver. Additionally, caregivers on Kizuna’s registry average nearly 20 years of experience, offering a depth of knowledge in handling dementia-related challenges.

Personalization and Flexibility

Dementia affects each person differently, so the care plan should be adaptable. Look for providers who offer flexible care plans tailored to the specific needs of your loved one. Kizuna’s care coordinators work with families to create customized care arrangements that adjust as needed, ensuring that families are supported throughout their caregiving journey.

Emotional Connection and Trust

Building a strong rapport with the caregiver can greatly enhance the quality of care. Dementia care requires patience, empathy, and the ability to connect with the individual. Kizuna emphasizes background verification and transparency, offering families peace of mind in choosing a caregiver. Caregivers’ profiles on the platform include detailed information on their experience, approach, and background checks, allowing families to make an informed decision.

Availability of Additional Support

Dementia care often requires additional support, such as assistance with meal preparation, medication management, and coordination with healthcare providers. With Kizuna, families have access to a dedicated care coordinator who can help manage various aspects of the caregiving experience. This coordinator acts as a resource for the family, ensuring that all aspects of care are integrated and smoothly managed.

Why Choose Kizuna for Dementia Care in San Francisco?

Kizuna is more than just a caregiving platform; it’s a dedicated marketplace for families and caregivers to find quality, personalized care solutions. Kizuna’s focus on trust, transparency, and experience has made it a reliable option for dementia care in San Francisco. Here’s what sets Kizuna apart:

Stringent Caregiver Vetting Process

Less than 10% of caregivers who apply are accepted onto Kizuna’s platform, meaning that only the most qualified and experienced caregivers are available to families. This selectivity ensures that families are matched with caregivers who have the skills, empathy, and dedication needed to care for individuals with dementia.

Dedicated Support from Care Coordinators

Every family that signs up with Kizuna is assigned a care coordinator who provides ongoing support and helps manage the caregiving process. Care coordinators are well-versed in dementia care needs, making it easier for families to access the right resources, troubleshoot challenges, and maintain continuity in care.

Transparent Caregiver Profiles

With Kizuna, families can review detailed caregiver profiles that include verified credentials, experience, and references. This transparency fosters trust and allows families to feel confident in their choice of caregiver.

Flexible and Personalized Care Plans

Kizuna’s care model is designed to accommodate various needs, whether your loved one requires full-time support, part-time assistance, or specialized respite care. Each caregiver can work with families to develop a customized care plan that meets the specific needs of the individual with dementia, including adjustments over time.

Other Dementia Care Resources in San Francisco

While Kizuna offers an excellent option for dementia care, there are other local resources that families in San Francisco may find helpful:

Alzheimer’s Association Northern California and Northern Nevada ChapterThe Alzheimer’s Association offers a wide range of resources, including support groups, educational programs, and caregiver support services. They can provide information on dementia care options in the area, as well as tools for managing the progression of the condition.

San Francisco Department of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS)DAAS offers various programs and resources for older adults, including in-home support services and connections to memory care resources. They can also provide information on public programs available to families with dementia care needs.

Memory Clinic at UCSFThe University of California, San Francisco, operates a Memory and Aging Center, which provides comprehensive evaluations, treatment plans, and clinical trials for individuals with dementia. Families may benefit from consulting with specialists at UCSF who are at the forefront of dementia research and care.

Local Support GroupsMany organizations and community centres in San Francisco offer support groups for families and caregivers dealing with dementia. These groups provide emotional support, shared experiences, and coping strategies, which can be invaluable during the caregiving journey.

Tips for Making the Right Dementia Care Decision

Start Early: Begin the search for dementia care early in the process to ensure you have time to explore options and make an informed decision.

Visit Facilities and Interview Caregivers: If considering assisted living or in-home care, meet with potential caregivers or visit facilities in person to observe the environment and interactions with residents.

Use Available Resources: San Francisco has a robust support network for dementia care, from government resources to specialized memory clinics. Make use of these resources to gain insights and information that will aid in your decision.

Consider Financial Options: Dementia care can be costly, so consider what financial assistance may be available. Medicaid, Medicare, and various non-profits may offer programs that can offset costs.

Prioritize Compatibility: Ensure that the caregiver or facility’s approach aligns with your loved one’s personality, preferences, and daily needs.

Take the time to choose what’s best for your family.

Finding quality dementia care in San Francisco requires patience, thorough research, and consideration of a variety of care options. Whether you choose in-home care, assisted living, or memory care, the key is to find an option that feels right for your loved one.

Platforms like Kizuna simplify this process by offering trusted, verified caregivers with years of experience and ongoing support from care coordinators. In the end, choosing a care solution that prioritizes trust, compassion, and adaptability will make a world of difference in your loved one’s quality of life and well-being.

Join Kizuna Today

[papayacare1]

Taking Care of Parents with Dementia – Tips to Consider

Taking care of parents with dementia is rewarding, as you care for someone who no longer remembers or thanks you. All they need is someone who keeps patience with them, listens, and cares for them.

Read More: https://papayacare.com/taking-care-of-parents-with-dementia/

[faithhomehealthcare]

Communication Tips for Caregivers

[kaki9]

Okay, I don't normally add things to what I reblog but I feel extremely strongly about this. (tl:dr - I work my arse off in care to make sure the people I look after live with dignity and am hurt by the idea that we're like a prison)

I don't know where this person is from (I'm guessing the US, let's face it this is tumblr) but I do not like to think that people see care homes and nursing homes as "carceral in nature". Being in a care home is not a punishment, it's a place where people go whose family can't look after them.

There are people who need round the clock care which can't be given by members of their family. People in their 80s, living with dementia, whose only carer is their spouse also in their 80s? Those are the types of people who need care homes. The other option is going to be care breakdown.

I agree that there are bad eggs in care homes, but I defy any workplace with more than 10 employees not to have a bad egg. That's why all the safeguarding laws exist.

Here's my main point. Care and nursing homes (at least in the UK) are chronically underfunded and understaffed. To all the people in the tags talking about neglect, I'd say yes, it happens. I've known days where staff have called in sick and the company can't afford agency staff and one carer has been with 20 residents with dementia. You try making sure all 20 are able to wash, dress, and have breakfast, let alone have a fulfilling and enjoyable day. That is not the fault of the care staff and I don't want to see them demonised for trying their best. If you don't work in the industry, you probably have no idea what goes on there. Here's a list of things of things I've seen care staff do in the last month alone:

Pay out of their own pocket for a resident to see a chiropodist because the council who fund them will only pay for the most basic of care

Buy incontinence products from charity shops to ensure that residents who need them aren't going without

Go to supermarkets on their unpaid lunch break to buy toiletries for residents who don't have them

Bring in clothes from home for residents who don't have enough

Use their own money (their own minutes, their own credit) to ensure that elderly residents with dementia can still talk to their relatives when the home's entire phone system went down

Take the time out of their (remember, unpaid) lunch break to sit and comfort the bereaved relatives of a resident who had passed away

Work a 12 hour night shift and then go to the hospital to sit with a resident in a&e for 4 hours when no relief arrived for the carer who was with them over night. That same person then showed up for their next night shift (12 hour shifts are the norm for the industry, I myself have worked an 18 hour shift in an emergency and then showed up for shift the next morning. I also know someone who worked full 12 hour shifts 16 days in a row)

Do paperwork one handed for five hours because one of their residents is so anxious that she needs someone to hold her hand to feel safe (the state won't fund a 1-1 carer for her)

Take a resident room to room on a 28 person medication round because that resident lives with dementia and is so anxious and distressed that if they are left alone for more than 1 minute, they will try to walk and fall (again, the state won't fund 1-1, restraint is unlawful, and the care staff has to correctly administer multiple medications to each person, ensure that all of the counts are correct, make sure that each resident takes their medication or that it is documented that they declined, ensure that each resident who takes their medicine is comfortable doing so and left safely afterwards, and keep up constant dialogue with the anxious resident so that they feel safe and comfortable otherwise they will fall and seriously injure themselves. Be honest with me here - would you be able to do this?)

Have such a bad shift that when a visiting relative brought in a packet of biscuits for the staff, they cried at their desk, immediately faking a smile when a resident approached to ask for help with peeling a satsuma

Calmly deal with injuries that look like something out of a warzone

Save the life of a choking resident (with dementia) and then calmly explain to that resident multiple times an hour for several weeks that it is no longer safe for them to have a bag of crisps as their SALT prescribed diet is there to prevent them choking, perhaps fatally (as the resident lacks capacity it would be neglect to allow them to have the crisps, and of course you can't stop any other residents from enjoying a bag of crisps if they fancy some, right in front of said resident with dementia)

Spend two entire days phoning and emailing mental health crisis teams about a resident experiencing an episode of psychosis, and receive no help whatsoever until said resident dislocates a joint whilst throwing furniture at staff (mental health support is virtually non-existent in this country unless you are directly suicidal or have the money to pay for therapy)

And all of that is just the stuff above their actual job roles, their job roles which are generally paid less than 50p over minimum wage. Care homes might not always be very nice places, and yes, we are all fallible and all make mistakes from time to time, but I'd love for you all to see what we're up against.

Care home staff are a mixture of carers, friends, chiropodists, personal shoppers, dietitians, dentists, dermatologists, psychologists, therapists, bereavement counsellors, comedians, and actors (trust me on this, I do not want to be smiling at you when you complain that your dad's glasses have a smudge on them after the day I've had. I have probably been urinated on, bled on, and had to try to comfort a nonagenarian who has just remembered out of nowhere that their mother died in the 70s)

So, to sum up, working in a care home is a constant struggle and we do not do this often thankless task for people on the internet to accuse us of being prison-like.