Unfortunately, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s but you can make a difference.

Do you know the 10 signs of Alzheimer’s’ Disease?

1) Memory loss that disrupts daily life

2) Challenges in planning or solving problems

3) Difficulty completing familiar tasks

4) Confusion with place and time

5) Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships

6) New problems with words in speaking and writing

7) Misplacing things and losing the ability to reduce steps

8) Decreased or poor judgment

9) Withdrawal from work or social activities

10) Changes in mood and personality

© 2009 Alzheimer’s Association

Alzheimer’s disease is currently the most prominent type of Dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “Nearly one in every three seniors who die each year in Idaho has Alzheimer’s disease or another Dementia”. The national cost of Alzheimer’s disease in 2012 reached $203 Billion dollars. We want to say thank you to the 76 thousand caregivers that gave their time and energy to provide care for loved ones that are living with Dementia every day.

 

For additional support please contact your doctor, an elder law attorney or call the Alzheimer’s association 24/7 helpline at 1-800-272-3900. This help line is confidential and staffed by master level care consultants for support and guidance. To learn more go to https://thelongestday.alz.org/

All of us, including Seniors, have 6 basic human needs. Anthony Robbins, a life coach, describes them as follows:

 

1. Certainty: to be comfortable and have some level of consistency.
2. Uncertainty: we need variety and change to feel alive.
3. Significance: the need to feel unique, special and important.
4. Love and connection: we need to give and receive affection and support from others.
5. Growth: to become more.
6. Contribution: to give beyond ourselves.

(www.TonyRobbins.com)

 

These needs don’t diminish as we grow older.  We still need certainty—we want to have predictability and make

our own decisions.  We also need uncertainty—spontaneous activities and things to do that keep our interest. We need significance—to be treated with respect and dignity.  We need love and connection—our families and friends need to spend time with us and show that they care.  We need growth and contribution—even though this is not always possible, Longfellow observed: “Even the oldest tree some fruit may bear.”  This reminds me of John Wooden, the famous UCLA basketball coach, who said:  “Nowadays my bad knees and bad hips make it difficult to walk very far or to stand for very long…even at 94, I want to be the best I can be, and hard work is the only way to make this happen.”

 

Seniors enrich our lives in so many ways.  As a nursing home administrator, I loved to talk with the residents about their lives.  One resident’s father had been a Confederate soldier in the Civil War.  Another had come with his family from Russia and entered the United States through Ellis Island.  Later, they homesteaded 160 acres in American Falls.  Next time you’re with a Senior, take the time to ask him or her about their life.

 

Wishing you and your family a Christmas Season filled with peace, love and joy.

 

Tom Packer is an Elder Care Attorney serving all of Southeast Idaho.

When a loved one is facing the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, remember their reality is not your reality. It is important that you DON’T try to change their reality.  No matter how hard you try, you won’t succeed and both you and your loved one will become more frustrated.

 

Jo Huey’s book, “Alzheimer’s Disease, Ten Simple Solutions for Caregivers” is a great resource for individuals looking for practical steps that are easy to remember when caring for individuals suffering with Alzheimer’s or related dementias. In her book, Jo identifies Ten Absolutes to employ when working with someone with Alzheimer’s. Here are Jo’s suggestions of what not to do and what to do instead.

 

Don’ts                                       Dos

1) Argue                    instead     Agree

2) Reason                  instead     Divert

3) Shame                   instead     Distract

4) Lecture                   instead     Reassure

5) Say “remember”     instead     Reminisce

6) Say “I told you”      instead     Repeat/regroup

7) Say “You Can’t”       instead     Do what they can

8) Command/Demand instead     Ask/Model

9) Condescend            instead     Encourage/Praise

10) Force                   instead     Reinforce

 

Try this approach and watch how things change for the positive. Let’s face it, none of us want to be told what we can and can not do.

 

September is world Alzheimer’s month.  Make a point to say thank you to someone you know that is caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. Take time to hug someone you know that is dealing with some form of Dementia.

 

For more information and helpful resources from Jo Huey visit www.alzheimersadvocate.com .

 

Another great resource on Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias can be found at www.alzheimersreadingroom.com .

 

Jodi Davis, Elder Care Coordinator, Esplin & Packer LLP

 

The content here is not intended to be legal advice.  If you have a specific question, you should consult with an attorney.

 

Tom Packer is an Elder Care Attorney serving all of Southeast Idaho.  As a Life Care Planning law firm, the Elder Care Practice of Tom Packer offers a holistic solution for families struggling to care for an elderly loved one.