What to Say When the Memory Fades

Communicating with someone who is diagnosed with Alzheimer's can be an emotionally challenging situation. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia steal away stories and details that were once easily accessible and make everyday communication difficult. These changes happen in three stages (referred to as mild, moderate and severe Alzheimer’s disease) and take understanding, patience and good listening skills to deal with. For those experiencing Alzheimer’s, these changes can be scary and extremely frustrating. Effective communication can help put those with dementia or Alzheimer’s at ease.

Mayra Ligeza, from the Alzheimer's Association, recently presented a Brunch Series at The Scottish Home that examined “Effective Communication Strategies.” She explained, “communication is more than just talking and listening – it’s also about sending and receiving messages through attitude, tone of voice, facial expressions and body language. As people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias progress in their journey and the ability to use words is lost, families need new ways to connect. Learning to decode the verbal and behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s can help you connect and communicate at each stage of the disease.”

A few effective tips for successful communication are:

Mild Alzheimer’s:

●       Don’t exclude them from conversations. Talk directly to them.

●       Take time to listen to how the person is feeling and if they need anything.

●       Be patient and give them time to find the right words and respond. Don’t interrupt or finish their sentences unless they ask for help.

Moderate Alzheimer’s:

●       Keep eye contact. It communicates you are active listening and that you care about what is being said.

●       Speak slowly and clearly.

●       Don’t overwhelm the person with complicated requests. Offer simply, step-by-step instructions.

Severe Alzheimer’s:

●       Promote nonverbal communication, e.g. pointing and gesturing.

●       Utilize touch, sights, sounds, smells and tastes as another way to convey experience.

●       Remember - it is OK if you don’t know what to say. The most important thing is your friendship and presence.

Looking for more tips? We highly recommend exploring the Alzheimer’s Association's webpage. They have a host of resources and information, including more tips on effective communication strategies: https://www.alz.org/care/dementia-communication-tips.asp

The Scottish Home regularly hosts events with expert presenters that examine issues involving elder care; including our regular Memory Care Brunch Series, every 2nd Friday of the month, from 9am - 11am. We would love it if you could join us. Check our Facebook page or website for upcoming events. Call Rebecca Drennan to RSVP: 708-447-5092.

Senior Living That Feels Like Home

Putting loved ones into a senior living facility can create more worry than relief for family members who wonder if they are making the right decision. If your parents are struggling with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, there is even greater importance that their new living space feels like a home and not a hospital. The Scottish Home and the Caledonian House in North Riverside, Illinois offers a unique living arrangement that provides you with peace-of-mind knowing that your loved one is well cared for. Here are five unique advantages to The Scottish Home:

1.     A step above assisted living – The Scottish Home is licensed to provide Sheltered Care. This means that we offer your loved one the same level of care they would get in assisted living, plus nursing care around the clock. We give personalized assistance based on patient need as well as friendship, emotional, and physical support for whole patient care. In addition, our residents get three meals a day, housekeeping, beauty and barber shop services, and regular activities and outings.

2.     Skilled nursing and intermediate care – If your loved one requires more care because of an injury, surgery, or prolonged illness, our staff is trained to provide skilled nursing care as well as therapeutic recovery services in a comfortable, homelike setting. We provide a personalized approach for each of our residents so the level and type of care is tailored to meet their specific needs.

3.     Memory care – Our facility offers an environment that helps patients struggling with the impact of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. A homey setting comforts them and is free from long, confusing hallways and an institutional feel. Residents have private bedrooms and a full bathroom that open to a center common area with a comforting fireplace, seating area, and open kitchen. 

4.     Family setting – All meals are enjoyed with fellow floor residents. Additionally, our certified nursing assistant staff are trained to help patients with personal care, culinary requirements, housekeeping, and dementia care. They take the time to engage with each resident and make them feel at home.

5.     Respite care – We offer respite care for family members who need a short break to recharge from the demands of caring for their loved ones.

The Scottish Home is the only facility that offers this type of elder care model in the Chicagoland area. Contact us to schedule a visit. 

#MemoryCare Wednesday Brunch Series: Debt Collection and Consumer Rights

Debt collectors used to hound individuals until they received payment. Today, there are certain guidelines set in place to prevent consumers from being harassed, deceived and abused. Shannon Geier from Geier Law LLC recently spoke at The Scottish Home and was able to give advice on debt collections and consumer rights. Here’s what we learned.

Consumers have legal rights when faced with unfair debt collection practices. To a certain degree, they are even protected. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) prohibits debt collectors from being abusive, unfair, or using deceptive practices when attempting to collect debt. How do you know if a debt collector is violating consumer rights? Some general provisions that the FDCPA prohibits include harassing, oppressing, abusing, deceiving or misleading representation, and unfair practices. If you are being harassed by a debt collector, write down important details including the name and number of who called you and what was discussed on the phone.

Unfair debt collection including nursing home debt collection is subject to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. For more information, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website at this link.

The Wednesday Brunch Series takes place the first Wednesday of every month at 9 am in The Caledonian House. On October 5^th, we will be welcoming Bright Star Cheri as she presents “Learning to Speak Dementia”. The following month (November 2^nd) Eleanore Webber will be presenting "Retired or Thinking of Retirement (age 50+), Understand Medicare and Long-Term Care Funding – Immediate and Future!"

RSVP your spot today by giving us a call at 708-447-5092.

If you would like to learn more about the Wednesday Brunch Series taking place at The Caledonian House every Wednesday from 9 to 11 am, please follow The Scottish Home on Facebook!

The Caledonian House Grand Opening on July 13th

The Caledonian House is officially open and we can’t wait for the community to benefit from what we have to offer.  The Grand Opening is Wednesday, July 13th from 3pm - 7pm. As the new model of memory care, The Caledonian House will provide the same great care you would find at The Scottish Home but with an emphasis on advanced memory care.

Now that construction is done and The Caledonian House is officially open, this is a great opportunity for us to focus on the care that you or your loved one will receive in this facility.  Keep in mind – we are currently accepting admission applications but space is limited!

A Culture of Caring

From The Scottish Home to The Caledonian House, we take pride in the fact that our culture is very different than other senior living facilities.  If you or a loved one is in need of specialized memory care, know that The Caledonian House has a uniquely compassionate culture dedicated to building strong bonds and providing skilled nursing service.

Welcoming Environment

Moving to an assisted living facility is never easy.  At The Caledonian House, we try to make our residents feel at home in every way.  With private bedrooms, full bathrooms and large areas for group activities, we hope that you and your loved ones will find this transition smooth and comforting.  After all, we are the only model like this in the Chicagoland area!

Best-In-Class Memory Care

Caregivers at The Caledonian House are cross-trained in personal care, nutrition, meaningful engagement and housekeeping.  Constant interactions give residents and caregivers the opportunity to build familiarity, trust and overall well-being.  This is the ideal setting for someone that is in need of additional care for activities of daily living, medication reminders, meals, housekeeping, laundry and socialization. 

We here at The Scottish Home would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the completion of The Caledonian House.  If you attended our Open House, you likely received a lot of great information and a first-hand look at this memory care facility.  If you were unable to make the Open House and would like to schedule a tour of The Caledonian House, please contact Becky Drennan of The Scottish Home at 708-426-7175. 

The Caledonian House; exceptional care where friends become family.