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.

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

Every 3seconds a new case of dementia is diagnosed. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. This is not a normal part of aging, there is no method of prevention and there is no proven cure. November is Alzheimer’s awareness month. Do what you can: donate, educate someone, educate yourself, wear purple, throw an event, pledge your birthday, share your story, share the message. Together, we can educate the population and decrease the stigma placed on Alzheimer’s. We can educate the young population that will one day be doctors, researchers, and caregivers. We can light the fire inside their hearts. Such an awful disease can only be fought, defeated, treated, cured if we fight together.  

What is Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and is currently the 6^th leading cause of death. Currently, there are 46.8 billion people worldwide fighting dementia. This means that 1in every 3 senior citizens die with some form of dementia. This number will increase to around 74.7 million in the next 44 years. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease; this means that the symptoms will worsen over time. Per the Alzheimer’s Association, here are ten early warning signs of Alzheimer’s:

   1.      Memory loss in daily life

   2.      Challenges problem solving

   3.      Difficulty with familiar tasks

   4.      Confusion with time/place

   5.      Trouble with visual images

   6.      Problems with speaking & writing

   7.      Frequently misplacing items

   8.      Poor judgment

   9.      Changes in personality and mood

   10.  Withdrawal for social activities

To formally diagnosis Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, visit your doctor.  Your doctor will perform memory tests that involve problem solving, counting, and language followed by brain scans; CT scans and PET scans. 

If diagnosed, there are some wonderful facilities that provide caregivers specifically for dementia and Alzheimer’s. The Scottish Home recently added The Caledonian House to their facilities. This new location specializes in best in class memory care. Our memory support program understands the challenges, changes, and difficulties associated with conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia. The program focuses on emotional and physical health of your loved ones.

The Scottish Home provides loving care, friendship, and enriching activities. Because of our small size, the environment is very intimate; this makes our residents and staff feel like a family! In addition to the new memory care facility, The Scottish Home also offers assisted living and nursing home care facilities. Schedule a Tour of our facilities located at 2800 Des Plaines Avenue in North Riverside Illinois. For more information, visit our website or give us a call at (708) 447-5092!

7 Signs of Alzheimer’s and How The Caledonian House Can Help

Alzheimer’s is a form of severe dementia that progresses over time, with a gradual increase in symptoms such as forgetfulness, disorientation, and disruptive behavior. Alzheimer’s is a fatal disease that attacks the brain, and although there is no cure yet, early detection and treatment can slow its progress and extend quality of life for both patients and caregivers.

Most people wait far too long to recognize or seek treatment for Alzheimer’s, by which point, damaging lesions have already spread through the brain, and it is too late to maximize the benefits of treatment strategies. A timely diagnosis, specialized memory care, healthy diet, physical and cognitive exercise, social stimulation, and even medication can help stave off the progression of Alzheimer’s.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, here are some early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease:

• Forgetting recently learned information
• Poor judgment and decision making
• Difficulty concentrating or completing familiar tasks
• Trouble speaking or holding a conversation
• Frequently misplacing or losing items
• Withdrawal from social activities with friends and family
• Changes in mood and personality

If your loved one is exhibiting these symptoms, see their physician as soon as possible.

At The Scottish Home, we are pleased and excited to feature our enhanced memory care facility, The Caledonian House. We know that memory loss is never easy but we hope to make the transition to assisted living as smooth as possible for all involved. This new facility is our response to the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Each of the Caledonian House’s two floors will be home to 10 residents in which they can enjoy private bedrooms, full bathrooms and a community space for lounging, cooking and dining. In addition to a home-like setting, the Caledonian House also provides the best care possible for residents in need of skilled nursing and memory care.

The Scottish Home is currently accepting new residents at The Caledonian House! If you are interested in learning more about our facility, set up a tour with our team by calling 708-447- 5092.