Making the decision to move a loved one to a frail care facility may be very difficult, but it is not always possible to continue providing the level of care needed at home. The questions below may helpful when determining if a move to a frail care centre is the...

Extract from "My Name is not Dementia" (Research conducted in the UK in 2009) Published by Alzheimer's Society UK on 15 September 2015 The Centre for Ageing Research and Development in Ireland (CARDI) became the Ageing Research and Development Division within the Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH). Persons...

(Article from: https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/caregiver-health/relationship-changes) As the disease progresses, your relationship with your spouse or partner who has Alzheimer's will change; however, your connection can still be rich and fulfilling. Spend time together in ways that bring you closer and help you relate. Changing roles You may find yourself taking on a...

(Article from: https://www.alzheimers.net/husbands-role-reverses-while-caring-for-wife-with-alzheimers/) Male Caregivers Take on a Non-Traditional Role A greater number of women (69%) take on a caregiving role for a spouse with Alzheimer’s, but 33% of caregivers providing 21-60 hours of care per week are men, according to a 2017 report from the Alzheimer’s Association. Family members...

Realise your challenge: There will be good days and bad days Be Patient: Tolerate compassionately any delays or provocation Offer Reassurance: Listen attentively and show Empathy Minimize Noise: Noise can disturb and confuse Avoid Arguing: Do not contradict Use Non-verbal cues: Gestures, Touch and Facial Expressions Be Precise: Avoid pronouns...

As little as a two percent loss in body fluid that isn’t replaced can lead to mild dehydration. The result can be headaches, constipation, problems concentrating, sluggishness, and fatigue. 6 Risk Factors for Dehydration Among Seniors with Dementia Forgetfulness: This classic Alzheimer’s symptom is one that puts seniors at risk...

Mostly Water The adult body is comprised of about 60% water. Water is important for flushing toxins from the body, digestion, skin complexion, headache prevention, and immune system function.  Water also provides the brain with the necessary energy for brain function, including thought and memory.  Body water is lost each...

Symptoms of dehydration may mask themselves as signs of Dementia OR make Dementia symptoms worse. 5 key points on Hydration (Water & the Brain) Fluid balance is the balance of the input and output of fluids in the body to allow metabolic processes to function. To assess fluid balance, nurses...

When choosing a care facility, there are a number of factors to consider, including the staff, the facility, the programs and the type of treatment residents receive. Use this checklist when considering a facility:   Family Involvement Families are encouraged to participate in care planning Families are informed of changes...

At Midway Care we have observed the benefits of time spent outdoors and interacting with nature when it comes to the general health and wellbeing of our residents. As stated in the article at: https://positivepsychology.com/positive-effects-of-nature Nature Improves Psychological Well-Being Nature helps in emotional regulation and improves memory functions. Nature walks...

Below snippet quoted from article at: https://www.cnn.com/2015/04/09/health/creativity-socializing-delay-dementia/index.html "Pursuing creative passions and favorite activities into old age could preserve your mind and stave off dementia, according to a new study in Neurology, a medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Researchers discovered that people who engaged in artistic activities, such...

Research is still evolving, but evidence is strong that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline by making key lifestyle changes, including participating in regular physical activity, staying socially engaged, and maintaining good heart health. (From: https://www.alz.org/help-support/brain_health) 10 Ways To Improve Brain Heath Exercise and stay physically active Stay...

Being Diagnosed with Dementia does not have to be the end of the road. At Midway Care we have been successful in restoring quality of life and reducing the effects of Dementia for our residents. We believe that our holistic approach is key to our success rate. Observation: Persons diagnosed...