Alzheimer’s in Seniors

When someone you love has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it can feel as though the end of the world has come. Even if you don’t feel that dramatic, it is still difficult to handle. You understand the basic signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s, even though only at an academic level.

In time, the challenges for that individual are going to grow. To support them, whether it’s a spouse, parent, or another loved one, the challenge is going to be even greater than you can imagine. At first, things seem simple enough, but as the disease erodes more memory and mental function and, ultimately, overall health and mobility, it is going to increase the pressure on those family caregivers who step up to provide support.

It’s not only going to be difficult just to take care of them, but to help them stay engaged in life. Staying mentally active can help slow the progression of memory loss, at least for a time (Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation).

Below are a few ways that you might be able to help the senior with Alzheimer’s stay engaged in life and active mentally.

1. Talk about assisted living.

When it comes to various forms of elder care, assisted living is one of the best. A memory care assisted living community is specially designed to help those with Alzheimer’s and other memory challenges.

You may not have thought about elder care before, and it may not seem necessary, especially when the symptoms of this disease are relatively tame in the beginning, but after a couple of years you will recognize the value assisted living can offer.

2. Have conversations with the senior regularly.

Having conversations can be frustrating when somebody has memory loss. Yet, those conversations generally help to stimulate the neural networks in the brain, which keep it active.

Think of the brain as a muscle in the body. If you don’t use it or even use it hard sometimes to get stronger, it begins to weaken. The brain begins to break down faster the less mentally active an aging senior with Alzheimer’s is.

Keep those conversations coming. Keep them light. Keep them important. However, you keep them, just keep them coming.

3. Play games.

There are numerous opportunities for seniors to participate in board games, card games, and other mentally challenging activities at many assisted living facilities. By staying active, the senior will not only meet others, and forge friendships and positive relationships with other residents but will also be helping to strengthen their minds in the process.

Not all assisted living facilities will offer the same types of activities, games, and recreational options on site so make sure you find out what a specific community offers before helping the senior decide where to live.

4. Do puzzles.

You might not have a lot of time to do a puzzle with your elderly mother, for example, puzzles can also stimulate the brain in many ways. A quality memory care assisted living facility may encourage residents to do puzzles or other activities simply for the mental stimulation it offers.

If you or an aging loved one is considering a move to Assisted Living in Carefree, AZ please contact the caring staff at MD Senior Living today. 480-267-9200