Finding things to do with your grandkids can be a bit challenging. Here is Senior Directory's list of the best things to do with grandchildren in the Indianapolis area from Senior Directory Articles & Info https://ift.tt/2G7DtQD via WordPress https://ift.tt/3ltCj1R via For more great blog posts check out Platinum Communities Blog
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May we all live a long and healthy life. And yet, death and incapacitation are factors we simply must consider. Check out this video/article pairing on the topic of Wills vs Trust, and the differences between the two financial/legal instruments from Senior Directory Articles & Info https://ift.tt/3gqEGiw via WordPress https://ift.tt/32oc7Nz via For more great blog posts check out Platinum Communities Blog The first time Mother suffered an attack of acute delirium I thought she was playing up. It was a month or more ago. She was in the sitting room watching Good Morning Britain on the TV and I was in the kitchen loading a large sausage sandwich into my mouth. I could barely hear her calling with all the churning and jawing noises as the first bite of sandwich did a whirlwind tour of my molars. She’s probably just forgotten how to use the TV remote again, I thought. I’ve got a minute or two before she starts cursing more loudly. I’ll finish the sandwich and then pop through. There was another noise from the sitting room. I put the sausage sandwich in my mouth, like a harmonica, and walked into the sitting room. I was preparing myself to listen to a tirade from Mother for not having come sooner or get a rehash of the lecture she gave my son the last time she lost the TV remote. The one in which she says TV’s were better for you in the Fifties and Sixties because you had to walk over to them and press a button on the set if you wanted to switch channels. ‘You mean you had to get up off the sofa to choose what you wanted to watch?’ asked my son, incredulous. ‘Yes,’ said Granny. ‘You had to make a choice and stick with it. Or get off your behind and change it. There was none of this channel surfing nonsense in those days.’ But, instead of a lecture, I found Mother shaking uncontrollably at the ironing board. She was holding her hands out in front of her and they were trembling uncontrollably. She was staring at them as though they were not part of her. ‘What’s happening to me,’ she asked, without anxiety, but very softly. Her feet and legs were jittering up and down, uncontrollably, and her head shook gently. It looked like she was in the process of being possessed. ‘I don’t know,’ I said. ‘Why can’t I stop shaking?’ ‘I don’t know,’ I said. At first, I thought this must be a heart attack or a stroke. But she was still alive and we were talking to each other, so it couldn’t be that bad I thought. Fatal, that is. Even though she was talking feverishly and her eyelids blinked open and shut frantically at some moments, I felt myself calm down. I resisted the urge to call 999 and spoke to NHS 111, who asked if she was taking antibiotic pills for a urinary tract infection. These infections are common in old people but not lethal by themselves. I didn’t know if she was or wasn’t but it was clear when I dug out the box from her pill tray that she hadn’t been taking the tablets at all. After a little persuasion, I managed to get take the antibiotics and got her into bed. She fell asleep. I went downstairs and slumped onto the sofa. ‘Can it happen, again,’ asked my wife, later that evening. ‘I hope not. It’s not a great experience,’ I said. If you’re concerned about a parent who might have delirium, please listen to our podcast with old age psychiatrist Dr Alex Bailey, who explains what to look out for, and what remedies there are. You can read more about Urinary Tract Infections here. The post A case of acute delirium appeared first on Age Space. from Age Space https://ift.tt/31pzh6P via WordPress https://ift.tt/3gtAP3Y via For more great blog posts check out Platinum Communities Blog Some of the most tantalizing stories in the news these days involve the quest for a vaccine that might finally stem the tide of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to this very recent National Geographic article, at least 150 legitimate vaccine trials are currently underway, with many showing real promise. But as we’ve been warned, a vaccine, even if highly effective, will not be a panacea, and it won’t make the virus disappear overnight. What’s even more unsettling, if this article we just discovered from Kaiser Health News is accurate, for seniors some of the disruption in daily life might actually be here to stay. Post-Vaccine Living for Seniors May Be a Lot Like it is Today“Imagine this scenario, perhaps a year or two in the future,” writes Kaiser reporter Bruce Horovitz: “An effective COVID-19 vaccine is routinely available and the world is moving forward.” However, he adds, even in that rosy scenario, life “will likely never be the same — particularly for people over 60. That is the conclusion of geriatric medical doctors, aging experts, futurists and industry specialists. Experts say that in the aftermath of the pandemic, everything will change, from the way older folks receive health care to how they travel and shop. Also overturned: their work life and relationships with one another.” Horovitz quotes one aging expert, Ken Dychtwald of AgeWave, who calls the recent global pandemic “a near-death experience.” As a result, he says, people are thinking differently about what matters and how they’ll behave differently in the future. Because seniors are uniquely vulnerable to all infectious diseases, not just the coronavirus, and because they are more likely to suffer other health conditions, like heart and respiratory diseases, they tend to take the risk of infection very seriously. “It’s no surprise,” says Kaiser, “that even in the future, when a COVID-19 vaccine is widely available — and widely used — most seniors will be taking additional precautions.” Post-Vaccine Living: Baby Boomers Confront Their MortalityAccording to the Kaiser article, boomers have always been convinced of their seeming immortality – but that’s no longer true. “Before COVID-19, baby boomers felt reassured that with all the benefits of modern medicine, they could live for years and years,” Stanford geriatrician Dr. Mehrdad Ayati told reporter Horovitz. “What we never calculated was that a pandemic could totally change the dialogue.” But in fact, the coronavirus has caused a profound adjustment in the attitude of today’s seniors. With that paradigm shift in mind, Kaiser Health News took a look at what life could be like for older Americans in a post-vaccine world. Here are some examples, edited for length: Post-Vaccine Living: Big Changes in Medical Care
Post-Vaccine Living: Travel Will Mean Shorter Trips, Fewer Flights
Post-Vaccine Living: Older Workers and Retirees Will Increasingly Stay Close to Home
Post-Vaccine Living: Gatherings Will Be Smaller, Isolation More Prevalent
The Real Key to a Solid Estate Plan: an AgingOptions LifePlanWhen it comes to retirement planning, most people focus on one fairly narrow issue: money. Financial planning is an important component of retirement planning. But people heading towards retirement often make the mistake of thinking that a little financial planning is all that’s required, when in fact most financial plans are woefully inadequate. What about your medical coverage – will that be adequate? What if you have to make a change in your housing status – will that knock your financial plan off course? Are you adequately prepared legally for the realities of retirement and estate planning? And is your family equipped to support your plans for the future as you age? The best way we know of to successfully blend all these elements together – finance, medical, housing, legal and family – is with a LifePlan from AgingOptions. Thousands of people have discovered the power of LifePlanning and we encourage you to the same. Simply visit our website and discover a world of retirement planning resources. Make certain your retirement planning is truly comprehensive and complete with an AgingOptions LifePlan. Age on! (originally reported at www.khn.org) The post A COVID-19 Vaccine Is Supposedly on the Horizon – but Many Seniors Are Wondering What Life Will be Like in a Post-Vaccine World appeared first on AgingOptions. from AgingOptions https://ift.tt/30VrU6V via WordPress https://ift.tt/30VpBkw via For more great blog posts check out Platinum Communities Blog Will you spend more in retirement, or less? While some retirees do go a little crazy in the first few years of retirement, spending money on travel and other luxuries, once things settle down most people find to their surprise that they’re spending considerably less than before. We just read this article from USNews that lists ten areas where the average retiree will be able to save significantly. If you’re planning ahead for retirement, or just starting the journey, this article might provide some helpful food for thought. It might also be a good list to review with your financial planner. Ten Spending Categories That Might Decrease or Disappear in Retirement“Many retirees are tempted to spend more money on leisure activities in retirement,” writes USNews senior editor Emily Brandon. “Health care costs also tend to increase as people age. But there are many costs that decline in retirement, and a few you can eliminate entirely.” Brandon goes on to list ten expenses you might no longer have – or will have to a lesser degree – in retirement. Take a look and see which ones apply to your lifestyle. Cutting Expenses by Paying Off Your MortgageThis is one place where, as Rajiv Nagaich often says, a housing issue becomes a financial issue, and vice versa. “Paying off your mortgage eliminates one of your biggest monthly bills,” says the article. You’ll be saving all that interest, and you can stop worrying about late fees. “While you will still have to pay for insurance and property taxes and continue to maintain your home, these costs are likely to be a fraction of what you were paying for your mortgage. Keeping your housing costs low will help your fixed income stretch further. There’s also a big emotional payoff when you own your home mortgage-free.” Cutting Expenses by Eliminating Commuting CostsThis may seem obvious, but the actual saving can come as something of a surprise. “Gas for your car or train fare is a big expense for employees with long daily commutes to work,” says USNews. “Commuting also puts a lot of wear on your car that could necessitate more frequent repairs and maintenance or even a new vehicle. In retirement, all your driving is for personal errands or pleasure.” The article adds that cutting your miles driven also can qualify you for a lower rate on your auto insurance. You’ll also find that your stress level behind the wheel is reduced because retirees typically enjoy planning their outings to avoid peak travel times. Cutting Expenses by Getting Rid of a Second Car“Dual-income married couples often need two cars to get to their respective jobs,” the article observes. “If you’re willing to coordinate your respective schedules, you might be able to get by with one car in retirement.” This dramatically cuts your insurance and car maintenance costs. One idea: sell the second car and put some of the money into a “Local Travel Fund” to pay for the occasional taxi or for ride-share services like Über and Lyft. Cutting Expenses When You No Longer Need Professional Clothing“Some jobs require expensive professional attire, stylish haircuts and makeup, and formal clothing for special events,” says USNews. “Dry cleaning and professional tailoring cost even more. Retirees get to trade in their suits for jeans and don’t have to keep up with the latest fashion trends unless they want to.” (Of course, these days with the coronavirus, a lot of that expensive clothing is hanging in the closet – but we get the point.) Cutting Expenses Because You Have More Time for Life’s Daily ChoresIt’s often impossible for time-strapped working people to take care of basic chores like shopping, cooking, and yardwork themselves. They end up paying plenty for basic services that retirees can enjoy doing themselves. As USNews puts it, instead of “buying expensive convenience food because you don’t have time to cook and outsourcing household chores so you don’t have to spend your weekends doing them,” retirees can spend time and energy “comparison shopping for good deals and taking on the home improvement chores they used to pay someone else to do. Cutting your own grass and cooking at home takes time but could save you money.” Cutting Expenses Because You’re No Longer Working in an OfficeThere are hidden costs to the typical office environment that have little to do with nice clothes and long commutes. “Being involved in office social life comes with some costs,” says the article. “You might pay for lunch out with coworkers, chip in for gifts for colleagues or get drawn into the office pool. These costs are often a necessary part of team building with coworkers, but retirees don’t have to pay them.” No more overpriced coffee or happy hour drinks with col-workers you don’t really want to spend time with. Instead, retirees can shift their spending to gatherings with close friends they actually prefer to see. Cutting Expenses with Senior Discounts“One of the major benefits of growing older is qualifying for senior discounts,” says USNews. “The senior discounts available for travel, hotels and car rentals are well-known. But you may also qualify for discounts at restaurants, retail stores and even grocery stores.” It may not be obvious which places offer senior discounts – sometimes you have to ask. Senior discounts at many places start at age 55 or even 50. If you search on Bing or Google for “senior discounts,” you’ll find limitless options and lists, including this one called the Senior List. Cutting Expenses with Off-Peak TravelWhen you were working full time, a one-week vacation often meant Monday-through-Friday, forcing you and your family to travel on the busiest travel days of the week. “Many working people cram their travel plans into long weekends and national holidays, and parents tend to vacation during school breaks,” says USNews. “Airlines and hotels know this and set prices accordingly.” But when you retire, you can travel during weekdays and off-peak seasons, when the prices are lower and the crowds are smaller. Retirees with a flexible schedule may also be able to take advantage of last-minute deals on cruises, RV rentals, and other vacation packages. Cutting Expenses by Ferreting Out Unnecessary Investment FeesThis idea might be something you always meant to do, and now that you’re retired you can finally accomplish it. “Take the time to review your investment portfolio, with the goal of reducing your investment costs,” the article advises. “Make a note of the expense ratio of each fund, and challenge yourself to find a lower-cost fund that meets your investment needs. Take care to learn the rules for taking penalty-free retirement account withdrawals. You could be retired for several decades. Don’t allow your investment returns to be dragged down by unnecessary costs.” Cutting Expenses Thanks to a Lower Tax Rate“Many people drop into a lower tax bracket in retirement,” says USNews. What’s more, seniors often benefit from more generous tax breaks including a bigger standard deduction, and in some locales, they get a break on property taxes. “Take steps to further reduce your taxes by carefully timing retirement account withdrawals,” the article advises. “Retirees who continue to work can defer paying income tax on more money in a 401(k) than younger employees. Charitably inclined retirees can avoid income tax on IRA required minimum distributions by making a qualified charitable distribution.” The Real Key to a Solid Estate Plan: an AgingOptions LifePlanWhen it comes to retirement planning, most people focus on one fairly narrow issue: money. Financial planning is an important component of retirement planning. But people heading towards retirement often make the mistake of thinking that a little financial planning is all that’s required, when in fact most financial plans are woefully inadequate. What about your medical coverage – will that be adequate? What if you have to make a change in your housing status – will that knock your financial plan off course? Are you adequately prepared legally for the realities of retirement and estate planning? And is your family equipped to support your plans for the future as you age? The best way we know of to successfully blend all these elements together – finance, medical, housing, legal and family – is with a LifePlan from AgingOptions. Thousands of people have discovered the power of LifePlanning and we encourage you to the same. Simply visit our website and discover a world of retirement planning resources. Make certain your retirement planning is truly comprehensive and complete with an AgingOptions LifePlan. Age on! (originally reported at https://money.usnews.com) The post Your Spending in Retirement Might Actually be Less Than You Think After You’ve Eliminated These Expenses from Your Budget appeared first on AgingOptions. from AgingOptions https://ift.tt/33VDJvW via WordPress https://ift.tt/2Fh0qAk via For more great blog posts check out Platinum Communities Blog At least three-fourths of American adults age 50 and older have one thing in common: they want to grow old in their own homes. According to a 2018 AARP survey, 76 percent of respondents prefer to stay put in the houses they’re living in now as they age, enjoying the familiar surroundings of the community they love – and our guess is that the coronavirus pandemic has boosted that figure even higher. But will they be able to? Unless they start now to make their homes appropriate for aging in place, the answer is probably no. Home Renovations are Usually Overlooked in Retirement PlanningThere are some improvements you should consider making to your home today if you hope to age safely living there in the future. This 2019 article from the Money website outlines three home renovations that the author, Alix Langone, claims will help you live independently as you get older. “Many Americans spend decades preparing for retirement financially, but overlook another key aspect of planning: housing,” Langone writes – a statement with which we agree completely. Since so many older Americans want to remain in their homes as they age, it’s ironic that “few are making modifications to help them accomplish that goal. Indeed, most people don’t try to make their home more navigable until there’s a crisis,” says one Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist who spoke to Money. “One day everything is okay, they have their home, they can function okay, but then they fall,” this planner says. This kind of crisis “changes the whole trajectory of their life.” Seniors Seem to “Stubbornly” Resist Making Necessary Home RenovationsIn spite of the obvious risks inherent in aging in a poorly-designed home, seniors seem to remain stubbornly resistant to recommended alterations that would make their houses safer. “Sixty-five million households in the U.S. are now headed by someone over the age of 50,” says the Money article, quoting a report by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. Yet less than four percent of the country’s housing stock “incorporates three vital features for aging in place: single-floor living, no-step entries, and extra-wide halls and doors, the report says.” Depending on the age and design of your home, you may have to move in order to find such age-friendly features. But before you give up your home, it’s worth considering whether some strategic renovation is feasible. The Money article gives you a place to begin. “Here are some of the most practical home modifications older adults can make to continue living independently for as long as possible, along with cost estimates for each,” says Langone. “If they seem expensive, consider that the cost of inaction could also be high, in the form of pricey medical bills following an accident, or even the expense of relocating to a care facility if you can no longer stay at home.” Three Home Renovations That Belong on Your To-Do ListLet’s look at three upgrades that top the Money list of age-in-place upgrades:
The Real Key to a Solid Estate Plan: an AgingOptions LifePlanWhen it comes to retirement planning, most people focus on one fairly narrow issue: money. Financial planning is an important component of retirement planning. But people heading towards retirement often make the mistake of thinking that a little financial planning is all that’s required, when in fact most financial plans are woefully inadequate. What about your medical coverage – will that be adequate? What if you have to make a change in your housing status – will that knock your financial plan off course? Are you adequately prepared legally for the realities of retirement and estate planning? And is your family equipped to support your plans for the future as you age? The best way we know of to successfully blend all these elements together – finance, medical, housing, legal and family – is with a LifePlan from AgingOptions. Thousands of people have discovered the power of LifePlanning and we encourage you to the same. Simply visit our website and discover a world of retirement planning resources. Make certain your retirement planning is truly comprehensive and complete with an AgingOptions LifePlan. Age on! (originally reported at www.money.com/money) The post You Say You Plan to Age in Place? Here are Three Home Renovations That Might Help Make It Possible appeared first on AgingOptions. from AgingOptions https://ift.tt/30Td54L via WordPress https://ift.tt/2XU5aCz via For more great blog posts check out Platinum Communities Blog Here on the AgingOptions blog, we’ve shared plenty of articles about Social Security. Over the years, we’ve found that this government program is more important – and more misunderstood – than one might ever suspect. Recently, we encountered this common-sense article on the Motley Fool website, written by reporter Christy Bieber. She warns that there are at least four aspects of Social Security that might come as an unpleasant surprise to retirees who are uninformed and unprepared. We share this article as a reminder to do your homework and plan ahead if you want a retirement that’s safe and secure. Each Social Security Surprise is Based on Wishful Thinking, Lack of Preparation“Most retirees need income from Social Security to make ends meet,” Bieber writes. “If you’re among the majority who will use these benefits to help support you in your later years, it’s important that you understand exactly what they’ll do for you. Sadly, it may be less than you think.” In her Motley Fool article, she alerts readers that the retirement income Social Security will provide might be less than they anticipate. That’s why, she says, “it’s essential to know these four key facts that often catch seniors off-guard.” We would add that none of these “unpleasant surprises” is a secret. But if you rely on casual estimates, bad advice, and wishful thinking, you may be in for a rude awakening. Here are Bieber’s four cautionary warnings. Social Security Surprise Number 1: A Smaller-Than-Expected BenefitWill Social Security be enough t0 live on? A surprising number of seniors think so. Nearly 60 percent of older adults believe Social Security will be enough to cover more than half of their total retirement expenses, according to a survey conducted by Nationwide Insurance, and about one-quarter of respondents think Social Security on its own will allow them to live comfortably in retirement. “The sad reality is, if you believe either of these two things, you’re going to be disappointed,” warns the Motley Fool article – “and [you’ll be] in a difficult financial situation if you made your retirement plans based on these misconceptions.” That’s because Social Security was designed to be one of three sources of retirement income, the others being savings and pensions. Benefits from Social Security are only meant to replace about 40 percent of pre-retirement funds. Most retirees will probably need to replace about twice that amount. “When your Social Security benefit turns out to be much smaller than expected, you could find yourself struggling to live on an income that’s barely above the federal poverty level,” says the Motley Fool article. “Don’t let that happen. Check your Social Security account online to get an idea of the amount of income your benefits will actually produce for you.” Then work with a financial planner to figure out how to generate the retirement income you’ll actually need. Social Security Surprise Number 2: Federal and State Taxes on BenefitsSocial Security benefits are called “entitlements” because you’ve paid pay payroll taxes throughout your lifetime, and now you’re entitled to receive those benefits. However, your income tax responsibility doesn’t disappear. “You won’t find your IRS obligations have concluded after leaving the working world,” says Bieber. “In fact, there’s a very good chance you could end up being taxed on your Social Security checks.” Many states (13 in all, according to Kiplinger) also levy income taxes on Social Security benefits. If you’re in a low-income household – currently $25,000 for single filers and $32,000 for married filers – odds are you’ll owe no taxes. Depending on how much you earn above that amount, between 50 and 85 percent of your Social Security benefit is taxable. In real life, roughly half of all retirees end up paying part of their yearly income to Uncle Sam. “You need to be prepared for the effects of these taxes,” warns Motley Fool, “as they’ll reduce the amount of Social Security income you’ll have to live on.” Social Security Surprise Number 3: A Later-Than-Expected Full Retirement Age“Another big problem,” Bieber writes, “comes from the fact that you may have to claim your benefits later than you’re anticipating in order to get the full amount of them. That’s because you don’t get your standard benefit unless you retire at full retirement age.” Amazingly, according to the Nationwide survey cited above, fewer than one-quarter of pre-retirees actually know when their full retirement age is. “Sadly, future retirees on average believe they’re eligible to get their full benefit at 63, when full retirement age is actually between 66 and 67, depending on your birth year,” the article reports. “If you think you’ll be able to leave work in your early 60s and claim your full benefit, you’re going to be surprised to find yourself with far less income than you anticipated.” Because they’re ill-informed, “a huge number of Americans are going to face this unpleasant reality.” As you plan for your retirement income, make sure you know your full retirement age based on your birthdate, and avoid carelessly over-estimating benefits should you decide to retire early. Social Security Surprise Number 4: The Prospect of an Automatic Benefit CutThe fourth surprise cited by Motley Fool is speculative – but if Congress and the President fail to take action, it could be a harsh reality. “Future retirees need to come to terms with the fact that they’ll be getting less benefit money than they were promised if lawmakers don’t act quickly to solve Social Security’s funding crisis,” says the article. The problem is that the Social Security Trust Fund which helps support retirement and disability benefits is slated to run dry in 2035, according to the most recent estimates. “When that happens,” says the article, “Social Security will be able to pay out around 76 percent of promised retirement benefits from money it’s collecting from payroll tax revenue – but no more. Future retirees, in other words, are dependent on lawmakers to shore up the program’s finances to prevent a 24 percent cut to benefits from happening in the next 15 years.” Even if lawmakers do take action, a future benefit cut is a possibility. The bottom line is clear: stop believing Social Security myths. “To make sure you aren’t unpleasantly surprised, it’s imperative that you’re realistic about what these benefits will do for you,” the article concludes. “Now you know the truth, so you can be ready.” The Real Key to a Solid Estate Plan: an AgingOptions LifePlanWhen it comes to retirement planning, most people focus on one fairly narrow issue: money. Financial planning is an important component of retirement planning. But people heading towards retirement often make the mistake of thinking that a little financial planning is all that’s required, when in fact most financial plans are woefully inadequate. What about your medical coverage – will that be adequate? What if you have to make a change in your housing status – will that knock your financial plan off course? Are you adequately prepared legally for the realities of retirement and estate planning? And is your family equipped to support your plans for the future as you age? The best way we know of to successfully blend all these elements together – finance, medical, housing, legal and family – is with a LifePlan from AgingOptions. Thousands of people have discovered the power of LifePlanning and we encourage you to the same. Simply visit our website and discover a world of retirement planning resources. Make certain your retirement planning is truly comprehensive and complete with an AgingOptions LifePlan. Age on! (originally reported at www.fool.com) The post Don’t Let These Four Unpleasant Social Security Surprises Ruin Your Retirement Dreams – Instead, Plan Ahead! appeared first on AgingOptions. from AgingOptions https://ift.tt/3fWYZDY via WordPress https://ift.tt/3kKqkwM via For more great blog posts check out Platinum Communities Blog (This is a posted originally posted here) There are various reasons a person with dementia walks about or wanders. Once you understand and identify a particular person’s needs or reasons you can start to discover ways to help meet them. Keeping a journal for a few weeks may help identify someone’s specific triggers. The following are a list of possible reasons -- Habit or RoutineAs much as possible after developing dementia people want to continue with their regular habits or routine. Walking is just one example. You may find that a person wants to take more walks at times of the day when they used to regularly be out. For example, when they might have gone to work or walked their dog. Try to accommodate this for as long as you can. If you are unable to accompany the person yourself, you should ask relatives or friends to help. BoredomMany people with dementia often walk about to relieve boredom. They may also have previously participated in activities but now are no longer feeling fulfilled. Having something to do gives us a sense of purpose. Those people suffering from dementia are not an exception to this. Try to find ways to keep the person mentally engaged and/or physically active. This might be by playing games or engaging in hobbies. Need for Physical ActivityConstant wandering may also indicate that the person feels the need for more regular exercise. There are many simple ways to incorporate more exercise into a daily routine without making big lifestyle changes. Good examples including the use of an exercise bike, walking to town rather than driving, taking the stairs rather than using an escalator or elevator or maybe doing some gardening. Encouraging the person to leave the house at least once a day for some fresh air can also help address the issue. Observing regular routines around the neighborhood such as the garbage being collected, mail being delivered or children going to school can also help to orientate them. Pain and DiscomfortPeople often walk when they are in pain, in an attempt to ease their discomfort. In the case of arthritic or rheumatic pain, walking actually helps. Alternatively, some people believe they are trying to escape from the pain. If you think this might be the case, it is best if you raise your concerns with the person’s doctor. If you notice a sudden change in a person’s walking/wandering habits and restlessness, contact their doctor who can examine them for any underlying physical illness. Other sources of possible discomfort might include needing to use the toilet, and ill-fitting shoes, clothing or dentures. The person may also be responding to an uncomfortable environment. You may need to go through a process of trial and error to figure out the cause of their restlessness. For example, if the reason was not connected with the person needing to go to the toilet, try adjusting the temperature.Plan A Visit AnxietySome people wander when they are agitated, stressed or anxious. This could be a response to the issues noted above. A less common reason is that the person may be responding to hallucinations or other issues with visual perception. This is a common symptom of some types of dementia. Encourage the person to tell you about their anxieties, and do your best to reassure them in whatever way you can. Feeling LostNew surroundings often trigger feelings of uncertainty in people with dementia. Common examples include when respite care has been arranged, when the person moves to a new house or when they are attending a new day center. If the person’s living environment has changed, showing them familiar items, such as photographs or clothing, can assure them that they belong in this unfamiliar place. The person may need additional assistance to find their way about. They may also be confused about the layout of their own home when they return to it. This disorientation might disappear once they become familiar with their new environment. However, as the dementia progresses, the person may fail to recognize familiar surroundings, and may even come to consider their own home as unfamiliar. You might have to make up signs, for example for the toilet, even in the person’s own home. Restlessness and AgitationPeople who tend to wander might also feel agitated, fidget, tap their fingers or practice other repetitive movements. Collectively these behaviors are known as restlessness and are sometimes a symptom of the physical changes in the brain caused by dementia. The need to walk about can sometimes be a side effect of certain medications (such as some antipsychotics). Again, ask the person’s doctor to check whether their prescription could be causing this behavior. There is also a medical condition called ‘restless leg syndrome’ which causes an overwhelming, irresistible urge to move the legs to prevent unpleasant sensations – mostly when sleeping. This condition can result in someone getting up and walking about during the night. If restless leg syndrome is suspected please bring them in for a doctor’s visit. Memory LossA person with dementia might embark on a journey for a specific purpose, with a particular goal in mind, and then forget where they were going and find themselves lost. This can be an upsetting experience. The person could also be searching for something that they have lost or believe to be lost. Keeping personal possessions on view may help prevent this. Alternatively, they might forgot that their caregiver has told them they are going out, and will start looking for them. This may lead to the person feeling extremely anxious, and they will need a great deal of reassurance in return. In the earlier stages, it might help if the caregiver leaves notes to remind the person where they have gone and when they will return. These should be securely placed in a location where the person will see them, such as on the fridge or on the inside of the front door or maybe right next to where they usually sit. A Focus on Past Events of PeopleAs someone’s dementia progresses, they may try to seek out someone or something from their past. Encourage them to talk about this, and show them that you take their feelings seriously. Avoid correcting what the person may say. It is important to focus on their feelings instead of the accuracy of their comments. For example, if the person is looking for their mother, ask them what they miss about her and maybe bring out some old photographs if they are available. This may help them deal with their emotional needs. Confusion about the TimePeople with dementia can often become confused about the time of day. They can wake up in the middle of the night and get dressed, ready for the next day. This confusion is especially understandable in winter when it is common to go to sleep and then wake up while it is still dark outside. Having a large clock that shows am and pm, and keeping it by the person’s bedside might help. Some clocks also show the day of the week and the date. However, if the person’s body clock is seriously out of sync, you should probably seek professional help. If night time walking is a particular issue, the person may be having trouble sleeping. Simple measures that may help include avoiding daytime napping and not consuming caffeinated drinks such as tea, coffee or energy drinks late in the day. Drinking alcohol, smoking or eating a large meal should also be avoided closer to bedtime. Taking dementia medication in the morning may be helpful if nightmares or vivid dreams are a problem, but check with their doctor. Exercise may also be helpful in addressing this. If you are interested in help with these issues check out the Memory Care facility available at Platinum Communities Larson House in Columbus. via WordPress https://ift.tt/3kqxxlv via For more great blog posts check out Platinum Communities Blog |
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