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It’s safe to say that most elders and their loved ones are aware of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Consequently, they tend to be on the lookout for their symptoms. That is wise because while the conditions can’t be cured, early diagnosis allows for better care. However, other medical issues produce symptoms that appear to be signs of dementia. This can cause a number of problems, including the delay of treatment for the actual illness. At our community for senior living in Loveland, CO, we are quick to report any cognitive decline we see in residents to them or their loved ones.
Some of the medical conditions (and treatments) that can cause an elder to display dementia-like symptoms include:
At Green House Homes, our innovative approach to senior living in Loveland, CO creates close-knit communities. There, people—staff and residents—care for one another and pay attention to changes in mental and physical health. One thing we’ve learned in the process is that when people notice unusual symptoms in themselves or others, they should avoid making assumptions. Instead, they should get input from a medical professional. Encouraging residents to address health changes promptly is important. And, it’s just one of the ways we help them live their happiest, healthiest lives.
Ask anyone who has a regular journaling practice. They will tell you there is something very therapeutic about getting your thoughts down on paper. In fact, as a leader in elder care in Loveland, CO, we have seen the many benefits keeping a journal provides not only to seniors but to their families as well.
One of the great things about journaling is that it’s something you can do anytime, anywhere. And whether you write in your journal every day or just when the mood strikes you, you’ll find there are many advantages. Journaling can help you:
The Green House Homes real-home model of elder care is centered around the idea of genuine connection and meaningful experiences. Journaling is a great way to save and cherish those experiences even as you look ahead to new ones. Consequently, that simple practice can have a profound impact on your quality of life and your enjoyment of our unique skilled nursing community.
You love an elder in your life. But, caring for them can get more difficult as they age and have more time-consuming needs. This is especially true if you are also providing care for others in your life. And, you need to address your own physical, mental and emotional requirements. Ultimately it may make sense to turn to a provider of skilled nursing care in Loveland, CO.
How will you know when you’ve reached your limit as a caregiver? When would make sense for your elder to transition into a real-home skilled nursing environment? There are a number of emotions and behaviors you will begin to see in yourself. For example, you may become argumentative or quick to anger. Or, you might start to experience feelings of sadness and despair and find yourself becoming tearful easily.
As providing care consumes more of your time, you may lose interest in hobbies and activities you used to enjoy as they now create stress since you watch the clock knowing your assistance will be needed soon. Consequently, you may withdraw from social activities and find friendships being stressed.
Caregiver overload can also result in physical symptoms. For example, you may suffer from a lack of appetite and as a result have unintended weight loss. You might also find yourself sleeping too little or too much. And, these factors and your high stress level can make you more susceptible to colds and other illnesses.
As these signs begin to appear, it’s important to find a way to resolve the issues so that your relationship with your loved one stays positive and you remain healthy and happy.
Making the transition into Green House Homes at Mirasol can be a blessing. Our unique form of skilled nursing in Loveland, CO, can give you and the elder you care for a new lease on life. Not only will their needs be met by warm and attentive care professionals in a real-home setting, the social interactions they have with other residents will help them stay interested and engaged in life. And, as a contributing member of their household, they’ll feel both challenged and rewarded as they help ensure that the house operates effectively. Our person-directed, relationship-based care model emphasizes the importance of personal autonomy and continuing growth as the basis of a meaningful life.
One of the best ways for elders to stay interested in, and engaged with, the world around them is to be creative. Pablo Picasso famously said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is staying an artist when you grow up.” And, it certainly does require some effort to find the time and energy for creativity in some cases. But, as elder care professionals know from their time with residents, that effort is rewarded many times over in the joy and connection that creative seniors feel.
Creativity produces a whole host of benefits, from the cellular level to the societal level. They include:
While painting and sculpting often come to mind when someone mentions creativity, there are many, many other ways that elders can express themselves. For example, adult coloring books have become quite popular. And, floral arranging is a fun and challenging artistic pursuit. Knitting itemsthat are then given to people in need produces the powerful one-two punch of creativity and generosity. And making music is a great way to express yourself.
At Green House Homes at Mirasol, our real-home setting and supportive staff make it easy for elders to pursue their interests. Whether individually or in groups, these creative activities help put a smile on their face and joy in their heart.
They say that “laughter is the best medicine,” and it seems there is plenty of truth behind that adage. In fact, researchers are discovering that there are both short- and long-term benefits to getting a regular belly laugh. For elders, a unique skilled nursing environment in a real-home setting can be the perfect place to connect with other happy, humorous seniors.
Elders should get plenty of physical exercise if they are able, but experts say that a hearty laugh produces many of the same effects. For example, laughter raises your heart rate, increases blood flow, stimulates organs and muscles, and even burns a few calories. It can also reduce the release of stress hormones and cause the release of positive endorphins, both of which can elevate your mood. And, you can see how an elevated mode makes it easier to laugh, thereby creating a very healthy and positive upward spiral!
If you make it a regular practice to share some laughs with friends at your skilled nursing community you can look forward to a number of long-term benefits, including:
So, how can you produce more laughter in your life? There are many ways. The most important is to surround yourself with others who understand the value of laughter — or teach your friends about it. Beyond that, you can be more intentional about exposing yourself to funny things. For example, you can buy a joke book and read a few rib-ticklers each day. Or, you can find an endless supply of humorous videos on the internet.
It also helps to spend time around young children. Their unbridled joy for life and funny antics can always produce some chuckles. Another strategy is to plan events with others in your skilled nursing community that create the conditions for laughter like a weekly game night. And, ultimately our own mistakes provide a tremendous opportunity if we learn to laugh lovingly at ourselves.
At Green House Homes at Mirasol, our caring environment is one that encourages interpersonal connection and a joyful sharing of life’s adventures. Along the way, elders find that there are endless opportunities for enjoying a laugh with good friends.
