Page 24 - Healthcare News 2024 Senior Planning Guide

Planning
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can help them feel more empowered and in control of the situation.
• Provide support. Offer practical support and assistance throughout the transition process. This could include helping with logistics such as packing, moving, and settling into a new environment, as well as emotional support to help them adjust to the changes.
• Highlight past successes. Remind the senior of times when they successfully navigated change in the past. Reflecting on past experiences of resilience and adaptability can help boost their confidence and willingness to embrace new challenges.
• Offer time and patience. Give the senior time Alzheimer’s
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vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and seafood, unsaturated fats such as olive oil, and low-fat or non-fat dairy products, while limiting other fats and sugars.
• Keep physically active. Physical activity has many health benefits, such as helping to prevent being overweight and having obesity, heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. Aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week.
• Stay mentally active. Lots of activities can help keep your mind active, including reading, playing board games, crafting, taking up a new hobby, learning a new skill, working or volunteering, and socializing.
• Stay connected with family and friends. Connecting with people and engaging in social activities can prevent social isolation and loneliness, which are linked to higher risks for cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.
• Treat hearing problems. Hearing loss may affect cognition and dementia risk in older adults and can make it more difficult to interact with others. Protect your ears from loud sounds to help prevent hearing loss, and use hearing aids if needed.
• Take care of your mental and physical health. This includes getting your recommended health screenings, managing chronic health issues such as depression or high cholesterol, and regularly checking in with your healthcare provider.
• Sleep well. Sleeping well is important for both your mind and body. Try to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Talk with your doctor if you are not getting enough sleep, are sleeping poorly, or
Stress
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making it easier for caregivers to connect with others who understand their experiences.
5. Local Support Groups
Local support groups can be an excellent resource for caregivers seeking emotional support and practical advice. These groups provide a space for caregivers to share their experiences, learn from others, and receive encouragement. Many
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to process the information and adjust to the idea of change. Be patient and supportive, and avoid pressuring them to make decisions before they’re ready. Let them know that you’re there to support them every step of the way.
• Stay positive and encouraging. Maintain a positive and encouraging attitude throughout the conversation. Focus on the potential opportunities and improvements that the change could bring, and express confidence in the senior’s ability to adapt and thrive in the new situation.
• Follow up and check in. After the change has been implemented, continue to check in regularly with your loved one to see how they’re adjusting and address any ongoing concerns or challenges.
Offer ongoing support and encouragement as needed to help them navigate the transition successfully.
Bottom Line
By approaching the conversation with empathy, understanding, and support, you can help your loved one feel more comfortable and confident about embracing change and navigating new opportunities in the senior years of their life.
We genuinely believe that embracing change during your loved one’s golden years can be positive. As a family member, you’ll find comfort in knowing they’re receiving excellent care and enjoying a fulfilling experience. BW
• Stop tobacco use. At any age, stopping smoking can improve your health and lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and lung disease.
Researchers cannot say for certain whether making the above lifestyle changes will protect against dementia, but these changes are good for your health and are all part of making healthy choices as you age.
Watch Out for False
Alzheimer’s Cures
Although you might see commercials or online advertisements for products promising to improve brain health and prevent dementia, be cautious about such products. There currently is no product that will effectively prevent or treat Alzheimer’s or related dementias. Check with your doctor before trying any new medication or supplement.
More research is needed to find ways to help prevent Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Future research may determine that specific interventions are needed to prevent or delay the disease in some people, but others may need a combination of treatments based on their individual risk factors. Understanding risk factors and choices you can make now is important for both your present and future health. BW
The ADEAR (Alzheimer’s & Related Dementias Education & Referral) Center is a service of the National Institute on Aging at the National Institutes of Health.
of affordable counseling services, caregivers can gain valuable coping strategies, emotional support, and practical advice to help them navigate their caregiving journey. We encourage caregivers to prioritize their mental health and seek out the resources available to them. Remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your loved one. BW
“Although you might see commercials or online advertisements for products promising to improve brain
health and prevent dementia, be cautious about such products. There currently is no product that will effectively prevent or treat Alzheimer’s or related dementias.”
think you may have a sleep disorder.
• Prevent head injury. Take steps to prevent falls
and head injury, such as fall-proofing your home and wearing shoes with non-skid soles that fully support your feet. Consider participating in fall- prevention programs online or in your area. Also, wear seatbelts and helmets to help protect you from concussions and other brain injuries.
• Drink less alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to falls and worsen health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, memory loss, and mood disorders. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, part of the National Institutes of Health, recommends that men should not have more than two drinks a day and women only one.
local hospitals, community centers, and faith-based organizations offer free or low-cost support groups for caregivers. To find a support group near you, consider reaching out to local healthcare providers, social service agencies, or religious institutions.
Taking the First Step
Recognizing the need for support is the first step in reducing caregiver stress. By taking advantage
AUGUST 5, 2024
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