Effective Dementia Communication Providing care for someone LIVING with Alzheimer’s disease or a related Dementia takes substantial effort and the ability to communicate effectively. “Good Morning Mary” I smile as I extend my hand. Mary gingerly accepts it with a quizzical look on her face. “Do you know me?” she asks. “I sure do, you
For some people, the holiday season is a time of great joy, filled with fun and tradition. However for others, the holidays can be a source of sadness that triggers loneliness or depression. Additionally, the varied emotions that emerge during this season can be even more challenging for those family members providing care to a
This year Father’s Day falls on Sunday, June 18th! Often a day when families gather, games are played and grills are fired up! For those who have Fathers, Grand Fathers, or Father figures living with Dementia; you may wonder if celebrations are still appropriate. You may be hesitant to throw a party or invite the
In 2011, the largest ever demographic generation of the American population known as the ‘Baby Boomer’ generation started turning age 65 years old. Unfortunately, the same age at which the risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other Dementias begin to increase. Per the 2022 Alzheimer’s Association Facts & Figures report, by 2030 the segment of the
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than one out of four older adults (65+) fall each year, making falls a legitimate public health concern within this demographic. However, less than half tell their doctor. Additionally, the CDC adds that falling once doubles your chances of falling again. Risk Factors For
How many Americans do you think are able to clearly identify the differences between living in a skilled nursing environment and an assisted living community? Do YOU know the difference? Keep In Mind, Inc. Founder, Ellen Belk was a guest on the BOOMER TODAY podcast recently and shared her thoughts on the bad ‘public relations’
Thanks to my client Hearth Management for this second opportunity to answer their Dementia related questions. I’m always grateful for the opportunity! HEARTH: Sometimes those living with Dementia may make socially inappropriate comments or not recognize their immediate family members, should we be scolding, correcting or continually reminding when these things occur? ELLEN: Thanks for
Have you ever traveled to another place or country where you didn’t speak the language? If so, how did you communicate? Did you use hand gestures, facial expressions or rely on body language to convey your message? Or did you simply speak louder in your native language, hoping that miraculously someone would understand you at
If you are someone providing care support to a friend, relative or parent and you live over an hour away….YOU are a long-distance caregiver! Additionally, it’s not uncommon for long-distance caregivers to be simultaneously juggling care of their own children with career responsibilities on top of their long-distance duties. Those navigating from afar often expend
While caregivers can be found across the age spectrum, the majority of family caregivers are middle-aged (35-64 years old) and are employed in non-caregiving positions/careers. Look around your friend and family ‘circle-of-influence’, chances are high that you’ve got folks in your network already providing some level of family caregiving. Someday soon you may be asked