Dementia

Understanding the complexities of Alzheimer’s is challenging, to say the least. Since it impacts each person uniquely, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to providing care. However, there are some broad similarities that can be categorized into three stages:

Beginning Stage:

This stage of the disease can last for years.
Your loved one may experience some changes in thinking and learning abilities, which may not be detectable to others without daily contact.

What you can do:

Be a care advocate for your loved one, providing emotional support and encouragement.
Help plan for the future:

Discuss care setting desires (home, assisted living, hospice) and identify care providers.
Research support groups.
Discuss end of life care requests.

Provide memory prompts and personal organization assistance when needed.
Provide assistance with money management or hire a professional to assist.
Establish a regular daily routine.
Help your loved one to stay healthy and engaged in what he or she loves … Read More »

It may start out as subtle little nuances that are barely noticeable – Mom begins experiencing slight memory lapses and forgetfulness, occasionally misplacing the keys or phone – but perhaps there’s enough of a change in her behavior to make you wonder: could it be Alzheimer’s? Here are ten red flags to be on the lookout for:

Congrats Darlene! Caregiver of the Month, May 2014 Hired Hands Pleasanton

Darlene came on board with Hired Hands Pleasanton in September 2013. Since joining our team she has work ed with several of our clients. Most recently she has been working with a client who has Lewy Body Dementia. Darlene has made such an impact not only with the client but with the client’s family as well. The client’s daughter-in-law said “Darlene is great! She takes control and gets things done.”
Darlene you are really GREAT!
Thank you for all your hard work and dedication.
~The Hired Hands Homecare Team

   Marvin “Ken” J. started with Hired Hands Pleasanton November 2013. He is currently working with 2 clients and is remarkable!!! One client resides at an Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Center and the staff there have noticed a great change in the client since Ken started. They recently said “We are so pleased to have Ken. He is a gem, and she is really happy. Thank you so much for sending him to us”.

Thank you Ken for all you do!

This week, an interesting story aired on NPR regarding how researchers are discovering how different types of light affect people.  What’s most impressive is how they’re using their findings, and applying them for helping Alzheimer’s patients and seniors.  Both the interview and the transcript can be found here.