depression

Memory Loss & Its Impact on Individuals & Families

Posted in adult children, Age Related Issues, Alzheimer's, Blog, Care Management, Caregiving, Dementia and Memory Loss on May 28, 2010

Founder and Executive Director Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC

When a family member is diagnosed with a progressive dementia, it is challenging not only for the “patient” but even more so for the entire family system. Diseases such as Alzheimer’s impact everyone in the family and sometimes in the community (if the person doesn’t have family).

Those who oversee the care of someone with a dementia, should schedule regular appointments with the primary care physician and bring to the attention of the doctor any changes in behavior, which can sometimes be a signal of illness.

Over ½ of the primary caregivers caring for someone with a dementia suffer themselves from untreated depression. So, it is just as important that the family caregiver be seen by a primary physician regularly as well. Untreated depression and stress can lead to cardiac events such as heart attacks or strokes. Self-care becomes more important when you are a primary family caregiver.

Family caretakers should connect with a support group and enroll in educational courses that prepare them for the caregiving journey. Those who participate in day care programs, support groups, and have a spiritual resource cope better.

Quality in life comes one day at a time and it is important for the caregiver, as well as for the person with a memory loss disorder, to find pleasure in every day. Make this a goal, even if it is a short walk in a well cared for park or sitting watching children in the playground. Caregivers should cultivate as well as keep interests in activities that have always given their life pleasure.

In working with family caregivers, I often tell them to try to budget dollars and time that they will spend each month on keeping pleasure in their lives, despite the journey of being a caretaker to someone with a dementia. The budget of dollars allows them to spend money on day care, home care or respite stays so that they can renew themselves with quiet time or a personal interest such as travel, entertainment or one-on-one time with a grandchild. Even though these dollars seem to be spent on them it actually allows one to care for someone a longer period of time because they are finding pleasure in life at the same time as providing 24/7 care for another.

I’m too tired today! Quality vs. Quantity!

Posted in adult children, Age Related Issues, Alzheimer's, Blog, Care Management, Caregiving, Dementia and Memory Loss, Elder Abuse and Fraud, End of Life on May 4, 2010

Professional Geriatric Care Manager Supervisor Eileen Zagelow, BA, CMC

It is hard, as adult children, to know – Is my Mother tired? Or, is she depressed? Or, is she just not feeling well in general?

Viewing our parents objectively is challenging. Parents often shield their children from negative thoughts, feelings, depression or discomfort.

In addition, hearing is often diminished and being in a busy environment can leave a person feeling “left out” or exhausted trying to take it all in. The spiral continues because as the older adult becomes more fatigued they are less able to assimilate stimulating surroundings. And on it goes!

With all we have to take care of as adult children, it is sometimes hard to remember that listening to what the older adult in our life is saying to us, both verbally and somatically, is key. Although a person may have loved large parties with lots of activity over the years, it is now helpful to watch for signs of weariness. A fixed gaze, slow responses and heavy eyelids are some of those indicators.

Social activities can be tiring for all of us! Seniors will sometimes decline invitations because they know they will “wear out” and have to be driven home early, thereby interrupting someone else’s festivities. Having a plan can help with this. Perhaps pick Mom up ½ hour before dinner with a plan for a 2-hour visit. Let her know that her ride is all set in both directions!

This provides an opportunity to make the most of the moments you share with the person you care for and focusing more on quality of time than quantity!

Family Caregivers – Share the Care

Posted in adult children, Age Related Issues, Alzheimer's, Blog, Care Management, Caregiving on March 16, 2010

Founder and Executive Director Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC

Often families try to do all the care themselves out of love or necessity – or maybe “control”. Whatever it is that causes you to be the only one caring for a dependent older adult – you need to know the importance of finding a balance and sharing the care.

Caregiver research shows that at least 50% of those caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease suffer from untreated clinical depression. Depression can lead to serious physical health issues.

Learn to ask for help from other family members. Classes, support groups or a consultation with a Geriatric Care Manager can help you with this new way of being assertive. Trying to be the only caregiver may interfere with your relationships with other family members. Not only do you miss that intimacy with spouse/children/extended family, but also you could be depriving the frail family member of the benefits or enrichment from a community respite or activity program.

Ask for help – you are important to the well being of your ill family member. A healthy you will better care for another. Self-care is a challenge and professional Geriatric Care Managers can help you get the balance you need as a family caregiver.

Winter Blues or Depression?

Posted in Age Related Issues, Blog, Care Management, Holidays, Uncategorized on January 20, 2010

Founder and Executive Director Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC

Days are darker and shorter, the weather is cold or wet, and yes, it is winter. The holidays have come and gone and you find yourself feeling sad, tired and depleted. This is somewhat normal for many of us and even more so for the older population. They might have had lots of activity during November and December and now feel let down by the lack of stimulation and the inability to get outdoors.

Often, once you get back to your normal activities after the holidays this temporary “blues” feeling usually goes away. However, some individuals have enough symptoms to be diagnosed with “Seasonal Affective Disorder” (SAD). This real illness is characterized by extreme lethargy and depression as well as some of the depressive symptoms like increased appetite, weight gain and difficulty concentrating. Sometimes those with SAD require medication and help should be sought from a physician. Talk therapy can also help during this time by giving one some strategies to deal with and overcome the symptoms.

How to beat the “Winter Blues”:

1) Exercise releases endorphins which improves mood. So, move – even if it is just doing a morning stretch with a television guide. If you can, take a short 30-minute walk every day. It might be all you need.

2) Stay clear of sweets and carbohydrate rich foods. Avoid alcohol because it is a depressant. Look for low fat protein snacks and meals.

3) Vitamin D is helpful. In the summer you might get all the vitamin D you need by being in the sun but in the winter you might need to boost your intake. Talk to your doctor about how much to take.

4) Try to expose yourself to sun light when it comes out. However, there are lights you can buy that have a similar effect as the sun.

The most important information is that Spring will come. You do not need to suffer. Seek a professional who can guide you to feeling better. This is a very common but not welcome cycle for many individuals.

Eldercare Services has several Care Managers on staff that are licensed therapists. Give us a call toll free at 866 760-1808 if we can help you in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Dementia and the Holidays

Posted in Age Related Issues, Alzheimer's, Blog, Care Management, Dementia and Memory Loss, Holidays, Uncategorized on December 15, 2009

Founder and Executive Director Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC

An individual with a dementia can be easily overwhelmed by all of the activities of holiday celebrations and become overly anxious, depressed or more confused.

Most individuals with dementia do relatively well with set routines and naturally pull back from extra activities that might tax their memory or set them up for failure. Sometimes a refusal of an invitation that was previously enjoyed can be an early “red flag” for families that something is changing in their elder family member’s cognition.

A few tips to keep the holidays enjoyable:

1) Set up one holiday decoration in your family member’s home as a family activity. Don’t mention that you are doing it because he or she can’t.

2) Tell him or her not to worry about gifts, you will assist them in finding gift cards – give an excuse that the kids like to shop for themselves or it is so challenging to find the right sizes. Help him or her sign cards and stuff the gift cards into them. Do some of your cards at the same time.

3) Family gatherings can overwhelm and loud noise can increase agitation and anxiety. So, if you are bringing mom or dad over for a holiday meal – pick them up just before and return him or her right after dessert. However, if he or she is enjoying the company of little ones, play it by observation – the key is be aware of their behavior.

4) Your holiday gifts might include a phone that is easy to use, sweatsuits that are easy to dress in, and maybe a “housekeeper” once a week that really is a caregiver that can expand her time to do more as mom or dad needs more help.

5) Reduce alcohol use or eliminate it from your celebrations – alcohol only complicates and endangers those with dementias.

6) Try to reduce the sugar laden treats as well – it is easy to be over expose to the treats of the season. Have lots of fresh fruits available.