If you are a senior citizen in the Lehigh Valley, you may remember the days of the house calls, when the friendly neighborhood doctor would arrive at your home with his black bag and oral (or otherwise) thermometer. They say those days are over; however, a new visitor has come calling: the padbot.
Unfortunately, many people picture persons with Alzheimer’s and other dementias as immobile, unresponsive bodies. This affliction does not keep them from enjoying certain pleasures and benefitting from appropriate forms of exercise and activities.
There are plenty of simple ways to enjoy spring as you are able, from opening a window and breathing the fresh air to enjoying some outdoor activities.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Alzheimer’s Association propose several actions to increase the quality of life for people with cognitive impairment. Stigmas and misconceptions associated with Alzheimer’s disease are widespread and profoundly impact the care provided to — and the isolation felt by — people with Alzheimer’s disease and their families.
Some measure of forgetfulness is common in older folks. When we try to learn new things, our brains may feel like Teflon or saturated sponges. These may not be signs of serious memory problems, but it doesn’t hurt to look into the situation and take steps to keep your memory sharp.
At some point, people with Alzheimer’s disease will need help bathing, combing their hair, brushing their teeth, and getting dressed. Because these are private activities, people may not want help. These suggestions may help with everyday care.