Holiday and other gift shopping can be fun but difficult at times, depending upon the intended recipient. Shopping for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other dementia can be especially difficult. Finding that “perfect gift” may take some extra thought and creativity, and memory-care experts have provided guidelines to give direction to your holiday shopping for that very special someone.
Most people grow up in homes with pets or acquire pets when they get older. With precautions, Alzheimer’s and other dementia patients can have pets to bring them comfort and companionship.
Being a caregiver is a challenge in and of itself. Many times, caregivers feel they occasionally need caregivers of their own. Local agencies are available in the Lehigh County area that can help take the stress out of worrying if your loved one is being taken care of when you can’t be there.
The Lehigh County area has many wonderful attractions and places to visit for people of all ages. However, any place can be threatening for a person with dementia. One significant danger for a person with dementia is the possibility of him or her wandering off without notice and often without proper clothing, medicine, or other essentials.
When a loved one has lived in his or her home or neighborhood for decades, or has lived alone without help for most of his or her life, facing a major change can be frightening and even insulting. Bad feelings, such as resentment and fear, can undermine any chance of working together.
Loneliness is a health risk. It is an emotional equivalent of physical pain, and even triggers the same responses in the brain. Healthy older adults who experience prolonged feelings of isolation and loneliness can suffer related health consequences, such as premature death, heart disease, and stroke.