How to Help Mom and Dad

December 28, 2015 by admin

Senior Citizens are one of the most valuable assets in our community. They possess a wealth of knowledge gained over a lifetime of experience. Unfortunately, we don’t always recognize how the needs of our loved ones change as they age. In order to properly plan for and help protect our aging relatives (or ourselves for that matter), it is vital that frank, often uncomfortable discussions are had and questions are asked, such as:

Who do you want to help you manage your finances if you can no longer do so for yourself?
What kind of end of life care do you want to receive if you are terminally ill or incapacitated?
What is the likelihood you are going to need long term care and how are you going to pay for it if you do?
Who do you want to give authority to if you are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia and need a guardianship and conservatorship?
How do you want your possessions divided when you pass away?

The answer to these questions are as unique as each individual that asks them. In order to answer questions like these effectively, it’s always helpful and often necessary to enlist the help of an Elder Law Attorney. Effective representation of seniors must address a host of interrelated, often very technical issues. The question isn’t just “Do I need a will” (which you definitely do), it’s “how do I effectively plan for the host of life changes that may happen from now until I pass away, how can I protect what I’ve worked so hard to gain, how can I maximize the benefits I could be eligible for, and how can I protect and provide for my loved ones?” It’s also “How do I make sure mom or dad have what they need to be as happy, healthy and safe as possible as they age.” And as difficult as these questions and answers may be, a difficult answer to a tough questions is much better than no answer to a question unasked. For more information on how to effectively plan for the transitions that come with aging, contact the attorneys at Masterson, Bottenberg & Eichorn, LLP.

Information provided by Chad Eichorn, attorney for Masterson, Bottenberg & Eichorn, LLP. 14225 University Ave., Suite 210 5152160737, www.dsmlawyers.com. Mr. Eichorn is an Elder, Special Needs & Family Law Attorney and Partner at MBE Law. He is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, and is accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs to aid in application for Veterans Benefits.

Better quality of life from simple enjoyments

April 1, 2015 by admin

A person with Alzheimer’s or other dementia doesn’t have to give up the activities that he or she loves. Many activities can be modified to the person’s ability. In addition to enhancing quality of life, activities can reduce behaviors like wandering or agitation.

As Alzheimer’s progresses, you may need to make other adjustments to the activity. Use the following tips:

Keep the person’s skills and abilities in mind.

A person with dementia may be able to play simple songs learned on the piano years ago. Bring these types of skills into daily activities.

Pay special attention to what the person enjoys.

Take note when the person seems happy, anxious, distracted or irritable. Some people enjoy watching sports, while others may be frightened by the pace or noise.

Consider if the person begins activities without direction.

Does he or she set the table before dinner or sweep the kitchen floor mid-morning? If so, you may wish to plan these activities as part of the daily routine

Focus on enjoyment, not achievement.

Find activities that build on remaining skills and talents. A professional artist might become frustrated over the declining quality of work, but an amateur might enjoy a new opportunity for self expression. For activity ideas join ALZConnected, our message boards and online support community. Every day, caregivers like you share new ideas and encourage one another.

Relate to past work life.

A former office worker might enjoy activities that involve organizing, like putting coins in a holder or making a to-do list. A farmer or gardener may take pleasure in working in the yard.

Look for favorites.

The person who always enjoyed drinking coffee and reading the newspaper may still find these activities enjoyable, even if he or she is not able to completely understand what the newspaper says.

Adjust activities to disease stages.

As the disease progresses, you may want to introduce more repetitive tasks. Be prepared for the person to eventually take a less active role in activities.

Glen Oaks Alzheimer’s Special Care Center

Meaningful Moments make a difference with Alzheimer’s

April 1, 2015 by admin

Every person living with dementia has a unique story to tell. Everyone’s journey through the aging process and maze of illness follows a distant path. Because of this, each person experiences dementia in a very different way.

The more we can learn about the person’s past experiences, preferences, challenges and successes, the better we can address their current needs and honor their uniqueness as an individual.

Caring for the ‘whole person’ living with dementia, means not only meeting their physical needs, but it’s equally vital to address their social, emotional, mental and spiritual needs to ensure that their lives continue to hold meaning and purpose.

Focusing on remaining abilities while minimizing disability, and assisting the person to remain as independent as possible will help to preserve dignity, individuality and self-esteem.

Meaningful moments are crucial and occur throughout the course of a typical day for a person living with dementia. Dining, walking in the courtyard, sitting in the parlor or participating in a group activity can all contain meaningful moments. It’s about when one person connects with another person through compassionate interaction, evoking a pleasant memory, emotion or sensory impression.

By knowing a person very well and being familiar with their life story, skilled staff members can ease current challenges and bring meaningful moments of joy and self-worth to a persons present time, and throughout their remaining days.

Located in beautiful Urbandale, Iowa, the Glen Oaks Alzheimer’s Special Care Center is one of the newest and most comprehensive upscale assisted living care facilities in Iowa. Here you will find our family’s distinct Meaningful Moments® brand of memory care, where a full consideration of the resident’s life experience and background, preferences and interests are all incorporated into an individualized, customized treatment plan.

At Glen Oaks Alzheimer’s Special Care Center, residents can choose between long-term assisted living arrangements or short-term respite care, all the while benefiting from the JEA Senior Living mission to be the “…Leader in providing quality personal services to our residents, while honoring the experience of aging.”

Glen Oaks Alzheimer’s Special Care Center