Understanding the Syptoms of Dementia in Cincinnati, Ohio and Northern Kentucky

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, and a good time to try to understand what it is like for our loved ones who suffer from dementia.  If you have any questions, or need help for an aging senior in the area, visit us at www.homehelpers.cc/cincinnatiandnky58227.

What It’s Like to Have Dementia

Understanding dementia symptoms from the inside can make you a better caregiver – and bring you closer to your loved one.

You know how frustrating and heartbreaking dementia symptoms are from the point of view of a caregiver. You know the pain of slowly seeing a loved one slip away. But what is it like for her? What is it like for a person to slowly — or sometimes quickly — forget almost everything she ever knew?

Continue reading article HERE.

Family Caregivers of Cincinnati Ohio and Northern KY

Are you a caregiver for a family member?  In the month of November during National Family Caregivers Month we celebrate YOU!  As always, visit us at www.homehelpers.cc/cincinnatiandnky58227 if you need help for an aging senior in your life.

Who are America’s Family Caregivers?

Rosalyn Carter said it best: “There are only four kinds of people in the world – those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers”. Caregivers are needed for family members of all ages. With appropriate information and support, family caregivers can help their loved ones across the lifespan.

So, who are family caregivers … It’s a complicated question and answers may vary depending upon whom you ask. Physicians may give an answer different from social workers and researchers may undoubtedly quote statistics. However, if you really want to know who America’s family caregivers are, you need to ask them directly.

Continue reading HERE. http://www.thefamilycaregiver.org/who_are_family_caregivers/

Coping with Caregiver Stress in Cincinnati OH and Northern KY

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month.   According to the Alzheimer’s Association 2009 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, there are more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s and as many as 10 million family caregivers.   Caregivers tend to experience high levels of stress and anxiety, and it is important to recognize the signs of such stress.  Visit us at www.homehelpers.cc/cincinnatiandnky58227 if you have any questions, or need help for an aging loved one in the area.

Coping with Caregiver Stress

Alzheimer caregivers report that they frequently experience high levels of stress. Too much stress can be damaging to both a caregiver and the person with Alzheimer’s.

If you experience some of these signs of stress on a regular basis, consult your doctor. Ignoring them can cause your physical and mental health to decline.

Symptoms of caregiver stress

Denial

Anger

Social withdrawal

Anxiety

Depression

Exhaustion

Sleeplessness

Irritability

Lack of concentration

Health problems

Be a healthy caregiver

Taking care of yourself is one of the most important ways to be a healthy caregiver.

Know what resources are available. Adult day care, in-home assistance, visiting nurses and Meals-on-Wheels are just some of the services that can help you.

Become an educated caregiver. As the disease progresses, new caregiving skills are necessary. Find information on alz.org or contact your local Alzheimer’s Association.

Get help. You are not failing as a caregiver by asking others for assistance. Seek the support of family, friends and community resources. Alzheimer’s Association support group meetings are a good source of comfort and reassurance. Or you can join our online community.

Take care of yourself. Watch your diet, exercise and get plenty of rest. Make time for shopping, lunch with friends or even a golf outing. Take advantage of community services such as adult day care or in-home companion services to care for your loved one while you take a break.

Manage your stress level. Stress can cause physical problems and changes in behavior. If you experience symptoms of caregiver stress, use relaxation techniques that work for you, and consult your doctor.

Accept changes as they occur. People with Alzheimer’s change and so do their needs. They often require care beyond what you can provide on your own. Look into care services such as in-home caregiver services and residential care.

Do legal and financial planning. Consult an attorney to discuss legal, financial and care issues. If possible and appropriate, involve the person with Alzheimer’s and other family members.

Be realistic. Many of the behaviors that occur are beyond your control and the control of the person with Alzheimer’s. Grieve your losses, but also focus on the positive moments.

Give yourself credit, not guilt. You are doing the best you can. Don’t feel guilty because you can’t do more. Your loved one needs you, and you are there – that should make you feel proud.

Original content found HERE.

Stop Diabetes in Cincinnati Ohio and Northern Kentucky

It’s time to ‘Stop Diabetes’

(ARA) – November is American Diabetes Month, a time to recognize the deadly disease that nearly 24 million children and adults live with today. Another 57 million people have pre-diabetes or are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Diabetes has become an epidemic; in fact, if current trends continue, one in three children born today will face a future with diabetes.

The time has come to take greater action in communicating the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of prevention and control. The American Diabetes Association is launching a movement called Stop Diabetes to confront, fight and eventually end this devastating disease.

You can take steps to help change the future of diabetes, whether it’s learning tips on prevention, how to help people who struggle with it, or how to get involved in events in your community. In addition to joining the national movement, here are a few ways you can help Stop Diabetes on a local level:

Share. Inspire others to join the movement by sharing your personal story. Beginning Nov. 2, visit stopdiabetes.com and join the American Diabetes Association on Facebook and Twitter to learn about all the exciting ways to be a part of the Stop Diabetes movement. Invite your family, friends, and co-workers to join this effort as well.

Act. Whether you want to run, walk, bike or simply tell a friend, there are many ways to help build momentum for the Stop Diabetes movement. Visit stopdiabetes.com or call (800) 342-2383 to get involved in your area.

Learn. The American Diabetes Association has many resources throughout the country to help Stop Diabetes. If you or a loved one already have diabetes or are at risk for type 2, the Association can provide lifestyle and motivational information to prevent this disease from taking control of your life and the lives of those around you.

Give. The drive to Stop Diabetes cannot succeed without individuals dedicating time, effort and funds to support mission-critical activities in your neighborhood. Contact the American Diabetes Association to get involved.

Through these actions, you have the chance to get involved and help raise awareness, promote healthy living and raise money to fund educational outreach, advocacy efforts and critical research that will ultimately Stop Diabetes once and for all.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Visit us at www.homehelpers.cc/cincinnatiandnky58227 if you need help for an aging loved one in the area.

 

Taking Care of Parents and Finances in Cincinnati, Ohio

Taking Care of Parents Also Means Taking Care of Finances

Here is a great article from the New York Times.  If you are in need of assistance for an aging senior in Cincinnati OH or Northern KY, visit us at www.homehelpers.cc/cincinnatiandnky58227.

About 30 percent of adult children in the United States contribute financially to their parents’ care, according to the Pew Research Center. On average these children pay $2,400 a year on everything from uncovered medical expenses to making sure the refrigerator is stocked each week. The money often goes to parents who diligently saved all their lives, but in the face of longer life spans and chronic illness, the savings just isn’t enough.

Continue reading HERE.

Master Your Medications in Cincinnati, Ohio

Master Your Meds

Here is a great article I found from Senior Daily Living.  If you need help for an aging senior in the area, visit www.homehelpers.cc/cincinnatiandnky58227.

“We are fortunate for the advances in western medicine. It seems like there is a medication for every possible ailment threatening senior citizens. Prescription and over-the-counter drugs can treat diseases, minimize symptoms, and contribute to a longer, healthier life.”

“However, medication cannot be “taken lightly”, and is a more complicated issue than just swallowing pills.”

Continue reading HERE.

Alzheimer’s Cases on the Rise in Cincinnati OH and Northern KY

Here is an article from USA Today regarding the future of Alzheimer’s  Disease.  If you have questions, or need help for a senior in your life, visit us at www.homehelpers.cc/cincinnatiandnky58227.

Global Alzheimer’s cases expected to rise sharply

“The number of people with Alzheimer’s disease isn’t creeping up, it’s briskly rising, according to a new report.”

Continue reading HERE.

Improving Senior Health in Cincinnati Ohio and Northern Kentucky

You Gotta Friend-Improving Health with a Furry Companion

Here is a great article from Senior Daily Living.  Visit us at www.homehelpers.cc/cincinnatiandnky58227 if you need help with an aging senior in the area.

Pets are healers.  The blind love and affection that animals can bring to their owners is like therapy.  They are friends, companions, and a three-ring circus-act all wrapped up in one.   Needing to take responsibility for another life brings meaning to one’s own life, and keeps one active and useful.

Continue reading HERE.

Dementia and Memory Loss in Cincinnati OH and Northern KY

Dementia-More Than Just Memory Loss

Here is a great article that I found by Senior Daily Living.  Visit us at www.homehelpers.cc/cincinnatiandnky58227 if you need help for a senior loved one in the Cincinnati area.

“As we age, we naturally have difficulty remembering things or finding the right words to say. This is normal. However, Dementia is not normal. The condition causes mental changes that make it difficult to function and carry out our normal lives, not just remember names and dates.”

Continue reading HERE.

Cincinnati, Ohio Seniors and Diabetes

Seniors and Diabetes – What You Need To Know

Here is a very helpful article for seniors with diabetes from Senior Daily Living.  Visit us at www.homehelpers.cc/cincinnatiandnky58227 if you need help in the area.

“Diabetes impairs the health and well-being of 16 million people in the United States, and senior citizens run a particular risk. Due to already existent challenges to their health and lifestyle, it is more difficult to diagnose seniors with diabetes. Often other illnesses can mask diabetic symptoms.”

“Seniors with diabetes run a greater risk of complications like heart disease, stroke, loss of limbs from poor circulation, kidney disease and even blindness.”

Continue reading HERE.