Archive for month: February, 2024

When someone you care about is diagnosed with memory issues, it can be hard. Thus, it is important to understand and handle those tough feelings called anticipatory grief. This will be a great factor in coping and supporting your loved ones in memory assisted living, breaking down emotions, and sharing simple ways to navigate this challenging journey together. You can also explore ways to find strength and comfort in the face of a difficult diagnosis.

 

How to Cope with an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis in Memory Assisted Living

 

It is never easy to receive a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s as it is a life-changing moment. Normally, you can feel a range of emotions. But you can acknowledge your feelings as a first vital step in coping with the challenges in the future.

 

Identifying emotions, you are experiencing after receiving the diagnosis is key in coping with your condition. Emotions may include anger, denial, depression, fear, isolation, relief, resentment, or a sense of loss.

 

When symptoms linger for weeks, you may already be dealing with anxiety or depression. It might be a common thing to feel anxious or depressed, but this can be treated. You will be able to accept your diagnosis, move forward, and discover new ways of living a positive and fulfilling life when you come to terms with your diagnosis.

 

You should have a good support network to turn to for advice when facing difficult times. They can provide encouragement to help you feel socially connected and offer a sense of belonging and purpose when connecting with others.

 

Anticipatory Grief

 

You may feel anticipatory grief that could last for days, months, or even years due to the death of a loved one or other impending loss. This is also referred to as anticipatory loss or preparatory grief. According to a licensed clinical social worker and associate professor, it is the experience of knowing that change is coming and beginning to feel grief in the face of that.

 

For people with Alzheimer’s, on the other hand, grieving begins after the diagnosis. That is because they become less themselves as the disease progresses. Anticipatory grief is an emotional response to the inevitable or expected loss of a loved one. But for people in memory assisted living, grief often progresses with the disease itself until the end of life.

 

Experts say that caregivers can help manage grief by being aware that you don’t have to fit into the concept of grief as starting only after the passing of a loved one. Moreover, it is important that they understand and acknowledge that anticipatory grief is a normal response to a difficult situation. Although coping with anticipatory grief is challenging, there are different techniques that help.

 

• Talking to professionals
• Being gentle and patient with yourself
• Building a strong support system

 

Note that anticipatory grief is a privilege of more time together to let people in memory assisted living know how much you love them and opportunities to accompany them as best as you can.

 

Looking for excellent care and support in Nebraska? Click here to learn more about Fallbrook Assisted Living!

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Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper

American Heart Month in Facilities for Alzheimer’s holds deep significance as it addresses the mutual relationship between cardiovascular health and dementia care. That is because individuals with Alzheimer’s face increased vulnerability to heart-related issues.

 

This emphasizes the importance of integrated health strategies, highlighting heart-healthy practices within facilities for Alzheimer’s. By fostering a holistic approach, caregivers can enhance the overall well-being of residents, acknowledging the connection between heart health and cognitive function in pursuing comprehensive care.

 

American Heart Month in Facilities for Alzheimer’s

 

American Heart Month is a celebration dedicated to motivating Americans to adopt healthy lifestyles to prevent heart disease. This focuses on the importance of heart health since heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S.

 

Severe illnesses can be avoided as well if you prioritize your heart. The practice of self-care is a good way to keep the heart healthy. This can be achieved by being physically active, getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and finding healthy ways to reduce stress.

 

Understanding the Link between Heart Health and Alzheimer’s

 

It is very important to understand the connection between heart health and brain health. That is because the brain is nourished by one of the richest networks of blood vessels in the human body. So, a lot of factors that damage the blood vessels or the heart may also damage the brain.

 

Some of the factors that put brain health at risk include diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and smoking. The good thing is that you can control cardiovascular risk factors to protect brain health. One of the effective ways to improve cognitive function and protect the brain against dementia is through physical activity.

 

Specialized Heart-Healthy Activities for Facilities for Alzheimer’s Residents

 

There are many ways to enjoy a good quality of life for people living in facilities for Alzheimer’s. Specialized heart-healthy activities can help Alzheimer’s residents so they can have fun, relax, and have a wonderful time.

 

However, it is also important to know the person with dementia to understand how to develop activities suitable for them. This includes his or her former lifestyle, hobbies, recreational and social interests, past travel experience, and work history, among others.

 

You should not overstimulate the person with dementia by being selective with outings, avoiding crowds, or keeping away from constant movement and noise that can be overwhelming for people living in facilities for Alzheimer’s.

 

For instance, a person with dementia loves outings. They can also enjoy simple and unhurried activities which give them the time and space necessary to do as much as possible. When giving activities, you can communicate one instruction at a time by breaking down activities into simple and manageable steps.

 

Sensory experiences suitable for a person with dementia

 

• Brushing their hair
• Smelling fresh flowers
• Hand, neck, or foot massage
• Visiting a flower show or an herb farm

 

Regular exercise can also benefit people living in facilities for Alzheimer’s. Such would include better sleep, improved mood, maintenance of motor skills, and improved memory. However, before getting started in an exercise program, it is essential to talk with the person’s doctor or physiotherapist to discuss the best option for the person with dementia.

 

Looking for excellent memory care in Nebraska? Click here to learn more about Fallbrook Assisted Living!

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Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper