Keeping You Safe From COVID-19
Interested in a career at Golden Heart Senior Care. APPLY HERE!

Tag: Senior Health

Understanding Anosognosia

Posted on by ltcep2023

Anosognosia is a complicated condition in which a person is unaware of or denies their illness or disability. Even though it is usually caused by nerve conditions like strokes, head injuries, and some mental illnesses, it can also happen to people with Alzheimer’s disease. It’s important to support seniors when this occurs. This can happen through having companion care at home and truly understanding what’s happening.

A Deeper Look at Anosognosia

In the case of Alzheimer’s-related Anosognosia, seniors may not realize their memory and thinking skills are worsening, even if there is objective evidence or feedback from others. This lack of acceptance can make it hard to deal with the changes that the disease brings. For example, seniors with Anosognosia caused by Alzheimer’s may refuse to get medical help, reject that they need help, or forget to take safety precautions.

It’s very important to tell the difference between Anosognosia and denial. Anosognosia is not just caused by ignorance or not trying hard enough. Instead, it is thought to be caused by changes in the brain’s nerve cells that come with Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers aren’t sure what causes Anosognosia in Alzheimer’s, but a theory involves an issue with parts of the brain that are in charge of self-awareness and understanding.

Anosognosia can be upsetting, making giving seniors the right care and support difficult since they may refuse help or not realize their limits. Anosognosia can also be frustrating and upsetting for loved ones, who may struggle with how to support their loved ones best. With companion care at home, they can discuss their concerns openly, and the entire team can work toward a solution.

Healthcare workers and companion care at home use different methods to help people with Alzheimer’s deal with Anosognosia. Education and communication are two of the most important ways to help seniors understand their disease and how it affects their everyday lives. Companion care at home can also help them understand their limitations by giving them consistent comments in a kind and understanding way. Anosognosia can be hard to deal with, but getting help from the health care team and support groups can be very helpful.

Anosognosia Research

Researchers are also looking into ways to treat and help people with Alzheimer’s who have trouble remembering things. Techniques for cognitive rehabilitation, like reality orientation therapy and external cueing tactics, may help seniors understand their cognitive problems and become more self-aware. Also, pharmacological interventions that target specific brain parts involved in Anosognosia are being looked into, but more study is needed in this area.

When seniors have Alzheimer’s and Anosognosia, it can be hard for them and their loved ones to know how to help and care for them. It requires understanding, patience, and a personalized approach to support and care. Having companion care at home can help everyone with Alzheimer’s-related anosognosia deal with their condition and stay as healthy as possible by promoting education, communication, and using different strategies. Seniors and their loved ones who are concerned about the possibility of Anosognosia should talk with their medical providers.

Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22832-anosognosia#
https://www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org/key-issues/anosognosia
https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/what-is-anosognosia

If you are considering companion care at home in Summerlin, NV for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Summerlin. 702-800-4616.

Why Are Seniors Likely to Be Stressed Out?

Posted on by Craig Bass
Senior Home Care in Summerlin NV
Senior Home Care in Summerlin NV

Life gets more challenging as seniors age and they may experience some really big stressors that take a toll on both mental and physical health. Health concerns, social isolation, and cognitive changes are all massive areas of daily life that become central issues for aging adults. When family caregivers recognize these concerns and put solutions in place like hiring senior home care providers, it’s a lot easier to find solutions that work for their family members.

Health Concerns

Health concerns are one of the most common stressors for seniors. Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis can limit mobility, cause pain, and impact daily activities in numerous different ways. As seniors age, they may also experience age-related changes such as hearing and vision loss, decreased balance, and memory loss. These changes can lead to feelings of frustration, grief over what they’ve lost, and anxiety. Home care providers can help address health-related stressors by providing assistance with daily activities as needed. They can also provide reminders about medication and help to monitor seniors’ health, ensuring that they receive the care they need to manage chronic illnesses. Elder care providers can also provide transportation to medical appointments and assist with mobility, helping seniors to maintain their independence and improve their quality of life.

Social Isolation

Social isolation is another big stressor for seniors. As seniors age, their social circle may shrink, and they may lose touch with friends and family members who were once a big part of daily life. Seniors who live alone may feel lonely, leading to feelings of sadness and depression. The more time they spend alone, the more they may worry that they’ll always be alone. Senior home care providers can help address social isolation by providing companionship and offering social interaction. They can engage in activities with seniors, such as playing games, going for walks, and having conversations, all while providing seniors with a sense of connection and purpose. Home care providers can also provide transportation to social events and help seniors stay connected with friends and family members through technology.

Cognitive Changes

Cognitive decline, including memory loss and dementia, can be a significant stressor for seniors. Seniors who experience cognitive decline may struggle with daily activities and may require additional support to maintain their independence. In the earlier stages of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, seniors may have significant stress about what the rest of their lives will be like. Senior home care services can help address cognitive decline by providing cognitive stimulation and memory care. They can also engage seniors in activities that promote cognitive function and provide assistance with daily activities such as meal preparation and medication management. Help from caregivers in the earlier stages of cognitive changes can help them to feel safer and more secure, which reduces stress significantly.

Seniors face unique challenges that can impact their mental and physical well-being. From health concerns to social isolation, these stressors can lead to feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and depression. Senior home care providers can support seniors in managing these stressors by offering assistance that helps to improve seniors’ quality of life and helps them maintain their independence.

Reference
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/what-to-know-about-anxiety-in-older-adults

If you are considering senior home care in Summerlin, NV, for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Summerlin. 702-800-4616.

Is It Age-Related Memory Loss or Something Else?

Posted on by Craig Bass
Home Care in Summerlin NV
Home Care in Summerlin NV

Memory loss is something that often happens to seniors as they get older, but it may not always be caused by age. It can be caused by medication side effects, poor diet, chronic illness, depression, alcohol abuse, poor sleep habits, feelings of isolation, vitamin deficiencies, lack of physical activity, head injuries, exposure to toxins in the environment, physical trauma to the brain and exposure to infectious diseases.

As we age, we lose brain cells that are responsible for storing memories. Some degree of memory loss is a natural part of growing older and is no cause for concern. There are some symptoms, however, that should be checked out by a doctor. Symptoms include:

  • Lack of focus
  • Inability to complete tasks
  • Confusing similar items or actions
  • Unable to recall conversations or events

Types of Memory Loss

It is important to understand the different types of memory issues people face as they grow older, and what can be done to improve their memory.

1. Short-Term Memory Loss

Short-term memory loss is a decline in the ability to keep information in your mind for brief periods of time. Sometimes it will resolve on its own, but there are other times when it will require treatment.

2. Long-Term Memory Loss

Long-term memory loss is a decline in the ability to remember information over a longer period. There are many different reasons for long-term memory loss and each type will need a different treatment plan. Make sure to go over with your senior’s home care providers if you think they are exhibiting this condition.

3. Alzheimer’s and Dementia

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s or Dementia, but there are treatments available that can slow down the progression of the disease. You should talk to your doctor about what treatments are available to your senior if they are diagnosed with these illnesses. Home care providers will be an important piece in your senior’s recovery and treatment.

4. Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression are common conditions among older people, there are many different treatments available for these conditions, including medications and therapy. It is important to treat these conditions as soon as possible so that they do not get worse over time and have a negative impact on your senior’s quality of life.

How to Improve Your Senior’s Memory Loss

If your senior is diagnosed with a specific memory-related disease, such as Alzheimer’s, follow your doctor’s treatment plan. And whether your senior’s memory loss is caused by aging or not, there are many options available to help them improve their memory, such as:

  • Mental exercises
  • Taking vitamins and supplements
  • Physical exercise and movement
  • Meditation and other calming techniques
  • Learning new things

Conclusion

It is important to do some research about the different signs and symptoms of age-related memory loss to find out if it really is just that or something else. Either way, looking into getting qualified caregivers from a home care agency can keep your senior happy, healthy, and independent. Call us and schedule an appointment we will help you find the best option for your senior.

Source
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/ss/slideshow-reasons-memory-loss

If you are considering home care in Summerlin, NV, for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Summerlin. 702-800-4616.