Posts by Erin Burke
Teepa Snow Video Tips: How to Handle Disturbing Hallucinations
When someone suffering from Alzheimer’s experiences disturbing hallucinations, trying to orient them to reality, arguing, or even getting angry can be tempting! Renowned brain change expert Teepa Snow believes a far better response is to reflect, validate, and support the individual. Click here or on the video above to find out why – and how!…
Read MoreVideo Tips: How to Redirect and Distract Dementia Patients
@yourdementiatherapist ♬ Roxanne – Instrumental – Califa Azul When someone suffering from dementia forgets something they’re supposed to do or thinks they’re still living in the past, it can be tempting to try to orient them to reality, argue, or reason with them. Brain change experts advocate that it can be far more effective to…
Read MoreVideo Tips: Too Tired to Shower?
@belightcare ♬ Knowledge – Vin Music It may not be a copout if someone with dementia says they’re too tired to shower, or that it takes too much energy. Showering can require a tremendous amount of physical and/or mental exertion for some individuals. Click here or on the video above to learn the best way…
Read MoreWhat to Check After an Aging Person Falls
Falls by an older person shouldn’t be taken lightly. Even if no injuries are apparent, and it seems the individual tripped and fell, it’s still important to be proactive about getting the proper medical assessment after a fall. Most doctors’ visits after a fall are to check resulting injuries, but more care is warranted. Falls…
Read MoreVideo Corner: 3 Things to Never Do with Your Client with Dementia
By remembering these three tips when interacting with your client who has dementia, you’ll make your life easier as a caregiver and also reduce the chances of causing behavioral outbursts in them. Tip #1: Don’t argue with your client. This will make the situation worse and lead to frustration and backlash. Instead, acknowledge what they’re…
Read MoreHow to Develop a Backup Medication Supply for Emergencies
Many seniors need to take multiple medications for chronic health issues. Often, missing even one dose of medicine can be very dangerous for the elderly, causing them to become sick or even end up in the hospital. Unfortunately, running out of timely medications could happen if an existing supply gets misplaced or contaminated or if…
Read MoreVideo Corner: Why are People with Dementia at Higher Risk for COVID-19?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many caregivers noticed that those suffering from dementia were at a higher risk of contracting the disease. One reason they’re more vulnerable is because they’re less apt to take common sense, reasonable steps that are necessary to protect themselves after possible exposure, or to prevent themselves from even being exposed in…
Read MoreTax Tips to Help Caregivers Maximize Deductions
Those caring for an older adult typically know first-hand how quickly additional expenses can pile up. Fortunately, there’s good news come tax time: caregiving-related tax deductions can help to lower your taxes and maximize your refund. Use these smart tax tips as a caregiver to find as many deductions as possible: 1. Save any and…
Read MoreVideo Corner: The Impact of COVID-19 on Caregivers of Alzheimer’s Patients
A large number of Alzheimer’s patients are cared for by family members and spouses. During recent stay-at-home advisories during COVID-19, these caregivers have been under tremendous amounts of increased stress, with little opportunity for respite. Here are some tips for ways to alleviate some of that stress to avoid caregiver burnout.
Read MoreVideo Tips: 5 Tips to Reducing Challenging Situations in Dementia Care
@teepasnow #teepasnow ♬ original sound – teepasnow Challenging situations happen constantly, and senior care is no exception. Most caregivers could tell stories about stepping into situations that have caught them completely by surprise. It’s important to try to handle these potentially horrifying situations in a way that protects both the dignity of the individual and…
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