Blog

by Dan Kuhn, A.C.S.W(Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center) Those who care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder are most fortunate if they enjoy the sustained support of others through-out the long course of the disease. Even the closest relationships may be tested to the limits in such difficult circumstances. A common refrain… Read more: Care for Caregivers When Friendships Faulter

by: Joseph and Kathleen Bryan Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC)Duke University Medical Center “My husband used to get up often at night and was very confused. I finally got him to rest in his recliner in front of the TV and he calmed down and fell asleep. He seems to feel more secure there.”

Follow these steps if a person with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia drives or wanders away: Try to remain calm Thoroughly search the house and surrounding area (yard, garage, storage buildings)

Think about your favorite movie. Chances are the main character, the hero in that movie, probably faced a challenge that seemed insurmountable. What makes a hero is facing that insurmountable challenge and finding a way to do something, anything to meet it.

by Priscilla Pittman, MSW, MAAlzheimer’s Arkansas Programs and Services Swallowing is a complex motor function and, therefore, may be affected by some chronic illnesses. The process begins unconsciously as the amount of saliva increases in the mouth when we see food. Then, the food is taken into the mouth where it is chewed and moved… Read more: Swallowing Problems: Tips for Patients and Families

by Priscilla Pittman, MSW, MAAlzheimer’s Arkansas Programs and Services Do we participate in a community group or attend a particular church or temple and enjoy doing for others?  Providing time and effort for others whether or not we know them is a rewarding experience.

By Priscilla Pittman, MSW, MA Opinionator…Wow! The computer doesn’t like that word. But we all have opinions don’t we.  This time of year we only seem to hear political opinions and unless we have the time to do a fact check we may turn a deaf ear to those as well.

Technology is constantly changing and improving our lives. For personal caregivers, there are many technological advances that can help give peace of mind. To help you get started, we did some research to help learn about how you can incorporate technology to assist with caregiving. Not every option may be useful, and technology is not… Read more: Technology and Caregiving

By : Gigi Gabriel- Education and Outreach Manager Care binder? What is it, how can we use it, do we need it, is it worth the effort?  I don’t recall such a thing existing 10 years ago when I first became a caregiver. All I had was a notebook and a folder filled with notes… Read more: The Alzheimer’s Arkansas Carebinder

By Priscilla Pittman, MSW, MA Alzheimer’s Arkansas Programs and Services METABOLISM Slower processing of meds and alcohol Slower reflexes might impair driving After age of 30, metabolism slows about 2% each decade due to loss of muscle mass if we are not working on our muscle strength.   The average American loses as much of 50%… Read more: Metabolism & Swallowing

By Carol Bradley Bursack As people age, they tend to sleep more lightly and often awaken during the night from achy joints or the need to go to the bathroom. Many people compensate for this lost sleep by catching a restorative nap during the day. That’s normal.

A note from a caregiver after receiving the Phyllis Watkins Family Assistance Program Grant in 2016: ” I really thought this grant was a waste of my time! Mom was so unwilling to have anyone else in the house, to the point where I could not even have dinner with family or friends at the… Read more: Why give on #GivingTuesday?

By Priscilla Pittman, MSW, MA Mary pushed her grocery cart through the store reciting the items needed for the casserole.  She nodded and smiled at a silver headed man who greeted her with a cheerful “Good morning.” Busily cruising the aisles trying to remember the list she’d left on the table, and she passed him… Read more: Only the Lonely

WE can solve our caregiver’s problems. WE cannot cure Alzheimer’s disease, prevent or slow Alzheimer’s disease down. But WE can and WE do solve our caregiver’s problems. HOW? A Caregiver needs to take a break – our grant money makes that break possible. A Caregiver needs to keep their loved ones home as long as… Read more: A Reminder from Alzheimer’s Arkansas

Start making your list of those people you know you can count on to pitch in and support your respite program this fall. Let them in on your plan and see what they will commit to doing, it can be anything from cooking dinner one day a week to watching your loved one while you… Read more: Respite Reprieve

Alzheimer’s Arkansas is pleased to provide you with information about the 2016-2017 Family Caregiver Support Program grant.  Funding for this program is provided by the Older Americans Act, National Family Caregiver Support Program Title IIIE Funds.  These funds were awarded to CareLink (the Central Arkansas Area Agency on Aging) for distribution throughout the six counties… Read more: Family Caregiver Support Program

ROUTINE will help someone with AD anticipate what to do next and what is expected of them. It sets boundaries that feel secure. RITUALS or lifelong habits should be maintained. Don’t try to break old habits. For example, if the individual never enjoyed crafts, don’t expect to involve him/her in crafts now. REASSESS physical health… Read more: The 8 R’s in Alzheimer Care

By Priscilla Pittman, MSW, MA Anger is a warning sign that something is wrong and resolution is needed.  When the warning signs are ignored others may not know what has bothered us and we are likely to respond with self-destructive behaviors such as over-eating, spending, etc.