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February 7th is “Go Red for Women” day.

Wear red and show your support and awareness of this dangerous killer. Heart Disease is the number one killer of Women over all forms of Cancer combined. Heart Disease affects all ages of men and women; women face a higher risk  up to 20% higher if they smoke and or use birth control. Heart Disease is responsible for 1 in 4 deaths. (2019 statistics) 610,000 people die a year of Heart Disease. 735,000 will have a heart attack. Staying active and eating healthy always lower your chances of developing Heart Disease.

Include a diet of whole grains and leafy grains in conjunction with  regular activity to decrease your chances.

For those seniors that are adamant about staying at home, here are some tips to make sure that they can do so safely!

1. DE-clutter walk ways. Less clutter means less chance of falling.
2. Add non slip pads underneath area rugs
3. Make sure each room is properly lit. Nightlights, and over head lighting.
4. Install grab bars in bathrooms for safety.
5. Use non slip rubber mats in the bottom of the shower to prevent slipping.

Certain “Smells”can instigate appetite. The scent of Hot Buttered Popcorn can trigger hunger; especially in those that suffer from Dementia and or Alzheimer’s. Scents associated with salty or sweet foods seem to be the strongest triggers. If your loved one is having difficulty eating, try a heart helping of popcorn! Over 70% of the popcorn sold in the United States is consumed at home. Popcorn, a whole grain also contains plenty of fiber to help the senior feel full after eating; it’s also Gluten free!

Try these natural methods and approach when trying to calm your senior loved one that suffers from Dementia:

1. MusicMusic therapy helps seniors calm down and reflect on happier times. According to research from the Alzheimer’s Association, listening to music releases dopamine in the brain and triggers happy feelings throughout the body.

   Music also improves memory function and encourages social engagement.

2. AromatherapyAccording to a study in BJPsych Advances, using scents like lavender can reduce difficult behaviors in older adults with dementia.

   Benefits include improved sleep, decreased agitation, higher concentration and reduced hallucinations.

3. TouchA gentle human touch can create a bond between the caregiver and the senior, resulting in a calming effect. It also helps increase trust. A soft back rub or gentle hand pat may be a way to reduce agitation in a senior loved one.
4. Pet TherapyAccording to Every Day Health, pet therapy has many benefits for seniors with dementia. They include decreased agitation, increased physical activity, increased appetite and joy.
5. A Calm ApproachBehaviors are often determined by the senior’s first interaction with their caregiver.

   As a result, caregivers need to use a calm, open approach when they initially approach their loved one. It’s also crucial to smile and use a warm tone during conversations.

   Positive first impressions are imperative for handling difficult behaviors.

6. Maintain RoutinesOne of the most effective methods for reducing challenging behaviors is by incorporating routine into your senior loved one’s life.
7. Provide ReassurancesAccording to the Alzheimer’s Association, using calming phrases such as “You’re safe here” and ”I’m sorry you are upset” allow your loved to feel safe.

Rainy days are great! Fact: Pluviophile (n) a lover of rain;someone who finds joy and peace of mind during rainy days.

Did you know that seniors can be affected by the weather? Just because we have a rainy day your loved one doesn’t have to be “stuck” in doors with nothing to do. Use this time to do crafts,paint, read or watch classic movies together; make it a marathon! Let Elder Placement Professionals help you find the best facility available that offers great activities like this everyday for your loved one!

Are you are recently supporting someone with Dementia and or  Alzheimer’s disease?  You may find it difficult to know how to help and how much to help. Sometimes they need help but want to look after personal care independently. This can be frustrating, especially when you know you could carry out the task more quickly, or help do the task more efficiently. Avoid the temptation to take over, even if they is really struggling. The loss of confidence could make it harder  to keep trying. Use these techniques to help you and your loved one manage every day life tasks:

1.  Try breaking the task down into sections. (even if one or two tasks are completed, they will feel a sense of achievement)
2. Make sure that any reminders or instructions are simple.
3. Try doing things together, such as folding clothes or drying dishes.
4. Make sure they doesn’t feel the sense of  being supervised or criticized in any way.
5. When the dementia gets to a more advanced stage, try pointing, demonstrating, or guiding an action rather than giving a verbal explanation. (prompting)

Elder Placement Professionals can assist you with finding the best and most suitable situation for you loved one if they are suffering from Dementia and or Alzheimer’s.  Call us today to tour available facilities.

Happy Fun Fact  from Elder Placement Professionals!

Fact: Did you know that celebrating the New Year has been a tradition for over 4000 years?

Also, did you know that over 2,000 pounds of glitter are dropped every year in Times Square?

Elder Placement Professionals would like to share a little sparkle with you and wish you the happiest of New Years. Cheers to Health, Wealth and Happiness!

“The only rock I know that stays steady, the only institution I know that works, is the family” – Lee Iacocca

So many Holiday Traditions are cherished by seniors. After speaking to some clients these were some of their most favorites:

1. Hanging stockings- filling them with fruit and chocolate coins
2. Chopping down a Christmas Tree
3. Lighting a Yule Log
4. Dad dressing up as Santa
5. Running a toy train around the tree
6. Stringing a popcorn or cranberry garland
7. Christmas Caroling
8. Getting dressed up for Christmas

Accommodating everyone’s needs, and wishes while bringing together friends and loved ones for  the holidays, does not have to be as stressful as it sounds.

With planning, and a willingness to be creative, helping your senior loved ones enjoy the holidays with you can be easy!

1. Drive around and look at holiday lights
2. If your senior is in a facility already, bring holiday festivities to them
3. Bake Holiday cookies together; giving up the skill of cooking can be hard for a senior