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Dementia Facts for Kids

Children will usually have a very hard time accepting and understanding dementia. If they knew the senior before the disease struck, this could be even more difficult. Kids who live with a grandparent that has dementia will not understand what is going on, which is why it is so important to take the time to try to explain things to younger children.

1. The best thing to do is to be honest with the child. Explain to them the grandma or grandpa is having trouble remembering things. This may help the child understand and be more willing to help.

2. Always encourage smaller children to ask questions. Try to answer them in terms they can understand. Instead of giving a medical definition of the disease, explain it in simple terms.

3. Have the child interact with the senior Helping with simple, everyday things, such as tying shoes and helping seniors eat can benefit the child as well as the senior with dementia.

4. Explain to children that there is nothing to fear. Grandma may forget things, but she can still be a joy to be around. Encourage kids to include seniors in fun time.

5. Talk to children before the senior moves in and try to explain the situation. If the child has questions, answer them as well as you can without being too complex.

Source: USA Weekend

Home Care Bakersfield provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Lamont, Tehachapi, Lake Isabella, Ridgecrest, Taft, Shafter, Bodfish, Wofford Heights, Rosedale, Oildale, Kernville area. Call us today at 661-321-3235.


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Misconceptions of Alzheimer’s Disease

There’s negativity associated with Alzheimer’s in the U.S. Our society is simply misinformed about the disease. The reason is because they have not been touched by the disease on a personal level. When a senior is affected by Alzheimer’s, it is difficult enough without having to deal with the social stigmas that are also attached.

1. Individuals who are not affected by Alzheimer’s do not completely understand the disease. They have misperceptions that can cause them to react in a negative manner towards a person with Alzheimer’s.

2. Alzheimer’s also confronts people with the reality of death, something no one wants to deal with. Many people will try to ignore the existence of the disease.

3. When dealing with an Alzheimer’s patient, people must be patient. This can be a difficult situation for many people, which is why most will turn the other way.

4. Ignoring the existence of Alzheimer’s simply adds to the negativity that already surrounds the disease. The only way to change this is for people to become more informed, involved and understanding.

5. Alzheimer’s can affect anyone. People who do not have a family member with the disease may choose to ignore it and how it does affect others. This ignorance and the negativity around it is one of the reasons many people are turning away from people who do have Alzheimer’s

Source: HuffingtonPost.com

Home Care Bakersfield provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Lamont, Tehachapi, Lake Isabella, Ridgecrest, Taft, Shafter, Bodfish, Wofford Heights, Rosedale, Oildale, Kernville area. Call us today at 661-321-3235.

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Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning and intellectual reasoning due to changes in the brain caused by disease. Those with dementia tend to repeat questions, become disoriented in familiar places, neglect personal hygiene or nutrition, or get confused about people or time. It can be caused by many things, some of which are reversible – such as vitamin deficiencies and poor nutrition, to reactions to medications or problems with the thyroid. However, some forms of dementia are irreversible, such as that caused by mini strokes or Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s disease occurs when the nerve cells deteriorate in the brain due to a build up of plaques and tangles, which actually results in the death of a large number of brain cells. Doctors are not sure why this occurs, but research is underway to determine causes and cures. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4.5 million Americans are presently living with Alzheimer’s disease.

It is important to remember that Alzheimer’s is a medical condition and disease of the brain. If the brain affects thoughts, feelings, personality, and behavior, then Alzheimer’s is going to affect how your loved one thinks, what he feels, who he is, and what he does. The range of symptoms can be enormous. Also, people with Alzheimer’s don’t necessarily “look” sick. Although Alzheimer’s disease is a physical illness, it often doesn’t affect a person’s appearance until the later stages of the disease. This might be confusing to you because your loved one may seem as healthy as ever, but just acting differently.

If you are caring for someone in this situation, you may find it helpful to read these tips on how to cope with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Home Care Bakersfield provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Lamont, Tehachapi, Lake Isabella, Ridgecrest, Taft, Shafter, Bodfish, Wofford Heights, Rosedale, Oildale, Kernville area. Call us today at 661-321-3235.

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