The driving behaviors listed below are ranked from minor to serious. Many of the less serious issues may be overcome with changes in driving behavior or physical fitness, while the more serious behaviors may require your immediate action. Since driving ability seldom changes drastically in a short time, you should be able to track changes over time to get a clear picture of overall driving ability.

Here’s How to Use This List:

Observe driving over time, keeping notes to help you understand changes in driving ability.

Look for a pattern of warning signs and for an increase in the frequency of occurrence.

Driving Behavior Warning Signs

1.            Decrease in confidence while driving.

2.            Difficulty turning to see when backing up.

3.            Riding the brake.

4.            Easily distracted while driving.

5.            Other drivers often honk horns.

6.            Incorrect signaling.

7.            Parking inappropriately.

8.            Hitting curbs.

9.            Scrapes or dents on the car, mailbox or garage.

10.       Increased agitation or irritation when driving.

11.       Failure to notice important activity on the side of the road.

12.       Failure to notice traffic signs.

13.       Trouble navigating turns.

14.       Driving at inappropriate speeds.

15.       Not anticipating potential dangerous situations.

16.       Uses a “copilot.”

17.       Bad judgment on making left hand turns.

18.       Near misses.

19.       Delayed response to unexpected situations.

20.       Moving into wrong lane.

21.       Difficulty maintaining lane position.

22.       Confusion at exits.

23.       Ticketed moving violations or warnings.

24.       Getting lost in familiar places.

25.       Car accident.

26.       Failure to stop at stop sign or red light.

27.       Confusing the gas and brake pedals.

28.       Stopping in traffic for no apparent reason.

For more information, please visit The Hartford Group at    

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Bathing and personal hygiene of their loved one has long been a struggle for caregivers. If their loved one has dementia, this issue may further become one riddled with fear and trepidation. While bathing can be difficult for the elderly, it is necessary for skin cleansing and infection control as well as providing an opportunity for the caregiver to inspect the senior’s skin. Socially, a bath controls body odor, enhances social interactions and provides positive touch.  But the question remains, “How can we make shower time less of a strain on your personal relationship?”

§         Communicate Tell your loved what you are going to do before proceeding. “Mom, I am going to help you get undressed for the shower.” Approach from the front and maintain eye contact. If he/she becomes violent, back off and try another time.

§         Schedule Set up a bath schedule and use a calendar. Find a time of day where he/she is less likely to have outbursts. Use incentives to get him/her to bathe, such as telling your loved one that they must bathe before a favorite TV show or a favorite dessert. Once or twice a week is sufficient for seniors if they are not incontinent and keep the genital area clean.

§         Atmosphere Make it like a spa experience. Dim the lights and play relaxing, instrumental music. Use scented soaps/lotions, heated towels (use heated towel bars/containers or pluck them from the dryer) and a warm fuzzy bathrobe.

§         Temperature Turn up the heat one to two hours before the bath to keep the bathrooms warm. Seniors are often cold when we are wearing short sleeves. If there is tile in the bathroom, cover them with a plush bath rug or carpet (watch for falls). If you have an overhead heater, turn that on. Wear a t-shirt so you’re not overheated!

§         Safety Make sure the bathroom is safe - use bath chairs, non-slip mats/appliqués and grab bars. If the senior doesn’t feel safe, he or she will not agree to bathe.

§         Equipment Install a hand-held shower. The water spray in the face is distressing as often happens when sitting in a shower chair. The hand-held shower also allows the warm water to pour over them as they wash resulting in a greater sense of control.

§         Modesty Allow your loved one to do as much bathing independently as possible. Keep the doors closed and curtains drawn. Always cover the genitals with a washcloth or keep a light gown on the body that is not being bathed.

If your loved one still refuses to bathe, use alternative methods. Use no-rinse washcloths and dry shampoo. Try a “weekly bath” with everyday washing one part of her body using washcloths. For example, Monday wash her arms, armpits and back, Tuesday, feet and legs. Ask her to take that body part out of her clothes one at a time to wash, dry and then switch. It takes longer but your loved one may be more open to this. Sometimes you could time it during a trip to the washroom and use that as an excuse to clean the genitals. Use powders, body sprays, etc to help cover the body odor when you just can’t get them to bathe.

And lastly, many home care agencies offer a bathing service so that you don’t have to do the “dirty work”. Hire them and then go out for a cup of coffee to de-stress. Home & Hearth Caregivers offer a variety of packages that include bathing. Call us at 800-349-0663 for your complimentary, no obligation home assessment.

During this holiday season, we spend countless hours wrapping, addressing, baking, cleaning and spending time with our loved ones, many of them seniors.  As you visit with your loved ones, take a look around for signs that they may need help:

Inside the Home

1. The kitchen is filled with dirty dishes, burned pots, food and possible infestations. Mom has always been a great cook but occasionally forgets to turn off the stove or gets too tired to wash the dishes.
2. The refrigerator has expired or moldy food and possibly non-food items inside. Cleaning out the refrigerator is not a fun task, but Mom has found it overwhelming to throw away food and/or may not remember where to put items.
3. The clutter is piling up. Mom and Dad may not want to admit that maintaining their home is becoming an overwhelming task.
4. The mail is stuffed with bills and late notices. Dad used to pay the bills two weeks ahead of time but is now faced with possible shut-offs or late fees.

Personal Care

1. Your parents have body odor. Perhaps Dad is afraid to bathe because he has fallen in the bathtub. Mom may not remember when she last bathed but insists that she does not need an incontinence product.
2. They wear the same clothes or inappropriate seasonal attire. Mom is wearing the sweater with the large coffee stain on the front that she got during the last visit you had. Dad goes out to get the mail in December without a coat or shoes.
3. Mom’s clothes are baggy. She just doesn’t want to cook now that Dad has passed or the shopping can be too much trouble for one so she eats a bowl of soup and nibbles on crackers.

Health Care

1. They forget their medications and doctor’s appointments. Mom always reminded Dad to take his medications but the pill boxes are now unorganized or full when you visit.
2. Dad has unexplained bruises or skin tears. He has fallen but refuses a cane or walker and Mom thinks it’s a natural progression of skin as she ages.
3. Noticeable cognitive decline. Dad has forgotten his granddaughter’s name but still remembers his best friend from elementary school. Mom can’t remember how to work the microwave.
4. Increased hospitalizations. Mom can’t control her blood sugar levels and Dad has been dizzy since he started his new blood pressure medication.

If you do notice significant signs like these, sit down with your loved ones and have a conversation about their needs. Home care agencies like Home & Hearth Caregivers are able to relieve the burden of caregiving from adult children and allow the seniors to remain in their home. We accept private pay, veteran’s benefits and long-term care insurance. Please contact us at 800-349-0663 to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation assessment.

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According to a report released on Monday for World Alzheimers Day it has been said that the number of people with Alzheimer’s globally is estimated to double every 20 years.

Leading its way will be Asia Pacific at 89 percent, 77 percent in Southern Latin America and North America not too far behind at 63 percent in increase and Europe with an increase of 40 percent.  The reason behind the report is that people are living longer than past generations and population is also expected to grow.  By 2010 there will be over 35 million people all over the world that will be living with dementia and by 2030 it is expected to double that number.

According to National Institutes of Health one in seven Americans over the age of 71 years old have dementia.  Experts say that the cause of the disease are said to be genetic but that others are thought to be preventable.  Participating in physical exercise as well as mental stimulation has been known to keep the brain healthy. Assistant Professor Andrew Carle from George Mason University believes that “Our brains can be made stronger through exercise and that there’s been some evidence that cognitive exercise can at least delay the onset of Alzheimer’s.”

Antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E can prevent cell damage and are believed to delay the effects of aging on the body. Certains foods with curry are also a good source of preventing dementia. A study that was done in Singapore that showed those who ate curry for a week helped better their memory scores.  

Fish oil is also another good source as they contain anti-flammatory properties and  Phosphatidylserine supplements which is a major component of cell membranes may also help too. 

Article provided by CNN

According to researchers from Utah State University, Duke University, John Hopkins and Boston University; studies show that seniors who have a close relationship with their caregivers can improve the quality of their life and influence their progression with Alzheimer’s. 

Seniors who have a strong bond with their caregivers revealed that they had a slower cognitive decline. The effect was even higher when the caregiver was their spouse. There are still more studies to be done as to which of their activities or involvement with the caregiver seem to contribute to the effect. But one thing for sure is that the time and care that the spousal caregiver invests does matter. While it makes sense that spousal caregiver provides the highest benefit, this can also work with adult children and other relatives taking care of their loved ones.

Although, the effects aren’t apparent having a close relationship with your loved one does go a long way. The disease is still there but there is nothing more comforting than knowing that someone you love and trust is there to take care of you especially in your time of need.     

Article provided by caring.com

I don’t know anyone that has Alzheimer’s but to see someone who is suffering from this disease is heartwrenching. It was an eye opener to watch Cynthia Mcfadden go through the 12 minute exercise. My heart goes out to the Seniors and to their family who are coping with this disease.  

Experiencing Dementia Firsthand

P.K. Beville, a geriatric psychologist and founder of the nonprofit senior citizen advocacy group Second Wind Dreams, is trying to remedy this problem. She created the Virtual Dementia Tour, an experiential kit used to simulate the symptoms of age-related Alzheimer’s and dementia and to help caregivers better identify and cope with their patients’ behaviors and needs. “Once you go through the exercise you find that most of the behavior patterns are actually coping strategies,” Beville said.

Cynthia McFadden of “Primetime” agreed to try out the Virtual Dementia Tour

Here’s how it works:

First the subject is fitted with gear that simulates the physical symptoms of age.

A pair of yellow-tinted goggles mimics the effects of eye diseases, like macular degeneration and glaucoma. The subject then places dried corn kernels in their shoes and gloves, creating painful sensations like those caused by peripheral nerve damage.

Finally, the subject’s fingers are taped together, making it difficult to grasp objects and utilize their hands, as though the subject is suffering from arthritis. Once the physical symptoms are manifested, the subject is ready to experience the cognitive effects of dementia, which can include memory loss, confusion, inability to concentrate, agitation and the inability to carry out simple tasks. To create this mental disorder, the subject listens to something called a “confusion tape” through headphones — a constant loop combining environmental noises, static fuzz, sporadic loud sirens and beeps. This cacophony helps induce a chaotic mental state, similar to what many dementia patients experience. Once the participants are all geared up, the experiment begins. Test administrators read a set of instructions to the participants, giving them five simple tasks to complete — set a table for four, brush your teeth, fold some laundry, etc. Even this is not as straightforward as it sounds: Test administrators intentionally read the instructions at the same volume as the “confusion tape,” so that it’s hard for subjects to even decipher what they are supposed to be doing.

McFadden was given a seemingly simple task — find a white sweater — but she said she couldn’t help being distracted by the incessant noises coming from her headphones. In order to stay focused, McFadden said, she had to start talking to herself. “Honestly, the thing that shocked me the most is that I couldn’t remember five simple instructions,” she said afterwards. “It changed my understanding of what people with dementia face every day. “I mean, I’m the queen of multi-tasking. I can do anything, I can do 20 things at once, I’m a mom, I’m a, it’s very humbling,” she said.

Impeded by limited motor skills, blurred vision, and the incessant buzz of distracting noises, participants, like McFadden, often exhibit behaviors that mirror those of Alzheimer’s patients, Beville said. They become frustrated with their inability to perform what they know are simple tasks, and unless they get help or guidance, they often resign in anger and defeat. The experiment has helped caregivers better understand the plight of their loved ones, a crucial weapon in the fight against Alzheimer’s. Beville said she has administered the Virtual Dementia Tour to more than 10,000 professional caregivers, and has identified specific ways of improving care for a person with Alzheimer’s. She said that offering positive reinforcement and encouragement is essential for any caregiver.

In several of her experiments Beville provided guidance by offering a pat on the back and saying, “You’re doing great.” By repeating this every four minutes, she found that the person remained calmer and was able to accomplish all of the tasks that were assigned.

By learning how to better cope with the effects of Alzheimer’s, caregivers and family members might feel more equipped to manage and treat a loved one who is diagnosed with the disease,” Beville said. “It is a way of giving people hope,” she said. And in the battle against Alzheimer’s, a little bit of hope can go a long way.

For more on this article go to www.abcnews.com

How MedicAlert & Safe Return Works

When a person with Dementia wanders or becomes lost, one call immediately activates a community support network to help reunite the lost person with his or her caregiver. When a person is found, a citizen or law official calls the toll free 24-hour emergency response number on the identification product and the individual’s family or caregivers are contacted.  The nearest Alzheimer’s Association office provides support during search and rescue efforts. In addition, should medical attention be required, access to a personal health record (PHR) is immediately available.

Benefits of MedicAlert + Safe Return Membership

• Provides you peace of mind
• Provides vital medical information to emergency responders
• Live 24-hour emergency response service for wandering and medical emergencies
• 24-hour family notification service
• 24-hour care consultation services provided by master’s level counselors   

 To enroll for this program or for more information on this article go to www.medicalert.org

People with Alzheimer’s or dementia can still lead meaningful, enjoyable lives.

Understandably, caregivers get overwhelmed from time to time with the amount of work they have to do; however, integrating a new activity or two every day is not only beneficial for the person with dementia, but can also prove relaxing for the caregiver.

Things to do:

Activities

Activities needn’t be structured. Whether you’re caring for your loved one at home or visiting at a facility, activities can be as simple as playing cards or a board game. Try bringing along a blank photo album with pictures that you can put inside together. The key is to find activities that are stimulating but not overwhelming. Make a list of your loved one’s hobbies and interests to help you brainstorm activities that can be adapted to fit his or her current level of dementia.

Animals

If your loved one likes animals, consider animal therapy. Visits from calm animals are a great way to introduce something new and interesting to his or her environment, and research has shown that the interaction between humans and animals have therapeutic healing qualities. Make sure the animal you bring is not aggressive or excitable, and stay close during initial visits.

Exercise

Speak to your loved one’s physician so you know what kinds of exercise are physically possible. Daily walks are beneficial for both of you, but if that’s not appropriate, you may want to consider chair exercises such as the Sit and Be Fit routines shown on public television. Remember, as with any exercise routine, a little is better than nothing at all.

Music

When a person has lost the ability to communicate, music can sometimes act as a new form of communication. Many of us have a powerful emotional response to music, and dementia patients are no different. Experiment by playing music you think your loved one would enjoy. Big band, classical, New Age mixed with nature sounds or religious music are all good starting points. You’ll know you’ve “struck a chord” if you catch your loved one humming along, mouthing the words or simply showing a better appetite when the music plays.

Reminiscence

You may already be incorporating “reminiscence” activities without even knowing it. Does your loved one tell you stories from the past when a memory springs to mind? This is often times the basis for reminiscing. It can occur organically when you look at photographs or conversation prompts a memory. As a caregiver, you can promote reminiscing by helping with associations that come up in conversation. Many people with dementia are comforted by returning to distant memories, since the past feels far more familiar. Objects from childhood, such as dolls or other toys, can help jog memories from earlier in life.

Socializing

Every person has different social needs. Some people prefer to be left alone for long periods of time, while others enjoy companionship. Assess your loved one’s social needs and try to find ways to meet them. Often volunteers can be integrated into a schedule so as to provide companionship and allow you a chance for your own personal time. Adult day care and adult day health care programs give older adults the opportunity to socialize with a group of peers; before making an appointment, make sure the program accepts participants with dementia. Some programs specialize in this type of care and incorporate activities tailored to the needs and interests of people with dementia.

Touching

For many older adults, the only type of human touch they experience is clinical, such as during doctor’s appointments. But most humans have a need for physical contact. Small gestures that include touching can provide a sense of well-being and assuage feelings of loneliness. When approaching your loved one, make careful movements that won’t cause alarm. Some noninvasive ways of touching include massaging cream into feet or hands and brushing your loved one’s hair.

For more information on this article click on www.gilbertguide.com

TUESDAY, May 19 (HealthDay News) — Losing weight rapidly late in life seems to signal a greater risk of experiencing some form of dementia, new research suggests.

For older adults, “basically, we saw that if you are thinner or are losing weight at a faster rate, then you are at a higher risk of developing dementia,” said study author Tiffany F. Hughes, a postdoctoral fellow in the department of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

“This is in contrast to other studies that have shown higher BMI in middle age to increase risk of dementia,” she acknowledged. “What is likely going on is that higher BMI in middle age is a true risk factor for dementia, while being thinner or losing weight more quickly in old age is a result of dementia that has not been detected yet.”

At the launch of the study in 1992, the participants were about 72 years old, on average, at which point all were free of dementia.

Over a period of eight years, Hughes and her colleagues tracked changes in body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio among the members of the study group, and then lined up those statistics against diagnoses of various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.

The team found that regardless of smoking history, exercise habits and gender, having a higher BMI late in life actually appeared to be associated with having a lower risk for developing Alzheimer’s.

Looked at in reverse, the study authors observed that those participants who had a lower BMI at the study’s launch actually faced a 79 percent greater risk for developing dementia.

In addition, participants of any weight who went on to lose pounds during the study period at a relatively fast rate had a three times higher risk for developing dementia than those who lost weight more slowly.

In fact, participants of any weight who went on to shed some pounds at a relatively slow pace over the course of the study period actually experienced a drop in their risk for developing either dementia or Alzheimer’s.

However, the apparent connection between a drop in dementia risk and slow weight loss was especially pronounced among men and women who were either overweight or obese to begin with — generally more so than among either normal or underweight participants who similarly lost weight. Specifically, the team observed that slow-paced weight loss among those with a BMI of 23 or above translated into an 82 percent drop in the risk for dementia.

The authors cautioned, however, that the findings could be skewed by the fact that seniors who began the study at a normal body weight naturally have fewer pounds to lose, and this could affect the pace at which any weight loss might have unfolded.

In addition, they noted that the study focused solely on Americans of Japanese ancestry, making it somewhat difficult to generalize the findings to other racial and ethnic groups. And they described the amount of time they spent tracking weight fluctuations as “relatively short,” leaving open the possibility that different patterns of risk could be found if the same group were to be followed for a longer period.

Yet despite these caveats, Hughes and her colleagues concluded that having a relatively low BMI in late life appears to be a sign of underlying dementia-related disease — particularly if a senior had been overweight or obese earlier in life.

“Being thin or rapid weight loss alone will not likely tell us who is going to get dementia,” Hughes noted. “But along with other tests it may help doctors identify those who will, so treatment therapies can be started earlier.”

For his part, Dr. Lon S. Schneider, a professor of psychiatry, neurology and gerontology at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, said that when assessing the implications of this particular study “the devil is in the details.”

“That said, it does seem that weight loss is a warning sign of something bad to happen,” he noted. “Weight loss occurring over the age of 75 or 78 is a problem that predicts bad things in general. It’s a major problem in the management of elderly people with illness. And almost always the explanation for unexplained weight loss at this age is a few years down the road. So yes, certainly it is the case that this is a development that could predict future cognitive impairment.”

 Information provided by www.keepingyouwell.com