Senior Solutions Health Tips

4) Driving and Dementia Don’t Mix – Risking the life of the spouse…

It is common that the healthy spouse is motivated to allow the dementia patient to drive out of necessity.

One wife recently explained that her husband always did the driving. “Now he does not where to turn, so I direct him while he drives. But we only drive locally.”

The sad part of this lifestyle is that in addition to being a danger to others on the road, both spouses are at risk.

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3) Caregiver Cling

“Caregiver Cling” is the newest phrase in the home health care field. It describes the phenomenon of a dependent person who feels severe separation anxiety whenever his or her primary caregiver is away.

The number 1 complaint from caregivers is their lack of time off. When this need is denied or postponed, it can lead to depression in caregivers.

It is therefore important to introduce alternative caregivers from time to time, and allow them to take care of the patient.  This helps to prevent caregiver burnout and gives the patient exposure to other caregivers. It also sets up a back-up plan for care, in case of emergency.

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Protect your assets by asking for proof of workers compensation coverage from your home health care agency, nurse registry, or companion service.

Do not fall for the line “our caregivers are insured’ as this often only means that the they have liability insurance which does not cover for injury to the worker. Home care providers with cheap rates are notorious for operating without workers compensation. So protect yourself and your assets by making sure that the help you hire is covered.

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‘Senior Solutions’ Health Tip #1

1) Mental Exercises for Dementia Patients

We all need brain stimulation, even when our brain function is impaired and reduced. It is a basic human need to seek entertainment, thrills, fun, accomplishments and humor.

Dementia patients have these needs, but also need a ‘coach’ or ‘partner’ to guide them.

The benefits of mental exercises include combating boredom and increasing a personal sense of accomplishment and self worth.

If you are a ‘coach’ please remember that the dementia patient does NOT have to follow the set rules. The goal is to have FUN!!

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Hi and thanks for visiting us today…

Well we just launched our new baby, the ‘Senior Solutions’ Health Tips. They can be heard every day on Christian FM, or you can read and listen to them right here on our site.

We are sure that you will find value in the tips.

Enjoy.