All posts tagged: "Twilight Aged Care"
Home Posts Tagged "Twilight Aged Care"
5 Natural Ways to Slow Dementia Symptoms
Dementia is one of the most heart breaking conditions that can affect the ones we love. Supporting those who are showing the signs and symptoms of dementia and knowing how to help them can be extremely difficult.
However, there are a few simple changes that can assist in slowing these symptoms.
1. Be more active
Studies have shown that even light exercise like going for walks, moving about the house and doing daily chores are able to simulate people and improve their cognitive functions.
(We do not necessarily mean pumping weights or attending the over 60s CrossFit class).
This relationship between higher levels of daily motion and dementia has been explored by US and Brazilian scientists. They identified those living with dementia lack a protein called Irisin that is generated during exercise. Irisin was found to improve recall and generate neuron growth in the brain in people who are active over 30 minutes a day.
Studies like these are now showing that general health is extremely for individuals with symptoms of dementia. Most risk factors are linked to brain function are related to good health; so maintaining – (or gaining) – a healthy lifestyle is a great combatant.
2. Keep the mind sharp
Now we have discussed keeping the body active, it’s time to address the mind!
Intellectual stimulation is most commonly praised by the scientific community and, well… we’re here to praise it as well.
Little things like puzzles, word games and Sudoku have been found to be highly successful in slowing down signs of dementia. They present small challenges that engage the mind and improve mental function.
Recently, cognitive art-based activities have been hailed for their therapeutic qualities. Art is uniquely able to stimulate those with dementia both technically and mentally. While most of us have subpar art skills- this is something fun for everyone involved and the results can look spectacular.
3. Watch what you eat
‘Watching what you eat’ does not mean forcing kale or superfoods on anyone. No one is cruel enough to insist that.
As mentioned before, general health is becoming a critical part of tackling dementia; and that includes what people are eating as well.
Maintaining healthy blood glucose, cholesterol levels and blood pressure are small steps that can make the biggest difference to the wellbeing of a loved one.
You’ll find that a lot of things good for the heart are good for the brain as well. By minimising the food ‘no-nos’ – like saturated fats- you lower the likelihood of health issues that can accelerate or spark dementia.
Reducing cardiovascular risk factors can prevent medical conditions linked to dementia. People are who are unfortunate enough to suffer a stroke are more likely to develop dementia- particularly vascular dementia.
You can help by choosing healthier places to eat out when getting together with friends and family, shopping at farmers markets or having a family home-made meal with a few more vegetables thrown in.
4. Getting rid of bad habits…. and staring good ones.
It’s easy to get stuck in a ‘bad’ routine. Smoking, frequent drinking, or going to bed late are all little cheats that we think we can get away with.
But habits like these place small stresses on the heart and mind that generate bad health and can lead to – or cause problems that bring on – dementia.
However, conquering these gives us a chance develop healthier practices that can help naturally slow down symptoms of dementia.
Developing patterns of behaviour to combat memory loss is one of the most helpful things you can do. Start keeping lists of things to be done and people that you have recently met. Start writing a diary of what was done that day. Have certain special spots for objects like keys and glasses.
5. ‘Spill the tea’ or have a day out
Recent studies from The Alzheimer’s Society has found that a chat with friends or family is more beneficial than just a bit of a gossip.
Their research discovered that social interaction is the perfect foil to the loneliness related to increases of cognitive decline. The physical benefits are also apparent, as group interaction visibly lowers stress levels and blood pressure.
Family outings, lunch with friends, special events, and group and pet therapy have all been observed to maintain independence and mentally stimulate. New technologies have also brought the option of digital media; one of the best ways for them to be connected to the people who love them at all times.
If you or someone you know is suffering from dementia, you can contact Dementia Australia for more information or support at https://www.dementia.org.au/
GLADES BAY GARDENS UPDATE
It has been a busy time at Glades Bay Gardens with the commencement of our major development program on 1 July. We commenced setting up the site with the delivery of site sheds, clearing of trees and the old tennis court surface and fencing the construction zone. Visitors will know that parking space is limited and with the establishment of the construction zone parking space has further reduced. For the duration of the building program we are asking staff and visitors to park on the street, rather than on site. We need to ensure that emergency vehicles, service and building materials delivery can enter the site at all times.
In the last week we commenced in earnest with some demolition of concrete. This was a very noisy exercise and we appreciate the patience of everyone at the home while this was done. Fortunately the worst of the demolition is now over.
We have established temporary dining space in the former lounge. Visitors will notice that the offices and hairdressing salon the the old dining room have been partitioned off and are now part of the building site. The office is now located in Apartment 39 on Level 4. You might also notice that there are lots of cabling running across ceilings. We have temporarily relocated all our communication equipment out of the building zone that that we can maintain our telephone and computer systems.
From the week beginning 22 July we will see the commencement of ground works for footings and foundations. Through out August and into September we will see the building taking shape. Like us on FaceBook to get regular updates and photo notifications to your wall.
WHAT IS PALLIATIVE CARE?
When a new resident comes to live at one of our Twilight Aged Care homes, an important part of our care planning is to think ahead to the future and what sort of care a resident may need. This is what we call ageing in place. It includes palliative care and in almost all cases, avoids the need for any of our residents to ever have to move again. This is National Palliative Care week, find out about palliative care.