LLT #206: Can You Still PRAY In The Face of Dementia? 🙏🏽👴🏽👵🏽🗝️
#prayer #prayerworks #dementiasupport #alzheimer #alzheimerawareness #elderlycare #healthyaging #brainhealth #seniorcare #familycaregivers
Tonight we explore PRAYER..... In the face of Dementia or Alzheimer's.
Prayer is loosely defined as communication with a Superior Being, Source, Power for comfort, guidance, and protection.
No matter the denomination, or no denomination; even if one describes themselves as "spiritual", mankind has recognised the need for "help from above".
The difficulty comes when life changes forever as it does if there is a new diagnosis of Dementia or Alzheimer's.
The questions: Who am I now? Will I change? How can I live any sort of normal life? How do we take care of someone who does not even recognise family members any longer?
Prayer requires concentration: that is lost in dementia, so many ask: does it even make sense to continue praying to someone who isn't there?
The answers may surprise, and hopefully encourage you.
Yes it still makes sense- studies and experiences of caregivers conclude that , especially if the affected person was very spiritually active, they have favourite songs, passages of scripture or mantras which calm and soothe them
THEY ARE STILL THEM . They may not process everything, so some ways to keep continuity and reassure them (and yourself):
Pray on mornings; before meals, and at bedtime; keep it short: "Thank you" may be all you can do sometimes.
Play their songs etc, during the day and especially at night- it works!
Finally- pray for yourself; for courage to face the diagnosis, remember that they are still "in there"; pray for the heart to face the loss that things are not the same.
The "new normal" can be terrifying- it's ok to ask for "help from Above"!
From my heart to yours💗
Dr. Lana
Overwhelmed? Let's connect: 📧lana@lanaannemd.com, for more insights and connect for a FREE face-to-Face 15 minute Zoom call.
Is Your Home Safe for Older Persons?🏠👴🏽👵🏽
#seniorcare #homesafetytips #aginginplace #healthyaging #firesafety #firedrill #familycaregiver #familysupport
How can you make sure that your home is safe, not only for you, but especially older persons (who are still very active), or those who need more assistance?
There are basic, internationally recognised , general advice that is consistent and , in most cases , inexpensive:
Let's take room by room:
1/ INDOORS: lighting - general - overhead; no glare, hallways
--🛀🏽🚽🚿BATHROOM -(70% of falls occur here!😱)- non slip floors; grab bars; a chair installed for comfort; easy in and out; good drainage;
- -🛏️BEDROOM: no rugs; free of clutter; a bed that is safe to get in and out
- 🫙KITCHEN - smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors; non- slip pot holders ;non skid shoes
--LIVING ROOM- remove all clutter; ensure space for walkers and wheel chairs if needed; NO RUGS!
OUTDOORS:
--LIGHTING! Including sensors
--If stairs- safe railings; non skid steps or ramp;
-- Remove all foliage debris, mossy areas (gutters spill over); and ensure windows are not blocked by trees or bush; use thicker curtains as needed.
PERSONAL:
-- "Easy on; custom for those with mobility issues- they are also fashinable!
--SAFE SHOES- indoors and outdoors
Finally- discuss as a FAMILY and stay SAFE!
From my heart to yours💗
Dr. Lana
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Overwhelmed? Let's connect: 📧lana@lanaannemd.com
For more insights and connect for a FREE face-to-Face 15 minute Zoom call, and a place where we can connect as physicians on my website:
lanaslittlethings.com
If you're a Family Caregiver at your wit's end, needing a different perspective, set up your free 15-minute coaching call-also by email -lana@lanaannemd.com - or on www.lanaslittlethings.com
I always look forward to meeting Fellow Family Caregivers- we gotta stick together!💯
LLT #203 - What Is DELIRIUM? How Is is Different from Dementia ? 👴🏽👵🏽😕😕
#delirium #moodchange r #alzheimerawareness #elderlycare #healthyaging #brainhealth #seniorcare #familycaregivers #mindfulness
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👴🏽👵🏽😕😕What is DELIRIUM?
👴🏽👵🏽😕😕How is it different from DEMENTIA?
👴🏽👵🏽😕😕How can you tell?
👴🏽👵🏽😕😕What can be done?
While the journey through caring for loved ones with Dementia, it can be absolutely distressing to see a person previously 'OK", behaving in a bizarre way.
Take courage! It may "just be DELIRIUM" .
According to many medical sources, Delirium is a fast-developing type of confusion that affects your ability to focus the person's attention (notably) and awareness
Why?- When there is a disruption in brain activity, for any reason, there is a definite change.
Delirium is more common during long (or short) hospital stays or persons transitioned to long-term care facilities., but even at home or in daily living, a "simple fall", may cause damage to brain cells and even bleeding on the brain (from a smaller brain size and more tendency to injury.)
The most common concern relatives /carers say is:
“That’s NOT the person I know.”
While it is good to know that most causes of Delirium are transient and reversible, the reality is some may be a precursor to (especially , underlying Dementia).
Jojn me in a discussion on 5 main changes that can help you to identify/distinguish between these 2 "cousins".
Observe, Seek help, Ask questions!
One day/hour at a time
From my heart to yours💗
Dr. Lana
Main research:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15252-delirium
.........................................................
Overwhelmed? Let's connect: 📧lana@lanaannemd.com
For more insights and connect for a FREE face-to-Face 15 minute Zoom call, and a place where we can connect as physicians on my website:
lanaslittlethings.com
If you're a Family Caregiver at your wit's end, needing a different perspective, set up your free 15-minute coaching call-also by email -lana@lanaannemd.com - or on www.lanaslittlethings.com
I always look forward to meeting Fellow Family Caregivers- we gotta stick together!💯
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