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Category: Caregiving

How much more evidence do we need? Time to change dementia care.

How much more evidence do we need? Time to change dementia care.

The Canadian Armed Forces report on long-term care homes struck with COVID-19 came as a shock to many Canadians. The conditions found by soldiers who volunteered to help care for residents are beyond disturbing. We are indebted to the soldiers who put their own lives at risk to care for our seniors, and to the military officials who made their frank and unvarnished report public. We also owe a debt to the staff who have been showing up for work,…

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*UPDATED* Coronavirus (COVID-19): Tips for people with dementia, caregivers and families

*UPDATED* Coronavirus (COVID-19): Tips for people with dementia, caregivers and families

***** Read our COVID-19 statement. ***** Right now, COVID-19 is proving to be particularly challenging for people living with dementia, caregivers and families: For people with dementia who live alone, you are likely finding that social distancing, self-isolation and other changes are upending your daily routine which is important for living well with dementia and maintaining your independence. For caregivers, these changes can lead to increased feelings of stress, anxiety and confusion for both you and the person you care…

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My dementia caregiver journey: An unexpected path to enlightenment

My dementia caregiver journey: An unexpected path to enlightenment

I’ve read plenty of articles about how dementia changes the person diagnosed with it; but a commentary on how the dementia journey changes you, a loving family member, friend or caretaker, is much harder to come by. That being said, I’ve come across valuable guidance on how to interact with a person with dementia (Teepa Snow), the benefits of caretaker “self-care” (it is a marathon, not a race), the raw emotional impact (Jann Arden), and insights regarding all stages of…

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Visiting someone with dementia over the holidays? Here are 10 tips

Visiting someone with dementia over the holidays? Here are 10 tips

Now that the holidays are here, you may be circling some dates in your calendar for visits with friends and family. As the song goes, it’s the most wonderful time of year. Although, after gift buying, party planning and more, it can certainly feel like it’s the most stressful! It can feel even more trying for a person living with dementia. Common features of a holiday gathering—large groups of people, a quick pace and loud, frequent noises—can leave someone with…

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Gift ideas for people with dementia

Gift ideas for people with dementia

The holiday season is upon us, and many of us are on the hunt for the perfect gifts for the special people in our lives. If someone on your list has dementia, it can be challenging to think of gifts that are appropriate given the person’s changing abilities. But no matter the stage of the disease, the right gift exists that can bring them joy and support their quality of life. While you’re making your list and checking it twice,…

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Let’s talk about help for today

Let’s talk about help for today

When I last spoke with you, I asked what you thought about dementia research in Canada and the challenges we face together. Supporters like you, speaking from your own personal experience, agreed that this isn’t a tomorrow problem for Canada—it’s our problem today! Today, I’m reaching out again to give you an update and ask for more of your insights. An update on the national dementia strategy As CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Canada, I am pleased to have…

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Dementia-friendly lifestyle habits at home

Dementia-friendly lifestyle habits at home

Offering a safe, secure, and nurturing environment for a loved one who is living with dementia is the goal of many caregivers. In addition to some of the physical modifications you can make to your space, here are 5 lifestyle changes that may be help to promote well-being and independence at home: Get support in your community You may have family, friends, or neighbours who can help. Regular visits can both help to reduce social isolation for your loved one,…

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Your dementia-friendly home safety checklist

Your dementia-friendly home safety checklist

What if a simple change to your home could make a huge impact for a loved one who is living with dementia? Caregivers need to look no further than some simple modifications to make their homes more dementia-friendly. Home safety modifications for dementia Here are 5 easy modifications to make your home more dementia-friendly: Lighting matters Adequate lighting is very important for someone who is living with dementia. Here are some quick tips to maximize lighting: Increase wattage, and place…

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Gardening therapy for dementia

Gardening therapy for dementia

For someone who loves gardening, there is nothing like the meticulous, careful work of planning, planting and caring for a garden. The creative and tactile experience of being near to nature is not only good for our well-being, but it may in fact help to relieve the symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Living well includes many lifestyle factors, including diet, exercise, social contact and more. All of these can improve our cognitive health, no matter our age….

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How MedicAlert® Safely Home® boosts independence for those with dementia

How MedicAlert® Safely Home® boosts independence for those with dementia

Betty and her daughter Eileen have worked side by side at their rural Ontario bakery for 30 years, singing and dancing as they knead dough and glaze cinnamon rolls. When Betty, 81, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease seven years ago, her daughter knew the best treatment for her mom was to keep working. “Like everyone, people with Alzheimer’s want to be productive, and boy do we have that covered,” says Eileen. Her mom cuts granola bars by the hundreds –…

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