Pure Home Care Services

The National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) believes that ensuring the right to be cared for in our homes is America’s last great civil rights battle. Home care and hospice professionals connect with patients in a more personal, more humane way. Beyond simply tending to healthcare needs, they provide social interaction, meeting with individuals who in many cases would otherwise be alone and left in the shadows.

“The care that is given through home health and hospice is second to none, especially with the advances in tele-health technology,” said Val J. Halamandaris, president of NAHC. “Plus, all of this occurs in the comfort of the patient’s own home, at a much reduced cost to Medicare and insurance companies. I know Congresswoman Giffords is in good hands.”

As more Americans take advantage of new policies in the recent healthcare legislation that allow them more access to home care and hospice, the demand for qualified home health aides, registered nurses and other care providers will grow. Job growth in the industry is expected to increase an astounding 48 percent by 2018. In 2009, the average home care visit cost $135 per day, versus the average hospital visit, which cost $1500 a day. Preventive home healthcare saves Medicare and Medicaid billions of dollars per year.

Today, millions of America’s seniors and disabled citizens depend on home care services to remain healthy, stable and out of costly traditional settings. For decades, caring for the elderly, disabled and chronically ill at home has provided a dignified and high-efficient method of treatment. Home-based care is also clinically effective, utilizing advanced technologies and helping to cost-effectively manage chronic diseases that account for 75 percent of our nation’s healthcare spending.

Source: Caringnews.com

Contact Pure Home Care Services at (586) 293-2457 today!  If you live in Macomb or the surrounding area, we can help you care for your loved ones.

What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive technology is any service or tool that helps the elderly or disabled do the activities they have always done but must now do differently. These tools are also sometimes called “adaptive devices.”

Such technology may be something as simple as a walker to make moving around easier or an amplification device to make sounds easier to hear (for talking on the telephone or watching television, for instance). It could also include a magnifying glass that helps someone who has poor vision read the newspaper or a small motor scooter that makes it possible to travel over distances that are too far to walk. In short, anything that helps the elderly continue to participate in daily activities is considered assistive technology.

Just as older people may have many different types of disabilities, many different categories of assistive devices and services are available to help overcome those disabilities. These include the following:

• Adaptive switches. Modified switches that seniors can use to adjust air conditioners, computers, telephone answering machines, power wheelchairs, and other types of equipment. These switches might be activated by the tongue or the voice.
• Communication equipment. Anything that enables a person to send and receive messages, such as a telephone amplifier.
• Computer access. Special software that helps a senior access the Internet, for example, or basic hardware, such as a modified keyboard or mouse, that makes the computer more user friendly.
• Education. Audio books or Braille writing tools for the blind come under this category, along with resources that allow people to get additional vocational training.
• Home modifications. Construction or remodeling work, such as building a ramp for wheelchair access, that allows a senior to overcome physical barriers and live more comfortably with a disability or recover from an accident or injury.
• Tools for independent living. Anything that empowers the elderly to enjoy the normal activities of daily living without assistance from others, such as a handicapped-accessible bathroom with grab bars in the bathtub.
• Job-related items. Any device or process that a person needs to do his or her job better or easier. Examples might include a special type of chair or pillow for someone who works at a desk or a back brace for someone who does physical labor.
• Mobility aids. Any piece of equipment that helps a senior get around more easily, such as a power wheelchair, wheelchair lift, or stair elevator.
• Orthotic or prosthetic equipment. A device that compensates for a missing or disabled body part. This could range from orthopedic shoe inserts for someone who has fallen arches to an artificial arm for someone whose limb has been amputated.
• Recreational assistance. New methods and tools to enable people who have disabilities to enjoy a wide range of fun activities. Examples include swimming lessons provided by recreational therapists or specially equipped skis for seniors who have lost a limb as a result of accident or illness.
• Seating aids. Any modifications to regular chairs, wheelchairs, or motor scooters that help a person stay upright or get up and down unaided or that help to reduce pressure on the skin. This could be something as simple as an extra pillow or as complex as a motorized seat.
• Sensory enhancements. Anything that makes it easier for those who are partially or fully blind or deaf to better appreciate the world around them. For instance, a telecaption decoder for a TV set would be an assistive device for a senior who is hard of hearing.
• Therapy. Equipment or processes that help someone recover as much as possible from an illness or injury. Therapy might involve a combination of services and technology, such as having a physical therapist use a special massage unit to restore a wider range of motion to stiff muscles.
• Transportation assistance. Devices for elderly individuals that make it easier for them to get into and out of their cars or trucks and drive more safely, such as adjustable mirrors, seats, and steering wheels. Services that help the elderly maintain and register their vehicles, such as a drive-up window at the department of motor vehicles, would also fall into this category.

What are the Benefits of Assistive Technology?

For many seniors, assistive technology makes the difference between being able to live independently and having to get long-term nursing or home-health care. For others, assistive technology is critical to the ability to perform simple activities of daily living, such as bathing and going to the bathroom.

According to a 1993 study conducted by the National Council on Disability, 80 percent of the elderly persons who used assistive technology were able to reduce their dependence on others. In addition, half of those surveyed reduced their dependence on paid helpers, and half were able to avoid entering nursing homes. Assistive technology can also reduce the costs of care for the elderly and their families. Although families may need to make monthly payments for some pieces of equipment, for many, this cost is much less than the cost of home-health or nursing-home care.

Source: Eldercare.gov

Contact Pure Home Care Services at (586) 293-2457 today!  If you live in Macomb County or the surrounding area, we can help you care for your loved ones.

10 Warning Signs

Your Older Family Member May Need Help

For many Americans, the Holiday season is one of the few times during the year that adults and their older loved ones spend quality time together. The Holidays may be a time when families face and discuss the difficult decisions about finding care for their older relative. The Eldercare Locator has produced a guide of “10 warning signs” to help families and older Americans determine if help is needed. Any one of the behaviors listed may or may not indicate that an action should be taken and your family member’s physician should be kept informed of physical or psychological behavior changes.

Has your family member:

1. Changed eating habits within the last year resulting in weight loss, having no appetite, or missed meals?
2. Neglected personal hygiene resulting in wearing dirty clothes, body odor, bad breath, neglected nails and teeth, sores on the skin?
3. Neglected their home so it is not as clean or sanitary as you remember growing up?
4. Exhibited inappropriate behavior by being unusually loud or quiet, paranoid, agitated, making phone calls at all hours?
5. Changed relationship patterns such that friends and neighbors have expressed concerns?
6. Had physical problems such as burns or injury marks resulting from general weakness, forgetfulness, or possible misuse of alcohol or prescribed medications?
7. Decreased or stopped participating in activities that were previously important to them such as bridge or a book club, dining with friends, or attending religious services?
8. Exhibited forgetfulness resulting in unopened mail, piling newspapers, not filling their prescriptions, or missed appointments?
9. Mishandled finances such as not paying bills, losing money, paying bills twice or more, or hiding money?
10. Made unusual purchases such as buying more than one magazine subscription of the same magazine, entered an unusual amount of contests, increased usage of purchasing from television advertisements?

Source: Eldercare.gov

Contact Pure Home Care Services at (586) 293-2457 today!  If you live in Macomb County or the surrounding area, we can help you care for your loved ones.

Many people worry about becoming forgetful. They think forgetfulness is the first sign of Alzheimer’s disease. Over the past few years, scientists have learned a lot about memory and why some kinds of memory problems are serious but others are not.

Age-Related Changes in Memory

Forgetfulness can be a normal part of aging. As people get older, changes occur in all parts of the body, including the brain. As a result, some people may notice that it takes longer to learn new things, they don’t remember information as well as they did, or they lose things like their glasses. These usually are signs of mild forgetfulness, not serious memory problems.

Some older adults also find that they don’t do as well as younger people on complex memory or learning tests. Scientists have found, though, that given enough time, healthy older people can do as well as younger people do on these tests. In fact, as they age, healthy adults usually improve in areas of mental ability such as vocabulary.

Other Causes of Memory Loss

Some memory problems are related to health issues that may be treatable. For example, medication side effects, vitamin B12 deficiency, chronic alcoholism, tumors or infections in the brain, or blood clots in the brain can cause memory loss or possibly dementia (see more on dementia, below). Some thyroid, kidney, or liver disorders also can lead to memory loss. A doctor should treat serious medical conditions like these as soon as possible.

Emotional problems, such as stress, anxiety, or depression, can make a person more forgetful and can be mistaken for dementia. For instance, someone who has recently retired or who is coping with the death of a spouse, relative, or friend may feel sad, lonely, worried, or bored. Trying to deal with these life changes leaves some people confused or forgetful.

The confusion and forgetfulness caused by emotions usually are temporary and go away when the feelings fade. The emotional problems can be eased by supportive friends and family, but if these feelings last for a long time, it is important to get help from a doctor or counselor. Treatment may include counseling, medication, or both.

More Serious Memory Problems

For some older people, memory problems are a sign of a serious problem, such as mild cognitive impairment or dementia. People who are worried about memory problems should see a doctor. The doctor might conduct or order a thorough physical and mental health evaluation to reach a diagnosis. Often, these evaluations are conducted by a neurologist, a physician who specializes in problems related to the brain and central nervous system.

Dementia. Dementia is the loss of thinking, memory, and reasoning skills to such an extent that it seriously affects a person’s ability to carry out daily activities. Dementia is not a disease itself but a group of symptoms caused by certain diseases or conditions such as Alzheimer’s. People with dementia lose their mental abilities at different rates.

Symptoms may include:

• Being unable to remember things
• Asking the same question or repeating the same story over and over
• Becoming lost in familiar places
• Being unable to follow directions
• Getting disoriented about time, people, and places
• Neglecting personal safety, hygiene, and nutrition

Two of the most common forms of dementia in older people are Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. These types of dementia cannot be cured at present.

In Alzheimer’s disease, changes to nerve cells in certain parts of the brain result in the death of a large number of cells. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s begin slowly and worsen steadily as damage to nerve cells spreads throughout the brain. As time goes by, forgetfulness gives way to serious problems with thinking, judgment, recognizing family and friends, and the ability to perform daily activities like driving a car or handling money. Eventually, the person needs total care.

In vascular dementia, a series of strokes or changes in the brain’s blood supply leads to the death of brain tissue. Symptoms of vascular dementia can vary but usually begin suddenly, depending on where in the brain the strokes occurred and how severe they were. The person’s memory, language, reasoning, and coordination may be affected. Mood and personality changes are common as well.

What You Can Do

If you’re concerned that you or someone you know has a serious memory problem, talk with your doctor. He or she may be able to diagnose the problem or refer you to a specialist in neurology or geriatric psychiatry. Healthcare professionals who specialize in Alzheimer’s can recommend ways to manage the problem or suggest treatment or services that might help.

Contact Pure Home Care Services at (586) 293-2457 today!  If you live in Warren or the surrounding area, we can help you care for your loved ones.

Source:  nia.nih.gov

Yoga has been practiced for more than 5,000 years, and currently, close to 11 million Americans are enjoying its health benefits.

According to Yoga Journal, 2.9 million Americans age 55 years or older regularly practice yoga for its health benefits, such as increased flexibility, lower blood pressure, easing of aches and pains, and improved balance. “In a culture that worships youth, yoga honors the aging process: Poses can be modified to every body type and level of ability, making classes accessible to anyone willing to step onto the mat,” the magazine reported.

An increasing body of research is showing how yoga can benefit aging adults. In a recent study at Indiana University, for example, older Veterans who had suffered strokes improved their balance and endurance after participating in twice-weekly yoga classes taught by a yoga therapist. An earlier study at the same university reported that older adults averaging 78 years of age improved muscle strength in the lower extremities and reduced their fear of falling after participating in twice-weekly hatha yoga classes during a 12-week period.

If you or your loved one want to find out more about yoga, the Yoga Journal website offers examples of therapeutic poses for elderly adults with conditions ranging from anxiety and back pain to fatigue, high blood pressure, mild depression and stress. An extensive list of free videos that demonstrate yoga exercises for seniors is also available in the Health section of eHow.com.

Source: Rightathome.net

If you would like more information about home care services in Sterling Heights, MI and surrounding areas, contact Pure Home Care Services at (568) 293-2457

University of Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt and recording artist Glen Campbell are the latest in a long list of celebrities diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, an incurable disease that gradually causes a decline in a person’s cognitive abilities. The 59-year-old Summitt informed her fans and followers in a video of her decision to continue coaching. Campbell, who is 75, made his disclosure while announcing his worldwide “Goodbye Tour” planned for 2012.

By discussing their conditions, these public figures helped to enlighten the public about Alzheimer’s, just as past generations have gained greater insights into the disease from celebrities such as Norman Rockwell, Charlton Heston, Barry Goldwater and Rita Hayworth. In announcing his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s in a letter to the American people, former President Ronald Reagan wrote, “In opening our hearts, we hope this might promote greater awareness of this condition.”

Persons who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s are encouraged to open their hearts to friends and family when discussing this disease. A few helpful suggestions from the Alzheimer’s Association include:

• Explain that Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging but a disease of the brain that results in impaired memory, thinking and behavior.
• Share educational information on Alzheimer’s or invite your family and friends to attend Alzheimer’s education programs.
• Be honest about how you feel regarding your diagnosis and allow other family members to do the same.
• Assure friends that although the disease will change your life, you want to continue enjoying their company.
• Let your family and friends know when and how you may need their help and support.

Source: Rightathome.net

If you or a loved one would like more information about home care services in Farmington Hills, MI, and surrounding areas, please contact Pure Home Care Services at (586) 293-2457 today!

What are Home Modifications?

Home modifications are changes made to adapt living spaces to meet the needs of people with physical limitations so that they can continue to live independently and safely. These modifications may include adding assistive technology or making structural changes to a home. Modifications can range from something as simple as replacing cabinet doorknobs with pull handles to full-scale construction projects that require installing wheelchair ramps and widening doorways.

Why Do Seniors Need Home Modifications?

The main benefit of making home modifications is that they promote independence and prevent accidents. According to a recent AARP housing survey, “83% of older Americans want to stay in their current homes for the rest of their lives,” but other studies show that most homes are not designed to accommodate the needs of people over age 65. Most older people live in homes that are more than 20 years old. As these buildings get older along with their residents, they may become harder to live in or maintain. A house that was perfectly suitable for a senior at age 55, for example, may have too many stairs or slippery surfaces for a person who is 70 or 80. According to the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year thousands of older Americans fall at home.

Where Do You Begin?

Before you make home modifications, you should evaluate your current and future needs by going through your home room by room and answering a series of questions to highlight where changes might be made.

You can begin your survey by examining each area of your home and asking the following questions:

Appliances, Kitchen, Bathroom

• Are cabinet doorknobs easy to use?
• Are stove controls easy to use and clearly marked?
• Are faucets easy to use?
• Are there grab bars where needed?
• Are all appliances and utensils conveniently and safely located?
• Can the oven and refrigerator be opened easily?
• Can you sit down while working?
• Can you get into and out of the bathtub or shower easily?
• Is the kitchen counter height and depth comfortable for you?
• Is the water temperature regulated to prevent scalding or burning?

Closets, Storage Spaces

• Are your closets and storage areas conveniently located?
• Can you reach items in the closet easily?
• Do you have enough storage space?

Doors, Windows

• Are your doors and windows easy to open and close?
• Are your door locks sturdy and easy to operate?
• Are your doors wide enough to accommodate a walker or wheelchair?
• Do your doors have peepholes or viewing?

Driveway, Garage

• Does your garage door have an automatic opener?
• Is your parking space always available?
• Is your parking space close to the entrance of your home?

Electrical Outlets, Switches, Safety Devices

• Are light or power switches easy to turn on and off?
• Are electrical outlets easy to reach?
• Are the electrical outlets properly grounded to prevent shocks?
• Are your extension cords in good condition?
• Can you hear the doorbell in every part of the house?
• Do you have smoke detectors throughout your home?
• Is the telephone readily available for emergencies?
• Would you benefit from having an assistive device to make it easier to hear and talk on the telephone?

Floors

• Are all of the floors in your home on the same level?
• Are steps up and down marked in some way?
• Are all floor surfaces safe and covered with non-slip or non-skid materials?
• Do you have scatter rugs or doormats that could be hazardous?

Hallways, Steps, Stairways

• Are hallways and stairs in good condition?
• Do all of your hallways and stairs have smooth, safe surfaces?
• Do your stairs have steps that are big enough for your whole foot?
• Do you have handrails on both sides of the stairway?
• Are your stair rails wide enough for you to grasp them securely?
• Would you benefit from building a ramp to replace the stairs or steps inside or outside of your home?

Lighting, Ventilation

• Do you have night lights where they are needed?
• Is the lighting in each room sufficient for the use of the room?
• Is the lighting bright enough to ensure safety?
• Is each room well-ventilated with good air circulation?

Once you have explored all the areas of your home that could benefit from remodeling, you might make a list of potential problems and possible solutions.

If you live in Macomb or the surrounding area, contact Pure Home Care Services at (586) 293-2457 today to see what we can do for you!

Source:  Eldercare.gov

As we age and live longer, financial, legal, health care and long term care issues affect families, not just individuals.

The overview below addresses some key areas of concern, suggested questions to ask, and ways in which families might initiate conversations about these often difficult to discuss topics with their aging parents.

Key Considerations…

1. Find out what financial benefits are provided by your parents’ Social Security and pension. Determine if they are eligible for other financial programs.
2. Be certain each family member has a living will. Know where all your parents’ insurance policies, wills, trust documents, tax returns, investment and banking records are located.
3. Understand that Medicare generally does not cover long term care (e.g. nursing home or extended home care), and Medicaid pays only for low-income individuals.
4. Investigate what type of long term care insurance coverage may be best for your parents or for yourself! Generally, premiums are lower when policies are purchased at younger ages.
5. Identify what community services are available that can help your parents maintain independence in the home for as long as possible — such as home modification programs that can install assistive devices (i.e., bathroom rails and entry ramps), and home health and chore assistance. Learn whether housing options are available to meet their changing needs.

Family members may not understand how their parents’ estate planning could impact their own financial status as well as that of their children.

Conversation Checklist

Financial Organization

There are many financial resources that your loved one might already be receiving or be eligible for. Social Security is the federal program that provides retirees a regular income based on work history, and benefits to disabled workers. Long-time workers usually have pensions that are retirement compensation plans either fully managed by the employer, or involve employee contributions, such as Tax-Deferred Annuities (TDAs) or Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). Ask…

• What type of retirement income do you receive?
• Are pension savings from all jobs over the years being collected?
• Is there a need to apply for Supplemental Security Income benefits?
• Who can access your important financial information in case of emergency?
• Where do you keep these important documents?

Legal Preparation

Wills and power of attorney may not be topics your relatives want to discuss. However, these issues need to be addressed before it’s too late to make sure that their assets are properly taken care of and that their medical treatment preferences are known. Ask…

• Do you have a will?
• Have you executed a durable power of attorney or considered who you might want to handle your finances or health care decisions in the event that you are unable to so?
• Are important legal documents up to date?
• Where are these important documents kept?
• What other legal matters are you concerned about?

Health Insurance

Health care is a high-cost necessity, so it is crucial to know what is available to meet your family member’s needs, and what they are eligible to receive. Most adults over age 65 are covered by Medicare, the federal health insurance program that helps pay medical expenses for older Americans and younger people with disabilities. But Medicare does not cover all needs, and Supplemental Insurance (also called Medigap insurance) might be necessary to cover additional health costs. Ask…

• As your health status changes, are you prepared to meet your long term health care needs?
• Do you have proper health insurance coverage (not too much or too little)?
• Are you comfortably able to pay for prescription drugs and other out-of pocket health care costs?
• Who are your doctors and how can they be contacted?
• Where do you keep your insurance card, Medicare information, and other important health care documents?

Community Services

One of the most useful forms of help that adult children can provide for their parents is information about community resources that are available to enhance their independence. Services like home modification are available to help reduce the risk of accidents and make daily household activities more comfortable to perform. Emergency Response Systems not only summon emergency help quickly, but can also increase the feeling of security within the home. Transportation services may be available to assist older adults who need help getting to appointments with their doctor. Ask…

• Are there house repairs or modifications needed that will help you, such as installing bathtub railings, an emergency response system, or other assistive devices?
• Do you need assistance with housekeeping, shopping or personal care activities?
• If you become homebound, would you need home-delivered meals?
• Do you need transportation? What services are available in your community?
• Do you anticipate needing other living arrangements in the future?

If you live in the Warren area, contact Pure Home Care to discuss what we can do for you.  Our knowledgeable, caring staff is waiting for your call! Our number is (586) 293-2457.

Source:  Eldercare.gov

Aging sometimes means reduced balance, coordination, vision, strength and agility. These factors, along with certain medications and even our home environment, can increase our risk of falling.

Ground-level falls are a major health problem for people 65 and older. An estimated 30% of people in this age group fall each year, resulting in hospitalization, permanent disability, and sometimes death. In fact, injuries related to falls are the sixth leading cause of death for seniors, and annual health care costs associated with falls are approximately $10 billion dollars. Once a person has experienced a fall, a “falls cycle” can begin in which the individual experiences an ongoing fear of falling, which can result in decreased activity, loss of strength and mobility, and an increased risk of falling.

Fall Predictors
Being aware of the common risk factors and taking precautions helps lower the overall risk. One or more of the following factors can place a person at a moderate to high risk for a fall:

• Prior fall history
• Poor, uncorrected vision
• Parkinson’s disease, untreated diabetes, and obesity
• Use of medications that can cause drowsiness, dizziness, low blood pressure and weakness
• Use of multiple medications
• Poorly fitting shoes and slippers
• A cluttered, poorly lit home with multiple levels
• Slick or wet floors, throw rugs, electrical or other cords in walk ways

What You Can Do to Reduce Your Risk of Falling
A simple test called “Get-up and Go” can additionally help predict the risk of a fall by determining one’s mobility. ² It’s easy to perform. All you need is a straight-backed chair with armrests. Make sure the chair has a high seat. Then have the individual complete the following steps:

• Rise to a standing position from the chair, using the armrests
• Stand still momentarily
• Walk 10 feet
• Turn slowly
• Walk back to the chair
• Turn around
• Sit down

A successful test occurs if the person completes this in 20 seconds or less. Those passing this test may be considered at low risk when other risk factors are absent.

Some medications can place a person at risk for having a fall. The following are some of the most common fall-associated medications:     Sleep medications, pain medications, anti-anxiety medications, anti-allergy medications, high blood pressure medications, water retention medications, anti-depressants, overactive bladder medications, and tranquilizer medications.

How can you reduce your risk of having a fall that might be caused by medication?

• Take your time. Stop for a moment before getting up. Stand slowly to be sure that you have your balance and aren’t light-headed — then walk. This allows your blood pressure to normalize and helps prevent orthostatic hypotension (also known as a head rush or a dizzy spell).
• Use the bathroom before bed. If you are taking a diuretic, schedule your last dose a few hours before going to bed. Also, leave a soft light on that illuminates your pathway to bathroom in case you need to get up during the night.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages in excess.
• Exercise regularly. Exercise strengthens important muscle groups and improves your balance and coordination. Ask your health care provider about the best type of exercise for you.
• Make your home safer. Inspect each room of your home for safety hazards such as poor lighting, obstructed walkways, throw rugs, cords and other obstacles that could cause you to trip. Place regularly used items within reach so you don’t require a ladder or stool. Install anti-slip mats and grab bars in showers and bathtubs.
• Have your vision checked regularly. Get an up-to-date prescription and treat physical conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts that can weaken your vision.
• Get checked for osteoporosis. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the need for calcium and vitamin D.

Pure Home Care Services serves Macomb and the surrounding area.  Our helpful, caring staff is ready to help you and your family.  Give us a call! Our number is (586) 293-2457.

Source:  AARP.org

All people reminisce. Remembering times past is a pleasant diversion, stimulates the mind, and helps give us perspective and a sense of who we are. As a recent study from the Association for Psychological Science states, “Nostalgia is now emerging as a fundamental human strength.”

Reminiscing, the process of “life review,” is an important part of old age. As seniors recall their accomplishments and come to terms with past conflicts and disappointments, they achieve a heightened sense of personal identity and meaning in life.

Reminiscing also enhances self-esteem. Studies suggest that seniors who are encouraged to share events from their lives with others experience an increased sense of peace and self-worth. We all have a lifelong need to see ourselves as unique individuals, and the recollection of pleasant experiences, past accomplishments, and triumphs over adversity is part of this.

Reminiscing can be an important tool for socialization. Think about what happens when you first make a friend: you spend much time “filling each other in” on your life history—who you are and have been, where you have lived, who is important in your life. For seniors who receive home care, sharing memories is a great way for staff to get to know the person better by learning about their life stories and accomplishments.

Reminiscing can be especially important for cognitively impaired persons. Those with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia can often recall long-past occasions better than the events of the current day, since the disease affects long-term less than short-term memory. Interactions that include the recollection of events past can have a positive effect on the dementia patient’s emotional well-being.

Why Does My Loved One Repeat the Same Stories?

Sometimes family members and friends are concerned if the older adult repeats stories, returning to the same ones again and again. But recognize that this, too, is part of the life review process: the repeated stories are probably those that the person finds the most pleasant to recall, or may concern events that he or she is “working through.” Remember that a response from you is not necessarily required; he or she may just need you to listen in a non-judgmental manner.

Sometimes an older adult may seem to dwell upon life experiences that cause sadness, anger or frustration. Understand that this, too, is a way of dealing with the past and can be a sign of emotional health.  Allow these feelings to come out, and don’t try to suppress such expressions by immediately attempting to cheer up or distract your loved one. But if he or she seems “stuck” in a particular disturbing experience or time, encourage your loved one to speak to the healthcare provider.

Older adults are a treasury of stored experience. Life review and discussing “the good old days” is a beneficial, purposeful activity that helps older adults maintain a positive outlook.

Pure Home Care Services serves  Grosse Pointe and the surrounding area.  Our caregivers would love to reminisce with your loved ones.  Call us today! Our number is (586) 293-2457.

Source:  Caringnews.com