Topic: memory changes
Some physical, emotional, and cognitive changes are likely as we grow older. When these changes interfere with safety, self-care, and personal well-being, it may indicate a need for assistance.
Here are six common signs that reveal an older adult may need help: …
Signs an Older Person You Care About May Need HelpRead More »
If your parent is experiencing memory loss, it’s unlikely they have insight that they need help. It’s probable they won’t accept support and are unwilling to make changes as a result. Lack of insight or awareness is common with cognitive change.
This is where you need to shift your perspective and determine if your parent can make that decision anymore, or if this is a decision you’re going to have to make on their behalf. …
This is an evergreen topic. It’s not unusual for adult children to engage us for a consultation when they become aware of uncharacteristic changes in an older person they care about and/or are concerned about their safety. …
“Transformation happens when someone feels safe and seen and heard. And when people are recognized as who they are rather than what they’re living with or a diagnosis they’ve been given,” reflects Tami Sandygren, Care Manager.
Tami’s insights in this week’s Wisdom Wednesday podcast provide a thoughtful exploration of personhood, purpose, and ways to honor choice.
In his book Dementia Reconsidered: The Person Comes First (1997), Tom Kitwood first defined personhood in dementia as “a standing or status that is bestowed upon one human being by others in the context of particular social relationships and institutional arrangements. It implies recognition, respect, and trust.”
Personhood in dementia is concerned with treating people living with dementia with dignity and respect, in a manner that supports their sense of self. It focuses on treating the person living with dementia as a person first and foremost. Supporting personhood in dementia is the key goal of person-centered care.
Adapting to a family member’s memory changes gives you and your family a lot to think about. Our Certified Care Managers are experts at helping families make sense of and navigate the changes that come with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. CLICK HERE to schedule a call today to plan your best path forward.
Additional Resources
The Dance. That’s how a colleague once described the way families approach an older loved one’s journey with aging. This is especially true in their final years of life, in what our professional association colleague Amy Cameron O’Rourke calls The Fragile Years.1
It makes sense. Some days it’s a slow, beautiful waltz. Others can be a fast-paced polka. And then there’s the occasional freeform dance that is unchoreographed, a bit chaotic, later stumbling into a seemingly smooth twirl. Occasionally you’ll find yourself in an energetic Go-go. …
The Dance: Finding Balance with Helping an Aging ParentRead More »
Rob came to Aging Wisdom in a panic. For months he and his sister had done everything they could think of to convince their mother — 82 years old, recently widowed, and showing signs of memory loss — to move to an assisted living community.
Rob’s Aunt Mary, his mother’s sister, had moved to a community nearby and was thrilled with her decision. This was what Rob and his sister Linda saw as the answer for their mother as well. …
Resistance to Care is a Common Challenge: What’s the Best Path Forward?Read More »
The holidays are busy, filled with activity, traditions, and visits with family and friends. It’s often the time when those who live apart geographically can spend extended, precious time together.
If you haven’t seen the older adults in your life over several months or years, it’s not unusual to notice changes until you are together for a few hours or days. You may observe uncharacteristic behavior, lifestyle changes, and routines. …
Home for the Holidays? Signs Your Parents May Need HelpRead More »
Sarah was always an independent, brilliant, engaged woman. Her sons joyfully share stories of how growing up their home was welcoming and where everyone hung out.
She was a whiz in the kitchen, the best homework helper, perpetually punctual, and appeared to be in more than one place at once when her active children had conflicting activity schedules. These attributes continued well into her 80s with family gatherings, church activities, community engagement, and volunteer work.
Changes That are Out of Character. But something appeared to have changed not long after Sarah’s husband, Richard, passed away. While she was noticeably shaken and grieving the loss, she was frequently repeating herself, disengaged from her usual activities, and barely eating. She was unaware of the changes. This was out of character for her. …
My Mom Refuses to Accept Help! Lack of Insight May Be the ReasonRead More »
Uncertainty is scary. When we encounter uncertainty and change, the sympathetic nervous system is often engaged. This is what triggers “flight or fight.”
When a threat is perceived, we have a stress response. Conversations about change, like a move to a retirement community, can be that stressor, that trigger. …
Uncertainty is Scary. Uncertainty Might Be Why Your Parent is Resisting A Move.Read More »
“A team is not a group of people that work together. A team is a group of people that trust each other.” ~ Simon Sinek
Happy Birthday to us! Eighteen years ago today, Lisa Mayfield launched Aging Wisdom as a solo practitioner in care management.
Aging Wisdom started with the vision of helping individuals and families navigate unexpected health changes and crises, as well as to help guide families to common ground when they might not agree on the best approach to supporting an older loved one. …