People can get confused with all the terms used for illnesses these days. For example, in eldercare I often here people say “I don’t have Dementia, I have Alzheimer’s Disease,” or “I would rather have Dementia than Alzheimer’s Disease.” Therefore, I thought it would be helpful to explain the terms, along with some other ideas […]
People can get confused with all the terms used for illnesses these days. For example, in eldercare I often here people say “I don’t have Dementia, I have Alzheimer’s Disease,” or “I would rather have Dementia than Alzheimer’s Disease.” Therefore, I thought it would be helpful to explain the terms, along with some other ideas to think about. Dementia is the general term used for many types of irreversible cognitive impairment . Alzheimer’s Disease, Lewy Body Dementia, and Parkinson’s Disease, to name a few, are subtypes of Dementia. Even if someone has Dementia, they are still the person they were years ago, but at times it is hard to see them in this way. This is when people may tend to care for the individual rather then support and empower them to modify the ways they do things. For example, if someone who is experiencing short-term memory loss is having a difficult time remembering a word, we are quick to tell them the word so they don’t feel embarrassed, frustrated, or uncomfortable. I am not saying that is the wrong thing to do, but try to give them some time and then read their cues. They may try to figure out the word, they may move on and brush over it, or they may look in your direction or even ask for the word. If the latter happens, by all means, tell them the word. Just try to always remember the old age, “If you don’t use it, you lose it.”
Filed Under: Aging, Elder care, Northern Virginia
We often hear people comment about how fraility, pain, memory problems, sleep problems, loneliness, lack of appetite, etc. are a normal part of aging. These ideas and comments are common in our society, but they must be changed! Ideas and comments such as these have the potential to create a mindset that an elder should […]
We often hear people comment about how fraility, pain, memory problems, sleep problems, loneliness, lack of appetite, etc. are a normal part of aging. These ideas and comments are common in our society, but they must be changed! Ideas and comments such as these have the potential to create a mindset that an elder should tolerate these difficulties and learn to live with them. I am here to tell you that nothing about those difficulties are normal and there are many things that can be done to alleviate some of the effects. In our era, there are many resources in eldercare, but it can be difficult to know what resources are best for each individual, when to implement the resources, and how to support the elder in accepting the resource. Let us help you with these obstacle!
Filed Under: Aging, Elder care, Northern Virginia
Why did our Owner, Amanda, start a business in eldercare? Amanda is fortunate to have relationships with her grandparents that last into adulthood. Because of this, she has learned how to engage with elders, how much one can learn from them, how difficult life can be but how people find a way to overcome those […]
Why did our Owner, Amanda, start a business in eldercare? Amanda is fortunate to have relationships with her grandparents that last into adulthood. Because of this, she has learned how to engage with elders, how much one can learn from them, how difficult life can be but how people find a way to overcome those difficulties, and how important the little things are in life. Amanda started working in Nursing Homes in High School. She is passionate about supporting elders in leading a well-balanced and fulfilling last phase of their life. As a Social Worker, she has learned that understanding who the elder is, and how they became who they are, is an imperative part of the Care Management process. She tells many people how her work is such an honor, because having someone trust you enough for them to tell you their most meaningful and personal stories is simply touching. Moving from the DC Area to Loudoun County, Amanda saw a great need for elder support services. Her expertise is in Counseling and Care Management. All of these reasons, and more, are why she created We Care Management, LLC.
Filed Under: Aging, Counseling, Elder care, Northern Virginia, Nursing home
We provide support to a lot of new clients needing help urgently, as a result of not planning ahead for certain things. A major obstacle that we help our clients with is accounting issues. Individuals who do not have children, run into the most complications. Even though everyone hopes they keep their memory during the […]
We provide support to a lot of new clients needing help urgently, as a result of not planning ahead for certain things. A major obstacle that we help our clients with is accounting issues. Individuals who do not have children, run into the most complications. Even though everyone hopes they keep their memory during the aging process, cognitive impairment somehow sneaks up on some. If this individual has no children, they may have no one to notice signs of forgetfullness before it starts impairing their life significantly. One day, various businesses hired by this individual start realizing that this client is not keeping up with their payments for their car, their housing, etc. They contact the client and they are forgetful and confused. Now what? Sometimes, it is too late and the government is notified. The client then has to go through the courts in order to obtain a Guardian to assist them. However, being proactive and having a team available for the “what ifs” during the aging process is the best way to mitigate these occurences. For example, in this scenario a Care Manager, Accountant, and Power of Attorney would be a great team of support.
Filed Under: Aging, Elders, Northern Virginia
Many people have sleep disturbance, where they either have difficulty falling asleep, struggle to stay asleep, or sleep too much. It happens in adults of all ages, but especially elders. There are many suggestions about how to improve one’s sleep, but sometimes people feel at a loss because maybe they have tried everything. It is […]
Many people have sleep disturbance, where they either have difficulty falling asleep, struggle to stay asleep, or sleep too much. It happens in adults of all ages, but especially elders. There are many suggestions about how to improve one’s sleep, but sometimes people feel at a loss because maybe they have tried everything. It is important to first explore why the sleep disturbance may be happening; is it diet, lack of exercise, stress, no regular bedtime routine, a medical problem, or too much stimulation before bed? Once you figure out what could be contributing to the sleep disturbance, it is important to try one coping skill at a time. If an individual tries multiple things at once, they won’t know what was actually helpful.
If those coping skills don’t work speak with your doctor or a counselor for other ways of coping. Sleep is very important, so I hope you can find yourself having a good night sleep tonight!
Filed Under: Aging, Caregiving, Counseling
This month we have the longest hours of daylight! This is wonderful for a lot of people, because it can be easier to wake up in the morning and when home from work you may get to spend time outside with family and friends. For elders with cognitive impairment, the summer can be difficult. The […]
This month we have the longest hours of daylight! This is wonderful for a lot of people, because it can be easier to wake up in the morning and when home from work you may get to spend time outside with family and friends. For elders with cognitive impairment, the summer can be difficult. The early sunrise and later sunset can disrupt their sleep cycle. When they notice the sun rising at 5:00 a.m. they may think it is time to get out of bed. At night, they may not know it is time to get ready for bed, because it doesn’t start getting dark until after 9:00p.m. Something that can be helpful if this confuses the sleep cycle, are room darkening shades. Another obstacle in the summer for elders at home, is getting dehydrated. Drinking water is a double edged sword for a lot of seniors, because the more one drinks, the more they need to stand up, and walk to the restroom. If an elder experiences balance difficulties or incontinence, they are likely not wanting to drink a lot of water. But, things can be done to make it easier for them to get around when they need to.
Filed Under: Aging, Elder care, Healthy, Northern Virginia
Most people try to prevent the negative effects of aging by taking vitamins, exercising, seeing the Doctor regularly, using antiwrinkle cream and sunscreen, and eating healthy. This is a proactive approach people take to try to keep as much control over their lives as possible. Without a sense of control individuals tend to feel anxious […]
Most people try to prevent the negative effects of aging by taking vitamins, exercising, seeing the Doctor regularly, using antiwrinkle cream and sunscreen, and eating healthy. This is a proactive approach people take to try to keep as much control over their lives as possible. Without a sense of control individuals tend to feel anxious and overwhelmed. We are beginning to see more and more people, either adult children of aging parents or individuals themselves, be more proactive in planning for support at home as they age and start experiencing a loss of abilities. This is so important, because being proactive and putting a plan in place helps individuals feel a sense of control over the difficulties they are experiencing and trying to navigate. Also, establishing a trusted relationship with providers who will be a resource to you and/or your parents over time is much more effective than last minute, as a result of an emergency. This allows for your providers to get to know you better, and truly understand what is important to you. Therefore, they can better guide and support you through the aging process and help improve your quality of life. Please take this opportunity to reflect on how else you can be proactive in planning for your future, and begin taking steps today!
Filed Under: Aging, Elder care, Northern Virginia, Senior Care
In most situations, the elders we work with have the goal of remaining in their homes for as long as possible or to live out their last days at home. Home care for elders is very possible with the right resources. Many adult children are the ones supporting their parents and trying to help them […]
In most situations, the elders we work with have the goal of remaining in their homes for as long as possible or to live out their last days at home. Home care for elders is very possible with the right resources. Many adult children are the ones supporting their parents and trying to help them stay safe and healthy at home. We hear many questions that ask when is the right time to implement various resources. Questions about what resources to choose because there are too many options. And also, how to convince the elder to accept and pay for these resources. In Northern Virginia, we are fortunate to live in counties that have an abundance of resources. Eldercare management helps people by assessing an elders level of functioning in order to make recommendations for the best resources and to put them in place at the right time. As eldercare managers, we have the skills to assist individuals in recognizing and accepting the resources they would benefit from. One piece of advice we give to the caregivers and responsible parties who are supporting the elder, is to help them come up with the decision on their own by giving them a couple of choices to choose from. This helps them feel they still have independence and the ability to make their own decisions as they have most of their lives.
Filed Under: Aging, Elder care, Home Care, Northern Virginia
Not many people know what Care Management is… this gives you a list of some of the things we provide as Certified Care Managers. Referrals to: -Physicians; Neurologist, Psychologist, Psychiatrist -Rehabilitation Specialists; Physical/Occupational/Speech Therapists -Home Care; Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA’s), Companions -Hospice -Assisted Living/Memory Care -Health Care/Nursing Home (long-term care or short-term rehabilitation) -Transportation services […]
Not many people know what Care Management is… this gives you a list of some of the things we provide as Certified Care Managers.
Referrals to:
-Physicians; Neurologist, Psychologist, Psychiatrist
-Rehabilitation Specialists; Physical/Occupational/Speech Therapists
-Home Care; Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA’s), Companions
-Hospice
-Assisted Living/Memory Care
-Health Care/Nursing Home (long-term care or short-term rehabilitation)
-Transportation services
-Hearing or Visual Impairment specialists
Assessment:
-Activities of daily living
-Cognitive assessment
-Mental Health
Treatment Planning:
-Working together to establish goals
-Developing steps and plans for oversight of progress to accomplish the goals
-Ensuring the rights of the individual are being followed
-Liaison between family members and resources
Education regarding symptoms and diagnosis
Individual and Family Counseling
Filed Under: Aging, Elder care, Home Care, Northern Virginia
Do you know someone who has Parkinson’s Disease? If so, you may know that their symptoms of shuffling footsteps, rigidity in muscles, and loss of balance will unfortunately get worse over time. There are many things in the field of elder care that can support the individuals who experience these symtpoms. Medications can of course […]
Do you know someone who has Parkinson’s Disease? If so, you may know that their symptoms of shuffling footsteps, rigidity in muscles, and loss of balance will unfortunately get worse over time. There are many things in the field of elder care that can support the individuals who experience these symtpoms. Medications can of course be helpful, but often bring side effects. There are other approaches that are different then taking medication. We all know how good exercising is for people. Well, for someone with Parkinson’s Disease exercising can bring nervousness due to fears of falling. But, riding a stationary bicycle on a regular basis, is safe and helpful motions for individuals with the symptoms listed above. I have heard many personal stories of how the movement of riding a bicycle helps people with Parkinson’s Disease walk more safely and have less rigidity in movement. There are additional benefits to this approach as well. Exercise also helps to improve one’s mood when they are feeling sad and down, improves disrupted sleeping patterns, and it improves one’s overall well-being. Please assist us in spreading the word about this helpful tip for those that experience the life changing symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease!
Filed Under: Aging, Elder care, Physical therapy
