Applying the Montessori Method to Dementia Care

When providing home care in Prescott for a senior loved one with dementia, you may need to make some adjustments to his or her daily routine. There are many ways to help him or her manage the disease, including an approach called the Montessori Method, which relies heavily on muscle memory and the use of the 5 senses to stimulate the brain. The staff at Home Care Assistance explains how this method works and how you can apply it to your loved one’s dementia care.

The Basis of the Montessori Method

In 1907, an Italian physician named Maria Montessori developed a way to reach students from troubled backgrounds who were thought to be unteachable. The approach is now being used as a way to reach seniors affected by dementia. The Montessori Method focuses on identifying personal strengths, engaging the whole person, and building self-esteem by providing opportunities to be productive and successful.

Create the Right Environment

Try to create an inviting environment with your loved one’s needs in mind. You should include appropriate safety measures, but your loved one should not feel confined or restrained, and you should also keep the environment free of clutter to create a sense of order and calm. The environment should be easy to use so your loved one is able to live as independently as possible.

Reconnect with Long-Term Memories

The majority of seniors with dementia still retain long-term memories even in the more advanced stages of the disease. The Montessori Method encourages connecting with these memories to overcome withdrawal, isolation, and paranoia. Browsing through an old photo album or playing your loved one’s favorite music from youth can help him or her reconnect with positive memories.

Encourage the Use of Motor Skills

Performing simple physical tasks can help your loved one preserve the fine motor skills that help him or her maintain a higher level of independence. For example, having your loved one fold towels or socks not only helps him or her feel productive and valued, but it can also increase his or her dexterity, making it easier to get dressed independently. These types of tasks also encourage your loved one to tap into the procedural memories most often used in activities of daily living.

In addition to the Montessori Method, there are many other ways to help seniors with dementia live happier and healthier lives. At Home Care Assistance, we offer a program called the Cognitive Therapeutics Method, which focuses on engaging activities that help slow cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. For more information on the dementia and Alzheimer’s care Prescott, AZ, seniors rely on, call one of our qualified Care Managers at 928-771-0105 to schedule a free in-home consultation.

Visit us online @ www.homecareassistanceprescott.com

Showing Respect to Your Elderly Parents

Showing respect to your elderly parents is a natural and time-honored way to express gratitude for the love and support you’ve received from them throughout the years. Prescott, AZ, caregivers recommend several ways to show your parents they are valued and appreciated.

Ask for Advice and Listen to Opinions

Many elderly people have the inherent ability to offer sage advice when it’s needed most. Parenting never truly ends, and your senior parents should continue to be revered as knowledgeable guides even as they age and experience changes in their health. Your willingness to continue seeking advice from your parents can make them feel valuable.

Seniors can also become increasingly opinionated as time goes by. Taking the time to listen to your parents’ thoughts and ideas is important, even when you aren’t actively seeking advice, and it provides the social engagement and the deep and meaningful relationships they need to preserve optimal emotional health. Try to offer your parents the same patience and respect you were shown during your childhood.

Offer to Become a Caregiver

Another way to show your parents respect is by offering to stand in as family caregiver, which many seniors are too proud or afraid to ask for. Fearful of becoming burdensome, some elderly adults attempt to eke by on their own, even when doing so has a negative impact on their quality of life. Offering to take on the role of family caregiver shows you recognize the sacrifices your parents made on your behalf and that you’re willing to make many of these same sacrifices in kind. Becoming a family caregiver also sets an impressive example of gratitude and respect for your own children.

Help with Long-Term Planning

Though many parents are both heartbroken and elated to see their children enter adulthood, they come to terms with the fact their kids are growing up and support them in their efforts to gain and maintain independence. Once your parents come to terms with their own aging, offer to help with long-term planning for Prescott, AZ, elderly care and the challenges this might entail. Your support and acceptance can make this process much easier and give your parents the assurance they need to enter into this stage of life confidently.

When spending time with an elderly parent, if you notice any of his or her care needs are not being met, reach out to Prescott Home Care Assistance for help. Our caregivers are available around the clock to assist with a wide array of daily tasks, including bathing, grooming, cooking, and exercise. In addition to our respite and 24-hour care services, we also offer comprehensive Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and post-stroke care Prescott, AZ, seniors can count on. For more information on our elder care services, please call 928-771-0105 today.

Visit us today @ www.homecareassistanceprescott.com

Promoting Safe Driving in the Senior Years

Most seniors want to continue driving for as long as possible because it helps them stay independent. However, certain age-related health conditions and medications may make it dangerous for them to be on the road. If your elderly loved one wants to stay behind the wheel, Prescott, AZ, elder care experts recommend taking a few measures to ensure he or she can do so safely.

Assess Medications and Health Conditions

Many prescription medications cause drowsiness or other side effects that can impair the ability to drive. Be aware of the medications your loved one is taking. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor about any possible side effects or interactions, and ask if any of your loved one’s medications can affect the ability to drive. If your loved one has had a stroke or exhibits signs of cognitive impairment, talk to his or her primary care doctor about a referral to a specialist who can evaluate your loved one’s abilities.

Observe Driving Behaviors

Take a drive with your loved one at the wheel, and be on the lookout for signs of potential driving problems, including:

·         Driving too slow or too fast

·         Making improper lane changes

·         Having close calls

·         Using one foot on the gas and another on the brake

·         Getting disoriented, anxious, or frustrated

You can also check with the Prescott Motor Vehicles Department to see if it offers independent driving evaluations for elderly drivers.

Plan for the Unexpected

Try to head off driving problems before they arise. For example, make sure your loved one’s vehicle is well maintained by getting it serviced regularly and ensuring there is plenty of gas, oil, tire pressure, and a good spare in case of a flat. A cellphone and a membership in a roadside assistance program can also provide peace of mind in the event of an emergency.

Set Limits

Have a conversation with your loved one about situations he or she should avoid when driving. For example, it may be dangerous for your loved one to drive at night, in bad weather, or on busy freeways. Encourage your loved one to use public transportation when it is not safe to drive, or hire a part-time orlive-in caregiver in Prescott to provide transportation.

If your loved one is no longer able to drive safely, consider hiring a caregiver from Home Care Assistance to help. Our experienced caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to medical appointments and social events, and they can also assist with a variety of important tasks around the house. In addition to our hourly and live-in care services, we also offer specialized stroke, Parkinson’s, and dementia home care Prescott families trust. For more information on our elderly care services and to schedule a free consultation, call 928-771-0105 today.

Visit us today @ www.homecareassistanceprescott.com