4 Ways Dementia Caregivers Can Help Seniors Manage Their Money

Seniors with dementia usually find it challenging to manage their money. Caregivers often begin to suspect their loved one has some form of cognitive decline when he or she takes too long to count money. Eventually your loved one may forget to pay bills or even lose money. Prescott, AZ, senior care experts suggest the following tips to help caregivers organize their loved one’s finances as soon as possible.

1. Collect the Paperwork

Even people who do an excellent job of organizing their documents can easily lose a few files over the years, which is why it is important to start collecting paperwork as soon as possible so it can be kept in a safe place. Those who are caring for a loved one with a dementia-related condition should make copies of the paperwork and keep it in the bank or at the house of someone they trust. These documents include birth certificates, bank statements, mortgage papers, pink slips, insurance policies, wills, and tax statements.

2. Avoid Scams

Seniors with Alzheimer’s are especially susceptible to scams, and a single mistake could potentially cost them thousands of dollars. If your loved one receives a high volume of telemarketer calls on the landline, consider disconnecting the number and getting him or her a cell phone designed for seniors. Place a sign on your loved one’s door to keep solicitors away.

3. Double-Check the Benefits

Many seniors receive financial assistance from different organizations, and it can be challenging to keep track of all the benefits. If there is a local Alzheimer’s nonprofit organization in your loved one’s hometown, schedule an appointment to speak with one of their advisers. Organizations that focus on dementia-related disorders often have in-house financial specialists. They might even be able to connect you and your loved one with additional sources of income or low-cost treatments.

4. Consider Banking Options

Instead of completely merging your loved one’s bank account with your account, have a single joint account for emergencies. Depending on the type of financial assistance your loved one is receiving, he or she might have personal accounts audited to ensure they meet the qualifications. The joint account can be used by you or your loved one to pay for emergencies or the occasional everyday expense such as groceries.

If your aging loved one needs help managing the tasks of daily living and you’re searching for a reliable, expertly trained home caregiver, Prescott, AZ, Home Care Assistance is your top choice. At Home Care Assistance, our caregivers strive to make aging in place a safer and more comfortable experience for seniors so they can enjoy their golden years in better health.

For dementia care, Prescott, AZ families can count on, reach out to Home Care Assistance. Our compassionate caregivers use revolutionary memory care programs to help seniors stave off the progression of dementia, and they can also assist with a wide variety of important everyday tasks, including bathing, grooming, exercise, and cooking. For more information on our high-quality dementia care and our other in-home care services, please call 928-771-0105 today.

Visit us online today@ www.homecareassistanceprescott.com

New Smell Test Might Predict Alzheimer's

As your loved one grows older, others may notice changes in his or her senses. Some seniors might start wearing glasses to read or using a hearing aid to block background noise. While this is completely normal, something could be amiss if a loved one experiences a sudden change in his or her sense of smell. Prescott in-home senior care experts share the findings of researchers from Columbia University Medical Center, New York State Psychiatric Institute, and New York-Presbyterian, who are researching the connection between loss of the sense of smell and developing Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s and the Sense of Smell

Dementia-related disorders like Alzheimer’s can impact a senior’s ability to differentiate between smells or smell strong odors altogether. The connection is unclear, but many doctors believe it has to do with the loss of key brain cells because of ribbons of plaque causing inflammation. While losing the sense of smell can be heartbreaking, it might be an excellent way to identify Alzheimer’s in its earliest stages.

The University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT)

Most of the research around Alzheimer’s and olfactory senses is now utilizing the UPSIT or a variation of it. This simple and affordable test simply gauges a senior’s ability to smell common items such as peanut butter or a candle. Those who score lower on the test seem to develop dementia-related disorders at much higher rates.

Moving Beyond the UPSIT

Correctly diagnosing dementia is no easy task until the condition begins impacting a senior’s , which is one of the reasons why the UPSIT can be an exceptional tool for doctors helping high-risk elders. If any anomalies are detected during the UPSIT, your loved one’s doctor can schedule additional tests, including brain scans. With an early diagnosis, your loved one can have more treatment options for slowing the progression of the condition and managing the side effects.

If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and needs help managing the condition, reach out to Home Care Assistance. We provide comprehensive dementia, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s care for Prescott seniors. To learn more about how an experienced caregiver can help your senior loved one, call a knowledgeable Care Manager at 928-771-0105 and schedule a free consultation.

Visit us online @ www.homecareassistanceprescott.com

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Servant's Heart

We are pleased to announce our newest advertiser in our
Northern Arizona

SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & Living Options Guide

A Non-Emergency Transportation Company on a Mission, 

“Our mission is to serve our community with a servant heart by providing door – through – door, non-emergency medical transportation.”

We are able to transport Ambulatory, Wheel Chair & Stretchers. We will provide oxygen when needed at no extra costs. Our drivers are trained in CPR, First Aid, Senior Care, Defensive Driving and more. They also go through an extensive background check, your safety is always our first priority.

We serve all of Northern Arizona at very reasonable rates. We will also go the distance, so if you need to go out of state; let us work up an estimate that will work for you.

(928) 777 - 5512

Visit us online @ https://www.facebook.com/servantsheartaz1/

Website Address Soon to Come!

Preventing Caregiver Anger

Being a family caregiver has its highs and lows, and caregivers may find themselves getting angry sometimes. While it may not be possible to always avoid difficult situations, the staff at Home Care Assistance suggests you use these strategies to prevent caregiver anger.

Practice Effective Communication

Working with other caregivers in Prescott can often generate feelings of anger, especially if you disagree with other family members about care strategies. Try to minimize disagreements by holding meetings with every decision maker whenever your loved one’s care plan needs to be changed. Use schedules and other communication tools to make sure everyone knows their responsibilities.

Understand Physical Causes for Difficult Behavior

As a person ages, certain health conditions cause symptoms that may not be easy to manage. Learning about your loved one’s health conditions can help you understand why he or she refuses assistance. For example, seniors with Alzheimer’s often become anxious about seeing unfamiliar people. When a caregiver knows this, it makes it easier to accept the senior is not purposely trying to make things harder.

Take Care of Your Health

Being tired or hungry can make anyone a little cranky. As a caregiver, it can be easy to overlook your own needs, which can cause stress. Make sure you get enough rest, eat a healthy diet, and stay on top of your health with regular medical checkups. Even if you have to recruit some help, taking time for yourself can help you remain calm and in control while you provide Prescott senior care for your loved one.

Create Defined Boundaries

When your loved one needs constant care, it is normal to want to try to do everything yourself. However, this can lead to negative emotions such as guilt and anger. You may need to establish boundaries regarding your time. Whether you need to attend a weekly support group for caregivers or just need a few hours to yourself each day, finding time to relax can prevent resentment and anger.

It is common for caregivers to experience anger and impatience while carrying out their duties. If you need help with your caregiving duties, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted name in senior in-home care. We provide respite and live-in caregivers Prescott seniors can rely on. Our trained caregivers can help your loved one with tasks around the house, provide companionship, and drive him or her to medical appointments. For more information about our in-home care services, call 928-771-0105 to speak with a qualified Care Manager.

Visit us online @ www.homecareassistanceprescott.com 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Northland Hospice & Palliative Care dba Vista Hospice

We are pleased to announce our newest advertiser in our 

Northern Arizona SPOTLIGHT Senior Services &
Living Options Guide

Northland Hospice & Palliative Care (dba) Vista Hospice is a nonprofit hospice that has served the diverse communities of Northern Arizona for over 35 years with compassionate end-of-life care. We are devoted to extending our loving knowledge, hearts and hands to offer guidance through life’s transitions. At the heart of our devoted and professional service is the profound respect for the patient’s wishes.

Our team of professionals aspires to prepare our patients and families for the end-of-life experience in a positive and dignified way. We cooperate and collaborate with a huge regional network to support the patient, family, and friends in facing the challenges of a life-limiting illness by offering physical, emotional, and spiritual support before and after a patient dies.

Visit us online @ http://vistahospice.org/

4 Ways Your Senior Loved One Can Prevent Pneumonia

Because the impact of pneumonia is far greater on seniors than it is on other age groups, it’s important for families to help their elderly loved ones remain healthy and stave off this serious illness. Prescott elder home care professionals discuss 4 ways your loved one can prevent pneumonia.

1. Maintain Good Hygiene

Pneumonia can easily develop following a viral or bacterial respiratory infection such as a cold or the flu. Be diligent in washing your hands thoroughly or using hand sanitizer, and encourage your loved one to do the same. Dental infections are another common cause of pneumonia. Practicing good oral hygiene and regular dental visits can decrease the number of bacteria in the mouth and reduce your loved one’s risk of pneumonia. You should also encourage your loved one to avoid crowded spaces and people who are ill during the height of cold and flu season.

2. Get Vaccinated

Encourage your loved one to get the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine. This vaccine is normally given one time, but some seniors may also require a booster after 5 years. An annual influenza vaccine can also help prevent the flu, which is a common cause of pneumonia in seniors.

3. Quit Smoking

Smokers are far more likely to develop pneumonia than nonsmokers because smoking makes the lungs more susceptible to opportunistic infections. If your loved one is having difficulty giving up smoking, encourage him or her to consult a doctor to discuss various cessation therapies, including nicotine replacements, medications, and support groups.

4. Live a Healthy Lifestyle

An overall healthy lifestyle boosts the body’s immune system so it can defend against viral and bacterial infections that can lead to pneumonia. Living healthily includes eating nutritious foods, staying hydrated, and getting plenty of rest. Physical exercise is also a powerful immunity booster that promotes deeper breathing and better oxygenation.

Some seniors do not exhibit the cough, fever, and chills normally associated with pneumonia. Be on the lookout for early non-respiratory symptoms, including

• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Delirium
• Generalized weakness

It is important to remember seniors with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia may have difficulty articulating their symptoms and may only convey a vague feeling of being unwell.

As important as it is for seniors to stay focused on healthy living, some may need extra motivation. At Home Care Assistance, we offer a program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat well, exercise regularly, and pay mind to other lifestyle factors that can increase their life expectancy. We also offer comprehensive Parkinson’s, stroke, and dementia home care Prescott families count on. For more information on our in-home care services, please call 928-771-0105 to schedule a free consultation with one of our qualified Care Managers.

Visit us online @ www.homecareassistanceprescott.com 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Touchmark at the Ranch

A Touchmark Community  

Werner G. Nistler, Jr.

Touchmark has been serving people since 1980, when Werner G. Nistler, Jr. founded the company. Today, as Chairman, he works with CEO Marcus Breuer to instill Touchmark’s mission and values among approximately 2,000 team members who each day delight nearly 3,000 residents.

Touchmark’s values—hospitality, compassion, excellence, teamwork, and integrity—are the building blocks Touchmark uses to reach its ultimate mission:To enrich people’s lives.  Many have recognized this commitment to excellence. Over the years, Touchmark has received numerous awards and accolades for its programs and communities. 

                                                                                                                    Marcus Breuer

Currently, there are 13 Touchmark communities in eight states and Canada.

Touchmark's Fact Sheet.

Touchmark at The Ranch Fact Sheet.

Senior Living Options in Prescott

Never before has there been a better time to live well and enjoy life to the fullest!

Experience a new lifestyle that supports your dreams, avocations, and personal independence in a Touchmark community. When you free yourself from the monotony of household and yard chores, you have more time to pursue your interests. Touchmark offers numerous services—such as housekeeping, scheduled transportation, maintenance assistance, and many amenities—that offer you more freedom.

Our award-winning Full Life Wellness & Life Enrichment Program™ is customized to residents’ interests and includes physical activity, lifelong learning, celebrations, classes in brain building, opportunities to connect with young people, and much more.

Choose from a full range of cottages and apartments that feature bright light, spacious storage, and design details that make your home comfortable. We also offer a full menu of dining options and exceptional cuisine.

Enjoy a carefree lifestyle. Have fun—and stay active with friends who share your interests!

Prescott Senior Services & Amenities

Many retirement communities provide only one or two services. Yet, the availability of a broad continuum of care is extremely important.

Most individuals moving to Touchmark remark that they wished they had moved here sooner. They are thrilled to eliminate the headaches of home maintenance. As their needs increase, they are often able to remain within the community—where they have established important connections with staff and made friends with other residents—and get the care they need.

At Touchmark, each community offers a broad range of services that includes independent living, assisted living, memory care, and our award-winning Full Life Wellness & Life Enrichment Program™.

Additional services are offered at some communities. These can include a health and fitness club, enhanced assisted living, early memory support, skilled nursing and rehabilitation, home health, and home care.

Touchmark … offering a PLENTI{FULL} array of services.

Life Enrichment and Wellness

THE {FULL} LIFE

Full Life Wellness & Life Enrichment Program™

Partnering with Touchmark residents to identify their needs, passions, and unique abilities—then working together to bring these elements to life—is the core of Touchmark’s Full Life program.

THE VISION

People at every age and stage of ability wish to remain productive, contributing members of their community. We all look for ways to stay mentally and physically independent and active. We seek resources to meet our spiritual needs. We challenge ourselves to keep growing and expanding our knowledge. We cherish family and social connections and enjoy celebrating each new day. Touchmark’s dynamic Full Life program identifies and then focuses on the strengths, skills, needs, interests, and goals of each person living in a Touchmark community. Our program mission is to encourage and fully support residents in living happier, healthier lifestyles. Partnering with Touchmark, residents become personally involved and engaged and take ownership of their own goals and well-being. 

The 7 Dimensions of Wellness

We focus on these seven dimensions of wellness to promote overall purpose and self-esteem. Our calendar of events incorporates each of these dimensions to help residents achieve whole-person wellness.

Emotional  

Having a strong sense of self-worth, being aware of and accepting feelings, and coping with challenges in a positive way.

Environmental  

Respecting resources, choosing green options, and finding ways to appreciate nature.

Intellectual  

Engaging in new and challenging activities, participating in lifelong learning pursuits, and sharing ideas with others.

Occupational  

Living a life of purpose, utilizing unique skills and passions, and cultivating personal satisfaction.

Physical  

Making healthy lifestyle choices to maintain or improve health and function through physical activity, good nutrition, adequate sleep, and stress management.

Social  

Creating and maintaining healthy relationships, engaging in positive interactions, and feeling connected to your community.

Spiritual  

Living with a sense of purpose, being guided by personal values, and finding a connection to the world and others.

Visit us online today!  http://www.touchmarkprescott.com/