Here at Home Instead Senior Care of Richmond, we are always on the lookout for events in the Richmond community that relate to senior health and wellness. Here is a great event sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association:

On Tuesday, July 20th, there will be a free special screening of the HBO documentary “The Alzheimer’s Project” at the historic Byrd Theater. This documentary provides a personal look at the country’s second most feared disease through the voices of Alzheimer’s patients, caregivers, family members, and the scientists who are working every day to look for a cure.

At this special screening, you will also get the chance to hear from Mary Ann Johnson — program director for the Alzheimer’s Association, and author/ former caregiver Robert B. Schaefer.  Caregivers, friends and family of Alzheimer’s patients, and supporters of Alzheimer’s disease research are encouraged to attend. The event is open to the public and free, so bring your friends, questions, and personal experiences.

Where:  The Byrd Theatre, 2908 West Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23221

When: Tuesday, July 20, 2010, 5:30-7:30 PM

REMEMBER! Wear something purple to the event to show your support, and be entered to win a door prize!

Also, here are some links for more information on:

• “The Alzheimer’s Project” – an interactive site where you can watch the films, learn about the disease, and get help from organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association or the National Institutes of Health.
• The Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Richmond Chapter
• The Byrd Theatre

And as always, for more information on how our Home Instead Senior Care of Richmond can provide Alzheimer’s care and companionship to help you or a loved one remain living independently, call us in our Richmond home care office at 804.527.1100 today.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Greater Richmond Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association posted this video to their YouTube channel yestersday.  It is a PSA that Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell recorded to promote the Alzheimer’s Association and the need to support family caregivers in particular.

Home Instead Senior Care of Richmond is very involved in promoting the activities that raise awareness for Alzheimer’s disease, including this year’s Memory Walk.  If you’d like to participate, please call our Richmond home care office at 804.527.1100.

Safety of loved ones is a top concern for caregivers, especially those caring for persons with Alzheimer’s disease. 

Memory loss and confusion can set in without warning.  For example, a loved one might set out on a walk or errand alone, wander off and not be able to return home safely.

Currently scheduled for retail sale this summer, the Aetrex Ambulator® GPS Shoe by GTX Corp will provide millions of caregivers the means to help easily find those afflicted with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia who wander and become lost.

How does it work?

A miniaturized GPS chip and cellular device is embedded in the shoe. The shoe then continuously tracks the location and movement history of its wearer, relaying the information to a monitoring center through cellular networks.

Authorized parties are able to instantly log-on, or receive alerts, via a secure Internet portal and pinpoint the current location of the targeted user on an interactive map.

How much will it cost?

GTX Corp is projecting the cost will be around $200 to $300. The company is anticipating availability for purchase in the spring of 2010 through the Aetrex-owned website www.gpsshoe.com and a select group of assisted living facilities.

If you would like more information on these shoes, visit GTX Corp’s site at www.gpsshoe.com.

For information on how Home Instead Senior Care’s CAREGivers can provide companionship and services that nourish the mind, body, and spirit, and help seniors remain living independently longer in their homes, please contact our Richmond home care office at 804.527.1100 or our Tappahannock home care office at 804.443.4885.

Whether making breakfast, tea or other meals, don't forget the spice!

A recent article in AARP Magazine suggests that new scientific research has shown that certain spices can improve brain function, prevent Alzheimer ’s disease, improve depression and migraine headaches, improve reaction times, and fight brain cancer.

In addition to these health benefits, they can jazz up your cooking repertoire as well.

Tumeric

In India where people eat lots of curry, the rate of Alzheimer’s disease is ¼ that of the US population. When tested with mice, the active ingredient in Tumeric, curcumin, broke up brain plaques of amyloid beta, the protein buildup that is found in Alzheimer’s patients.  Curry anyone?

Saffron

Think about adding saffron, a spice whose medicinal qualities have been known for over 4000 years, to rice and other grains. Studies have shown that regular use can be as effective as Prozac in combating minor depression.

Ginger

Patients that were treated with a combination of Ginger and the herb feverfew were able to prevent the onset of migraine headaches, taking the pain away altogether or minimizing its effects.  Grated ginger can be steeped with tea or used in cooking stir-fries.

Garlic

Garlic has been used for its heart-healthy benefits for a long time, but recent studies have also found that garlic may help eliminate brain cancer cells.   Chopped, crushed, or powdered garlic can be added to pasta sauce or sautéed vegetables.  

Cinnamon

Cinnamon helps to regulate blood sugar levels and can keep you focused at your task, whether it be a sports activity, crossword puzzle, or gardening.  Add it to your morning oatmeal or sprinkle it on toast for breakfast.

If you need help shopping, cooking, or planning your meals, you can count on the resources at  Home Instead Senior Care of Richmond. Call us today at 804-527-1100 or visit our digital brochure.

Each week, Home Instead Senior Care of Richmond profiles senior living communities in the Greater Richmond area.

This week, we are featuring The Crossings at Bon Air, which is located conveniently off Midlothian Turnpike at North Pinetta Drive in the historic Bon Air community of Richmond.

The Crossings at Bon Air is a full-service rental and ownership senior living retirement community.  

They offer a wide range of care options, from independent living to assisted living to their secure memory care facility.

A few of the many benefits and amenities at The Crossings at Bon Air are:

• A variety of senior living options including rental independent living apartments, ownership independent living condominium units, assisted living apartments and memory care accommodations
• Fully appointed studio, one, and two bedroom/ two bathroom apartments that are more spacious than many other senior living communities
• Inclusive independent living and assisted monthly service packages
• A unique assisted living service plan offering up to 30 minutes of personal care assistance per day included in the base monthly fee
• Exceptional Amenities
• A specialized, secure memory care neighborhood
• Access to a complete continuum of care with an assisted living community and The Laurels of Bon Air skilled nursing and rehabilitation center located on-campus for temporary or longer-term needs.

For more information on the wide range of options for living at The Crossings at Bon Air, please contact them directly at 804.560.1440.

Did you know? Home Instead Senior Care of Richmond proudly sponsors activities for residents in many senior communities like The Crossings at Bon Air.

We look forward to hosting a Wii Bowling tournament at The Crossings today, June 24th!  Plus, we just hosted the Stages of Senior Care event last week.

Home Instead Senior Care of Richmond can provide home care and companionship services to help seniors remain living independently in their homes, regardless of whether that is their  long-time family home, the home of a relative, independent living apartments or assisted living communities such as those found at The Crossings at Bon Air.  For more information, please call our Richmond home care office at 804.527.1100.

Home Instead Senior Care of Richmond has formed a walking group and will participate in the Alzheimer’s Memory Walk scheduled for October. 

In the meantime, the Richmond Memory Walk Kick-off event will be held on Thursday, June 3rd, at 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at The Richmond Flying Squirrels Baseball Stadium (The Diamond).

To attend just the kick-off, RSVP at 804-967-2517.

Don’t miss a night of family fun and an opportunity to support your local Alzheimer’s Association! After the meeting, the game starts at 7:05pm.  Everyone is encouraged to wear a purple shirt to show your support in “Purple with a Purpose” (of course, you know that wearing a purple shirt isn’t too difficult for those of us a Home Instead!).  Friends of the Alzheimer’s Association will parade onto the field and throw the first pitch!

There will be fireworks after the game, too.  So come on out to the meeting and the game and support your Richmond Alzheimer’s Association by purchasing a game ticket for $6 each! To purchase your $6 tickets, come by the Alzheimer’s office located at 4600 Cox Road, Suite 130, Glen Allen, VA 23060 or call 804-967-2580.

We’ll see you there.  GOOOOOOOO SQUIRRELS!

P.S.  The Richmond Memory Walk will take place on October 2nd at 9:00 a.m. at Genworth.  Walk starts at 10:00 a.m.  Our team this year will be called the Home Instead Senior Care CareBugs and you can register to join us for the walk or you can sponsor with your donation at this link:  Home Instead Senior Care of Richmond CareBugs Memory Walk Team

More than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. And blacks and Hispanics may be at a greater risk for it, according to a new report from the Alzheimer’s Association.

The organization found that black Americans are about two times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than whites, and Hispanics face about 1.5 times the risk.

Why?  The report delves into the impact of health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, conditions that are highly prevalent in the African-American and Hispanic communities.  Such factors increase risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Even worse?  Lower income and education is more common in the black and Hispanic communities, meaning those who have dementia may not even know it or receive a later diagnosis because of the disparities.

“Alzheimer’s disease is the single largest, looming, unaddressed public health threat facing the nation, but we now know the threat is even more substantial in the African-American and Hispanic communities,” said Harry Johns, the association’s president and CEO.  “These groups are more likely to have Alzheimer’s, less likely to know it, and, as a result, less likely to receive available treatments and supportive services that can help them cope with the disease.”

For more about Home Instead’s Alzheimer’s and dementia care, visit our website to learn more.  Or simply call our Richmond home care office at 804.527.1100. 

P.S.  We serve the Northern Neck area as well, with a Tappahannock home care office.  Also, there are plenty of activity suggestions for seniors at http://getmommoving.com.

Caring for an elderly Mom or Dad who has even early stage dementia can be a challenge. Let Home Instead offer you easy solutions.

Probably not a surprise as we’ve been hearing so much in the news these days about dementia and Alzheimer’s, but it’s true.  After age 85, nearly half of all seniors will have some cognitive impairment or dementia, typically Alzheimer’s disease.  This brain disorder makes it difficult for people to remember, learn and communicate and over time makes it increasingly difficult for seniors to take care of themselves. 

Victims of dementia suffer symptoms such as memory loss, a decline in the ability to perform routine tasks or learn new ones, and a loss of language, judgment, and planning skills.  Alzheimer’s can even bring about personality changes — for instance, in the case of a formerly social senior who might stop going to parties, church and other events.

Dementia can interfere with the care of a loved one in a number of ways.  People with dementia may eat poorly and irregularly and ignore exercise and social activity, all functions that would likely improve their health.  Family caregivers are usually the first to recognize that dementia may be developing and should seek medical evaluation as soon as symptoms are recognized.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common — and often heartbreaking — form of dementia, afflicting only about 5 percent of seniors between sixty-five and seventy-four.  But nearly half of those over the age of eighty-five may be affected.  The disease usually begins slowly with mild memory loss and develops gradually into crippling brain damage with symptoms that can include paranoia. 

Alzheimer’s victims typcially live for eight to ten years after being diagnosed with the disease and sometimes for as long as twenty years.  So far, no medication or treatment has been successful in reversing or stopping Alzheimer’s, although medications are available that may help delay progression of some of the symptoms.  It remains perhaps the most difficult condition to come with in a family setting.

This information has been provided to you through the recent book written by the founders of Home Instead Senior Care, Paul and Lori Hogan, specifically chapter 15 on Complicating Ailments and Issues.  The book is entitled Stages of Senior Care: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Decisions. 

If you’re ready to take the next step with caring for your elderly loved one now, then simply call Home Instead Senior Care of Richmond and we’ll be glad to review your home care needs with a free, professional in-home assessment.  We give you many ways to contact us including any time by phone, 804.527.1100, or through our website at http://HomeInstead.com/Richmond-VA.  We serve the entire greater Richmond area, including Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, Powhatan and more, along with the Northern Neck as we have a second office in Tappahannock.

Jitterbug phone has large numbers and screen

If you have a senior in your life, the following gift ideas can make buying a little easier. Most of these items not only make a nice gift, they are functional, too.

Think about pre-paid services. For instance, landscaping. Why not pre-pay for a year of landscaping for a senior who has a home and lawn? Other helpful pre-paid services include a dog walker, a hair stylist who makes home visits, or even a personal chef.

 A large button cell phone. One example of this is the Jitterbug phone. It has a large, lighted visual display, large buttons, and speed dialing.

A lap table. These are great for using a laptop, eating dinner on the sofa (or in bed) and having somewhere to put things like the remote, eyeglasses, and phone.

A Medical Emergency Notification System. Services like Life Alert, MedScope or LifeLine Services. These devices are worn by an individual (imagine a necklace or a bracelet) and when the button is pressed, emergency medical services are summoned.

Fashionable clothes that make life easy. New clothes are always a fun, appreciated gift. Consider your senior’s style and look for easy pieces that incorporate zippers and elastic instead of buttons or instead of pullovers that they might find difficult to pull over their head.

A large-button Universal remote.  Let’s face it – remote controls often have small buttons and are difficult to use, especially in the dark. Make television watching more enjoyable by giving your senior a large-buttoned remote that is a snap to use.

Large clock with day and date makes a nice gift for an elderly person

A clock with a large dial and day / date.  This makes it easier for an elderly person to know the day of the week and the date, as well as the time. 

A long-handle shoe horn, especially the metal kind to doesn’t break or bend.  One of the best gifts, at any age.

And, remember, if the senior in your life is finding it difficult to live independently, a CAREgiver from Home Instead Senior Care can make all the difference in being able to provide simple but important tasks such as medication reminders, transportation to doctors appointments or place of worship, help with dressing or bathing, meal preparation and companionship.  For a full list of services, please click here or simply call us at 804.527.1100 for a free, no-obligation care assessment.

Involve an elderly parent or grandparent in your Holiday festivities

We all look forward to the holidays, but the holidays can be stressful, too. An elderly mother, father or grandparent can have a difficult time coping with the holidays for many different reasons – they might be ill, stuck at home, have difficulty moving about or even suffer from depression. Some seniors may have a hard time celebrating the holiday without beloved family members who have recently passed on.

Even with challenges like these, with a little thoughtful planning ahead, you can help the senior in your life have a great holiday. In fact, most of these tips work for family members and friends of any age!

1. Think ahead. If your elderly parent or grandparent tires easily or gets over stimulated, think about ways to manage this. If the holiday gathering is going to be very noisy or confusing, or last for many hours, consider making a quiet room available to the senior so they can get away and rest for a bit. Simple planning like this can help your loved one enjoy the day so much more.
2. Share stories about the past. Holidays inevitably bring up memories, and “life review” is an important part of the aging process. It’s also a great bonding exercise for friends and family, bringing everyone closer to together.  Share family photos too.
3. Include everybody in the festivities. Especially your senior! There are so many things to take care of during a holiday get-together, from folding napkins to washing the dishes later. Being involved gives family members and friends a sense of belonging and purpose. 
4. Eliminate obstacles. This is helpful for all of your guests. Remove slippery rugs, small pieces of furniture and anything that might impede someone’s ability to navigate a room safely. At the same time, if your elderly mother, father or grandparent is used to the way your furniture is arranged, don’t change it around!
5. Avoid embarrassing moments. If an older person has trouble with their memory, help them out of difficult conversation moments – the kind of moment where someone might say “don’t you remember?” Lead the conversation elsewhere, and take the pressure off the senior.
6. Assign your senior a companion for the day. If you’re having a large gathering with many people, think about pairing your elderly loved one with a buddy to make sure any special needs they have are met and that things go smoothly for everyone. It can be easy to get lost in the shuffle and confusion of such an event, and if it is your event, trying to host everyone makes it hard to give your senior all the attention she or he needs.

Make sure that you have someone assigned to help and watch over your elderly loved one during your holiday celebrations.

Planning ahead with tips like these can help make the holiday wonderful for everyone involved. These tips work well with any event, not just the Holidays, so be sure to keep this list handy for future occasions including birthday parties, family reunions and more.

And, remember, if you’re short-handed or your elderly loved one needs more help than you can comfortably provide during the holidays or anytime, Home Instead Senior Care of Richmond can help reduce your stress and take the pressure off, especially if you’re working full time, have your own family demands or perhaps live out-of-town and away from your loved one.   

We provide in-home care and companionship services — plus personal care and even simple things like medication reminders and transportation to doctor or church services — to hundreds of seniors in the Richmond and Tappahannock areas each and every day.  Simply call us at 804.527.1100 for a complimentary in-home assessment.  And for a comprehensive list of services, please click here.