Alzheimer's Nutrition Tips - (919) 338-2044 - Comfort Keepers Chapel Hill & Durham

Many seniors here in Chapel Hill or Durham are faced with a growing number of health problems as they age. One particularly concerning disease is Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is a progressive, incurable, and fatal disease that usually strikes those of older age but can occur in people as young as 40. Alzheimer's is the most common subclass of dementia, which is a term used for any number of diseases that affect memory and intellectual ability to the point of interfering with a person’s everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease in particular causes memory loss and affects the thinking and behavior of those who suffer from it.  At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, we are committed to Senior Care & Elder Care in Durham & Chapel Hill, Alzheimer's and Dementia Care and your senior's healthy living and quality care. Here are a few facts about this disease...

Currently, Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 5 million Americans, a number that is expected to rise to 7.1 million by 2025. There are several risk factors for this disease that the general public is aware of, including head injuries, genetics and a family history. However, one risk factor that is not discussed nearly as often is the likely link between Alzheimer’s disease and vascular disease.

The human brain is fed nutrients and oxygen by the vascular system. If the vascular system is not functioning well, the brain is also deprived of essential nutrients and oxygen, which may cause disease in the brain, including dementia. Research shows that the same risk factors for vascular disease–diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol–are also risk factors for Alzheimer’s. 

Reducing Your Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

While a person may not have any control over genetics or family history, he or she can take action that can reduce the risk of acquiring Alzheimer’s disease, which includes following a brain-healthy diet. The Alzheimer’s Association defines a brain-healthy diet as “one that reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes, encourages good blood flow to the brain, and is low in fat and cholesterol.” They recommend increasing the intake of foods that can protect brain cells, and list the following recommendations:  

• Cold-water fish (halibut, mackerel, salmon, trout and tuna) contain beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. 
• Ingest more dark-skinned vegetables and fruits, which, in general, have the highest levels of naturally occurring antioxidant levels. Examples include vegetables like kale, spinach, brussel sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, broccoli, beets, red bell pepper, onion, corn, and eggplant. Examples of fruits in this category include prunes, raisins, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, plums, oranges, red grapes, and cherries.
• Nuts can be a healthy addition to the diet; almonds, pecans and walnuts are a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant. (Alzheimer’s Association, Adopt a Brain-Healthy Diet)

While studies have not pinpointed exactly how much of these brain foods are required to have a noticeable effect on a person’s risk of acquiring Alzheimer’s disease, there is some data that shows that older women who eat primarily leafy green and cruciferous vegetables show mental functioning that is almost two years younger than their counterparts who do not eat many of these vegetables. Therefore, incorporating as many of these brain-healthy foods into the diet as possible is recommended.

Following a brain-healthy diet, along with being socially and physically active, limiting the intake of alcohol and maintaining a healthy weight, could very well mean the difference between acquiring Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia or aging gracefully.

Nutrition and the Alzheimer’s Patient

It is also very important that seniors who already have Alzheimer’s disease practice healthy nutritional habits to help them stay healthy and independent as long as possible. Foods high in sodium, refined sugar, cholesterol, and saturated fat should be greatly limited or eliminated. They should also eat a good variety of foods to make sure they are getting a broad range of essential nutrients. 

An additional problem that needs to be accounted for, however, is that Alzheimer’s patients may be faced with additional challenges that interfere with maintaining a healthy diet. As the disease progresses the person may have difficulty with dexterity and may not be able to handle cutlery and utensils easily; the person also may not recognize foods or may forget when he or she last ate. Other obstacles to eating well include 
-mouth pain due to poor-fitting dentures or other mouth problems the person is not able to communicate
-lack of exercise, which reduces the appetite
-a reduced sense of taste and smell
-medications that interfere with the appetite
-changes in perception that make it difficult for the person to distinguish food from a plate
-distractions that keep the person from eating.

To overcome these obstacles, caretakers can apply a number of approaches to ensure their loved one or client gets the nutrition he or she needs. The Alzheimer’s Association provides a number of excellent tips and strategies on their website for caretakers to use including the following:

• Distinguish food from the plate and the plate from the table by using contrasting colors for plates and placemats. This can help the food to stand out and become identifiable to someone whose perceptions are dramatically altered.
• Make sure that food and drink are at an edible or drinkable temperature to ensure the person does not burn his or her mouth. Test them yourself before giving them to the Alzheimer’s patient.
• Make eating easy by making finger foods that are easier to pick up.
• Avoid distraction and confusion by only serving a maximum of two foods at a time.
• Let the person eat according to his or her preferences. Keep these preferences in mind and serve healthy foods that the person has liked in the past so that the meal is more appetizing to him or her. If the person’s preferences suddenly change, be willing to change the foods and do not try to force him or her to eat foods he or she may no longer like.
• Allow the person as much time to eat as he or she needs. Because of limited abilities, he or she may take an hour or more to finish a meal.
• Allow the person as much independence as possible, even if he or she makes a mess, and adapt the plates, cups and utensils to accommodate his or her abilities. Bowls may be easier for the person to use than plates, and cups with suction cups on the bottom may aid in preventing spills
• Make the meals more enjoyable by joining the person at mealtime. Engage him or her in conversation to stimulate the brain and appetite. You can also show the person how to eat as necessary through demonstration.
• If the person forgets when he or she last ate and keeps requesting a meal, consider breaking up that meal into several smaller meals so the person can eat each time he or she wants to without overeating. Portion out the different foods and provide them to the person over the course of the day as he or she asks for them.

For additional tips and information, and some great caregiver guides, visit the Alzheimer’s Association website at www.alz.org.

At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, we understand the stress that caregivers go through. We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and Alzheimer's. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us online.

^{References
Alzheimer’s Association. (n.d.). Adopt a Brain-Healthy Diet. Retrieved from alz.org/we_can_help_adopt_a_brain_healthy_diet.asp
Alzheimer’s Association. (n.d.). Alzheimer's Facts and Figures. Retrieved from alz.org/alzheimers_disease_facts_and_figures.asp
Alzheimer’s Association. (n.d.). Food, Eating and Alzheimer's. Retrieved from alz.org/care/alzheimers-food-eating.asphttp://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/}

Senior Care in Chapel Hill and Durham - The Talk: How to Start the Senior Care Conversation

By Helen Antipov

In providing senior care and elder care in Chapel Hill and Durham, we understand the discussion of senior care with aging parents and close relatives is a difficult conversation to have. It can be uncomfortable for all parties involved, but it is necessary to ensure the well being of a loved one as they grow older. There are a host of factors to consider when beginning such talks that will affect the entire family.

Timing is Everything
When to have the senior care conversation is always difficult to determine. It is honestly never to early. Rather than waiting until the senior’s health is deteriorating, do it when they are of sound mind and body. This assures them that they have had some say in what the latter stages of their life will look like. Many caregivers and family members have experienced resentment from their seniors because they feel as though they have no control over their own lives. If they are a included in an early conversation, this ensures their input.

Location Matters
Where the conversation takes place matters. The atmosphere should never be intimidating where the loved one will feels as though the family is ganging up on them. It should be calm, and in a family-oriented place such as someone’s home or a private venue.

Choose a Leader
Someone has to lead the pack. The family should select a point person to plan and lead the discussion. This decision may be the most difficult for some families, especially in the case of a parent with more than one child. A pre-talk among the people closes in relation to the senior must take place. While the responsibilities can be shared, there has to be one person everyone can look to for details and instruction.
Support is Imperative
Showing up matters. It speaks volumes to loved ones when their relatives tell them they care but seeing actions match words resonates with them. The same is true when the senior care conversation begins. Involve everyone close to them. Show them they are not alone.

Gather Information

At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, we understand the stress that caregivers go through. We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and in planning the care that can make a difference in their daily life. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us online.

Senior Care in Durham and Chapel Hill

By Helen Antipov

Senior Care in Durham and Chapel Hill - We understand how hard it is to leave the care of your loved ones with others. We want you to know who we are and that we love what we do. We all have our personal stories of why we are in this business and it all revolves around providing loving care for the elder family members in our community. Every client has unique care needs and situations, so at Comfort Keepers® in Chapel Hill and Durham we offer a full range of in-home companionship and personal care services to provide seniors with the right amount of support for independent living at home. Call us to discuss options for keeping your senior safe.

At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, we understand the stress that caregivers go through. We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and in finding senior activities that can make a difference in their daily life. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us at online.

 http://goo.gl/HA1DM7

Respite Care in Durham and Chapel Hill

By Helen Antipov

Respite Care in Durham - http://goo.gl/FqN5Fj We give you a break from providing care so you can rest, recharge, or focus on other important matters. Caregiving can be a rewarding and bonding experience within a family, yet in even the best situations, the responsibility and ongoing routine can be stressful and tiring—especially when balanced with a job or caring for children. When family caregivers are emotionally drained providing Senior Care, they are likely less effective at playing this critical role. Comfort Keepers® of Chapel Hill and Durham can provide respite care or temporary relief to those who care for family members who might otherwise require permanent placement in a facility outside the home. How Comfort Keepers Can Help... Respite care services give you time to leave the home for a few hours or even a few days, knowing the one you care for is in good hands. This creates time to:
• take care of the errands you never seem to have time for
 • catch up on your shopping
• attend a support group meeting
• visit doctor or dentist for routine care
• give yourself a much-needed rest.

Comfort Keepers respite services can be scheduled for as little as a few hours a week. Additionally, around-the-clock care can be arranged so you can take a longer break to attend a wedding out of town, take a child to college, or go on a much-needed vacation. Comfort Keepers of Chapel Hill and Durham 1415 West NC Highway 54 Suite 209 Durham, NC 27707
http://goo.gl/FqN5Fj

Respite Care in Durham and Chapel Hill

By Helen Antipov

Respite Care of Chapel Hill and Durham - http://goo.gl/FqN5Fj
We give you a break from providing senior or elder care so you can rest, recharge, or focus on other important matters in the Chapel Hill and Durham areas. Senior or elder caregiving can be a rewarding and bonding experience within a family, yet in even the best situations, the responsibility and ongoing routine can be stressful and tiring—especially when balanced with a job or caring for children. When family caregivers are emotionally drained providing Senior Care, they are likely less effective at playing this critical role.

Comfort Keepers® of Chapel Hill and Durham can provide respite care or temporary relief to those who care for family members who might otherwise require permanent placement in a facility outside the home. How Comfort Keepers Can Help... Respite care services give you time to leave the home for a few hours or even a few days, knowing the one you care for is in good hands. This creates time to: • take care of the errands you never seem to have time for • catch up on your shopping • attend a support group meeting • visit doctor or dentist for routine care • give yourself a much-needed rest. Comfort Keepers respite services can be scheduled for as little as a few hours a week. Additionally, around-the-clock care can be arranged so you can take a longer break to attend a wedding out of town, take a child to college, or go on a much-needed vacation.

At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, we understand the stress that caregivers go through. We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and in finding senior activities that can make a difference in their daily life. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us at online.

Senior Care in Chapel Hill and Durham - Help Seniors Winterize Their Homes

By Helen Antipov

Winter months can be particularly harsh for seniors, especially for those who live here in Chapel Hill and Durham where are winters seem to be getting harsher! It is important that the ones you love stay safe during the winter season. Their safety includes not just dressing appropriately for the weather but also making sure their homes are in good shape to face the dangerous drops in temperature.

Depending on where your senior loved one lives, you may have very little to do to ensure winter safety in and around their home. However, for the colder regions, that to-do list may be quite long. The following are a few pointers to help you get started when visiting your loved ones this season.

Exterior
Install weather strips around doors and caulk windows to keep cold air out and warm air inside. Insulate exposed pipes to protect them from freezing. Seal any holes in the house's foundation to keep animals from crawling underneath the house for shelter. Clean out gutters and ensure spouts are clear so any water flows away from the house. For locations that expect extended temperatures of 32 degrees or below, install additional insulation in the attic for protection. Check to make sure all snow and de-icing equipment is in working order. Ice-melt salt or sand is handy and provides additional safety during icy times. Drain gas from mowers and water from garden hoses.

Interior
Make sure the furnace is in good working order and clear any materials that may become a fire hazard.  Install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and store enough batteries for both. Have other heating units inspected and serviced. Clean the fireplace and leave wood in easy reach for seniors to use. If your loved one does not already have one, purchase a fire extinguisher and teach him or her how to use it.

Emergency Preparations
Now is also a good time to create bad weather emergency kits for the home and even the car. For the house, make sure there are plenty of extra water bottles, candles, matches or lighters, flashlights and batteries in case of a power outage. Canned food and other non-perishable items should be stored for this purpose, as well. Keeping flashlights on the bedside table in case of such emergencies is also a good idea.

Emergency kits for cars are just as essential. While you do not want to store water in the car during freezing temperatures, you can keep a to-go bag by the door for outings. Inside this bag include plenty of water, some snacks or other easy-to-eat non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and a cell phone charger for the car. Packing a warm change of clothes or a blanket may be a good idea. Better to be safe than sorry if your loved one's car happens to slide off of an icy road. At least the senior will be prepared to wait for help.

If you live away from the senior in your life, now may be a good time to contact an in-home care agency, such as Comfort Keepers of Chapel Hill and Durham, to check on your loved one and ensure  he or she is safe during the winter. We have qualified staff that can help with grocery shopping, light housekeeping, and can even provide transportation to appointments or other errands.  Most importantly, someone will keep an eye on the senior living alone, providing crucial care and much needed socialization during cold wintery days.

At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, we understand the stress that caregivers go through. We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and in finding senior activities that can make a difference in their daily life. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us at online.

^References
Weintraub, Elizabeth. Winterizing your home. Preparing your home for winter. Retrieved on October 30, 2011, from http://homebuying.about.com/od/buyingahome/qt/92607_WinmterHom.ht

Alzheimer’s Care in Chapel Hill and Durham – Alzheimer’s Assistance Dogs Lend a Helping Paw

By Helen Antipov

In caring for Alzheimer's patients here in Chapel Hill and Durham, we see that little things can make a big difference in patient attitude. Pet therapy has been shown to be particularly helpful to Alzheimer’s patients and those affected by other dementias. Pets, and dogs in particular, can calm those affected by dementia, help them stay active (Dogs love to walk!), and help them stay social through interactions with passersby who cannot resist these fuzzy companions. Dogs in general often provide enjoyment for those dealing with dementia, and it has been shown that dementia patients have a greater appetite following a visit from a canine companion.

The good news is there may be new promise in the area of pets helping people with dementias. Imagine dogs trained to remind a person to take medication and eat, or lead a person with dementia back home. Even more impressive, imagine these dogs could accomplish all of these tasks without receiving any type of verbal command. Does this sound farfetched (no pun intended)?

Considering the intelligence level and demeanor of certain dogs, this idea is not as crazy as it seems. In fact, today there are approximately six dogs in the world trained to do exactly these types of tasks through two projects, one based in Israel and one based in Germany, and more dogs are being trained.
Unlike traditional pet therapy, which mostly offers companionship to the Alzheimer’s patient, these two projects have undertaken training assistance dogs specifically to aid Alzheimer’s and other dementia patients with completing daily tasks, thus allowing the person to have greater independence.

This type of training is not for all dogs; it is the most demanding type of service dog training. Since their main task is to bring their human companion home when lost (or bark for help if necessary) dementia assistance dogs are specially chosen based on whether they are capable of assisting without commands and adapting what they have learned to new settings and situations. They also must be resilient enough to tolerate the frequent mood changes from which those with dementias frequently suffer.

Early pilot studies with these clever canines is promising, and the dementia patients and their families have had highly positive results. Perhaps one day in the near future, these carefully trained companions will be coming to a city near you.

At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, we understand the stress that caregivers go through. We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and in keeping your senior healthy that can make a difference in their daily life. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us at online.

We provide elder care, senior care, in home care, Alzheimer's care and dementia care in Chapel Hill and Durham.

References
Cohen, J. (August 8, 2011). Assistance dogs: Learning new tricks for centuries. History in the Headlines. Retrieved from http://www.history.com/news/assistance-dogs-learning-new-tricks-for-centuries.
Coren, S. (January 21, 2014). Assistance dogs for Alzheimer's and dementia patients. Psychology Today. Retrieved from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/canine-corner/201401/assistance-dogs-alzheimers-and-dementia-patients.
Dementia Dog. (n.d.). Our dogs. Retrieved from http://www.dementiadog.org/
Rugg, L. C. (n.d.). Alzheimer's aid: Lassies become loyal friends. Retrieved from http://www.kingsvalleycollies.com/versatile/alzheimer-s-aid.
Shiboleth, M. (n.d.). Remember for me–The Alzheimer’s aid dogs. Retrieved from  http://www.kingsvalleycollies.com/about/alzheimers-aid-dogs.
Vann, M. (April 20, 2010). How animal therapy helps dementia patients. Everyday Health. Retrieved from http://www.everydayhealth.com/alzheimers/how-animal-therapy-helps-dementia-patients.aspx.