How to Deal With Personality Changes in Seniors

Does someone you know suffer from Dementia or Alzheimer’s?

Does your loved one feel like a stranger?

Are you struggling with ways to cope with these changes in your loved ones’ personality?

According to A Place For Mom, “although this can be a difficult situation to deal with, it helps to remember that this is not something you are causing in your loved one, rather, that the behavior is the direct result of the health condition.” Please know that nothing you did made them this way.

Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) suggests that “when your loved one exhibits an undesirable behavior, your reaction may be to try to stop or change the behavior. But remember, you can't reason with or teach new skills to a person with dementia. Instead, try to decrease the intensity or frequency of the behavior. Consider these approaches:

• Remember that your loved one isn't acting this way on purpose. Try not to get angry or upset or take it personally.
• Speak calmly and softly to the person.
• If the behavior is aggressive, back away. Give your loved one space. Then calmly approach him or her. Don't argue.
• Consider the potential cause of the behavior. Is your loved one tired, hungry, in pain, frustrated, lonely, bored? Could it be a side effect of medication?
• Respond to the emotion, not the behavior. If your loved one keeps asking about a certain family member, he or she may need reassurance that this person is healthy and safe. Avoid trying to reason with the patient, this may often lead to frustration for both of you, because he or she may be unable to follow lengthy explanations.”

Are you still having problems dealing with personality changes in your loved one? At Hillside Terrace, we understand that it can be a challenging time and we want to help you in any way we can to make things easier. We’re focused on holistically improving and maintaining the well-being of our residents through promoting independence, a stimulating environment, and building rapport.

Best Memory Care in Ann Arbor: Schedule a Tour Today!

Is your parent prepared for their end of life care? Discussing moving your parent into assisted living can be a scary thing for any adult to face. However, it’s the scary reality of so many in this country. We can help your family create peace of mind. When you’re at home, you’ll know your loved one is taken care of and in good hands!

For more information about memory care in Ann Arbor and the other services we provide, visit us at HillsideTerrace.net, or contact us here! Hillside Terrace – “Where our family shares life with your family!” Schedule a tour today!

Ways to Help Seniors Avoid Isolation

Are you or a loved one isolated from other people?

Do you or a loved one get social anxiety?

Do you prefer to be by yourself?

According to a study conducted by the Drexel University of Public Health, “seniors living in areas with greater social capital had significantly higher physical mobility scores than those living in lower social capital neighborhoods. Living in a place with greater social capital—where there is more trust and more helpful neighbors—you will feel more comfortable walking around to get to places you need to go, which helps you stay mobile,” and less isolated.

If your parent or loved one doesn’t live in an area with social capital, then it is important to encourage them in certain ways to get involved in something they enjoy doing to promote social health.

A Place for Mom suggests the top ways to promote connectedness and social health include:

1. Making transportation available
2. Promote sense of purpose or hobbies that interest them
3. Encourage religious seniors to maintain attendance at their places of worship
4. Give a senior something to take care of
5. Encourage a positive body image
6. Encourage hearing and vision tests
7. Make adaptive technologies available
8. Notify neighbors of your loved one’s condition so they can keep a friendly eye out in case anything seems amiss
9. Encourage dining with others
10. Address incontinence issues
11. Give a hug
12. Giving extra support to seniors who have recently lost a spouse
13. Identification of socially isolated seniors by public health professionals
14. Help out a caregiver in your life

Have you or a loved one overcome isolation? Please let us know your story and what helped you! We’d LOVE to hear your story!

Hillside Terrace Senior Living offers elderly care in Ann Arbor and the surrounding areas. Trust is an important factor when placing your family member under someone else’s care. We can help your family create peace of mind. When you’re at home, you’ll know your loved one is taken care of and in good hands. Hillside Terrace – “Where our family shares life with your family!”

Looking For More?

For more information about our elderly care in Ann Arbor, call us today, or fill out our contact form here! We’re focused on holistically improving and maintaining the well-being of our residents through promoting independence, a stimulating environment, and building rapport. Schedule a tour with us today!