We hope these tips for caring for those with dementia prove helpful.

Caregivers are Close to Our Hearts
Happy Valentine's Day to you and your loved ones. To show you how much we care, we have compiled some lovely tips and ideas for the family caregiver. This month's newsletter contains:
  • Coping with behavior changes.
  • Survey says...Customer satisfaction at Memory Care communities ranks high.
  • Get out and have fun...together. We have a list of ideas.
  • Introducing the Chance Hero Award which recognizes excellence in caring for those with dementia.
  • And, some lighthearted trivia to brighten your day.
You'll love what's in store...

February Events Will Get Your Heart Racing   
 
From Groundhogs to the Big Game to Valentine's to Presidents, we have a lot of activities planned for the month. Click the button below for a full listing of the activity calendar.

I Know They Love Me, But...
Coping with Behavior Changes

All her life, my mother was prim and proper. She was a true lady with reserved grace and elegance. With the progression of dementia, now she becomes agitated easily, even to the point of throwing dishes. She dislikes bathing and grooming. And, she gets confrontational when I try to help. What do I do?

Sound familiar?

As a caregiver, how do you cope with changes in behavior? This is a common question asked of our team at ActivCare. We have discovered some practical advice that can help with your daily care.

To better understand and react to behavior changes, you first want to determine if there is a physical ailment or symptom that is causing the reaction. Dementia can take away one's ability to effectively communicate about discomfort or even pain. Constipation, UTIs and even lack of sleep can contribute to abrupt attitude alterations.

Your immediate reaction can help calm. Remember these responses:
  1. Acknowledge - Validate their feelings: "You seem upset." Don't argue or try to reason with the person.
  2. Reassure - Advise the person that he or she is safe and you are there to help.
  3. Redirect - Help them change focus.
The National Institute on Aging has prepared a wonderful guide for family caregivers to cope with various changes in their loved one: from communication to personality and behaviors to intimacy. Click on the link below to learn practical tips to cope with common behavioral changes.

Satisfaction at Memory Care Communities Ranks High

Is Memory Care the right choice for your loved one? Some-times the decision to move in to a Memory Care community is made amidst many challenges. But according to the results of a recent survey, Memory Care can foster a high quality of life for people living with dementia, easing the transition for both residents and family members. 

Check out the results of this survey, which focus on the real-life experiences of family members who have loved ones in Memory Care. Then learn more by visiting our community.

Share the Love...Activities You Can Do Together

Add a little fun to your day with a variety of stimulating activities. Participating in enjoyable outings and engaging activities can enhance the caregiving experience. 

Here are a few ideas to get you started:
  • Alzheimer's San Diego offers a calendar of activities and outings tailored for those with memory loss.
  • Walk the dock and watch people fishing. Shelter Island, Ocean Beach, Crystal Pier and Oceanside Harbor are great options.
  • February is Museum Month in San Diego - Get a free discount card at Macys.
  • Visit Birch Aquarium at Scripps.
  • Visit Botanical Garden at Balboa Park -- it's free!
  • Visit the Rose Garden.
  • Feed the ducks at Mission Bay.
  • Create an art project together. Need inspiration? Check Art Therapy Projects on Pinterest.
Chance Hero Award Winner
Lima Taiti, center, with Kevin Moriarty - ActivCare CEO, left, and Todd Shetter - ActivCare COO, right.
We ♥ Our Caregivers
Recognizing Heroes

Introducing the Chance Hero Award-Honoring the legacy of W. Major Chance, ActivCare founder. Through his vision and innovation, Major always expected the very best care for those with Alzheimer's and related dementias.

 ActivCare launched the Chance Hero Award in 2017 to acknowledge those who carry on his vision. Our first recipient, Lima Taiti of ActivCare at Mission Bay, was recognized for her passion and commitment to serving residents with dementia and their families.
 
ActivCare is privileged to have caregivers such as Lima who are dedicated to the compassionate care of our residents every day. Each month, we will continue to recognize those associates that go above and beyond to enhance life for those with memory loss.
Did You Know...?

The heart is a common symbol of love and can represent the wings of a dove, which also served as a symbol of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love.

Many cultures use knots as symbols of an eternal love that has neither a beginning nor an end. 

The maple leaf is a symbol of love in China and Japan-and in North America.

Expressing gratitude toward people you love causes an immediate spike in your happiness.

Grab a tennis ball and squeeze it tightly: That is how hard the beating heart works to pump blood.

The average adult heart beats 72 times a minute.

WAL-MART generates $3,000,000.00 in revenues every 7 minutes.

It takes six months to build a Rolls Royce...and 13 hours to build a Toyota.
Over 50% of people who win the lottery jackpot return to work.

Didn't win? Here's a savings plan...1 penny doubled every day becomes $5 million in 30 days.

Over 88% of the world's population lives north of the Equator.

ActivCare at Mission Bay  |  2440 Grand Avenue  |  San Diego, CA  92109
858-356-4563  |   ActivCareLiving.com