Check out these tips to help with caregiving of those with dementia.
Love is in Air
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:
  • Embracing love with touch.
  • Self-Love - healthy habits.
  • When is the right time to place?
  • And, some lighthearted trivia to brighten your day.
You'll love what's in store...
February Events Will Get Your Heart Racing  
 
From Valentine's Day to Presidents Day, we have a lot of activities planned for the month. Click the button below for the activity calendar.


Join us for the Caregiver Support Group Meetings on the second and  fourth Tuesday  each month. Meetings this month will be on  Feb. 12  and  Feb. 26  at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome! 
Is Okay Good Enough?

While touring or researching placement, many times families share with us that their loved one is okay at home for now. They will make a decision to place in a specialty community when their loved one's health declines or things get worse. Question: What if it could be better than it is right now? Why settle for the status quo or mediocre?
 
While Alzheimer's and dementia can rob the brain of cognitive abilities and executive function, those with memory loss have much to contribute and even more to gain from socialization. Maintaining dignity and self-esteem are important when considering the resident's overall well-being and quality of life.
 
The ActivCare program is designed to exercise skills and abilities and maintain the residents' highest functioning level. Residents are provided the opportunity to flourish within a community specifically designed for the unique needs of those with memory loss. Residents that live in a social setting and engage in the activity-based programs receive the maximum benefit. Compassionate caregivers guide residents throughout their day offering prompting and cueing. Family members enjoy peace of mind and are able to maintain their role of family member instead of caregiver. These benefits of community and socialization cannot be replicated in the home and serve a unique purpose to inspire and challenge residents to engage in life, not retreat from it.
 
As residents' needs change, so does their care.
 
While the decision to place a loved one is different for each family, resident and caregiver safety is paramount. Attached is a great resource to review when considering care outside the home.
 
Boost Your Happiness

You give the best care when you are at your happiest. Being a caregiver is an emotional journey and self-love is important. Creating healthy habits that boost happiness will make it easier to do the things you enjoy most. The more you allow yourself to experience happiness the more you can share your love as a caregiver.
 
From heathy eating to fitness to sleep, we found an article that can offer helpful solutions for you to be your happiest.

Effective Communication 
at Every Stage

Communication plays a vital role in helping us understand the emotions of another person as a caregiver. As Alzheimer's and other dementias progress, it may become harder to communicate. Residents may have problems with finding the right word or losing their train of thought. Questions may be repeated over and over.
 
Each stage of the disease requires you to communicate differently. We found an article from the Alzheimer's Association that provides strategies for each stage. Patience, encouragement, and a reassuring smile can help you make a connection.

Did You Know?
  • This entire month has been dedicated to chocolate! February is celebrated as the National Chocolate Lovers Month.
  • Perhaps not coincidentally, February is also National Dental Health Month.
  • For the first time since 1866, Sweetheart's Conversation Hearts will not be available this Valentine's Day. Good news is... they will be back in 2020!
  • Pets get valentine's too (3% of owners recognize their pet).
  • According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, February is the time to plan your garden.
  • Folklore of the season: If February give much snow, a fine summer it doth foreshow.

ActivCare at Mission Bay  |   2440 Grand Avenue  |   San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 207-3334  |   ActivCareLiving.com