Are you ready to Gobble 'til you Wobble?


Feast your eyes on our fun-filled November!
Pumpkins, cranberries and yams- oh my!

This month's newsletter features helpful advice for families to support their loved ones. Take a look:
  • Is it 'Sometimers' or Alzheimer's?
  • Tips for holding successful family meetings to discuss caregiving.
  • Plus, notable November trivia!
Read on...
November Notes:


Take a peek at the abundant and exciting activities planned for our residents this  month. Click below to see the full calendar of events.

Dates You'll Want to Remember: 
  • November 19 at 4 pm - Caregiver Support Group Meeting
  • November 28 - Thanksgiving
Is it ' Sometimers ' or Alzheimer ' s?

Mild forgetfulness can be a normal part of the aging process. But when memory problems begin to seriously affect daily life, it is time to take action. Difficulty completing familiar daily tasks, new problems with words or speaking, repeating questions, or confusion of time/place are not signs of "normal" aging. They could be early signs of Alzheimer's disease or another dementia.
 
Have you noticed your loved one experiencing any of the following?
  • Taking longer than normal to complete routine tasks
  • Mood and personality changes
  • Impaired reasoning or judgement
  • Increased anxiety and/or aggression
  • Difficulty handling money and paying bills
  • Becoming lost in familiar areas
These could be early signs of Alzheimer's disease or other dementias. If forgetfulness is more than just an occasional slip of the mind, you will want to talk with your doctor. Don't ignore changes in memory that are concerning to you.
 
Many people worry about becoming forgetful. They think forgetfulness is the first sign of Alzheimer's disease. Over the past few years, scientists have learned a lot about memory and why some kinds of memory problems are serious but others are not. To read more, visit this article provided by Alzheimer's San Diego:

Family
Tips for a Successful Family Meeting 

When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, the diagnosis can be overwhelming, and may result in difficult family conversations. As Alzheimer's progresses, the challenges that come with caregiving and the difficult nature of the disease can cause even more struggles within the family dynamic.
 
To avoid uncomfortable discussions and inflamed family confrontations, it may seem easier to deny or ignore problems that arise. Guilt and denial tend to cause paralysis in making important decisions that can have catastrophic results-including injury to a loved one or a caregiver.
 
Instead of avoiding the inevitable, make a plan for the future. This step can allow you to break through the anxiety and feel more in control. You can establish milestones for when to take future action, but making a plan is an essential step forward.
 
Alzheimer's disease can cause major shifts in family roles and relationships, especially when family members are out of town and do not see the day-to-day changes. Establishing a caregiving team will enable many to share the care and contribute to the well-being of your loved one.
 
To get the whole team on board, we have prepared these hints for holding your meetings:
  • It is not "one and done" - this diagnosis will require several conversations.
  • Play to your strengths - use the talents of an entire team to provide the best care.
  • No criticisms, no kidding - present an alternative plan and be prepared to assume the obligation instead of criticizing.
  • You may need a referee - you can solicit the support of a social worker, a geriatric care manager, a counselor or any neutral third party. 
Caring for a loved one is a journey with many turns. Be grateful for the good days and seek support for those trying times. Don't forget to put effort in to helping yourself, be open to accepting help from others and be familiar with your professional resources. It takes a community to care for someone with Alzheimer's. Ask for their help.  For more tips,  click here .
November Knowledge

Around November 17, the Leonids meteor shower reaches its peak.

In 1863, Abraham Lincoln, declared the last Thursday of November to be  a National Day of  Thanksgiving .

"Harper's Bazaar" issue #1 was published in November of 1867. It was America's first fashion-oriented magazine.

In 1930 the Bank of Italy became the Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association, now known as the Bank of America.

Parker Brothers launched the board game of Monopoly in 1935.

November 3, 1956 The Wizard of Oz was shown on television for the first time.

A baby turkey is called a poult.

A full grown turkey has about 3,500 feathers.

Only male turkeys gobble. They do so to attract female turkeys.

Turkeys can see 270 degrees around themselves.

Germany, Japan, Korea, Liberia and Puerto Rico all celebrate Thanksgiving.
ActivCare at Brittany House  |  5401 E. Centralia Street  |  Long Beach, CA 90808
(562) 246-9690  |   ActivCareLiving.com