Helpful Caregiver Tips and Fun Fall Facts
Everything Nice and Pumpkin Spice!
November is National Alzheimer's Awareness Month. If you have been touched by Alzheimer's or know someone who is, we have some helpful information in this month's newsletter. Scroll down to learn:  
  • 10 ways to help a family living with Alzheimer's
  • Know the early warning signs of Alzheimer's
  • When is the right time to place?
  • Some fun facts about fall festivities
ActivCare is here to assist you with  caring for those with
memory loss. Have a question? 

Call us at  (760) 705-1840

Read on.
Fantastic Fall Moments Planned

With Family Caregiver Month, Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving, November is the month of thanks. Check out the full calendar of events scheduled for the community in November.


Our Caregiver Support Group Meeting is the second Tuesday of the month at 10:30 am. 
Join us on Nov. 13.

Families, you are welcome to attend the Family Council meeting. This month it will be 
Thursday, Nov. 15 from 11:30 am to 1 pm.
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What's Cooking?

Check out the tasty meals planned for November 
at the community.

Show Your Appreciation

The job of a family caregiver is 24/7. There are no weekends off or vacation days. Family caregivers deliver loving care all day every day. For their selfless commitment these everyday superheroes are to be lauded and thanked. 
 
When asked if you can help, oftentimes family caregivers decline. 

Here's an idea to make them an offer that caregivers cannot refuse. When heading to the market, call and ask if you could pick up items for them. On your way to run errands, offer to add one of the caregiver's errands to your list. Better yet, just offer to listen and support a caregiver you know. Just letting them share their feelings and not be judged can do wonders.
 
Know someone who is caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia? Here are  10 ways to show your support .
Know the Warning Signs

Forgot a name? Mislaid your keys? Lost your train of thoughts? Everyone experiences slightlapses in memory as they grow older. Usually, you can retrace your steps and you can remember later. It's when forgetfulness impedes your life that it can be a warning sign of something else. Repeating questions, lack of short-term memory, and getting lost are all early warning signs.
 
Alzheimer's disease is more than just mild forgetfulness. Alzheimer's affects how the brain  functions and can manifest itself in different ways. 

Check out this short video: What is Alzheimer's Disease?
 
Alzheimer's San Diego has prepared a brief summary of symptoms and stages of the disease. If you or someone you love is experiencing these  symptoms, consult your doctor. Share your experiences and your concerns so that a proper diagnosis can be made.
When Is the Right Time to Place?


 

There's no place like home. While this adage conjures up feelings of comfort, sometimes home is not the best place for someone with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
 
ActivCare Chief Operating Officer, Todd Shetter, is often asked when is the right time to place a loved one in a specialty care community. While the decision is personal and different for each family, Todd maintains that resident and caregiver safety is paramount.
 
"Families have shared that they promised their parent or spouse that they would never put them in a 'home,' but that statement was likely made before dementia was a diagnosis," recalls Todd. When faced with this situation, he recommends, "Ask yourself these questions: Is this a safe environment for my love one? Is it the best scenario for all involved? Are the caregivers capable and competent? What is the back-up plan?"
 
Todd suggests changing the mindset about placement in a specialty care community. Just like seeking help from a doctor, an attorney, or a tax adviser, families can seek help for round-the-clock care from trained professionals. A memory care community can allow residents to thrive in a loving and supportive environment. The stimulating activity program engages the residents and allows them to succeed, which can boost self-esteem. Socialization can spark renewed purpose and feelings of worth.
 
Here's the complete article to assist with the decision of placing a loved one in memory care.

Fall Fascinating Facts

Whether you call the season Fall or Autumn or Harvest (as  in ancient times), there are many  fascinating features of this time of year:
  • Daylight Savings ends the first Sunday in November (at 2 am).
  • Pumpkin spice has nothing to do with pumpkins. Instead it is the spice used to make pumpkin pies. It's a combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and cloves.
  • Fall colors are caused by the amount of sugar in leaves. The more sugar, the redder the leaf.
  • You may experience weight gain in fall, and it may not be from food. Lack of vitamin D (with less daylight hours) reduces fat breakdown and triggers fat storage.
  • Children born in the fall are statistically better students and live longer.
  • Swedish researchers found that women lose more hair in the fall.
ActivCare at Bressi Ranch |  6255 Nygaard St | Carlsbad, CA 92009
760-705-1840  |   ActivCareLiving.com
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