Alzheimer’s Support Groups in Oregon

The demands of caregivers are well known, if not well appreciated. Giving elder care at home is physically unable to care for themselves is difficult enough, and introduces a host of stresses and complications that the average person never even thinks about. When you combine those problems with Alzheimer’s or Dementia, the issue becomes even more difficult.

For these dear caregivers, support groups can be priceless.

There are many people who balk at the idea of support groups because of what they see on television. They see superficial gatherings of people who smile alot and continually say things like, “we’re here for you.” These people are often battling serious addictions or emotional brokenness.

This is an incomplete picture. Support groups are, simply about supporting people in a difficult situation. If you are caring for a person with Alzheimer’s, you know that it isn’t easy, and only those in similar situations can really relate to the frustration, the sadness, and the burdens you carry. Many people don’t share those things wiht friends and family for fear of being judged. But this is not a great concern at a support group because you are dealing with total strangers who have gone through similar things. At these groups you can find resources, tips, advice, and answers. Best of all, you can forge new, lasting relationships with people who can continue to walk with you and your loved one during a difficult season where you need people more than anybody else.

To find Alzheimer’s support groups in the state of Oregon, click here.

If you are looking for memory care, you can find Alzheimer’s focused Assisted Living in Oregon, click here for Salem, here for Eugene, or here for Portland.

Avoiding Caregiver Burnout

There aren’t many jobs as noble as being a caregiver! Indeed, it is a worthy cause, and one which society is beginning to celebrate more and more. But for the caregiver, the nobility and grace are lost in the sheer emotional and physical demands of his or her duties. It is exhausting, stressful work! Many caregivers work themselves to the point of exhaustion, and then burn out quickly. This is, appropriately, referred to as “Caregiver Burnout.”

Caregiver Burnout is not something that HAS to happen to any caregiver. It is an occupational hazard, but occupational hazards can be avoided! Here are some signs that you as a caregiver need to watch for in yourself:

• Are you frequently exhausted
• Do you feel helpless? Do you easily become irritated by little things?
• Do you ever start resenting the person you’re caring?
• Are you becoming anxious?
• Do you find that you’re crying more than you normally do?
• Is your health fragile?

If you answered yes to some of these questions, you need to be on your guard. Things should not continue this way. And they don’t have to.





Here are a few ideas to keep Burnout at bay:

• Proper Diet: Don’t underestimate the importanace of eating right! If you don’t, you won’t have the physical or emotional energy to keep up with all your duties. You need energy, just like your car needs Gasoline! So put enough of the right stuff in the tank!

• Exercise: This is another basic that is easily overlooked. Proper exercise helps helps to build and sustain your energy levels. So go out and take a walk!

• Do things you Like: It is NOT selfish to schedule time for yourself. If you don’t, you will only feel less satisfied and more upset. Your hobbies should not end just because you are a caregiver. Your life is not over. So find a way to actively pursue the things you used to pursue.

• Ask for Help: Contrary to the opinions of many caregivers, it is really okay to admit that you need some help. You are not responsible for the entire well being of your family circle. Let people know you need a hand, and they will likely give it. Remember there are some really helpful services like Respite Care and Adult Day Care homes that are designed especially with you in mind. Take advantage of them!

• Find people you can talk to: You need to vent sometimes. You need someone who will hear you without judging you. A support group can be extremely helpful! Otherwise, schedule time to talk with your best friends, or a family member who knows how to listen. And when you find that person, let your guard down and be honest.

• Learn this word: “No.” I understand it’s a difficult one for you to pronounce, but if you don’t learn to say it, you will end up taking on all kinds of thins you never wanted to take on. For some reason, people often see all that caregivers do, and think they are superheroes. So they ask the caregiver to do even more! Don’t get more stressed than you already are. Just say “No.” It doesn’t make you a jerk. Don’t worry, they’ll understand.

• Encourage Independence: The person you care for might be relying on you a little too much. Consider encouraging him or her to do those things they still can do themselves! This not only lightens your load, it encourages a sense of well-being and dignity.

Remember not to overdo it! Stay balanced in a healthy way. You don’t have to burn out! In fact, you really can experience the fulfillment of your incredibly important job if you keep things in perspective!

Nintendo Wii: A Perfect Present for Seniors

By now, you have probably heard stories about how the Nintendo Wii has become a big hit in the world of Elder Care world. And it’s true. If you look around at your local Senior Center or Retirement Community, chances are, you will find a Nintendo Wii. And there might even be a line!

So, why Wii? Why now?

The Nintendo Wii is completely different than previous video games. The controls are not primarily based on pushing tiny buttons, but on motion. The player holds on to a control (sometimes one in each hand) and simulates the movement of the “virtual” player on the screen. In this way, people can “play” tennis without ever stepping out on a court, or bowl a twelve pound bowling ball even if they haven’t been inside a bowling alley in tweny years!

Kids love the Wii, of course, but seniors are maybe the ones who are most impressed.

Many therapists are starting to use the system in their practice, because it is a simple and fun way to encourage muscular motion. Some have dubbed it “Wii-hab.” The trend has stayed true in Oregon. Seniors all over the state have gotten into the game for exercise, entertainment, and even competition!

The Nintendo Wii retails for around $200, and the games range from $20 for simpler games to more than $80 for a game like Wii Fit, which includes a high-tech “Balance Board,” which is necessary for many of the activities.

The Wii makes an ideal Christmas present for grandparents, especially those who wish they could be more active. And the biggest plus of all could be this: the Wii could be an ideal place for grandpa to rub shoulders with his grandkids.

Seniors & Computers: 6 Steps to Getting Grandma Online

The Internet can be an intimidating place for Seniors. Many of them have decided they can do just fine without it, and would prefer to let the younger generation to keep their technology for themselves. Some even insist that the older way of life was better without all of the so called “advancements.” But there are real benefits for seniors online. Some studies have shown depression rates to be significantly lower for them, and it’s easy to see why. They can “get out” see family, talk to friends, and shop for the things they need without being hampered by fatigue and limited mobility. If any one group can benefit most from the internet, it might just be senior citizens!

Senior computing is on the rise, but many still reject it despite the endless appeals of their younger family members. Sometimes, the problem is in the appeal itself. The younger crowd often highlights the benefits that they themselves enjoy; things like online video streaming and shopping. But to the elder generation, these benefits are less important on the forefront. What is important to the Greatest Generation? Relationships. Family. Especially Grandchildren!

With that in mind, here’s a sure-fire, step-by-step guide to finally getting Grandma to log on.

1. Get her a computer.

Obviously. She might already have one collecting dust, or maybe you do. It doesn’t have to be state-of-the-art, but it needs to have basic functionality for handling high speed traffic. A USB 2.0 port is a must.

2. Get her signed on with a high-speed internet service.

Cable and DSL service has come down in price, and wireless Broadband is becoming increasingly popular. For her purposes, even a 1.5 MBPS speed will likely be sufficient. If she’s going to video conference, it would be safer to go higher, just in case. Dial-up is not going to help very much.

3. Create Accounts for Her.

You do this all the time for yourself, so do it for her. Start with a real simple email account. Gmail is a nice option, because their interface is nice and clean. Then, get her signed on with whatever picture sharing sites the rest of the family uses, like Snapfish, Photobucket, or Flikr. If nobody uses these, chances are they use Facebook. So get her signed up there. Don’t worry about features. What’s important is that she’s using the same thing they are using. Next, move on to Skype. This is contingent, of course, on whether the rest of the family ever does video conferencing. If they do, get her a USB 2.0 webcam, hook it up, and open a Skype account (or a similar service, like iChat for Mac users. Again, the important thing is that she’s using what the rest of the family is using.) For all of these, save the settings so that her username and password (use the same one every time, if possible) will automatically be entered every time she goes to the site.

4. Simplify Everything.

Clean up the desktop. Make the icons big. Her eyes aren’t so good anymore. Re-label her web browser “INTERNET,” and her Skype or iChat icon “Video Phone.” Un-install any unnecessary toolbars on the browser window, and instead put some personalized bookmarks up there, just for her. Label her Shutterfly bookmark “Grand-baby Pictures.” Label her email account not as “Yahoo Mail” but just “E-Mail.” You can include other helpful ones as well, such as “Weather,” “Old Friends,” etc, which she might want to explore later on.

5. Coordinate with the family.

Have someone send her an email ahead of time, welcoming her to the 21st century. Make sure there are new pictures up on the family site–ones Grandma has never seen before. Have them accept her Friend Request on Skype beforehand, and see if they can be online at the same time you will be.

6. Show her how.

Invite her to sit in front of the keyboard, and you sit next to her. Let her take the mouse. Be patient with her. Have her click on the “INTERNET” icon. Let her click on “Email,” and read the note that was already waiting for her. Have her click “Grand-baby” Pictures and comment about how quickly and easily they come up. Finally, have her open up Skype and say hi to her grandchildren, face to face.

If you can do all of this, she’s well on her way. Remember to go slow. If you do well, she will get more comfortable in the digital world and in time, she’ll learn to navigate for herself. That can only be good news.

Assisted Living in Portland

There are many fantastic Assisted Living and Elder Care Facilities in Portland area. The table below includes just about every Assisted Living Facility in the city.

Click on the name of the facility for more information.

“Memory Walks” to End Alzheimer’s

Over the last twenty years, no organization has shed as much light on the plight of memory loss in America than the Alzheimer’s Association. The group’s vision is to see “a world without Alzheimer’s.”

What will it take? Dedication and lots of money. That’s where their annual “Memory Walks” come in. Since 1989, these charity events have raised more than a quarter Billion dollars for Alzheimer’s research. The Memory Walks enlist thousands of volunteer fund-raisers who gather in hundreds of locations across the country. They walk together in teams, raising millions of dollars through their privately-raised sponsors.

There were walks in every state, including Oregon. On September 27th, thousands of walkers descended on Portland’s Pioneer Courthouse for a 2 Mile Memory Walk across blocked off streets. There were prizes, speakers, and a whole lot of walking! This weekend, on October 11th, another Oregon Memory Walk will take place at Eugene’s Alton Baker Park. The event begins at 1:00, and the walk begins at 2:00.

These Memory Walks have reportedly raised more than $40 Million this year alone for Alzheimer’s research. The Eugene event is sponsored by local businesses. Many of these sponsors are local Memory Care and Elder Care facilities, including Sierra Oaks Residential and Memory Care, SouthTowne Living Center, Good Neighbor Care, Sheldon Park Assisted Living & Memory Care, and especially Gateway Residential Care.

The Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Many people ask, “What is the difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia?” Dementia is a term used to describe a more general condition: loss of cognitive abilities and memory. Alzheimer’s is closely associated with Dementia because it is the most common type. Alzheimer’s is a brain disease. It can be severely debilitating, and often lead to death.

More than 5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s. 96% of those are over the age of 65. Obviously, this has made Alzheimer’s a major issue in Elder Care. Not only is there no known cure for Alzheimer’s, there is no known cause, and no effective way to treat it.

The Alzheimer’s Association raises millions of dollars each year to promote Alzheimer’s education and to ultimately find a cure. The group encourages people to watch for early signs of Alzheimer’s in their loved ones. Their “10 Signs Checklist,” available for download here includes helpful tips to look out for, such as “memory changes that disrupt daily live,” “difficulty completing familiar tasks at home,” and “changes in mood and personality.” The list goes on to explain what should be normal for your loved one, and what is not.

Even though there is no known cure, doctors say that early detection of the disease is important, so if your loved one is showing signs of Alzheimer’s, it is best to see a doctor. After all, memory loss might not mean Alzheimer’s at all, and the root cause might be treatable.

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s could still help your family assess treatment options and map out your future. Will your loved one’s spouse or partner be able to give adequate care? Is it safe for him or her to live alone? Would home care be better, or maybe a Memory Care Center? All of these options can be planned out well in advance if you watch for the 10 signs.

Networks for Helping Seniors

The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services, in their handy “Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home,” recommends that people explore different options BEFORE deciding to put their loved ones in a nursing home. In many cases, those loved ones do not need intensive, 24-hour assistance, but their needs are just a little more than any one person can handle. The Guide lists many different kinds of services that can help out based on the individual’s needs, so that the Nursing Home option doesn’t have to be the first and only option. I’m posting those options below, along with a brief definition and explanation.

■ Adult day care : This is a unique service offered to seniors who live with loved ones but need care during the day while their loved ones are at work. Most adult day cares are designed for seniors who have dimentia or alzheimers and cannot care for themselves.

■ Meal programs (like Meals-on-Wheels) Meals on Wheels is a national program that offers home delivery of lunches to seniors who are not able to get out. Delivery Drivers are volunteers

■ Senior centers are gathering places for seniors and their caregivers where they can find limitless information on senior services, and also find friendship, recreation, employment, and volunteer opportunities.

■ Friendly visitor programs: Offer much needed fellowship and friendly assistance for seniors who are stuck at home without friends and family. The volunteer network of is dedicated to making those they help realize that they are not alone.

Be sure to check with any of these networks to inquire about further assistance in transportation, shopping, or any other questions regarding elder services in your area.

The End of Senior Driving: Helping Mom Hang up the Keys

When is it time to help mom or dad hang up the car keys for good? How do you bring up this sensitive topic to a loved one who is otherwise fairly independent? This is one we struggled with when my own mother had two accidents in short succession and sustained broken bones.

Depending on your loved one’s abilities, sometimes gradually decreasing driving is easier to swallow than removing driving rights all together. If they live in an Assisted Living facility, this should not be a great problem, as they will be able to take advantage of transportation assistance. But if they are independent, they don’t usually see that their driving skills have diminished. Encourage them to limit driving to a few local sites, and offer other transportation options for any appointments or errands which require longer distance or more skillful navigation (congested cities, higher speed highways, unfamiliar routes, etc.).

Before entering discussion with a loved one, do a little research on local transportation services, willing friends or family or volunteer services (if you are unable to provide transportation on a regular basis) so you’ll be able to present reasonable solutions that preserve their independence and dignity. Lovingly breach the topic, clearly expressing that their safety is your primary concern.

Action points:

1. Post a listing near their phone including
-local transportation services
-the names and numbers of willing family, friends, or volunteer services.

2. For really extreme cases, contact your local Department of Transportation. (Usually, if you are honest early on, it won’t come to this. Don’t let it get this far! Don’t be afraid to tell mom that she’s scaring you.)

Caring for your Parent at Home?

When the family conversation of “what to do with grandma” comes up, one irritating question will inevitably raised by one of the children: “Why can’t Grandma come live with us?” The question bounces off the ceiling, all four walls, and finally lays to rest on the kitchen table before someone works up the warrior courage to say, “Sweetheart, I don’t think that would work.”

The home care invitation option is intensely personal. It often comes up when an elder is suddenly left alone following the death of a spouse. Suddenly there are new concerns: How will Dad cook his meals? How will Grandma go to town without Grandpa to drive? What if something happens to her?

This type of non-medical home care is often dismissed right away, even though it is far less expensive and less complicated than any Assisted Living facility. So why do people turn it down so quickly? Because of the relational problems.

Family relationships are complicated and full of baggage. Throw in general personality conflicts and limited space issues, and you might have a recipe for disaster. This is NOT an option for everyone.

But too many people dismiss the idea without considering the positives. Bringing your elderly loved one into your home has many potential benefits. They would be cared for, for starters. With the help of you and your family, there’s no need to worry about them living alone and barely being able to manage. You could keep them out of the driver seat, and make sure they remembered to take their medication. And while they’re around, they could help with some housework, and with the kids’ homework. Plus, they would give you company: someone to go shopping or watch baseball with.

But the biggest benefit to having your parents/grandparents at home is the experience it can give to your own kids. Most children today never take the time to really get to know their grandparents. They have no concept of how difficult life was not so long ago, or of how dramatically this world has changed in such a short time. They don’t understand that some wisdom only comes through experience. And they NEED to know. They need to be linked with the elder generations. We all do.

I say this out of experience. Ten years ago, my aged grandparents came to my wedding. He was ninety one, and she was eighty-four. We sat outside the church talking about “the old days.” They didn’t walk to school up hill both ways, but they DID live in an empty grain silo for the first years of their marriage. They had nothing. Nothing at all. She delivered my uncle in that structure.

“Oh, but we had FUN in those days,” they said. “Kids today have everything, but they are all miserable. We had eachother, and that was enough.”

That was the last time I saw my grandfather. He died two months later. But I will never forget that conversation, or the wisdom they imparted that morning. As a young man about to start my own family, I needed it.

Having your aging loved one at home would give maximum opportunity for that kind of effect. It is risky and inconvenient, but the potential benefits should not be overlooked.

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