Can a Dog Help Your Senior Loved One?

We all know what a big help dogs can be to the handicapped of our society. Seeing eye dogs have been used since before World War II, and guide dogs in general have been used, some believe, for the past 500 years. So I guess it should be no surprise to find that therapy pets have recently been all over Assisted Living locations and adult day care centers helping with seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

So how do they help? Do they fetch memories of yesteryear, when the senior they are visiting had a dog of their own? Maybe. But probably not. What they do is help the patient relax. People who experience pet therapy often get their stress levels reduced, along with their blood pressure. In general, they just feel better.

There is something about therapy dogs and the patients they work with. And this isn’t just some feel-good but far-fetched idea being touted by fringe scientists. Doctors and animal experts–from places like the Mayo Clinic–agree that pet therapy is extremely helpful; almost like having a drug, as elderly care article quotes.

So what does this mean for you? It means you can take advantage. Do you care for your loved one at home? Maybe you should think about getting them a dog. A friendly one, like a well trained golden retriever. Or if you have your senior in an Oregon assisted living facility, consider having pet therapy visits by bringing a pet to them.

I know, I know… it doesn’t have to be a dog. It could be a cat. Or a hamster, or a parrot for that matter. But I’ve got my money on Fido.

The Link Between Cigarettes and Alzheimer’s

In case you missed it, the Wall Street Journal published a very intriguing study last week, which was also talked about at Elderly Care Services. Some seniors believe that they are “in the clear” as far as lifestyle decision are concerned. If they have been drinking for 40 years, if they have had poor eating habits, if they have smoked for decades, and made it to their senior years, they sometimes feel they have beat the odds and they are safe and sound.

However, this recent report suggests that people in their 50′s and 60′s who smoke more than 2 packs per day are drastically more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia. How much more likely? 157% more likely for Alzheimer’s, and 172% for Dementia.

The study was done over a twenty year period, and the results may come as a surprise to many who have thought that smoking can cause problems in lungs but not many other places. The link here seems to be the vascular system. Alzheimer’s is very linked to the vascular system, and smoking can affect that as well.

The report also suggests there might be a link between smoking and Parkinson’s disease.

Whether or not this report proves to be accurate over the long haul is anyone’s guess. There has been such a massive backlash against smoking in recent years–including in the elderly care world– that it sometimes seems that scientists are stretching further than is reasonable to prove their point. But is it really worth it to take that type or risk? Alzheimer’s disease can be catastrophic to seniors and their families. Not only is it physically ruinous, but it can be emotionally devastating. For my part, I think we would all be wise to avoid smoking, especially if we are in our 50′s or 60′s. And if we care for elders in our life, we should encourage them against it as well.

Memory Care Facilities in Eugene, OR

Do you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease or another type of Dementia? Are you worried about their safety and security?

There are a plethora of fine Elder Care facilities in the Eugene, Oregon area, and many of those specialize in Memory Care. Their services range from Home Care to Respite Care to Adult Day Care to long-term Assisted Living. While many of them treat other ailments and situations as well, these facilities specialize in caring for patients with Alzheimer’s or other forms of Dementia.

Below is a directory of Memory Care facilities in the Eugene, Oregon area. The map indicates the location of these facilities. To match up a facility with a location, simply click on a marker to find the name, or put the name in the map search bar.

Name of Facility	Address	City	Zip	Phone #
Applegate Care Center	709 W Broadway	Eugene	97402	541-343-3445
Chateau Gardens Memory Care	2669 S Cloverleaf Loop	Springfield	97477	541-746-9703
Kingswood Court at Sheldon Park	2440 Willakenzie Rd	Eugene	97401	541-344-1078
Mountain View Senior Living Solutions	PO Box 7364	Eugene	97401	541-741-0449
Thurston Living Center	6452 A St.	Springfield	97478	541-746-0980
Alpine Court Memory Care & Cottages	3720 N Clarey St	Eugene	97402	541-689-3900
Bayberry Commons	2211 Laura St	Springfield	97477	541-744-7000
Elder Health & Living	382 B South 58th Street	Springfield	97478	541-747-4858
Farmington Square	2730 Baily Ln	Eugene	97401	541-344-7902
Gateway Gardens	178 Commons Dr	Eugene	97401	541-302-1283
Good Neighbor Care	78 Centennial Loop	Eugene	97401	541-747-3373
Oaktree Residential Living	5030 W Port St	Eugene	97403	541-607-0688
Southtowne Living Center	389 W 29th Ave	Eugene	97405	541-683-3618

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.