SENIORS' SAFETY:

BY DAWN THOMAS Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that has symptoms of memory loss, poor judgment and reasoning. Communication, moods and behaviors are also affected.

In 2008, it is expected that 97,000 Canadians will develop a form of dementia. One of 13 Canadians over 65 years of age has Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Two thirds of these are women.

Some people living with dementia are able to tell if it is still safe for them to stay at home. However, when people living with memory loss no longer have an understanding of their own safety and abilities, it is time for caregivers to step in and make decisions.

There are several issues to consider. Safety, well being and quality of life are examples. Is the person able to take medication and care for his or herself properly? How about preparing foods safely without being at risk for injury and fire. Are they able to manage their daily financial matters?

In many instances, support systems can be set up to assist people in maintaining independence as long as possible. An emergency response system can call for help if a person has fallen and even remind people it is time to take medication.

Home care visitors can be arranged for help with chores. Volunteers may be able to assist. Simple household changes can make routines and tasks easier to complete.

Environments should be altered to increase safety. Hiding dangerous appliances and tools, for example, might be effective in some cases. If interventions are not providing adequate safety, making a move to supervised housing might be necessary.

Families should learn as much as they can about memory loss and how it affects the person involved.

This is a difficult time for loved ones. Caregivers get tired and need to ensure their own health is not compromised. There are many emotions that go along with seeing someone you love lose their independence and become someone unfamiliar.

Caregivers need to take personal time whenever possible. It can be difficult to maintain patience. Take advantages of whatever services you can. Care Coordinators may be able to set you up with help at home or present options you have not thought about. For example, Tideview Terrace has an adult day program that provides meals and baths as well as stimulating activities to participants.

Should nursing home placement prove to become option for your family, remember that guilt and relief are common feelings. It will take time for all to adjust. Make the environment as home-like and familiar as possible. You may find that more frequent, shorter visits might be best.

Talk to the care team about the best time of day to visit. Keep communication simple, use gestures and allow for time to respond. Help them out if they are lost for words. Do your favorite activities together, enjoy music and appreciate each moment.

It is important to remember that people with Alzheimer’s disease still need to feel they have a purpose. They need to feel valued. They need companionship, choices and aspirations.

Care Coordinators can be reached at 1- 800-225-7225. The number for the adult day program at Tideview Terrace is 245-4718. For additional contact numbers, call me at the RCMP detachment at 245-2579. (Dawn Thomas is Seniors’ Safety coordinator for the Town and Municipality of Digby)