Newsletter March 2009
Elder Care Advice From The Managing Director
Throughout the month of March, the Alzheimer’s Society is urging Canadians to speak up about Alzheimer’s and dementia related diseases which currently affects half a million Canadians, a number that is expected to increase by 250,000 people within 5 years. These projections indicate the increasing need for government recognition and the development of a national strategy in order for our country to cope with the growing numbers affected by this disease. Along with recognizing dementia as a national health care priority, the Government of Canada must also put together a comprehensive strategy for research funding and care delivery. The strategy would encompass the aspects that most directly impact the lives of those touched by dementia for both the care giver and care recipient. For more information about the development of a Canadian Dementia Management Strategy and how you can support this initiative Click here for full story
Dementia and How It Is Diagnosed: Many of us may from time to time, forget our neighbour’s name or the items to purchase at the grocery store, and we wonder if this is part of normal aging. Your doctor is the best person to speak with regarding these concerns. There are many conditions that are treatable that may be contributing to periodic memory lapses.
Often when we think of dementia we think of Alzheimer’s disease. While Alzheimer’s disease is considered to be the underlying cause of between 60 and 80% of all dementia cases, there are also other conditions that might cause dementia. It is important to know about the other types and causes of dementia because treatment can vary between diseases and early detection can be beneficial in slowing the progression of incurable dementias. Click here for full story
Safely Home
A major area of concern for families and caregiver’s of those with Alzheimer’s and dementia is the issue of wandering. For those who suffer from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia it is often desirable to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. This is where they feel comfortable and for many it is important to maintain their independence as long as they can. While family members and caregivers may support this choice, it can mean additional worries that those affected could wander and become lost or hurt. The reality of the situation is that all Alzheimer’s patients are at risk for wandering, 3 out of 5 patients have a tendency to wander throughout the course of the disease and in some cases there no clear signs that wandering is imminent. Planning ahead or anticipating wandering episodes can be the best way to ensure the safety of a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia. There are various devices that families and caregivers can use that may help achieve the balance between remaining safe and independent. There are a variety of GPS locators available to Canadians. Another option to those who are at risk for wandering is the Safely Home program offered by the Alzheimer’s Society. The program exists as a partnership between the Alzheimer’s Society and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Safely Home assists the police in finding a person who is lost and returning them safely to their home. Click here for full story
I hope you have been enjoying these newsletters and I invite you to share them with a friend, colleague and family member. If there is a topic you would like to see covered, please send me your ideas. Thank you!
Phone: 416-658-8887 Toll Free:866-473-8887 Email:info@eldercaring.ca www.eldercaring.ca
Leave a reply
Leave a reply