Archive for the ‘Rehabilitation’ Category

Resources for the Caregivers of  People with Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias

Monday, April 16th, 2018

Christine Stone, RN

Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiving Center:   alz.org/care

            This is always a good, first place to look for information.  Call 1-800-272-3900 for the 24 / 7 Helpline.   They can connect you to your local Alzheimer’s  Association chapter.

ALZConnected Social Networking Community:     alzconnected.org

            This is a free membership public forum for caregivers and people with Alzheimer’s and other dementia s.  Why join?     Connect with people who understand.   Post questions and offer solutions.   Create public  and private groups around a dedicated topic.

Purple Cities Alliance:       purple cities.org

            Lists “dementia-friendly” cities where city workers, police, shopkeepers and others are educated in how to effectively  interact with people with dementia.

Alzheimer’s / Dementia Hospital Wristband Project:    http://www.commonsensecaregiving.com/dementia-hospital-wristband-program.html

            Lists hospitals which are using purple wristbands to identify patients with dementia.  All staff and  physicians receive additional education on the disease basics and how to communicate kindly and effectively with persons with dementia.

Music & Memory:     musicandmemory.org

            It is well known that music is an effective way to reach people with dementia who otherwise seem  “unreachable.”  This website will guide you in making a customized “music playlist” for your loved  one.

GreyMatters App:    greymatterstous.com  (“grey matters to us”)

            GreyMatters is a tablet application that aims to improve quality of life for people with dementia and their caregivers. Through an interactive life storybook, paired with music and games, the app helps  patients and families preserve yesterday’s memories, as well as share today’s joyful moments

Alzheimer’s Speaks:   https://www.alzheimersspeaks.com/memory-cafes

            Alzheimer’s Speaks believes collaboration is the key to living a successful and purpose filled life with  dementia.  By working together, we can push both conventional and alternative efforts forward in search of answers. 

 Alzheimer’s Reading Room:   alzheimersreadingroom.com

            The goal of the Alzheimer’s Reading Room is to Educate and Empower Alzheimer’s caregivers, their families, and the entire Alzheimer’s community.

Visiting People with Dementia on Holidays

Thursday, December 17th, 2015

HOLIDAY TIPS:

Celebrating at home or planning a visit? These important dementia-care tips can help make your holiday season the best possible.
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Holidays are bittersweet for many Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers. The happy memories of the past contrast with the difficulties of the present, and extra demands on time and energy can seem overwhelming. Finding a balance between rest and activity can help. Here are some tips from the U.S. National Institutes of Health:

Visiting People with Dementia on the Holiday

Aging: What’s Art Got To Do With It?

Friday, November 20th, 2015

Creative art pursuits provide older adults with multiple benefits, not the least of which is enhanced cognitive function.

Throughout history, artists have known that art provides benefits for both the creator and viewer. Current studies in the fields of art therapy, music therapy, and other creative modalities confirm that art can affect individuals in positive ways by inducing both psychological and physiological healing. We know that, in general, exercising our creative selves enhances quality of life and nurtures overall well-being. We all are creative—not just a select few.

Less well known is the effectiveness of incorporating expressive arts into programs for older adults and patients who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other chronic degenerative diseases. Recent clinical research validates what some professionals and others who work with older adults have known for years—that making art is an essential, vital component of activities that offer a wide range of health benefits. Several studies show that art can reduce the depression and anxiety that are often symptomatic of chronic diseases. Other research demonstrates that the imagination and creativity of older adults can flourish in later life, helping them to realize unique, unlived potentials, even when suffering from Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.

AGING: What’s Art Got To Do With It?

Dysphagia and what can be done about it

Friday, May 8th, 2015

VitalStimWhat is Dysphagia?

Dysphagia is defined as difficulty swallowing. It can occur as a result of stroke or other neurological disease, head and neck cancer, normal aging or after a prolonged period of activity. Persons with dysphagia usually exhibit signs and symptoms of aspiration (food or liquids getting in the lungs), muscle weakness and difficulty managing a regular diet. Aspiration can cause pneumonia. Additionally, the dietary restrictions necessary necessary to control dysphasia can result in depression and a decline in quality of life.

What is VitalStim Therapy?

VitalStim Therapy is the only form of neuromuscular electrotherapy for Dysphagia cleared by the Food and Drug Administration. It’s a non-invasive external electrical stimulation therapy. Small electrical pulses are delivered via electrodes to the surface of the neck.  These pulses stimulate muscle contractions leading to increased muscle strength and endurance.

The combination of traditional swallowing exercise therapy with VitalStim therapy results in improved swallowing ability. VitalStim must be prescribed by a license physician and administered by a VitalStim certified professional. Mosser Nursing Home offers a full range of Speech Therapy, including Vitalstim, in treating stroke or other neurological diseases.

For more information on VitalStim and Speech Therapy at Mosser nursing home please contact:
Tracy Miller
Rehabilitation Manager
Select Medical Rehab
610-395-5661, ext 2195