The Golden Years

 Five Tips to Help Minimize Late-Day Confusion           

Deena Imbriglia, Home Instead Senior Care

 

Avoid the triggers. Several types of items can trigger Confusion including fatigue, low lighting or bold lighting, noise, increased shadows, disruption of the body’s “internal clock,” difficulty separating reality from dreams, and the presence of an illness such as a urinary tract infection. Triggers vary from person to person, so it is a good idea to check with your loved one’s doctor to ensure there are no underlying health conditions or triggers. Keeping a journal of when they occur with Location, Time of day, and Activity, is helpful for identifying the reason for the Trigger(s).

Maintain a regular schedule. Experts say any disruption in schedule can lead to late-day confusion. Try to keep a regular schedule for meals, bedtime, trips outside the home and other daily activities.  A daily routine is essential with those affected by dementia.

Reduce noise and distractions. Any type of noise or outside distraction can create anxiety for an older adult with dementia. Try to minimize loud sounds or other disruptions that could cause stress for the senior in your life. Find out their favorite music genre and have it on hand.  It is always helpful to play gentle background music.

Adjust lighting. Like sound, lighting can be a problem for those with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. Try to keep lighting in the home consistent by drawing blinds or adjusting shades. Bright light, as well as not enough light can aggravate late-day confusion.

Engage in meaningful and calming activities. Creatively distract your senior during the time of day the triggers occur with activities. Invite them to help with dinner preparations, read, watch a movie, work on a puzzle, tend the garden or sing their favorite songs. 

Can you imagine what it would be like to live with dementia?                   
The following simulation and tour information is offered by Lindsey Vajpeyi, Director of Outreach and Education for the Insight Memory Care Centers.  The Virtual Dementia Tour is an opportunity to get a window into the world of dementia through this in-person dementia simulation training. 

Insight Memory Care Center will be offering the Virtual Dementia Tour on July 6 in Fairfax.  Register soon as participation is limited for this free and impactful experience.  Future dates will follow so please continue to check this link.                                                                    Registration link:   #insightmemorycarecenter #virtualdementiatour #dementiacare

 

 

 

Home Instead Senior Care
7058 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA  22003
703-740-6644   .   www.homeinstead.com
(In the Annandale Shopping Center at Gallows Road)

ABOUT:  Home Instead is the largest provider of Home Care services with locations across the United States, Canada, and Europe.  Our local Southern Fairfax County franchise is the largest in Virginia and has an outstanding reputation in serving our community for over 15 years. 

Our Team works closely to schedule and provide services from companion care, light housekeeping, laundry, organizing closets, changing bed linens, transportation, watering plants, cooking, and preparing meals to physical assistance such as helping you to walk, groom, shower, dress, use the restroom or change incontinent products, assist in feeding, provide medication reminders, and some nursing services.   

We find it a privilege to enhance and support our community members who need assistance, whether it is for 4 hours a couple times a week, or around the clock care.   We are located next to Silverado Restaurant at 7058 Columbia Pike in Annandale and can be reached 24 hours a day at is 703-750-6644.

 

Photographs & images, on this page, and on this website, are not available for use by other publications, blogs, individuals, websites, or social media sites. For this and other stories on Annandale see the ENDEAVOR News Magazine.

(Copyright © 2011 Annandale Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.)

 

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