Senior Information

By Lauren Watral, MSW www.rgcmgmt.com

Warning Signs of Unsafe Driving

Driving demands good judgment, quick reaction time and split-second decision making. Because of the progressive nature of Alzheimer’s, a person with the disease will eventually not be able to drive. It is often difficult to decide when to stop or limit driving. To help make this decision, get a driving evaluation from a certified professional. Contact the Alzheimer’s Association for referrals to organizations in your community that can perform these evaluations.

By Lauren Watral, MSW Geriatric Care Manager www.rgcmgmt.com

“I wonder, what kind of music do my elderly parents listen to when they are in the mood for music……..”. “That’s the $64,000question” (an old saying from the time).

Most of the time a short trip to the living room, den or garage may hold the key to elderly music. Sometimes there can be a shelf or shelves full of the answer…… long playing (LP) albums from Tommy Dorsey, Nat King Cole or many others.

By: Lauren Steinman Watral, www.RGCMGMT.com Ever notice how an older adult sometimes refuses to respond to your questions and suggestions, instead giving you a knee-jerk “No!” Partly, this is a control issue. At a time in life marked by losses (of independence, strength, help, peers, social status), refusal to give in can be the only [...]

By: Lauren Watral, MSW Geriatric Care Manager www.rgcmgmt.com

Each year that an older aging adult enjoys health and life is cause to celebrate, which makes birthdays a very special time of year for seniors. Planning a birthday party for your grandmother or grandfather takes special planning to accommodate the needs of the whole family, including the senior who is the guest of honor.

By: Lauren Watral, MSW Geriatric Care Manager, www.rgcmgmt.com

Functional decline is sometimes difficult to diagnose as individual symptoms often go unnoticed. Below is a list of symptoms of functional decline with which to be familiar.

Meeting details:
September 7th and 21st

Patti’s Cafe
Health Park at 8300 Health Park
(across from the Cypress on Forum Dr.)

7:00pm-8:00pm
FREE

Maybe you’re not being heard. Fully one third of adults over 65 and about half of those over 85 have significant hearing loss.

When your parent says “I don’t need any help” try gently pointing out that they no longer pursue the activities they enjoy like playing bridge, going shopping, choosing library books, etc. Then tell them how much more pleasant life would be with some help so that they could stay in their home and maintain independence.

As a caregiver, closely monitor your own body language. Assure that your facial expression, body movements, and tone of voice are calming and reassuring. Persons with dementia will mirror what you are showing them.

If you need to touch the person or approach them, move slowly. Always explain in advance what you are going to do before you do it. For example, “I’m going to hold your hand now. Is that okay?”

Plan more active days for your loved one. Consider hiring a home companion to do activities or using an adult day center.

Keep to a set routine as much as possible. Try to replicate the routine your loved one maintained throughout the majority of life.