Gift Ideas for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s

If mom or dad or another loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, we have a gift idea sure to bring a smile to their face. Robotic pets are soothing companions to those in the middle and later stages of Alzheimer’s; and a proven resource for providing a means for social interactions as well as stirring memories of when they felt useful. Furthermore a 2016 study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease reports “robots helped decrease stress and anxiety and also caused a reduction in the use of psychoactive medications and pain medications for patients with dementia.”

A robotic pet allows a person to feel like they are providing care for someone – not always on the receiving end of it. However dementia experts caution the “pet” should be introduced slowly to the person so as not to overwhelm them with feelings of too much responsibility. The Alzheimer’s Association explains it is best to introduce pet or doll therapy in a controlled atmosphere. They add when you let the person take responsibility rather than giving them the doll to play with, it can bring structure to their lives. Experts say people not verbalizing anymore may start to initiate speech as it is natural to murmur comforting words. 

A robotic pet can also be a distraction when the person is starting to get agitated or upset and encourages hugs and kisses. Many of the robotic dogs or cats on the market are loaded with realistic actions including barking or purring and tail wagging, and some even respond to the person’s motions, voice and touch. 

At MorningStar of North Ridge, our mission is to support both residents and their families by providing the services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. Our unique philosophy and approach to memory care support is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call Lavender Sky; and we use a broad range of Montessori-based therapy techniques to walk alongside residents during this unexpected, difficult journey. Your loved one deserves the most trusted Alzheimer’s care in Albuquerque; please visit our website for contact information. 

Source: medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-therapy-pets-alzheimer-patients-nowbut.html

Trusted, Holistic Memory Care in Albuquerque

MorningStar of North Ridge specializes in providing individualized care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia-related diseases. Our community has 38 suites with studio and one-bedroom floor plans and is equipped to care for residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. 

MorningStar’s holistic care is personalized and compassionate supported living under what we call Lavender Sky, which is the way we thoughtfully enter, embrace, and explore to find purpose and encouragement in every aspect of daily routine. As dementia care specialists, we deeply understand the disease and know regardless of the extent of memory loss residents deserves to be treated with kindness, respect and dignity. All team members are trained in MorningStar’s brand standards of Lavender Sky and in the pathology of dementia and brain disease. Caregivers provide 24/7 assistance with eating, bathing, dressing and have the tools to calm or stimulate a resident as needed.  

Our Reflections neighborhood is secure, and includes an enclosed courtyard and suites equipped with emergency call systems and handicap-accessible bathrooms. Along with scheduled outings and other essential care elements, we provide a range of meaningful activities that gives residents a soothing sense of routine. Activities include music and pet therapy to calm; art therapy to slow the progression of memory loss; and reminiscence therapy to exercise memory recollection.

The MorningStar of North Ridge’s entire community is geared toward residents’ care including our purposeful activities, trained caregivers, food service, security and more. Our home has been designed to allow residents the freedom to safely move about and interact with loving team members who are available for friendly company and support. 

If your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or a dementia-related disease, we know you want the very best memory care in Albuquerque; and we consider it ourprivilege to walk alongside your family on this challenging path. Please visit our website to learn more our beautiful home, our team and our company’s philosophy to caring for seniors.

When is the Right Time for Memory Care?

Dementia care specialists say they are often asked when is the best time to place a loved one in memory care. The simple answer is it is different for each person as well as for each family. They add while there is no definitive answer, there may be a downside to waiting too long and typically there is not a problem moving a person into memory care in the early stages. 

Experts recommend families start the search for memory care once the level of daily care needed has surpassed that of what a family can effectively and safely provide. Caring for a loved one with dementia is both physically and emotionally challenging for family caregivers, and caregiver burnout is a real problem that can impact the caregiver’s health and wellbeing. Placing a person in a community specializing in dementia care allows family members to ease their role as caregiver and instead spend quality time with their loved one. 

It is important to keep in mind people in the later stages of Alzheimer’s lose a lot of their mobility. A petite woman trying to help her husband with the activities of daily living such as bathing, toileting, and dressing is difficult and can result in injuries to both of them. A designated Alzheimer’s care home can handle all of these tasks as they have the training, staff, and equipment to safely assist residents and prevent accidents.  

Another common problem Alzheimer’s patients have is a tendency to wander. This is again an example of how Alzheimer’s communities are equipped to handle the problem. They have areas designed for residents to safely move about in but are secure in terms of wandering away from the community and getting lost or hurt.   

At MorningStar of North Ridge, we specialize in serving those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Every aspect of our community is geared toward residents’ care from meaningful activities, trained caregivers, food service, security and more. If your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or a dementia-related disease, they deserve the best memory care in Albuquerque. Please visit our website to learn more.