Try: The following are suggestions for caregivers working with a Care recipient (cr) who wanders as a result of dementia a written diary or log may be helpful to understand what leads to wandering write down your observations about wandering for several days is the cr trying to find a room what was going on before wandering started what time of day is it consider how medications mealtime weather bath time and other people relate to wandering wandering may be due to the cr searching for a part of life lost to the disease or for a person place or object from the past reminiscing about things from the past may be comforting photo albums travel books etc may be helpful ways to reminisce for some crs with dementia wandering is a coping mechanism to relieve stress and tension trying to stop the wandering may increase agitation and cause anger and frustration wandering may occur when a change of location is anticipated in event of relocation slowly introduce person to idea visit new location several times prior to move to help orient the cr to new surroundings involve the cr in actual move if possible when in new environment such as day care hospital or long term care setting stay with the cr to provide reassurance about the new surroundings a person who wanders at the same time every day may be returning to a former schedule or routine for example a person may be trying to get back to work after lunch information references mace n & rabins p 1999 the 36-hour day baltimore the johns hopkins university press robinson a spencer b & white l 1992 understanding difficult behaviors ypsilanti mi eastern michigan university

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Categories: Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical

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Keywords: Dementia

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Using pets to work with memory impaired individuals can be a helpful alternative to conventional therapy nursing facilities day care centers hospitals and private homes are beginning to use pets for therapy with older individuals interacting with a pet has been correlated with lower blood pressure lower blood triglyceride levels increased activity and increased socialization pet therapy seems to be especially effective with individuals that have alzheimer’s disease studies have shown that regular contact with a pet can help decrease anxiety and increase feelings of calm and well being even during the difficult evening hours pets can also enhance the care recipient recipient’s connection to his or her world even people with very advanced dementia will sometimes respond to the comforting presence of an animal pet visits allow a Care recipient (cr) with dementia a chance to play and express his or herself creatively pets can even become a valuable part of a therapy program for example a cr who might not want to practice walking for therapy because it feels too much like work might welcome taking a dog for a walk because that seems more like play not every animal is appropriate for pet therapy work the ideal therapy pet is calm and gentle with no aggressive tendencies this is especially important for therapy pets who work with crs with dementia very anxious or loud animals do not make good therapy companions because they may increase the cr cr’s anxiety rather than reduce it information references

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Categories: Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical, Social

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Keywords: Therapy social interaction

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Pet ownership can have a beneficial impact on a Care recipient (cr) research has shown that elderly individuals who own pets are more active than those who do not as a result pet ownership may have a positive effect on the cr cr’s physical well-being a pet may be an option for a cr struggling with isolation caring for a dog or cat may serve as a buffer against loneliness the pet can provide the cr with something to interact with and care for elderly persons with pets are often more able to carry out the normal activities of daily living caring for a pet can give the cr a sense of purpose and meaning for his or her daily activities before you consider getting a pet for the cr it is important to consider the crs abilities living situation personal preferences and so on information references

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Categories: Emotional Psychological, Social, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware

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Keywords: Pets companionship interaction

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Euphoria is medical state described as feelings of intense pleasure and emotional happiness generally euphoria is considered as an exaggerated or extreme physical and psychological state euphoria is quite rarely experienced naturally often it is caused due to the use of psychoactive drugs thus it is important to monitor an elderly individual’s medication because euphoria may be a side effect of the medication also euphoria can be caused by certain illegal drugs cocaine heroin _____ possible physical effects of euphoria producing drugs include increased blood pressure increased heart rate and dilated pupils although the drugs medication can vary one common cause is that the substance produces dopamine in the individual which causes the euphoria although seemingly harmless euphoria can potentially be dangerous because the individual’s decision making may be impaired as a result of euphoric symptoms information references

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Categories: Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical

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Keywords: Mental health happy

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Dizziness is a subjective symptom in which individuals may describe feelings of light-headedness wooziness or disorientation dizziness is a common problem among the elderly research has shown that roughly 30 of individuals in their 70s had some type of dizziness problem the percentages increase with age two common causes of dizziness in older individuals are problems with the ear and the brain dizziness can be caused by many other things including environmental factors or stress unfortunately many cases of dizziness may never be diagnosed care recipients with an unknown cause of dizziness should be monitored carefully care recipients experiencing persistent dizziness should see a physician information references adapted in part from the website dizziness-and-balance com

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Categories: Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical

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Keywords: Dizzy balance movement staggering disoriented

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Menopause is the transition period in a woman woman’s life when her ovaries stop producing eggs her body produces less estrogen and progesterone and menstruation becomes less frequent and eventually stops in some women periods stop suddenly but usually periods stop slowly over time during this time periods generally become either more closely together or more widely apart this irregularity may last for 1 – 3 years before periods stop before this the cycle length may shorten to as little as every 3 weeks menopause is a natural event that normally occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 once menopause is complete and a woman has not had a period for 1 year she is no longer able to get pregnant common symptoms of menopause common symptoms of menopause include heart pounding or racing hot flashes night sweats skin flushing sleeping problems decreased interest in sex possibly decreased response to sexual stimulation forgetfulness in some women irregular periods mood swings including irritability depression and anxiety urine leakage vaginal dryness and painful sexual intercourse vaginal infections joint aches and pains irregular heartbeat diagnosing and treating menopause blood and urine tests can be used to measure changes in hormone levels that may signal when a woman is close to menopause or has already gone through menopause a pelvic exam may indicate changes in the vaginal lining caused by declining estrogen levels treatment with hormones may be helpful if you have severe symptoms such as hot flashes night sweats mood issues or vaginal dryness every woman is different so treating menopause is a different process for each woman if you have a uterus and decide to take estrogen you must also take progesterone to prevent cancer of the lining of the uterus if you do not have a uterus progesterone is not necessary women under age 55 and who are still having periods and experience annoying menopause symptoms may take low-dose birth control pills to reduce the symptoms reducing the symptoms of menopause there are many things a woman can do to reduce her symptoms without taking hormones these include avoid caffeine alcohol and spicy foods dress lightly and in layers eat soy foods get adequate calcium and vitamin d in food and or supplements get plenty of exercise perform kegel exercises daily to strengthen the muscles of your vagina and pelvis practice slow deep breathing whenever a hot flash starts to come on try taking six breaths per minute remain sexually active try relaxation techniques such as yoga tai chi or meditation use water-based lubricants during sexual intercourse information references adapted from belinda rowland and teresa g odle 2005 "menopause " available at

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Categories: Sage, Topic, Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical, Gender, Female

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References: n/a

Keywords: Menopause hot flashes going through the change sleeplessness mood swings irritable depression anxiety

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Possible causes 1 physiological or medical causes; infections such as urinary tract infections urethritis or vaginitis; prostate problems in men especially after prostate surgery; constipation or fecal impaction; weak pelvic muscles especially in women; chronic illnesses such as diabetes parkinson’s disease or other illness that limit mobility; vision changes that make it difficult to see the way to the bathroom; dehydration can cause irritation of the bladder or lack of sensation to urinate; the sensation to urinate may be limited due to brain changes in dementia; diuretics as well as natural diuretics such as coffee and tea; medications especially tranquilizers sedatives hynotics and antidepressants 2 environmental causes; distance to the bathroom may be too far; bed may be too high from the floor making it difficult to get out of bed in time; floor and toilet seat may be the same color making it difficult to see the toilet; improper footwear that makes the individual afraid he she might fall; poor lighting making it difficult to find the bathroom or locate the toilet; orientation cues signs may be lacking which help the person locate the toilet 3 other causes; person may not remember what to do once in the bathroom; the task may be too complicated; assistance may be needed to help undressing sitting on the toilet wiping or rising from the toilet; older adult may be fearful or anxious about having to partially undress in front of an unfamiliar caregiver; caregiver may not be giving simple or clear enough instructions; caregiver may be rushing; the older adult may not have the ability to communicate the need to urinate coping strategies ; observe assess and log the older adult’s behavior such as when the accidents happen how often is the person urinating in improper places such as flower pots closets sink or on the way to the bathroom; older adult should be examined by a physician to determine possible causes such as medication infections or other medical cause and conduct a continence diagnostic evaluation; the sensation to drink fluids in persons with dementia may be diminished; ensure adequate fluid intake; set up a regular schedule with specific times for the person to drink and eat; determine toileting behavior then set up a schedule to accommodate the older adult before he she needs to urinate toilet before and after meals and immediately before going to bed make sure the person actually urinates before getting off the toilet

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Categories: Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical

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*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Being physically active can have many health benefits for the Care recipient (cr) while some crs are unable to be as active as others all crs should try to have some level of physical activity each day it doesn’t have to be anything strenuous a simple walk every day will yield many benefits the cr should be as active as possible some crs have physical restrictions which may not allow for extensive activity it is suggested the cr engage in as much activity as he or she can tolerate the more physical activity a cr engages in the better he or she will feel daily exercise will help the cr will maintain health and keep muscles and bones strong daily exercise can help prevent frailty it can even reverse the signs of frailty daily exercise can have mental and emotional benefits as well exercise can help battle depression many crs suffer from depression and an increase in physical activity can help when a cr engages in daily physical activity both the body and mind are strengthened this can help in the future as additional health issues begin to surface the cr can tolerate aging issues and problems much better by building physical and mental reserves from exercise references adapted from the internet website www homecareaustincarebuzz com – senior health & nutrition

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Categories: Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical, Mobile, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware

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Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Give cr a safety pop to hold in one or both hands cr will usually recognize the safety pop as candy and begin licking it this takes cr’s mind off of the task at hand and gives him or her something else to focus on cr usually will not mind if you take the safety pop away momentarily while you put his or her arms in a sleeve pull shirt over head and so on this approach may also work with other personal care tasks where the cr is uncooperative for example combing hair taking a shower and so on

Materials: Safety pops or other suckers information safety pops are great for toddlers and young children they have a safety loop handle and completely enclosed pouch they are free of the top common allergens and gluten-free safety pops provide parents with peace of mind they are available in a wide variety of flavors

Categories: Emotional Psychological, Personal

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References: n/a

Keywords: Stubborn refusal activities of daily living getting dressed changing clothes grooming bathing

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Doll therapy with a Care recipient (cr) that wanders shows signs of agitation or anxiety or simply needs a purposeful activity to engage in materials doll or stuffed animal try place the doll or stuffed animal where the cr can easily find it allow the cr to engage in taking care of the doll on his or her own have a rocking chair available if the cr can get safely in and out of it if desired the cr may rock the doll in the chair the rocking motion can have a calming effect on the cr be aware that some friends and family members may question this approach because it is considered demeaning although this approach may not work for all crs there have been several studies that have shown that doll therapy can increase the level of happiness and reduce anxiety in crs with memory loss

Materials: Timer

Categories: Emotional Psychological, Social, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware, So-So L T Memory, Poor L T Memory, So-So S T Memory, Poor S T Memory

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References: n/a

Keywords: Doll therapy

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed