Tag Archives: Aging

Forget Me Not –Dementia💖

Forget Me Not

Do you feel like there are times in your life where you can’t remember where you put your keys? It’s okay. We all have those times. Today, this post will help you understand Dementia. Digging further into Dementia to acknowledge crucial symptoms that’s more than forgetfulness.

If you are experiencing forgetfulness, finding that your brain is always in a fog, unable to focus on things with clarity, and you feel like the world is moving too fast for you; you may be suffering from dementia.

Forgetfulness is a normal part of ageing. However, when it becomes more severe, is persistent and interferes with day-to-day life, it can be an early sign of dementia.

Memory loss and confusion are some of the most common symptoms of dementia, however there are other changes in thinking, behaviour, movement and mood that are noticeable too.

Dementia is a loss of memory and other mental abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. It is a growing global health crisis that if left unchecked will reach epidemic proportions by 2050. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60-80% of cases of dementia, but there are many other forms, including vascular dementia, which is caused by an interruption in blood supply to the brain.

In Time Strong emotional memories of past people may resurface as delusions and hallucinations in dementia. People with dementia may find it difficult to separate past experiences from current reality and may relive these events to some extent. Delusions in dementia can be paranoid; for example, people with dementia may believe that someone is stealing from them. They may believe their spouse is cheating on them, or someone wants to catch them. Hallucinations in dementia can be pleasant; for example, a person can see and talk to “little people”, animals, or a person from their past (such as a deceased parent). Studies of people with exceptional autobiographical memories or altered memories seem to support this. Older people with depression may have more memory lapses that can be confused with symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. Memory loss due to dementia is one of the most serious problems of the elderly, although it is not a direct consequence of aging. Vascular dementia also causes progressive loss of memory and other cognitive functions, including organization, attention, and problem solving. Although strokes may be unnoticeably small, the damage can accumulate over time, leading to memory loss, confusion, and other signs of dementia.

Personality and mood changes are usually the first symptoms, followed by speech problems and memory loss. In the mild phase, the patient has significant memory lapses such as loss of familiar places, disconnection from activities and conversations, may have trouble recognizing the date, and exhibit symptoms of depression and hostility.

Patients with mild cognitive impairment have actual memory loss rather than the sometimes slow recovery of memory from the relatively intact memory of the same age control group. Given enough time to think and answer questions, patients with age-related memory impairment can usually do so, indicating that memory and cognitive function are intact. Treatment with therapy can help recall lost memories and information, but it can take a long time and patient perseverance.

The memory changes slightly each time we remember it, and comes back stronger and brighter with each memory. It has long been thought that memory is more stable with age, but this is not always the case. Over time, people’s learning ability and memory quality decline without any lesions.

In fact, you keep reliving those awkward memories and you may feel like you can’t turn off your brain. The main symptom of long-term memory loss is forgetting something that happened earlier in your life that might have had some meaning or meaning to you, such as the name of your high school or where you lived. Patients with delirium have memory impairment, but the underlying cause is usually severe and fluctuating global changes in mental status (primarily in attention) and cognitive dysfunction rather than memory loss.

Memory loss or forgetfulness is scary once progressed. Loved one’s can become afraid once dementia is present. Not knowing past or current events, people, or places can change one’s understanding of who they are. Later to confuse time with blurred memory is life changing. Your not alone, resources are available for all parties involved.

It’s important to make note of new changes and address the accordingly. . Caregivers should communicate noticable changes to reassure safety and health concerns are provided. These illnesses can be challenging for all involved. Take care of yourself and each other.

Until our minds meet again. Be safe out there, blessings and much love. Remember Everyday Mind’s Matter 🎭💗

🧓An Assisted Living – No Place Like Home: The Choice, The Wisdom And The Decision👵

Elder on bench aone
Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva on Pexels.com

Society has been debating over the moral and ethical implications of assisted living homes. They’re crucial for seniors who can’t live on their own due to health or other reasons, but they present a lot of issues with emotional and mental health. Is it ethical to put someone who’s already suffering from mental health issues in an assisted living home? In this article, we explore the choice, the wisdom, and decision- the aspects of living in one.

The Choice & Options

Oh snap, I can’t wait to get old and live in assistant living or nursing home.. Says not anyone ever.. Since a young age, my father regretted my grandfather being in a nursing home. In my belief, I don’t believe your golden years should be living in punishment. No one hopes togrow old and be put in jail. As life event happen, having to work we have no other choice.- to put loved ones in nursing homes or living assistance. No matter the circumstances we hope if a loved one has to choose a facility. These are the good – choice. We all hope that are final days and golden years are healthy, happy, and comfortable. To reduce the fear of aging and growing old, we welcome a child or relative by being the caregiver. Unfortunately, not all have that option. It’s something to consider in your choice & mindset package. See your options before hand, this conversation will give relief later in life. Think about financial options when your golden days are approaching. What are your choices? Use resources to plan ahead and concern the choices. How is your mental health? Are you able to be independent and continue to make your own decision?

There are many benefits to living in an assisted living home. One of the biggest benefits is that you will have access to around-the-clock care. This means that if you need help with anything, someone will always be there to assist you. Assisted living homes also provide social activities and opportunities to interact with other residents. This can help keep your mind sharp and can prevent loneliness. Another big benefit is that you will have your own private space – unlike a nursing home, where rooms are often shared. This can give you a much-needed sense of privacy and independence.

Of course, every situation is different, and not every assisted living home is perfect. But overall, the good outweighs the bad when it comes to assisted living. If you or a loved one are considering an assisted living arrangement, be sure to do your research to find the best possible option.

The Wisdom & Mindset

It would be easy to focus on the negative aspects of living in an assisted living home. After all, there are some definite downsides. For one thing, it can be very expensive. Assisted living homes typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 per month, and that’s not including the cost of health care. That can be a difficult expense for many families to manage.

In addition, assisted living homes can be very restrictive. Residents typically have to follow a strict schedule and adhere to a set of rules. This can be difficult for people who are used to having a lot of freedom and independence.

Finally, assisted living homes can be depressing places. They are often filled with people who are sick, lonely, and afraid. It can be hard to see your loved ones in this type of environment. Loved one’s have a hard time adjusting or adapting to new places to call – home.

While many may feel that having to be a caregiver is not that hard. Being a caregiver is a special skilled job. The wisdom that your loved one has can possibly be damaged or destroyed if no options are available. The mental effects of depression and other health conditions put one at risk of serious health concerns. The saying, “no place like home” – stands true in many facts. Years of hard work to have wisdom tossed aside, is unfair. Wisdom seems to be a punishment of growing old. So much plays part in the decision of comfort and happiness. To be pushed aside because of inability to be independent. If you had or have been a caregiver to someone, think of the responsibility and quality care needed. Not everyone can be a caregiver. It takes a lot of patience to acknowledge the needs of a loved one.

Next the thinking has set in. What’s next finally-

The Decision

If you have an elderly loved one who is starting to need more help with activities of daily living, you may be considering a move to an assisted living facility. These communities provide assistance with things like bathing, dressing, eating, and medication management, while also offering social and recreational activities.

The decision is more than a choice or wisdom planning. Visiting a senior living facility is a great way to get a feel for what life would be like for your loved one. It also gives you an opportunity to meet the staff and see the type of care that is available. Here are some tips for making the most of your visit:

  1. Schedule a tour during normal business hours. This will give you a chance to see how the facility operates on a day-to-day basis.
  2. Ask questions! The staff should be able to answer any questions you have about the level of care available, the cost of living at the facility, and the types of activities that are offered.
  3. Talk to current residents. They can give you a first-hand account of what it’s like to live in the community. Be sure to ask about both the good and the bad so you can get a well-rounded picture.
  4. Trust what your loved one hsays. Also trust your instincts. If something does not feel right. – it most likely isn’t.
  5. Quality Care.. Think about Choices, wisdom & mindset.

In conclusion, living in an assisted living home can be a good or bad experience depending on the individual. Some people may find the structure and support to be beneficial, while others may find it stifling. It is important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision about whether or not to move into an assisted living home. Understanding your options and plan ahead. Last minute choices can be risky. Reality is you have options, choices, before a decision is final.

Until our minds meet again, be safe out there much love & blessings. Remember that Everyday Mind’s Matter👣💘

🏕Our Hidden Path

Secret Direction to Purpose

Oh, the world we live in today! Wouldn’t life be much simpler at times, if we had instructions or directions? Be to easy to navigate through our challenges and obstacles. We are late in discovery most time with everyday life, or overlook what we could of had long before. My purpose and hidden path.

Growing up in the county, 80’s and 90’s. – a peace of mind- tranquility, A time in history; outside at night,  echo’s of bullfrog carried through the woods.  Crickets a pain in the ass, lighting bugs, routine catching at nightfall.  Running through mud puddles after a good rain, drinking from the garden hose, and the joy of weeding the garden. Snapping green beans for canning, shucking corn on the cobb, cucumber for pickling, and berries for jam.  Watching dad fix the lawn mower or replacing brakes on the car.

An elderly couple lived on the driveway to my house. Maybe to be a pest or be nosey. Of course, visiting or getting in their way, likely got on their nerves. To me it was nice to check in on them when needed or just to visit to check new projects. Old man Clyde had a wood shed where he spent his time. Shep a boarder collie, like Lassie the TV show. Shep was old but he let us play, but watched as we picked tomotoes from the garden. Every moment was learning tools when Clyde explain his projects he was working on. One day Clyde was tinkering with a push mower-  sparked to gasoline; the whole shed in flames. Playing outside seeing the blaze- running to our uncle, he rushed to help. Old man Clyde so determined to save his burning shed – he suffered burns. Not wanting to go for treatment, conveinced he had too. Ambulance eventually took old man Clyde to hospital. Later told he had 1st degree burns trying to extinguish the blaze. Once Clyde got released to come home. Not hesitating to help his recovery; change bandages on his legs or check the mail. Or carrying in groceries was always worth a pack of gum and .50 cent or $1.00. He recovered over time. His wife was always glad to see me, she knew it took chores off her. Evaline was a fragile as her body was slow moving at times. I help with hanging curtains up and house hold things if needed. While at school, Evaline tried to change curtians, slipped from the stool broke her hip.

Caregiver become priority each day, after school. Positioning pillows, laundry, or help with other household chores, I was there. Just as her strength improved, she started using a walker, happiness covered my face.  Her recovery gave me joy since it took a lot of work.  Friendship had a special place deep in the heart.  One afternoon after school; knocking on the door- no answer. The car was gone but she was always home. Something was different. Mom was outside as I walked down the driveway. Starting to cry, mom hugged me saying she will write or call. She went to live with her daughter in Indiana.  Unable to say good-bye, heart broke, thinking my best friend didn’t say good-bye.  My days walking past the trailer, wondering if she thought of me. That day carried a weight–; good-bye’s hold much love– bring tears to my eyes.  Reunited visits of family or friends capture the heartfelt love of joy. And we all know the final days of life good-bye’s, can’t be prepared for. Endless tears….

As a young girl, everything inside was torn apart. Weak feeling, crying, and angry, wanting to be alone. What had happened? Kids aren’t suppose to be sad.  Every part of me, experienced hurt. Waiting for a letter or phone call from my friend. Mom and I had tried a few times, to contact her. The phone number she left– no answer.  Not a single letter in the mail.

To ease the pain, I wrote my friend many letters.  With no response, writing in a journal gave my heart relief. Over time, thinking about her many days. In my world, I knew she lost my address and number, to me she lived forever somewhere.

A plan was created written in crayon, marker, sealed with stickers and pink nail polish. Written by a brown eyed, brown haired 7-year-old- just in case she forgot about me.

  Everyday Minds Matter – mental health and well-being set the path for everyone. Establish practice to focus, retention, and concentration; healthy habits to prevent obstacles in mental status.  Overcome mental health challenges faced that affect daily routine. 

Writing that filled notebooks, diaries, and scrap paper- focused on my future dream.

In little time, old man Clyde move away. It was diffetent for a moment. Then one day, my mamaw- (fathers’ mom) move in the trailer.  The void was filled. Not skipping a beat; my brother and I had mamaw to aggravate.  With no time to waste, enjoying my childhood– documented every step of the way. Seems that the conversations grew on me. It was interesting to listen to my mamaws childhood. In my eyes it was more than interesting. A world where play was all work. In the early 1900’s not many toys were made. Everything from learning and entertainment was outdoors. Friends weren’t always close so most were visiting relatives.

A path to being a caregiver seemed to start young. Looking back I seemed to fall into the right path. Life takes us places and sometimes times passes- that all makes sense. Did you think back to your hidden path? How accurate did your role as a child play to your work or career choice?

Until our minds meet again.. Be safe out there and remember Everyday Minds Matter