It’s a new year, and for many, this is a new opportunity to reinvent themselves (or at the very least, try new things to improve themselves). That’s something we all have the capacity to do, no matter how young or old we are … or even if we have dementia or another form of memory loss.
Beth Vellante, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover, a memory care assisted living community in Andover, MA, says there are lots of articles and information about resolutions and tips for caregivers of those with dementia. However, there’s a lot less out there about resolutions and tips for those who have been diagnosed with dementia. And that’s a disservice, she says.
“People with dementia are still able to learn, grow, experience and enrich their lives in positive ways,” she says. “There’s no reason you can’t make New Year’s resolutions if you’ve been diagnosed with some form of memory loss. In fact, making New Year’s resolutions can be very positive and can help you stay happy, healthy and fulfilled throughout your dementia journey.”
We’ve put together a list of resolutions that seniors with dementia can adopt for 2020. While most of these relate more directly to the early stages of the disease, Beth says that even those with mid- to late-stage dementia can benefit from these, with a few tweaks. “As the disease progresses, the responsibility for ‘making’ and seeing resolutions through falls more on the shoulders of caregivers and family members, but the individual will still reap the benefits,” she says.
Resolution #1: Get regular medical care.
Staying on top of all your medical needs – both dementia-related and otherwise – is incredibly important towards keeping you as healthy as possible. Set up regular appointments with your various medical professionals, including neurologists, general physicians and other specialists recommended by your team. This is especially important in the early stages of dementia, because most of the drugs and treatments currently available are the most effective during this stage. However, no matter what phase of dementia you or a loved one may be in, regular medical care can help identify issues before they turn into big emergencies.
Staying in regular contact with medical professionals can also keep you aware of ongoing research and treatments for dementia. You may wish to speak to your doctor about participating in a clinical trial at a local university or medical center. There are several online sites where individuals can learn more about upcoming or ongoing clinical trials and studies:
Resolution #2: Stay physically and mentally active.
Staying active – mentally and physically – is one of the best things we all can do to keep our cognitive health in tip-top shape. That makes it particularly important for those with dementia. Getting plenty of exercise helps with balance, mobility, muscle building and cardiovascular health. Exercise also releases endorphins and reduces stress, both of which can help fight anxiety and depression (common symptoms for people with dementia).
Certain mental and physical activities have been proven to be helpful for those with cognitive issues, including certain memory games and therapies (such as music and art). Card games, word puzzles and certain video games are mentally stimulating and fun for all ages. As the disease progresses, activities such as arts and crafts and others may be one of the few ways that individuals can communicate – making them even more important.
Resolution #3: Stay social.
We all crave the companionship of those we care about. Social interaction is even more important when someone has been diagnosed with dementia, because staying connected helps boost mood, keeps mental capabilities sharp, lessens the risk of dementia and has many intangible benefits that come from being with the ones you love. Stay as social as you can – you can even ask friends and family members to help you out. Another great way to be social as dementia progresses is to spend time at senior centers or adult day care centers, like those at memory care communities.
Resolution #4: Keep yourself safe.
Just because you have dementia doesn’t mean you can’t live safely and independently in your home. You may just need a little extra help. Have your doctor order a home safety evaluation from a home health care agency (oftentimes, this is covered by Medicare). Once the agency has made their recommendations, have a family member help you make changes as requested. Use the National Institute on Aging’s home safety tips to see how your home currently stacks up.
If you’re in the earlier stages of dementia, you can use simple memory aids to keep you organized and alert, like notepads, calendars, pillboxes and sticky notes. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends or family members, who can help you find resources to assist with daily tasks like cooking meals, transportation, grocery shopping, paying bills and more.
You may also wish to join the MedicAlert® + Alzheimer’s Association® 24/7 Wandering Support program in the event of wandering. There are also many other technology solutions on the marketplace to help remind and alert seniors, such as door alarms, emergency response buttons and more.
Resolution #5: Make plans for the future.
The best gift you can give your family – and yourself – is peace of mind for the future. For you, this means making plans for your care now and in the future. As soon as you can, and in conjunction with a select group of family or friends, put together documents such as living wills, powers of attorney, DNRs and other essential documents that make your healthcare and financial wishes known. As dementia progresses, you will eventually need more and more care, and could potentially benefit from moving into a memory care assisted living community. Research (or have others help you research) various communities in your area and schedule tours in order to help you find a place you’re most comfortable with.
You may also wish to make 2020 the year you move into a memory care community – even if you don’t yet need 24/7 care. According to Beth, moving into a community sooner rather than later can benefit you in many ways. “It’s always better to move to a place before you need it, because then you can truly become involved in the life of the community and make it feel like home,” she says. “That way, as your needs increase, you’re able to receive the care you require in a place you know and love and don’t have to deal with the stress and difficulty of moving at a later time.”
Most of all, Beth says, resolve to make the most of every moment this year. Enjoy time with your loved ones, make memories, do things that make you happy and live in the moment. Take pictures, laugh and love with your whole heart … and you’ll find that the joy you put out will come back to you tenfold.
Exceptional Care. Engaging Lifestyle.
Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover provides specialized memory care in an assisted living environment that is comfortable, positive and welcoming. Built solely to care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover creates a wellness-focused, engaging lifestyle that respects individual preferences, focuses on residents’ abilities and creates meaning in daily life.
Dedicated Memory Care.
Through every stage of memory loss, residents and their families have complete peace of mind. Our compassionate dementia care and unique programs are tailored to meet the physical, cognitive and emotional needs of each resident wherever they are on their own journey, allowing them to age in place safely, comfortably and with dignity.
Supportive, Purpose-Built Design.
Featuring a stunning residential design, Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover is much more than a beautiful place to live; it’s a community where residents’ lives are enriched, and families enjoy meaningful moments together. Our research-based design features soft colors and lighting, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life-enrichment stations that empower residents to explore their homes with confidence.
Contact us today to learn more.