Alzheimer’s Disease Affects the Individual as Well as the Family

The Alzheimer’s Association explains Alzheimer’s is a disease that not only affects the individual but robs family members of their loved one. As the disease progresses, it takes away more and more of the person and the family begins to mourn the loss. While grief has different phases including denial, anger, guilt, sadness and acceptance in no particular order; universally shared by most families is unease about what the future holds and what to expect next. 

Hope is a powerful human emotion so denying the disease is a coping mechanism for some as they try to convince themselves their loved one will get better or not reach the level of devastation experienced by many suffering from the disease. Others may refuse to recognize the changed behavior and make excuses for it. 

Spouses and significant others may experience anger as they feel abandoned by the person and frustrated at their inability to do anything about it. They may also feel resentment and overwhelmed by caregiving duties but experts say it is important to be honest with yourself. Recognize you need more support and ask for it.  

Other feelings of grief include guilt. A person may worry they have not done enough or are not visiting often enough. While unrealistic, spouses may feel guilty they are still able to enjoy life while their wife or husband is no longer able. If a caregiver is not getting enough support, they may even experience thoughts about wishing the person would die or go away. The Alzheimer’s Association says it is important to get the help and support you need and to accept your feelings. Remember grief is part of the journey. 

At MorningStar at Bear Creek, we understand the devastation families feel when they get a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.  We know the path going forward is unplanned for, and we consider it our privilege – our calling to walk alongside the memory-impaired and their family on their unexpected journey.  MorningStar offers experienced, compassionate memory care for those in the early onset of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases right through to the most advanced stages.  

MorningStar at Bear Creek is unique from many other senior living communities as it is specifically designed to cater to the specialized needs of those suffering from memory impairment. We provide our tender residents a safe, comforting physical environment, trained caregivers, daily health monitoring, meaningful activities, wellness programs, community meals and more. For trusted memory care Colorado Springs seniors and their families can count on, we encourage you to contact us for more information.
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MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care Colorado Springs offers.

Meaningful and Fun Activities for Those Suffering from Dementia

To feel more connected to a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, it helps to spend time together in meaningful or fun activities. The Alzheimer’s Association has put together a list of many such activities; and reminds families to consider the things the person used to like to do or was interested in. Also, consider their mood that day. 

The outdoors can be a great place to spend quality time. Getting out in nature is calming and an easy walk or hike geared toward the person’s abilities can be fun for them and the grandkids. Watering plants, planting flowers and feeding the birds are other soothing activities. If the person seems fidgety, try having them rake leaves or sweep the patio. If they enjoy dogs, sit on a bench outside a dog park and watch them play; or find a quiet bench at the beach and people watch or enjoy the scenery. 

Quiet activities inside might include sitting together looking through a family photo album or scrapbook. Listening to music the person enjoys while drinking a cup of herbal tea or hot chocolate is another good activity. Also, reading a favorite book aloud or watching a beloved movie together is a fun way to spend an afternoon.  

Other suggestions for quality time together includes giving the person a neck rub, hand massage or pedicure. If they used to love to bake, make a batch of cookies or bread together; or have them help you fold laundry or set the table for dinner. These types of activities do not have to be done well but provide the person with a sense of purpose. The Alzheimer’s Association says if an activity doesn’t seem to be working, try something else.

For exceptional dementia care, Colorado Springs’ MorningStar at Bear Creek provides compassionate, individualized care for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our community offers a setting specifically designed to enhance our residents’ freedom and fully accommodate the disposition and behavior of those with memory impairment. Residents have a wide selection of meaningful wellness programs and purposeful activities as well as special events.  Our programs include a variety of exercise options, music, life skills, art, and entertainers. Please visit our website to learn more about our exceptional memory care facility. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We are dedicated to creating a true home for residents within an ideal setting and encourage you to see firsthand the best memory care Colorado Springs has to offer.

Source: alz.org/help-support/resources/kids-teens/50-activities