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Managing Dementia’s Side Effects with Essential Oils

By Health, Long-Term Care

Now, more than ever, many are turning to a more holistic approach to medicine. For generations, essential oils have been used to ease symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia.  Some research suggests that aromatherapy and the use of essential oils may be useful in the treatment of certain symptom’s of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.

Essential oils may be inhaled, applied to the skin, or ingested depending on the type of oil and its level of concentration. It is important to note that although essential oils have been used for generations and are thought to be safe, they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so you should always consult with your doctor before using to ensure that specific oils will not have any negative reaction with medications.

Some of the essential oils that been shown to be effective in alleviating different symptoms of dementia are:

  1. Lavender

Lavender is said to be calming and able to balance strong emotions. It is also an antidepressant and useful in cases of insomnia. Use it in the evening to promote better sleep, or any time of day to promote better mood.

  1. Peppermint

Peppermint is energizing and can be used to stimulate the mind. It is best used in the morning, and can be inhaled directly, diffused in the room, used as a massage oil, or even placed in a bath.

  1. Bergamot

Bergamot can be used to relieve anxiety, agitation, mild depression, and stress. It is a mood elevating and calming oil, that can also be used to relieve insomnia. It can be placed in a bath, used as a massage oil, diffused through a room, or sprayed on clothing or linens.

  1. Rosemary

Much like peppermint, Rosemary is an uplifting oil used to stimulate the mind and body. It may help improve cognitive performance and mood. Rosemary has also been known to ease constipation, symptoms of depression, and reinvigorate the appetite.

  1. Ginger

Ginger oil is helpful for anyone struggling with digestion issues. It is commonly used to treat a loss of appetite and constipation and can help promote good eating habits. Ginger oil can be applied directly to the skin as an abdominal massage, diffused, sprayed or placed on a compress.

  1. Lemon

Lemon oil is one of the most studied and effective oils. It has been shown to help calm and relax people who are dealing with anxiety and insomnia, improve memory and ease digestion. Lemon oil can be dropped in a bath, inhaled directly, diffused, sprayed or applied directly to the skin as a massage oil.

  1. Ylang Ylang

Ylang Ylang oil can help ease depression while also promoting good sleep. This is a great oil not only for the person living with dementia, but also for caregivers struggling with restlessness and lack of sleep. Ylang Ylang is often combined with lemon oil and can be placed in a bath, inhaled, diffused, or sprayed.

June 26, 2020
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What are the Activities of Daily Living?

By Asset Protection Planning, Elder Law, Health, Long-Term Care

The Activities of Daily Living are a series of basic activities performed by individuals on a daily basis which are necessary for independent living at home or in the community. There are multiple variations on the definition of the activities of daily living, but most organizations agree that there are 5 basic categories:

  1. Personal hygiene – bathing/showering, grooming, nail care and oral care
  2. Dressing – the ability to make appropriate clothing decisions and physically dress/undress oneself
  3. Eating – the ability to feed oneself, though not necessarily the capability to prepare food
  4. Maintaining continence – both the mental and physical capacity to use a restroom, including the ability to get on and off the toilet and cleaning oneself
  5. Transferring/Mobility – moving oneself from seated to standing, getting in and out of bed, and the ability to walk independently from one location to another.
June 18, 2020
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How to Stay Connected to Loved Ones in Nursing Homes During a Pandemic

By Health, Long-Term Care

 

Family caregivers have now faced weeks or even months of physical separation from their loved ones in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities in order to protect them from Coronavirus. The restrictions on in-person visitation in long-term care facilities during the pandemic have made it challenging for family caregivers to stay close and present in the lives of their loved ones. The lack of family contact and attention can create feelings of isolation and anxiety for a resident, and additional stress for already worried families and friends, who are used to visiting in person.

While you may be unable to visit your loved one in-person, it is possible to brighten their day and try to ease feelings of isolation. Here are some ideas for staying emotionally connected to loved ones while visitor restrictions are in place:

  • Plan a virtual visit. There are several apps that will allow you to meet with your loved one virtually, including FaceTime, Zoom, and Skype. Most facilities are more than willing to assist your loved one in dialing in to a call. Some facilities even have iPads for easier viewing.
  • Send snail mail. Cards and letters are an easy way to tell someone you are thinking of them. Write an update about routine family activities. Have your children draw a picture. Include a photo showing your quarantine activities. Receiving updates will be reassuring to your loved one that you are okay during this health crisis and will provide your loved one with a genuine connection to you.
  • Create a photo book. Create a photo book with photos of what you, family, and friends have been up to. Include captions identifying family members and friends, with a small description. It can be as simple as a few pages printed from your home printer and stapled together, a poster board assortment, or a professionally bound book from Shutterfly or another online printing company. Most facilities will accept envelopes or packages at the front desk and will have staff members deliver to your loved one’s room, or they can always be sent in the mail.
  • Have a window visit. Many facilities will schedule a specific time for your family to “meet” your loved one through a window on the ground floor. You will be on the outside, and your loved one will be safely on the inside. You can chat, share smiles and laughs, and a touch through the glass. You can make special occasions, like a birthday or holiday, extra special with handmade signs.
  • Create a phone chain. Create a schedule of different family members and friends to each call your loved one on a specific day. This is a great way to connect others also feeling isolated, especially seniors and those living alone, with your loved one. Plus, a regular daily phone call gives your loved one something to look forward to.
June 4, 2020
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5 Foods That Fight Aging

By Health

While there are many benefits of growing older, there are also several drawbacks. Aging can take a toll on your skin, but a healthy diet is good for your body and has the power to prevent wrinkles as well as other signs of aging. Eating healthy can also keep you feeling strong and energized. Here’s a list of five anti-aging foods that have the power to keep you looking and feeling young:

Pomegranates 

Pomegranates contain a substantial amount of Vitamin C, which is good for your skin because it helps guard against wrinkles and sun damage. Additionally, the juice in pomegranate seeds contains compounds and super nutrients that increase your body’s ability to preserve collagen (the tissue that keeps your skin smooth) and fight against skin damage.

 

Almonds 

Almonds have the power to benefit your complexion, as they contain Vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage and protect the skin against the sun’s rays. Vitamin E also has a positive effect on balance as well as speed and coordination, so eating them regularly will keep you feeling younger.

 

Kale 

Kale contains antioxidants that guard against sun-damage, which help keep your skin from developing too many age spots or wrinkles. Kale has also been known to strengthen the elasticity of skin and keep it healthier. Additionally, kale naturally detoxifies your system and helps to counteract the negative effects that everyday pollutants may have on your body.

 

Avocados 

Avocados are chock-full of healthy fats that keep your skin hydrated. Additionally, those same healthy fats have the power to aid your body in absorbing vitamins that your skin needs to stay looking and feeling fresh. Avocados also contain a wide variety of antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage and other negative effects of aging.

 

Salmon

Salmon is another food containing healthy fats, as its Omega-3 fatty acids help fortify the membranes of skin cells. These healthy fats also allow cells to better retain moisture and keep skin hydrated while reducing the formation of wrinkles. Additionally, salmon contains antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties.

July 3, 2018
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How to Stay Safe in Hot Weather: 5 Tips for Seniors

By Health

In Florida, summers tend to get very hot and it is important to understand the health risks associated with excessive heat. Older adults are more susceptible to hyperthermia as well as other heat-related illnesses, especially if they have preexisting medical conditions. On that note, here are five tips for staying safe as it heats up this summer:

Stay Hydrated. 

  • While this tip seems like a no-brainer, it is easier to become dehydrated than you may think. To stay hydrated during the summer, especially if you have a busy schedule, carry around a refillable water bottle and continually drink from it throughout the day. To be on the safe side, set a goal of drinking 8 glasses of water each day. Not only does water have a myriad of health benefits, it also helps keep you from becoming overheated or otherwise ill due to the weather.

Check the Weather Before Going Outside . 

  • Remember to check the weather before you venture out for the day. If it is extremely hot, stay home and turn your air conditioning on or, if you don’t have air conditioning, go to a venue that does. Additionally, avoid participating in activities that involve being outside for extended periods of time. If you have to go to an outdoor event, take it easy, as physical exertion can cause dehydration and heat stroke.

Be Aware of Your Medications Possible Side Effects. 

  • Some medications can cause weakness, faintness, dizziness or reduced sweating. All of these factors can amplify the negative effects that heat has on an individual’s body, and may increase your risk of becoming afflicted with a dangerous heat-related condition.

Don’t overdress. 

  • Though your regular daily outfit may consist of a sweater and long pants, during summer it is important that you dress according to the weather. When possible, wear shorts or t-shirts and avoid bulky or thick clothing items. This will help keep your body temperature down and reduce the likelihood that heat will negatively affect you.

Participate in Activities That Keep You Cool.

  • During summertime, fun activities that can help you beat the heat include swimming, seeing a movie, visiting friends or family members at their homes, going out to eat at an indoor restaurant and shopping. Not only are these activities entertaining and give you something to do, but they can also keep you from becoming subjected to any heat related illnesses or ailments.
June 1, 2018
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Symptoms of a Heart Attack

By Health

Approximately 610,000 people die of heart disease in the U.S. every year, making it the leading cause of death for both men and women. Additionally, about 735,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. A heart attack occurs when the flow of blood to a section of the heart becomes blocked and the heart is unable to receive oxygen. Most heart attacks occur due to Coronary Heart Disease, a condition in which plaque builds up inside an individual’s coronary arteries.

Here’s a list of common symptoms of a heart attack:

  • Pain or discomfort in the center or left side of the chest
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Unusual feelings of fatigue
  • Arm, back, shoulder, neck, jaw or upper stomach pain
  • Breaking out in a cold sweat
  • Vomiting

If you believe that someone may be having a heart attack, call 9-1-1 immediately and get them to the nearest hospital.

May 29, 2018
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How to Tell Loved Ones that You are Terminally Ill

By Health

If you have been diagnosed with a terminal illness, finding a way to tell your loved ones is very difficult and emotionally taxing. If you find yourself faced with this challenge, you may not know where to start. While the process of conveying a terminal illness to relatives is different for everyone, here are some tips to facilitate the conversation:

Be Direct.

  • When approaching a difficult topic, it is best to cut right to the chase. Getting the information out there will lift the burden off of you and allow your loved ones to get a clear view of what your illness entails and of what the future may hold.

 

Don’t be afraid to show emotion.

  • Though your natural inclination may be to appear strong for those that you love, don’t feel the need to hide your emotions. Dying is scary, and it is okay to express your fears to those who care about you. They will understand that you are dealing with complex emotions and will do everything in their power to make this process as easy on you as possible.

 

Be prepared to answer questions.

  • Though you are familiar with the terms of your illness and may already be prepared for your end-of-life process, your loved ones are not. Be prepared for them to ask difficult questions such as “How long do you have left?” or “Are you sure there aren’t any other treatment options available?” Though you may not be able to alleviate all of your loved ones concerns, allow them to ask questions and create an open dialogue with you, as it will help the acceptance process.

 

Write down what you want to say before you start the conversation.

  • As this conversation is difficult to have, it may be helpful to write down the key points that you wish to address in your discussion. That way, you won’t forget to say anything that you feel is important and you will have notes to reference if you need them. This is especially helpful if you feel that you or your loved ones will become highly emotional throughout the course of the talk.

 

Give your loved ones a chance to process the news.

  • Though you may have made peace with your illness, the revelation that you are dying will be shocking news for your loved ones. They may have trouble accepting what you are telling them right away; this is natural. Give them time to process this information, as they may not know how to react at first.
May 25, 2018
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What is osteoporosis?

By Health

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bone density and bone quality are reduced. Osteoporosis causes bones to become more porous and brittle, which increases the risk of fracture. An estimated 54 million Americans over the age of 50 are affected by low bone mass or osteoporosis, and that number is expected to rise another 14 million by 2020.

The body is constantly absorbing and replacing bone tissue, but with osteoporosis the development of new bone cannot keep up with the removal of old bone. Generally, patients with osteoporosis do not experience any symptoms until the first bone fracture occurs. Though osteoporosis cannot be cured, it can be treated.

To prevent osteoporosis, adults should:

  • Maintain a healthy, nutritious diet
  • Consume adequate amounts of calcium
  • Maintain an appropriate supply of Vitamin D
  • Avoid drinking heavily
  • Avoid smoking
  • Participate regularly in exercise
  • Avoid malnutrition
May 22, 2018
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The Different Types of Macular Degeneration: Dry Macular Degeneration

By Health

As explained in the last installment of our blog regarding this topic, macular degeneration is an eye condition affecting the macula that causes central vision loss. Additionally, age-related macular degeneration is the most common form of macular degeneration and it comes in two forms: wet and dry.

85-90% of people afflicted with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) suffer from the dry form. Dry macular degeneration results in the deterioration of layers in the retina due to the gradual breakdown of light-sensitive cells in the macula. These cells are responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain, and when they break down it results in a blurring of an individual’s central vision. Symptoms of this form of macular degeneration usually develop gradually and without pain. These may include, but are not limited to:

  • Multiple small, round, yellow-white spots in the back of the eye (can be detected through use of an ophthalmoscope)
  • Visual distortion
  • Reduced central vision in one or both eyes
  • Difficulty recognizing faces
  • Difficulty adapting to low light levels
  • Blurriness of printed word
  • Visual distortions
  • Decreased intensity of colors
May 18, 2018
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The Different Types of Macular Degeneration: Wet Macular Degeneration

By Health

Macular degeneration is an eye condition that is caused by deterioration of the retina (the interior layer of the eye). Macular degeneration affects the macula, which is the part of the retina that gives us clear, detailed vision. With macular degeneration, an individual loses their central vision and cannot see fine details, but their peripheral vision remains unimpaired (imagine looking at someone and having a blurry, black dot where their face should be but still being able to see the outline of their figure).Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common type of macular degeneration and is also the leading cause of blindness in Americans over 55. There are two types of AMD: the wet form and the dry form.

Wet macular degeneration is the most advanced form of AMD and, though it only afflicts 10-15% of individuals with macular degeneration, it causes 90% of the severe vision loss caused by this condition. Wet macular degeneration is generally caused by abnormal blood vessels that grow under the retina and leak fluid or blood into the macula. The symptoms of wet macular degeneration usually appear suddenly and advance quickly. These symptoms may include, but are not limited to:

  • Reduced central vision in one or both eyes
  • Visual distortion
  • Hazy vision
  • A blurry or blind-spot in your field of vision
  • Decreased ability to view colors
  • Impaired ability to see detail
  • Rapid onset and development of symptoms
May 15, 2018
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