Regular, nutritious meals may become a challenge for people with Alzheimer’s/ dementia. As a person’s cognitive function declines, he or she may become overwhelmed with too many food choices, forget to eat or have difficulty with eating utensils. For a person with Alzheimer’s/dementia, poor nutrition may increase behavioral symptoms and cause weight loss. Here are a few tips for making mealtimes more healthy and relaxing: View mealtimes as opportunities for social interaction. A warm and happy tone of voice can set the mood. Research suggests that people eat better when they are in the company of others. Limit distractions. Serve meals in quiet surroundings, away from the television. Keep t
For anyone facing a terminal illness, making decisions about end of life care is an extremely difficult process that not only affects the patient’s comfort and well-being, but that of their family and friends as well. Hospice helps you embrace the end of life process by focusing on the quality of life. Hospice care should be considered anytime you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a life-limiting disease or illness. Here are a few warning signs to help you make an educated choice on whether hospice care might be necessary. Frequent trips to the emergency room- When you’re spending most of your time in the hospital, it could be a sign that the burden of your care is outweighing its benef
Looking for easy Halloween treats? These recipes are great for a Halloween part or a spooky movie night! HALLOWEEN MUDDY BUDDIES Ingredients 9 cups Rice Chex cereal 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips ½ cup peanut butter ¼ cup butter 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 ½ cups powdered sugar 1 cup Kit Kats cut into small pieces ½ cup candy corn candy skulls sprinkles edible eyeballs Instructions In a large bowl, microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter for 1 minute; stir. Return to microwave for 30 seconds or until mixture is smooth. Stir in vanilla extract. Combine chocolate mixture with Chex cereal. Stir until evenly coated. Combine cereal and powdered sugar; mix until well coated. Add cand
1. Myth- Hospice is for people who can accept death. While those affected by terminal illness struggle to come to terms with death, hospices will gently help them find their way at their own speed. They welcome inquiries from families who are unsure about their needs and preferences. Hospices are available to discuss all options and to facilitate family decisions. 2. Myth- Hospice patients require a “Do Not Resuscitate” status prior to admission. Hospices acknowledge and respect the end of life choices of patients and families. Patients and their caregivers are provided with information and counseling so they can make informed decisions regarding end of life issues. 3. Myth- Hospice patients
1. Myth- Hospice is only for people with cancer. Nationwide greater than one-fifth of all hospice patients have a diagnosis other than cancer. Hospice serves families that are coping with end-stages of chronic diseases, like emphysema, Alzheimer’s, HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular and neuromuscular diseases. 2. Myth- Hospice care is expensive. Medicare and Medicaid, as do most private insurances, have a hospice benefit. This benefit covers the cost of comfort care medicines, medical equipment and supplies that are related to the patient’s primary diagnosis and is in their plan of care. Financial assistance for those that do not have insurance coverage is based on need. 3. Myth- Hospice is only for d
