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Is Your Aging Loved One Getting The Right Nutrition?

10/27/2020

It is a slippery slope. We all know what it feels like when our diet is off. When good, nutritious food is replaced by lower quality, convenience food, or no food at all (skipped meals)- our body feels terrible, our mood goes downhill, and our whole outlook takes a nosedive. Many times, when we are in that fog, we don’t see it. We just know it feels awful and it is hard to see through it.

For an aging loved one who wishes to remain on their own in their home, it is on them to prepare and consume the right nutrition to maintain good health- which in turn enables them to remain at home. The problem arises when, over time, a sneaky intruder comes on the scene. That intruder comes in the form of procrastination and speaks two words.

“Why bother” are two dangerous words to live on your own by. The longer a person waits to make a change, the tougher it becomes and the stronger the habit develops. For a senior who lives on their own, it might seem like there is no problem. A little laziness, a little convenience- no big deal right?! For one day it is not a big deal. For one week- probably still manageable. But when poor eating habits are repetitive, the body will speak out and will speak out loudly in the effort to be heard.

When you visit, if you are finding a lack of food or spoiled food in the fridge, if you notice your loved one is loading up on TV dinners and other high sodium and low quality foods, or notice a change in their tone to the sound, similar to “why bother”, it might be time to learn more of what is going on and what is NOT going on.

You know from experience that being proactive opens the door to ease in change. A well designed offer of support before things go too far is helpful and less intrusive to risk control. Being inclusive and bringing your loved one on board is easier when the idea is simple and straightforward. “To try it out”.

Earlier this year I collaborated with Steph Todd of www.mealplanaddict.com. Together we created a step by step process to help families who have concerns about their aging loved one’s nutritional health and eating habits, while living on their own. It is a way to support their wishes to remain at home AND ensure good eating habits to keep them there longer.

You can find it here… https://www.getafriendindeed.com/library.html

Of course, if you need some help or find that your schedule just won’t allow for it, feel free to reach out. Our Friends will be happy to help!

"CLUES & CUES" CAN HELP SOMEONE WITH MEMORY ISSUES FEEL SAFE & SECURE

9/17/2020

Part 2

Last month we mentioned how using strategic little cues for a loved one with memory impairment can make a big difference in keeping a greater sense of independence. When determining what cues to put in place, first identify where, when and how your loved one is struggling and the resulting impact from it.

Perhaps she is having trouble with her morning routine. Her usual routine had always included getting up, making the bed, picking out and then changing into daytime clothes, washing her face and then brushing her hair. The steps are in a reasonable order and the routine is very relatable. I’ll bet you do them without even paying attention to it –it’s just what you do every morning! Each step builds on the last to arrive at an expected outcome –being dressed and ready for the day ahead. An individual with memory impairment may need the use of cues to help her along the process. Let’s say this lady gets stuck at the clothes part and you find that she is wearing the same clothes day after day. Because you know her and her preferences, this is something she would never do. This is the impact of a failing routine. [Now keep in mind when looking at the impact of a failing routine, you would also factor in the level of risk it has to the person. In this example, not changing her clothes as frequent as she did before is not life threatening. Knowing her preferences and personality and yes, if left long enough this failed routine would interfere with a healthy lifestyle not to mention be very hard on her clothes, so additional support is needed.]

Consider her personality. Has she always been a list maker? Would she benefit from a well-placed list entitled “Morning Routine” with the steps laid out in point form? Perhaps her hamper is changed to one with a lid. On the lid is a label that says, “dirty clothes” or “Needs to be washed”. The label and the lid are additional barriers to what she doesn’t want. Perhaps the Morning Routine List includes another strategic step such as “pick out clothes from your dresser” to also help direct her. The list would be posted in an appropriate place where it won’t be moved or in the way of the process itself. Make it attention grabbing without interfering with the message. It must be clear. The writing is large enough even without glasses. Test it out over a few days and track the results. Tweak as needed. Make sure everyone who comes in contact with her is aware of your cues, so they are not tampered with.

Having little cues in the right places will help maintain her routine and maintain a sense of comfort and independence in her life. You and your loved one will feel happier for it.

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"CLUES & CUES" CAN HELP SOMEONE WITH MEMORY ISSUES FEEL SAFE & SECURE

8/23/2020

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Part 1

Have you ever traveled and checked into a hotel? (Think way back to pre-Covid times!) I had to go to Toronto for a seminar years ago. I got off the plane and followed the directions and the crowd to the baggage area. Signage helped me locate the correct turnstile, I kept an eye out for my bags. Colour and a distinguishing feature helped me recognize them coming down the chute, I grabbed them and was on my way to find a taxi to take me to the hotel. This was the first time in Toronto and I relied on the cab driver to safely bring me to the hotel in the most efficient and direct route. I trusted him to do his job and he did. I was happy and felt cared for.

At the hotel, there were more cues and signs that helped me understand where I needed to go and get the help I needed. The lady at the desk asked me a series of questions and my answers gave her the information she needed to give me back what I wanted- a nice, comfortable, secure room. She did her job. I was happy and felt cared for.

Signage, processes and invested people who are ready and willing to step into service to assist, all work together as a system to help individuals get want they want. In this case, it was my bags, a ride and a room. When systems are not in place or they are unreliable, then the process can cause upset, frustration and even panic.

Change in general, even in the slightest of ways, demands more from a person- more concentration, a higher level of listening and a greater ability to process information. Step into the shoes of a person who has just moved into an assisted care facility. A new space, sights, sounds and faces to take in. The individual may be wrestling internally with perceived expectations of others who are new to their world. People like other residents who may be confused or who require support in ways different to the individual.

This is where little cues can be a big help. Aside from the standard and expected signage to help navigate a new resident to the dining room or activity room, and the uniform colors worn by staff to differentiate their roles, there are lots of opportunities to create and include other cues specific to the individual’s needs. In a hallway with many doors, a family can decorate their loved one’s door specific highlighting what makes that individual special. (Remember when we discussed the importance of knowing & understanding one’s “life story”?) Perhaps it is an ornamental dog that sits on the floor by her door. She can see it farther down the hall and associates it with her room. Perhaps she enjoyed painting. Displaying one of her paintings- like the one of a barn and horse from where she raised her family, will create the recognition as well as a chance to reminisce. These are a couple of examples that fulfill a helpful role. Repeatedly it reinforces: “This is my room.” or “I used to live on a farm and we had horses.” or “I love colors and painting.” These all contribute to the feelings of comfort and security. Like me in Toronto- feeling happy and cared for.

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When a loved one is depressed and sees everything as negative

7/27/2020

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Move Those Dark Clouds Away!

Dark clouds. We see them almost any time of the year. They usually signify a change coming. Wet weather, perhaps cold, causing us to seek shelter, hunker down and keep close everything that we feel we need to keep ourselves comfortable until they pass. Figuratively, when a dark cloud comes, it means that a heavy feeling is upon us. This makes us tired, perhaps sad and can cause the same sensations mentioned above that move us to seek comfort and protect ourselves from them. They can really grab hold and if they do, it feels like the dark cloud might stay forever. Until we realize, we remember that dark clouds have come before. We remember the work and tools we have and can help ourselves and move the clouds on. Thank goodness for that.
What if you see the dark cloud over your loved one? Meaning- what if your loved one has developed a bleak outlook on life. Perhaps she is processing a big change- in location, the passing of a spouse, or a health concern. You honor how she feels, talk with her and you do your best to support her but if over time you find you are running low on energy, you may ask yourself “do I keep trying?”.
The answer is yes. First, recoup your energy and take care of YOU, so you can put your detective hat back on to investigate a little more the circumstances of the situation and your loved one. Take note of any changes you see- behavior, outlook and overall ability to take care of herself are a few places to start. If you haven’t yet, make an appointment to see her doctor. Discuss if there have been any major changes in her life and share your concerns. Have the doctor review the list of medications to be sure there aren’t any working against one another. Is loneliness a factor? Grief? How is her diet? Once you start investigating, the clues will direct you. Find out what community resources are available. Remember to reach out to your Circle of Support for ideas and references. Remember the tools you use to help yourself and see if your loved one is open to them.
Above all, keep yourself well as you go through this process of discovery. By doing so, your loved one has the best chances of moving those dark clouds away!

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What your loved one needs- is found in their nature.

6/22/2020

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If one’s Nature and one’s Environment are at odds with each other, that person can become emotionally drained, irritable, and just plain unhappy- uggh!

We have all been there from time to time. Ignoring the signs and then those feelings turn into behaviours and actions that can be regrettable. It doesn’t feel good.

Let’s start with you, the caregiver first. What’s your nature? We know that Introverts replenish their energy from being in quiet and/or solitude while, extroverts replenish their energy from being with others. What describes you?

What do you think is your loved one’s nature? Does she tend to move leave busy environments to have time away from the high energy performers in her life? Does he retreat to a space to be with himself or with a single person who he enjoys being with while settling down and restoring his emotional energy once again. If these opportunities are not available to them, does their behaviour or actions change drastically?

The key is understanding what your nature is and the nature of your loved one. Recognizing, creating, and supporting an environment that nurturers their nature –to be at their best self. Communicating with them and on their behalf to others to help support their best environment. Being aware of their signs and triggers that speak to what is going on for them and how they are feeling. Helps you to know if a change in environment is needed at that time or not.

Having the right kind of activities and the right amount of activities supports this healthy environment so your loved one can be their best self and you can be your best self. Which is why we have created several new Visit Types. Your loved one’s needs are unique and being able to pick and choose which Visit Types work best will make all the difference.

No one is a “pure” introvert or a “pure” extrovert but rather a unique mixture that tends to dip to one side more than the other, particularly when life (or your environment around you) tends to feel out of control.

If you have any questions, please give me a call. We can discuss how life during this time of COVID -19 is for you, the caregiver and for your loved one. We want to support you in making a healthy environment, tailored to your loved one’s nature, so both of you can be your best selves.
If you are wondering what you are or what your loved one may be, here is a quick and easy test to help: https://introvertdear.com/introvert-extrovert-test-quiz/

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Resilience Is All Around Us

5/27/2020

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I am a daughter in the time of COVID-19.

I am a daughter whose mom lives in a care facility. It is a really wonderful place with caring and compassionate staff. She is doing well, and I am happy about that. Because of the threat of COVID-19, there are current restrictions that prevent mom and me from our personal visits. It is tough to deal with these changes over the past three months, but I know the restrictions are in place for a reason –to keep her and the other residents safe. I am thankful for the decisions, however hard it was to make them, which keeps them safe. And, I do miss being with her.

I reflect on what I value about spending time together with mom. When we visited before the restrictions, I noticed something inside me would bubble up when I arrived. There was a combination of “feels” that I would consciously and subconsciously look for. It was a “ground zero” of sorts.

One part of the combination was in the form of confirmation. This was in the form of noticing to see and feel the answers to how is she doing overall? Is she happy? is it a good day? Is something off? I recognized this is the caregiver role in me.

Another part of the combination was in the form of familiarity. There is comfort in being with and witnessing the predictable gestures, attitudes, and nuances that I identify her with. A history together my whole life long. I recognized as the daughter role in me.

The last part of the combination was seeing the newness of her, as an individual she is. Someone doing her best in a new environment, someone in the current stage of her life and confronting all the beliefs that life rubs up against. I recognized this as the “seeing mom as a fellow human being” role.

So, our visits over the past three months have changed to mostly phone calls. We are grateful for our weekly Skype calls which are wonderful to be able to see each other as we talk. Sometimes we color pictures in front of our screens. We are separated but together and we show one another our progress as we talk about nothing and everything. I can share my screen and so we can look at old and new photos together. Time goes quickly. Hopefully, the remaining time with the virus and the restrictions will go by quickly too so we along with other families and their loved ones, can be together- in person again soon.

We are all doing our part to keep each other safe. Thank you for that!

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THE "NOW" NORMAL

4/22/2020

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April is almost over. We have all been social distancing for over a month. Everything has changed and we have even noticed a shift and acceptance of a new normal. When going out walking, it is now a habit to widen the distance between myself and the person I pass. We still say hello or share a smile as our invisible bubbles of space slide beside one another. There is now a regime when preparing for an outing. A mental reminder of all the precautions, a heightened awareness of what I need to bring, where I need to go, what I will be touching and the most efficient route to take that will bring me home sooner. I am not frightened to go out. I just do it with purpose and minimize the frequency. I am reassured when I witness others taking the same or similar concerns into account. It further establishes a new normal –normal for now.

From time to time, I have thought back to what would “normally” be on my mind during April. Prior to COVID-19, I would be preparing for events like the Didsbury Expo and the Airdrie Home and Lifestyle show. I would have been preparing for Easter supper with family earlier in the month. This year was so different from the others. This year, my 84 years young mom wasn’t there to make the stuffing, to ever so carefully and with the greatest efficiency fold the tinfoil tent over the turkey and tuck the edges under so all the wonderfulness would stay inside and keep the bird tender and juicy while creating the brown bits on the bottom for the gravy. It made me sad and miss her. I could not help but imagine for a moment some time in the future when she would not be around anymore. I caught myself and my thoughts. She is here and just a phone call away. That is something.

I am so grateful for the care and attention to detail that the care staff at mom’s care facility are providing all their residents -particularly during this pandemic. Regular updates from them are reassuring. Phone calls to talk with her and opportunities to connect through Skype to see and talk with mom are priceless.

This month, our newsletter has numerous resources to help one another stay safe and healthy- not only physical health but equally important is being well mentally.

We are doing well. Everyone doing their part to keep each other safe and healthy. We will get through this together. Thank you!

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What is my "RAS" and why should I be aware of it?

3/25/2020

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Inside each one of us is a Reticular Activator System (RAS). It’s the part of your brain that accepts a job that you give it (whether you are aware of it or not!). It receives the job based on the words you speak and the thoughts you think. Its mission is to bring more of what you say or what you think into your experience – regardless of whether it is real or perceived, just more of it. And it doesn’t matter if you want it to take on the job or not, it just does! It looks for things that are familiar, unusual or problematic.

Let’s say you have bought a new car. Haven’t you noticed that from the moment you made the decision to buy it, you suddenly see that same car everywhere? Have you caught yourself in a less than desirable mood? When you take the time to notice the thoughts that trail along, each are equally or increasingly less desirable. The opposite happens too. When you are in a really great mood and you feel like you are walking on air, all of the sudden everything just doesn’t seem to be a bother and it feels like there are no time constraints or barriers. It’s all just good.

No doubt we are in a very trying time for everyone. Regular routines, feelings of loss of productivity, restrictions and restraints in most every form and fashion are present and an over arching element of fear feels close by.

I want to invite you to think about your RAS and be mindful to use it to look for those moments in each day for what feels good. Your nervous system, your brain, those around you (both near and at a distance) will be positively affected in ways that will feel good. And that would be a very special thing to spread!

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prank phone call

2/5/2020

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Please click the video below.

So, after watching, I want to ask you:

What action or routine would your loved one enjoy more if it was broken down into simpler steps?

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Did I just see that? Or was it my imagination or some sort of a joke?

1/5/2020

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What are the first few steps a daughter (or son) can take when they suspect mom or dad is having memory issues or struggling on their own?

Chances are you know your parent quite well including all her nuances, the details of all of her stories and how she ticks. You may have also noticed some changes after spending time together over the holidays. It can be quite concerning and downright alarming when something out of the ordinary presents itself. Perhaps a story you have heard too many times to count was missing a detail or two. Could it be a simple memory blip –it happens to all of us! Perhaps you noticed her confused, trying to find something and looking in what clearly would be the wrong part of the house for the item. Could it be she has too much on her mind to concentrate –very unusual for her but after all your parent is a human! Or could it could be something more and if so what now?

First things first, there is no use in flying off the handle when you first encounter a misstep. Talk with your parent and get her point of view. You are still gathering information. Be sensitive to what she says so she doesn’t feel belittled because of what happened. Keep lines of communication open to maintain a healthy, supportive relationship that is respectful and trustworthy.

Ask yourself:

What happened? Gather the facts – as you know them and watch yourself if your imagination starts filling in the story with assumptions. You just want the facts. Write it down like a story.

Were there consequences and if so, what impact did they have? –nonexistent, mild or more? If it was a case of looking in the wrong area of the house for an item, there is minimal consequences other than possible frustration and time lost. However, if she is forgetting to lock her door when she leaves the house or getting misdirected once she is out and she is having a hard time finding home again, those have greater consequences and additional support needs to be in place quickly. Write this down too.

Are there potential risks if this happens again and if so what are the risks? Without overthinking, assess what kinds of risk to safety to her, safety to others and her own wellbeing are associated with what happened. If the incident was a few missing details in a family story, the risk is too minimal to measure as no one will be hurt. If the incident was leaving the door unlocked when she went out, the risk for an intruder to harm or steal from her can potentially increase. Write down the risks.

What next? Depending on the incident, the consequences and the risks associated with the incident, you will have a clearer idea as to what you need to do next. Is it that you need to contact her family doctor or Home Care? You can share your concerns and receive guidance and perhaps arrange for an in home assessment and learn about community supports available? Is it that you need to make a date for the two of you to go through the photo albums and together you record the stories with all their details? It would be a wonderful archive of knowledge and history to pass down to the generations.

Regardless of what you decide is your next step, I encourage you to use a journal or a notebook and write down any and all incidents and unusual happenings. The facts, the consequences –if any and potential risks associated. Be sure to date it. You think you will remember but you won’t. Your journal will be a valuable source of information that you can bring to her family doctor or to Home Care for a discussion about your concerns. Keeping your loved one supported, safe and happy is your topmost priority.

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Is Your Aging Loved One Getting The Right Nutrition?

"CLUES & CUES" CAN HELP SOMEONE WITH MEMORY ISSUES FEEL SAFE & SECURE

"CLUES & CUES" CAN HELP SOMEONE WITH MEMORY ISSUES FEEL SAFE & SECURE

When a loved one is depressed and sees everything as negative

What your loved one needs- is found in their nature.

Resilience Is All Around Us

THE "NOW" NORMAL

What is my "RAS" and why should I be aware of it?

prank phone call

Did I just see that? Or was it my imagination or some sort of a joke?

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