The brain: a crucial but mysterious organ. This powerhouse processes every bit of information we come in contact with on a daily basis, but what happens when this vital organ gets sick and can no longer properly process that information? These sicknesses of the brain are called neurodegenerative diseases, with the most common being Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s. Researchers now have a better understanding of these diseases and their evolution, but the majority of brain research is dedicated to finding a treatment for these diseases.
As research continues to be done, there are a few things that we can do to maintain brain health. Our friends at the Alzheimer’s Association & the Parkinson’s Foundation have outlined a variety of different ways that we can appreciate & care for our brains.
- Exercise Regularly: According to the Alzheimer’s Association, some studies have found a connection between physical activity & a reduced risk of cognitive decline.
- Stay Engaged: Whether it be learning a new hobby, taking a cooking class at the local community college, or participating in family game night; it is very important to stay socially active.
- Get Sleep: Not enough sleep can cause problems with memory.
- Eat Right: Maintaining a healthy diet is important for your overall health, let alone your brain health.
All of these tips and more are incredibly helpful for bettering overall brain health; however, once a senior is diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s, it can be very difficult to keep them motivated to do all these activities listed above. We, at Open Arms, offer a variety of specialized care services for seniors with dementia & Alzheimer’s:
- Companion Services – including help with supervision, recreational activities or visiting
- Personal care services – including assistance with bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, exercising or other personal care
- Homemaker services – including help with housekeeping, shopping or meal preparation
- Nursing services – including medication management/reconciliation, injections, wound care, dressing changes, monitoring blood glucose and vitals or assistance with oxygen
We also offer our specialized Embrace program for seniors with early or late stage dementia. Embrace is structured, proven dementia care that provides a loving approach to mutually fulfilling care-giving and care-receiving relationships. Much more than providing quality care, our Embrace caregivers proactively look for opportunities to create happiness for our clients. From the custom-care plan, the team creates a daily schedule that addresses necessary care requirements and includes meaningful and enjoyable activities that engage seniors in activities that help draw him or her our and create joy. The whole family needs support when a loved one has dementia, and collaboration across Open Arms’ care community helps reduce risk and stress. Our interpersonal focus and commitment to ongoing family education and support set us apart.
Find a compassionate caregiver and friend for your loved ones today, give our team a call at (847) 272-4997 or visit our Facebook page.
