Caring for a loved one with Alzheimers or dementia can be physically and emotionally draining, especially when they have behavioral changes caused by their anxiety and confusion. Many advanced dementia patients lash out at their caregivers with unexpected aggression later in the day or at night. The phenomenon is referred to as Sundowners Syndrome or sundowning because the disruptive behavior usually occurs after the sun has gone down and feelings of paranoia, sadness, fear, or anger seep into the mind, sometimes accompanied by delusions or hallucinations. Sundowning is stressful for both persons living with dementia and their caregivers. However, our healthcare professionals are here to offer helpful tips for managing anger and Sundowners Syndrome in loved ones with memory loss.One out of five dementia patients suffer from sundowningElder care presents many unique challenges to caregivers. If youre feeling overwhelmed about your loved ones late afternoon or nighttime mood swings, the most important thing to remember is that you arent alone. According to scientific studies, as many as one out of five people living with Alzheimers or dementia suffer from Sundowners Syndrome. Much mystery shrouds this condition, but experts believe the neurological changes caused by dementia affect the individuals inner body clock. This confusion about the time of day often manifests itself in the person shouting, pacing, and acting in aggressive manners. Sadly, these anger issues tend to worsen as the persons memory loss progresses. Understand their anger isnt directed at you or your actionsThe first step to handling your loved ones anger issues is to understand where this anger is coming from and recognize that it isnt aimed at you or something you have necessarily done. Anger is usually caused by physical, emotional, or mental triggers. Your loved one may be angry because they cannot do the simplest tasks, such as tying their shoes or going to the grocery store. They could be experiencing physical fatigue, discomfort, or soreness you arent aware of, and they are unable to articulate how they are feeling.Be aware that certain medications can cause behavioral side effects. Feelings of boredom or loneliness caused by their condition could also be the culprit for sudden outbursts. Memory loss and disorientation are often mental causes for aggression. Once you understand these underlying causes for your loved ones anger, it may make it easier for you to cope and even avoid sources causing such behavior.Observe what seems to trigger their aggressive behaviorObserving your loved one can provide valuable clues as to whats prompting their aggressive behavior. Do they seem to lash out more when theyre hungry or havent had a restful nights sleep? Sometimes, anger could be caused by overstimulation. Physical clutter, loud noises, bright lights, or lots of activity around them could cause this overstimulation. Consider light-blocking curtains to create a cozy atmosphere during the day, or on the flip side, surround your loved one with plenty of lights at night to alleviate fears when its time to go to sleep. Someone living with dementia may also become upset by anything that disrupts their day, such as diverting from their typical routine or switching caregivers. First-to-second shift rotations typically occur in the late afternoon or early evening hours at most group homes and could be the cause of disruptive patient behaviors.Evaluate how you communicate with your loved oneMuch of caring for a loved one with Alzheimers or dementia is learning how to communicate with them. Always speak softly and slowly with easy-to-understand instructions. Try not to say too much or ask too many questions at once, as this could lead to overstimulation. People often pick up on feelings of uncertainty or irritability, so its crucial to remain calm and reassuring at all times. Even if your loved one lashes out at you verbally or physically, try not to get upset. Never react with force or violence. If theyre in a safe place or someone else can keep an eye on them, walk away from the situation and give yourself time to think and calm down.Consider defusing the tension with music or activitiesOften, you can defuse anger and tension with a relaxing activity, such as massage or music. Try to redirect your loved ones attention to something other than what triggered the behavior. Try putting on your loved ones favorite TV show, suggest taking a walk, or doing something else you know they enjoy.Remember to be kind and empathetic at all timesAbove all, remember to be kind and empathetic at all times when caring for someone with Alzheimers or dementia. You care about this person and their well-being. They are suffering from a disease and often have little to no control over their thoughts, feelings, or actions. Never punish or reprimand them for bad behavior. It is not their fault, and they will likely not remember the scenario afterward. Seek help from their primary care physician or a support group to learn how to detect, defuse, and prevent angry outbursts.Identify what caused the aggression so you can fix itTry to figure out what happened right before the aggressive behavior, so you can take steps to correct it. Keeping a consistent log of your loved ones behaviors and reactions can help you spot patterns and determine potential solutions. If you believe its the persons diet, sleep pattern, surroundings, or medications, consult their physician to make adjustments as necessary to avoid anger triggered by these factors. Be on the lookout for any signs of discomfort or pain and seek immediate medical attention if you believe this is the cause of your loved ones anger. Any time you are concerned about changes in your loved ones behavior, habits, or moods, consult their primary care physician. They are there to provide professional support and information. Ask about the possibility of prescribing anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medications to modify behavior.Consider professional elder care from BrightStar CareIts important to recognize when you need help with caring for your loved one living with Alzheimers or dementia. BrightStar Care has nurses, CNAs, and caregivers available around the clock to provide compassionate care in the comfort and familiar surroundings of home. Caring is more than a job to our nurses and caregivers its their passion. Your family is our family!   Contact us for help at 651-770-8427 or visit us at https://www.brightstarcare.com/locations/st-paul/

For Active Adults 62+: Its Location, Location, & Location! The brand-new Legends at Berry apartments is designed for active adults 62+, with the emphasis on ACTIVE. The Legends is located alongside the historic Prospect Park neighborhood and within a few blocks of bus and light rail stops, awesome restaurants, and wonderful stores. Its close to everything the Twin Cities has to offer.We offer beautiful, maintenance-free, and feature-filled housing, with rents far below market-rate luxury apartments.Amazing move-in special: SIX MONTHS FREE!Move-in anytime and live RENT-FREE for SIX MONTHS*! Imagine the relief of having no rent payments for a half of a year! Call (833) 255-8859 for details or view floor plans and apply online TODAY.Below luxury rents with amenities above expectations!Our rents are hundreds below market rate apartments: from $1,095* for a feature-filled one-bedroom (with a balcony or patio) to $1,504* for a stunning three-bedroom, 1,400 square-foot home with two full baths, a full-size washer and dryer, and windows galore. And dont forget our six months FREE RENT promotion. Call 763-452-3114 and reserve your new home today!Community AmenitiesBeautiful outdoor courtyardFull-size bocce ball courtGorgeous community clubhouseFitness center / Beauty salonCard and crafts roomTheater roomUnderground heated parkingApartment AmenitiesFull-size washer and dryerSolid wood kitchen cabinetryQuartz countertopsNine-foot ceilings throughoutCentral HVAC systemBalcony or patioWalk-in closet(s)*Income and other restrictions apply. Call for details at 763-452-3114.The Legends at Berry777 Berry StreetSt. Paul, MN 55114www.legendsatberry.com

In-home care is unfamiliar territory for many seniors and their families. Its understandable why receiving care is hard to accept after a lifetime of taking care of themselves and others. Unfortunately, their opposition does not change the need for care. Here are some common concerns seniors have regarding in-home care and strategies you can use to address them.I dont need help; I can do it all myself!For many seniors, its hard to accept that they need assistance, or they may not realize how many tasks are being completed by friends and family.Try using this exercise to highlight their potential care needs:Keep a list in a notebook of the things they need help with during the weekEach time they receive help with a task or errand (or realize they could use assistance with them), have your loved one write it down in the notebook.Seniors are often surprised by the length of the list and the tasks noted. These are great areas for caregivers or clinicians to provide aid in ways your loved one has already recognized.It may be helpful to explain how their family could benefit from in-home care as well. Your relationship with your loved one can shift from family member to caregiver when you are managing their daily needs. In-home care can help restore that dynamic by providing dedicated professionals to care for them.If I start getting help, Ill lose my independence.Some seniors view receiving care as a slippery slope to losing their independence and relying on others to take care of them for everything. However, in-home care allows seniors to maintain their independence longer.Caregivers assist your loved ones when they need help and encourage them to do other tasks as they are able. Occupational and physical therapists make modifications to their home, activities, and routines so they can safely bathe, dress, cook, clean, and complete other daily tasks. Helping seniors maintain their independence while aging safely in place is a high priority of in-home care.In-home care costs way too much. Worrying about the price of care is understandable as health care can be a major expense. Here are two useful ways to address their concerns:There are many ways to pay for in-home care your loved one may not have considered.Long-term care insurance policies may cover services, and Medicare insurance plans can pay for their short-term needs. For veterans, their VA benefits may provide caregivers and home health aides.*Check out this AARP article outlining other methods to help ease the financial burden of at-home care.Its important to compare the expense of in-home home to other options. Housing and care in a residential facility (for example assisted living, retirement communities, nursing homes, etc.) will cost exceptionally more than in-home care. According to a 2020 survey from Genworth, the average monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in an assisted living facility is double that of in-home care. While rates will vary depending on the services and hours needed, in-home care is often a more cost-effective option to keep your loved one happy and healthy.Let CareAparent help you and your loved one.If you are having issues assuring your loved one that in-home care is a good option for them, CareAparent is here to help. Our team will complete a complimentary consultation to understand their needs and explain how we can care for them in their home. We are certified by Medicare and accredited by The Joint Commission, so you can trust us to keep your loved ones safe and lighten your load.Visit our blog for additional resources like this one, or call us at 651.702.HOME (4663) to view service and payment options and to request a complimentary consultation to see how we can help you and your loved one.Resources for Looking at In-Home Care You Afford a Home-Care Worker? (AARP)Paying For Home Care: Financial Options, Aid and Assistance (Paying For Senior Care)Cost of Care Survey & Calculator (Genworth)

5 Early Signs Your Spouse or Love One May Be Developing Alzheimer's DiseaseIt can be hard to tell whether your elderly loved one is showing normal signs of old age or is displaying early symptoms of Alzheimer's. While the signs of the disease can vary, common indicators include significant behavior changes, memory loss, and an increased rate of confusion. Here are 5 signs that your loved one may be progressively developing Alzheimer's disease.What Is Alzheimer's?Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia that impairs memory, behavior, and thinking capacity. It causes 60 - 80% of all dementia cases. It is important to understand that Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging, although old age is the highest known risk factor of the disease. The condition mostly affects people aged 65 and older. Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, meaning that it gets worse over time.Tell-Tale Signs Your Loved One May be Developing Alzheimer's DiseaseHere are five signs to watch out for if you think your spouse or loved one may be displaying signs of Alzheimer's disease:1. Shortness of memoryMemory loss is a common symptom of Alzheimer's disease. That being said, just because your spouse does not recall where they placed their keys or cannot seem to remember the name of their favorite grandson does not mean they have Alzheimer's. The early onset of the disease can make individuals forget conversations that happened moments ago.Most people with early-stage Alzheimer's often have trouble with their short-term memory, making them constantly rely on post-it notes or reminders on their phones. So, if your significant other keeps asking you the same information repeatedly, it may be a sign they have Alzheimer's.2. Difficulty Carrying Out Familiar TasksOne of the common signs that your loved one may develop Alzheimer's is if they all of a sudden cannot figure out how to do tasks they once enjoyed, such as playing a familiar game or preparing their favorite meal. As a result, they may start relying on you to help them with tasks they had no problem doing themselves before.3. They Often Lose Track of Time and PlacesConfusion about places and time is a common symptom of Alzheimer's. Individuals with the early stage of the disease will often forget where they are or how they got there. As a result, they easily get lost trying to get to familiar places. Furthermore, they often lose track of seasons, making them go to appointments at the wrong time or not show up at all.4. Difficulty with Simple MathPersons with Alzheimer's often have difficulties with numbers, including simple problems they have handled all their life. For example, they may find it challenging to do simple addition and subtraction. While not everyone finds math simple, the inability to complete routine problems is a sign of Alzheimer's disease.5. Frequent Mood Swings and Changes in PersonalityIndividuals with early-stage Alzheimer's often display extreme mood swings and distinct behavioral changes. For example, they may become paranoid, overly suspicious, fearful, and anxious. Someone who used to be very confident can suddenly turn tentative and shy. They are also easily irritable and get very uncomfortable in new places.If you notice any of these signs and think your spouse or loved one may be developing Alzheimer's, seek medical assistance immediately. The sooner they get treatment, the easier it will be to manage the symptoms and enable them to lead independent lives for longer.Senior Helpers of Burnsville can offer tailored home care services to help care for your elderly loved one. All residents of Cottage Grove and St. Paul's can benefit from our in-depth specialized care programs for patients with Alzheimer's. Contact us today to learn more about our services.  Phone 952-300-3668.  Or Visit us at https://www.seniorhelpers.com/mn/burnsville/