5 Movies About Dementia You Don’t Want to Miss

In the past, movies and television shows have been criticized for portraying dementia in unrealistic and unrelatable ways, often buying into cliches and stereotypes. However, in more recent years, filmmakers have been treating dementia with the care and consideration it deserves, and we’ve seen a variety of movies about dementia that are much more realistic. 

Here are 5 movies about dementia that our memory care specialists in Camden County, NJ recommend:

Away From Her (2006) –  This independent Canadian film is about a married couple whose relationship becomes strained when the wife begins to exhibit signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Feeling concerned about becoming a burden, she voluntarily moves into a memory care neighborhood where she can receive the care she needs. Actress Julie Christie, who plays the wife, received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her portrayal of a woman with dementia. 

Still Alice (2014) – Superstar Julianne Moore stars as Alice, a professor of linguistics diagnosed with familial Alzheimer’s disease shortly after she turns 50. It explores how her diagnosis and her gradual deterioration affects her job, her husband, and her three grown children. 

The film received wide critical acclaim and earned Julianne Moore an Academy Award for Best Actress. Moore researched dementia extensively while preparing for her role as Alice. 

The Notebook (2004) – Based on the international best-selling novel from Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook follows an elderly husband caring for his wife, who has dementia. In an attempt to rekindle her memories of their life together he reads to her from his notebook, and through his reading we learn more about their lives together.

Firefly Dreams (2001) – One for international film lovers, this popular Japanese movie follows a teenager sent out to the country for the summer. She’s tasked with caring for an elderly neighbor with Alzheimer’s disease and is initially resistant, but the two soon develop a life-changing bond. 

A Song For Martin (2001) – This Swedish movie has been praised for its realistic portrayal of caregiving. It follows Barbara and Martin, two people who meet and marry in middle-age. Soon after, we learn that Martin has dementia. 

Finding a memory care neighborhood in NJ

If someone you love has dementia and you’re no longer able to provide adequate care for them at home, it may be time to consider moving them into a memory care neighborhood. We understand how difficult this decision can be for everyone involved, but your loved one’s health, safety, and comfort are of the utmost importance. Memory care neighborhoods have the 24-hour attentiveness and specialized level of care they need. 

UMC at Collingswood, our state-of-the-art memory care neighborhood in Camden County NJ, employs a resident-centered approach that emphasizes their dignity, safety, comfort, and health. Our team of specialists and the deep relationship we have with the local community enables us to provide a well-rounded experience for all of our residents.

For more information about the memory care neighborhood at UMC at Collingswood, please contact our team today. Discover why so many people in Camden County NJ trust us with their loved one’s memory care by visiting our website at: https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/memory-support/5-movies-about-dementia-you-dont-want-to-miss/

Caring for Adults with Dementia During the Pandemic

The good news is that dementia is not a direct risk factor for COVID-19 (coronavirus). The not-so-good news is that behaviors associated with dementia, combined with age and other common health issues in older adults, may inflate risk.

People with dementia tend to forget personal hygiene habits like washing their hands, which can be crucial to preventing the coronavirus and other illnesses. Since reputable assisted living communities are open and successfully navigating the challenges of COVID-19, it’s important for dementia caregivers to take extra precautions while keeping up with the best memory care  practices. If your family member has dementia, please read the tips below for new precautions to take during the pandemic. 

COVID-19 tips for dementia caregivers and family members 

• Write notes daily to remind people with dementia of essential hygiene habits. Post them in the bathroom, by the kitchen sink, etc. to instruct them to wash their hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. 
• Make alcohol-based hand sanitizer readily available. It can be a simple alternative if the person with dementia cannot easily get to a sink to wash their hands.
• Ask their doctor about filling prescriptions for the maximum amount of time to cut down on pharmacy trips. 
• Prepare ahead of time and make a “plan B” for your family member’s memory care. This is just in case you should become sick, and your family member with dementia is left without proper care. 

If your family member with dementia lives in an assisted living community…   

• Most (if not all) assisted living communities will have had some COVID-19 cases by now. The key is to look at the progress made since the coronavirus pandemic began. Check with the community regarding their safety protocols for managing COVID-19 risk, including in memory care. For more information regarding our industry-leading standard of infection control, cleanliness, and hygiene regarding the coronavirus, please visit our UNITEDforSAFETY page. 
• Make sure the assisted living community has your current emergency contact information and the contact information of another family member or friend as backup.
• If you are showing any signs or feeling symptoms related to COVID-19, immediately refrain from visiting. Instead, ask the community about alternate ways of contacting your family member. Most communities offer video chat options like Zoom or Skype to connect virtually. 
• If you are well enough to visit, it could prove helpful for them to see a familiar face more often. Check in with the assisted living community regarding the protocols of outdoor visitation or limited indoor visitation. 

Safe memory care at United Methodist Communities   

Our memory care program, Tapestries®, is available in all four assisted living locations: Collingswood, Pitman, Bristol Glen and The Shores. Tapestries® focuses on the cognitive strengths of each resident, while our professional associates manage the new challenges that come with dementia. Families considering memory care during COVID-19, can have confidence in UMC’s health and safety procedures for residents, associates, and visitors. UMC is combining these new protocols with best practices in memory care to help ensure dementia residents are safe during the pandemic, as well as after it passes. 

If your family member suffers from early stages of dementia, please contact UMC at Collingswood in Camden County to find out how we can effectively meet their needs. To learn more about our Tapestries® programs across New Jersey, please contact United Methodist Communities today. 

Originally posted: https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/collingswood/caring-for-adults-with-dementia-during-the-pandemic/

3 Non-Medical Therapies That Support Seniors with Alzheimer’s

Not all therapies for memory related illness like Alzheimer’s involve administering medication. There are many non-medical Alzheimer’s therapies that can be done ㅡ they just require time and consistency. People with Alzheimer’s disease often benefit from doing the same set of actions or activities over and over, as repetition and regularity creates familiarity and can provide comfort.

Non-medical therapies often used for people with Alzheimer’s include:

Talking therapy – While talking might seem like a trivial activity that simply passes the time, talking therapy can be very beneficial when customized to each person, giving them a chance to discuss their thoughts and feelings openly and candidly. It’s very important that both people establish a sense of trust, so they truly feel the benefit of a safe space and feel free to work through their thoughts and feelings.

Talking therapy can reduce stress and anxiety, and provide clarity to people with Alzheimer’s.

Person-centered care – This non-medical therapy focuses on understanding the person fully: their hobbies, likes, dislikes, lifestyle, culture, and preferences, and strives to view all situations from their point of view.

It also emphasizes giving the person the chance to try new things and develop new interests in order to keep their mind active. Person-centered care benefits greatly from the input of family members who are close to the person, and they are usually asked to contribute to developing a care plan for their loved ones.

Art therapy – Many people with Alzheimer’s enjoy art therapy as part of their everyday lives and the choices are plenty. Painting, drawing, sculpting, and knitting can help ease anxiety, eliminate stress, and give the person something positive to focus on.

Learn about Memory Care at United Methodist Communities in Camden County NJ

Non-medical therapies can help people with dementia related illness, but sadly there is no cure. Once a loved one receives the diagnosis it’s a matter of doing whatever you can to make their life as comfortable as possible and slowing the progression of the disease. Advanced memory loss can require around-the-clock care by professionals as the condition progresses.

You’ve heard the expression “it takes a village,” and this is especially relevant for people with Alzheimer’s. UMC at Collingswood, through our “Tapestries” Memory Care program, is fully equipped to maximize the comfort and safety of residents. Our staff is specifically trained to care for people with various neurocognitive disorders.

Technology like nurse call and wander systems are employed as appropriate. Apartments are laid out and equipped for safe living and medication and other therapies are supervised. Life Enrichment Team Specialists build personal relationships with both residents and their families. Associates are familiar with each resident’s history, preferences, culture, and needs. The entire UMC Tapestries team works as a village to foster and empower residents to live their lives fully and safely.

Making the decision to place a loved one into permanent care is never easy. We’re here to provide compassion and advice to ensure you make the best decision for your family. To learn more about Tapestries Memory Care in beautiful Collingswood NJ, please contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/3-non-medical-therapies-that-support-seniors-with-alzheimers/