The Different Stages of Dementia and How They’re Treated

Dementia is a name given to a group of diseases, including Alzheimer’s, that cause the deterioration of memory and other cognitive functions. Here is some insight into how these diseases generally progress and how care needs increase over time, from Alzheimer’s care specialists in South Jersey.

Symptoms of mild dementia 

People with mild dementia can often  function fairly independently and care for themselves, as they generally experience less severe symptoms of the disease. They may suffer memory loss around recent events (long-term memory is often unaffected), get lost or lose items, experience trouble organizing or expressing thoughts, forget words or struggle with complex problems like managing their bills.

In some cases, personality changes may also occur and the person may become withdrawn or isolated. Although symptoms may be mild, it’s important for families to start considering additional support for their loved ones, either through family caregiving or assisted living communities that offer Alzheimer’s and dementia support.

Symptoms of moderate dementia

In the next stage of the disease, moderate dementia,, people require more help to manage their symptoms and daily lives. They typically experience increased confusion and poor judgement, more significant memory loss (including loss of long-term memory) and changes in their sleeping pattern. This stage of dementia affects the ability to cope with personal daily activities like dressing and bathing, as well as household chores, cooking and maintenance.

Often, significant personality changes occur at this stage, and sufferers often feel agitated, suspicious and even aggressive. Caregivers need to understand how to minimize these symptoms, as well as deliver the necessary support and compassionate care to ensure a high quality of life.

Symptoms of severe dementia 

As the most advanced stage of dementia, severe declines occur in mental and physical health. This stage commonly results in the loss of communication abilities and physical capabilities like walking, sitting, and bladder and bowel control. Patients at this stage require constant, specialist assistance 24 hours a day for all their physical and medical needs, especially as they often become more susceptible to infections like pneumonia.

Compassion, care and community in our beautiful assisted living facility in South Jersey 

The Shores, part of United Methodist Communities, offers memory care support services andassisted living communities specifically for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia,  providingan environment that delivers the highest quality of life. Professional staff assesses each resident and designs a program that is unique to their needs and level of independence, focusing on everyday routines like cooking, gardening, socializing, setting the table and living a community lifestyle. These memory care programs also include activities for general wellness like fitness, music and other sensory activities suited to your loved one’s enjoyment.

Our residences are designed to be comfortable and home-like, encouraging independence while supplying essential support and onsite medical care. For more information on our memory support services for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia, please contact us today.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/different-stages-dementia-theyre-treated/ 

5 winter healthcare tips for seniors

Staying healthy during the winter can be a challenge for seniors, but there are easy ways to stay on track through these icy months. Here are some great tips from caregivers at our assisted living facility in New Jersey.

1. Eat healthily: It may be more difficult to get outside and exercise, but that doesn’t mean your diet should suffer too. Try to choose frozen vegetables over canned, and eat plenty of winter fruits and vegetables like cranberries, citrus and pomegranates. Try to also include fish, poultry and eggs in your diet as well for healthy, lean protein and plenty of zinc.
2. Take your vitamins: Vitamins are best absorbed through your diet, but it can be challenging to get the right amounts through the winter to keep your immune system healthy. Vitamins C and D and fish oils are all good supplements.
3. Take precautions exercising outdoors: If you are relatively fit and your healthcare specialist gives the go-ahead, there’s no reason why you can’t continue exercising outdoors – but take smart precautions. Wear the proper footwear to prevent slips and falls, follow the weather forecast, take warm clothing and don’t forget your sunscreen, hat and sunglasses to protect you from UV rays and the wind.
4. Stay in touch: Over the winter months it can be easy to withdraw and become isolated, as it is difficult to get out and socialize with other people in poor weather. This can lead to loneliness and even depression, a serious condition in the elderly. Watch out for these symptoms in your loved ones and in your community, and remember that help is just a phone call away. You can also arrange a check-in system with family and friends in the neighborhood.
5. Stay warm safely: It’s important to have a professional service all heating equipment and systems to ensure that they are in safe working order. Keep heaters away from curtains and other fire hazards, and make sure that there are working carbon monoxide and smoke detectors installed on each floor.

Professional, caring assisted living facilities in Camden County, NJ 
Collingswood is part of United Methodist Communities, a network of senior living and assisted living facilities specializing in high quality care and support. Our senior living community in Camden County, NJ, is known for its beautiful setting, spacious residential apartments and wide range of services available for residents. With qualified and experienced nursing, therapy and management staff on hand to provide expert assistance, residents enjoy all the benefits of independent living.
In addition to assisted living, we also offer a range of long term care services, including hospice and palliative care, short term rehabilitation and respite care. Our aim is to encourage our residents to “age in place”, through the comfort of familiar surroundings and their private apartment homes even as their care needs change.
To find out more about United Methodist Communities, our senior living community or our assisted living services, please contact us and book your visit today.
Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/5-winter-healthcare-tips-seniors/

Vitamin and mineral supplements for healthy aging

Getting the correct amount of the right vitamins and minerals in our diets is important at any age, but needs can change as we age. Here are some tips from a leading independent assisted living community in New Jersey’s Monmouth County.

First, it is important to know that:
• Dietary supplements can’t replace a healthy diet. It’s best to get your vitamins and minerals from a healthy food sources because they contain additional dietary essentials like fiber.

• Before starting any vitamin or mineral supplements, you should speak to your doctor to determine a plan that fits your needs, won’t adversely affect any medical conditions you may have and doesn’t affect any prescription medications you may be taking.

Helpful vitamin and mineral supplements for seniors include:

• Vitamin D: This helps your body to absorb calcium from your digestive system and can help reduce your risk of osteoporosis, a brittle bones disease that has no known cure. It is also thought to be helpful in lowering your risk for certain cancers and heart disease. As an alternative to taking Vitamin D, you can simply spend between 5 and 30 minutes in the sun once or twice a week, providing your skin is not sensitive to the sun or the weather is poor.

• Calcium: As we age, our bones become lower in calcium, increasing risks for osteoporosis and osteomalacia (softening of the bones). In addition to a calcium supplement, your doctor may recommend including weightbearing exercises in your fitness regime to maintain bone and muscle strength. It is important to get the right type of calcium supplement in the right amount for your age. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends 1,200mg a day for women over 51, 1,000mg a day for men between 51 and 70, and 1,200mg a day for men 71 and up.

• Iron: This mineral is important for your red blood cells, the cells that carry oxygen throughout your body. An iron deficiency can lead to anemia, the symptoms of which include fatigue, weakness, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, and dizziness.

• Vitamin B12: A deficiency of this vitamin can lead to anemia, confusion, agitation and even hallucinations, as it plays an important role in the health of cells, especially your nerve cells. It is mostly found in animal protein, so vegetarians and vegans may find it difficult to get the recommended amount.

A leading assisted living community in New Jersey
United Methodist Communities at Francis Asbury is a beautiful and comfortable assisted living community serving Monmouth County, NJ. Our dedicated and compassionate staff help our residents through their daily living activities and provide professional medical care support, all in a private residential setting.

To find out more about our individualized assisted living services and our assisted living community, please contact us today and arrange a visit.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/vitamin-mineral-supplements-healthy-aging/.

Your senior health guide to arthritis

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), arthritis affects more than one in five adults in the United States and is the country’s leading cause of disability. In this article, representatives from United Methodist Homes (UMH) of New Jersey answer the most commonly asked question about this condition.

What is arthritis? 

Arthritis is a term used to describe more than 100 different rheumatic diseases and conditions – those that affect the joints, surrounding tissue and connective tissues. Some forms of arthritis can also affect the immune system and specific internal organs.

What are the symptoms of arthritis? 

Although different rheumatic disorders have different symptoms, arthritis is generally linked to the slow but progressive development of joint pain, inflammation and stiffness. The symptoms are also usually more severe in the early morning or after a period of inactivity.

What are the most common types of arthritis?

• Osteoarthritis: This is a chronic disease that affects only the joints, causing progressive pain and stiffness. Joint pain is usually felt after repetitive use or long periods of inactivity. Severe cases lead to friction between the bones of the joints as protective cartilage is worn away. It is treated with low-impact activities, healthy weight maintenance and anti-inflammatories.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: This chronic autoimmune disease attacks the joints and other body parts. Symptoms can include joint pain and swelling and stiffness and warmth of the affected site. It can flare up and fade, often due to strenuous use or inactivity of the joint, but it cannot be cured. Usually, treatment involves nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, or a combination of these treatments.
• Gout: This is caused by high levels of uric acid in the body that form crystals in the joints. If untreated, these crystals can form tophi (lumps) within the joints and surrounding tissue. Gout can flare up quickly and without warning, leading to pain and inflammation. It is often treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids.  After the attack dies down, medication and lifestyle changes can be implemented to reduce the risk of another attack.

Community-based senior living solutions for an independent lifestyle 

At United Methodist Homes of New Jersey, we offer a wide range of tailored support services for older adults in an environment that delivers the highest quality of life. Designed to enhance independence, our assisted living and senior living residential facilities are designed to assist your loved one’s individual needs, and to scale these services at any point if a different level of care is needed. In addition to catering  to independent seniors, we are also able to provide respite care and long-term care, as well as assist the needs of residents with conditions such as arthritis.

For more information, please contact UMH today or visit www.umh-nj.org.

This content was originally posted at http://www.umh-nj.org/blog/your-senior-health-guide-to-arthritis/