Senior Gems Education Program Helps Families Understand Alzheimer's And Other Dementias
Senior Helpers' Gems Program Provides Advice on the Best Way to Handle An Array of Dementia Symptoms
Dementia, most often Alzheimer's Disease, is the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S. today, and the only disease growing...with no effective medications to stop it. Dementia is an umbrella description for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Lewy Body, Vascular, Frontotemporal and many other diseases.
"The Senior Gems Program educates people on what is actually happening to people with dementia, and why they are acting the way they are. The program provides specific ways that family and friends can communicate better with their loved one and provides suggestions on productive activities to do with them. The program also provides multiple ideas on how to handle difficult behaviors, and ideas on the living environment that will be best," said Bob Tucker, a qualified dementia care provider (QDCP) and co-owner of the Senior Helpers office serving the north and northwest suburbs. "In addition, the program provides tips for caregiving success including ways to help with forgetfulness, confusion, confrontation, fear, paranoia, wandering, anger and anxiety."
The Senior Gems Program created categories of basic characteristics that seniors may exhibit and helps to link activities and interests. There are six categories, from normal aging ( Sapphire) to Pearl, where the senior is typically bedbound, unresponsive and unaware of the world around them.
For each person with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias living at home, there can be as many as four individuals providing their daily care. As a result, it becomes quite difficult to coordinate the individual's care without the assistance of a home care agency with highly trained care assistants.
The Senior Gems Education Program is the first of its kind in the home care industry. It is a step-by-step guide that teaches caregivers and families how to care for seniors through each stage of dementia.
"One of the most important steps-and actually the first step- a family can take is to see a doctor and get a complete diagnosis," said Abbie Tucker, senior advocate and client services director, certified senior advisor (CSA), a qualified dementia care provider (QDCP) and co-owner of the local Senior Helpers office. "Once the family and the senior have the diagnosis, our Senior Helpers office can give them the use of a DVD produced by Senior Helpers featuring nationally known dementia care expert, Teepa Snow, who addresses common questions regarding care and many other educational materials. When the disease progresses, we can also begin placing professional caregivers to help provide proper care and allow other family members with the breaks they need to retain their own emotional, mental and physical health."
The Senior Helpers Senior Gems Program has been endorsed by the Alzheimer's Foundation of America and the American Society on Aging.
If you or your loved one is showing signs of dementia, you can benefit from learning more about the Senior Gems Education program. For more information call 847-564-7500, or email Bob Tucker at rtucker@seniorhelpers.com or visit www.seniorhelpers.com to arrange your free private consultation.
Upcoming Senior Helpers community presentations on dementia will be at Heritage Woods in South Elgin, May 24th, at 6:30 p.m., and at the Highland Park Police Station, July 11th at 7 p.m. Call for details and to reserve your seat.