In a study done at Boston University over 20 years ago, biopsychologist Alice Cronin-Golomb and her research partners undertook a research study they call “The Red Plate Study” . The idea was to see if seniors with Alzheimer’s would eat more from a red plate rather than a white plate. It has been estimated that 40% of individuals with severe Alzheimer’s lose an unhealthy amount of weight. It used to be thought that depression, inability to concentrate on more than one food at a time, and an inability to eat unassisted led to this drastic weight loss but in this study, they wanted to see if it could be related to something as relatively simple as being unable to see the food.
We’ve all heard that a diet of made up mostly of fruits, vegetables, legumes, olive oil, whole grains and fish — the Mediterranean diet – is good for the heart.. But a Mediterranean diet may also be good for your brain! Studies show that people who closely follow a Mediterranean diet may be less likely to develop cognitive decline when compared with people who don’t follow the diet. Research shows that a Mediterranean diet may:
Continue reading “Can the Mediterranean Diet help prevent dementia?” »
“Cognasium” is a term created by the Alzheimer’s Association and means “gymnasium for the brain”. Cognasium is a four-pronged approach that focuses on:
We meet with families each month who are seeking the best care for their loved one. It can be challenging sorting through all of the various types of senior care options. However, many adult children think that a nursing home or an “old folks home” is the only option when their loved one begins to need some help at home. They are most likely referring to an assisted living facility which are private pay facilities where aging senior live. Let’s take a quick look at two other lesser known private pay options that all families should consider.
Continue reading “Other Senior Care Options to Consider for Your Loved One” »
At a recent Aspen Senior Care in-service caregivers learned the importance of recognizing stroke signs early. According to the Centers for Disease Control, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. Learning to recognizing stroke signs and and the symptoms of tertiary ischemic attack (also known as mini stroke or TIA’s) can help increase the chances of survival and limit side-effects.
Symptoms of stroke can differ in men and women.
Aspen trains new caregivers to recognize stroke symptoms and understand the procedure in place to handle this situation. We hold a yearly in-service training on stroke and it’s symptoms because it is so important to be clear on what to do if symptoms are noticed. Caregivers are the eyes and ears of our clients and their families. They see first hand subtle changes in health or personality that family members may not be aware of.
When a client is experiencing stroke symptoms it is crucial to get medical attention as quickly as possible. If treatment can begin within 3 hours of symptoms appearing, there is a greater likelihood of recovery from the effects of a stroke.
Men and women often experience stroke symptoms differently, according to an article at Clinical Advisor. Many seniors don’t realize they may be having a stroke until it is too late. This is where we as caregivers can help clients and family caregivers by observing and educating them about these symptoms.
If you aren’t sure, ask these questions:
- FACE – Has the face fallen on one side? Can they smile?
- ARMS – Can they raise both arms and keep them there?
- SPEECH – Is their speech slurred?
- TIME to call 911 if you see any one of these symptoms.
Remember to act FAST when you see sings of stroke.
At Aspen Senior Care we provide quality training for our caregivers which leads to quality in-home care for our clients. Visit our Facebook page to see some of the exciting things we are doing and learning.
Music is the universal language.
In individuals suffering from dementia, music has a way of reaching back in time and awakening memories. Many of Aspen Senior Care’s caregivers use music regularly with their clients to lift and brighten their moods. Some current studies have even shown what family members and caregivers have known for years: music has an incredible ability to calm, uplift and revive.
Continue reading “People with Dementia can benefit from Music Therapy” »
It’s very important for family caregivers to understand the difference between 24-Hr Hourly Care and 24-Hr Live-in Care. Many people think it’s similar care with live-in care being a lot less expensive. However, there are a number of differences that seniors and their family member should be aware of. Quality of care and caregivers being the main differences.
Aspen Senior Care has a sister company: Aspen Senior Center in Provo! The Aspen Senior Center in Provo is a day program especially designed for people with dementia. Family caregivers can drop their loved one off in the morning knowing that they will be well taken care of, with a variety of activities, lunch and snacks throughout the day, and then pick them up in the afternoon.
Continue reading “How Seniors Benefit by Coming to the Aspen Senior Center in Provo” »
In a study conducted several years ago, Dr. Charles C. Hall and colleagues looked at how learning and brain-stimulating activities can increase cognitive reserves in people who developed Alzheimer’s. The study involved 488 people with an average age of 79 and followed them for 5 years, with assessments done every 12 to 18 months. The researchers looked at how many cognitive activities were done a day and then how many days a week. Some of the activities were reading, writing, crossword puzzles, board or card games, group discussions, or playing music.
Continue reading “Aspen Senior Center and Cognitive Reserves” »
Nephi and Leona Fitzgerald are wonderful people! They always great you with a smile and a joke! Nephi’s latest joke is:
Question: What did the mama shot gun say to the papa shot gun? Answer: We’re going to have a BB.
Caring Super Star of 2022
Daily Herald Best of Utah Valley, 2022
Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year