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DODGE PARK REST HOME COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

APRIL 2016

Dodge Park Rest Home has been serving the Worcester area since 1967 with the specific purpose to be recognized by the consumer and industry as the most professional, ethical and highest quality care facility for the elderly. We are committed to listening and responding to the needs of the residents, their family members and our employees. We are committed to going the extra mile when assistance is required by the public, the residents and their family members. We will remain committed to an entrepreneurial spirit, which does not tolerate waste or bureaucracy, but rewards achievement.

-Micha Shalev & Ben Herlinger, Administrators /Owners

C O N N E C T I O N

DODGE PARK REST HOME & THE OASIS AT DODGE PARK

A Cheerful

Heart is Good

Medicine

In the Issue

At Dodge Park Rest Home & Day Club memories are created for a life time!

After the DiagnosisNow what?

Signs and SymptomsOf Dementia

April FoolsThe Great Hoax

Slow DownWays to Eat Less

This Month Special Days

Nutrition CornerEat Well to Live Well

Support GroupInformation and Schedule

Celebrating Our Birthdays!

Calendar of Events Dodge Park Activities & Events

Neighborhood Connection is now digital!Email [email protected] to get it delivered to your inbox each month. Print editions will mail out every other month only.

2 Dodge Park Rest Home 101 Randolph Road, Worcester, MA 01606 Tel: (508) 853-8180 Fax: (508) 853-4545

Bringing LIFE to Those We ServeBringing LIFE to Those We Serve

DODGE PARK REST HOME

Micha Shalev MHA Executive Director/Owner

[email protected]

Ben Herlinger Adminstrator/Owner

[email protected]

Carrie Lindberg RN, BSN Director Of Nursing

[email protected]

101 Randolph Road, Worcester, MA 01606

Phone: 508.853.8180 Fax: 508.853.4545

The Dodge Park Family of Care Services

Dodge Park Rest Home The Adult Day Club at Dodge Park Dodge Park At Home Dusk to Dawn at Dodge Park

The Oasis at Dodge Park

After The Diagnosis Of Alzheimer’s Disease--So What Now!! By Micha Shalev

Are you kidding me, I have what!! It can’t be true. It has to be a mistake. You are really “angry”. It’s normal to have these feelings but the important thing is to find ways to cope, and continue to “have fun and laugh”. What you must understand first and foremost is that you or loved one will lose short term memory but retain some long term memory. There are several methods and diagnostic tools to help determine fairly accurately whether an individual with memory problems has “possible Alzheimer’s disease,” “probable Alzheimer’s disease,” or some other memory or neurological problem. “Possible Alzheimer’s disease” is defined as a dementia that could be due to another condition. “Probable Alzheimer’s disease” means there are no other causes for the symptoms that can be found. Some individuals with memory problems have a condition called amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) that often precedes AD. Individuals with MCI have more memory problems than normal for individuals their age, but their symptoms are not as severe as those seen in AD. Importantly, not all individuals with MCI develop AD. At this time, a definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can only be determined by an autopsy of the brain after death. However, at specialized centers, doctors can diagnose AD in a living person correctly up to 90 percent of the time. A physician will diagnose Alzheimer’s in a living person by:

o Asking questions about an individual’s overall health, past medical history, ability to perform daily activities, and changes in behavior and personality o Conducting memory tests, problem solving, attention, counting, language skills and other abilities related to brain functioning o Carrying out medical tests of blood, urine, or spinal fluid o Collecting information provided by family members or other caregivers about changes in a person’s day-today function and behavior which my help in diagnosis o Performing brain scans, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) scan or a computed tomography (CT) scan

A complete diagnostic workup for AD is lengthy and costly and may take as long as a year or more before a final diagnosis is made. After the diagnosis is made, the family and patient may need considerable guidance and counseling. Family members often wonder whether they should tell their loved one of the diagnosis. While it is devastating to learn that your loved one has AD, it is frequently more stressful to be aware of the signs and symptoms and yet have no answer for the problem. The family and the patient should agree before the diagnosis is made so appropriate

actions are taken. Not knowing always presents the risk of the person finding out accidentally. Open and honest communications are usually the best, but some families have their own reasons for choosing a different path. Families often look to healthcare professionals for guidance, and it is important to respect their decisions; however, physicians are advised to disclose the diagnosis to their patient. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) recommends advising Alzheimer’s disease patients and their families of the need for financial and legal planning due to the patient’s eventual incapacity (e.g., power of attorney for medical and financial decisions, an up-to-date will, and the cost of long-term care).Micha Shalev MHA CDP CDCM CADDCT is the owner of Dodge Park Rest Home and The Adult Day Club at Dodge Park located at 101 Randolph Road in Worcester as well as the new state of the art Oasis At Dodge Park which schedule to open fall 2015. He is a graduate of the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners program, and well known speaker covering Alzheimer’s and Dementia training topics. The programs at Dodge Park Rest Home specialized in providing care for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The facility is holding a FREE monthly

The Oasis at Dodge Park Web: www.OasisatDodgePark.com On Facebook: www.facebook.com/theoasisatdodgepark/ 32 Dodge Park Rest Home 101 Randolph Road, Worcester, MA 01606 Tel: (508) 853-8180 Fax: (508) 853-4545

Bringing LIFE to Those We ServeSigns and symptoms of dementiaDementia is a collection of symptoms including memory loss, personality change, and impaired intellectual functions resulting from disease or trauma to the brain.

These changes are not part of normal aging and are severe enough to impact daily living, independence, and relationships. While Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, there are also many other forms, including vascular and mixed dementia. With dementia, there will likely be noticeable decline in communication, learning, remembering, and problem solving. These changes may occur quickly or very slowly over time. The progression and outcome of dementia vary, but are largely determined by the type of dementia and which area of the brain is affected. Diagnosis is possible through advanced brain imaging, clinical examinations, and diagnostic testing.

Common signs and symptoms of dementiaMemory lossImpaired judgmentDifficulties with abstract thinkingFaulty reasoningInappropriate behaviorLoss of communication skillsDisorientation to time and placeGait, motor, and balance problemsNeglect of personal care and safetyHallucinations, paranoia, agitation

What causes dementia and its symptoms?In a healthy brain, mass and speed may decline in adulthood, but this miraculous machine continues to form vital connections throughout life. However, when connections are lost through inflammation, disease, or injury, neurons eventually die and dementia may result. The prospect of literally losing one’s self can be traumatic, but early intervention can dramatically alter the outcome. Understanding the causes of dementia is the first step. In the past 20 years, scientists have greatly demystified the origins of dementia. Genetics may increase your risks, but scientists believe

a combination of hereditary, environmental, and lifestyle factors are most likely at work. Dementia can be caused by: Medical conditions that progressively attack brain cells and connections, most commonly seen in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, or Huntington’s disease. Medical conditions such as strokes that disrupt oxygen flow and rob the brain of vital nutrients. Additional strokes may be prevented by reducing high blood pressure, treating heart disease, and quitting smoking. Poor nutrition, dehydration, and certain substances, including drugs and alcohol. Treating conditions such as insulin resistance, metabolic disorders, and vitamin deficiencies may reduce or eliminate symptoms of dementia. Single trauma or repeated injuries to the brain. Depending on the location of the brain injury, cognitive skills and memory may be impaired. Infection or illness that affects the central nervous system, including Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and HIV. Some conditions are treatable, including liver or kidney disease, depression-induced pseudo dementia, and operable brain tumors.

Engagement Instead of Entertainment at Dodge Park Rest Home

At Dodge Park Rest Home we proud of our Resident Engagement program.

The approach represents a marked shift away from the traditional practice that many other facilities using by trying to ease loneliness

among residents by filling the day with formal, task-oriented recreation programs. These superficial activities often make

residents feel lonelier and more isolated, the authors maintain.

As an alternative, our program is focuses on providing opportunities for “emotional and meaningful social engagement” that are developed in collaboration with residents and tap those

residents as sources of peer support.


Financial Literacy Month. With taxes due, this may be a good time to

learn more about good financial practices. Are

you ready to accept responsibility for

changing your financial situation?

Do you believe that you can and will change the way

you make financial decisions? If so, it’s time to start. Month of the Military Child. More than 2 million children in grades K-12 have parents who are serving in our military. Make a difference in the life of a military child by seeking out opportunities to acknowledge their sacrifice, volunteering for organizations that support them, and recognizing their contribution to the nation. National Autism Awareness Month. A nationwide effort to promote autism

awareness, inclusion, and self-determination for all and to ensure that each person on the autism spectrum is provided the opportunity to achieve the highest possible quality of life.

National Garden Month. Gardening grows fun for the whole family. Whether you’re digging in the dirt, enjoying the magic of a small seed transforming into a beautiful flower, or observing the bugs, birds, and butterflies, gardening is a delightful way to celebrate the coming of spring.

April Fool!It’s April 1st—the day for practical jokes large and small.

If you’re looking for inspiration, remember one of the all-time great media hoaxes. In 1957, the BBC’s respected news program Panorama ran a story celebrating a bumper spaghetti crop in Switzerland—thanks to a mild winter and the near elimination of the destructive “spaghetti weevil.” The program included footage of Swiss farm workers pulling strands of spaghetti from trees and laying them in the sun to dry. Although some viewers caught on—and chastised the BBC for playing fast and loose in a news program—others fell hook, line, and pasta ladle. Many even telephoned the network to ask where they could get their own spaghetti trees.

THIS MONTH


April Fools’ Day, Apr. 1. Play a joke on a friend—and be a good sport when someone does the same to you. New Beer’s Day, Apr. 7. Unofficial holiday celebrating the end of Prohibition in 1933. National Library Workers Day, Apr. 12.

A day for library staff, users, administrators and friends to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers.

National Golf Day, Apr. 18. Celebrate spring by playing 18 holes with a few friends. Arbor Day, Apr. 29. Another springtime rite. Plant a tree and show that you care for the environment.

The older you get, the safer you work?Are older workers less prone to accidents and injuries?

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that in 2014, workers 65 or older suffered fatal injuries at a rate of 94.2 per 10,000 employees. That’s lower than the total rate, 107.1 for all workforce populations, as well as the lowest rate of any other age group. Take a look at these specific types of workplace fatalities among different age groups in 2014:

THIS MONTH


Slow down to eat lessEating too fast can lead to eating too much. But when you’re busy, the temptation to cram a meal down your throat may be overwhelming.

Here’s how to slow down and savor every bite: Stop multitasking. Don’t try to eat while you’re working, texting, or doing anything else. Turn off your devices and focus on your meal. You’ll have a better sense of how much you’re eating and how full you feel. Sit down. Eating over the sink or grazing while you search the refrigerator may result in consuming more unneeded calories. Set the table and put your portions on a plate to keep control of how much food you’re really eating. Chew slowly. Count each bite as you chew your food, and aim for about 20 seconds of chewing for each mouthful. You’ll force yourself to slow down, and your food will be digested more easily.

Get in the habit of good healthMaintaining your health is a lifetime project.

Stay in good shape and maintain a proper weight by cultivating these healthy habits: • Keep a food diary. Record what you eat, how much, what time you ate, and why you ate it. This can help you detect trends affecting your weight, health, and mood. • Keep an activity diary. Keep track of your exercise routine, as well as how much and how often you walk or engage in other physical activities. Try to add a little more exercise every week.

Try this quick fix for minor cutsWhen you’re bleeding and you can’t get your hands on a bandage, Krazy Glue can make a good substitute for healing cuts.

When you’re bleeding and you can’t get your hands on a bandage, Krazy Glue can make a good substitute for healing cuts. The glue seals the outer layer of skin, allowing inner layers to heal quickly. Follow these steps—carefully: • Wash cut with warm water and dry thoroughly. • Use a toothpick to dab on a thin, smooth coating of glue over the cut. • Don’t peel the glue off. Let it come off gradually over the next few days.

Watch for signs ofmold allergyMold can grow anywhere, and if you’re aller-gic, it can lead to major health issues.

Stay alert to these signs of a potential mold allergy: • Runny or stuffy nose • Excessive sneezing • Frequent coughing or wheezing • Itchy throat, ears, or eyes • Trouble breathing

HEALTH WATCH


National Robotics Week, Apr. 2-10. The purpose of National Robotics Week is to celebrate the United States as a leader in robotics technology development, educate the public about how robotics technology impacts society, and advocate for increased funding for robotics technology research and development. Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week, Apr. 10-16.

This week recognizes the hardworking men and

women who risk their lives and devote huge amounts of personal time and resources

while serving the public and helping animals when no one else can.

National Environmental Education Week, Apr. 17-23. The nation’s largest celebration of environmental education, EE Week reaches hundreds of thousands of students and educators across the United States with non-biased, high-quality, environmental education materials grounded in accurate, timely scientific information and tied to local, state, and national learning standards. National Pet ID Week, Apr. 17-23.

Collars and tags are a reliable way to identify your pets should they become lost. Make sure your dog, cat, or

other animal friend always wears a current identification tag. Pet supply catalogs, stores,

veterinary offices, and animal shelters often have forms to order ID tags.

Google answers your health questionsPeople turn to Google for all kinds of information.

Health is always a concern, so naturally the search engine fields a lot of questions about diseases and symptoms of illness.

Take a look at some of the top health-related inquiries people typed into the Google search bar in 2015 (as reported on the CNN website): “Is bronchitis contagious?” Answer: Maybe, if it’s the result of a bacterial infection. “Is pneumonia contagious?” Answer: It can be, because most cases of pneumonia are caused by bacteria. “How much water should I drink per day?” Answer: About half as many fluid ounces as your weight in pounds. For example, if you weigh 140 pounds, you should be drinking about 70 fluid ounces per day (nine cups), although factors like heat, exercise, pregnancy, and other considerations should be taken into account.

“How many calories should I consume?” Answer: Check with a dietician to get advice tailored to your physical needs.

“What is Lupus?”

Answer: Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease. Symptoms include headaches, fatigue, joint pain,

fever, and rashes.

THIS MONTH

• Prepare to exercise. Get out your workout clothes at night before going to bed. This will remind you to exercise and eliminate one excuse for skipping it. • Set concrete goals. Decide what you want to achieve healthwise: Work out three times a week, limit sodas to one per weekend, or whatever seems realistic but worthwhile. • Shop smart. Don’t go to the grocery store when you’re hungry or tired. Make a list of nutritious choices and stick to it, resisting the urge to grab high-calorie snacks as you wander through the aisles.


EMPLOYEES

Laurain G. - 04/15Ian C. - 04/12

Beverly D. - 04/08

Are you caring for a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other dementia and need

a break during the day? The Adult Day Care at Dodge Park offer the right solution for your respite care.

To learn more about our Adult Day Care Program please join us for an afternoon of fun at our

monthly Day Club open house with your loved one on the 3rd Thursday of each month between the hours of 1:30pm and 4:00pm .

The next open house will be on April 17, 2016This is a wonderful opportunity to get out with your loved one and have an enjoyable afternoon. The afternoon will consist of group discussions, music, arts, refreshments, and most importantly, laughter.

The monthly open house is FREE and open to the public. It is open to anyone at any stage of the Alzheimer’s/Dementia disease

process accompanied by friend, family, and loved ones.

Leanor P. - 4/11Wesley H. - 4/12

Carmella N. - 4/12Doirs P. - 4/12

RESIDENTSRuth P. - 4/21

Jennie P. - 4/24Eugene C. - 4/24

Paul Y. - 4/30

A very Happy Birthday to...


Health CornerWITH CARA ZECHELLO

DODGE PARK REST HOME REGISTERED DIETITIAN

Eat Well to Live WellMarch is National Nutrition Month, reminding us that eating well helps us to live well. Improving

one’s nutritional intake is widely accepted and scientifically proven to lower the risk of poor health. For example, a recent study has shown that reducing one’s sugar intake can help lower triglyceride levels, improve one’s blood pressure, and lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. But not all nutrition advice is about eliminating or reducing a particular food or ingredient or nutrient. Often the best nutritional outcomes result from adding certain foods or food groups. The reality is that foods and the nutrients they contain are powerful things.

This month is a great time to start using those powerful nutrients to put yourself on a path to better health. Here are 7 easy ways to eat well to live well:

1. Add whole grains to your day. Whole wheat bread, oatmeal, popcorn, whole grain pasta, and brown rice are all great additions.

2. Add fresh fruit to your breakfast. Put blueberries in your cereal, slice a banana into your oatmeal, make a strawberry smoothie, or garnish your breakfast plate with a wedge of melon.

3. Add a serving of probiotic-containing yogurt several times a week. Probiotics are good bacteria that can help with digestion and boost the immune system.

4. Drink more water. Many people don’t hydrate properly. Even those who don’t exercise on a daily basis run the risk of dehydration outside of the hot summer months.

5. Add a fistful of walnuts as a mid-day snack. Walnuts contain protein, omega-3 fats, B-vitamins and zinc.

6. Add calcium for healthy bones and teeth. Low fat dairy products offer the same bone-strengthening calcium as their higher fat relatives. Leafy green vegetables and dried beans are excellent vegetarian sources.

7. Enjoy healthy carbohydrates. Whole grains, dried beans, fruits and vegetables contain nutrients that protect against heart disease, certain types of cancers, and diabetes. They are also slowly digested and keep you feeling full longer, contributing to weight control.

HEALTH CORNER

I will be available to meet with family member to address any concern or questions regarding dietary needs or special diet for their loved one. I can be reach at Dodge Park Rest Home number (508-853-8180). Written by Cara Zechello, M.Ed., RD, LDN


Contact us for Pre-Opening

special pricing!

Now Accepting Applications for Admission


Serving the Worcester area since 1967101 Randolph Road • Worcester, MA 01606

Toll Free: 1-877-363-4775 • www.dodgepark.com

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Group

at

Bringing LIFE toThose We Serve

Bringing LIFE toThose We Serve

Please RSVP to Debbie Williams or Deanna Rosario at (508) 853-8180

Dodge Park Rest Home would like to invite you, the spouse, the children and/or the care-givers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease to take part in one of our new monthly supportgroup meetings.

The support groups are open to all Dodge Parkcustomers and family members and to the generalpublic. The support group meeting is FREE and opento all individuals in the community, especially forthose that are Alzheimer’s and Dementia caregivers.Light supper will be provided. Activity and supervisionfor memory impaired individuals will be provided forFREE by our Day Club personnel during the meeting.

The support group meets on the second Tuesday of each month. The meetings take place atDodge Park Rest Home at 101 Randolph Road, Worcester, MA from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

January 12 July 12February 9 August 9March 8 September 13April 12 October 11May 10 November 8June 14 December 13

Participation in a support group can be an empowering experience. The group is designed tohelp members feel better prepared to cope with their unique situation. Support groupmembers report feeling less alone, more able to confront their daily problems and morehopeful about their future.

Dodge Park Rest Home


Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Group

at

Please RSVP to Debbie Williams or Deanna Rosario at (508) 853-8180

Dodge Park Rest Home would like to invite you, the spouse, the children and/or the care-givers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease to take part in one of our new monthly supportgroup meetings.

The support groups are open to all Dodge Parkcustomers and family members and to the generalpublic. The support group meeting is FREE and opento all individuals in the community, especially forthose that are Alzheimer’s and Dementia caregivers.Light supper will be provided. Activity and supervisionfor memory impaired individuals will be provided forFREE by our Day Club personnel during the meeting.

The support group meets on the third Wednesday of each month. The meetings take place atDodge Park Rest Home at 101 Randolph Road, Worcester, MA from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

January 20 July 20February 17 August 17March 16 September 21April 20 October 19May 18 November 16June 15 December 21

Participation in a support group can be an empowering experience. The group is designed tohelp members feel better prepared to cope with their unique situation. Support groupmembers report feeling less alone, more able to confront their daily problems and morehopeful about their future.

Dodge Park Rest Home


No matter how efficiently and effortlessly you have adapted your life to the role of caregiver; eventually you are going to need a break. Occasional breaks are essential not only to your emotional well-being, but to the well-being of your relationships with your family, friends, and the person you are caring for. Taking an occasional break is also essential to maintaining your capability as a caregiver. For some caregivers a nearby family member can step in and provide the care, but for other caregivers that option is not available. In those cases, adult day care is one of a better option. The role of adult day care is gaining increased attention as the nation prepares for the large cohort of baby boomers entering their later years. Many boomers are aging with physical and cognitive impairments, including Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Moreover, these boomers have a strong preference to age in place in their communities. It is estimated that 70% of persons with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, reside at home while receiving care from family members. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are central ideals in American society. Health and aging issues in the United States are shaped by “independence, autonomy, the application of principles, and a preeminent concern for individual rights”. In the United States, the National Adult Day Services (ADS) Association provides leadership in all areas of ADS. The most current definition for ADS in the United States comes from the NADSA Standards and Guidelines for ADS: “Adult day services are community-based group programs designed to meet the needs of adults with impairments through individual plans of care. These structured, comprehensive, residential programs provide a variety of health, social, and related support services in a protective setting. By supporting families and other caregivers, adult day services enable participants to live in the community. Adult day services assess the needs of participants and offer services to meet those needs. Participants attend on a planned basis”.

How Do I Choose The Right Adult Day Care Program?

The Components of A Quality Program Family members must do some research to determine whether the adult day care center is right for their loved ones. The components of a quality adult day care program should include the following:

• Conducts an individual needs assessment before admission to determine the person’s range of abilities and needs;• Provides an active program that meets the daily social and recreational needs of the person in care;• Develops an individualized treatment plan for participants and monitors it regularly, adjusting the plan as necessary;• Has clear criteria for service and guidelines for termination based on the functional status of the person in care;• Provides a full range of in-house services, which may include transportation, meals, health screening and monitoring, educational programs and counseling;• Provides a safe, secure (lock if needed) environment;• Provide transportation;

Be sure to ask each program you are considering which services are included, and whether or not supplemental services may be purchased to complement the specific care and services required.

Micha Shalev MHA is the owner of Dodge Park Rest Home and the Adult Day Care at Dodge Park located at 101 Randolph Road in Worcester. He can be reached at 508-853-8180 or by e-mail at [email protected] or view more information online at www.dodgepark.com.

by Micha Shalev

AN AGING PARENT


More than 15 million Americans devote time and energy to caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, but sometimes the cost of caregiving becomes too high. Caregivers find themselves unable to bear the burden of providing home health care without suffering from stress and illness themselves. At that point, it may be time to consider whether to move a loved one into senior care if their health needs become too much to handle at home.

Signs that Your Loved One May Need Assisted LivingMoving a family member into residential care (Rest Home) is never an easy decision. However, there are some telltale signs that caregivers can look for in order to recognize when it’s time for assisted living: 1. Wandering. In later stages of dementia, the risk posed by wandering becomes much greater. 2. Sundowning. “Sundowner syndrome“—very agitated behavior that becomes more pronounced later in the day—is a common characteristic of those with Alzheimer’s. This can take a heavy toll on caregivers, and when it begins to severely disrupt family routines, this may be a sign that the caregiving burden is too hard to handle and placement is required. 3. Aggression. Verbal, physical, and even sexual aggression frequently happen in those with dementia, and caregivers and other family members may suffer or begin to feel resentful 4. Home safety issues. Ask yourself honest

How to Recognize Signs it’s Time for Placement questions about your senior family member’s health and your own abilities to care for them. Is the person with dementia becoming unsafe in their current home? 5. Escalating care needs. Is the health of the person with dementia or my health as a caregiver at risk? Are the person’s care needs beyond my physical abilities? If you’re answering yes to those questions, it might be time to have that tough family conversation. 6. Caregiver stress. Stress and other caregiver symptoms can be just as telling a sign as the dementia behaviors described above. A recent article in the New York Times discussed the psychological costs of caregiving and of making difficult care decisions, which some professionals are likening to the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder. Caregivers may experience symptoms like “intrusive thoughts, disabling anxiety, hyper-vigilance, avoidance behaviors,” and more. Most professionals attributes these symptoms not only to the pressures of caring for someone with dementia, but also to the disruptions to normal sleep and eating patterns that result when one is spending so much time on caregiving: “When the brain is always on alert, many things are going to happen—you’re not going to eat well, your nutrition is going to go down,” and physical health suffers. The emotional, mental and physical toll of caregiving can be particularly pronounced for spouses of those who need care. “Sleep deprivation, anger, resentment, all those things will become part of what happens to a caregiver,”. “And, of course, the guilt, when you think, ‘I’m not doing enough.’” When that happens, it’s important to recognize how much you’ve been giving to your loved one, and perhaps tells yourself, “Okay, I’m not living a life for myself anymore, I’m living for that person.”

Caring for the CaregiverAs a caregiver, it can be difficult enough to find time to care for your senior loved one, let alone yourself—even if your family member is in residential care. But staying healthy is one of the best things you can do to provide the support your loved one needs. Arranging a short stint in respite care is one way to get some time to rest and recuperate, especially if you are caring for someone at home.

Taking care of your mental health is also critical, and there are many benefits to seeking out a circle of support to bolster you when times are difficult. Counseling, therapy, and support groups all exist to help family members going through transitions relating to Alzheimer’s and dementia. Check with the facility that your loved one is moving to,and if they don’t offer one, contact the local chapter of the Alzheimer’s association. These resources can help you come to terms with the idea that sometimes the best decision for the health and

happiness of both parties is putting your loved one into care.

RESERVATIONS BEING ACCEPTED - OPENING SPRING

by Micha Shalev


New Car Assist Program Dodge Park is purchasing brand new cars to qualifed employees

Around Dodge ParkAround Dodge Park

101 Randolph Road, Worcester, MA 01606 Tel: (508) 853-8180 Fax: (598) 853-4545

Neighborhood Connection is now digital!Email [email protected] to get it delivered

to your inbox each month.

Monthly Support Group “Open to The Public”2nd Tuesday of every month for children of parents

with memory impairments.

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