We are going above and beyond the recommended protocol In order to protect our clients and staff.

Quality Family Care along with all our staff, referral partners, and contractors are following the highest standard hygiene and sanitation protocol during this situation. We encourage everyone to stay calm, and practice social distancing as much as possible while taking the necessary steps to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 (Coronavirus). Self Isolation is important to help combat the spread of this situation as well. If you have any question or concerns call Quality Family Care toll-free anytime at 877-513-7156.

It is important to stay informed and isolated during this time of crisis.

Thoughts and Prayers from the QFC Family.

A Good Rest is Sometimes Just A Dream

For many aging adults, a good night’s sleep is far from reality. Some individuals have difficulty going to sleep and wake up after only a few hours. Their daytime exhaustion may be so overpowering that they can’t operate a vehicle or take part in other typical functions.

Around half of the individuals who make a complaint to their doctors about inadequate sleep wind up with a prescription drug. Not only are these avoidable but they are also habit-forming and can trigger negative effects, as explained by sleep researcher Michael Vitiello, PhD, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington in Seattle.

“It is far better for people to consider what simple changes could be made to improve their sleep and to understand how sleep patterns change with age”, Vitiello says.

Sleep Complications

Typical and regular sleep complications, which afflict up to 40% of aging seniors, consist of light sleep, constant waking, and daytime exhaustion. Among the elderly , there is also a reduction in the deep-sleep phase and an escalation in duration of wakefulness throughout the night. “Compared with younger adults, even carefully screened non-complaining older adults exhibit the sleep pattern changes described,” writes Vitiello.

Although many senior citizens make a complaint of inadequate sleep, comparatively few have true sleep disorders and even smaller numbers require typically prescribed sleep drugs. Sleep disorders in older adults consist of apnea (a momentary cessation of breathing which can also have an effect on younger individuals) and occasional limb movement, which can take the form of periodic leg movements during sleep (PLMS) or restless leg syndrome. Within this syndrome, the individual is overcome by powerful urges to move their legs consistently before sleep, which stop them from going to sleep.

Long before a physician can identify a sleep disorder, you should conduct a comprehensive medical examination, asses medications the individual is consuming, and talk to your elderly loved one’s spouse or bed companion about their nightly routines.

In some cases medication is suggested, but “although these drugs may be useful in the management of insomnia, they fail to provide long-term relief from chronic sleep disturbances. Hypnotics can worsen existing sleep disturbances by inducing drug-dependency insomnia and, when the drug is discontinued after intermediate to long-term use, rebound insomnia and nightmares,” Vitiello says.

Rest Easy with Quality Family Care

Another thing that could stimulate restlessness is having to worry about your aging loved one’s. That is why Quality Family Care is here to help find the perfect in-home health care expert to assist your senior family member when the time comes. Call us today to find out more information 877-513-7156.

Caregivers frequently report experiencing high levels of stress, especially when dealing with Alzheimer’s patients. Sometimes it can be exhausting both mentally and physically to take care of a loved one with dementia or other similar health issues. Too much stress can be harmful for both parties. Quality Family Care has organized some information to help you avoid burnout.

10 Signs of Caregiver Stress

• Short Temper toward the individual with Alzheimer’s or frustration that he or she can’t do the things they used to be able to do.
  He knows how to get dressed — he’s just being stubborn.
• Health Issues that begin to take a mental and physical toll.
  I can’t remember the last time I felt good.
• Denial about the disease and its effect on the person who has been diagnosed. I know Mom is going to get better.
• Social Problems from friends and activities that used to make you feel good.
  I don’t care about visiting with the neighbors anymore.
• Stress about the future and facing another day.
  What happens when he needs more care than I can provide?
• Physical Exhaustion that makes it nearly impossible to complete necessary daily tasks. I’m too tired for this.
• Tired Anxiety caused by a never-ending list of concerns.
  What if she wanders out of the house or falls and hurts herself?
• Mood Swings that leads to irritability and triggers negative responses and actions. Leave me alone!
• Inability to Focus that makes it difficult to perform familiar tasks.
  I was so busy, I forgot my appointment.
• Depression that breaks your spirit and affects your ability to handle normal situations.
  I just don’t care anymore.

If any of these signs seem all too familiar with you, then you should contact a doctor or physician right away.

Ways you Can Help Manage Stress

• Know where to find the resources available to you. 
  Adult day programs, in-home assistance, visiting nurses and meal delivery are just some of the services that can help you manage daily tasks. Use this online Community Resource Finder or contact your local Alzheimer’s Association® chapter for assistance in finding Alzheimer’s care resources in your community. Use Alzheimer’s Navigator, our the free online tool that helps evaluate your needs, identify action steps and connect with local programs and services.
• Support that helps.
  The Alzheimers Association online Care Team Calendar helps you organize friends and family who want to help provide care and support. Our 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900), ALZConnected online community and local support groups are all good sources for finding comfort and reassurance. If stress becomes overwhelming, seek professional help.
• Be active.
  Go outdoors, partake in physical activity. It can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Even 10 minutes of exercise a day can help. Take a walk. Do an activity you love, such as gardening or dancing.
• Take time out for you. 
  Imagine taking advantage of respite care so you can spend time doing something you enjoy. Respite care provides caregivers with a temporary rest from caregiving, while the person with Alzheimer’s disease continues to receive care in a safe environment. Set aside time for you!
• Learn more, and share information.
  As the disease advances, new caregiving skills may be necessary. The Alzheimer’s Association offers programs to help you better understand and cope with the behaviors and personality changes that often accompany Alzheimer’s. You may also find it helpful to talk to other care partners and caregivers about how they are coping with the challenges of the disease and uncertainty about the future.
• Stay healthy.
  Visit your doctor regularly. Try to eat well, exercise and get plenty of rest. Making sure that you are healthy can help you be a better caregiver.
• Plan for the future.  
  Getting prepared for legal and financial plans to be set in place after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is important so that the person with the disease can participate. Having future plans in place can provide comfort to the entire family. Many documents can be prepared without the help of an attorney. However, if you are unsure about how to complete legal documents or make financial plans, you may want to seek assistance from an attorney specializing in elder law, a financial advisor who is familiar with elder or long-term care planning, or both. This helps provides peace of mind.
• Use relaxation techniques.
  There are several simple relaxation techniques that can help relieve stress. Try more than one to find which works best for you. Techniques include:
  • Visualization (mentally picturing a place or situation that is peaceful and calm)
  • Meditation (which can be as simple as dedicating 15 minutes a day to letting go of all stressful thoughts)
  • Breathing exercises (slowing your breathing and focusing on taking deep breaths)
  • Progressive muscle relaxation (tightening and then relaxing each muscle group, starting at one end of your body and working your way to the other end)You can find out more about relaxation techniques on the Mayo Clinic website.

WAYS YOU CAN HELP

» Volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Association. Visit alz.org/CRF to find an office in your area.

» Participate in Walk to End Alzheimer’s®
(alz.org/walk) and The Longest Day®
(alz.org/thelongestday).

» Become an advocate. Visit alz.org/advocacy.

» Participate in a clinical study as a healthy volunteer. Get started by creating a profile with Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch®
(alz.org/TrialMatch).

Quality Family Care is dedicated to helping to reduce caregiver stress especially with those surrounded by the effects of Alzheimers. If you or a loved one is in need of in-home care-giving services that help with problems associated with Alzheimer’s, contact Quality Family Care today at 877-513-7156 to talk to one of our referral specialists to find the perfect match for your needs. You are not alone!

1. Stay Calm. It can be difficult to see your loved one upset or emotionally worked-up and not know how to help. In their frustration they may even say things that hurt your feelings or have other irrational outbursts. And because these problems can change from day-to-day, you may never be sure what’s next.

But, in these difficult moments, it can help to pause, take a deep breath and become mindful. This will help you feel more calm and grounded and give you the clarity you need to manage the moment and help ease the patient’s distress.

2. Educate Yourself. The more you know about how Alzheimer’s and dementia affect the brain and the body, the better able you will be to anticipate and manage any symptoms that emerge. For example, Alzheimer’s can change vision and balance, with that in mind you can make changes in the household by adding lighting or removing area rugs and clutter to minimize the risk of falling and improving comfort and security.

3. Keep a routine. Creating and maintaining a routine can help ease anxiety and agitation for those living with dementia. Plan the day, including when you will do the household chores, serve meals, and help with personal care. Also, leaving time for music or other creative connection and some quiet time, when nothing is planned.

4. Reminisce Your Loved One. One of the biggest challenges families face is finding ways to connect with their loved ones. Reminiscing can be a way to do it. Seniors with dementia are often able to recount memories from their past and it can soothe them to share stories of their earlier years. Turning on some of their favorite music can also be a way to help them calm and connect and remember the past.

5. Promote Participation. Individuals like to feel as though they are in control of their own lives, and seniors living with dementia are no different. Look for ways to involve the older adult you are caring for and encourage and allow them to do the things they still can. Although progress on many issues may seem frustratingly slow, always remember the process matters more than outcome.

And don’t forget to remain flexible. You may need to adapt your care approach to deal with fluctuating symptoms. For example, some days they may be able to button their shirt, other days they may need help with that, but still be able to brush their teeth.

Dr. Peter Rabins, co-author of the 36-hour Day, A Guide to Caring for Those with Dementia and Memory Loss, suggests caregivers actually demonstrate the task they want completed, so that the senior has a visual example of what needs to be done.

Take it day by day, one step at a time.

If your elderly loved one is unable to complete the task and becomes increasingly frustrated, step in and do what he can’t, Rabins said.

And be willing to step into their reality. It’s not uncommon for the senior with dementia-related illness to be rooted in another time and place. If he thinks he needs to go to work, treat that as though it were real, because it feels very real to the senior.

Rather than arguing or explaining or reminding the senior that he no longer works, offer to take him to work right after breakfast, or ask about the job he did and allow him to reminisce. Be open and flexible to the reality the senior is experiencing.

Dr. Rabins has many informational videos and valuable resources that are available online.

6. Connect with others. Classes, support groups, and other family members or peers who are dealing with the same cognitive decline can be a great source of support and information that can help improve care and comfort. They can also offer amazing tips you can use to help manage the everyday routine while caring for your loved one. Nevertheless, connecting with others who know and sympathize what you are going through can help ease the depression, and stress that family caregivers sometimes experience.

Don’t forget to build some time for self care. In order for you to be able to care for your loved one for as long as they need, you need to do what it takes to remain strong, healthy and comfortable. Set aside some personal time each week to rest, or visit with friends, exercise, go outdoors, or take on another adventure you enjoy.

More information and videos are available from the Alzheimer’s Association.

Quality Family Care of South Florida can find the perfect match for your in-home care-giving needs.

Our caregivers have extensive training in the care of people with dementia and will maintain the routine you’ve established by assisting with the activities of daily living, hygiene care, and household chores. But they go beyond, by also engaging and connecting with older adults in a way that supports cognitive health.

Ready for support you can trust? Call 877-513-7156 to learn more about how a Quality Family Care of South Florida can help support your family’s care-giving concerns with our trained and experienced referral experts.

In an ever-changing, fast paced world of work, study, and day-to-day life. It is hard enough just to stay ahead of all the things we need to sustain a proper balance. Now add an aging family members problem into that mix and all the sudden you are buried with no end in sight. This is where Quality Family Care comes into play. We provide the resources needed to make the transition from stable independent senior living, to the moment that qualified in-home assistance is the only option.

Life as a senior citizen has its ups and downs. One day you could be living on your own, with no burden upon your family or loved ones, and then an unexpected health issue hits without warning, or slowly creeps into your life. It is hard not only for the elderly to ask for help, but for your family to understand and accept that a caregiver, or in-home health professional is needed. It’s time to tuck away your pride and find a referral service that you can trust.

Our Family Becomes Your Family

Here at Quality Family Care, our main goal is to connect you to the proper resources required for peace of mind. Our company is family owned and operated by a team of hand selected agents that match your loved one’s needs to the proper caregiving resource. Whether it’s heavy lifting, or transportation, special dietary needs, or just someone to play cards with. We look for the right connection to make this life transition as comfortable as possible for you, and your family.

Proper Screening and Referrals

It’s not easy trusting, let alone welcoming a stranger into your home for the first time. That’s why we carefully screen and do background checks on all our referrals. Have a read through our blogs and social media and see for yourself that amazing responses we receive from our client/family. Our caregivers and staff are here to make sure that one of life’s most problematic decisions is as easy and comfortable for you as possible. And we urge you to not just take our word for it… Look around, compare services, read up, do your own background checks on similar services. We are confident in what we do because in the end, we have been through this with our family, and it is our passion to provide the same level of professionalism and courtesy that we expect with our own family and loved ones.

What is the Next Step?

The very next thing you should do is do a little local research on caregivers in your area, and maybe look through the list of our blogs.  We have a lot of helpful information on everything you need to find the proper caregiving solution in South Florida. These resources are open-ended, so that you can have access to all our tips, and ideas to help you and your loved one during this phase of life. Regardless of whether you choose to utilize our company or not.

If you have any question, concerns, or reassurance about if our services match the needs of your situation, call Quality Family Care toll-free anytime at 877-513-7156. We are looking forward to hearing from you.

You deserve the best quality care that your family can find. And we are here to help.

Quality Family Care is dedicated to helping with Alzheimers research, development, education and fund raising. As part of our Alzheimers awareness month series we have compiled a list of warning signs and information to help you recognize the early stages. Understanding more about this disease is the best way to help prepare you for what comes next.

Clinical Stages

Stage 1: Normal

At any age, persons may potentially be free of objective or subjective symptoms of cognition and functional decline and also free of associated behavioral and mood changes. We call these mentally healthy persons at any age, stage 1, or normal.

Stage 2: Normal aged forgetfulness

Half or more of the population of persons over the age of 65 experience subjective complaints of cognitive and/or functional difficulties. The nature of these subjective complaints is characteristic. Elderly persons with these symptoms believe they can no longer recall names as well as they could 5 or 10 years previously. They also frequently develop the conviction that they can no longer recall where they have placed things as well as previously. Subjectively experienced difficulties in concentration and in finding the correct word when speaking, are also common.

Various terms have been suggested for this condition, but normal aged forgetfulness is probably the most satisfactory terminology. These symptoms which, by definition, are not notable to intimates or other external observers of the person with normal aged forgetfulness, are generally benign. However, there is some recent evidence that persons with these symptoms do decline at greater rates than similarly aged persons and similarly healthy persons who are free of subjective complaints

Stage 3: Mild cognitive impairment

Persons at this stage manifest deficits which are subtle, but which are noted by persons who are closely associated with the stage 3 subject. The subtle deficits may become manifest in diverse ways. for example, the person with mild cognitive impairment (MCl) may noticeably repeat queries. The capacity to perform executive functions also becomes compromised. Commonly, for persons who are still working, job performance may decline. For those who must master new job skills, decrements in these capacities may become evident. for example, the MCI subject may be unable to master new computer skills. MCI subjects who are not employed, but who plan complex social events, such as dinner parties, may manifest declines in their ability to organize such events.

Other MCI subjects may manifest concentration deficits. Many persons with these symptoms begin to experience anxiety, which may be overtly evident.

The prognosis for persons with these subtle symptoms of impairment is variable, even when a select subject group who are free of overt medical or psychological conditions which might account for, or contribute to, the impairments are studied. A substantial proportion of these persons will not decline, even when followed over the course of many years. However, in a majority of persons with stage 3 symptoms, the overt decline will occur, and clear symptoms of dementia will become manifest over intervals of approximately 2 to 4 years. In persons who are not called upon to perform complex occupational and/or social tasks, symptoms in this stage may not become evident to family members or friends of the MCI patient. Even when symptoms do become noticeable, MCI subjects are commonly midway or near the end of this stage before concerns result in clinical consultation. Consequently, although progression to the next stage in MCI subjects commonly occurs in 2 to 3 years, the true duration of this stage, when it is a harbinger of subsequently manifest dementia, is probably approximately 7 years.

Management of persons in this stage includes counseling regarding the desirability of continuing in a complex and demanding occupational role. Sometimes, a ‘strategic withdrawal’ in the form of retirement, may alleviate psychological stress and reduce both subjective and overtly manifest anxiety.

Stage 4: Mild Alzheimer’s disease

The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can be made with considerable accuracy in this stage. The most common functioning deficit in these patients is a decreased ability to manage instrumental (complex) activities of daily life. Examples of common deficits include decreased ability to manage finances, to prepare meals for guests, and to market for oneself and one’s family. The stage 4 patient shown has difficulty writing the correct date and the correct amount on the check. Consequently, her husband has to supervise this activity. The mean duration of this stage is 2 years.

Symptoms of impairment become evident in this stage. for example, seemingly major recent events, such as a recent holiday or a recent visit to a relative, may, or may not, be recalled. Similarly, overt mistakes in recalling the day of the week, month or season of the year may occur. Patients at this stage can still generally recall their correct current address. They can also generally correctly recall the weather conditions outside and very important current events, such as the name of a prominent head of state. Despite the overt deficits in cognition, persons at this stage can still potentially survive independently in community settings. However, functional capacities become compromised in the performance of instrumental (i.e. complex) activities of daily life. for example, there is a decreased capacity to manage personal finances. For the stage 4 patient who is living independently, this may become evident in the form of difficulties in paying rent and other bills. A spouse may note difficulties in writing the correct date and the correct amount in paying checks. The ability to independently market for food and groceries also becomes compromised at this stage. Persons who previously prepared meals for family members and/or guests begin to manifest decreased performance in these skills. Similarly, the ability to order food from a menu in a restaurant setting begins to be compromised. frequently, his is manifest in the patient handing the menu to the spouse and saying ‘you order’.

The dominant mood at this stage is frequently what psychiatrists term a flattening of affect and withdrawal. In other words, the patient often seems less emotionally responsive than previously. This absence of emotional responsivity is probably intimately related to the patient’s denial of their deficit, which is often also notable at this stage. Although the patient is aware of their deficits, this awareness of decreased intellectual capacity is too painful for most persons and, hence, the psychological defense mechanism known as denial, whereby the patient seeks to hide their deficit, even from themselves where possible, becomes operative. In this context, the flattening of effect occurs because the patient is fearful of revealing their deficits. Consequently, the patient withdraws from participation in activities such as conversations.

In the absence of complicating medical pathology, the diagnosis of AD can be made with considerable certainty from the beginning of this stage, Studies indicate that the duration of this stage of mild AD is a mean of approximately 2 years.

Stage 5: Moderate Alzheimer’s disease

In this stage, deficits are of sufficient magnitude as to prevent catastrophe-free, independent community survival. The characteristic functional change in this stage is incipient deficits in basic activities of daily life. This is manifest in a decrement in the ability to choose proper clothing to wear for the weather conditions and/or for the daily circumstances (occasions). Some patients begin to wear the same clothing day after day unless reminded to change. The spouse or other caregiver begins to counsel regarding the choice of clothing. The mean duration of this stage is 1.5 years.

At this stage, deficits are of sufficient magnitude as to prevent independent, catastrophe-free, community survival. Patients can no longer manage on their own in the community. If they are ostensibly alone in the community then there is generally someone who is assisting in providing adequate and proper food, as well as assuring that the rent and utilities are paid and the patient’s finances are taken care of. For those who are not properly watched and/or supervised, predatory strangers may become a problem. Very common reactions for persons at this stage who are not given adequate support are behavioral problems such as anger and suspiciousness.

Cognitively, persons at this stage frequently cannot recall such major events and aspects of their current lives as the name of the current president, the weather conditions of the day, or their correct current address. Characteristically, some of these important aspects of current life are recalled, but not others. Also, the information is loosely held, so, for example, the patient may recall their correct address on certain occasions, but not others.

Remote memory also suffers to the extent that persons may not recall the names of some of the schools which they attended for many years, and from which they graduated. Orientation may be compromised to the extent that the correct year may not be recalled. Calculation deficits are of such magnitude that an educated person has difficulty counting backward from 20 by 2s.

Functionally, persons at this stage have incipient difficulties with basic activities of daily life. The characteristic deficit of this type is decreased ability to independently choose proper clothing. This stage lasts an average of approximately 1.5 years.

In this stage, deficits are of sufficient magnitude as to prevent catastrophe-free, independent community survival. The characteristic functional change in this stage is incipient deficits in basic activities of daily life. This is manifest in a decrement in the ability to choose proper clothing to wear for the weather conditions and/or for the daily circumstances (occasions). Some patients begin to wear the same clothing day after day unless reminded to change. The spouse or other caregiver begins to counsel regarding the choice of clothing. The mean duration of this stage is 1.5 years.

Stage 6: Moderately severe Alzheimer’s disease

At this stage, the ability to perform basic activities of daily life becomes compromised. Functionally, five successive substages are identifiable. Initially, in stage 6a, patients, in addition to having lost the ability to choose their clothing without assistance, begin to require assistance in putting on their clothing properly. Unless supervised, patients may put their clothing on backward, they may have difficulty putting their arm in the correct sleeve, or they may dress themselves in the wrong sequence.

In the stage of moderately severe Alzheimer’s disease, the cognitive deficits are of sufficient magnitude as to interfere with the ability to carry out basic activities of daily life. Generally, the earliest such deficit noted in this stage is decreased ability to put on clothing correctly without assistance. The total duration of the stage of moderately severe AD (stage 6a through 6e) is approximately 2.5 years.

for example, patients may put their street clothes on over their night clothes. At approximately the same point in the evolution of AD, but generally, just a little later in the temporal sequence, patients lose the ability to bathe independently without assistance (stage 6b). Characteristically, the earliest and most common deficit in bathing is difficulty adjusting the temperature of the bath water. Initially, once the spouse adjusts the temperature of the bath water, the patient can still potentially otherwise bathe independently. Subsequently, as this stage evolves, additional deficits in bathing independently as well as in dressing independently occur. In this 6b substage, patients generally develop deficits in other modalities of daily hygiene such as properly brushing their teeth independently.

Requires assistance adjusting the temperature of the bath water. At approximately the same time as Alzheimer’s patients begin to lose the ability to put on their clothing properly without assistance, but generally, just a little bit later in the disease course, patients begin to require assistance in handling the mechanics of bathing. Difficulty adjusting the temperature of the bath water is the classical earliest deficit in bathing capacity in Alzheimer’s disease.

Stages 6c, 6d, 6e

With the further evolution of AD, patients lose the ability to manage independently the mechanics of using the bathroom correctly (stage 6c). Unless supervised, patients may place the toilet tissue in the wrong place. Many patients will forget to flush the toilet properly. As the disease evolves in this stage, patients subsequently become incontinent. Generally, urinary incontinence occurs first (stage 6d), then fecal incontinence occurs (stage 6e). The incontinence can be treated, or even initially prevented entirely in many cases, by frequent toilet use. Subsequently, strategies for managing incontinence, including appropriate bedding, absorbent undergarments, etc., become necessary.

Requires assistance with cleanliness in using the bathroom. After Alzheimer’s patients lose the ability to dress and bathe without assistance, they lose the ability to independently maintain cleanliness in the bathroom.

Requires assistance to maintain continence. After Alzheimer’s patients lose the ability to dress, bathe and toilet without assistance, they develop incontinence. Generally, urinary incontinence precedes fecal incontinence. Strategies to prevent episodes of incontinence include taking the patient to the restroom and supervision of bathroom use.

In this sixth stage cognitive deficits are generally so severe that persons will display little or no knowledge when queried regarding such major aspects of their current life circumstances as their current address or the weather conditions of the day.

In this stage, the patient’s cognitive deficits are generally of such magnitude that the patient may at times confuse their wife with their mother or otherwise misidentify or be uncertain of the identity of close family members. At the end of this stage, speech ability overtly breaks down.

Recall of current events is generally deficient to the extent that the patient cannot name the current national head of state or other, similarly prominent newsworthy figures. Persons at this sixth stage will most often not be able to recall the names of any of the schools which they attended. They may, or may not, recall such basic life events as the names of their parents, their former occupation and the country in which they were born. They still have some knowledge of their own names; however, patients in this stage begin to confuse their spouse with their deceased parent and otherwise mistake the identity of persons, even close family members, in their own environment. Calculation ability is frequently so severely compromised at this stage that even well-educated patients had difficulty counting backward consecutively from 10 by 1s.

Emotional changes generally become most overt and disturbing in this sixth stage of AD. Although these emotional changes may, in part, have a neurochemical basis, they are also clearly related to the patient’s psychological reaction to their circumstances. for example, because of their cognitive deficits, patients can no longer channel their energies into productive activities. Consequently, unless the appropriate direction is provided, patients begin to fidget, to pace, to move objects around and place items where they may not belong, or to manifest other forms of purposeless or inappropriate activities. Because of the patient’s fear, frustration and shame regarding their circumstances, as well as other factors, patients frequently develop verbal outbursts and threatening, or even violent behavior may occur. Because patients can no longer survive independently, they commonly develop a fear of being left alone. Treatment of these and other behavioral and psychological symptoms which occur at this stage, as well as at other stages of AD, involves counseling regarding appropriate activities and the psychological impact of the illness upon the patient, as well as pharmacological interventions.

The mean duration of this sixth stage of AD is approximately 2.3 years. As this stage comes to an end, the patient, who is doubly incontinent and needs assistance with dressing and bathing, begins to manifest overt breakdown in the ability to articulate speech. Stuttering (verbigeration), neologisms, and/or an increased paucity of speech, become manifest.

Stage 7: Severe Alzheimer’s disease

At this stage, AD patients require continuous assistance with basic activities of daily life for survival. Six consecutive functional substages can be identified over the course of this final seventh stage. Early in this stage, speech has become so circumscribed, as to be limited to approximately a half-dozen intelligible words or fewer in the course of an intensive contact and attempt at an interview with numerous queries (stage 7a). As this stage progresses, speech becomes even more limited to, at most, a single intelligible word (stage 7b). Once speech is lost, the ability to ambulate independently (without assistance), is invariably lost. However, ambulatory ability is readily compromised at the end of the sixth stage and in the early portion of the seventh stage by concomitant physical disability, poor care, medication side-effects or other factors. Conversely, superb care provided in the early seventh stage, and particularly in stage 7b, can postpone the onset of loss of ambulation, potentially for many years. However, under ordinary circumstances, stage 7a has a mean duration of approximately 1 year, and stage 7b has a mean duration of approximately 1.5 years.

Early in the course of this final stage of AD speech ability is limited to only a few words. Later, all intelligible speech is essentially lost, with speech limited to at most, a single intelligible word. Subsequently, ambulatory ability is lost and the patient requires assistance in walking. Each substage of this final seventh stage lasts an average of 1-1.5 years.

JOIN THE FIGHT

» Volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Association. Visit alz.org/CRF to find an office in your area.

» Participate in Walk to End Alzheimer’s®
(alz.org/walk) and The Longest Day®
(alz.org/thelongestday).

» Become an advocate. Visit alz.org/advocacy.

» Participate in a clinical study as a healthy volunteer. Get started by creating a profile with Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch®
(alz.org/TrialMatch).

If you or a loved one is in need of in-home care-giving services that help with problems associated with Alzheimer’s, contact Quality Family Care today at 877-513-7156 to talk to one of our referral specialists to find the perfect match for your needs. You are not alone!

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Staying Fit Emotionally and Physically in Your Senior years

Your loved ones should be inspired emotionally, socially, and physically to preserve health and to prevent depression and detachment. Listed below are some suggestions to get you considering other ways to create a closer connection – and motivate your loved ones to keep discovering, strengthening, and having a good time.

Exercise and Games

Chair Workout: You can create your very own, ask your physician, order special DVDs, or download workouts from online resources as a guide. Check out our blog on senior flexibility, staying fit and healthy!

Walks: Even when it is just a daily walk or perhaps ride in a wheelchair outside. The fresh air and transition of pace can make a substantial difference in emotional state and blood circulation.

Outings: Go on a shopping adventure, to the marketplace, or a preferred dining establishment, etc.

Hand Strength and Balance: Use things like therapy dough to boost creativity and help make the hands active and healthy.
Wii by Nintendo can offer low-impact adventures inside the house for mobility. Search for games or fitness Wii games that your elderly relative or friend may take pleasure in.

Music: You can get CDs from the public library to test out new music. Download Spotify or Pandora for them for access to plenty of free classic music they can enjoy.

Electronic Games: There are many free and stimulating games online as well.

Old Favorites: Backgammon, checkers, poker or rummy, 20 questions, trivia games, etc.

If you or a loved one are looking for in-home health care options, or elderly companionship, contact the referral service you can trust. Quality Family Care is the number one trusted and family owned company in south Florida catering to the needs of seniors for over a decade. Ready for support you can trust? Call 877-513-7156 to learn more.

Making a decision about the future of your elderly loved one is never an easy choice. There are so many factors involved, and in a perfect setting you would have the time to take extra care of the one’s you love. As you age, time seems to slow down, but that doesn’t mean that the world slows down with it. Life is still happening fast for the rest of us, and sometimes taking time out of that schedule could set you back financially. Nursing homes aren’t always the best choice, although in some situations they become necessary. You want your family to feel as comfortable as possible, close by so you can spend as much time as possible with them. Caregivers make the world go around, literally! That’s why in home health care is so popular. There are many reason to choose the next step, so Quality Family Care has broken it down into the top reasons you may need elderly assistance at home.

Why Choose In Home Health Care?

Personal Care: Caregivers can help with bathing, nail trimming, dressing, and using the restroom. In-home companions and nurses are trained to provide adequate service for demands ranging from easy to extremely difficult everyday situations.

Old Age & Related Issues: Caregivers can help assist elderly loved ones on a full-time basis or periodically throughout the week. This helps your elderly loved ones enjoy the comfort of their own homes, giving them the freedom of having and maintaining their independence in a comfortable surrounding.

Errand Running: Caregivers can run errands for your senior family member, or even bring them out and about with them. Everyday shopping can be an enjoyable outing for many elderly if they have a someone to help.

Companionship: The peace of mind in having someone you trust to spend time with is important for everyone, with a trusted and hand selected provider, your loved one’s will receive the best companionship available from a family owned company you can trust.

Too Sick for Work: Recent outbreak of the flu or work-related injuries? You may be too sick for work but that doesn’t mean you require hospital care. In situations where a little extra assistance is the only solution, temporary in-home caregivers can provide relief and help while you are at home without being deserted in a hospital.

Meal Preparation: A caregiver can make sure your elderly loved one receives proper, nutritious meals every day and night. They can also keep your loved one company while they eat. In home caregivers are also prepared to meet any dietary restrictions (make sure to keep them informed).

When a Nurse is Necessary: Even when its a slip or hard fall or a long-term illness, sometimes a regular nurse is necessary. Keeping your loved one on track with medications and check-ups, an in-home nurse can be extremely helpful.

What are the Benefits of Home Care for Elderly Patients?

Many medical professionals feel that a patient best recovers in a clinical, sterile environment. This has recently been proven to be wrong and it may actually increase the chance of developing a hospital-acquired infection that can be fatal for some individuals and seniors are particularly at risk, especially when recovering from an injury or illness. Finding the right match and administering care to individuals in their home, with a certified caregiver can be helpful and it may also encourage better, faster, and more intimate healing because your loved one may be more comfortable in a familiar setting.

Make a Caregiving Assessment Checklist

Before you go out and search for the proper caregiver, make sure to make a checklist assessment. This will not only help with your choice, but be extremely beneficial once you have an in home companion or assistance. Present this list before and after to make sure that your loved ones needs are fulfilled to the best of you ability. Feel free to take a flip through all of our resources online. We have many articles designed to help you.

Contact a Company You Can Trust

If you have any questions, concerns, or reassurance about if our services match the needs of your situation, call Quality Family Care toll-free anytime at 877-513-7156. You deserve the best quality care that your family can find. And we are here to help.

Are you searching for that perfect gift that your elderly family member will use and love, Quality Family Care has a few suggestions for you. Below we have listed some amazing gift ideas, ranging from products for more independent older adults to gifts for the elderly with dementia, or any other special needs they may have. The following ideas are very helpful and can improve your senior family members quality of life. There is something for everyone below. Perfect for the upcoming holidays!

Gifts that Help Encourage Family Memories

1. Custom photo album
Showcase special photos or events so your older adult can reminisce anytime.

For those with Alzheimer’s or dementia, you could also create a custom book they’ll love to read by adding simple text to photos or images they enjoy.

• Walmart – from $8
• Mixbook – from $16
• Shutterfly – from $16

2. Custom photo calendar
Help your older adult keep track of days, months, and appointments while seeing smiling family faces.

• Walmart – from $10
• Mixbook – from $25
• Shutterfly – from $25

3. Custom photo blanket
Keep your older adult warm and cozy with familiar faces all around. These blankets are especially nice for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

• Walmart – from $45
• Shutterfly – from $60

4. Custom photo puzzle
Use family photos or pictures of places with special meaning to create a fun puzzle your older adult can put together again and again.

• Walmart – from $12, comes with custom gift box
• Shutterfly – $30, variety of photo layouts
• Portrait Puzzles – from $35, comes in variety of sizes & number of pieces

5. $45 TENKER PF0070 HD Digital Photo Frame

A digital photo frame is a wonderful way for older adults to easily view family photos. An automatic slideshow can scroll through all their favorites.

We like this photo frame because it also has a calendar and clock function.

Note: You’ll need a separate (and inexpensive) USB stick flash drive or SD memory cardto hold the digital photos for this frame.

Gifts that are Entertaining and Engaging

1. Favorite songs and albums

• Add to a music lover’s song collection or bring old favorites back into your older adult’s life
• Get the top music picks for every age group from 65 to 90+ on Spotify, Pandora, or Amazon Music.

2. $62 Music player boombox with CD, cassette tape, and AM/FM radio

• A simple portable boombox is a great way for your older adult’s to enjoy music or news
• Plays cassette tapes!
• Pro tip: To simplify the controls, put colored stickers on important buttons like Play and Stop

3. From $4 Beautiful coloring books – These coloring books have beautiful, frame-worthy images and can provide hours of relaxing fun.

4. Jigsaw puzzles

• Puzzles are a fun activity and a great way to exercise the brain
• Get options for older adults of all activity levels, even for those with cognitive or vision challenges

5. Large-print or jumbo playing cards – Use these easy-to-see cards to play a variety of fun card games.

Amazing Experiences For Seniors

Many older adults enjoy experiences more than material things. Consider giving a gift certificate for something they’ll enjoy or taking them out for a meal or activity.

1. Gift certificate for a favorite restaurant – They can enjoy a wonderful meal from you, or if you’re in the area, set a date where you’ll go out for a special meal together.

2. Gift certificate for personal services like hair styling, manicure, pedicure, or massage

• If you’re in the area, set a date where you’ll accompany them to their appointment
• Some spas even offer special geriatric massage!

3. SilverRide door-through-door assisted ride service

• Offers a variety of services – regular transportation, accompanied activities, medical pickups, etc.
• If you live far away, you could gift a special outing to a favorite museum, library, park, or anywhere! A companion will take them there and accompany them during the activity.

Gifts to reduce anxiety and promote calm and relaxation

1. Weighted blankets

Weighted blankets have been scientifically proven to relieve distress and anxiety.

They’re especially helpful for people with dementia and also great for anyone who has trouble sleeping, feels anxious, or would just enjoy feeling more relaxed (including you!)

Here are a few options:

• $73 YnM Weighted Blanket – 15 lbs, 48 x 72 inches
• $88 Sivio Weighted Blanket – 20 lbs, 60 x 80 inches
• $95 Good Knight Weighted Blanket – 20 lbs, 60 x 80 inches

2. $40 Heated throw blanket – A heated blanket keeps seniors toasty warm and eases aches and pains.

3. $31 Heavyweight wheelchair lap blanket – This cozy blanket keeps knees warm and conveniently attaches to the wheelchair.

Clothing and Footwear

1. Adaptive clothing
Specialized clothing makes life easier for someone with arthritis, limited mobility, incontinence, or other special needs. Here are some of our favorite options:

• Stylish adaptive clothes – perfect for elderly family members
• Alium – a new brand with innovative and comfortable adaptive clothing
• Adaptive shoes & slippers – great for people with gout, diabetes, edema, and other special foot care needs.

2. From $14 House slippers for women and men – These slippers have safe non-skid soles and are adjustable, breathable, and comfortable for wearing around the house.

3. $25 Sockwell Women’s Graduated Compression Socks – Compression socks improve circulation and reduce swelling from conditions like congestive heart failure. These have the added bonus of being fun and stylish!

Gifts for Easy Daily Life, Healthy Lifestyle and Wellbeing 

1. $13 AMIR motion-activated stick anywhere LED lights (3 pack) – These are great for automatically lighting dark corners, closets, or cabinets. They reduce fall risk by illuminating places where you aren’t able to add a lamp.

2. $16 Cup holder for rollator or wheelchair – Help your older adult stay hydrated by making it easy to keep their cup or water bottle within reach.

3. $17 Walker caddy / tote bag – A stylish and convenient way to carry essentials while using a walker, available in 3 colors/patterns.

4. $29 Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Can Opener – There’s no need to struggle with a manual can opener any longer! This automatic one doesn’t require any finger or hand strength.

5. $33 ComfiLife Gel & Memory Foam Seat Cushion – This gel and memory foam cushion makes it more comfortable to sit for long periods of time and reduces the risk of pressure sores.

6. $35 Hamilton Beach Automatic Jar Opener – Open any jar without needing a strong grip.

7. $40 Oral-B Black Pro 1000 Electric Toothbrush – Make brushing easier to improve dental health, eliminates strain on hands, wrists, and arms.

8. $50 Philips Norelco Electric Shaver 3100 – Get a comfortable, safe, and clean shave anywhere with a high-quality cordless rechargeable electric shaver.

Mobility, Movement, and Transporting Gift Ideas

1. $5 Walker ski glides – This great stocking stuffer makes it easier to use a walker, no more catching back legs on carpet.

2. $25 HandyBar Auto Standing Aid – This simple tool helps seniors get into and out of the car with ease.

3. $27 Hugo Mobility Quadpod Offset Cane – This cane increases stability and reduces fall risk, plus it’s one that’s recommended by physical therapists.

4. $55 Drive Medical 4 wheel rollator walker– This rollator walker is easy to maneuver, lightweight, and has a handy seat and backrest for rest breaks.

5. $159 “No-install” grab bar and pole – This sturdy tension pole can be installed anywhere to give extra help when getting up from the couch, recliner, or toilet.

6. Lyft or Uber gift card – On-demand rides are a convenient way for older adults to get to medical appointments, run errands, and visit family and friends.

7. GoGoGrandparent gift card – This is another wonderful on-demand ride service that’s perfect for seniors who don’t use smartphones. No mobile apps are needed and a live person is always available to help.

Technology Gifts that Help Seniors Stay Connected and Entertained

1. From $14/month Celery 2-way computerless email system – This low-tech system lets seniors keep in touch through email without having to own or use a computer.

2. From $50 + service GreatCall Lively mobile medical alert device – Having 5Star Urgent Response on a mobile device means older adults can get help anywhere, not just inside the house.

3. $50 Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Generation) – This hands-free, voice-controlled device plays music, gives weather reports, reads the news, answers questions, tells jokes, checks sports scores, reads audiobooks, and more.

4. $100 Amazon Echo (2nd Generation) – The “big sibling” to the Echo Dot, it does everything the Dot does, but has bigger and better speakers and comes in a variety of beautiful colors and finishes.

5. From $100 + service GreatCall Jitterbug Flip and Smart2 mobile phones – These easy to use phones have 5Star Urgent Response and additional safety features.

6. $200 + service GrandPad tablet – This simple tablet is perfect for seniors who are ready to start video chatting and sharing memories with family and friends around the world.

7. From $349 + service Claris Companion tablet – Seniors can enjoy photos, video chat, and Internet browsing on a simplified tablet (the average user age is 86). You can also supply your own Android tablet and buy the service only for $29/month.

8. From $899 Telikin Computer – These computers are created to be the easiest and most intuitive user experience possible. They’re simplified, but have all the benefits of a full computer. And tech support programs are available to help with any issues.

When In Home Care is Needed

If you or a loved one needs in-home assistance, contact our family here at Quality Family Care. Our care-giving specialists are standing by with tip and advise to help you take the next step. It’s not easy asking for help, but you deserve the peace of mind that our team can provide. Also check out our blog section at www.QualityFamilyCare.com with all the information you need to help keep your family safe and secure during this transition. Call us toll-free at 877-513-7156 to speak with a specialist. You are not alone.