There was an article published recently that talked about how football could play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s and dementia later in life, and it seems to have spawned concern in many parents, and even many senior caregivers who wonder if sports related activities might be responsible for their loved one’s cognitive decline.
Well, there’s good reason for concern because there is some evidence that football injuries can lead to dementia and Alzheimer’s. This study surveyed former NFL players over the age of 50 and found that 6.1% of them had been diagnosed with some form of Alzheimer’s or dementia, which is a scary reality when the national average is a mere 1.2% in the same age group. Of course, experts are also saying that further investigation is needed to determine if this is a reasonable sample, so don’t automatically attribute a life of sports to being responsible for any cognitive decline that your loved one has experienced later in life, and don’t pull your kid out of their weekly sports league just yet. But it is reasonable to recognize that additional protection is needed in order to ensure that the senior years aren’t compromised by taking additional safety precautions during youth activities.
Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders. Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.
The TownLake YMCA has begun a once a week respite program for persons with early to mid stages of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and their caregivers. The “Friday Senior Retreat” is held each Friday from 11-2pm.
Activities are geared toward relatively active individuals. Participants enjoy aquatic fitness, spinning, ballroom dancing, restorative yoga, and “strength and stretch.” Classes are taught by the YMCA fitness staff. Music, as well, is incorporated into every “retreat,” be it a musical guest or an informal sing-along. The program is set-up to focus on individual needs and to include modified versions of activities which participants have enjoyed in their past (e.g. fitness, music, dancing, crafts, etc.).
The fee is $10 per session, which includes lunch. YMCA membership is not required, but encouraged for families of participants. During this time we encourage caregivers to run errands, take a walk around the lake, exercise, or network with other caregivers. For participant and volunteer information, please contact Laurie McDaniel at 799-3426, or email lalamcd@yahoo.com.
Watch for this program to expand to other YMCAs of Greater Austin.
The mission of the YMCA Senior Retreat is to improve the lives of the individual diagnosed with the early to mid-stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia and their caregiver through fitness, music, camaraderie and open hearts.
Home Instead Senior Care in Austin helps a family caregiver manage elder home care in Austin. Please call us when seeking non-medical home care, companionship, and professional caregvers in Austin. Call us (512) 347-9207.
Caregiving Requires Dedication
As a family member providing home care for an aging relative living with Alzheimer’s disease, you can enhance communication with them by:
• Avoiding distractions and noise.
• Keeping things simple – using short sentences and plain words.
• Being patient and not interrupting when your loved one is expressing him or herself.
• Maintaining eye contact and showing interest. Staying near your loved one, so he or she knows someone is listening and trying to understand.
• Not taking it personally. As hurtful as it is, you need to remember it is the disease talking, not your loved one.
• Using props and cues to increase recognition. For example, when taking your loved one to the bathroom, you can point to the toilet and ask, “Do you need to go to the bathroom?”
• Remaining calm – using a normal and relaxed voice. Patience pays off with a smoother day.
Most families know little about Alzheimer’s disease and how best to cope with home care. We have found that when family caregivers are equipped with some practical information and easy-to-apply techniques, they can provide effective home care for their loved one and reduce their own level of stress. We can offer you a copy of a booklet called Helping Families Cope offering practical tips and resources to family caregivers struggling to care for their loved ones in their home.
