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Holiday Tips for Alzheimer's
Written by Jeff Walls
Monday, 28 November 2011 17:32
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Crestwood Care Centre - Crestwood, IL - Small holiday dinnerOrganizing and celebrating the holidays can be a stressful time for anyone. This is especially true for the lose living with Alzheimer’s and the caregivers that provide for them. The holidays are meant to be a time for family and friends to come together to celebrate an occasion. For many, traditions are a key element to these events and the pressure to keep “things” the same can easily lead to disappointment, depression and even anger, for both the Alzheimer’s patient and those near to them.

First and foremost, family members and friends will have to be flexible when celebrating with a loved one with Alzheimer’s / dementia. The stage of the disease will dictate many of the factors, such as time, place, size of gathering…. For later stage cases, small adult dinners in a quiet setting would probably work best. The loved one may not remember everyone at the party, but it is important no to badger them and continuously try to get them to remember. It will only lead to frustration for everyone. Another important element to consider are holiday decorations. Keep them simple and minimal when someone with Alzheimer’s is present. The threat of tripping on extension cords or Crestwood Care Centre - Crestwood, IL - Holiday sweaters for Alzheimer's giftsstrands of lights becomes greater, especially in the later stages, as well as, decorations being mistaken for edible treats. If your loved one is already living in a nursing home or assisted living community, it may be best to celebrate the holidays there. After all, that is their home. It would ease the stress and insure a safe environment for everyone. Most facilities offer holiday dinners and celebrations that allow family and friends to partake in. Crestwood Care Centre - Crestwood, IL - Holiday safety and Alzheimer's

Finally, there is always the matter of gifts. This, again, will depend on the level of Alzheimer’s that your loved one is living with. It may get to a point where family photos and memorabilia aren’t recognized and may even lead to confusion and frustration. Warm blankets and comfortable clothing are always a good option for someone with Alzheimer’s. Slippers with rubber treads are also a great gift. More than likely, your loved one will get to a point where they wander. It is common and if they are in a secure environment, harmless. However, slippers and shoes with rubber treads will help to eliminate falls and accidents.

By making some minor adjustments and following simple steps, the holidays will continue to be enjoyable occasions for the entire family.

Do you know someone with Alzheimer’s? Do you have suggestions for celebrating the holidays while caring for someone with Alzheimer’s/dementia? We would love to hear your stories.
 


 
Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation
Written by Jeff Walls
Monday, 07 November 2011 17:36
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If you’ve been following this blog, you know the risk factors that can lead to stroke as well as the actual symptoms when a stroke is/has occurred. Logically, it follows that in this entry, we will discuss the recovery period of post-stroke.
Previously, we stressed the importance of taking action quickly when a stroke has occurred. The quicker that medical treatment can be administered, the better chance to avoid serious or life-threatening damage to the brain. This is also true in rehabilitation and recovery efforts. Most rehabilitation takes place within 24-48 hours after a stroke has occurred and the patient is stabilized. Because different parts of the brain control different parts of the body, each stroke survivor will suffer unique disabilities.
These fall into 5 categories:


  1. Paralysis or problems controlling movements

  2. Sensory Disturbances, including pain
problemsCrestwood Care Centre-Crestwood, IL-Stroke Rehab
  3. Using and/or understanding language
  4. Problems with thinking and/or memory

  5. Emotional disturbances

An individual could suffer from problems in one or all of these areas. It will be up to a health care professional to recommend treatments. More than likely, a skilled nursing facility will be the first choice. It will be important to find a facility that offers what you need and has a good success rate. When undergoing rehab for a stroke, there is generally a team of specialists that will be involved in each case.
This will include:


  • Physicians
  • Rehabilitation Nurses
  • Therapists-(Physical, Occupational, Recreational, Speech and Vocational)
  • Mental Health Professionals

Together, they will work with the patient, stressing focus on repetitive exercises and movements, to regain or learn new methods of moving/communicating. The length of rehab can range from weeks to years, depending on the case. By surrounding yourself with a team of knowledgeable experts, your chances of a positive recovery are much greater.

Have you or someone you know suffered a stroke? What therapies did you/they take part in? Were they helpful? Please feel free to share your stories and experiences. They may be of help to someone going through similar circumstances.
 


 
Stroke Symptoms: Act FAST!
Written by Jeff Walls
Monday, 22 August 2011 15:00
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   Crestwood Care Centre-Crestwood, IL-Know the symptoms of stroke and act FASTPreviously, we discussed some of the common risk factors that could lead to stroke, whether they be controllable or non-controllable.  Just as important as taking every precaution possible to avoid a stroke, it is equally important to know the signs of a stroke as they happen.  Whether you are the one experiencing these symptoms or you suspect a loved is or has experienced them, time is crucial when it comes to seeking medical attention.  The National Stroke Association (NSA) has listed several symptoms to look for that indicate a stroke is/has occurred:

  • SUDDEN numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg-especially on only side of the body
  • SUDDEN confusion,trouble speaking or understanding
  • SUDDEN trouble seeing in one or both eyes
  • SUDDEN trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
  • SUDDEN severe headache with no known cause

If you suspect that someone you are with is experiencing one or more of these signs, the NSA also provides a quick test they call  Act F.A.ST.:

  • Face-ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
  • Arms-ask the person t raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
  • Speech-ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are their words slurred? Can they repeat the
  •        sentence correctly?
  • Time-If the person shows ANY of these symptoms, time is important.  Call 911 or get them to a
  •         hospital quickly. Brain cells are dying.

It is important to keep in mind that not every warning sign will occur in every case of stroke.  It is also very important to know the time when the symptoms first started to appear.  Doctors will want to know this information and it can help in determining the kind of care and treatment that will best aid the individual.  It is also common for the person suffering the stroke to be in denial. They may attribute the symptoms to something else and even refuse to seek medical attention. It is important to act regardless.  Get them to a physician as quickly as possible.

In the final part of this series, we will cover the recovery issues that one will face if they have suffered a stroke.  From rehabilitation to prevention of recurrent strokes, we will discuss the many physical and undoubtedly, emotional changes that may occur.  As always, we look forward to any comments and feedback.  Have you or someone you know had a stroke?  What were the symptoms experienced? By sharing your experiences, you could help save someone else who finds themselves in a similar situation.


 
Stroke Risk Factors
Written by Jeff Walls
Thursday, 04 August 2011 15:52
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     Crestwood Care Centre-Crestwood, IL-Stroke Risk FactorsThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that strokes are the third leading cause of death in the United States and though most occur in people over 65, they can can occur at any age.   As a community resource, Crestwood Care Centre provides helpful and important information on health and well being.  Crestwood Care Centre is also a community leader in stroke rehabilitation and long term care for stroke survivors. Through this forum, we wil be discussing stroke in 3 parts; risk, symptoms and recovery, beginning with risk.
     There are many factors that play into an individual's risk level.  As mentioned above, a stroke can occur in anyone at any age, however, there are definite groups that are at a higher risk. The National Stroke Association breaks these risk factors into 2 main categories; controllable and uncontrollable.  The Crestwood Care Centre-Crestwood, IL-alcohol consumption can lead to strokecontrollable risk factors are also divided into 2 categories, lifestyle and medical:
Controllable Risk Factors

Medical:   

  • High Blood Pressure
     
  • Atrial Fibrillation
     
  • High Cholesterol
     
  • Diabetes                                                                                                                Crestwood Care Centre-Crestwood, IL-Smoking can lead to increased risk of stroke

Lifestyle:  

  • Tobacco Use (smoking, dip, etc...)
     
  • Alcohol Use
     
  • Physical Inactivity
     
  • Obesity

These are all risk factors that can be controlled with medications and/or changes in lifestyle.  Obviously, by making lifestyle changes early, you can reduce the chances of ever needing medical/medication control later on.
     The second category, covers the risk factors that cannot be changed in any way.Crestwood Care Centre-Crestwood, IL-Obesity can lead to stroke
Uncontrollable Risk Factors

  •            Age
  •            Gender
  •            Race
  •            Family History
  •            Previous Stroke or TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack)
  •            Fibro muscular Dysplasia
  •            PFO (Patent Foramen Ovale; a hole in the heart)

 


Statistics show that the majority of strokes occur in the over 55 age group, in males and in African-Americans, Hispanics and Asian/Pacific Islanders. Even though these factors listed above cannot be changed, it is still important to be aware of them, so that you can recognize signs or symptoms of a stroke.  Talk to your doctor and make sure that he/she has a complete history of stroke in your family, as well as accurate details of your lifestyle. 

Next, we will discuss the symptoms of stroke.  This will include things to look for if you think you are having/had one or you think a loved one is having/had one.  We encourage everyone to please leave their comments or stories regarding stroke.  Have you or a loved one suffered a stroke?  What were your risk factors? 


 
Introduction to Crestwood Care Centre BLOG
Written by Jeff Walls
Monday, 01 August 2011 16:22
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     Welcome to the blog of Crestwood Care Centre & Direct Dialysis.  We are introducing  this particular forum with the goal of providing the latest information on such topics as diabetes/dialysis, stroke, Alzheimer's/dementia and wound care. We also would like to create open dialogues amongst our readers in hopes that shared experiences and knowledge will help to improve everyone's understanding of such issues, as well as pose new questions.
     The relationship between Crestwood Care Centre and Direct Dialysis provides a unique environment for in-house residents as well as our out- patients.  It is through this relationship that we have garnered so much experience and insight. We intend to focus a lot of the information and discussion presented here on diabetes:  diagnosis, diet/nutrition and treatment,particularly dialysis. Look for our first post, "Stroke Risk Factors" on August 5th. 
     In the future, we will be discussing various other specialty care issues, such as dialysis, physical rehabilitation, Alzheimer's/dementia education and wound care. Crestwood Care Centre has long been a community resource for senior health care issues and dialysis.  We look forward to not only providing information, be it to professionals or the general public, but to the sharing of ideas and experiences with our readers. If you have any questions or thoughts concerning dialysis, diabetes or senior care in general, please leave your comments here.

Crestwood Care Centre 708-371-0400
Direct Dialysis 708-824-9200