The Power of Pictures

A favorite way for many of our caregivers to spend quality time with a loved one is to look at photographs. They could be from a giant coffee table book or a beloved family photo album or scrapbook.

We all love to view photographs because of the strong emotions they can evoke, and memories too. Recently a representative from the Museum of Photographic Arts presented some images from the Balboa Park museum's permanent collection to participants at our Hillcrest Center.

The slideshow was titled "Around the World" and everyone was guessed the location of each photo, then discussed any memories that might be associated with that place, be it China, Mexico, Arizona, Laos, Israel, Haiti and other locations. They were asked about the subjects' body language and also about the composition of the photos themselves. Each gave the MoPA representative their rapt attention.

We thought of this experience when reading a piece in the Pittsburgh Gazette today about museum programs for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. A New York University medical team evaluated patients' behaviors before and after viewing an art exhibit.

Here's what they discovered:

Effects on participants in general, the NYU med school study showed, included caregivers reporting fewer problems during the week following their visit; both caregivers and patients reporting elevated mood; caregivers reporting an increase in social support; and patients reporting elevated self-esteem.

"It's a beautiful experience," said Ms. Perkins. "The caregiver enjoys the art with the loved one. They're outside the care facility ... [the caregivers] are creating a memory of their loved one."

Ms. Berringer said, "I see them making connections with other people. They sit up a little taller. They talk a little louder. I really think their behavior changes when they leave [Woodside] and go out in the community. It happens on other trips, too, but especially the museum.

Article: Museum Programs for Alzheimer's Patients Shows the Power of Art as Therapy

Holiday Celebrations Abound

We've been having a great time merry making at our George G. Glenner Alzheimer's Family Centers. We thought we'd share some scenes of our celebrations. Enjoy!

'Tis the Season to Celebrate

It can be stressful trying to juggle the usual daily tasks with those extra activities that come around this time of year. That's doubly so for primary caregivers.

Remember to always take a few minutes to sit back and reflect on what's important - like relationships - and you'll truly enjoy the real gifts of the season.

[More photos of our corporate staff during a holiday dinner can be found on our Facebook page.]

How to Help Prevent Falls

We all suffer from falls now and then, but the consequences for the elderly can be severe, resulting in fractures and immobility. This places even more responsibility on their caregivers too.

The Centers for Disease Control's National Center for Injury and Prevention years ago created a brochure on How to Prevent Falls Among Seniors. We thought we'd outline those tips here for those who may be noticing their loved one falling more than usual.

Make sure your loved one gets regular exercise.
Exercise is one of the most important ways to reduce the chance of falling. It makes you stronger and helps you feel better. Exercises that improve balance and coordination (like Tai Chi) are the most helpful. similarly, the lack of exercise leads to weakness and increases your chances of falling.

Make your home safe.
About half of all falls happen at home. You should:
--Remove things you can trip over (such as papers, books, clothes, and shoes) from stairs and places where you walk.
--Remove small throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping.
--Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool.
--Have grab bars put in next to your toilet and in the tub or shower.
--Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.
--Improve the lighting in your home. As you get older, you need brighter lights to see well. Lamp shades or frosted bulbs can reduce glare.
--Have handrails and lights put in on all staircases.
--Wear shoes that give good support and have thin non-slip soles. Avoid wearing slippers and athletic shoes with deep treads.

Have your health care provider review medicines.
Have your doctor or pharmacist look at all the medicines your loved one is taking, including over-the-counter drugs such as cold tablets. As we age, the way some medicines work change. Some medicines, or combinations of medicines, can make you drowsy or light-headed which can lead to a fall.

Get your vision checked.
Your parent or spouse may be wearing the wrong glasses or have a condition such as glaucoma or cataracts that limits their vision. Poor vision can increase your chances of falling.

Source: Centers for Disease Control

The MedicAlert + Safe Return Program

Almost daily we read reports of someone with Alzheimer's or a related dementia who wandered out the door and is now missing. Many cases involve happy reunions, though some like this case in Detroit do not.

One program we recommend for caregivers to consider is the Alzheimer's Association's MedicAlert + Safe Return program. The George G. Glenner Alzheimer's Family Centers are official registration sites, which means anyone can come to one of our centers and register their loved one for a national database. You can also go online to purchase a MedicAlert ID bracelet or pendent as part of the program.

Once enrolled, a caregiver now has a powerful tool to track down their loved one in the event they are missing. With one call to a toll-free number, an alert is simultaneously sent to multiple agencies, including police and sheriff's deputies. The sooner and more widely spread the alert, the more quickly someone can be found. If the lost person is wearing ID, a citizen or emergency personnel who finds a wanderer can call the same toll-free number on the bracelet or pendant.

"Particularly with the holidays, when we're unusually busy and easily distracted with house guests or tied up with shopping and gift-wrapping, Alzheimer's patients may wander without anyone immediately noticing. The chaos that comes with the holidays can be upsetting to them," said Kelly Focht, CEO of the Glenner's Alzheimer's Family Centers.

She recommends that caregivers make sure any visitors or houseguests understand there is someone at home who may wander; do not assume people will keep an eye on them for you when you're in another room or part of the house. Also, keep doors locked and use home alarms if you can to alert you when a door is opened.

See our previous post on What to Do About Wandering.