August 2014

As Summer Heats Up, So Does the Fun

 

ActivCare at Bressi Ranch has packed it's activity calendar full of fun summer events in August. We invite you to take a peek at what's happening. In addition, if you are planning a vacation, ActivCare has respite program to care for loved ones while you are away. This month you'll find:

  • Summer Activities to do with those with Alzheimer's 
  • Learn about the ActivCare respite program -- for short-term stays
  • Discover fun ways to keep your loved one hydrated
  • 6 Ways your loved one with Alzheimer's can have a safe summer
  • An invitation for our Caregiver Support Group

See articles below.

ActivCare August Activities Are Awesome

Anyone up for a Luau (Aug. 21)? How about a trip to the Birch Aquarium (Aug. 1)? Want to try Chair Tai Chi Exercise (Aug.19)? These activities and more are planned for August at ActivCare at Bressi Ranch. For a list of all of the activities and events, check out the schedule below. Family members are welcome to participate, too.
August Activity Calendar

Summer Activities to Do with Those with Alzheimer's 

Now that summer is here, outdoor activities for someone with Alzheimer's and dementia can be extremely therapeutic. However making the summer months fun can be a great challenge for caregivers. 

Summer activities such as brief walks in the park feeds the senses which stimulates the brain. How do you know what your loved one will enjoy? One tip is to look at your loved one's past hobbies or recreational pursuits to determine what he or she would like. ActivCare has found some ideas of summer activities that you can share with your loved one. 
 
Click on the link below to learn more. 

 
Going on Vacation?
We can help care for your loved one 
 
If you are planning a trip, ActivCare's Respite program is ideal for those who will be heading out of town for a short period of time. ActivCare offers respite stays for those with memory loss lasting from a week to a month. Each guest will be provided the stimulating activities of the ActivCare program along with a comfortable homelike environment and a community of friends. 

We would be happy to share more information about our respite program at ActivCare at Bressi Ranch. Please contact us at (800) 425-2091.

Need A Break From Caring for a Loved One? 
The Southern Caregiver Resource Center can fund respite services to relieve caregivers of the stresses of constant care. Contact the Southern Caregiver Resources Center to find out more about their Respite Care program. (858) 268-4432.

 

Dehydration Is a Risk
for Someone with Alzheimer's

Staying hydrated is essential during these summer months. It is common among individuals with Alzheimer's or dementia to forget to drink or not realize that he or she is thirsty. Caregivers need to be cognizant about risks and plan ahead to make sure aging loved ones are properly hydrated.

 

Here are some tips to help encourage fluid consumption and reduce the risk of elderly dehydration:

  1. Offer fluids on a regular basis throughout the day. For fun, make it a social activity.
  2. Encourage 8 oz. of fluid intake every time the senior takes medication.
  3. Keep water bottles and/or a water cooler available throughout the day 
  4. Provide favorite "Mocktail" concoctions or your senior's favorite beverages (make sure they're not caffeinated or alcoholic). 
Get creative and offer your loved one a variety of beverages. Cool down this summer with a delicious, ice-cold Strawberry Mocktail (non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic). Recipe is in the link below.

Read more about the steps that can be taken to prevent dehydration here. 
6 Ways Your Loved One Can Have a Safe Summer
 
The month of August brings outdoor adventures, family trips and fun, and an opportunity to make incredible memories. As you plan your summer fun, be sure to take precautions that keep your loved ones with Alzheimer's disease or dementia safe. 

 

Tips that can help keep seniors safe with rising temperatures:
  1. Stay Hydrated
  2. Apply Sunscreen Regularly
  3. Dress Appropriately 
  4. Limit Sun Exposure
  5. Be Watchful Around Water
  6. Avoid Loud Noises and Crowds

 To learn more about these tips, click here.

Caregiver Support Group

 

Sometimes you just need to talk. We're here for you. ActivCare at Bressi Ranch offers a support group for family caregivers of those with Alzheimer's and dementia. The meetings are held once a month and are free and open to the public. 

 

Plan to join our next Caregiver Support Group meeting on Tuesday, August 12 at 10 am. Call (800) 425-2091 to reserve your spot today.

In This Issue
Summer Activities to do with those with Alzheimer
Going on Vacation?
Limit Dehydration Risk
6 Ways Your loved one can have a safe summer
Caregiver Support Group
Did You Know?

  

ActivCare Memory Care Activity Tip 

 

 Keep it Simple

    

Prioritize errands and make no more than two stops a day with an Alzheimer's family member.
 

Constantly getting into and out of the car with noise, distractions, and overwhelming stimuli can increase tension, confusion and the trigger for a
catastrophic reaction.

 

 
 
DID YOU KNOW?
It's Never Too Late to Start
  

  

  

Grandma Moses, who captivated U.S. Presidents and art audiences world wide, did not start painting until she was 76 years old.



The first edition of Roget's Thesaurus was published when Roget was 73 (after he had retired), and he oversaw every update until
he was 90.



At age 92, Paul Spangler finished his 14th marathon. 
(We're still working
on our first.)



Harland Sanders started his Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant franchise at age 65.


 
Benjamin Franklin retired from public service when
he was 82.

 

 

 Arianna Huffington started
The Huffington Post at the age of 54.



On the day of his death, at the age of 78, Galileo was said to be planning a new kind of clock that would tell time-in minutes and seconds, not just hours-using
a pendulum swing instead of movement of water or sand. 

 

 

 

And for those who have done it all, AARP has put together a list of
22 Things You Should Never Do Again After 50.

 

 

 


ActivCare at Bressi Ranch's specially designed environment, engaging activity program and compassionate caregivers provide the perfect combination for residents with memory loss to thrive.

We invite you to take a tour and see for yourself. Please call me at (800) 425-2091. 
  
Regards,

 

Melissa Koch

ActivCare at Bressi Ranch 

 

P.S. Be sure to Like us on Facebook.  and follow us on Twitter.

 

 

 

6255 Nygaard Street

 

Carlsbad, CA  92009

 

activcareliving.com