Can a Whiteboard Help Calm Person Suffering with Dementia?
When a loved one has dementia, it can be challenging for families to provide the proper care and keep them safe at home. A whiteboard inside the house is one of several things families can do to make it easier for their loved one.
If you are caring for a parent or spouse with dementia you understand the challenges you and your loved one face each day. There are several strategies you could employ to help you take care of them. These “memory aids” can, in some cases, help a person in early dementia feel more comfortable. Many experts say words of reassurance become very helpful to reduce the anxiety the person feels. The goal is to help reduce the stress and burden on the family caregiver while making the person suffering from memory loss feel comfortable and less fearful for as long as possible. At some point, additional care will be required, either at home or in a memory care unit in an assisted living facility or nursing home. Unless the person has Long-Term Care Insurance the cost of that care is substantial.
Recently on social media, one daughter shared her use of a whiteboard. The board listed key items to help reduce the anxiety felt by the individual.
Make every effort to keep the home as 'familiar' as possible for the person with dementia. Old photographs and familiar objects are ideal for the person with dementia to stay connected with the past.
The latest technology can help people with dementia retain their independence, helping them stay at home safely. These options include 'assistive technologies' like virtual assistants, electronic reminders, and tracking devices. Large clocks with the day and date displayed will help them stay connected with the present.
Other items can help families keep a loved one with dementia safe at home and delay the need for a long-term care facility. These are a few:
- GPS tracking
- Medication aids
- Virtual assistants, such as Alexa or Google Home
- Dementia friendly phones
Service dogs can also be helpful.
In-home caregivers with experience with dementia patients will ease the stress on family members. LTC NEWS offers guides that can help families find the appropriate care for their loved ones:
Finding Quality In-Home Care | LTC News
Assisted Living and Memory Care Facilities | LTC News
Adult Day Care Centers can be beneficial as well. During the day, the person with dementia can be dropped off and later picked up and brought home. Adult Day Care can also be used as respite care for family caregivers - Adult Day Care Centers (ADCCs) | LTC News.
Is Your Family Prepared for Your Future Aging Issues?
Can you imagine how your children would deal with the responsibility of being your caregiver in the decades to come? How do you think it would impact their life? They would have a career or job responsibility. They may be a parent and spouse on top of their job responsibilities.
When you need care sometime in the future, your needs will progress, and the stress of being a family caregiver increases. Family caregivers face physical and emotional demands that place an enormous burden on them and their families.
There is a better solution. Take a look at how you are planning for your retirement. As you look at your 401(k), IRA, and other assets, think about how long they would last if you, at some point, would need to use them for long-term health care services. Either your family will be caregivers, or you will have paid care. You could have both. Your need for extended care will change your lifestyle and that of your spouse or partner. It places an emotional and financial burden on your loved ones.
The easy solution is affordable Long-Term Care Insurance. These policies will provide access to your choice of quality care either at home or in a facility. Most policies include professional case management, which will assist the family in finding appropriate care based on individual needs and preferences.
Long-Term Care Insurance is custom designed. You can decide to have the benefit levels you want and can afford. Most states participate in the Federal Long-Term Care Partnership Program. Partnership Long-Term Care Insurance gives you "asset disregard." In the event you exhaust your benefits, you get dollar-for-dollar asset protection. You can shelter part of your estate based on the total amount of benefits paid out and still access Medicaid will provide long-term health care services, but the care recipient must have little or no income and assets, plus the quality care is sometimes questionable.
Most people purchase Long-Term Care Insurance in their 50s as premiums are lower at younger ages, and your health offers you the most options.
Aging happens, our health declines, our bodies deteriorate, and sometimes we have memory loss. Being prepared won't stop aging, but it will reduce the financial and emotional stress on those you love.
About the Author
An LTC News author focusing on long-term care and aging.
James Kelly
Contributor since August 21st, 2017
Editor's Note
Being prepared for these changes that happen due to an illness, accident, or the impact of aging is a vital part of retirement planning. Health insurance and Medicare (including supplements) will not pay for most of these costs.
Family caregivers find it hard to juggle their careers and family responsibilities with that of a caregiver for an older parent. The burden is something most people have said in surveys that they don't want to place on their family.
The solution is affordable Long-Term Care Insurance. LTC Insurance provides guaranteed tax-free benefits to access your choice of quality care options, including care at home. You will be able to protect income and assets and reduce the stress and anxiety otherwise placed on loved ones.
Planning Tools and Resources on LTC NEWS
You can find many tools and resources on LTC NEWS to assist you in your research for a planning solution or help your family find the appropriate care for a loved one at the time of crisis.
To help you plan the costs and burdens of changing health and aging, LTC NEWS has put in place several resources, including:
- The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator will show you the current and future cost of long-term health care services where you live. Plus, each state has vital state-specific information you should know - Cost of Care Calculator - Choose Your State | LTC News
- The Ultimate Long-Term Care Guide is an outstanding read to help you get a good overview of the topic area.
- Compare the major insurance companies that offer Long-Term Care Insurance products here - Top Insurers for Long-Term Care Insurance | LTC News.
- A detailed tax guide that includes available tax incentives can be found by reviewing the Long-Term Care Tax Benefits Guide.
Find all the resources on LTC NEWS - Resources for Long-Term Care Planning | LTC News.
Seek Professional Guidance
Insurance rates are regulated, so no insurance agent, agency, or financial advisor can give you special deals. However, premiums vary over 100% between insurance companies for the same coverage.
Experts suggest using a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to help you navigate the many options available to you and your family.
A specialist who works with the top companies can match your age, health, family history, and other factors and find you the best coverage at the best value. A specialist will save you money, and you will have peace of mind knowing they are making the appropriate recommendations - Work With a Specialist | LTC News.
Get Expert Help Filing an LTC Insurance Claim
LTC NEWS provides free assistance with no obligation to help you or a loved one complete the claims process with your Long-Term Care Insurance policy.
You can also get support in finding quality caregivers and get recommendations for a proper care plan, whether a person has a policy or not. - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim | LTC News.
Benefits of Reverse Mortgages
Today's reverse mortgages for those aged 62 and older could be an ideal resource to fund a Long-Term Care Insurance policy OR even provide money to pay for care if you, or a loved one, already needs help and assistance.
Some people have much of their savings invested in their homes. With today's reverse mortgages, you can find ways to fund care solutions, care itself, even help with cash flow during your retirement.
Learn more by asking questions to an expert. LTC NEWS columnist and host of the TV Show "62 Who Knew" will answer your questions regarding caregiving, aging, health, retirement planning, long-term care, and reverse mortgages.
- Just "Ask Mike." - Reverse Mortgages | LTC News.
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Email your story idea or article: newsroom@ltcnews.com - LTC News Contributors | LTC News
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