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Friday, July 26, 2024

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Arson attacks paralyze French high-speed rail network hours before start of Olympics, the Obamas endorse Harris for President; A NY county creates facial recognition, privacy protections; Art breathes new life into pollution-ravaged MI community; 34 Years of the ADA.

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Harris meets with Israeli PM Netanyahu and calls for a ceasefire. MI Rep. Rashida Tlaib faces backlash for a protest during Netanyahu's speech. And VA Sen. Mark Warner advocates for student debt relief.

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There's a gap between how rural and urban folks feel about the economy, Colorado's 'Rural is Rad' aims to connect outdoor businesses, more than a dozen of Maine's infrastructure sites face repeated flooding, and chocolate chip cookies rock August.

Summer safety tips for CT people with dementia, Alzheimer’s

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Monday, May 27, 2024   

This Memorial Day, Connecticut health experts are guiding caregivers on how to keep people with Alzheimer's safe.

People with the various forms of dementia cannot always voice their needs, so caregivers have to be mindful.

Kristen Cusato, director of communications for the Connecticut chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, noted planning ahead reduces injury risk and helps a person with dementia feel more relaxed. She said Memorial Day celebrations can sometimes overwhelm someone with Alzheimer's or dementia.

"Maybe if you normally have a giant picnic with a ton of people, maybe you just have a smaller picnic with yourself, and a couple of family members and the person with dementia," Cusato suggested. "Go sit on the beach with a nice umbrella and nice cool towels for the neck."

She added people with dementia might not recognize if they are getting sunburned, so keeping them covered is essential. One thing to avoid is the overstimulation watching fireworks in person could create. Cusato recommended watching at home could be a better and less frightening option. She added shutting the shades in a cool room, and turning on music or a TV show can make it an enjoyable Memorial Day for all.

Cusato pointed out there are some things people do not always consider when caring for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia. One in particular is how heat can agitate someone with the illnesses. Rather than argue with them, she advised good communication skills -- and what she described as "going into their reality" -- makes a difference.

"Someone said, 'Oh boy, I'm not feeling well, I've got to go home, I've got to go home.' 'OK, tell us what home means to you. What is it like at the home? Oh, you grew up on So-and-So Avenue. Tell us about that,'" Cusato outlined. "Don't say the words, 'Remember this, remember that.'"

Pulling out a photo album can sometimes reorient the person who is feeling threatened. She added it is important to stay with your loved one at gatherings and offer a quiet place away from crowds. About 70% of Alzheimer's patients wander. Cusato also suggested registering them with "Bring Me Back Home," a program to help law enforcement locate missing or wandering people.


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