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Judge temporarily blocks effort to deport Palestinian activist who helped lead Columbia student protests; Power of rural organizing reflected in SD carbon pipeline law; Safety at risk as budget cuts hit Indiana Dunes National Park; Barriers to tracking bird flu mount amid federal changes.

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House Democrats won't back the GOP budget bill. Ontario reacts to Trump trade moves by enacting energy export tariffs, and a new report finds mass deportations don t help the labor market.

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Immigrant communities are getting advice from advocates as the reach of ICE expands, experts in rural America urge lawmakers to ramp up protections against elder abuse, and a multi-state arts projects seeks to close the urban-rural divide.

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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