ALZHEIMER'S BLOG:
Enjoy these articles from Alzheimer's Weekly.
http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/seroquel-suit-settled-685m
http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/copper-our-diet
http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/what-triggers-alzheimer-s-could-liver
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press an Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Sunday, March 13, 2011
ALZHEIMER'S BLOG:
I know I already blogged today, but I just had a patient that made me think What is quality of life?
So I looked it up.
From Wikipedia:
The term quality of life is used to evaluate the general well-being of individuals and societies. The term is used in a wide range of contexts, including the fields of international development, healthcare, and politics. Quality of life should not be confused with the concept of standard of living, which is based primarily on income. Instead, standard indicators of the quality of life include not only wealth and employment, but also the built environment, physical and mental health, education, recreation and leisure time, and social belonging. Also frequently related are concepts such as freedom, human rights, and happiness.
Also frequently related are concepts such as freedom, human rights, and happiness.
From another site about quality of life -
Quality of Life is often defined in a very negative way, simply as the absence of health threatening hazards from the environment or as the absence of disease or medical problems. Even if we take a more positive approach and consider the advantages the environment offers (e.g. in arts, schools, natural beauty, access and so on) this is again a static viewpoint and assumes that a body that is functioning at its optimum in an optimum environment is somehow also optimised. Nothing could be further from the truth, a vegetable could perhaps say that - but not a human.
Now my question is what is quality of life for the Alzheimer's patient.
I just picked up a 76 yr old male patient who has a pacemaker, Foley, feeding tube and on oxygen. He is totally confused due to his dementia / Alzheimer's. Is this the quality of life you want? Just a thought.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press an Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
I know I already blogged today, but I just had a patient that made me think What is quality of life?
So I looked it up.
From Wikipedia:
The term quality of life is used to evaluate the general well-being of individuals and societies. The term is used in a wide range of contexts, including the fields of international development, healthcare, and politics. Quality of life should not be confused with the concept of standard of living, which is based primarily on income. Instead, standard indicators of the quality of life include not only wealth and employment, but also the built environment, physical and mental health, education, recreation and leisure time, and social belonging. Also frequently related are concepts such as freedom, human rights, and happiness.
Also frequently related are concepts such as freedom, human rights, and happiness.
From another site about quality of life -
Quality of Life is often defined in a very negative way, simply as the absence of health threatening hazards from the environment or as the absence of disease or medical problems. Even if we take a more positive approach and consider the advantages the environment offers (e.g. in arts, schools, natural beauty, access and so on) this is again a static viewpoint and assumes that a body that is functioning at its optimum in an optimum environment is somehow also optimised. Nothing could be further from the truth, a vegetable could perhaps say that - but not a human.
Now my question is what is quality of life for the Alzheimer's patient.
I just picked up a 76 yr old male patient who has a pacemaker, Foley, feeding tube and on oxygen. He is totally confused due to his dementia / Alzheimer's. Is this the quality of life you want? Just a thought.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press an Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Alzheimer's Blog
So the other day on my ambulance here is how it went. I get called for 73 yr old male patient at 300 am in the morning. His blood pressure is high like 200/100 and he has a temp of 102 which they found out at 200 am. I of course ask the nurses if they gave this patient his blood pressure medication and some non- aspirin for the fever and the answer was no because they want the doctor to see this.
So here is my patient, lying in bed sleeping.
"Sir," I say before I touch him. Drool is running from his mouth. He doesn't wake up. "Sir," I say again as I now touch his shoulder and he is startled.
Imagine you are this patient. You have dementia, sleeping and have no idea what is going on. A stranger is talking to you, telling you that you have to go to the hospital and all you want to do is sleep. You would have to be frightened, wondering why your space is being invaded. Why are two strangers picking him up, making him go to a gurney, out in the cold night air, and into an ambulance which is frightened looking than out into a hospital with nurses and doctors probing around you.
I did talk the nurses at the nursing home to give this patient his blood pressure medication and a Tylenol which of course his blood pressure and temp went down.
Just an insight for you to see what goes on sometimes with your loved one with dementia/Alzheimer's when at a facility.
Have a great day. And thank you for letting me take care of your loved ones on my ambulance.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprintt of James A Rock Pub., Co.
http://www.mariefostino.com/
http://www.mariefostino.blogspot.com/
So the other day on my ambulance here is how it went. I get called for 73 yr old male patient at 300 am in the morning. His blood pressure is high like 200/100 and he has a temp of 102 which they found out at 200 am. I of course ask the nurses if they gave this patient his blood pressure medication and some non- aspirin for the fever and the answer was no because they want the doctor to see this.
So here is my patient, lying in bed sleeping.
"Sir," I say before I touch him. Drool is running from his mouth. He doesn't wake up. "Sir," I say again as I now touch his shoulder and he is startled.
Imagine you are this patient. You have dementia, sleeping and have no idea what is going on. A stranger is talking to you, telling you that you have to go to the hospital and all you want to do is sleep. You would have to be frightened, wondering why your space is being invaded. Why are two strangers picking him up, making him go to a gurney, out in the cold night air, and into an ambulance which is frightened looking than out into a hospital with nurses and doctors probing around you.
I did talk the nurses at the nursing home to give this patient his blood pressure medication and a Tylenol which of course his blood pressure and temp went down.
Just an insight for you to see what goes on sometimes with your loved one with dementia/Alzheimer's when at a facility.
Have a great day. And thank you for letting me take care of your loved ones on my ambulance.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprintt of James A Rock Pub., Co.
http://www.mariefostino.com/
http://www.mariefostino.blogspot.com/
Sunday, March 6, 2011
ALZHEIMER'S BLOG:
It always feels good when someone asks me questions about a loved one with severe dementia. Here is how the text came: Hi Marie, I have been referred to you for help with my mother-in-law who is getting progressively worse with dementia and we want to continue care for her at home verse an institution.
First I want to remind you all that you are not alone. There is help for you. You need to educate yourself as to what is going on with your loved one and than to the resources around you. One good resource is Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/index.asp Next they do have a map that will help you find a good support group where ever you live.
http://www.alz.org/index.asp. Alzheimer's Weekly an on line magazine is also very helpful in educating anyone about this disease. http://www.alzheimersweekly.com
As my father in law got worse, weak, no appetite, long naps, not making sense anymore when he talks, I put him on hospice. They were wonderful. A nurse came out once a week to check up on him. I worked two days a week and on those two days an aid came out and bathed him for me. I don't know what I would have done without them. They also gave me the piece of mind I needed so when the day came and he was dying I could handle this at home.
Please find your self a good support group. Also remember if you don't take care of yourself how can you take care of anyone else. So get some respite care. It is not being selfish to take a couple days to your self, it is necessary.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
It always feels good when someone asks me questions about a loved one with severe dementia. Here is how the text came: Hi Marie, I have been referred to you for help with my mother-in-law who is getting progressively worse with dementia and we want to continue care for her at home verse an institution.
First I want to remind you all that you are not alone. There is help for you. You need to educate yourself as to what is going on with your loved one and than to the resources around you. One good resource is Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/index.asp Next they do have a map that will help you find a good support group where ever you live.
http://www.alz.org/index.asp. Alzheimer's Weekly an on line magazine is also very helpful in educating anyone about this disease. http://www.alzheimersweekly.com
As my father in law got worse, weak, no appetite, long naps, not making sense anymore when he talks, I put him on hospice. They were wonderful. A nurse came out once a week to check up on him. I worked two days a week and on those two days an aid came out and bathed him for me. I don't know what I would have done without them. They also gave me the piece of mind I needed so when the day came and he was dying I could handle this at home.
Please find your self a good support group. Also remember if you don't take care of yourself how can you take care of anyone else. So get some respite care. It is not being selfish to take a couple days to your self, it is necessary.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Thursday, March 3, 2011
ALZHEIMER'S BLOG:
I have been busy lately on my ambulance. It is such a good feeling to see these 90+ yr olds that I have been seeing in their own homes. They are alert, and oriented. This is what we all dream of. We want to grow old gracefully, in our own homes, taking care of our selves.
What causes Alzheimer’s:
Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory,
thinking skills and the ability to carry our the simplest task of daily living. Alzheimer's Disease is
the most common cause of dementia among older people, but not a normal part of aging.
Scientist don't fully understand what causes Alzheimer's Disease. Genetics play a role in some
people. Offspring have a 50 - 50 chance of developing Alzheimer's Disease if one of their
parents had it. Research also suggests that other risk factors can be our life style. A nutritious
diet, exercise, social engagement, and mentally stimulating pursuits may help to reduce the risk
of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's Disease. Cognitive impairment is a condition in which a person has memory problems greater than those expected for their age.
We cant' control some risk factors for Alzheimer's Disease such as age and genetic profile. But
scientists are studying a number of other factors that could make a difference. Hopefully further
research will tell us whether health, lifestyle and environmental factors can help prevent
Alzheimer's Disease. The only definite way to diagnose Alzheimer's Disease is with an autopsy,
which is an examination of the body after death.
Have a great day!!
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
http://www.mariefostino.com/
http://www.mariefostino.blogspot.com/
I have been busy lately on my ambulance. It is such a good feeling to see these 90+ yr olds that I have been seeing in their own homes. They are alert, and oriented. This is what we all dream of. We want to grow old gracefully, in our own homes, taking care of our selves.
What causes Alzheimer’s:
Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory,
thinking skills and the ability to carry our the simplest task of daily living. Alzheimer's Disease is
the most common cause of dementia among older people, but not a normal part of aging.
Scientist don't fully understand what causes Alzheimer's Disease. Genetics play a role in some
people. Offspring have a 50 - 50 chance of developing Alzheimer's Disease if one of their
parents had it. Research also suggests that other risk factors can be our life style. A nutritious
diet, exercise, social engagement, and mentally stimulating pursuits may help to reduce the risk
of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's Disease. Cognitive impairment is a condition in which a person has memory problems greater than those expected for their age.
We cant' control some risk factors for Alzheimer's Disease such as age and genetic profile. But
scientists are studying a number of other factors that could make a difference. Hopefully further
research will tell us whether health, lifestyle and environmental factors can help prevent
Alzheimer's Disease. The only definite way to diagnose Alzheimer's Disease is with an autopsy,
which is an examination of the body after death.
Have a great day!!
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
http://www.mariefostino.com/
http://www.mariefostino.blogspot.com/
Sunday, February 27, 2011
ALZHEIMER'S BLOG:
I get Alzheimer's Weekly Newsletter every Sunday. http://www.alzheimersweekly.com/ This week they have an article on Money management and dementia and when is it time to take the checkbook away.
I can go back to taking care of my father in law. He always carried money on him, and when we got his check we would let him have $300.00 to carry in his wallet like he was use to and put the rest in the bank for him. One day he actually lost his wallet and all the money. We already experienced him with his memory loss and I was just trying to keep him as close to normal as possible. Dad was so upset over the money and demanded we give it back to him.
We had to use some imagination and get creative and try to figure out how to keep him happy with out him losing all his money. It took some time but we actually found play money that looked almost like the real thing. Than we would show him his check and have him with us as we deposited it in the bank. We had an envelope from the bank already on us and after putting in his check we gave him the envelope with the fake money.
You may think this was a sneaky thing to do but this ended up being a win - win situation. He was happy to have money on him and we were able to keep him from losing his money.
At the daycare he went to, I found out that he was passing out his fake money to people for little things they did for him.
Check out this article on Alzheimer's Weekly On Line Magazine
http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/money-management-and-dementia .
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
I get Alzheimer's Weekly Newsletter every Sunday. http://www.alzheimersweekly.com/ This week they have an article on Money management and dementia and when is it time to take the checkbook away.
I can go back to taking care of my father in law. He always carried money on him, and when we got his check we would let him have $300.00 to carry in his wallet like he was use to and put the rest in the bank for him. One day he actually lost his wallet and all the money. We already experienced him with his memory loss and I was just trying to keep him as close to normal as possible. Dad was so upset over the money and demanded we give it back to him.
We had to use some imagination and get creative and try to figure out how to keep him happy with out him losing all his money. It took some time but we actually found play money that looked almost like the real thing. Than we would show him his check and have him with us as we deposited it in the bank. We had an envelope from the bank already on us and after putting in his check we gave him the envelope with the fake money.
You may think this was a sneaky thing to do but this ended up being a win - win situation. He was happy to have money on him and we were able to keep him from losing his money.
At the daycare he went to, I found out that he was passing out his fake money to people for little things they did for him.
Check out this article on Alzheimer's Weekly On Line Magazine
http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/money-management-and-dementia .
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
ALZHEIMER'S BLOG:
CHECK THIS OUT! THE WORLDS OLDEST SPRINTER:
http://news.yahoo.com/video/us-15749625/running-strong-24277101
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com'
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
CHECK THIS OUT! THE WORLDS OLDEST SPRINTER:
http://news.yahoo.com/video/us-15749625/running-strong-24277101
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com'
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
