Prepare for the Holidays with New Traditions
WIth the holidays fast approaching, please find our tips for the holidays from our post last year: Caregiver’s Corner: Prepare for the Holidays with New Traditions
Living with Dementia: Is it Still Safe to Travel?
Vacations are supposed to be fun. However, if you are traveling with someone with dementia, it can be a very stressful time and sometimes even dangerous. Many family caregivers talk about wanting to travel “while we still can.” Then, they plan when and where to go. But families should first ask this most important question.…
Dementia & Emergency Hospitalization
The cold weather brings snow and ice, which can lead to falls, which in turn can bring a trip to the emergency room. The flu season is upon us. And wintertime dehydration is one of the leading causes of hospitalizations in persons over 65 years of age. Good preplanning for emergencies makes an unexpected hospitalization…
“Testing” is Stressing
By Pam Kovacs Johnson It’s important to recognize that ANY kind of testing for recall is especially stressful for a person with Alzheimer’s disease. Last month we addressed feelings associated with AD & achieving desirable emotional outcomes. Caregivers do and say things with the very best intentions. However, quizzing your loved one is not only…
Understanding Emotions & Alzheimer’s
Written by Pam Kovacs Johnson When a disease like Alzheimer’s affects our brain & memory, it is only natural that emotions will be affected as well. Memory loss takes away information which reassures us, provides comfort and confidence, and enables us to trust. Memory is what allows a person to feel in control of his life,…
Friends Place’s Jane Kovacs Honored by Altrusa International
Largely known for her work with Alzheimer’s patients and families inside the doors of Friends Place Adult Day Services, Jane Kovacs recently had the spotlight shown upon her for her outstanding work throughout the Richardson community. On Friday, October 25, Friends Place Co-Owner and Director Jane Kovacs was honored by Altrusa International, Inc. at their…
Friends Place Richardson Fall Fair
We have big plans in place for our third annual Friends Fall Fair, held in conjunction with the State Fair of Texas. Folks are already bringing in their items to display in the exhibit hall, located in the living room area. Please consider adding something of yours to the show (see info page in the…
Alzheimer’s & Dementia Safety for National Safety Month
Did you know that June is National Safety Month? That’s right, each and every June the National Safety Council holds “an annual observance to educate and influence behaviors around leading causes of preventable injuries and deaths.” This year’s theme is Safety Starts with Me, an idea that Friends Place can certainly get behind. The NSC…
Friends Place’s Book Club: Turning the Page with Therapy
While it’s often been thought that familiar music can successfully engage those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia, recent research has shown that books written for these individuals can have a similar effect. (New Old Age) “Researchers have found in a number of studies that reading can improve a patient’s quality of life. The meanings of…
The Many Benefits of Therapy Dogs
Happiness is a warm puppy.” – Charles M. Schultz The famous cartoonist and creator of the beloved Snoopy was certainly onto something when he spoke those famous words. One has to wonder though if the Peanuts writer understood there were actually facts to support his theory – that while happiness may not be measurable, the…