Tag Archive for: comprehensive home care

How to Recognize the Signs of Dementia

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As people age, the body starts to experience the signs of aging. Dementia is one of the many conditions you need to look out for in your aging loved one. Luckily there are certain signs of dementia you can look out for. These sings will be the first indicator that something is wrong. So, if you notice any of these symptoms in your loved one feel free to reach out to us to see how we can help.

A few of the signs of dementia include:


Memory loss

This is the most common symptom that falls under the dementia umbrella term. The issue with this is that it doesn’t happen all at once, and everyone has memory lapses from time to time no matter their age. So at first, it may be difficult to see when you or someone you know is experiencing true memory loss due to dementia. The real problem is when the memory loss worsens. Over time it will escalate and become more noticeable. When this sign is noticed, a visit to the doctor is required immediately. They will be able to help you figure out exactly what the underlying cause is, and if there is any way to stop or slow the memory loss.

Communication problems

Another common sign of dementia is communication problems. Word disassociation is very common amongst people who have dementia. In fact, it is often one of the first signs that something could be wrong. That being said, it can also be misinterpreted as everyone has the problem from time to time. Just like with memory loss, it is when the problem becomes frequent that you should start to think something is wrong. It is important to seek help as soon as you realize that the communication problems are a serious problem. There are several dementia-like symptoms that can be treated if caught early.

There are a few other signs, but these are the two most common. You might also notice the loss of the ability to focus or the ability to reason. No matter the cause or the sign, once noticed, it is important that you seek help. Comprehensive Home Care, experts in dementia care, can help you and your loved one. You don’t need to go through this alone, contact us here or call us at 704.333.5214.

Check out Activities for Your Loved One with Dementia to better be prepared if he/she is diagnosed.

Activities for Your Loved One with Dementia

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It’s important to engage a loved one with dementia in activities that foster proper brain functioning and boost memory capabilities. Games, puzzles, and other fun activities are known to provide impeccable results and also improve their overall health. As each person has their own unique requirements, finding the right activity demands specialized assisted services. For instance, those with memory loss require help to remember significant events such as birthdays, anniversaries, and names of family members.

Top activities for a loved one with dementia include:

  •  Crossword puzzles or word search games help to maintain their language and vocabulary.
  • Jigsaw puzzle games help keep their brains active and help develop memory retention skills.
  • Scrapbooking can help their memory by keeping an account of important history, events, and names of family members.
  • Cooking can be a very beneficial activity for those with dementia. Baking cookies or helping to prepare their favorite recipe can make them feel useful, and also keeps them busy.
  • Listening to music and asking them to give the title of the song and the artist is a perfect strategy to remember information while lifting their spirits.
  • Taking a short walk can be very beneficial. Exercise is key to their overall health.
  • Writing letters for family and friends encourages them to maintain their writing skills.
  • Reading aloud from a favorite book allows them to listen and improve on their reading and verbal skills.
  • Painting with watercolors is also a great activity that allows the use of creativity.

Comprehensive Home Care can help you decide what activity is best for your loved one. Contact us here or call us at 704.333.5214.

Check out Tips on Speaking to a Loved One with Dementia to further learn best practices.

Diffusing Family Tensions

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Sometimes family tensions arise when a family member needs assistance in the form of home care. However, when approached in the correct manner it is possible to resolve the tensions quickly. Tensions are typically due to the physical, financial, and emotional demands that come with providing care for a loved one.

Common causes of family tensions about home care include:


The burden of home care placed on one person.

A family member may feel the burden of the care when it is not evenly distributed throughout the family. If this happens, it is possible that the primary caregiver feels some resentment towards the rest of the family members.

The capabilities and condition of a loved one in home care.

For example, when you personally may think your loved one is no longer fit to drive, while others may disagree.

The financial matters of the home care.

Some family members may feel they cannot solely carry the burden due to financial restraints and need the support of the rest of the family.

Comprehensive Home Care can help you and your family find common ground to help ease the situation of any disagreements. We care about your family’s feelings and expectations, so we let each member of the family have a turn explaining their individual positions. All viewpoints are equally important, so compassion for one another’s circumstances is necessary.

Check out Long-Distance Caregiving for tips on caring for a loved one from far away.

Benefits of Laughter in Aging

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Studies show that a positive attitude can greatly improve the quality of life. The benefits of laughter in aging, specifically, are numerous, from lowering blood pressure to reducing stress and anxiety.

Read on to learn the benefits of laughter in aging:


Improves memory. Research on the effect of humor on the memory capabilities of the elderly has yielded positive findings.

Reduces stress. Laughter is vital in reducing the level of cortisol hormones in the brain and thus relieves stress. This effectively raises the quality of life.

Reduces risk for heart attacks and strokes. Laughter also increases the heart rate and enhances blood circulation which is beneficial for better oxygen intake. These health effects have been linked with a reduction in the risk of heart attacks and stroke.  

Lengthens life expectancy. Laughter has also been found to lengthen the lives of the elderly. Studies show that developing a sense of humor over several years can have a positive effect on the general well-being of elderly individuals and thus lower the mortality rate. 

Improves emotional state. Laughter raises dopamine and endorphins levels in the brain, which creates a feeling of pleasure and satisfaction. Laughter plays a role in the emotional and physical health of seniors suffering from chronic conditions, as well. Those exposed to humor for up to 12 weeks were in a better emotional condition for up to 26 weeks. 

While it is important to create a humorous environment for the elderly to harness the health benefits; it is important to ensure that the jokes are positive. Comprehensive Home Care caregivers appreciate the importance of humor on the health status of seniors. Contact us here or call us at 704-333-5214 to see how our professionals can add positivity to your loved one’s care.

Another benefit to your loved one’s health is having a fitness routine. Check out Senior Fitness Tips to learn more.

How to Know If Your Loved One Is Suffering From Parkinson’s

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Parkinson’s is a concerning disease. It can cause many problems if not diagnosed in time. Fortunately, there are certain symptoms of this disease. If you keep an eye out for these symptoms, you may be able to catch it in the early stage and prevent it from progressing.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s include:


Frequent Muscle Spasms

One of the first signs of Parkinson’s disease is frequent muscle spasms. However, muscle spasms are not the only symptom. Patients are also known to suffer from involuntary movement of muscles. The most common muscle movement as a result of Parkinson’s is of the thumb and forefinger. Most patients rub their first finger and thumb. This is an unconscious movement. However, the muscle movement is not limited to this. There are many other unconscious muscle movements that patients suffer from.

Slow Responding Muscles

The muscle movement of Parkinson’s patients also suffers greatly. In most cases, the muscles get quite stiff. The patient may experience pain when moving their muscles. At times they may have a hard time gripping objects as well. Most patients even begin walking slowly due to this. Muscle reflexes also slow down substantially. If you notice such symptoms in a loved one, you should consult a doctor immediately. If ignored, it could cause further problems.

Deterioration of Sense of Smell

This is a rare symptom, but it is an indication of the Parkinson’s disease.  There are many patients who have reported the loss of the sense of smell. Even strong and irritating smells do not have any effect on them. Initially, they may not be able to smell mellow smells and only pungent smells may register. But later on, no smell is registered by the senses.

Maintaining Balance

Parkinson’s patients suffer from muscle spasms, but the most concerning problem is muscle coordination. Each muscle in the body works in coordination with the others so that the person can move. However, for Parkinson’s patients’, maintaining body balance becomes a challenge. They have a hard time standing up straight and in some cases, walking.

Comprehensive Home Care is here to help you and your loved one. We provide home care and respite care to Charlotte seniors. Contact us here or call us at 704.333.5214.

Check out Tips to Avoid Common Parkinson’s Complications to learn more.