Soar to Success July 2018

A lack of social stimulation can also lead to poor mental health. Having an interest in something not only stimulates an older person’s mind but also creates a better mental attitude which often results in better health. There is empirical evidence that using one’s brain may prevent dementia in older age. My top four suggestions that might help caregivers improve the health of an aging loved one suffering IURP FKURQLF PHGLFDO DIćLFWLRQV GHSUHVVLRQ RU debilitating physical challenges are what I call the 4Ps of family caregiving. PLANTS & PETS: Allow your care recipient to care for plants and pets even if he/she suffers from dementia. Many studies have demonstrated that Alzheimer’s patients respond well to this therapy. PLAY & PERSPECTIVES: Engage your care recipient in playing mentally challenging and VWLPXODWLQJ JDPHV VXGRNX FURVVZRUGV WULYLD FDUG JDPHV PHPRU\ JDPHV HWF PXVLF VLQJLQJ DQG playing of an instrument. When feasible, explore RSSRUWXQLWLHV WR UHćHFW RQ DFFRPSOLVKPHQWV and history. Cultivating a healthy perspective about the natural process of aging and exploring RSSRUWXQLWLHV IRU YROXQWHHU ZRUN DW KRPH PDQ\ volunteer organizations can allow disabled folks at home to be involved through their computer DQG WKH ,QWHUQHW ZLOO KHOS \RXU FDUH UHFLSLHQW WR experiencean improved senseof self andwellbeing. The life of a family caregiver is interlaced with the life of the care recipient sowhen one is doing better so is the other and vice versa. For other caregiving resources, please join me every second Monday of the month for the free teleseminar titled; Your May Have Parkinson’s But Parkinson’s Does Not Have To Have You. Connect with me at www.CaregiverReliefNetwork.com or www.ElderCareandCaregivingNetwork.com or call 855-942-9933. SOAR TO SUCCESS -XO\ 3HUVRQDO *URZWK 6WUDWHJLHV