Scottsdale, AZ – September is World Alzheimer’s Month | Mental Health News
September 23, 2024
Alzheimer’s disease and other types of age-related dementia affect memory, thinking, and behavior. People managing this relentless condition deserve surroundings to truly support them – surroundings that can reignite their spark and reinvigorate their spirit. As summer fades into fall, September brings a critical awareness campaign – World Alzheimer’s Month – to educate and empower individuals living with dementia.
Orion Homes, a specialized residential health provider in Scottsdale, offers 24/7 compassionate support through the unique challenges Alzheimer’s brings. Imagine being able to maintain your independence, your pride, and your love for life, even in the face of dementia – this is exactly what our specialized care provides.
Recognizing Early Alzheimer’s Symptoms
While some forgetfulness comes with aging, clear declines in short-term memory, communication skills, and decision-making signal a neurodegenerative process like Alzheimer’s is developing. Early signs include:
- Increased confusion or disorientation regarding people, places, times
- Difficulties finding the right words in conversations
- Apathy and depression as brain pathways change
- Inability to follow step-by-step instructions
Poor judgment around finances, driving, safety
Seeking medical advice for a full cognitive evaluation at the first signs allows proper support and planning. Orion Homes doesn’t believe in one-size-fits-all care; instead, we build tailored plans around the distinct needs and aspirations of every individual.
Enriching Care for Alzheimer’s and Dementia
We understand interacting with the world becomes increasingly difficult for those with progressive neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. Our secure residential settings focus on enriching care around individual abilities while managing growing challenges through:
- Engaging Activities: Games, exercise, music, and arts boost cognitive stimulation and enjoyment.
- Routine Structure: Patterned schedules aid orientation, regulating sleep cycles plus activity levels to avoid agitation.
- Patient Communication: Staff utilizes validation therapy and redirection as cognition declines, supporting residents with endless empathy.
- Safety Precautions: Access controls, monitoring, and medication management aim to prevent risky situations, allowing worry-free family visits.
Additionally, Orion Homes enriches the lives of our memory care residents by:
- Providing Multi-Sensory Stimulation: From the sights, smells, and textures found in our homey environment to favorite songs and lavender hand massages, we surround residents in comfort.
- Encouraging Reminiscence: Whether through discussion groups, scrapbooks, or room décor from one’s era, reminiscing boosts mood and self-worth.
- Involving Family & Friends: Loved ones collaborate so activities match interests and abilities. The fact that they truly put their customers first is a rarity these days.
- Allowing Emotional Expression: Art therapy, validation techniques and music give creative outlets to convey feelings an impaired memory cannot.
- Tailoring Life Enrichment: Our specialist team works daily to engage changing abilities in fulfilling ways, perpetuating daily function and joy.
We craft spaces where everyone finds their tribe and a reason to belong. Drawing from years of hands-on experience, we share our collective expertise to ease the journey for families facing Alzheimer’s for the first time. Take the first step – connect with our team today and discover what’s possible.
As caregivers who’ve been in the trenches with Alzheimer’s and dementia, we know how overwhelming those early symptoms can be, and we’re here to offer a guiding hand to families just starting out. Take the first step towards making a real difference in the lives of your family and friends – get in touch with us today to learn more.