Safety First: Persons with Alzheimer’s can’t always make the distinction between what is safe and what is dangerous. As a caregiver, we must make those choices. We become the protector of the one we are caring for. I will touch on more detailed safety issues later.
Join Jamie and the Almost Home family as we celebrate the launch of Jamie’s book Simply Caring.
Get a signed copy of her book “Simply Caring”.
When:
Tuesday, March 19th from 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Where:
Almost Home
3604 Cardinal Point Dr,
Jacksonville, FL 32257
Who: Friends of Almost Home and those interested in learning more about how to care for someone with memory loss / dementia
Founder of Almost Home, Jamie Glavich is on a mission to provide guidance, inspiration and resources to families dealing with the challenges of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
In her book Simply Caring, she discusses key points about the disease, what to expect and how to prepare. She answers important questions and provides resources to make sense and put the puzzle together of Alzheimer’s.
From Mood To Memory: How Food Can Enhance Brain Health
A healthy brain depends on genes, the environment, and lifestyle. We can’t change our genes, and may not be able to alter our environment, but we definitely have control over our lifestyle! Lifestyle consists of diet, stress management, and activity. While each one is critical for maintaining brain health, below details how dietary choices can improve brain health and function.
As the control center of the body, it consists of billions of neurons that send signals through the brain. These signals allow for memory formation, thoughts, and feelings. Our brain makes up 2% of our body weight but requires 20% of our resources. It’s mostly made up of fat and therefore dietary fat in the form of “Omegas” contribute to a healthy brain. Protein provides the necessary amino acids that allow for brain signaling and carbohydrates break down into glucose that provides steady, sustained brain power.
There are many nutrients that keep the brain running smoothly. Here are some general nutrition guidelines on what to focus on when considering improving brain health.
Heart Health is Brain Health
The brain needs constant and adequate blood flow, which provides the supply of oxygen to keep it functioning properly. This means that a healthy heart and vascular system is necessary to maintain a healthy brain! To maintain a smooth vascular system, one without atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), the focus is on fiber and antioxidants. So this means a lot of fruits, especially berries, and a balanced amount of beans, whole grains, and vegetables.
A Happy Gut is a Healthy Brain
Did you know most of the neurotransmitters that contribute to “feeling good” are created in the gut? Balancing the trillions of bacteria, both health promoting and opportunistic, in the gut can greatly improve our mood. Adding in Omega-3 fatty acids (almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, ground flax seeds), iron-rich foods (spinach, legumes, oats, nuts), and even spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and oregano can support a healthy, happy mood.
“B” the Change
B vitamins such as folate, B6 and B12 are critical for improving memory, mood, and maintaining a sharp mind. B vitamins are found in whole grains, mushrooms, broccoli, brussels sprouts, beans and potatoes. You can also find a healthy amount of folate in leafy greens (think foliage) and B12 can easily be obtained by supplementation.
A healthy lifestyle is not about restrictions, it’s about creating new habits. The combination of dietary interventions with added activity, intellectual and social stimulation, and quality sleep can make a profound improvement on one’s life. For more information regarding nutrition and brain health, please feel free to contact Registered Dietician, Heather Borders, with Kailo Nutrition at (904)250-0910 or heather@kailonutrition.com.
Introducing Simply Caring: Putting the Alzheimer’s Puzzle Together written by Jamie Glavich.
Visit SimplyCaringBook.comFounder of Almost Home, Jamie Glavich is on a mission to provide guidance, inspiration and resources to families dealing with the challenges of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
In her book Simply Caring, she discusses key points about the disease, what to expect and how to prepare. She answers important questions and provides resources to make sense and put the puzzle together of Alzheimer’s.
Questions answered include:
We value your opinion and so do your neighbors!
As a locally owned business, our reputation is very important to us. Would you please consider taking a moment to post a recommendation or review for Almost Home Senior Services.
Most of our new customers come from word of mouth or our online listings so your comments can help us grow and provide value to more people.
If you have used Almost Home for service but have visited our facilities, interacted with founder Jamie Glavich or the Almost Home staff and can speak towards our business consider leaving a review about our professionalism, knowledge of industry or customer service.
If for some reason we have not earned a five star review, please contact us so that we can learn how to better serve you. Your feedback and assistance is truly appreciated.
Thank you for your support!
Each January, with great anticipation, I write down a number of resolutions for the year. Something we can all relate to. And like so many other people, I usually give up on some or all of these great ideas within a few weeks. After a little research and introspection, I realized that two things are happening every year. One, I make too many broad resolutions and two, I don’t have a plan. This year will be different – I promise! My plan is to plan. Not just one goal but a short, medium and long-term goal. I’m calling it a goal this year instead of a resolution too. Breaking the goal down into reasonable and achievable steps should help me this year.
Won’t you consider a plan to plan? As with all things in life, a crisis is not the time to consider the plan. Now, before it’s a crisis, is the best time to put all the plan goals into action. Consider having a goal this year for
gathering all important documents for your loved ones. These could include birth certificates, social security cards, insurance cards, and the like. See the First Step Pre-Planning Guide to help you set your goals. We can check back on each other next year and see how we did. Happy Gathering!
Almost Home DayBreak employs a holistic and therapeutic approach to caring for your loved one. The daily program provides for the physical, social, cognitive and emotional well-being of each participant. Our goal is to, at minimum, help your loved one maintain their current level of skills. At best, there may be some improvement in areas thanks to the structure and nature of the program. Activities target the whole person and individualize where necessary and possible.
Art Therapy is one activity that is a creative outlet for people in whatever stage they are currently experiencing. Parts of the brain that deal with colors and composition can still be used and developed by those with Alzheimer’s. It is amazing that people are able to continue to create art. Working with art can be calming to someone with Alzheimer’s. It may help create a period of sustained concentration that will improve their mood for the day. We feel anyone can be an artist – after all art is in the eye of the beholder!
I have been a member of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce for over twenty years. Being involved in your community is an important part of living in your community. In order to serve the needs of your community, you need to be active in it. I have been involved as an advocate, educator, caregiver and business owner for over 26 years.
I started attending the Professional Women’s Council of the Chamber about 2 years ago. In November of last year, when I was chosen to represent the Professional Women’s Council as their Small Business Leader of the Year, I felt honored and humbled. I was also excited as to the possibility of yet another way to spread awareness about Alzheimer’s and to try to help as many as I could understand the importance of planning.
This past year, I have traveled around Jacksonville to nine different councils. As a business leader I was able to speak to other business owners about issues we all encounter regardless of the industry. As a Dementia Care Practitioner, I was able to
educate others about the disease and the challenges of caregivers. Speaking to hundreds about the necessity to start thinking of planning for older age, possible disability or an untimely health crisis, gave me a good start on what lies ahead in my
mission.
My mission is to have everyone start thinking about the “what if”. What if you couldn’t make decisions for yourself, who would you trust and who would love and respect you enough to step in to make those decisions for you?
Follow Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AlmostHomeDayBreak
Cost: $10
What:
Evidence suggest that dietary changes can improve mood and quality of life! The protective nature of certain foods can help repair damage and decrease inflammation in brain cells. Join Registered Dietitian, Heather Boarders, to discuss which foods will fight for your health. A cooking demonstration and tasting will also be included in this workshop.
Where:
Almost Home Day Break
3604 Cardinal Point Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32257
When:
Tuesday, December 11
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
RSVP Required by December 7th for food.
Register Online »
Contact Info for Event:
Phone: 904-250-0910
Email: info@kailonutrition.com
Daily activities for people living with Alzheimer’s disease tend to change as the disease progresses. Alzheimer’s tends to limit concentration and cause difficulties in following directions. These factors can turn simple activities into daily challenges. Individuals with Alzheimer’s often don’t start or plan activities on their own. When they do, they may have trouble organizing and carrying out the activity. Many caregivers state that the individual often sits in one area of the room, paces the floor, or searches for familiar objects with little interest in doing the things that had once brought meaning and pleasure to life.
By using a variety of activities matched to the person’s abilities, the caregiver can help the family member enjoy his current level of skill and talent, as well as retain his sense of positive self-esteem.
Below is a link with a PDF that contains 101 ideas to help pass the time throughout the year.
Download a FREE Chapter of Almost Home founder, Jamie Glavich’s, book Simply Caring: Putting the Alzheimer’s Puzzle Together.
