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Categories Cognitive Health Posted on

Dementia Help Strategies At Home

According to the Alzheimer’s Association…

As the number of older Americans grows rapidly, so too will the number of new and existing cases of Alzheimer’s. By 2050, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s dementia may grow to a projected 13.8 million, barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent, slow or cure Alzheimer’s disease.

This is a very staggering statistic that impacts so many ranging from the individual to family and friends. The progression of this disease can cause individuals to struggle daily with common tasks leading to frustration and agitation in the home. Working with my clients I have found several consistent concerns that people have. Here are some helpful tips that can help reduce those frustrations many are facing everyday.

  • Always put items in the same place so you won’t have to look for them and waste time. Place keys and cell phones in the same locations. Placing items in the same place establishes consistency and reduces those moments of frustration. 
  • Use a specific pocket, purse, or container placed on the counter for easy access. Having a specific place for items can provide a visual cue and increase recall of information. 
  • Follow the same daily routines. Having a consistent routine can help increase independence at home. 
  • Put items away in an organized fashion to save time. Organization can reduce anxiety and speed up time to find needed items. 

These strategies sound simple but go a long way. The more these strategies become a habit the more successful you will feel.

Categories Speech Therapy Posted on

Is Teletherapy Right For Me? Find Out…

With the pandemic virtual appointments are becoming more and more popular. Teletherapy can seem intimidating at first especially for those that don’t feel they are technologically skilled. However, teletherapy is easier than you think. By following a few basic steps you can set yourself up for a successful first session.

What is teletherapy?

Teletherapy is a way for you to receive services from the comfort of your own home.. You can use a variety of devices for your session such as your phone, ipad or computer. Though these services may be delivered in a different model it is important to remember that  the quality of the session is equal to what you would receive if you were in person. 

  • What can I do to set myself up for success?
  • Find a successful space to have your session

Finding an ideal space is crucial for a successful session. It is best to set up a space at a kitchen table or desk. Have a pen and paper on hand in case you need to write down any information said during the session. This avoids having to run around the house later to find items you may need.

The importance of posture and picture

It is important to make sure your camera picture includes your full face. Language focuses on much more than just what is said. It is critical to see one’s face in order to allow for a successful conversation between the listener and the speaker. 

Test out equipment prior to the session. 

When I do teletherapy with a client I like to send out the link prior to our session. This allows the individual to test out the equipment and make sure they feel comfortable with the system being used. This gives you an opportunity to ask questions and work out any kinks to make sure you feel comfortable. 

Check your wifi

All of our devices such as televisions, phones and Ipads work off of the same wifi. This can cause our internet to become bogged down potentially leading to reduced audio and video quality. Try and disconnect any additional items that you may not be using during the time of your session to have optimal quality during your session.

In conclusion teletherapy is easier than you think. You can do it no matter what your technology background. I hope these techniques will give you the confidence to have the best teletherapy experience possible. 

Categories Language Skills Posted on

How to Cope with the Pandemic from your House

All our lives have been drastically changed since the pandemic. This major change in our daily routine has led many to feel a significant decline with their cognition. Since the pandemic many have reported increased memory difficulties such as losing their train of thought or forgetting recent events.. Others have reported word finding difficulties feeling as though a word is on the tip of their tongue and they can’t find the word they are looking for.

Due to the restrictions from the pandemic it is crucial to engage in cognitive activities to prevent future memory loss. Learning something new on a consistent basis is critical to maintain healthy brain function. The brain needs to be exercised and used constantly.  Here are some things that you can do to help maintain a healthy lifestyle for your brain during this time. 

  • Devote 15 minutes a day to a new hobby or learning.
  • Listen to classical music to enhance your mind.
  • Take a class about something new and interesting.
  • Change up daily routines to stimulate new parts of the brain.

Think of your brain like any other muscle in the body. The more you use your brain the more improvement you will see in processing and recalling information. The best way to improve your brain is to do activities that get you out of your box and challenge you. These challenges create new brain pathways leading to overall brain improvement.