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Final Stages of Nutrition Therapy Development for Dementia Residents

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What is Nutrition Therapy and who can benefit from it?

Eating and enjoying a meal is part of our everyday life and important to everybody, not least to people living with dementia. A healthy diet and nutrition is fundamental to well being at any stage of life and to helping to combat other life-threatening diseases. We believe it plays as important a role in relation to dementia progression, and a resident’s quality of life. Under-nutrition is common among older people generally, particularly common among people with dementia. Under nutrition tends to be progressive, with weight loss often preceding the onset of dementia and then increasing in pace as the disease progresses. The mechanisms underlying weight loss and under nutrition in dementia are complex, multi factorial, and unique to each person. Common reasons include reduced appetite, increased activity, the need for a modified diet and, decreased nutrient absorption. For some forms of dementia, it may be that central regulation of appetite and metabolism is disturbed as an inherent feature of the disease. Although we can’t avoid these symptoms which lead to malnutrition and under nutrition, we can manage them with a variety of Nutrition Therapy Options. Orchard at Tucker’s Nutrition Therapy Program is designed to help combat under nutrition and bring back the joy of eating to those who have lost it.

We are in the Final Testing Stages..

After many months of work with our team and partnering dieticians, Orchard Senior Living is in the Final Testing Stage of our 4 Part Nutrition Therapy Program.  Today’s enriched smoothies were a huge hit. These enriched smoothies are designed to help those in the moderate to severe stage of dementia, who have lost significant weight in the last 6 months, and for whom all other care and environmental modifications have failed.  Each 4 oz pretty glass delivered 240 calories, 9 grams of Organic Protein, and so much more. Most importantly each glass looked and tasted amazing!picc (2)

Orchard at Tucker’s Nutrition Therapy Program Coming in nt22018..

Elevated Emotions Even Without Memory while Living with Dementia

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Which last longer for those with Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease? Memories or Emotion?

Have you seen long lasting emotions in a loved one with Dementia or Alzheimer’s after the memory causing the feelings have faded? I have on many occasions. Although I have seen it live on so many occasions, there is now science behind it. It’s no surprise that people with Alzheimer’00000s have trouble recalling memories. It is, after all, the hallmark symptom of the disease. However, a new study has found that events can have a longer term and profound effect on how they feel even if they do not remember the particular event.

The Study..

A new University of Iowa study further supports an inescapable message: caregivers have a profound influence—good or bad—on the emotional state of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. They may not remember a recent visit by a loved one or having been neglected by a loved one, but those actions can have a lasting impact on how they feel. University of Iowa researchers also showed individuals with Alzheimer’s disease clips of sad and happy movies. The patients experienced sustained states of sadness and happiness despite not being able to remember the movies.

The Emotional Life of those with Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease….

These studies confirm that the emotional life of those with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease last far beyond the tangible memory of an event, regardless if the event was good or bad. “This confirms that the emotional life of an Alzheimer’s patient is alive and well,” says lead author Edmarie Guzmán-Vélez, a doctoral student in clinical psychology, a Dean’s Graduate Research Fellow, and a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow.

The Take Away…

Despite the considerable amount of research aimed at finding new treatments for Alzheimer’s, no drug has succeeded at either preventing or substantially influencing the disease’s progression. Against this foreboding backdrop, the results of this study highlight the need to implement new care giving techniques and care models aimed at improving the well-being and minimizing the suffering for the millions of individuals afflicted with Alzheimer’s. These studies prove that traditional thinking about the emotional life of someone with Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease is lacking immensely. Traditional thinking still tries to convince people that if they don’t remember it does not matter. At the Orchard at Tucker, we feel it Not Only Matters, but it Matters More. Although these studies are wonderful, we see the importance of emotion based care each and everyday by watching our residents.

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Preference Centered Therapeutic Diets in Dementia & Alzheimer’s Care

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puree5What is a Therapeutic Diet?

A therapeutic diet is a diet that controls the intake of certain foods, liquids or nutrients. It is part of the treatment of a medical condition and are usually prescribed by a physician and planned by a dietician or a nutrition specialist. A therapeutic diet is usually a modification of a regular diet with items added or subtracted from a diet. Therapeutic Diet is modified or tailored to fit the nutrition needs of a particular person.
Types of Therapeutic Diets? There are many more than listed below..
  • Nutrient Modification Diets such as renal diet, low salt diet, diabetic diet
  • Texture Modification Diets such as puree diet, mechanical soft diet, liquid diet
  • Food Allergy or Food Avoidance Diet such as gluten free or lactose free diet
  • Supplemental Diet where additional supplements or fortification is added

What is a Preference Centered Therapeutic Diet?

A diet that takes into account the resident’s clinical condition or limitations, in conjunction with personal  preferences, when there is a nutritional indication. It is designed based upon resident’s preferences and desires for their quality of life. Residents goals are also at the center of a preference centered diet. Residents must be provided with all of their nutritional options, detailed description of the need for therapeutic diets, and the consequences and risks associated with not following the recommended diet. A resident needs to be provided with every alternative available, as well as the recommended time frame for the diet.

Examples of a Preference Centered Therapeutic Diet?

Example 1.

Dan has been exhibiting chocking during his meals following his stoke. He has undergone a full evaluation by his doctor and speech therapist who both deemed Dan has dysphagia. Following this diagnosis Dan was prescribed a puree diet. His care partners then started turning his usual meals into puree form. Dan was presented with pureed steak, carrots, pork, and other foods he used to enjoy before the diet restriction. Dan has not enjoyed those pureed meals and has lost 20 pounds in one month. One of the care partners noticed that Dan will eat puree items that naturally come in puree form such as mashed potatoes, smoothies, yogurts and puddings. After these observations, a nutrition specialist created a menu for Dan that includes only puree items in their natural form. Additional flavors of mashed potatoes and yogurt along with other naturally puree foods were ordered in order to fill up Dan’s week with a healthy diet with a variety of choices.

Example 2.

Angie has heart disease. After an examination, Angie’s doctor placed her on a salt restricted diet. Following these orders, Angie has refused to eat most foods and lost 15 pounds. She complained that her food tasted bland and she did not want it. Angie’s care partners contacted her doctor and explained the dilemma and requested that the doctor look into liberalizing Angie’s diet. Angie was also explained in detail the risks and consequences of putting salt back into her diet with her current heart disease. Knowing all the risks, Angie deemed that at 90 years old her Goal was not prolonging longevity, but having the best quality of life. It was her preference to add salt back to her diet, understanding the risks. Her doctor felt that Angie and her family understood the risks and liberalized her salt intake. Angie gained 10 pounds the following month. She was able to enjoy her food again.

The Take Away..

Although therapeutic diets are sometimes necessary and beneficial to a resident’s health, a preference centered therapeutic diet just enhances the benefits buy focusing on the residents’ goals, desires, preferences, along with their nutritional needs and doctor’s orders. All five components work together to create a therapeutic diet that is beneficial to residents’ health yet minimally negatively impacts their desires and quality of life.

Dementia Care Combined with Comprehensive Nutrition Care

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What is Comprehensive Nutrition Care?

Comprehensive Nutrition Care is a creative and comprehensive way to provide care. It takes a complete approach to nutrition care with the purpose of supporting individuals with chronic or life-threatening disease, and healthcare providers who support them, to better manage their health through optimal nutrition.

Why is Nutrition Care Needed for Dementia Care?

Eating and enjoying a meal is part of our everyday life and important to everybody, not least to people living with dementia. A healthy diet and nutrition is fundamental to well being at any stage of life and to helping to combat other life-threatening diseases. We believe it plays as important a role in relation to dementia progression, and a resident’s quality of life. Under nutrition is common among older people generally, particularly common among people with dementia. Under nutrition tends to be progressive, with weight loss often preceding the onset of dementia and then increasing in pace as the disease progresses.

In what ways are the elderly susceptible?

  1. Age related changes in the gastrointestinal tract combined with changes in diet and immune system reactivity affect the composition of gut microbiota, leading to increased numbers of bad bacteria, decreased number of beneficial bacteria such as anaerobic lactobacilli and bifidobacteria.
  2. Osteoporosis is a disease which is characterized by decreasing bone density and increasing fragility of bones due to microexps21585_THCA153054D10_15_4b-architectural deterioration which increases the risk of fracture. Osteoporosis is exacerbated by malnutrition, low weight, poor intake of vitamin D and calcium, and in women, low levels of sex hormones.
  3. Older people need higher quantities of some nutrients, for example, calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12 due to dementia and other physiological changes making absorption of nutrients more difficult. Studies show that calcium, vitamin D, folate, iron and vitamin B12 are the most important micro nutrients in which deficiencies commonly occur in older people.
  4. Physiological changes to the digestive system affect appetite which can affect nutrient intake. Protein energy malnutrition is common among older people with estimates that 1 in 10 people over 65 living in the community are malnourished. These numbers triple for the elderly with dementia.

     

How to Prevent Malnutrition in the Elderly with Dementia?

In order to prevent malnutrition in an elderly person with dementia, functional foods need to be added to their diet. Due to the age related changes that can make it more difficult for older people to obtain the nutrients they need from their diet, functional foods can have a role to play in improving nutrient intake.

What is a Functional Food?

Functional food is a conventional food product modified in some way to give a health benefit above and beyond basic nutrition. Functional foods can also be designed to fight a certain health condition. Functional foods are generally considered to be those food products which provide a specific health benefit over and above their basic/traditional nutritional value. Examples of functional foods are breakfast cereals with folic acid, yogurt with additional probiotic, vitamin D and calcium fortified orange juice are just a few examples.

The Takeaway..

An elderly person with dementia that has lost weight and is exhibiting symptoms of malnutrition, needs abundant additional assistance to get out of the malnutrition danger zone. Because of the chemical and physical changes, nutrition therapy may be the only option to help them stay healthy and thrive. Nutrition Therapy is a daily ongoing person centered care program that can change lives.

 

Tips for Foot Health and Why It’s Important

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Mobility is a vital ingredient to self-sufficiency, making the foot ailments that often trouble seniors particularly worrisome. While it may not come to mind as a major health concern, poor foot health can severely impact a person’s ability to live alone, work and engage in social activities.

Observing preventive foot health care has many benefits. At the top of the list is that it can increase comfort, limit the possibility of additional medical problems, and reduce the chances of hospitalization because of infection.

Here are some tips for keeping feet healthy:

Wear Shoes That Fit Properly
Many people don’t wear shoes that properly fit them or support their feet. Shop for shoes in the afternoon so you can avoid choosing shoes that are too small for your feet that swell during the day.

Regularly Take Walks
This is ultimately the best exercise for your feet.

Wear Seam-Free Socks
This will help with preventing any skin irritations from developing on your skin.

Have Corns & Calluses Professionally Treated
Never cut corns and calluses with a razor, pocket knife. Only use over-the-counter foot products with the advice of a podiatrist.

Bathe & Inspect Feet Daily
Apply lukewarm water and mild soap to keep your feet free of any dirt on a daily basis. If you notice any redness, swelling, cracks in your skin consult your podiatrist.

If you or your loved one needs assistance with foot care or any additional health care and support, contact The Orchard here. We provide 24/7 assistance that will keep your loved one happy and healthy!

5 Healthy Hobbies for Seniors

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senior-hobbies-5Mental and social activities are just as critical as physical activities when it comes to ageing. And hobbies are an excellent way for seniors to become more active and engaged, which can improve their overall happiness. Here are a few of the Orchard activities and hobbies available:

1. Creating Art
Art is a great way to keep the brain stimulated and one of the best activities seniors can practice. Art can be especially beneficial when done in a social setting with friends and family. Art projects can include painting, knitting, sewing, scrapbooking, or photography. Here at Orchard, we have numerous artistic activities for your loved one to participate in and a dedicated crafts area.

2. Playing Cards and Games
Your loved one can join in at the Orchard game room for fun activities and friendly competition. Participating in games and playing cards can both help keep your loved one’s mind sharp. Sudoku and crossword puzzles are also great ways to keep the brain fit.

3. Gardening
Gardening is a rewarding experience that is not only enjoyable but has many health and therapeutic benefits. It encourages independence while also increasing mobility and flexibility. Our Garden Club meets and plants herbs and flowers every week to keep the garden and your loved one healthy and growing.

4. Golfing
Orchard has an excellent putting green that’s great for both enthusiastic golfers and those who want to learn. Golf has many benefits, for example, improving flexibility, hand-eye coordination, and overall satisfaction.senio

5. Socialising
This is the most important hobby to list, conversing and socialising with others is essential to happiness and the Orchard Difference means that we are dedicated to your loved one’s happiness. We have weekly and monthly calendars full of activities, on/off grounds, that develop conversations and bonds between residents.

If you are looking for an assisted living home in the Tucker, Georgia area or just want to ask questions about what we offer and the Orchard Difference give us a call at 770-938-5600 or contact us here.

Tips for Seniors to Avoid Heat Stroke/Exhaustion

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Ways-Seniors-Stay-Safe-in-Summer-Heat-01-pg-fullHot weather can be dangerous here in Georgia, and seniors are more inclined to its threat. Elderly heat stroke and heat exhaustion are real problems. There are several reasons for elderly heat vulnerability. A person’s ability to notice fluctuations in their body temperature decreases with age. Many seniors also have underlying health conditions that make them less able to adjust to heat or medication that can cause dehydration. Fortunately, only a few simple precautions are all that’s needed to keep safe.

Here are a few tips for keeping cool in hot weather:

Drink Plenty of Liquids

Dehydration is the root of many heat-related health problems. Drink plenty of water or juice, even if you’re not thirsty. But remember to avoid alcoholic or caffeinated beverages, as they can contribute to dehydration.

Wear Weather Appropriate Clothes
When it’s hot out, lightweight, loose-fitting clothes and consider a wide-brimmed hat.

Stay Indoors During Mid-day Hours
When it’s the hottest outside, the best time to run errands or be outdoors is before 10am or after 6pm, when the temperature is cooler.

Relax and Take it Easy
Avoid exercise and strenuous activity, particularly outdoors, when it’s very hot out.

Watch the Local Heat Index
When there’s high humidity, the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating is impaired. The heat index can be found online or also on local TV and radio weather reports.

Caring Tips for Sundowners Syndrome

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Sleeping problems occur in almost all people with mental disorders, including those with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Sleep determines our ability to do daily functions and maintain our physical/mental health. Many people believe that a difficulty sleeping is the center of the problem.

Sundowners describes an increase in behavior problems usually in the late afternoon and early evening. People may show signs of increased confusion, anxiety, straying, hallucinations and general disorientation. For those living with or caring for someone exhibiting “sundowning” symptoms, it can be frustrating to experience.

Once a routine is in place, life becomes easier when caring for someone with Sundowners Syndrome. Not all of these ideas will work for everyone; through experimentation, you may find the right one for your circumstance.

Care Tips for Sundowners Syndrome:

  • Allow for light in the morning to help establish an internal clock.
  • Daytime napping should be minimized to help regulate their sleeping cycle.
  • Encourage exercise to help expend excess energy.
  • Limit caffeine intake in the afternoon.
  • Create a private place just for decompressing.
  • Music or sounds like waves or birds can be soothing.
  • Consider purchasing a bedside commode frequently getting up and down can make it hard to get back to sleep.
  • Keep a comfortable temperature in the bedroom to avoid disruption during sleep.

Frustration for family members and caregivers is not uncommon when dealing with loved ones experiencing episodes of Sundowners. Outbursts and odd demands are not unusual, requiring absolute patience on the part of family members and caregivers to make it through this. Following these tips above may bring comfort back into your life. If you need additional assistance, contact us to experience the Orchard difference. 

Orchard at Tucker features 20,000 sf of enclosed secured outdoor space for residents and families

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Secure, Enclosed Outdoor Space is one of the best amenities in Assisted Living and Memory.  Vitamin D is necessary for everyone, but according to WebMD and other reputable sources it is crucial

Tucker Assisted Living

Orchard at Tucker Assisted Living & Memory Care featuring 20,000 sf enclosed garden for seniors.