Hello Memory Partners!

Pollen season is upon us. While we may find it irritating to find our cars, patio furniture and everything outside covered in a wash of yellow, it’s the pollen you can’t see that contribute to runny eyes, sneezing, coughing and other allergic responses that drive us crazy physically.

With millions of people suffering from seasonal allergies, your loved one with a dementia-related illness may also be affected this time of year. It’s important to try and keep them comfortable safely.

The best way is to skip the over-the-counter antihistamines (the most popular being Benadryl) and consult with their doctor on how to tame their allergy symptoms. Antihistamines are known to cause confusion, dizziness, and fluid retention, which can increase the risk of falls and urinary tract infections.

While keeping them away from allergy causing pollen completely is impossible, monitoring pollen levels before planning on outdoor activities or opening the windows in the house to “let in some fresh air” can certainly help you navigate better times for these activities. The Weather Channel’s website offers a 15-day allergy forecast that can help. Once you enter your zip code or city and are taken to your local forecast page, go to the far right and click on “More Forecasts.” This will offer an option to view the allergy forecast for your location.

Allergy season in North Carolina can begin in March (which we can see it has) and last until June, depending on a person’s specific plant allergies. Generally, the peak of the season is in April. So, if you are beginning to see signs that the loved one you care for may be suffering from seasonal allergies, it’s a good time to contact their doctor now, before the height of the season, for ways to keep them comfortable and their symptoms under control.

CareGiver Academy offers expanded education opportunities.

LifeCare Memory Partners has established a partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association and Cape Fear Area Agency on Aging to offer more educational opportunities for caregivers of people living with a dementia-related illness. CareGiver Academy offers a variety of workshops and support groups, both in person and virtual.

Offerings are posted on the monthly calendar on our website. Be sure to note that some require registration while others may not. Offerings are free to attend.

The partnership was driven by all three agencies wanting to provide as much assistance to caregivers as possible. Participants do not have to be part of the LifeCare Memory Partners program. So, if you have family members or friends who could benefit from the information presented about dementia-related illnesses, this is a great resource for them as well.