Hello Memory Partners!

Summer is now officially behind us. We’re heading into cooler temperatures and “Pumpkin Spice Season.” Read on for a reflection on changing seasons and tips for how to get through challenging times.

Don’t forget to go to 2023 Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Wilmington, NC: Lifecare Memory Partners | Walk to End Alzheimer’s and join the Memory Partners Team for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, coming up in November. No need to donate or even walk with us if you’re unable – the moral support is important too! Follow the link for details on date, time and location.

Speaking of changing seasons and cooling temperatures, holiday season is approaching, reminding us of family, fellowship and FOOD! Did you know that one in 14 seniors face hunger? Read below for information on the impacts of malnutrition on seniors, how to get help, and how to be helpful.

Thanks for reading! We’ll be back next month with more information. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to call if you need anything!

Changing seasons

September 21 officially marked the last day of summer. For some of us, this signals a welcome respite from the heat and increased traffic from tourists. For others, we’re sad to see summer go, wishing for long, sunny days, fresh summer fruits and vegetables and family vacations. Whichever way you look at it, we can all agree that this day, the fall equinox, brings to mind a changing of seasons.

Life itself is always changing. This concept is nothing new.  Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher, is quoted as saying “change is the only constant in life.”  Sometimes though, it’s helpful to be reminded of this. We often get caught up in resisting change, wishing things could stay the same, or even go back to a previous time when life seemed simpler or happier.

Parents often wish they could go back and do things over and snuggle their babies again. Some of us wish we could go back in time and ask questions of people who have passed, or just enjoy more precious time with them. It’s when we get caught up in this resistance to change that we miss out on what we have now.

When you’re caring for someone who has dementia, you may very well have days when you want to miss out on the current situation. Being a caregiver is hard work and can test the very best of us. However, it’s these times that can also give us an appreciation for change and remembering that this season won’t last forever can give us fortitude to keep going.

If you find yourself struggling with your current circumstances, remember that Memory Partners is here to help. Don’t hesitate to call – we may know of a resource that will be helpful, or a helpful hint to managing difficult behavior. At the very least, we can lend an ear if you need to vent. Other tools for managing stress include exercise, meditation, prayer, and gratitude journaling. Don’t forget to include self-care in your regular routine and remember, this too shall pass.

Eat up!

September 18-22 was recognized as Malnutrition Awareness Week. Older adults are at increased risk for malnutrition due to loss of mobility/ability to walk long enough to do grocery shopping, lack of transportation, and low/fixed income. The consequences can be serious, affecting the function of every organ system, increasing risks of falling, causing depression and anxiety, and more. In addition, health care costs for people who are malnourished are nearly 75 percent higher.

Dementia can contribute to malnutrition in several ways. Brain changes can interrupt a body’s signal telling the brain it’s hungry and needs fuel. Short term memory loss may affect a person’s ability to recall if they have had a meal. A loss of motivation to do things can also be a part of dementia and may affect a person’s ability to plan and prepare meals.

As a caregiver, it’s important to pay attention to food intake. If you notice the person you are caring for is not eating well, see what you can do to support an increase in food consumption. Talk to his/her primary care doctor about appetite stimulants, make sure food is available and easy to prepare, or prepare meals for them. Consider supplementing regular meals with nutritional shakes like Boost or Ensure.

If you or someone you know is dealing with food insecurity, reach out for help. Many churches in the area offer food assistance programs. The Department of Social Services may be able to help people afford groceries and/or transportation to the grocery store. For more information about resources in the Cape Fear region, reach out to the Memory Partners team to speak with a social worker.

If you’re not experiencing this hardship and would like to be helpful, consider volunteering to deliver meals through the Senior Resource Center, a local church, or an area food pantry. Another way to help is to host a food drive in your neighborhood or withing your personal social circle. Donations to food banks and other food assistance programs are also always welcome.