Month: April 2024

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Alzheimer’s and Music

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is currently incurable, and its symptoms tend to worsen over time. However, there are ways to improve the quality of life of those living with Alzheimer’s, and music is one of the most effective ways to do this.

Music can stimulate multiple parts of the brain simultaneously, which can help those with Alzheimer’s to focus and communicate better. Listening to music can also provide a sense of comfort and familiarity, which can help to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression.

When people with Alzheimer’s hear music, they may become more animated and engaged. They may even sing, dance, or clap their hands. Music has a powerful effect on the brain. Our brains store certain memories by linking them with specific songs, which is why we associate certain songs with particular memories or emotions.

Music therapy is a standard treatment for Alzheimer’s patients because of its positive effects on mood and behavior. Music can boost mood, encourage movement, and help those with difficulty communicating express themselves. Music of all genres is easily accessible, making it a convenient and cost-effective way of improving the quality of life of those with Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s can cause mood swings, agitation, and other behavioral changes. Accessing an upbeat or calming song can help manage these symptoms and improve the patient’s overall well-being. Additionally, music can be a way to communicate with Alzheimer’s patients. Play different songs with different meanings and observe the reaction. That reaction can be a form of communication that most people with Alzheimer’s cannot express in words.

In conclusion, music therapy is a promising treatment for Alzheimer’s patients. It has many benefits, including improving mood, communication, and overall quality of life. Music can help to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression, and it is easily accessible to all. By incorporating music into Alzheimer’s care plans, we can improve the well-being of those with this disease.

References:

https://seniorht.com/music-therapy-dementia-alzheimers/

https://www.arborcompany.com/blog/music-and-alzheimers-benefits-of-music-therapy#:~:text=Music%20can%20also%20be%20used,patients%20to%20participate%20in%20exercise.

Written by: Harley Dick

4/16/2024

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Veterans Administration and Kindred Circle Care, LLC.

We recently became the Lake County Provider for Veterans Care. We would like to share some information with you.

Your loved one may be eligible for home care through the Homemaker and Home Health Aid or Veteran Directed Care program. Home care provides non-medical support, while home health care delivers medical care. 

The Homemaker and Home Health Aide program provides a skilled aide to assist the veteran with daily activities, such as grocery shopping or personal grooming. Veterans may continue receiving services if they need assistance with daily tasks. 

This program benefits veterans by allowing them to live at home longer and reducing the stress and physical strain on family caregivers.

The Veteran Directed Care program provides veterans with a fixed budget for services they or their representatives choose. These services should help the veteran with personal care activities, such as preparing food or showering.

Some veterans may prefer the flexibility of this program to the strictness of the Homemaker and Home Health Aide program. A VA counselor usually assists the veteran and their family in creating a spending plan and can also help the veteran and their family hire service workers.

The amount the VA pays for in-home care services for veterans can vary significantly, depending on the specific program, eligibility status, disability status, copays, and other factors. If you require 24/7 in-home care, the costs may be higher than those needing fewer hours of care.

If you have a VA case manager or VA social worker, they can assist you in understanding your eligibility and the amount that the VA can cover based on your individual needs. If you do not have a case manager or social worker, contact the VA online or by phone 24/7 at 800-698-2411 for additional assistance. 

To be eligible for veteran home care programs, veterans must be enrolled in VA health care, meet the clinical criteria for each program, be eligible for community care, and live in an area where the service is available. There may be a copay for services through the Homemaker and Home Health Aide program. Caregivers can learn more by calling the VA’s Caregiver Support Line or contacting their Caregiver Support Coordinator. In-home care is a good alternative if your loved one refuses to move to assisted living.

Written by: Marissa Newman

4/16/2024