Important Advice from Agape Senior's Director of Dementia Programs

In other blogs we have talked about how dementia is not a disease but a diagnosis. If you get a diagnosis of dementia: ask what disease, medication, or infection might be causing it. Now that you have a diagnosis of dementia it does not mean you can’t continue to care for yourself depending on what is causing the dementia. Choosing a good geriatric physician that specializes in memory care is a great place to start.

Some of the other items you will want to consider are:

What to do when driving capacities are diminished: How will you know? Pick someone now to ride with you and check your driving habits at least once a month. You may not know if it is safe or unsafe to drive due to diminished memory. It is difficult to give up driving but the person with dementia puts themselves at risk as well as others. You may be able to live with yourself being hurt but if you hurt someone else it is hard for the person with dementia and both families

Have an open discussion about medical decisions: It is a difficult discussion to have, but a good one, with someone you want to make decisions for you if you should become incapacitated. For Example: Would you like a feeding tube or not?

Also discuss special requests: Talk about any request that you may have. Even simple needs, like cream rubbed on your arms.

Identify someone to handle financial requirements: If the diagnosis is Alzheimer’s or a like dementia the ability to handle financial affairs becomes difficult quickly. Families will find junk mail in with the bills, there may be many magazine subscriptions that appear because the person with dementia cannot tell which is a real bill or an ad for a magazine.

Make sure all the legal bases are covered: While a person with Alzheimer’s or similar dementia can still answer questions and make decisions, a health care power of attorney should be selected and paper work completed. It is also advisable to have financial power of attorney documentation completed at this time. These forms cannot be used by the recognized power of attorney until the person with Alzheimer’s or like dementia is no longer able to make decisions for themselves. You can find this paperwork and additional information on line. If everything is not filled out correctly it will be costly. It is best to locate an Elder law attorney to help with filling this paperwork out.

Adelle Stanley

803-730-1220

Director of Dementia Programs

Agape Senior Services

Of all the things in life that matter, Family, Friends and Faith are the most important. Treasure these and you will always be rich.

Rock Hill Assisted Living Resident is Featured Speaker at Alzheimer Walk

The Face of Alzheimer’s Vera Holder, a resident of Agape Senior assisted living in Rock Hill was the featured speaker at the Walk to End Alzheimer's held recently at the Winthrop Coliseum. Vera was chosen because she has Alzheimer's and knows what it is like to live with the disease on a daily basis. During a pause in Vera's speech several Agape staff that was participating in the event shouted "WE LOVE YOU VERA." Vera's daughter who also attended the event stated that "I am proud to have a mother who doesn’t mind talking about living with Alzheimer's. She has come to understand she did nothing to cause the disease and there is nothing she can currently do to stop it"

Vera Holder is the face of Alzheimer's. It is estimated that 5.4 million people in America are living with the disease. The Alzheimer's association wants people to be aware of this epidemic and has produced a short video that shows the impact of the disease on the caregivers and health care system.

Agape Senior is one of the leading providers of memory care in the state of South Carolina and has recently completed a basic training for every employee about the disease. Adelle Stanley, formerly with the Alzheimer Association, is now the Director of Dementia Programs. Adelle conducted the state wide employee training for Agape Senior as her first assignment after joining Agape.

Rock Hill South Carolina Assisted Living – Agape Senior Rock Hill Agape Senior Assisted Living of Rock Hill provides senior-focused solutions. In working with seniors and their families, the dedicated staff works diligently to optimize quality of life by embracing individuality and preserving dignity. Rock Hill, Fort Mill, York, Tega Cay, Lake Wyle – Call us 803-207-8000

Columbia Senior Care Employees Walk to End Alzheimers

The Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's is the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's. Agape Senior has committed to sponsor and walk in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s for the entire state of South Carolina. Saturday, October 15 was the Midlands Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Finlay Park. This walk was particularly special with the addition of the “Promise Garden” remembrance ceremony. Each walker was given a flower that represented their journey as a caregiver, survivor, or someone who currently has the disease. Each petal can be inscribed with their loved ones name and story.

At the beginning of the walk, we collected all of the flowers and made a garden, so that when they returned they could walk through the Promise Garden. It was a wonderfully symbolic moment. The walk was a huge success and Team Agape was one of the largest teams! Thank you to everyone that walked and participated in our fundraisers. Due to your generosity we were able to raise over $500 for the Alzheimer’s Association. A special thank you as well to our fellow Alzheimer’s Walk Committee Members and to Ashley Hacker for making this year’s Walk a success!

Agapé Senior’s mission is to provide integrated health services to meet the needs of senior adults in a faith-based atmosphere. The company’s philosophy is based upon its commitment to provide the best quality care possible for members of our senior adult community. We are committed to participating actively in and around the communities we serve. Call us at 800-411- 2427. Columbia, Forest Acres, Lexington, Irmo, Rock Hill, Laurens, Conway, Garden City, West Columbia.

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