The story of Alzheimer's Orange County (AlzOC) is told through the people impacted by our services, and the people who help make that impact possible. In this entry, we're sharing the story of Tina and Gary. Tina came for support with her husband in 2017, who at the time was experiencing Lewy body dementia (LBD).
President and CEO, Jim McAleer was recently invited to speak on the “I’m just Sayin” podcast with Robbyn Battles. Watch or listen to the episode where he talks about the warning signs people miss, when home may no longer be safe, and why conversations about driving, caregiving, and future care cannot wait. Listen
Communication goes beyond just words. People express their emotions, tell their stories, and share their perspectives in all sorts of ways, including through art. Creative expression can be a vital part of how someone communicates, especially when their ability to speak changes or becomes more difficult. Over time those experiencing cognitive decline because of Alzheimer’s
When someone is living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, staying socially active can become more difficult. Simple things such as going out and interacting with the outside world may start to feel overwhelming, exhausting, or overstimulating. Over time, this can lead to feelings of isolation for both the individual and their care
Alzheimer’s Orange County Multicultural Program Coordinator, Melina Wulin, recently had an article published by the California Council on Gerontology and Geriatrics highlighting key insights from our recent brain health conference, Getting Ahead on Brain Health. In the article, she shares key takeaways from conference presenter Dr. Winnie Pak, including her discussion on the role of
As we set our clocks back on November 2, it’s important to be aware of how Daylight Saving Time can impact those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias—especially when it comes to sundowning. What Is Sundowning and why does it happen? Sundowning is a term used to describe a group of symptoms—such as
Jerry first noticed changes in his wife’s behavior in 2016 and knew there was something that wasn’t quite right. At the time of his wife’s diagnosis, Jerry knew little about Alzheimer’s disease and even less about how to care for someone living with it. That’s when Jerry took the first step and found Alzheimer’s Orange
Communicating with someone who has Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can be frustrating and overwhelming for both you and your loved one. The way you speak and phrase things needs to be adjusted when communicating with someone who has dementia. Let’s talk about it. Someone living with Alzheimer’s might perceive reality differently because
When Lorena answered one of her first calls as a staff member on Alzheimer’s Orange County’s helpline, she didn’t know it would be one she’d never forget. Lorena had only recently joined the organization as a full-time Lead Care Manager for the Enhanced Care Management Program, but her connection to Alzheimer’s Orange County began much
Persons with dementia often experience difficulties engaging and connecting with others. Explore the reasons for these dementia-related changes and identify various approaches and activities that enhance engagement and connection through techniques that maximize participation and contentment for persons with dementia. Examples will be provided for activities that are appropriate for individuals at various stages of
