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Research tells us people who engage in productive and social activities are less likely to develop certain diseases, have a longer lifespan and are happier. Even while you are staying home for COVID-19, you can participate in online games, video chat with friends and family and learn something new.
Have you been meaning to learn Spanish or how to play an instrument? Use this time at home to learn new things. Some music or language teachers offer lessons online, or you could try an app or online tutorial video. Visit the NIH website to learn more about the health benefits of participating in activities you enjoy.
If all the people in Illinois with dementia lived in a single city, it would be the second largest after Chicago, so building dementia friendly communities in Illinois is of significant importance.
Illinois was recognized as a Dementia Friendly state in 2017, as part of Dementia Friendly America. Currently 15 communities in Illinois are designated as Dementia Friendly with many more in the process. ICRN supports Dementia Friendly Illinois and has collected resources to help the efforts of communities in Illinois to become part of the Dementia Friendly America movement.
Dementia Friends Illinois is a grass-roots effort for community members to become aware of the steps they can take individually and collectively to improve the lived experience of persons with dementia and their support systems.
Caregiving is a difficult task, ICRN provides tips on practical caregiving.
Find support groups for caregivers and people with dementia.
ICRN provides information about events, training sessions and webinars all aimed to assist those caring for or living with dementia.
Telehealth is a service that uses video calling and other technologies to help you see your doctor or other health care provider from home instead of at a medical facility. It can often be easier, faster, and less expensive than…
Read More How to Prepare for a Telehealth Appointment: Tips for Older Adults
NIA expands Nathan Shock Centers of Excellence into exciting new fields of aging biology Candace Kerr, Health Scientist Administrator, Division of Aging Biology (DAB)We get so focused on the future of aging research that we sometimes forget its long history.…
Read More Continuing Aging Research Excellence with New Nathan Shock Centers
Some people in their 80s, 90s, and beyond defy the common assumption that cognitive decline is a natural part of aging. These lucky few, called cognitive super agers, perform demonstrably better on memory tests, such as remembering past events or…
Finding a way to stay connected during this time of stress and social distancing.
During the spread of COVID-19 and the need for social distancing, we are all feeling more lonely and disconnected. If you are living with or caring for someone with dementia that feeling is even stronger. Both family members and healthcare staff are feeling this stress too.
We began #WordsOfComfort to bring us together and share words of support, advice and comfort as we move through this time. We hope these words of comfort help each of us to know that we are not alone.
Many of us struggle to know if we are communicating well with our loved ones and if they are able to understand the world around them. Sentences get reduced to a few words, and answers to questions are limited. Do they understand what we are asking? Are they following what is on tv? Can they read?
We were in the drive thru yesterday trying to communicate on what to order. All of the sudden Diane points and says “Rice Pudding”. There was a hand written sign on the window pointing out the restaurant has pudding. We used to love rice pudding together.
Enjoy the small, sweet things you share.
Sandra Shields, a founding member of the Without Warning support program, had a gift for writing poetry. Along with Nancy Swanson, our music therapist, the song Faith was created. This has become a special song to many of our members. Part of this song seems comforting at this time.
Unexpectedly life brings you to your knees.
Just know that there are those out there
That see just what you see.
No matter what life brings you must believe it’s there.
Just as long as you have FAITH.
The caregivers I have a met at Without Warning are so amazing: compassionate, loving and courageous. I cannot imagine how difficult their lives must be, and yet they continue to smile
