Alzheimer's and the Great Outdoors

We've been watching Ken Burn's PBS series on America's National Parks and are lucky enough to often visit the nearby Schoodic Section of Acadia National Park.  As the haze of dementia progresses we find that the lessening of outdoor activities decreases our quality of life and wonderment.

On the occassions that get us moving outdoors we realize how beneficial a natural outdoor session can be in promoting positive changes to our physical and emotional well-being.  Exercise, fresh air and the opportunity for informal encounters with the flora and fauna, and other people promote self-esteem and trigger memories.

Whether it's hiking in the Park or working in the garden, the feeling of sun and wind - even fog and rain- is enlivening.

Things to plan for on your outing >>>

• safe walking - paths that are wide, flat, even and slip resisitant
• walking sticks
• choices of sun or shade
• choices of wind or in the lee
• places to sit and rest
• familiar, reassuring companion
• sunscreen
• drinks and snacks
• flexible time frames

So let's get out there and help maintain residual skills.

The Question of Universal Coverage

Here we are now, with Alzheimer's, Medicare and no insurance coverage for needed services - aides and attendants, case managers and social workers , physical therapists and community centers and nursing homes.

To be effective insurance has to include a very large group. Health insurance doesn't work the way other types of insurance do. We know in advance which members are more likely to need care . The young ones and the old ones and those with existing conditions. These groups are often the least able to pay and so an imbalance between needs and resources is created . Since insurance companies know this they tend to exclude or over price their policies in an attempt to cover only that population with a low risk of filing claims. That is their business model.

As Congress wrestles with the appropriate role of government in the protection of it's citizens we hope they will consider home and long term care coverage. With an aging population and increases in dementia and Alzheimer's cases this is a growing problem for sufferers and caregivers who right now have to muddle through on their own.

With thanks to > > > http://www.metaphorcountry.com/dementia_nights/2009/03/healthcare-reform-notes-i-alzheimers-universal-coverage-longterm-care-1.html

World Alzheimer's Day is Today and Everyday

Monday September 21st, 2009 is WORLD ALZHEIMER'S DAY designed to raise awareness of the 35 million ( and growing) people who live within the shadow of this dread disease.

As citizens and caregivers of the world let us strive to provide each day .....

Adequate nutrition
Engagement in activities based on individual ability
Good hygienic practices
Free expression of thoughts and beliefs
Social interaction with family members, peers and others

Read further at > > >
http://www.actionalz.org/about_wad.asp

http://www.alz.org/national/documents/report_summary_2009worldalzheimerreport.pdf