Citizens Memorial Hospital | Vitality | Summer 2021

citizensmemorial.com 15 One of the trickiest things about getting help for you or a loved one is figuring out just what kind is needed and how much. We can help! Learn about your options and decide the best fit for your care needs with a quick, four to five minute survey. Go to citizensmemorial.com and click on “Start Now” to begin. We will provide you with a personalized report based on your responses. Results will show you suggested care levels and the best options to meet your needs.You can print this report, save it for later, or send it to a family member or friend. If you have additional questions, talk to one of our admissions specialists at 417- 399-1818 or email cmhltcadmit@ citizensmemorial.com . You’ve just learned that your spouse has Alzheimer’s disease. There’s no doubt that it’s a frightening diagnosis for both of you. Your lives are going to change— and not in entirely predictable ways. Alzheimer’s disease progresses differently in different people. How it affects your spouse (and you) can change from day to day. Here is some information that you may find helpful from the Family Caregiver Alliance and the National Institute on Aging: » Routines can be good for people with Alzheimer’s. Get up, eat meals, bathe and go to bed at the same time. But stay flexible to changing needs. » Prepare for an activity in advance to avoid confusing your spouse. For example, have towels and clothes ready before he or she takes a bath. » Your spouse may rebel at being told what to do. If that happens, let him or her choose clothes or foods. Just limit the selection to make it easy on both of you. » Encourage your spouse to do whatever he or she is able. And help extend those abilities with simple adaptations, such as using fabric fasteners on clothes or cups with lids. » Talk with your spouse in a calm voice. Avoid complex sentences. » Help your spouse focus by starting conversations with his or her name. » Consider joining an Alzheimer’s support group. You may learn valuable coping skills from other caregivers. For more tips, go to caregiver.org/ alzheimers-disease-caregiving . HELP IS HERE. The Missouri Memory Center at Citizens Memorial Hospital, led by board certified neurologist Curtis P. Schreiber, M.D., has a multidisciplinary team specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with memory issues. Call 417-327-3530 for more information. ELDER CARE ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE How to help your spouse Is it the right time for senior living ? THE RIGHT CARE Find the best balance of safety and independence. ATTHE RIGHTTIME Get help immediately or plan for the future. INTHE RIGHT PLACE Decide if staying home or moving to a senior living community is best. WITHTHE RIGHT SUPPORT Learn how to talk to your family and, when you’re ready, professional care providers. Do CMH long-term care communities allow visitors? Yes! Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation long-term care communities follow Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services guidelines. In March 2021, CMH Foundation facilities were able to resume indoor visitation, including in-room visits, while following safety rules and precautions to keep our residents healthy. For a complete listing of visitation requirements, go to citizensmemorial.com/covid-19 .