Did you know…5.3 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease? One in eight American’s aged sixty-five and over has Alzheimer’s. It is anticipated that with the aging of the baby boomers, the number of American’s with Alzheimer’s will likely reach 13.5 million in 2050. Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that develops gradually and is characterized by the destruction of nerve cells, especially in the areas of the brain vital to memory and learning. At this time there is no cure for the disease, only treatment strategies, to help manage the symptoms.

Alzheimer’s disease causes many difficult challenges for both the person diagnosed with the disease and their caregiver’s. It is important those involved recognize they do not have to face these challenges alone. It is important to stay connected with family and friends. It is also important to know the resources available to you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. To be able to provide care for others you must first care for yourself physically and emotionally. By seeking the help from family members and friends and obtaining advice from professionals you can improve the quality of life for both yourself and your loved one. Though there is not a cure for the disease right now there are many things that can be done to ease the symptoms, strengthen emotions & raise spirits.

Northwoods Hospice Respite Partners is happy to now offer a Family Memory Care Program which helps guide you and your family through the Alzheimer’s journey. Research has found that the Family Memory Care program can reduce your stress and increase family support as you care for your loved one living with Alzheimer’s. Our caregiver consultant can meet with you and help assess your situation and discuss your concerns. Our consultant will help you and your family understand Alzheimer’s disease and how the disease may progress over time. We will work with you and your family on developing a plan that supports you. We will discuss strategies for coping with personality and behavior changes and assist you in obtaining resources and other supportive services. At this time there is no charge for this service. NHRP is a non-profit organization that is funded by grants from United Way, NYUCI Family Memory Care grant from Administration on Aging, Older Americans Act Title IIIB and by generous donations from businesses and individuals. If you have questions please contact Lisa Porthan at NHRP 218-365-8019 or visit our office at 328 West Conan Ely, MN.

Information from Alzheimer’s Association Mayo Clinic guide to Alzheimer’s Disease; Published by Mayo Clinic Health Information Rochester, Minnesota.

In August of 2006, the Center for Disease Control estimated that one in three adults over the age of 65 will fall each year and 20-30% of those falls will result in moderate to severe injuries that will require a life style change.

The Exercise Buddy Program is designed to support anyone who is in need of physical exercise, regardless of age or ability. The goals are to decrease falls, maintain independence, and improve a feeling of well-being through the volunteer visit and increased endorphins created by the exercise.

This program was developed to integrate volunteers with a concise and structured exercise routine for maximum results.

By pairing a volunteer with someone who needs motivation and assistance with a home exercise program, results are achieved that benefit both the mind and the body to bring about physical improvement.

It has been noted that home exercises are frequently prescribed by either a physician or physical therapist but are rarely followed through for more than a brief period of time. The Exercise Buddy Program helps to address this issue and improve compliance with a regular and consistent exercise routine once a week.

“The Exercise Buddy program has been such a boon for my ladies. The program has helped their balance, stamina, and redeveloped their muscle systems. The program has also worked out to be a social function and the ladies look forward to seeing the instructors.” -Sue Scufsa, The Pines Adult Foster Care

Please contact us if you are interested in participating in the Exercise Buddy Program, either as a recipient or a volunteer.

by Lisa Porthan

Aging is a natural process of life. It begins the moment we are born. Yet strangely enough, many of us live under the illusion that we and our loved ones will never become old. When we or our loved ones reach old age we are often unprepared. Northwoods Hospice Respite Partners can be there to help you through the journey. NHRP provides support services that will enhance the quality of life for individuals who are aged, chronically ill or disabled and provides support for the caregivers and their families.

A very valuable support service we provide is friendly visits. Many elderly people in our community are homebound and have little to no communication with the outside world. A friendly visit from an NHRP volunteer can do wonders for these individuals. Research has shown that people live longer when they are surrounded by people they love. We are beings that thrive in community. It is not healthy to not have human contact. The connections that are made between the volunteer and NHRP participant are very powerful. Lifelong friendships are made and treasured memories created. Incredible stories are shared and history is carried on through these relationships. Volunteers and NHRP participants are amazed at the joy they experience from these new found friends.

NHRP also provides hundreds of rides for local and long distance medical appointments. Many individuals not only need a ride but someone to help them into the clinic and sit with them though their appointments. Many NHRP participants tell us they often put off going to the doctor because they didn’t know how they would get there or who could accompany them there. NHRP can assist our elderly community to get the medical attention they need and deserve. NHRP plays a keep role in the continuum of care for our aging population.

NHRP is also a wonderful resource for caregivers. Today many adult children are taking on the role as caregiver to their elderly parents. The role as caregiver can be both rewarding and very overwhelming. NHRP is able to provide often much needed respite care for the caregivers. Respite care provides a temporary relief for those who are caring for a loved one. It is important the caregiver has a strong support system so they are able to take care of their own needs as well.

NHRP can provide a key role in the journey of aging and caregiving. Whether it is a ride to a medical appointments, support group, friendly visit, respite care, exercise program or assistance in connecting with Hospice we are here to help. For more information please call Northwoods Hospice Respite Partners at our new number 218-365-8019.