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People & Events:
Here at Affinity our community is very important to us. We strive to always pay it forward.

Events:
 

Sheriff Bouchard updating 
Commerce Richardson Senior Center
 

Thank you to all those who donated to the coat drive. Your contributions are truly wonderful and appreciated.


Founded in 1921, the Commerce Rotary Club provides service to others, promotes integrity, and advances world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. 

 

Youth for the Fight 
Charity Gala

Senior Luncheon Cruise
Senior Nutrition 
Tuna Melt on English Muffins
Serving: 4
Serving Size: 1/2 muffin

Ingredients:
2 English muffins, 100% Whole Wheat
8 ounces light tuna, packed in water, drained
4 tablespoons celery, minced
4 tablespoons red onion, minced
1 teaspoon flat-leaf parsley, minced
3 tablespoons light mayonnaise
1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
freshly squeezed lemon juice, to taste
2 ounces sharp cheddar cheese

Directions:
  1. Preheat the broiler and set the rack about 4-5 inches from the heat source. 
  2. In a small mixing bowl, break up the tuna with a fork. Toss with the celery, onion, and parsley. Add the mayonnaise, mustard, and stir to combine. Season with the pepper and lemon juice to taste.
  3. Spread the muffins out on a baking sheet and toast under the broiler for 2 minutes.
  4. Top the toasted muffins with tuna salad and cheese.
  5. Place the baking sheet under the broiler and heat for 3-5 minutes, until the cheese has melted. Serve immediately.
*Serving Suggestion: Serve with sliced tomatoes, coleslaw, and fruit for a
complete meal.*
December, 2013

We strive to keep in touch with our colleagues and clients in a meaningful way each month. Every month we bring news, information, tips and ideas that can be important to you and your family regarding the home health care industry.
 
 

 

"I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You're doing things you've never done before, and more importantly, you're
Doing Something.
-Neil Gaiman
  

 

Selected 1 of 9 Michigan Home Health Care Companies on the Preferred Hospital Providers list with proven specialty programs that are chosen to reduce Metro Detroit's Hospital Readmission Rates   
 

What does it mean when we talk about dementia stages? Simply put, dividing the course of dementia into stages gives medical professionals and caregivers alike a yardstick by which we can measure the progress of a person's cognitive health or decline, and from there, determine a course of treatment appropriate to their condition.

Often, the course of Alzheimer's disease is categorized according to mild, moderate, or severe Alzheimer's, but many clinical providers further subdivide dementia into a seven-stage scale called the Reisberg Scale.

 

Stage 1: 

No Cognitive Impairment Though it may seem odd, the lowest dementia stage on the scale is normal mental functioning, or no cognitive impairment. There are no signs or symptoms of dementia, memory loss, behavioral problems or other changes associated with the onset of dementia.

 

Stage 2: 

Very Mild Cognitive Decline Where the heck did I put my keys? What was that person's name? According to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research, at least half of the over-65 population reports some minor age-related forgetfulness. Caregivers or medical providers may not even notice such mild impairment, and it is not considered to be actual dementia, though it is part of the scale of dementia stages and may precede more noticeable cognitive decline.

 

 Mild Cognitive Decline When memory and cognitive problems become more regular, as well as noticeable to caregivers and loved ones, a person is said to be suffering from mild cognitive impairment (MCI.) Since mild cognitive decline can herald more severe stages of dementia in the future, it is important to recognize the signs of this stage in order to alleviate stress in the patient, as well as initiate a medical course of action in the event that the dementia is treatable. Though MCI does not generally have a major impact on day-to-day functioning, some common signs include:

 

  • *Impaired work performance
  • Memory loss and forgetfulness
  • Verbal repetition
  • Impaired organization and concentration
  • Trouble with complex tasks and problem solving
  • Difficulties with driving

Stage 4: 

Moderate Cognitive Decline At this point, a person has clearly visible signs of mental impairment that point to early-stage dementia or Alzheimer's disease. In addition to worsening of the symptoms discussed above, caregivers should stay alert for signs of:  

  • Social withdrawal 
  • Emotional moodiness  
  • Lack of responsiveness
  • Reduced intellectual acuity
  • Trouble with routine tasks
  • Denial of symptoms

 

Stage 5: 

Moderately Severe Cognitive Decline

Beginning at stage five and continuing into the later stages of dementia, a person may no longer be able to carry out normal day-to-day activities such as dressing or bathing without some caregiver assistance. Also, stage five marks the onset of what many professionals refer to as mid-stage dementia. Other symptoms that manifest during this stage include:

  • Pronounced memory loss, including memory of personal details and current events
  • Confusion and forgetfulness
  • Further reduced mental acuity and problem solving ability 

Stage 6:

 Severe Cognitive Decline Stage six is also known as middle dementia or moderately severe Alzheimer's disease, depending on the diagnosis. This dementia stage is characterized by a need for caregiver help to perform even basic daily activities, such as dressing, eating, using the toilet and other self-care. Further symptoms may include sleep difficulties, incontinence, personality changes including paranoia or delusions, anxiety, pronounced memory loss and inability to recognize loved ones.

 

Stage 7: 

Very Severe Cognitive Decline In severe Alzheimer's disease or latestage dementia, a person is essentially unable to care for themselves, and suffers from both communication and motor impairment. They may lose the ability to speak, walk or smile without help. Whether your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer's disease or another dementia-causing illness, familiarizing yourself with the seven clinically recognized stages of dementia can help you arrange for the care they need, when they need it.

In the spirit of sharing and community, we hope you will find the following articles in this month's newsletter informative and beneficial.

 Respectfully,





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The Affinity Family
Our Services 
Proud members of the following: 


Veterans of America
America's veterans have done everything asked of them in their mission to serve our country and we believe it is never too late to give them a hero's welcome home.
Our staff understand the unique needs of veterans and are prepared to meet the specific challenges they and their families may face during home care 

We have embraced our mission to serve America's veterans. It's our way of saying thank you for the sacrifices they have made in serving us.
Feel Good of the Month!
Enjoy some photos from a French photographer whose initial goal was to help his lonely 91-year old Hungarian grandmother smile. Her grandson wanted to cheer her up, so he suggested a photo shoot to get her out of a depressed and lonely feeling.
 
These may be more professional than you could do, but the idea to get creative while spending time with a loved senior can take many forms. The photos were so popular, they have gone viral, so just remember. Fun with your grandparents is possible!
F.A.Q.





 


Affinity Home Care Agency | 248-363-8650 | chrisz@affinityhomecareagency.com | http://www.affinityhomecareagency.com
2569 Union Lake Road - Commerce Township, MI 48382

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