Code Silver, also known as ‘silver alert’ is a program for adults who are having cognitive disorders. It goes on a state-by-state basis. Therefore the criteria, results, and benefits are experienced differently by every state.
Considering the growing population among seniors, it becomes difficult if an adult who has Alzheimer’s or with any such impairment goes missing. The chances of serious injuries and destructive circumstances increase. Hence, the silver alert can be found useful to locate the wandering and the needy one.
Silver alert is an effective method to prevent unwanted tragedies and situations. For instance, when an Alzheimer patient goes missing, factors such as harsh climate, inappropriate location, dehydration, and other illness can become a major concern. If the event extends more than a day or two, chances of getting severely hurt or death is at the maximum. Hence, silver alert acts as a measure to reduce such complexity.
The criteria for code silver are purely by state and its adopted policy. There is no special functioning body that exists for designing such criteria. Few of the criteria stated below are common and is followed globally which includes:
The first essential factor for code silver is ‘age’. A minimum of 60 years is necessary to initiate this process. By this age, the person reaches the last stage of complexity in mental disorder.
The second factor for consideration is the mental character. If the person has any sort of mental disorder or abnormal character the regulatory bodies can implement code silver.
Lastly, if an adult has any physical disability or impairment, the regulatory bodies can go for code silver.
These are just a few of the many criteria, which are essential for conducting code silver.
Like any other alert, silver alert follows the same set of procedures. There is a law enforcing body that keeps track of the missing people. For instance, when an Alzheimer's adult is missing, caregiver’s can share their complete description, latest photograph and last location with media, transport sector, and other regulatory bodies. To bring the missing adult home safely, the media can share the contact details of the caregiver too along with other information.
Experts suggest that caregivers must avoid such situations by being careful in the first place. For instance, not leaving such adults alone. To make the daily scenario less complicated, caregivers can observe and document the behavior of a person regularly. Thus, if ever an adult goes missing, these small details can be of great help for the local law enforcement body. The decision of issuing the silver alert depends on them.
The common method used for communicating such messages is sending signs to roadways and rail authorities. Even the media such as television, radio, online displaying of pictures, messages through social media plays a significant role in this process.
Once the person is located, the law enforcement body does strict verification, and the process of silver alert becomes successful and comes to an end.
Memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a symptom of Alzheimer's or other dementia. Alzheimer's is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. There are 10 warning signs and symptoms. If you notice any of them, don't ignore them. Schedule an appointment with your doctor.
One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s disease, especially in the early stage, is forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events, asking the same questions over and over, and increasingly needing to rely on memory aids (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.
Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.
Some people living with dementia may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.
Making occasional errors when managing finances or household bills.
People with Alzheimer's often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes they may have trouble driving to a familiar location, organizing a grocery list or remembering the rules of a favorite game.
Occasionally needing help to use microwave settings or to record a TV show.
People living with Alzheimer's can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.
Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.
For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer's. This may lead to difficulty with balance or trouble reading. They may also have problems judging distance and determining color or contrast, causing issues with driving.
Vision changes related to cataracts.
People living with Alzheimer's may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have trouble naming a familiar object or use the wrong name (e.g., calling a "watch" a "hand-clock").
Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.
A person living with Alzheimer's disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. He or she may accuse others of stealing, especially as the disease progresses.
Misplacing things from time to time and retracing steps to find them.
Individuals may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money or pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.
Making a bad decision or mistake once in a while, like neglecting to change the oil in the car.
A person living with Alzheimer’s disease may experience changes in the ability to hold or follow a conversation. As a result, he or she may withdraw from hobbies, social activities or other engagements. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite team or activity.
Sometimes feeling uninterested in family or social obligations.
Individuals living with Alzheimer’s may experience mood and personality changes. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, with friends or when out of their comfort zone.
Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.
Activities are great for both a healthy mind and body. But when it comes to people with Alzheimer’s and dementia, these become even more crucial. Various activities are designed to stimulate the memory of the patients, which eventually offers great benefits in the form of comfort, relaxation & self-confidence. Memory care activities are significant as they help in cognitive stimulation without adding unnecessary stress. These activities can be easily applied in a community living set-up & nursing homes, as they don’t involve complex implementation requirements.
Here is a compiled list of all the simple and fun activities recommended by medical professionals that are capable of stimulating memory for Alzheimer's patients.
When a caregiver is trying to create engaging activities for the seniors, an established daily routine can be of great help. Make sure your loved one is comfortably involved in some of the daily chores and make a definite contribution. This will help them to memorize their daily responsibilities easily.
Games work well for people with Alzheimer’s on many levels. One board game with a colorful playing surface, as well as objects, will undoubtedly engage Alzheimer's seniors. A game with relatively simple rules & attractive colors will surely stimulate their senses. One small aspect that needs extra care is that the objects should not be very small that can be put in the mouth.
When we speak of structured & planned activities, sometimes a few unplanned activities can also help. All the stimulatory activities don’t need to fit into the box of a calendar. Playing Bingo or watching a movie together without a schedule can help them de-stress and bring extra joy.
Simple & less complex activities in nature can help dementia patients to stimulate memory. The caregiver can also structure some brief group activities to make them more enjoyable & engaging. Even a simple task like listening to music in a group can be a very calming method to relax their minds.
Caregivers can involve their loved ones in tasks which they may perform without much hassle. Simple routine tasks like buttering the bread, watering the plants & sweeping can also help them for memory stimulation. Give them adequate encouragement for their scope of work & make them feel useful.
In case, the patient under the care is also suffering from anxiety, this situation needs a little extra care. Alzheimer's patients can focus more on relaxation. Some patients might have lost their capability to take part in several physical activities. Such a condition makes them very anxious at times. Many people also have lost their capacity to find relaxation & enjoyment. The caregivers & family members can help in increasing their confidence by using music, light, warmth, smell & touch as basic elements to structure physical activities.
While the caregiver is trying to help the loved one with these exercises, the patient may resist complying. In this situation, the caregiver needs to take a break and relax. Reframe & restructure the activity & try again. Probably a little variation in the method and manner of the activity will make it more enjoyable. The most important thing is that the caregiver needs to concentrate on the process of the activity & not the result. Also, the time spent with fun & delight will make it worth an attempt.
If you have a mom or dad who has recently been diagnosed with dementia, it can be a very worrying and uncertain time.
The symptoms are often difficult and upsetting for both you, and them.
You’ve probably read about how important it is that people with dementia remain active, both physically and mentally.
Not only does this help them to keep busy during the day, but it also helps them to get a restful night’s sleep.
There are lots of easy activities that persons with dementia can do, and that you can help them with.
Sorting out stacks of things like coins, fabric, and buttons is a great activity for people with dementia.
The process of identifying what an object is and then sorting it into different piles helps to keep the brain engaged.
It also helps them to feel useful and like they have achieved something as a result of their work.
Completing a jigsaw puzzle is an enjoyable activity for a person with dementia.
Finding the right piece that fits into the puzzle keeps the brain active while also being a fun thing to do. It also helps to pass the time while completing the puzzle.
It may be a good idea to choose a jigsaw that has relatively large pieces as opposed to tiny ones. This will help them to identify more easily the shapes and patterns on the pieces they’re looking at.
Music can have an incredibly positive effect on persons with dementia.
We often associate music with special memories, and it helps to bring comfort to those who have been diagnosed with the disease.
It helps them to recall memories that they may otherwise feel like they’ve forgotten.
There are many things to do while the music is playing, such as dancing, singing, and even painting.
Dancing to the music is a great activity for seniors with dementia as it also helps them to get some physical exercise at the same time. It’s just as important to keep the body moving as well as the brain.
Every morning here at Village Green we have Morning Melodies.
Residents can join us for some peaceful music – a perfect start to the day.
Many older people have collected stacks of photo albums and enjoy looking through them.
It’s a chance to reminisce over old times and helps to engage the long-term memories that are often untouched by dementia.
This is a great activity that you can do with your loved one. It’s an opportunity to start a conversation about family and friends and to talk about old memories.
Carrying out simple tasks like making a sandwich or chopping some vegetables helps to provide persons with dementia with a sense of purpose.
As these are old skills they have learned, simple tasks should be relatively easy for them to do, even if they need a little guidance.
Bingo! Is a wonderful game for seniors with dementia. It tests memory and number recognition skills in a fun way without any pressure.
We hold a session of Bingo! every day for residents to join with. As we hold the game at the same time every day, residents know they have something to look forward to every morning.
Another benefit is that it encourages residents to come together and feel part of the community at Village Green.
Hand massages with scented oils help to engage another of the senses.
A bit of pampering such as painting their nails, applying some makeup, or brushing their hair is a lovely treat for your loved one.
It is something that feels familiar, comforting, and offers a sense of normality – especially to those who like to take a lot of care in their appearance.
Schedule a Tour with us Today!
Here at Village Green Alzheimer’s Care Home, we have plenty of exciting activities on our schedule to keep your loved one busy throughout the day.
There’s a jam-packed calendar every month so you can rest assured that your mom or dad is being taken care of and staying active.
We would love for you to come down and have a tour of the home so you can see for yourself the wonderful amenities we have to care for your loved one.
Get in touch with us today and we can get you booked in.
For your convenience, we are located in
Village Green Alzheimer's Care Home The Woodlands, Village Green Alzheimer's Care Home Cypress, Village Green Alzheimer's Care Home Champions, Conroe, Village Green Alzheimer's Care Home Kingwood, Village Green Alzheimer's Care Home Tomball, Village Green Alzheimer's Care Home Rockwall, Village Green Alzheimer's Care Home Mckinney, and Village Green Alzheimer's Care Home Highland Village
When Sarah found out that her mom has Alzheimer’s disease, her world fell apart.
She was scared at the thought of losing her mom and not knowing what the future will look like.
A million questions entered her mind.
Will her mom forget who she is?
What’s the prognosis?
Where can she find some help?
She had no idea how to process the diagnosis herself, let alone figure out how to help her mom understand what was happening to her.
The first thing Sarah did was to take to the internet and start researching all the things she could do to make things a little easier for her mom.
One of the things that came up was how certain foods can help to maintain brain health. Sarah wanted to find out more about this so she could plan her mom’s meals as best as she possibly can.
Getting the right nutrition is important for all of us. It’s what helps to keep our bodies strong and healthy.
For a person living with dementia, the need is stronger as a poor diet can worsen the dementia symptoms and cause weight loss.
Dinnertime may become difficult, especially during the mid to late stages of the disease.
When your mom or dad is living with dementia, too many distractions or too much choice can cause upset and confusion. Their tastes may also change which can affect appetite and make eating more difficult.
Here are a few tips to use in making dinner a calm experience:
Here at Village Green Alzheimer’s Care Home, our highly trained team specializes in caring for people with dementia. We want to help people like Sarah to know that they don’t have to worry about their mom as we will take care of them. For moms and dads living in our assisted living facility, we provide healthy home-cooked meals and snacks every day that have the right level of nutrition. If you’re looking at choosing an assisted living facility for your loved one, you’re welcome to come and have a tour of our living facility. Please get in touch and we will be more than happy to arrange a time to suit you. For your convenience, we are located in The The Woodlands, Cypress, Champions, Conroe, Kingwood, Tomball, Rockwall, Mckinney, and Highland Village.
