Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1290530
30 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | OCTOBER 2020 | Just in case: Check with your club contact to confirm meeting place, date, and time. Back in March I had no idea that we would be unable to meet in person in October. This is lasting way too long for me, but we have to be safe. Fortunately we have Zoom which has been very successful with so many members participating. If anyone needs help setting up for Zoom, contact Diane anytime prior to the meeting date and she will get you going. The next Zoom meeting is Thurs., Oct. 15 at 10 am. Members will be notified of the details by email a few days prior to the meeting. Please know that we are here for you. If you feel the need to talk, you can call us. Our phone numbers are listed below. PLEASE BE SAFE! Unfortunately, our group that meets in the Arts & Crafts Room is still on hold. As soon as we get the okay to meet, we will again have great live music to entertain your loved ones with loving and caring volunteers to make a few hours enjoyable for them. If you have any questions, would like to learn more about Memory Loss, or would like reading materials that we can loan you, call Diane at (951) 769-0130, Doug at (360) 840- 5559 or Anne at (951) 845-8700. Remember we are here to help. DENTAL CARE AND DEMENTIA A person with Alzheimer's may lose the means of maintaining their own health. Caregivers are encouraged to work on preventative home care which includes brushing two times daily and watching for changes in behavior. GIVE SHORT, SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS. The best way to explain dental care is by breaking it down into steps. Walk the person through the entire process: how to hold the toothbrush and put on the toothpaste. USE THE "WATCH ME" TECHNIQUE It may be helpful for someone to see what to do. Hold a toothbrush and show them how you brush your teeth. Then, put your hand over theirs and guide their brush. If there appears to be any agitation, postpone brushing for another time. KEEP TEETH AND MOUTH CLEAN If the person you are caring for needs assistance keeping their mouth clean, brush their teeth, gums and tongue very gently twice a day. If they wear dentures be sure to rinse them with plain water after meals and brush them daily. Each night, remove them and soak in a cleanser. Use a soft toothbrush to clean the gums and tongue. BE AWARE OF POTENTIAL MOUTH PAIN Investigate any signs of mouth discomfort during mealtimes. Refusing to eat or strained facial expressions while eating may indicate mouth pain or dentures that don't fit properly. Caregiver Support Group