Is Alzheimer's Care a Tax Deductible Expense?

Over the years I have been asked countless times by residents and families "Are the costs associated with the care they receive tax deductible?" While much of the tax code is subject to varied interpretations, and each individual should seek competent advice from their own professionals, it appears that the answer to this question is "likely."

Section #213 of the publication Selected Federal Taxation Statutes and Regulations states "There shall be allowed as a deduction the expenses paid during the taxable year not compensated for by insurance or otherwise for medical care of the taxpayer, his spouse or a dependent to the extent where that expense exceed 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income." The exact definition of medical care has been further explained in Section 1016 "If an individual in a nursing home or a home for the aged because of his physical condition and the availability of medical care is a principal reason for his presence there, the entire cost of maintenance, including meals and lodging is deductible." The key distinction is the purpose of living there. If it is for personal or family reasons, then only the portion of the cost attributable to medical or nursing cost is deductible. The reason that the deductibility becomes cloudy is that service fees in assisted living facilities bundle the medical care component with room and board, making it difficult to determine or justify what portion of the rent covers the care of the resident. Further, most assisted living facilities go out of their way to advertise that they are not a medical care facility. Officially it is defined as: "Assisted living facilities are a type of living arrangement which combines shelter with various personal support services, such as meals, housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance. Assisted living is designed for seniors who need regular help with activities of daily living (ADLs), but do not need nursing home care." Under this definition the deductibility of costs associated with these facilities may be hard to justify.

Publication 502 by the Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service entitled Medical and Dental Expenses helps to clarify the question. "You can include in medical expenses the cost of medical care in a nursing home or home for the aged for yourself, your spouse, or your dependents. This includes the cost of meals and lodging in the home if the main reason for being there is to get medical care. Do not include the cost of meals and lodging if the reason for being in the home is personal. You can however, include in medical expenses the part of the cost that is for medical or nursing care." This means that in an assisted living facility, unless the purpose of the stay is to receive medical care, the cost of lodging and meals may not be deductible.

However, if the individual is chronically ill, as defined under the section entitled Qualified long-term care services all costs associated with the care and supervision of the individual may be tax deductible subject to the 7.5 percent adjustment. Chronically ill is defined in Publication 502: "A chronically ill individual is one who has been certified by a licensed health care practitioner within the previous 12 months as: 1) Being unable for at least 90 days, to perform at least two activities of daily living without substantial assistance from another individual, due to the loss of functional capacity. Activities of daily living are eating, toileting, transferring, bathing, dressing, and continence or 2) Requiring substantial supervision to be protected from threats to health and safety due to severe cognitive impairment." With the enactment of the Kennedy-Kassebaum bill, the law is now clear. Congress stated clearly that the tax code should provide equal consideration for persons with Alzheimer's disease or other irreversible dementia. The only cloudy area remaining is the fee structure of the facility in which they reside.

Another important consideration is the entrance fee, lifecare fee or "founder's fee". "You can include in medical expenses a part of the lifecare fee or founder's fee you pay either monthly or as a lump sum under an agreement with a retirement home. The part of the payment you include is the amount properly allocable to medical care." Many of today's assisted living communities charge an entrance or maintenance fee. This fee is intended to cover administrative processing and maintenance of the property, rendering it a non-tax deductible expense according to the Internal Revenue Service.

Memory Care Units, which are dedicated to caring for people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia rendering substantial supervision to protect residents from threats to health and safety due to severe cognitive impairment, meet the test. Residents fall under the care of licensed health care practitioners who certify their status. In units specifically designed for the care of those with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia, the care, meals and lodging are in integral part of the complete service plan to constitute "medical care." An entrance fee, if it is intended to cover the cost of the initial assessment, and development of the plan of care for the resident and relates completely to medical care, should qualify it as tax deductible under the definition.

What does all this mean? Well, depending upon your personal income, the deductibility of your monthly fees in a special care unit properly qualified can result in an annual after tax savings of between 15 and 20 percent. If you are looking at several different providers offering similar environments and care, this after tax savings could be a deciding factor on who to choose. So it might be more than worth your while to check this out with your accountant or financial advisor prior to making your decision on where to place your loved one.

Aromatherapy for Caregivers

Fragrance is an essence of long-term memories.  One whiff of a childhood aroma can set the memory in motion, bringing back thoughts, faces, and feelings long forgotten. Fragrance consists of volatile molecules that float in the air.  Millions of olfactory receptor cells line the nose, and aroma causes these nerves to fire and send messages to the limbic area of the brain.  From there, the messages travel to other parts of the brain, activating thought and memory.  The pituitary gland is also stimulated to release chemical messages that travel via the blood to glands and organs that create physical body responses.  This means that a scent has the potential power to activate a number of physical and emotional responses.

Aromatherapy is the ancient art of using essential oils to benefit your physical, spiritual and psychological well-being. Essential oils have been used for centuries as healing agents, fragrance for promoting health and relaxation, as well as a guard against bacteria, molds, fungi and other microorganisms.

Scientists have referred to essential oils as the life force of a plant.  Many essential oils are very complex molecules. A single oil can contain hundreds of constituents that are molecularly aligned in exactly the right manner to trigger a number of responses in the human body.  Essential oils are stored in minute quantities in special cells, ducts, or glandular hairs that are distributed among the roots, leaves, bark, stems, and flowers of the plant.  When concentrated, a single drop or two of distilled therapeutic-grade oil can produce quick and significant results.  

Essential oils can be absorbed in several ways; through our sense of smell, through our skin, even as a dietary supplement.  Aroma is absorbed through our nose to the brain where memory, hunger, moods, and even sexual responses are evoked.  Before knowing we smell an aroma, our subconscious mind reacts to it.  Aromatherapy can benefit stress-related problems and promote a positive state of energy, health and well-being.

Because of their molecular structures, essential oils are rapidly absorbed when applied to the skin.  Silky smooth to the touch, they penetrate the outer layer of the skin.  It is often possible to smell some oils on the breath shortly after applying them to the body.  The combination of touch therapy with the right essential oils can have a very natural therapeutic effect on someone, rather than treating the resident with psychotropic prescription drugs. 

All essential oils are “GRAS” – Generally Regarded as Safe (by the FDA) for internal use or certified as Food Additives, which can be safely taken internally as a dietary supplement. Some oils such as valerian, lemon, grapefruit, orange and tangerine are more effective when taken orally.

There is ample research to demonstrate the human response to essential oils. Some oils such as Peppermint, Rosemary, Jasmine, Lemongrass and Grapefruit stimulate and have an uplifting effect on the body.  Others such as Lavender, Rose, Geranium, Sandalwood and Ylang-Ylang have a relaxing or sedating effect on the body.  With Alzheimer’s residents, we can use uplifting oils in the morning to stimulate residents’ appetites and energy levels by diffusing the oils into the room or applying them directly to clothing or tissues.  In the afternoon when many dementia sufferers often experience anxiety or “sundowning”, relaxing oils can be used for individuals or in a small group setting to relieve the anxiety without the use of psychotropic medications.  Blends of oils have been developed specifically for this purpose, such as the blend of Peace and Calming, which includes the essential oils of Tangerine, Orange, Ylang-Ylang, Patchouly and Blue Tansy. Residents who have a habit of wandering during the night or with interrupted sleep cycles can find relaxation with a spritz of lavender oil on their pillowcase. A few drops on a tissue or diffused into their room can actually help with insomnia.

Other oils can be used to boost self-esteem and create a grounding effect for tearful residents. A special blend of Spruce, Rosewood, and Frankincense called Valor has been used successfully to restore confidence and well-being in people.  Another blend called Thieves was created based upon research about four thieves in France who protected themselves with Cloves, Rosemary, Lemon and Cinnamon while robbing plague victims.  This blend was tested at Weber State University, Ogden, Utah, and found to have a 99.96 percent effective rate against airborne bacteria.  Diffusing these oils can be very effective during the cold and flu season. Many hospitals in Europe routinely diffuse essential oils to purify the air. Simply put, essential oils act as the blood stream of the plant to ward off bacteriological attacks in their own natural environment. 

Here is a list of great essential oils for use in dementia care along with their application and effect:

LAVENDER

Extraction Method: Steam distilled from flowering top.

Chemical Constituents: Monoterpene; á pinene, â.pinene, camphene; Sesquiterpenes; Non terpene alcohols (45%), geraniol, borneol, lavandulol; Esters: linalyl acetate (30-34%); lavanduyle, Oxides: 1,8 cineol; Ketones; Sesquiterpenones; Aldehydes; Lactones: Coumarins.

Action: Antiseptic, analgesic, antitumoral, anticonvulsant, sedative, anti-inflammatory.  Lavender is beneficial for cleansing cuts and wounds and is ideal for skin care, since it prevents the build up of excess sebum, a skin oil that bacteria feed on. Lavender has also been clinically evaluated for its relaxing effects.

Found In: Aroma Siez, Brain Power, DragonTime, Envision, Forgiveness, Gathering, Gentle Baby, Harmony, Legacy, M-Grain, Mister, Motivation, RC, SARA, Surrender, Trauma Life, LavaDerm Cooling Mist, Lavender Volume Hair & Scalp Wash, Lavender Volume Nourishing Rinse, Tender Tush Ointment, Satin Scrub-Mint, Orange Blossom Facial Wash, Sandalwood Moisture Creme, Sunsation Suntan Oil, Wolfberry Eye Creme, Satin Scrub-Juniper Dragon Time Bath Gel, Lavender Rosewood Bar Soap, Estro (tincture), Dragon Time Massage Oil, Relaxation Massage Oil, AuraLight, and ProGen.

Traditional Uses: The French scientist René Gatefossé was the first to discover lavender’s ability to promote tissue regeneration and speed wound healing when he severely burned his arm in a laboratory accident. Today, lavender is one of the few essential oils to still be listed in the British Pharmacopoeia.

Indications: Burns (cell renewal), sunburns (including lips), dandruff, hair loss, allergies, convulsions, herpes, headaches, indigestion, insomnia, high blood pressure, menopausal conditions, nausea, phlebitis, tumors, premenstrual conditions, scarring (minimizes), skin conditions (acne, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and rashes) and stretch marks. It may be used to cleanse cuts, bruises, and skin irritations.

Other Uses: Lavender is a universal oil with many different applications. It may help arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, convulsions, depression, earaches, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, hives (urticaria), insect bites, laryngitis, nervous tension, respiratory infections, rheumatism, and throat infections.

Application: Diffuse or apply topically. Has a wide range of uses. Apply where you would use a deodorant. Safe for use on small children. May also be added to food or water as a dietary supplement.

Fragrant Influence: Calming, relaxing, and balancing, both physically and emotionally.

Safety Data: If currently under a doctor’s care or pregnant, consult physician prior to use.

Companion Oils: Most oils, especially citrus oils, chamomile, clary sage, and geranium.

Selected Research: Larrondo JV, et al. “Antimicrobial activity of essences from labiates.” Microbios. 1995; 82(332):171-2. Guillemain J, et al. “Neurodepressive effects of the essential oil of Lavandula angustifolia Mill.” Ann Pharm Fr. 1989;47(6):337-43. Kim HM, et al. “Lavender oil inhibits immediate-type allergic reaction in mice and rats.” J Pharm Pharmacol. 1999;51(2):221-6. 

ROSEMARY

Botanical Family: Labiatae.

Plant Origin: France, U.S..

Extraction Method: Steam distilled from leaves.  

Chemical Constituents: Monoterpenes: á. pinene (15-34%), â.pinene, camphene, myrcene, limonene á.terpinenes, terpinolene; Sesquiterpenes: â.caryophyllene; Monoterpenols: borneol (trace to 7%); Terpene Esters: bornyl acetate; Terpene Oxides: 1,8 cineol (trace to 20%); Monoterpenones: verbenon (15-37%), camphor (1-15%).

Action: Mucolytic, expectorant, antispasmodic, antibacterial, antiseptic, and balance endocrine gland.

Found In: Sandalwood Moisturizing Cream, and Legacy.

Traditional Uses: The name of the oil is derived from the Latin words for dew of the sea (ros + marinus), According to folklore history, rosemary originally had white flowers; however they turned red after the Virgin Mary laid her cloak on the bush. Rosemary verbenon has been used to lower cholesterol.

Indications: Respiratory infections, bronchitis, viral hepatitis, nervous tension, cardiac arrhythmia, cystitis, arthritis, and rheumatism.

Other Uses: Because of its lower camphor and higher verbenon content, this chemotype of rosemary is milder than the cineol chemotype and so is especially well-suited for chest, lung, and sinus infections. It is ideal for skin care, and can be used to combat hair loss.

Application: Diffuse, inhale, or apply topically on location. May also be added to food or water as a dietary 

supplement.

Fragrant Influence: Less stimulating than rosemary CT cineol, rosemary verbenon can be clarifying for emotions and psychologically balancing.

Safety Data: Epileptics should use with caution.  If currently under a doctor’s care or pregnant, consult physician prior to use.

Companion Oils: Basil, eucalyptus, lavender, marjoram, peppermint, and pine.

PEACE AND CALMING

This gentle fragrance is specifically designed for diffusing. It promotes relaxation and a deep sense of peace, helping to dampen tensions and uplift spirits.  When massaged on the bottom of the feet, it can be a wonderful prelude to a peaceful night’s rest. It may calm overactive and hard-to-manage children.  The oils in this blend have historically been used to help reduce depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia.  This blend along with Mineral Essence may be a healthy alternative to Ritalin.

Contains:

Blue Tansy (Tanacetum annuum) may help cleanse the liver and calm the lymphatic system, helping one to overcome anger and negative emotions promoting a feeling of self-control. It contains sesquiterpenes that can stimulate the pineal gland, which secretes the hormone melatonin, a hormone that enhances deep sleep.

Patchouly (Pogostemon cablin) was used in India in ancient times as a trade commodity because of its earthy, musty fragrance and its ability to mask many different odors. Its fragrance reestablishes equilibrium while simultaneously quieting emotion and energizing the mind.

Tangerine (Citrus nobilis) contains esters and aldehydes that are sedating and calming, helping with anxiety and nervousness.

Orange (Citrus aurantium) was believed to bring joy, peace, and happiness to those who possessed it. It is elevating to the mind and body.

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) helps bring about a sense of relaxation and may help balance male and female energies. It balances equilibrium and inspires confidence and self-love.

Safety Data: If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician prior to use. May be irritating to those with sensitive skin. Avoid eye contact. In case of accidental contact, put a few drops of any pure vegetable oil in the eye and call your doctor if necessary. Never use water.

Application: Diffuse, wear as a perfume, apply on bottom of the feet, on wrists, and outside of ears.  Put in bath water. Dilute with V-6 Mixing Oil or Massage Oil Base for a full-body massage.

Companion Oils: Lavender (for insomnia) and chamomile (for calming).

Fragrant Influence: A feeling of calming and emotional well-being.

CITRUS FRESH

This fragrance stimulates the right brain, bringing about more creativity, a sense of well-being, and joy. It has been found to be relaxing and calming, especially for children, and works well as an air purifier.

Contains:

Orange (Citrus aurantium) was believed to bring joy, peace, and happiness to those who possessed it. It contains limonene, an antiviral compound, and citral, an antibacterial compound.  It prevents the growth of bacteria. It is elevating to the mind and body and brings joy and peace.  It has been recognized to help a dull, oily complexion.

Tangerine (Citrus nobilis) contains esters and aldehydes that are sedating and calming, helping with anxiety and nervousness. It is anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, may help decongest the lymphatic system, and works as a diuretic.

Lemon (Citrus limon) has antiseptic-like properties and contains compounds that have been studied for their effects on immune function. It increases microcirculation, which may improve vision. It may serve as an insect repellent and may be beneficial for the skin. It has been found to promote leukocyte formation, dissolve cellulite, increase lymphatic function, and promote a sense of well-being. Its fragrance is stimulating and invigorating.

Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) is appealing, gentle, and promotes happiness. Apply topically or diffuse, especially at meal time and before sleep.  Because of its sedative and slightly hypnotic properties, mandarin may help with insomnia and is good for stress and irritability. It is antispasmodic, antiseptic, antifungal, supports hepatic duct function, and works as a digestive tonic.

Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) works as a mild disinfectant. Like many cold-pressed citrus oils, it has unique fat-dissolving characteristics. It may be beneficial for digestion, obesity, reducing water retention, and cellulite.

Spearmint (Mentha spicata) oil helps support the respiratory, glandular, and nervous systems.  With its hormone-like activity, it may help open and release emotional blocks and bring about a feeling of balance. It is antispasmodic, anti-infectious, antiparasitic, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory. It has also been used to increase metabolism to burn fat.

Safety Data: If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician prior to use. May be irritating to those with sensitive skin. Avoid eye contact. In case of accidental contact, put a few drops of any pure vegetable oil in the eye and call your doctor if necessary. Never use water.  Grapefruit, lemon, mandarin, and orange, may be photo-sensitizing. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight for 3 to 6 hours after use.

Application: Diffuse, put in bath water, and dilute with V-6 Mixing Oil or Massage Base Oil for full body massage. Citrus Fresh may be worn as a perfume or cologne and be applied over the heart, on the wrists, and on the ears. It is excellent for children when dilution with V-6 Mixing Oil.

Fragrant Influence: This blend creates an enjoyable aromatic fragrance at home or at work. Simple diffusion can be achieved by putting a few drops on a cotton ball and placing it on a desk or table.

Note: A university in Japan experimented with diffusing different oils in the office. When they diffused lemon there were 54 percent fewer errors, with jasmine there were 33 percent fewer errors, and with lavender there were 20 percent fewer errors. When oils were diffused while studying and taking a test, test scores increased by as much as 50 percent. Different oils should be used for different tests, but the same oil should be used during the test as was used while studying for that particular test. The smell of the oil may help bring back the memory of what was studied.

LEMON

Extraction Method: Cold pressed from rind. It takes 3,000 lemons to produce a kilo of oil.

Chemical Constituents: Monoterpenes: limonene (54-72%); Sesquiterpenes; Aldehydes; Coumarins and furocoumarins, contains flavonoids, carotenoids, steroids.

Action: Anti-infectious, disinfectant, antibacterial (spores), antiseptic, antiviral. Lemon improves microcirculation, promotes white blood cell formation, and improves immune function.

Found In: Citrus Fresh, Clarity, Forgiveness, Gentle Baby, Harmony, Joy, Legacy, Raven, Surrender, Thieves, Genesis Hand and Body Lotion, Lavender Volume Hair & Scalp Wash, Lavender Volume Nourishing Rinse, Berry Young Delights, Lemon-Sage Clarifying Hair & Scalp Wash, Lemon-Sage Clarifying Nourishing Rinse, KidScents Shampoo, Orange Blossom Facial Wash, Dragon Time Bath Gel, Evening Peace Bath Gel, Thieves Soap, Lemon-Sandalwood Soap, HRT (tincture), AlkaLime, AminoTech, Body Balance, CardiaCare, ImmuGel, ImmuneTune, JuvaTone, Mineral Essence, Power Meal, Super C, WheyFit, VitaGreen, and KidScents Detangler.

Traditional Uses: Lemon has antiseptic-like properties and contains compounds that have been studied for their effects on immune function. According Jean Valnet, M.D., the vaporized essence of lemon can kill meningococcus bacteria in 15 minutes, typhoid bacilli in one hour, Staphylococcus aureus in two hours, and Pneumococcus bacteria within three hours. Even a 0.2% solution of lemon oil can kill diphtheria bacteria in 20 minutes and inactivate tuberculosis bacteria. Lemon oil has been widely used in skin care to cleanse skin and reduce wrinkles.

Indications: Anemia, asthma, herpes, warts, shingles, bleeding, malaria, parasites, rheumatism, throat infection, ureter infections, and varicose veins.

Other Uses: Lemon oil may be beneficial for anxiety, blood pressure, digestive problems, respiratory infections, and sore throats. It helps promote leukocyte formation, improves memory, strengthens nails, cleans the skin, and promotes a sense of well-being. Lemon has shown to have antidepressant effects in research done by Komori, et al.,1995. It may alsohelp brighten a pale, dull complexion by removing the dead skin cells. It serves as an effective insect repellent and works well in removing gum, wood stain, oil, and grease spots.

Application: Diffuse or add a few drops to a spray bottle to deodorize and sterilize the air.  Add 2 drops to water for purification or combine with peppermint (Mentha piperita) to provide a refreshing lift. Add to food or water as a dietary supplement or flavoring.

Fragrant Influence: It promotes clarity of thought and purpose, as well as health, healing, physical energy, and purification. Its fragrance is invigorating, enhancing, and warming.

Safety Data: If currently under a doctor’s care or pregnant, consult physician prior to use. Lemon oil is very photosensitizing, so avoid applying it to skin that will be exposed to direct sunlight or UV light.

Companion Oils: Chamomile, eucalyptus, fennel, frankincense, geranium, juniper, peppermint, sandalwood, and ylang ylang.

PURIFICATION

This is an antiseptic blend formulated for diffusing to help purify the home and work environment. It cleanses the air and neutralizes mildew, cigarette smoke, and disagreeable odors.  When applied directly to the skin, Purification may be used to cleanse cuts and scrapes and may help neutralize the poison of bites from spiders, bees, hornets, wasps.

Contains:

Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) is antiseptic, antibacterial, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, antispasmodic, and soothing to the tissues.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) has strong antifungal properties when applied topically.

Lavandin (Lavandula x hybrida) is antifungal, antibacterial, a strong antiseptic, and a tissue regenerator.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is antiseptic and antimicrobial and may be beneficial for skin conditions and dandruff. It may help fight candida and is anti-infectious and antispasmodic.

Melaleuca (Melaleuca alternifolia) is antiseptic, anti-infectious, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, immune-stimulating, decongestant, neurotonic, and protects against radiation.

Myrtle (Myrtus communis) is antibacterial and may support immune function in fighting cold, flu, and infectious disease.

Safety Data: If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician prior to use. May be irritating to those with sensitive skin. Avoid eye contact. In case of accidental contact, put a few drops of any pure vegetable oil in the eye and call your doctor if necessary. Never use water.

Application: Diffuse 15 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours. Apply topically to disinfect and cleanse.  Put on cotton balls to place in air vents in the home, car, hotel room, office, enclosed areas, etc. Put on cotton balls and place in air vents in the home, car, hotel room, office, and other enclosed areas for purifying and repelling insects.

Companion Products: Melrose, Citrus Fresh, and Thieves.

VALOR

Valor helps balance electrical energies within the body, giving courage, confidence, and self-esteem.  It has been found to help the body self-correct its balance and alignment giving relief of pain. The oils in this blend empower the physical and spiritual bodies to overcome fear and opposition when facing adversity. It helps build courage, confidence, and self-esteem. Valor has been touted as a chiropractor in a bottle. It has improved scoliosis for some in as little as 30 minutes, while other individuals require several applications. Valor has also been shown to change anaerobic-mutated cells back to their aerobic natural state.

Contains:

Rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora) is soothing and nourishing to the skin. It has been researched at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah for its inhibition rate against gram positive and gram negative bacterial growth. This oil is soothing, creates elasticity, and helps the skin rid itself of irritations and problems, such as candida. It is anti-infectious, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-viral, and antiparasitic.

Blue Tansy (Tanacetum annuum) may help cleanse the liver and calm the lymphatic system helping one to overcome anger and negative emotions promoting a feeling of self-control. Its primary constituents are limonene and sesquiterpenes.  European research shows that it works as an antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, and stimulant for the thymus gland reducing dermatitis, arthritis, sciatica, tuberculosis, and allergies.

Frankincense (Boswellia carteri) is considered a holy anointing oil in the Middle East and has been used in religious ceremonies for thousands of years. High in sesquiterpenes, it helps stimulate the limbic part of the brain, which elevates the mind, helping to overcome stress and despair. It is used in European medicine to combat depression.

Spruce (Picea mariana) helps to open and release emotional blocks, bringing about a feeling of balance and grounding. Traditionally, spruce oil was believed to possess the frequency of prosperity. Spruce is anti-infectious, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory.

Carrier Oil: Almond oil.

Safety Data: If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician prior to use. May be irritating to those with sensitive skin. Avoid eye contact. In case of accidental contact, put a few drops of any pure vegetable oil in the eye and call your doctor if necessary. Never use water.

Application: Apply 4 to 6 drops on bottom of feet.  Put on wrists, chest, and at the back of the neck, or along the spine in a Raindrop application.  When using a series of oils, as in the Raindrop application, apply Valor first and let it work for 5 to 10 minutes before applying other oils. This blend may be worn as a perfume or cologne.  (For more detailed instruction, see Raindrop Technique.)

Fragrant Influence: Gives a feeling of strength, courage, and protection.

Revered for centuries for their restorative properties to the body, mind and spirit, essential oils have been used by healers to treat a multitude of symptoms. It has been proven that the sense of scent combined with the sense of touch will reach the inner most parts of the person through the fog of Alzheimer’s disease. When fear, agitation, restlessness, or anxiety mounts, the use of aromatherapy can often help to control or ease the effects of these common behavioral issues in a natural, harmless, holistic approach.  For people suffering with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia and their families, that just makes good “scents.”  

To order these oils click www.alzheimersaromatherapy.com

Further Reading

Pearce, Benjamin W. Senior Living Communities: Operations Management and Marketing for Assisted Living, Congregate, and Continuing-Care Retirement Communities. Second Edition, Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press, November 2007. pp. 368

Pearce, Benjamin. Elder Care Activities: 105 Great activities that you can do at Home, in Assisted Living, a Retirement Community or Nursing Home. Warwick, NY: Elder Care Advisor Press, March 2013.

Pearce Benjamin. Making the Move to a Retirement Community: A Complete Family Guide. Warwick, NY: Elder Care Advisor Press, March 2013.

Pearce, Benjamin. The One Minute Caregiver. Warwick, NY: Elder Care Advisor Press, April 2013.

Pearce, Benjamin. Assisted Living and Memory Care Design: An Operator's Wish List. Warwick, NY: Elder Care Advisor Press, March 2013.

Early Alzheimers Coping Strategies

The aging process is a natural part of life that everyone undergoes. It is a process of change. As we age our bodies' show this change in various ways: in our hair color, skin changes, muscle tone, and in a slowing and weakening of bodily functions. Advancing age may also bring about subtle changes in memory as well.

Dementia is the loss of intellectual abilities (such as thinking, remembering, and reasoning) of sufficient severity to interfere with a person's daily functioning. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder that affects tissues in the brain, eventually resulting in abnormal brain function. In 1907 Alois Alzheimer, a German physician, first described the abnormal changes in the brain now associated with Alzheimer's disease.

As there are more than 50 diseases that can cause dementia or symptoms similar to Alzheimer's disease, a thorough medical evaluation is needed. Currently there are no definitive tests that can be done to diagnose Alzheimer's disease, rather a series of tests are conducted to rule out other causes of dementia that may be treatable. There are several cognitive tests that can be done that are about 90% accurate in identifying people who have very mild dementia. New advances in MRI testing also help detect early onset of Alzheimer's and may someday be able to predict the disease before a person ever experiences the first subtle confusion. Recently researchers have been experimenting with blood testing such as Presenilin, which can identify an early onset gene, and AOE which can tell you if you are high or low risk for contracting Alzheimer's disease.

Even though a diagnosis may be hard to accept, for some it may come as a relief. The ability to identify a particular physical disease may allow the patient and the caregiver to better understand and respond to the changes that they are seeing. Early diagnosis can be devastating to those who have the capacity to understand the meaning of their diagnosis, but can help equip those involved to understand the disease process and make appropriate plans for their care.

With the progression of Alzheimer's disease or other dementia, the patient may become increasingly dependant upon the caregiver for even the most basic tasks. Daily activities once performed routinely may require assistance or supervision by the caregiver. The caregiver may eventually need to reconsider the range of acceptable activities for the patient as their impairment progresses. The management of financial affairs, and previously safe activities such as driving and preparing meals, taking medications or going for unaccompanied walks may become hazardous. In later stages of the disease matters such as daily hygiene and dressing may be beyond the capabilities of the patient and will become the caregiver's responsibility.

People with Alzheimer's disease experience many common problems associated with their dementia. While not all people experience the same problems, there is a thread of commonality among them.4

Short-term memory loss is normally the first symptom noticed. Patients become forgetful, lose things and have trouble remembering most recent events. Establish a routine and provide a written daily agenda such as notes or a special calendar. Leave items in plain view that are used daily such as hearing aides, glasses so that they can take advantage of visual cues. Avoid questions that test their memory such as "What did you eat for breakfast?" or "Didn't you pay the credit card bill?" these serve only to make them more painfully aware of their loss.

People with dementia often experience word-finding problems, especially when they become fatigued or are emotional. Supply the word if she can't, if they lose their train of thought mid-sentence; tell them that they can come back to it later. Preserving the patient's self-esteem is critical. Some people may have difficulty following instructions or complex concepts. Use short sentences, and visual cues. Never assume that they have understood everything you have just said.

Many people will ask the same question repeatedly. This is quite common and indicates that they are trying to remember something that is important to them. Be patient, and answer their question as if it was the first time you heard it. If the information is critical, jot it down for them.

Denial is a common coping mechanism and a natural way of self-preservation. If you want someone with dementia to admit that they have it, they need to feel safe, supported, and that they have some control over their future. Resist the temptation to convince them of their condition. They are more likely to respond to emotional support, and opportunities to talk about their fears.

Changes in the brains of early stage patients cause impairments in memory, reason and judgment rendering it difficult for them to make decisions. Many feel overwhelmed when asked to make choices, causing them to feel ashamed of their condition. Limit situations where choices are necessary.

Paranoia, common in the disease, results from damage to the part of the brain that separated fact from fiction. It is also a way for the patient to avoid the painful realization that they have Alzheimer's disease. You will not convince an Alzheimer's patient that someone didn't take his wallet, so don't even try. Respond to the feeling behind the paranoia. Help him look around for it. Avoid denying their reality.

For many adults, driving represents independence, freedom, competence and control. It is a way to access healthcare, to buy necessities, to be productive and to stay connected to family, friends and the community. Concerns about driving are likely to surface during early stages of dementia, when individuals are still socially engaged and able to manage other daily activities. Giving up driving can be a deeply personal and emotional issue. Disorientation and changes in memory, visual perception and reaction time make driving dangerous for both the patient and everyone else on the road. The family should closely monitor driving abilities, and if they have concerns then they should have their doctor tell them that they can no longer drive. In most states the Department of Motor Vehicles can offer a competency test as well. Open conversations early in the disease about when driving should cease can help smooth the transition to not driving in the future.

Newly diagnosed seniors commonly experience depression. Symptoms of this are often associated with withdrawal, crying, agitation, and changes in eating habits or sleeping patterns, feelings of worthlessness or acting out. Depression can significantly lower a persons cogitative capabilities and their ability to fight-off illness. Ultimately this is the single biggest factor that will influence their quality of life. Depression is treatable with antidepressants but the best treatment for depression is socialization. Isolated people with dementia tend to focus on all the things that they can't do anymore, their limitations. But in social situations such as day care or senior living homes their focus becomes directed outward toward their environment.

Seniors who can learn to view changes in their life as a process of life rather than an end to it will treat themselves to a happier, healthier life. Families are often concerned that knowing what is causing their loved one's memory loss may trigger them to panic, or become depressed and hasten the degenerative process, while for many the opposite may be true. A patient who is kept in the dark about the source of their problems may tend to worsen because they desperately try to remember things and become frustrated, agitated and possibly depressed when they cannot. They need to know that something is causing the problems that they are experiencing and that it is not normal or a part of getting old. This way they can learn to understand the disease and their prognosis and be more receptive to the adjustments in their changing lifestyle.

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