Monica Heltemes, OTR/L

Caring.com Expert

About

ABOUT THIS EXPERT: Monica Heltemes holds a bachelor of science degree in occupational therapy from the University of Minnesota and a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from St. Cloud State University. She has worked with seniors as an occupational therapist in various settings for more than 15 years. Her specialization is work with persons with dementia; she has a passion for enhancing their quality of life and supporting their caregivers.

In 2010, Monica founded MindStart, maker of a line of activity items she designed for persons with dementia, to fill a need she identified for age-appropriate and stage-appropriate activities for this population. These activities, such as games and puzzles, are simplified to meet the needs of various stages of dementia while remaining dignified and familiar in appearance. The products provide important cognitive stimulation to persons with dementia and needed support for caregivers.

WHY I CARE: "I've always felt a special connection to the persons with dementia I've worked with. I enjoy learning their histories and creating opportunities for them to be as independent as possible, with maximal quality of life. I also find reward in educating caregivers to understand the effects of dementia and strategies to use."

WHERE TO FIND MORE ABOUT THIS EXPERT: Visit Monica's website at www.mind-start.com.

Links

Recently Published on Caring.com

  1. Monday August 22, 2011

    1. Is there an effect of sun, brightness, and heat on someone with Alzheimer's?

      Answer - I am assuming the change in temperament and personality you have noted, has been for the worse, not better. High heat and humidity together create discomfort for all of us. In addition, elderly people can be more susceptible to the effects of heat...

    2. Why do people with Alzheimer's rummage and what activities can help curb this behavior?

      Answer - Alzheimer's and rummaging is often seen. There could be a few reasons for this. First, the person may have started to look for something, then forgot what they were looking for. They may continue look, hoping to trigger what it was they were looking for. Second, they may have an old memory being triggered that they feel they should act on...

  2. Tuesday August 09, 2011

    1. How can I help my father with Alzheimer's disease be less aggressive with my husband?

      Answer - It sounds like you and your husband are in a difficult situation. However, Alzheimer's aggression with a loved one can be analyzed to look for triggers and there are strategies that can be tried.

  3. Thursday August 04, 2011

    1. My mother is confused all the time, what stage of Alzheimer's is she in?

      Answer - Level of confusion and Alzheimer's stages can be difficult to discern. As you said, characteristics of stages may overlap. Even so, it can be helpful to frame the person's current level of functioning into one of the stages. It can give you information about how the person might function, areas they...

  4. Thursday July 28, 2011

    1. What the best way of dealing with out of control behavior in Alzheimer's?

      Answer - Dealing with out of control behavior can be very stressful and draining for the caregiver. So it is wise to look for ideas to help minimize the behaviors and how to handle them when they do occur. First, usually a "behavior" is not something that comes on with no cause but rather there is an underlying...

  5. Friday July 15, 2011

    1. Can I take the MMSE test without a doctor ordering it?

      Answer - I am guessing you are guarded about having a physician involved regarding your memory issues. It can be a time filled with uncertainty and fear. You asked about taking a MMSE test without a doctor ordering it. If you searched hard enough you might find someone willing to do it.....

  6. Friday July 08, 2011

    1. How can I safely keep my mother with Alzheimer's in bed at night?

      Answer - The number one priority in a situation like this needs to be safety. Bedrails and restraints are no longer allowed in nursing homes, as there have been instances where people have been hurt by them or even died, when they have become caught up in them...

  7. Sunday June 26, 2011

    1. What are some fresh ideas I can use to keep my mother with Alzheimer's occupied?

      Answer - It sounds like your mother is in the middle stage of dementia, where she does best with one step, repetitive tasks, with some oversight to stay on task. I commend you with the ideas you have done for her; you really have keyed into what she still can do and matched activities to that...

  8. Friday June 10, 2011

    1. How can I curb my husband's desire to take drives?

      Answer - Here are some suggestions I have for your husband with Alzheimer's who wants to go.