Learn about the factors that will help you know when it is time for someone to move to assisted living. As children become aware of a parent's dementia (possibly Alzheimer’s), many conversations ensued about the “what ifs.” “What if she lives longer than Dad does – what will we do?” “If it is Alzheimer’s –…
Learn some helpful tips for how to find a memory care facility and how to evaluate the quality of care being provided. Over time, the long-term care industry has evolved to include many levels of care – skilled nursing, assisted living and independent living among them. Memory care units too, have grown in number in…
Watching your parents age can be difficult and when signs of dementia appear, it can be harder than ever. Talking to parents about these changes may seem overwhelming, but having the tough conversation now can lead to an earlier diagnosis and will help everyone better cope with the changes. How to Recognize Early Dementia Symptoms…
When it comes to finding the right memory care community for your loved one, questions about the costs and services provided may come to mind. But, memory care communities offer a range of services, some of which might be more important to your loved one than others. If you are considering memory care for your…
Speak to all sorts of staff members – and residents – to get the real scoop. Questions to ask Obviously, you can't just rely on facility tours or promotional brochures to make this crucial decision. First, get your ducks in a row. When you're ready to visit in person, turn to administrators, staff members and…
While home care for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia is quite possible, in some cases it can become a bigger challenge than the family or a lone caregiver can manage. Full-time care is taxing for the caregiver and there is extensive burnout. Also, as dementia progresses, remaining in the home might become too difficult or…
Have the discussion as early as possible, preferably before a health crisis strikes. Having the conversation before a health emergency occurs can afford you and your loved one the opportunity to methodically discuss plans to tackle a host of issues, like downsizing and getting rid of extra possessions, figuring out finances and gathering medical records.…
At Spring Arbor Senior Living, our philosophy is to make every day special for our residents suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. As a result, we are always discovering new and invigorating ways to engage and stimulate our residents. Our Gardening Therapy program is a prime example! Research shows that access to…
Modern researchers have now discovered that music can soothe those suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers at University of Utah Health recently tested whether they could alleviate anxiety in patients with dementia by playing familiar music to them using headphones and a hand-held music device. Anxiety and agitation are two of the most disruptive…
Many of the same services are offered at assisted living residences as in memory care units. However, there are also several ways in which assisted living differs from memory care. Physical Differences Between Memory Care and Assisted Living Memory care is typically architecturally designed to meet the specific needs of Alzheimer’s patients. Unlike some assisted…