How to Assess When a Loved One Requires Caregiving Assistance
On many occasions, it is obvious when a loved one needs additional assistance, but there are some cases where it is not so obvious. These changes tend to happen gradually, which is why they may go unnoticed for an extended period of time. We are going to walk you through how to identify if your loved one can stay in their home alone or if it is time to seek more support.
What Do You Need to Know About the Stages of Alzheimer's Disease?
While memory loss is a large part of Alzheimer’s disease, it tends to be our focus when it should not be. Individuals who suffer from Alzheimer’s undergo many neurological and physical changes, which can cause challenges for them and those around them. We have found that being informed and educated about the disease is the best way to prepare for the road ahead. We have divided the stages of Alzheimer’s into early, middle, and late stages. Let’s look at what you can expect from each one.
What Are the Benefits of Assisted Living?
Transitioning to assisted living can be a challenge; however, we often find that the benefits of assisted living were not possible when living at home. Our goal is to always help aid this transition and we find it helps to lay out some of the benefits.
What to Consider When Choosing a Memory Care Community
Transitioning to a memory care community is hard; it’s hard on your loved one and it is hard on you. They are leaving their home. You are probably dealing with a lot of feelings around the subject. On top of all of that, you have to pick a community for your loved one to move into. So how do you pick the right one? We are about to walk you through the key things to consider.
What to Ask When Talking to Your Loved One’s Doctor
As a caregiver, it is easy to get overwhelmed. There is constant care, ensuring proper nutrition, social interactions, and so much more. It is hard to keep it all straight. One way to be prepared for doctor’s visits is to write down your questions or anything you have recently noticed before-hand. For example, if there have been any recent changes in your loved one’s mood, write it down as a concern. This is a great opportunity to get answers without being on hold or sifting through a variety of resources. You may be asking, “but what do I ask?” A few very important questions are:
What Makes Memory Care Different from Assisted Living?
Memory care and assisted living communities can be very similar but also different and are assessed on the level of care provided. Memory care communities cater specifically to those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia; memory care programs are catered more towards dementia-friendly activities and have staff who are specially trained in cognitive impairments. We know that deciding where to start can be difficult, so we have composed a list of what you need to know as you start making decisions.
Managing Your Loved One’s Money
As our loved ones age, their cognitive abilities tend to decline; this often impairs their ability to responsibly manage their finances. This can be an uneasy conversation to have, but it is definitely a necessary one. Who will oversee their finances when they cannot anymore? We are here to provide you with important information to understand what course of action to take and what problems to look out for if you have to become their financial manager.
How to Talk to Your Loved One About Moving to Assisted Living
For many people, home is the heart of their lives. The idea of leaving that can be scary; it is the idea of leaving behind memories and comfort. However, we know that aging at home is not always possible. So how do you start talking to your loved one about the transition to an assisted living community?
How to Handle Your Feelings After Caregiving Ends
There are often a lot of feelings around the transition to an assisted living community; you are not alone in that. Common feelings manifest as guilt, distress, and inadequacy. You are probably questioning if there was more you could have done or why you didn’t push harder to keep them at home. This is normal. However, we know that it can be overwhelming. So how do you deal with all of these feelings?
Assistance and Tips for Difficult Family Caregiving Conversations
As your loved ones age, it is likely there will be several uncomfortable conversations you have to have with them. Things like finances, estate planning, care and treatment, and so on will have to be discussed; it is important to do it before it is too late. These conversations are difficult, though. So how do you have them?
How to Assess When a Loved One Requires Caregiving Assistance
On many occasions, it is obvious when a loved one needs additional assistance, but there are some cases where it is not so obvious. These changes tend to happen gradually, which is why they may go unnoticed for an extended period of time. We are going to walk you through how to identify if your loved one can stay in their home alone or if it is time to seek more support.
Why Maintaining Flexibility is Important as We Age
At all ages, flexibility and mobility are important to overall health; but it’s even more important as we age.
Visiting Your Loved One in Assisted Living - Top 6 Things to Look For
The transition to assisted living communities can be difficult; from finding a community to being confident you made the right choice.
Helping Your Loved Ones Cope with Memory Loss
Memory loss diseases, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s do not discriminate.
7 Tips for Managing Senior Health
Aging is natural; however, without the proper care, it can happen quicker than it should. It’s never too early to start taking care of yourself.
How to Create a Dementia Care Plan
Noticing that your loved one is showing signs of dementia is always heartbreaking…
Delirium vs. Dementia
Delirium and Dementia are two different illnesses that share several of the same characteristics…
Explore Old Memories, In the New Year
Memories are one of the most valuable things we have in our lifetime because they represent the journey it took from where you started, to where you are now.
New Year, New Opportunities
It is the New Year, and there are so many new opportunities for your loved one!
Visiting Older Family Members—Signs to Look for this Holiday Season
With the holidays fast approaching, we are surrounded by friends and family, including parents and grandparents.