In our last blog, we discussed the importance of creating a routine; we now know that daily routines and schedules are essential for those that suffer from dementia. However, how do you create a schedule? What are the best things to include? The truth is, routines will look different for everyone. The good news is that we can lay out a few tips for you to use as a guideline as you develop a schedule for you and your loved one.

As we age, the significance of social interaction becomes increasingly evident, especially for seniors living with memory-related conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease. In addressing the unique needs of individuals in memory care communities, the essence of socialization stands out as a crucial component in promoting their overall well-being and cognitive health.

Honoring our veterans goes beyond expressing gratitude for their service, it involves ensuring they receive the care and support they deserve as they age. For many veterans and their families, navigating the complexities of healthcare and assisted living costs can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there is a valuable resource that often goes unnoticed - the Aid and Attendance benefits program.

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?

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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: 

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.

As our loved ones get older, they usually require a higher level of care.