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:

What local resources should I know about?

Does this new medication interact with any other current medications?

At this point in their illness, what can I expect their ability to be (both cognitively and physically)?

How can I help prevent falls and injuries?

What can I do to ensure my loved one is getting proper nutrition?

Is there anything I can do to help my loved one manage his or her pain?

Watching our loved ones age is hard. If you are looking for additional support, respite care, or considering assisted living, give us a call today to see how we can help.

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. 

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. Your options are usually at-home caregivers or assisted living communities, but it can be difficult to determine which is the best option for you and your family. So, what is the difference between the two?

Home care services require caregivers to come into your home and assist with daily activities, allowing seniors to stay in the comfort of their home with all of their belongings. The level of care provided is dependent upon the specific need of the senior. At-home care services often include transportation, medication management, and meal preparation. This is a great option for those who do not need 24-hour care; however, if your loved one needs full-service care, home services can become expensive rather quickly. Senior’s homes often need to be updated for accessibility and safety. Along with price, seniors who stay at home with a caregiver are more susceptible to social isolation; those who socially isolate are known to experience higher levels of depression, increased mental decline, and other health issues.

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?

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?

As our loved ones get older, they usually require a higher level of care. Your options are usually at-home caregivers or assisted living communities, but it can be difficult to determine which is the best option for you and your family. So, what is the difference between the two?