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Assisted Living Residence Checklist

It’s important to be prepared when calling and touring assisted living centers. Each community is unique, if you’ve seen one assisted living facility, you’ve seen one assisted living facility. Download the checklist below to stay organized, compare communities and ask the right questions to help you decide on the community that’s right for your loved… Read More

10 Alzheimer’s Warning Signs

Some change in memory is normal as we grow older, but the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are more than simple lapses in memory. People with Alzheimer’s experience difficulties communicating, learning, thinking and reasoning – problems severe enough to have an impact on an individual’s work, social activities and family life. The Alzheimer’s Association has developed a checklist… Read More

Music Therapy for Dementia Patients

The man had not spoken in three or four years. An older man in the late stages of Alzheimer’s, he could no longer care for himself and required a high level of assistance in his daily activities of living. But on one particular day, Concetta Tomaino, DA, a certified music therapist, offered a different kind… Read More

Activities with Dementia Patients

Connecting with others is at the core of being human – and it’s something that doesn’t change when a person has dementia. We’re often asked what are good activities for dementia patients. It’s important to know that there are many ways you can continue to form connections and strengthen bonds with your loved one during… Read More

Moving Elderly Parents: Convincing Mom & Dad

Gail Heimberg had to make one of the most difficult decisions of her life. Her 88-year-old mother–a sharp, independent woman who had lived alone in Brooklyn, New York, for most of the latter part of her life–was quickly growing frail. While she used to walk from her home to the neighborhood bakery with ease, navigating… Read More

Elderly Anxiety Disorders

Jeannette Franks, PhD, is a passionate gerontologist who teaches at University of Washington and Bastyr University; she is the author of a book on assisted living and numerous articles. We all experience anxiety from time to time, some of which is normal and even productive. However, when anxiety becomes disruptive and disabling to a person’s… Read More

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Veteran’s Benefits: Does the VA Pay for Senior Care?

Are you or your loved one a U.S. military veteran or military veteran’s spouse? Veterans or their surviving spouses in need of senior care may qualify for extra financial help on top of their basic pension. Here are the highlights of the little-known Aid and Attendance benefit, which can provide financial assistance to senior veterans… Read More

Senior Rehabilitation Centers: Better Care Options After a Hospital Stay

Did you know that families have options when choosing where to complete rehab after being discharged from the hospital? From skilled nursing homes that offer 24-hour care, to rehab services that can be carried out at home or at an assisted living community, learn about options that will help your loved one get better as quickly… Read More

Dealing With Dementia Behaviors: Expert Tips for Understanding and Coping

Anger, confusion, and sadness are a few symptoms a person with dementia may experience regularly. Even though you know your loved one’s dementia behaviors are symptoms of a disease and not intentional, dealing with them is often emotionally and physically challenging. Learn more about typical dementia behaviors and expert tips for managing them. Common dementia behaviors A person… Read More

Is a Joint Bank Account With an Elderly Parent Right for You?

Are you considering opening a joint bank account with your aging parent? While it may seem like a convenient way to pay the bills, a joint account has drawbacks that could be financially damaging to you both. Weigh the pros and cons here before heading to the bank. Advantages of a joint bank account A… Read More

Medication Management Guide: Lifesaving Tips for Seniors

Most assisted living communities provide residents with medication management services, which can be helpful if family members live far away or cannot check on aging loved ones regularly. For seniors who live at home, understanding steps to managing medications effectively can help keep them safe. Why medication management is essential for seniors: avoiding medication errors You may… Read More

Beyond Bingo: The 50 Best Activities for Seniors in Assisted Living

People have the same basic needs at any age: to explore, have fun, learn, and live life to the fullest. Senior living activities do much more than just pass the time. They help seniors lead healthier, happier lives. Assisted living facilities offer activities to suit all seniors’ interests Assisted living communities offer a variety of… Read More

GPS Tracking for Seniors: Best Bracelets and Devices

Older adults with cognitive conditions sometimes feel lost or disoriented and leave their room or home in search of something familiar. This is called wandering — a common but potentially dangerous symptom of memory conditions in seniors. Many methods exist to help prevent wandering, like carefully designed memory care facilities that reduce confusion and promote familiarity. But when… Read More

Top 7 Reasons to Hire a Senior Move Manager

Moving is stressful no matter how old you are, and it gets even harder with years of memories and possessions collected in one home. In fact, more than half of seniors say that avoiding the hassle of moving is a reason why they want to age at home, according to a survey by the National Council… Read More

23 Activities for Seniors Who Are Social Distancing

Activity directors at senior living communities are known for thinking of fun outings, games, and exercise programs for aging loved ones. With communal activities off the table, they’ve had to get creative and find new methods to keep residents safe and connected during social distancing. You can adapt these expert ideas as inspiration to keep your loved… Read More