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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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…

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A Place For Mom Blog

A Legal Checklist for Aging Parents: All the Documents You Need

Keeping track of legal documents for your aging parents can feel overwhelming, but the key to reducing stress is knowing what you need, and then, getting started. With the unpredictable and staggering impact of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, it’s important to be able to quickly locate your parents’ legal documents in case your loved one needs…
10 Immune System Boosters for Seniors

A strong immune system is an important component of good health. Your immune system helps you fight of infections and illnesses. But as you age, your immune system starts to weaken and becomes less efficient when responding to infections. This is why the risk of severe complications from the coronavirus outbreak is higher for older…
20 Questions Seniors Never Get Sick of Hearing

When he was in his 20s, my grandfather drove Elvis Presley through Germany. At 16, my grandmother was crowned the Watermelon Queen of Georgia, and had her picture made with the president in a dress she sewed herself. Growing up, I only saw them twice a year, and would beg to hear their stories. He…
18 Signs Your Aging Parent Needs Help

As the coronavirus or COVID-19 outbreak unfolds, it’s important to keep a watchful eye on your aging parents and the elderly. While healthcare officials encourage social distancing and self-isolation, you can still check on those you love through brief visits to drop off supplies, phone calls, or video chat. As you check in more often, you might notice distinct changes…
Dementia vs. Aging: Know the Difference

Dementia is not a normal part of the aging process. Problems caused by dementia can directly, and sometimes severely, interfere with a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. In comparison, typical age-related changes in thinking are subtle, and generally affect speed and attention. As we get older, it’s normal for our brains to struggle more…
8 Tips for Dealing With Aging Parents Who Won’t Listen

Growing up, your parents likely asked you listen to them. But what happens when they refuse to listen to you? If you’re struggling with elderly parents who refuse help, you’re far from alone: A whopping 77% of adult children believe their parents are stubborn about taking their advice or getting help with daily tasks, according…
Why Do the Elderly Lose Their Appetite as They Age?

Aging brings many physiological and lifestyle changes that make people feel less hungry. Yet sometimes the culprit is a serious problem requiring treatment. If you notice changes in your loved one’s eating habits, unexplained weight loss or weight gain, or general malaise, the first step is to consult their doctor. We asked registered dietitian Heather Schwartz…
The Best Cell Phone Plans and Phones for Seniors

Last Updated: December 17, 2019 Estelle Carlson of Redondo Beach, California, has had a smartphone for at least 10 years. Carlson, who is in her 70s, does everything on it: she banks, Facetimes with her cousin in Scotland and her granddaughters in Boston and Kaui, she writes “letters” and texts. “I can’t imagine being without…
Best Dog Breeds for Assisted Living

Last Updated: December 17, 2019 Big or small, noisy or quiet, active or calm — choosing the right dog breed is important when you plan to be a pet owner in an assisted living community. Moving into assisted living does not mean you have to give up the benefits of furry companionship. The number of…