Deciding when to transition into a senior living community is never an easy choice. Many older adults and their families wonder whether it’s best to wait until more advanced care is needed or to make the move earlier while still active and independent. For those considering a board and care home, timing can make a significant difference in long-term comfort, well-being, and peace of mind.
Posts
A study in ‘The Gerontologist’ states that, “approximately one-third of 65-year-olds are single.” That’s a 50% increase since 1980 according to the U.S. Census.
Aging with family and friends has been shown to result in improved health of seniors, including lower chances of cognitive impairment, and hospitalization. Research shows that socialization, companionship and hobby-building has great benefits for seniors: older adults who are surrounded by others are at a decreased risk of both cardiovascular and cognitive decline.
For some seniors, moving into an Assisted Living Community is the first step they can take to help maintain or increase the quality of life as they grow older. In reputable communities, experts in the field of long-term care help coordinate between activities to create communities where older adults are able to create new memories with one another. Residents take on scheduled group hobbies such as yoga, cooking, and artistry while pursing passions both new and old. Assisted Living Communities can act as a hub for seniors to connect and make new friends.
Our advice for making friends in a community? Participate and try out all the opportunities that are available. The goal is to foster an natural feeling of community with residents similar in age and circumstances.Dementias are degenerative disorders that develop primarily in the nervous system and selectively damage particular areas of the brain. Some dementias, like Alzheimer’s disease affect all areas of the brain simultaneously, while others, such as frontotemporal dementia, affect the parts of the brain involved in controlling one’s communications and emotions. Still others are caused by vascular disease, brain trauma, or chronic alcohol abuse (Korsakoff’s syndrome)
By 2030, 20% of U.S. population will be older than 65 years of age – about 50 million people. Dementia affects 1% to 6% of those older than 65, and between 10% and 20% of those older than 80 years of age. In the next 30 years, estimated 10-20 million seniors in U.S. will have mild to severe forms of dementia.
Seniors with history of moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) have a 2-3 times greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease – those with a severe TBI have a 4-5 times greater risk. Even healthy seniors are at risk for falls and head trauma, so any fall to the head, however minor, should be seen by a medical professional and documented.
Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 65% of all dementias. There is no direct diagnosis of Alzheimer’s – and while PET scans and other imaging techniques are being studied, none have yet been able to show the presence of Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s onset often surprises families because vision, movement, and sensation remain untouched while a senior’s memories begin to slowly decrease. Recent memories are affected first, leading to “senior moments” that appear innocent because all other memories, including those from decades ago, remain intact. Eventually those remote memories begin to fade, and lastly the senior’s “crystallized” memories, such as family member’s names and faces, are compromised.
By David L. Raffle, PhD
Clinical and Forensic Neuropsychologist
www.RaffleBrainInstitute.com
When a parent is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, families must make difficult decisions, including how to finance their long-term care. In many cases, selling their home becomes necessary to afford assisted living or memory care. However, if the parent is no longer legally capable of managing their affairs, selling the home becomes a complicated legal process.
We often think of zoos as destinations for children’s class trips, but seniors can enjoy them just as much! Taking your loved one to visit a zoo, perhaps with the extended family in tow, is a wonderful way to create togetherness and provide a stimulating activity.
With some of the best zoos and aquariums in the nation located in Southern California, this can be an excellent local day trip option for your loved one.
Making the decision to move into memory care can be difficult for seniors. Many want to maintain their independence as long as possible, making it a sensitive and challenging conversation for their families. For the best results, focus on helping your parent feel that this is their decision.
A thoughtful and respectful approach can make all the difference. Follow this five-step plan to help your parent transition to memory care.
If your loved one is receiving excellent care at an assisted living facility, you may feel a profound sense of gratitude toward the staff. Their dedication and compassion can make a significant difference in the quality of life for your family member. Expressing your appreciation is a thoughtful way to acknowledge their hard work and care. This guide will help you navigate the process, offering ideas on how to show your gratitude effectively and meaningfully.
When a parent first moves into assisted living, it’s common for their children to feel overwhelmed with guilt. Questions like “Does my loved one feel abandoned?” or “Could I have made a different arrangement to keep them at home?” often weigh heavily. While these emotions are natural, it’s important to approach the situation thoughtfully and strike a balance between caregiving responsibilities and your own life.
Being a caregiver is a challenging journey, especially when caring for a loved one with dementia. Cognitive decline brings unique obstacles, such as managing unpredictable behaviors, increasing caregiving responsibilities, communication difficulties, and feelings of isolation as friends and family sometimes distance themselves. These challenges can leave caregivers feeling overwhelmed and misunderstood.
In such times, joining a dementia care support group may offer relief and support. These groups, often led by trained professionals, provide a safe space for caregivers to share experiences and gain insights. Some groups cater to specific needs, such as spouses, adult children, or those caring for patients in later stages of dementia. Below, we explore the pros and cons of joining a dementia care support group to help you decide if this resource is right for you.
Moving to assisted living is one of the biggest adjustments an older adult will ever face. Even if the change is necessary for safety, it often comes with grief and worry about losing the place they’ve called home for years. With some thoughtful planning and compassion, you can help your loved one feel more comfortable and supported in their new environment.