Two Elder Care Alliance communities are recognized again this year, and a third joins them among the top in senior living. We are excited to announce AlmaVia of Camarillo and AlmaVia of San Francisco have earned the honor for a second consecutive year, and Mercy Retirement & Care Center joins them in being named best by U.S. News & World Report in the 2024-2025 Best Senior Living Ratings.  Of the more than 3,500 senior living communities evaluated this year, only 1,703 were named “Best” communities. For a second year in a row, AlmaVia of Camarillo was awarded Best Assisted L ..read more

Watching the seasons change is one of the most reliable pleasures of life. As an older adult, taking advantage of good weather and sunny days is important, especially if you’ve been feeling cooped up all winter. Use these activity ideas to embrace all that spring has to offer. Plant Starter Seeds for a Garden Gardening is great for your mental and physical health. When you notice the spring thaw, you can begin planting starter seeds for your outdoor garden or greenhouse. Pick out seeds at a local nursery, and spend a day setting up your seedlings at your kitchen table or in your garage. You’ll ..read more

When you or a loved one suddenly requires a different or new type of healthcare, the amount of terms and options can be overwhelming. Many people get confused when they hear about skilled nursing and long-term care. While they share similarities, these two types of care cater to different needs and have distinct purposes. Here’s what you need to know to understand the differences between skilled nursing and long-term care. What Is Skilled Nursing Care? Skilled nursing is medical care licensed professionals provide in a dedicated facility or rehabilitation center. People who are recovering from ..read more

As the cold days of winter slowly melt away and make room for spring, the clutter around your home may start to bother you. At the same time, choosing a place to begin your annual deep clean can feel overwhelming. Here are six spring cleaning tips for seniors that you can use to enter this new season confidently. Spring Cleaning Improves Mental Health A strong connection exists between having a clean and organized home and good mental health. Stick to a regular cleaning schedule to ensure that you feel at peace and happy with your living situation. Breeze through spring cleaning with these tip ..read more

The last 100 years have seen lightning-fast progress and many societal changes. As an older adult or a caretaker of an older adult, you may feel unsure about how to take advantage of the digital age. Understanding how to navigate social media can help you and your loved ones have a positive and safe experience online. What Are the Benefits of Social Media for Seniors? The invention of social media has altered the course of interaction for most people, and many older adults are excited to create profiles on websites such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and more ..read more

For seniors suffering from dementia, memory care can provide a nurturing and supportive environment with a high level of personal attention. Memory care communities typically offer several specialized features to reduce residents’ anxiety and risk of wandering.  Compassionate staff members aim to help residents maintain independence for as long as possible. If you’re considering transitioning your loved one to a community with dedicated care for dementia or Alzheimer’s, here are questions to ask a memory care facility to ensure that the change will be a good fit. Why You Should Ask Questi ..read more

Whether making small talk at the grocery store or catching up with a close friend, you may never worry about feeling at ease when chatting with another person. As people age, conversation can become more overwhelming. Use these conversation starters with your loved one for easier and more meaningful interactions. Tips for Talking to Older Adults When you spend time with older adults, it helps to understand the issues they may face when holding a conversation. Up to 50% of people over 75 experience hearing loss, impacting cognitive processing and their ability to focus while conversing. Other h ..read more

For many older adults, being healthy includes eating right, exercising, and visiting the doctor regularly. There’s another aspect of health that often gets overlooked, and that is social wellness. Here’s what you need to know about social wellness and how it impacts the quality of life for seniors. What Is Social Wellness? Social wellness centers on relationships and community. To experience happiness and a positive sense of well-being, seniors need to have good relationships with family and friends and feel connected to their community. Rather than imagining the human experience as a pyramid ..read more

When your loved one experiences a downturn in their health, has an accident, or requires serious surgery, their doctor may recommend a rehabilitation program for quick healing. Short-term rehabilitation can make a big difference in health outcomes after a stroke, injury, or sudden debilitating illness. Here are five facts about acute rehab hospitals to help you understand what lies ahead. 1. Intensive Acute rehab hospitals provide intensive care for severe injuries, accidents, surgeries, and medical issues. These facilities generally schedule your loved one for three to five hours of therapy s ..read more

Individuals living with dementia experience the disorder differently, and their care partners often feel the impact of the symptoms in a variety of ways. In the middle stage of the disorder, communication is one of the key skills affected.  The deterioration of expression often occurs just as people with dementia require increasing levels of help, causing challenges for friends, family members, and other care partners struggling to provide the best possible care. Here are 10 expert tips you can use as you learn how to talk with dementia patients. Learn How To Communicate With Dementia Pat ..read more