Relationships may look and feel a bit different when your loved one begins experiencing symptoms of dementia. For young children in the family, these changes can be confusing or even uncomfortable. For the seniors with dementia, visits with unfamiliar friends or family members–especially young children who grow and change quickly–can be more stressful than visits with family they see on a regular basis. To foster a relationship between your children and your loved one, make an effort to schedule regular, short visits. Keeping your visits short and sweet is a promising approach to more positive ..read more

Shadowing is a term heard frequently in the memory care community for when a senior citizen displays clingy behavior to a loved one or caretaker. For the person being shadowed, this behavior can be disruptive or annoying, leading to irritation toward the individual. Shadowing is often described as following a caretaker around the house or room, and can sometimes include mimicking actions or parroting questions and comments.  There are many reasons your loved one may be shadowing you, but the three main causes are as follows: Anxiety and Confusion More often than not, shadowing stems fro ..read more

Daylight savings time can affect even the healthiest of individuals, but those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia have a particularly hard time adjusting to disruptions in their routines. Less daylight and even the slightest changes in one’s daily schedule can bring on sudden emotional and behavioral challenges, often referred to as sundowning. What is Sundowning? Sundowning is a behavioral and cognitive reaction elderly individuals can experience as the sun goes down at the end of the day. You may also hear it referred to as late-day confusion, sunset dementia, or sundow ..read more

Thanksgiving is an opportunity to connect with family and friends, share a meal together, and celebrate the holiday season. If you plan on celebrating Thanksgiving with a loved one experiencing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, consider implementing these three tips for an enjoyable, stress-free day. 1. Create a Welcoming Environment Find a quiet and familiar space away from crowds and holiday commotion. If possible, invite your family and friends to your loved one’s home or the home of their caregivers. A recognizable environment will prevent your loved one from getting anxious and reduce thei ..read more

Watching classic movies with your elderly loved ones can help improve memory care by stimulating their mind, triggering old memories, and creating opportunities for socialization. Residents in senior living and memory care facilities are typically in their mid-80s. Coming of age in the 1930s and 40s, they enjoyed the continuous waves of classic Hollywood cinema that were produced rapidly after World War I, starting in the 1910s and continuing through the 60s. Thanks to streaming services today, we can access and enjoy the classic films that our loved ones grew up with. Familiar Sounds and Sigh ..read more

It’s officially the fall season–the leaves are changing, the holidays are approaching, and the weather is cooling down. For many people, the quick switch from comfortable to chilly weather isn’t that big of a deal, but for our elderly loved ones, maintaining a healthy body temperature is paramount to their wellbeing. As we age, we experience the loss of body heat faster than in our younger years. Elderly people are at risk for hypothermia, heart attack, kidney problems, liver damage, or worse when their body temperature dips below 95°F.  Here are three major tips to share with our elderly ..read more

While our elderly loved ones may spend less time on the internet than the rest of the general public, they are still targets for cybercrimes and other scams. Identity theft, Medicare fraud, or financial scams by strangers or close acquaintances can go unnoticed by seniors with little to no online experience. According to a report by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Office of Financial Protection for Older Americans found that between 2013 and 2019, “financial institutions have reported to the federal government over 180,000 suspicious activities targeting older adults, involving a ..read more

Part 1: Listening to Your Body’s Needs During the Warmer Seasons Seasonal Allergy Symptoms With Spring in full swing and Summer right around the corner, the sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and the pollen count is off the charts. If you are allergic to pollen, your immune system may identify it as a foreign substance, causing symptoms such as: Sneezing Congestion Runny nose Watery eyes Itching in the nose, eyes, or throat Seasonal allergies can also cause “brain fog” due to the strain that allergies can place on the brain. For individuals experiencing memory issues such as Alzheimer ..read more

Memory care often involves quite a bit of planning and thinking ahead. It is not uncommon for caretakers and family members to feel overwhelmed by all of the moving parts, but taking the time to appreciate the present can make all of the difference – for you, for your loved one, and for your entire family. Ground Yourself In the Moment The uncertainty of the future can feel overwhelming when caring for a family member with memory issues. The reality of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is that time can be limited to ask questions and share stories. Take advantage of the time you have together b ..read more

There are a few risk factors involving family history and lifestyle habits that may make you more predisposed to developing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Memory issues are frequently a natural side effect of aging, but severe memory issues and mental decline that disrupt daily life could be signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.  Take the time to review family medical records and consider your lifestyle habits to prepare for the future. Family History Diagnosed Dementia: Family members with confirmed cases of dementia increase your risk of developing memory problems. Genetics: Scie ..read more