In his documentary about grief, George Shelley uses an analogy of glitter. Toss a handful of glitter into the air, and it is going to settle into all the crevices and cracks of the room, impossible to fully sweep up and remove. Anyone who has lost a loved one can relate. Yet in certain instances, there can be a physical toll of grief so overwhelming that it could lead to a serious and aptly-named condition: broken heart syndrome. Broken heart syndrome is a very real physical condition due to the intense stress experienced in certain kinds of grief (such as one spouse losing the other after dec ..read more

Are you finding the need to turn the TV up louder for an older adult you love? Speaking more loudly? Repeating things a senior loved one missed hearing the first time? Hearing loss in seniors isn’t uncommon. But new studies are pointing to a surprising link between hearing loss and dementia. How Hearing and Cognitive Functioning Are Related There are a number of hypotheses scientists are exploring to explain the connection between hearing loss and dementia: The brain’s memory and thinking systems are affected when it has to focus harder to strain to hear and to fill in the gaps when communica ..read more

In our dedication to creating nurturing environments for seniors, recognizing the significance of cultural competence shines brightly, particularly concerning the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals as they age. Cultural competence surpasses mere tolerance, demanding a deep understanding and respect for various identities, backgrounds, and life experiences. In LGBTQ+ senior care, embracing cultural competence becomes vital in ensuring seniors receive the respect and understanding they deserve while navigating the challenges of growing older. What Does Cultural Competence Encompass? At its core ..read more

As seniors journey through the passages of aging, they encounter a myriad of life’s experiences, each tinted with its own blend of challenges and triumphs. For LGBTQ+ seniors, there are additional unique obstacles faced that demand our attention and empathy. At Heaven at Home Senior Care, our mission is deeply rooted in advocating for inclusivity and equality for every elder, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Here are some of the hurdles LGBTQ+ seniors confront, and our dedication to addressing them: Battling Isolation and Stereotypes: LGBTQ+ elders frequently grapple ..read more

There was a period when Mom only required assistance a couple days a week, for a few hours each day. As her needs evolved, it became beneficial to have a caregiver with her most days, while you provided care for her on the weekends. Now, you’re realizing Mom would feel safest at home if she had care around the clock to ensure all her needs are met and to handle any emergencies that may arise. If this resonates with you, it might be the right time to explore the benefits of 24-hour care! Understanding 24-Hour Care: The reality is, a person’s need for care isn’t confined to a nine-to-five schedu ..read more

As people age, their evolving needs prompt the need for increased support. Initially, an older adult’s care journey may involve a dedicated home caregiver assisting with meals, light housekeeping, and providing friendly companionship. However, a few hours of assistance per day may simply not be enough over time. As the aging process unfolds, older loved ones may encounter challenges with late-night tasks or face issues in the overnight hours that demand immediate attention. Recognizing these evolving needs, live-in care for seniors may be a solution to consider. What Are Some Advantages of Liv ..read more

Reflect on the journey of your life. Can you recall the valuable lessons learned through experience rather than a guidebook? Life’s path lacks a manual, but we possess something even more powerful: the wisdom of those who’ve walked similar journeys. Older adults, in particular, have a unique opportunity to share life lessons by becoming a senior mentor, a process that not only imparts knowledge but also fosters self-esteem, purpose, and meaning. The benefits extend to all involved, creating strengthened intergenerational connections and making mentoring a win for everyone. Wondering how someon ..read more

We all aspire to leave a positive mark on the world, especially when it comes to influencing the generations that follow. Leaving a meaningful legacy is not just about passing on material assets; it involves weaving together a tapestry of memories, wisdom, values, and contributions over a lifetime. What Does It Mean to Leave a Meaningful Legacy? When considering leaving a legacy, it’s crucial to look beyond material wealth. Here are practical steps you can take with the older adults in your life to help them leave a lasting legacy: Share Your Story Through Memoirs: One of the most powerful wa ..read more

While the holiday season is widely associated with joy, for many older adults, it can be a time of deep despair. Nostalgia for past celebrations, the loss of loved ones, and health-related challenges can intensify feelings of sadness, making it crucial to take proactive steps to prevent seniors from descending into depression during this time. If you’re concerned about depression in older adults during the holidays impacting someone you love, consider asking yourself these three essential questions. Normal Nostalgia or Something More? Reflect on whether the older adult’s sadness is rooted in n ..read more

Receiving a medical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is life-changing—for the person who is diagnosed, obviously, but equally as much for their loved ones. When supporting a loved one with Alzheimer’s, it is imperative for family caregivers to allow themselves sufficient time to prepare for the changes to come and to discover a healthy way to work through the diverse emotions that develop. Because Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, one of the difficulties for caregivers is finding peace throughout each stage. It can be beneficial to use reflection as a tool to better deal with the challenge ..read more