You may have heard the term Stage 5 dementia and if you’re looking for your car keys (again) or can’t remember why it is you just walked into the kitchen (again), you may joke and secretly worry that you’re suffering from dementia. Don’t worry, distraction, disorganization and even forgetfulness do not represent dementia. There is much more to it than typical absent-mindedness as a result of aging or too much going on. Chances are high, though, that you will be dealing with dementia at some point in your life. An aging parent, a spouse or some other loved one may...

It can be difficult when you first start to notice the mental effects of aging in your loved one, whether that be forgetting a detail of a story or a hard time concentrating on a task at hand. While it’s tough to see, it’s often a normal side effect of getting older. This assumption can prevent people from taking the right steps to address cognitive impairment in the elderly, when it does begin to occur.  First, it is important to become well-informed to understand the common signs and taking the necessary measures to prevent and help. To prepare, we’ve put...

Recognizing the signs that could suggest your loved one or a senior in your care is hiding dementia symptoms can be difficult. What you need to know about dementia, first and foremost, is that it is not specifically a disease. The term ‘dementia’ is used to describe a group of symptoms linked to memory decline or cognitive impairment. Alzheimer’s is however a disease and the most common type of dementia; accounting for 60 to 80 percent of cases. The second most common type is vascular dementia and its onset occurs after a stroke. Dementia Symptoms A senior suffering from dementia...

The process of deciding the best living situation for an elderly parent or loved one can be challenging. At a certain point, you may be forced to face the daunting decision of moving your family member from their own home into an assisted living center or group home. But how do you know when it is time for an assisted living center? What is the the right choice for your loved one? Read on to help guide you through the decision-making process and whether assisted living is now necessary for your senior: 1. Their current home is not fit for their...

As adults age, it can be harder to do some of the activities enjoyed in their youth—but loss of abilities does not mean the end of good times. One of the best things you can do for your senior loved ones is encourage engagement in elderly activities. Staying active is good for their physical and emotional health and also helps maintain cognitive skills and mobility. If you are looking for ideas on what to suggest or try, here are some of the best activities for seniors: 1. Grab a good book Reading is a great independent activity for seniors to keep...

Let’s face it, aging is an unstoppable and inevitable part of life. While we all know it will happen, the realizations of aging can cause waves of anxiety in many older individuals. To overcome negative thoughts about aging, here are four ways to embrace the aging process: 1. Talk about it Aging isn’t a secret, and you are certainly not the only person going through the process. When talking about aging with others, you’ll become more comfortable when you voice your concerns. Sharing your thoughts and expressing your fears with friends and family will confirm that you are not alone...

sWhen you are trying to decide whether to move your senior into assisted living center or keep them in their own home and arrange care to come to them, so many questions come up; it can be overwhelming. Don’t panic. Start by answering these four questions. It is a good first step to help you decide what makes the most sense for not just your loved one, but your whole family. 1. Which costs more: assisted living centers or private home care? There is no simple answer here.  When you compare the cost of an assisted living center vs bringing...

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be difficult and often times a strain for family members sharing in the care responsibilities and decisions. Although there will inevitably be challenges, there are communication tools and practices you can learn to better address the needs of your loved one with dementia. Here are five dementia care tips to get you started: 1. Put forth a positive attitude: Your attitude and actions speaker louder than words. Be aware of your facial expressions, your tone of voice, and your body language when communicating with your senior. Use a positive tone, and even...

The Valley of the Sun is a hub for senior living services, which includes a variety of options in Scottsdale assisted living communities. When considering the best living situation for an elderly parent, families often compare assisted living to home care.  With so many options available, it can often be difficult to choose what the best solution is for your loved one. Here is what you need to know about in-home care and assisted living to make an informed decision:   What is Assisted Living As you might expect, assisted living is housing for the elderly that provides round the clock...

Your heart takes care of you every day, but are you taking care of your heart? Cardiovascular diseases cause more deaths than any other illness. In fact, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) states that one in four American deaths is linked to heart disease. February is American Heart Month. In honor of American Heart Month, take some time to incorporate healthier habits. Here are 5 ways to show your heart some love during American Heart Month: Eat heart- healthy foods: Your diet plays a huge role in your heart health. Start by controlling portion size, including more whole grains,...