Topic: dementia
In the early stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementias, most people can live and be safely cared for at home by family or professional caregivers, or in an assisted living residence.
A move to memory care may be prompted by a change in health or cognition that is unsafe or unhealthy for the person living with dementia or their primary care partner.
Memory Care is specifically designed to provide a safe, secure, supportive living environment, be it a stand-alone community or a separate unit within assisted living or a CCRC or Life Plan community. Memory care communities provide 24/7 care for individuals living with memory or other cognitive changes such as Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. …
Caregiving is a marathon, not a sprint. Equipping yourself for the long term is essential. Just as you would never participate in a marathon without proper preparation, you shouldn’t start your caregiving journey without planning and the right supports.
To ensure a smooth journey, here are some key resources and professionals to engage: …
What is your role at Aging Wisdom?
Creative Engagement Specialist
What made you want to work in the field of aging?
My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s eight years ago, and I wanted to learn as much as I could about the disease. It inspired me to want to work in memory care, specifically to support people with dementia as well as their family and friends. …
It might feel scary to tell others if you’ve been diagnosed with dementia or even just mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Start with those you think will be the most supportive. Perhaps close family and friends. …
“It feels so isolating.” This is a common refrain I hear when talking to family care partners of persons living with dementia.
In surveys, support groups, and personal conversations, spouses, partners, and adult children caring for someone living with dementia express the need for a variety of services, especially for social and emotional supports. …
Changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementiaRead More »
We’re revisiting an interview Lisa Mayfield, founder, principal and care manager at Aging Wisdom, did with Suzanne Newman of Answers for Elders back in early 2020 on an evergreen topic: Family dynamics and caring for a parent living with dementia. …
Adult Family Homes (AFH) are residential homes licensed to care for up to six non-related residents. They provide room, board, laundry, necessary supervision, and necessary help with activities of daily living, personal care, and social services.
The adult family home model has created a space for people to get a high-level of care, but in a comfortable home-like setting. AFH are especially wonderful for residents who would benefit from more one-on-one support and a calmer environment. …
Adult Family Homes: Smaller, calmer residential environmentsRead More »
Memory care is specifically designed to provide a safe, supportive, and structured living environment, be it a stand-alone community or a separate unit within assisted living or a CCRC. …
As we grow older, it’s not unusual to have trouble finding the right word or recalling a name on occasion. If trouble with word-finding or recall persists, or performing everyday task like meal preparation or managing bills becomes uncharacteristically difficult, it might be a sign of something more serious.
It’s important to stress that not every older adult with memory problems has dementia, and Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are not a normal part of aging. …
Memory and Forgetfulness: What’s Normal, What’s NotRead More »
The decision to move someone in your care to memory care or an adult family home can be difficult. However, it’s often the best choice when daily caregiving responsibilities begin to impact the safety and health of either the person living with dementia and/or their primary caregiver, be it a spouse, partner, or adult child. …