Understanding
Senior Care

How To Cope With A Loved One’s Memory Loss

From our Care Blog

Studies estimate that up to 40 percent of adults over age 50 suffer from age-related memory loss. Diseases such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia affect thousands of elderly Americans as well as their caregivers and loved ones. Renowned psychologist Dr. Dale Atkins, PhD. was recently interviewed on the TODAY show where she offered ways caregivers and friends and family members of victims of memory loss can remain connected. Here are a few of her suggestions: • Continue to take part in events and activities that you both previously enjoyed together and still love to do. This helps remind...

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Good reading: “Dad Has Dementia”

From our Care Blog

Recently, we came across a great blog that every caregiver of aging parents should read. It’s called “Dad Has Dementia”, and it won a 2010 Online Journalism Award for Online Commentary/Blogging. The blogger began writing when her dad was diagnosed with dementia, and she records the trials and tribulations her family has encountered along the way. Today she wrote, “Five weeks after Dad died, Mom moved to New Mexico to be near me. Through serendipity and the kindness of a stranger, we were able to find her a patio home just four blocks from our house. I'm grateful for how...

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Getting involved and giving back

From our Care Blog

Lately, I’ve been noticing a trend amongst seniors in the news—they’re giving back to their local communities and helping in out-of-the-box ways. A group of pro-active seniors in Burlington, Wash., for example, are helping fight crime with the town’s new Citizens On Patrol program. "So far our volunteers have already spotted a house that was broken into," Officer Tim Van Dyken, community resource officer for Burlington police told NWCN.com this week. The help from seniors is especially important as it comes at a time when budget cuts are the norm. Another story that sparked my attention this week is one...

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Creating a Plan for the Future

From our Care Blog

I am often struck by the difficulty people have when it comes to discussing financial planning issues with family members. But looking ahead to how you can ensure the best possible care for someone who is no longer able to live on their own will be one of the smartest decisions you make. Often times it’s a fall, accident or diagnosis that may trigger the discussion—which may prove to be too little too late. Consider these suggestions when looking ahead to future care. • Consider the needs of a loved one: How does the senior in your life want to...

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