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As you prepare to celebrate the holidays this season, you may notice some changes in your parents or senior loved ones if you haven’t seen them in a while. They may seem more forgetful, depressed or confused. Do they have Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia? Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease which is both debilitating and life-changing. Is it time to start researching assisted living or memory care communities? Fortunately, there are warning signs your loved one may have Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia that can help you determine if it’s time to look at visiting a community, or at least visiting a doctor.
10 Early Indicators of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia in Seniors:
-Forgetfulness and Short-Term Memory Loss
The early effects of memory loss cause people to forget entire conversations from just moments before. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease typically affect short term-memory first (memories that took place just a few moments ago). One of the most telling signs of memory issues are when those suffering forget important dates, the ability to remember their family members or ask for the same information repeatedly.
-Increased Confusion or Increased Lack of Concentration
Confusion about times and places can be one of the first indicators of memory loss. Tasks can take much longer than usual, people may forget where they’re going or how they got there or even be unable to navigate to familiar places. This leads to forgetting to track time, seasons and even the passage of time (which leads to forgotten appointments).
-Items Show Up In Strange Places or Loved Ones Are Losing Things
We all lose things - but those suffering with the early stages of Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease “lose” keys or other things in strange places (like the refrigerator). To compound the issue, those affected may lose items and forget how to retrace their steps. Situations can further escalate to paranoia or theft accusations against caregivers.
-Difficulty Doing Common Tasks
Anyone with memory loss or early signs of Dementia might not remember the coordination associated with cooking a favorite recipe, playing a familiar game, driving a vehicle or performing a hobby. Often, early signs of Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia are noticeable in depth perception, misjudged distances, and seeing colors- attributing for clumsiness, having accidents, falling or other serious health concerns.
-Speaking Problems and Other Language Issues
Issues with memory loss can also cause problems with processing and forming language. This can be apparent in conversations and writing. Your loved ones often compensate for this by using stand-in words or their own terms to avoid describing objects and difficult actions. Sometimes, those suffering will stop abruptly during sentences or when engaged in conversation.
-Loved Ones Having Problems with Abstract Thinking
Those suffering from memory loss sometimes have difficulty remembering numbers or doing math problems that are traditionally easy for them like simple change calculations, balancing checkbooks, or performing addition and subtraction.
-Lapses of Judgement / Issues Making Decisions
While making a bad judgement call or having a difficult time making decisions isn’t necessarily a “sign of Alzheimer’s” or a “sign of Dementia,” it could be one of the signs your senior parent or loved one might have Dementia. This could include your loved one falling for offers that are clearly scams, spending a reckless amount of money, or dressing inappropriately for weather conditions or following up on simple plans.
-Personality Changes, Mood Swings, Frustration, Fear and Anxiety
Sometimes, those suffering with memory care needs have mood swings and show changes in personality. This can cause those suffering to get scared, act fearful, be depressed, become angry, overly anxious or even worried. This can even cause a calm, confident adult to become immediately tentative, shy, and confused especially when they’re outside of their comfort zone - like in a public area.
-Loss of Grooming Ability or Changes in Personal Hygiene
Declining attention to personal care (infrequent bathing, wearing the same clothes day in and out, not brushing teeth or hair) are often precursors to dementia. The same is true about cleaning the home - if a home’s cleanliness declines suddenly, it could be a sign of a memory issue.
-Loved Ones Withdrawal from Friends and Family
One of the biggest red flags is when seniors start withdrawing from social opportunities and activities that they enjoyed in the past. Legend Senior Living has found that seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s disorder avoid being around people to avoid drawing attention to their memory loss, lapses in memory, or difficulty communicating because of memory loss.
These symptoms can seem pretty normal as we engage and interact with our loved ones however, they can also be very telling in understanding how memory loss such as Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease affect our loved ones. If you notice these symptoms in your loved one, we encourage you to seek out additional care options and services that ensure your loved one is getting the care they need to live their best life.
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, its a beautiful reminder that autumn is upon us. While the fall season brings cozy sweaters and pumpkin spice, it also presents unique challenges, especially for seniors. With slippery leaves, shorter days, and the onset of colder weather, its crucial to take steps to ensure your home is as safe as possible. Here are some essential fall prevention safety tips to help create a secure home environment this autumn.1. Keep Walkways Clear of Leaves and DebrisFallen leaves can be beautiful, but when they accumulate on walkways, they can become slippery, especially when wet. Regularly rake and clear paths, driveways, and steps to prevent slips and falls.2. Improve Outdoor LightingAs daylight hours shorten, good lighting becomes more important than ever. Make sure outdoor lights are functioning properly and consider adding motion-sensor lights around entrances and walkways. This not only helps prevent falls but also enhances security around your home.3. Install Grab Bars and HandrailsBathrooms and staircases are common areas where falls occur. Installing grab bars in the bathroom and handrails along stairs can provide the extra support needed to prevent accidents. Ensure these are securely attached and regularly check them for stability.4. Use Non-Slip Mats and RugsSlippery floors can be hazardous, especially in areas prone to moisture, such as entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms. Place non-slip mats in these areas and secure rugs with non-slip pads to prevent them from sliding. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of falls.5. Declutter and OrganizeCluttered spaces can be a tripping hazard. Take the time to declutter your home, especially in high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms. Ensure that cords, shoes, and other obstacles are stored away properly. A tidy home is not only more comfortable but also safer.6. Schedule a Heating System CheckAs temperatures drop, you'll likely be using your heating system more frequently. Before the cold fully sets in, have your heating system inspected by a professional to ensure it's working safely and efficiently. A well-maintained system can prevent accidents and keep your home warm throughout the fall and winter.7. Check Fire Alarms and Carbon Monoxide DetectorsWith the increased use of heating systems, its important to ensure that your fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning correctly. Test them monthly, replace batteries as needed, and consider upgrading to newer models if your devices are outdated.8. Consider a Free Senior Home Safety AssessmentFor seniors, creating a safe home environment is essential. TruBlue offers a Free Senior Home Safety Assessment to help identify potential hazards and recommend modifications to enhance safety. Our certified Senior Safety Specialists can provide personalized solutions that cater to the unique needs of seniors, allowing them to age in place safely.Fall is a season of change, and its the perfect time to take proactive steps to ensure your home is safe and secure. By following these fall prevention tips, you can reduce the risk of accidents and create a more comfortable living environment. Whether its clearing walkways, improving lighting, or installing safety features like grab bars, each small action can make a big difference.At TruBlue, were committed to helping you maintain a safe and comfortable home. Contact us today to schedule your Free Senior Home Safety Assessment and take the first step towards a safer autumn. Together, we can ensure that you or your loved ones can enjoy the beauty of the season without worry.
Navigating Medicare: A Comprehensive Information Guide with MediConnectAre you turning 65 soon or approaching eligibility for Medicare? Understanding your healthcare options is crucial for ensuring you receive the coverage you need. With Medicare being a cornerstone of healthcare for millions of Americans, its essential to familiarize yourself with its information. At MediConnect, our Medicare advisory firm, were here to help you find the plan that works best for you.What is Medicare?Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily designed for people who are 65 or older. However, it also covers certain younger individuals with disabilities and those with end-stage renal disease. It consists of different parts, each providing coverage for specific services:1. Medicare Part A: Hospital insurance that covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care.2. Medicare Part B: Medical insurance that covers outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, and some home health care.3. Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage): A private insurance alternative to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), often including prescription drug coverage and additional benefits like vision, dental, and wellness programs.4. Medicare Part D: Prescription drug coverage available through private insurance companies approved by Medicare.Understanding EnrollmentEnrolling in Medicare can be a straightforward process if you understand the information for your options and the timing of key decisions: Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Typically, this is a seven-month period that begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends three months after the month you turn 65. General Enrollment Period (GEP): If you missed your Initial Enrollment Period, you can enroll during the General Enrollment Period, which runs from January 1 to March 31 each year. However, late enrollment may result in penalties. Special Enrollment Period (SEP): Some individuals may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to specific life events, such as moving, losing employer coverage, or qualifying for additional assistance programs.Making Informed Choices with MediConnectChoosing the right Medicare coverage depends on various factors, including your healthcare needs, budget, and preferences. At MediConnect, our Medicare advisory firm, we take the information you give us to offer personalized guidance and expertise. Helping you make informed decisions: Coverage Needs: Our team will work with you to assess your healthcare needs, including prescription medications, doctor visits, and any specialized care requirements. Costs: Well help you understand the premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance associated with each Medicare option to determine the total cost of coverage. Provider Networks: Well explain the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, helping you choose the option that aligns with your provider preferences. Prescription Drug Coverage: Our experts will evaluate your prescription drug needs and compare Part D plans to find the one that best covers your medications at the lowest cost.Additional ResourcesNavigating the complexities of Medicare may seem daunting, but youre not alone. Here are some resources to give you additional information along the way: Medicare.gov: The official Medicare website offers comprehensive information, including plan comparisons, enrollment guidance, and eligibility criteria. State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs): These programs provide free, personalized Medicare counseling and assistance to help you understand your options and make informed decisions. Medicare Plan Finder: Use this tool on Medicare.gov to compare Medicare Advantage plans, Part D prescription drug plans, and Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policies available in your area.As you approach Medicare eligibility, remember that MediConnect is here to support you every step of the way. Our Medicare advisory firm is dedicated to helping you find the coverage that meets your unique needs and preferences.By understanding the various parts of Medicare, enrollment periods, and factors to consider when choosing a plan, you can make confident decisions about your healthcare coverage. Let us guide you through the process and ensure you have the peace of mind that comes with comprehensive Medicare coverage tailored to your individual requirements.
The Role of a Geriatric Care ManagerThe share of the United States population over the age of 65 has risen to 16%, and it is expected to climb further to 23% by 2060. People are living longer, and that means that people also have more specialized health care needs.Aging life care calls for a different kind of attention, as various conditions and syndromes begin to present themselves. Depending on which conditions those are, the situation can get complicated pretty quickly. In some cases, it might be worthwhile to consider hiring a geriatric care manager.As we and our loved ones age, we usually end up needing support from the people around us to make sure our needs are met. Family members in particular tend to shoulder this responsibility. But there are many reasons that might make it difficult to have a good support network in place. The most common reason is that family caregivers simply live too far away to provide reliable senior care management.In this context, geriatric care managers can be thought of as "professional relatives." If a family member is not able to provide long term care, geriatric care managers can help provide any and all services related to elder care. They are usually licenced nurses or social workers who are trained in aging life care, and they organize care plans and advocate for their patients needs.If you hire a geriatric care manager, you will be able to count on them to navigate the complexities of the health care system. It can also be helpful to have someone who can make decisions from a neutral point of view, as family caregivers sometimes have to make difficult decisions that are deeply personal.The primary responsibilities of a geriatric care manager are:Coordinating elder care between multiple service providersDeveloping both short and long term care plansHelping manage emotional concerns, stress, and anxietiesHelping manage transitional careHiring additional caregivers as necessaryMake home visits and evaluate living conditionsOngoing assessment of aging life care needsAll of this helps take the pressure off family members and ensures that geriatric care management is always under control.When to Seek Support With an Aging Life Care ExpertThere are many cases in which families are perfectly capable of managing aging life care for someone they love. But it can be challenging to know when you might be taking on more than you can reasonably expect to handle. As discussed above, one of the most obvious challenges is that family members do not live near the person who needs their care. But other complications are not as straightforward.You should consider hiring a geriatric care manager when:You need help with a complex issue. Lots of medical conditions can lead to the kinds of behaviors that should really be handled by aging life care professionals. Issues related to dementia, verbal abuse, or physical violence are among these.Your loved one will not talk to you about their health. Whether it is out of concern for privacy, a soured relationship, or an inability to describe what they are experiencing, older adults sometimes do not let relatives help them. A geriatric care manager gives them someone they feel comfortable talking to about their health. You are having trouble communicating with service providers. Geriatric care managers have a better understanding of where other aging life care professionals are coming from, so if you have run into a wall in negotiations or are not able to get the information you are looking for, your care manager is in a position to communicate more effectively.You do not know what to do. Caring for a loved one can be complicated for reasons beyond their health. We always want the best for them, but sometimes there are multiple pathways and it is not clear which one will be best. Geriatric care managers can provide their objective point of view to help your loved one receive the senior care that is right for themFinding Geriatric Care ManagersA geriatric care manager does not have to hold a state level license. But because many of them come from fields in health care, they elect to maintain their credentials. Care managers who come from social work often have to have active licensure in order to practice in their state.So on the one hand, a lack of certification or licensure is not necessarily a deal breaker. On the other hand, it is important that they can demonstrate their experience as aging life care professionals. If you are hiring a geriatric care manager, be sure to ask about the following:Do they have direct experience with managing issues specific to your loved one? This is especially important to cover in cases of severe injury or cognitive decline.Do they have experience with crisis care management? If your loved one is prone to seizures or is at high risk for falls or heart attacks, aging life care professionals need to know how to handle this type of emergency situation. Also ask them if they are available to respond around the clock, or if they have set hours.How will they communicate information to you? It might seem like a tedious question, but being on the same page about communication methods and styles can save everyone a lot of frustration and confusion.Can they provide references? It can be hard to really understand who you are working with based on their resume alone. Talking to people who know them well is a good way to corroborate your first impressions.How are their costs and fees structured? Senior care can be expensive it is typically not covered under Medicare or most other insurance plans so it is important to understand how much things will cost up front. Geriatric care managers charge by the hour, typically within a range of $75200 per hour.When families turn to aging life care professionals for care management services, they need to know as much as possible about the roles and responsibilities of the people they are bringing into the fold. Geriatric care managers help families navigate the complexities of elder care and relieve them of the stress and anxiety that so often comes along with it. They are experienced in working with a variety of national and local resources, care providers, and care services to ensure the highest quality of life possible.Give me a call for a FREE 20 minute consultation at 714-403-7040. source: Keystone Health, 2024. https://keystone.health/geriatric-care-manager-role-responsibilities#table-of-contents
Focused on providing first-class amenities and exceptional hospitality, The Remington is the backdrop for seniors to live their best lives. Enjoy a maintenance-free, vibrant lifestyle with personalized assistance when needed at The Remington in McCandless, PA. Welcome to The Remington, a boutique-style residence where opulent luxury meets an active lifestyle. Personal Care in McCandless, PALife at The Remington is about providing an independent lifestyle with discreet and personalized assistance thats never too far away. Youll enjoy opportunities to socialize, meet new friends, learn something new, and live the stress-free life you deserve. Our team of professional caregivers is there to provide support when you need it, tailored to your needs and preferences. As your needs change, we can change with you, offering the right level of care wherever you are to maintain your independence.Upscale Senior Living In The North HillsLife at The Remington is full of pleasant surprises with services and amenities designed to make wellness more convenient in your daily routine. Residents at The Remington enjoy access to:Vibrant Life Enrichment calendar featuring daily activities, events, workshops, and excursionsThoughtfully designed common areas for fun and conversationFull-service, restaurant-style dining featuring gourmet meals, seasonal menus, and healthy choicesBistro & Coffee BarGame room with shuffleboardMulti-media libraryBeautifully landscaped outdoor areasCourtyardOutdoor patio with fireplaceSpa, Salon & Fitness CenterLarge, comfortable theaterPet-FriendlySpacious private apartments with a variety of senior-friendly floor plans to support your independence, each with a kitchenette, curbless shower, and individually controlled heating & air conditioning.
From the floor-to-ceiling windows in the grand lobby to the outdoor patio and fireplace, Ridgecrest was designed to give you a life of adventure. Here, your days can be full of new opportunities, favorite pastimes, and good friends. Residents at Ridgecrest enjoy everything their maintenance-free lifestyle offers, spending their days doing exactly what they want and capping it off with drinks with friends in the cocktail lounge. Welcome home to Ridgecrest, where contemporary senior living and personalized support are ready for you. Active Senior Living in McCandless, PAResidents at Ridgecrest can approach their day with ambition. You can skip your usual chores (well take care of it) and instead meet friends for breakfast, check out a new museum, or visit one of the nearby shops, parks, and restaurants. Or stay on-site and enjoy the fresh outdoors, complete with a patio and fireplace, bocce ball court, and putting green. Or take a dip in the indoor heated pool. As your needs change, we can change with you, offering the right level of care wherever you are to maintain your independence. Our team of professional caregivers is there to provide support when you need it, tailored to your needs and preferences. Rest assured, any support you need will be delivered with dignity and privacy.
McCandless Memory CareFor those living with Alzheimers disease or another type of dementia, the right memory care setting can make all the difference when it comes to overall health and wellness. Memory Care is based on Legends approach to deliver noticeable results at Ridgecrest. Our evidence-based therapies improve quality of life, slow cognitive decline, and enhance memory functioning. Our philosophy is based on the Best Friends Approach to Dementia Care, putting resident needs, history, and life story at the center of every interaction. We combine comfortable routines with multisensory therapeutic interventions, all customized to each residents needs and history. Caregivers are specially trained in the best dementia care practices and receive ongoing education to stay updated with the latest research. For those living with Alzheimers disease or another type of dementia, the right memory care setting can make all the difference when it comes to overall health and wellness. Ridgecrests memory care