Facts You Need to Know About Dementia
Senior Care Authority - Pittsburgh Market
For more information about the author, click to view their website: https://seniorcareauthority.com/locations/pittsburgh-pa/
Feb 22, 2024
Pennsylvania - Greater Pittsburgh Area
What is Dementia?
Dementia is actually not a disease in
and of itself but, rather, a syndrome that is characterized by a collection of
symptoms affecting cognition and memory, making it hard to remember, think
clearly, and make decisions. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of
dementia, although it’s important to note that not all people who have been
diagnosed with dementia necessarily have Alzheimer’s Disease. Some other types
of dementia typically identified are vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia,
frontal temporal and mixed dementia.
What Are Some Dementia
Symptoms?
All of us have occasional problems
recalling a name, accessing an old memory, or remembering where we may have
parked our car. But someone living with dementia will exhibit a range of
troubling and persistent symptoms that get worse and may include:
·
Changes in mood and
personality
·
Decreased or poor
judgment
·
Problems speaking or
writing
·
Confusion with time or
place
·
Disruptions in daily
life due to memory loss
·
Difficulty managing
everyday tasks
·
Repetitive behaviors
If your loved one is exhibiting any of
these symptoms, it’s important to know that it does not necessarily mean a
dementia diagnosis; infections and dehydration, vitamin deficiencies, and
depression can present many of these signs. However, if any of these symptoms
persist or worsen, it’s essential that you consult a physician who can make a
diagnosis. It’s also helpful to know that no single test can make a
determination; a diagnosis is based on a range of medical tests, creating a
baseline, and an individual’s medical history.
How Quickly Does the
Disease Progress?
Dementia is a progressive condition —
it gets worse over time, not better. For some, the disease progresses rapidly;
in others, it takes years to get to the point where outside help is required.
The progression depends largely on the underlying cause, whether it be
Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body disease, Parkinson’s disease, or some other root
condition. While people will experience the stages of dementia differently,
most will exhibit some of the symptoms. On average, dementia patients will live
four to eight years after their diagnosis, although some live as long as 20
years after being diagnosed.
Does Dementia Only
Affect Seniors?
Dementia is more commonly diagnosed in
people over 65, but it can affect people in their 30s, 40s, or 50s. The
estimated average age of onset of dementia in the U.S. is 83+ years old.
How Can We Help After A
Dementia Diagnosis?
If someone has been diagnosed with dementia, it’s important to know there are expert resources available to both you and your family members that can help you navigate the progression of the disease. The sooner you familiarize yourself with them, the better. As Certified Dementia Practitioners, the advisors at Senior Care Authority can help you decide on the right help at the right time, including setting up in-home visits, scheduling respite care, learning important communication skills, and helping you decide on an assisted living situation, should that be warranted. It is so important to remember that you are not alone. We have helped hundreds of families respond to the challenges of a dementia diagnosis, and we can do the same for you, too. To find out more about the symptoms of dementia and how we can help, get in touch with Senior Care Authority today.
- To view the original version of this article visit www.seniorcareauthority.com/locations/north-pittsburgh/blog/facts-you-need-to-know-about-dementia/
- Seniors Blue Book was not involved in the creation of this content.
Other Articles You May Like
Why Memory Care is Unique
Caring for a loved one with a cognitive impairment dementia, Alzheimers disease, or another form of memory loss requires a facility that offers more than standard senior living. It calls for purpose-built design, trained staff, tailored programming, and a compassionate environment designed to promote safety, dignity and connection. At Lakehouse Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Minneapolis, the memory care services are carefully crafted to meet exactly these needs. Why Memory Care Is Unique Memory care differs significantly from other senior services. Residents may exhibit changes in cognition, behavior, communication, safety awareness and mood. The environment must reduce risk (falls, wandering, anxiety) while still supporting engagement, socialization, meaningful routines and the human dignity of each person. Lakehouse's memory care program recognizes this and positions itself accordingly. (Website: Memory Care: Our dedicated staff provides specialized care for individuals with dementia and cognitive impairments.) Lakehouse Rehab Center Personalized, Specialized Care Planning From the moment a resident enters the memory care unit, Lakehouse emphasizes individualized care. Licensed nursing staff, certified nursing assistants, social workers and therapists collaborate to create a care plan tailored to a residents: Cognitive status (memory, orientation, reasoning) Functional ability (mobility, self-care, transfers) Emotional and behavioral needs (anxiety, agitation, social withdrawal) Safety risks (falls, wandering, confusion) Life story and personal preferences (important for memory-engagement) By aligning clinical supports (24/7 nursing, medication management, behavioral strategies) with proven dementia care best practices (person-centered care, small-group settings, purposeful activity), Lakehouse aims to help residents maximize their quality of life. Lakehouse Rehab Center Secure Environment & Thoughtful Design One hallmark of quality memory care is an environment designed to support residents with cognitive impairments. At Lakehouse: The memory care neighborhood is configured to reduce wandering risks and provide safe, supervised movement. Residents live in a homelike setting, often in smaller neighborhoods rather than large, institutional wings, which helps with orientation and reduces anxiety. Common areas and private/semi-private rooms are arranged to promote visibility for staff, ease of supervision, and connection. Features such as secure outdoor spaces, multiple activity zones, and signage or cues support resident independence. These design details help ensure residents feel comfortable and safe while still engaged. Therapeutic & Meaningful Engagement Memory care at Lakehouse is not only about safety and support it also emphasizes meaningful daily living. Key elements include: Life-enrichment programming: Activities tailored to cognitive and functional level (music therapy, reminiscence groups, art, light exercise) Social connection: Group and one-on-one opportunities to reduce isolation, promote mood and meaning Purposeful routines: Structured daily schedules that balance familiarity, stimulation and rest (helpful for dementia cognition) Therapy supports: While memory care isnt therapy-intensive like rehab, residents often still benefit from occupational or physical therapy modifications, speech interventions (especially if aphasia or swallowing issues are present) Family involvement: Engagement invitations, education for families about changes in dementia, support groups and transparency on resident progress By emphasizing the person behind the diagnosis, Lakehouse fosters dignity, identity and a sense of belonging rather than simply care. Skilled Nursing & Clinical Oversight Memory care residents often have medical and safety needs beyond the scope of assisted living, including: Frequent medication review and administration (psychotropic medications, memory-related treatments, comorbidities) Nursing oversight for behaviors, falls, infections, skin integrity Coordination with specialists (neurology, psychiatry, geriatric medicine) Structured monitoring of nutrition, hydration, weight loss common concerns for dementia populations Fall-prevention strategies, safe toileting programs, non-pharmacologic behavioral management Lakehouses broader expertise in skilled nursing and long-term care means that memory care residents benefit from staff experienced in complex medical and behavioral needs. Their website notes that memory care is one of their core services alongside skilled nursing and long-term care. Lakehouse Rehab Center Transition & Continuum of Care An advantage of having memory care within a broader nursing/rehab community (like Lakehouse) is the ability to transition as needs change. Some residents may begin in assisted living memory care and require a higher level of nursing; others may come from rehab and need long-term memory support. Lakehouse facilitates: Seamless transitions to higher or lower levels of care without changing campus Visibility of the entire care continuum: transitional care, skilled nursing, long-term care, memory care Familiarity for families of the campus, making changes less disruptive This integrated model is valuable in dementia care, where gradual changes in mobility, cognition or health can require rapid adaptation. Partnering with Families Memory care isnt just about residentsits about families and care partners. At Lakehouse: Families receive education on dementia progression, behavior management, communication strategies and what to expect. Staff communicate regularly about resident changes, goals, daily routines and meaningful progress. Visiting policies and communal spaces encourage family participation in daily life. Emotional support is available for families as they navigate evolving challenges of dementia. This partnership helps families feel included, informed and supported. Assessing Quality & Asking the Right Questions When evaluating memory care services, families should ask: What is the staff-to-resident ratio in the memory neighborhood and what training do they receive? How are behaviors (agitation, wandering) managed non-pharmacologically, and how often are medications used? What is the turnover rate for memory care staff (continuity of care matters)? What design features support cognitive impairment (secure outdoor space, cues, small neighborhood)? How many residents successfully engage in meaningful programs regularly? How are diet, mobility, skin, falls and illnesses managed in the memory unit? Are there examples or case outcomes where residents quality of life improved or remained stable with minimal hospitalizations? How will the community transition if the residents medical needs increase or decrease? While publicly available data show some clinical deficiencies at Lakehouse (such as an average nurse-staffing hours of 3.44 compared to state average of 4.2) ProPublica families should still follow up with tours, staff interviews and resident/family feedback to assess fit. The Takeaway For families looking for memory care in the Minneapolis area, Lakehouse Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center offers a comprehensive program that blends the warmth of a dedicated dementia neighborhood with the clinical depth of a skilled nursing facility. The hallmarks include personalized care planning, a secure and thoughtfully designed environment, meaningful activity programming, and integrated nursing oversight. By locating memory care within a campus that also offers transitional, skilled nursing and long-term care, Lakehouse brings flexibility, continuity and educational support to families. While dementia care always demands careful evaluation and fits individual needs, the Lakehouse memory care service line is positioned to support residents with dignity, safety, meaning and engagement. If youd like, I can pull up current activity calendars from the memory care unit, resident-family testimonials, or do a side-by-side comparison with other memory care facilities in the region. Would you like me to do that?
The Psychology of Investing
Fear and greed are hard to overcome. Why do we let these emotions control our decision-making process when it comes to our financial well-being? Do we fear that when there is a market correction it is a sign of impending global doom? As a part of our emotional make-up, we have a tendency to linearly extrapolate. When things are going bad, they will only get worse, and when things are going well, they will only get better. We know that our past experiences tell us neither scenario is true, but we continue to fall into the same trap time and time again.At some point we have to come to the realization that market movements are part of the investment process, and the only way to prosper long-term is to eliminate the emotions that will make us buy high and sell low. The way to control emotions is to have a disciplined approach. Discipline puts us in control, not our emotions.Controlling our emotions helps us in all facets of life, and is a key element in understanding the Psychology of Investing. Investment decisions are similar to decisions regarding friends and family. Dont try to resolve an issue when emotional, BE DISCIPLINED. The Psychology of Investing is nothing more than an understanding of the emotions that influence our decisions. Buying high and selling low is not the inverse of buying low and selling high, but is an actualization of our emotions. Be disciplined in your decision making. Use fact and reason to the best of your ability and endeavor to understand, and by understanding, control your emotions. The Psychology of Investing is the first chapter in a book titled The Ten Commandments of Investing, a book that offers a unique perspective on investing by Al Weber, Senior Vice President at Raymond James. It is available in electronic format, at no charge, by requesting it at Katie.Burr@RaymondJames.com. Editors Note: This article was submitted by Erin Weber, CFP. Erin is a Financial Advisor with the Weber Group of Raymond James. She may be reached at 878.208.1285 or Erin.Weber@RaymondJames.com.Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC800 Cranberry Woods Drive, Suite 200, Cranberry Township, PA 16066Any opinions are those of Erin Weber and not necessarily those of Raymond James. This material is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See ad on page 112.
How to Choose the Right Primary Care Doctor
The search for the right primary care doctor can feel overwhelming. Many patients express frustration with long wait times, short visits, and difficulty accessing their physician when they need them most. In todays fast-paced healthcare environment, finding a doctor who prioritizes patient care is more important than ever. One emerging alternative is Direct Primary Care (DPC), a model that shifts the focus back to the patient by eliminating insurance hassles. Instead of dealing with copays and billing, patients pay a flat monthly fee for direct access to their doctor, longer appointment times, and a more personalized healthcare experience. Availability and Access How long will it take to get your first appointment? Some traditional practices have months-long waits. In contrast, DPC providers typically offer initial visits within a week, ensuring you receive care when you need it. Office Experience Time spent in the waiting room can be a major frustration. In conventional practices, patients may wait an hour or more before seeing the doctor. DPC practices prioritize efficiency, often reducing wait times to just minutes. Time With Your Doctor Short, rushed appointments can leave patients feeling unheard. In many traditional offices, physicians are booked in 15- to 20-minute intervals, limiting discussion time. DPC physicians often schedule longer visits sometimes up to an hourallowing for in-depth conversations, thorough exams, and more thoughtful treatment plans. Communication and Follow-Up Reaching your doctor can be a challenge. Many patients endure long hold times or leave messages that go unanswered. In the DPC model, direct communication is key. Patients often have access via phone, email, or text for prompt, personalized care. Urgent Needs Medical concerns dont always arise during business hours. Traditional practices may not offer same-day visits, pushing patients toward urgent care or ERs. DPC providers aim to accommodate same- or next-day appointments, reducing unnecessary trips and ensuring continuity of care. Choosing a primary care doctor is personal. Look for a physician who is experienced, accessible, compassionate, and committed to your well-being. Asking the right questionsand exploring models like DPCcan lead to a more satisfying healthcare experience. Editors Note: This article was written by Dr. Rebecca L. Byard, Family Medicine Doctor with Direct Care Physicians of Pittsburgh. She can be reached at 412-892-9170 or visit their website at wwwdirectcarepgh.com. See ad on pages 2-3.
Local Services By This Author
Senior Care Authority - North Pittsburgh
Senior Transition Services 2009 Mackenzie Way Suite 100, Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, 16066Senior Care Authority is a senior care consulting firm that helps families find the right care for their loved ones in the North Pittsburgh area. Their team of Certified Senior Advisors (CSAs) are experts in senior care and can help you navigate the complex healthcare system, understand your options, and make informed decisions. Senior Care Authority is committed to providing compassionate and personalized care to their clients. FINDING SENIOR LIVING OPTIONSMaking the right care decision for your loved one can be a daunting task. There are so many options; the terminology is often unfamiliar and the terrain unknown. Senior Care Authority of North Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania will streamline the process to make it easier for you to make informed choices and reduce the stress and pressure associated with such important decisions.Our team of Certified Senior Advisors carefully inspects locations from mid-to-larger size communities as well as smaller, residential care homes. We meet the staff, residents, family members when possible. State reports are reviewed to advise you of any citations or complaints issued against a particular provider. We have comprehensive knowledge and experience with all facets of senior living, from Independent Living to Personal Care and Assisted Living, to Memory Care and Skilled Nursing.Your Advisor will meet with you in person to discuss your options and then accompany you on visits to places that meet your criteria. We ensure that all your questions are answered and assist with paperwork and negotiations. The hallmark of our service commitment is that we are by your side every step of the way.We are paid a referral fee by the communities and care homes so there is no cost to you for our placement services. In the rare case where we are not contracted with a community, your Advisor will let you know at the outset and explain any fees that might be incurred, should you choose that location. You can expect total transparency from us and we respect your right to choice.ELDERCARE CONSULTINGSometimes our families need help with challenging transitions, endless decision-making and navigating a complex healthcare system. This can include facilitating essential conversations between family members, locating a skilled nursing facility, home care agency or caregiver selection, long distance caregiving, finding the right resources and learning how to access them, or regular visits to your loved one, providing you with "peace of mind" when you are unable to visit. It can be comforting to have someone partner with you who is outside the emotional landscape of the family: doing research, talking to providers, organizing paperwork, or finding those "needle in a haystack" resources a go-to person you can turn to when things get overwhelming. No care plan is cookie cutter. We customize our services for your family. We are your advocates on this often difficult journey and help you track the endless details.There is no cost for an initial consultation. You and your Advisor can get to know each other and decide if working together is a good fit to meet your needs.ADVOCACYAn advocate can be a good friend to have on your side, especially when things get complicated. When navigating the healthcare system, sometimes there is so much information being offered that it is nearly impossible to hold it alone and sort out what you have been told. As your advocate and coach, we do our best to ensure that everyone understands the information being dispensed and that your questions are answered appropriately.FAMILY COACHINGA third party who is outside of the emotional landscape of the family during tough decision-making can be a great benefit. Each family has its own dynamic and a coach can help make sure everyone is heard and seen, and that everyone is treated fairly, even if you dont all agree. Your coach can help your family find consensus or at least encourage everyones point of view to be voiced and listened to calmly. We are not therapists. We are trained to empower families to move forward with whatever process is most beneficial. Initial consultations are always offered at no charge.Cara Lapic loves helping seniors and their families! Let her and her team help you.She wants to get to know your family and your unique situation and connect you with solutions that enable your family to thrive.Senior Care Authority North Pittsburgh is in its third year of business helping families. Over the years, we have helped many families along their journey, connecting them with elder law attorneys, realtors, financial and medical professionals, home care and home health professionals and a myriad of others resources too numerous to list. Many of our clients are seeking assistance with finding residential living options (e.g., Independent Living, Assisted Living / Personal Care and Memory Care). We make it our business to know the communities well and to understand their unique cultures and areas of expertise. We work hard to align individual preferences and needs to help ensure success for the family.Cara has been called "a nerd"! She is constantly studying and learning new things to support the families that she partners with. She spent almost thirty years in the financial services industry doing analytical and consultative work. She has her doctorate in Information Systems and Communications and several certifications in the senior space - Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), Certified Dementia Practitioner and is a Beyond Driving with Dignity Professional. She tells the families that the more that they share, the more she can help - and she means that. We each have a journey unique to our family Cara understands that solutions are not a one size fits all.She appreciates being part of the national Senior Care Authority Network with similarly driven and trained professionals who serve throughout the United States. She is happy to connect you with resources in your area.Cara lives in the North Pittsburgh area of Pennsylvania with her husband, Dan, two girls, Maizie Elle and Evelina Shae, two Bengal cats, Remy and Luna and a Dachshund, Ms. Molly. In her free time, Cara spends time with family and friends, and is always studying and learning new things!
Senior Care Authority - North Pittsburgh
Housing Placement & Resource Specialists 2009 Mackenzie Way Suite 100, Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, 16066Senior Care Authority is a senior care consulting firm that helps families find the right care for their loved ones in the North Pittsburgh area. Their team of Certified Senior Advisors (CSAs) are experts in senior care and can help you navigate the complex healthcare system, understand your options, and make informed decisions. Senior Care Authority is committed to providing compassionate and personalized care to their clients. FINDING SENIOR LIVING OPTIONSMaking the right care decision for your loved one can be a daunting task. There are so many options; the terminology is often unfamiliar and the terrain unknown. Senior Care Authority of North Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania will streamline the process to make it easier for you to make informed choices and reduce the stress and pressure associated with such important decisions.Our team of Certified Senior Advisors carefully inspects locations from mid-to-larger size communities as well as smaller, residential care homes. We meet the staff, residents, family members when possible. State reports are reviewed to advise you of any citations or complaints issued against a particular provider. We have comprehensive knowledge and experience with all facets of senior living, from Independent Living to Personal Care and Assisted Living, to Memory Care and Skilled Nursing.Your Advisor will meet with you in person to discuss your options and then accompany you on visits to places that meet your criteria. We ensure that all your questions are answered and assist with paperwork and negotiations. The hallmark of our service commitment is that we are by your side every step of the way.We are paid a referral fee by the communities and care homes so there is no cost to you for our placement services. In the rare case where we are not contracted with a community, your Advisor will let you know at the outset and explain any fees that might be incurred, should you choose that location. You can expect total transparency from us and we respect your right to choice.ELDERCARE CONSULTINGSometimes our families need help with challenging transitions, endless decision-making and navigating a complex healthcare system. This can include facilitating essential conversations between family members, locating a skilled nursing facility, home care agency or caregiver selection, long distance caregiving, finding the right resources and learning how to access them, or regular visits to your loved one, providing you with "peace of mind" when you are unable to visit. It can be comforting to have someone partner with you who is outside the emotional landscape of the family: doing research, talking to providers, organizing paperwork, or finding those "needle in a haystack" resources a go-to person you can turn to when things get overwhelming. No care plan is cookie cutter. We customize our services for your family. We are your advocates on this often difficult journey and help you track the endless details.There is no cost for an initial consultation. You and your Advisor can get to know each other and decide if working together is a good fit to meet your needs.ADVOCACYAn advocate can be a good friend to have on your side, especially when things get complicated. When navigating the healthcare system, sometimes there is so much information being offered that it is nearly impossible to hold it alone and sort out what you have been told. As your advocate and coach, we do our best to ensure that everyone understands the information being dispensed and that your questions are answered appropriately.FAMILY COACHINGA third party who is outside of the emotional landscape of the family during tough decision-making can be a great benefit. Each family has its own dynamic and a coach can help make sure everyone is heard and seen, and that everyone is treated fairly, even if you dont all agree. Your coach can help your family find consensus or at least encourage everyones point of view to be voiced and listened to calmly. We are not therapists. We are trained to empower families to move forward with whatever process is most beneficial. Initial consultations are always offered at no charge.Cara Lapic loves helping seniors and their families! Let her and her team help you.She wants to get to know your family and your unique situation and connect you with solutions that enable your family to thrive.Senior Care Authority North Pittsburgh is in its third year of business helping families. Over the years, we have helped many families along their journey, connecting them with elder law attorneys, realtors, financial and medical professionals, home care and home health professionals and a myriad of others resources too numerous to list. Many of our clients are seeking assistance with finding residential living options (e.g., Independent Living, Assisted Living / Personal Care and Memory Care). We make it our business to know the communities well and to understand their unique cultures and areas of expertise. We work hard to align individual preferences and needs to help ensure success for the family.Cara has been called "a nerd"! She is constantly studying and learning new things to support the families that she partners with. She spent almost thirty years in the financial services industry doing analytical and consultative work. She has her doctorate in Information Systems and Communications and several certifications in the senior space - Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), Certified Dementia Practitioner and is a Beyond Driving with Dignity Professional. She tells the families that the more that they share, the more she can help - and she means that. We each have a journey unique to our family Cara understands that solutions are not a one size fits all.She appreciates being part of the national Senior Care Authority Network with similarly driven and trained professionals who serve throughout the United States. She is happy to connect you with resources in your area.Cara lives in the North Pittsburgh area of Pennsylvania with her husband, Dan, two girls, Maizie Elle and Evelina Shae, two Bengal cats, Remy and Luna and a Dachshund, Ms. Molly. In her free time, Cara spends time with family and friends, and is always studying and learning new things!
Senior Care Authority - Pittsburgh
Senior Transition Services 651 Holiday Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15220Senior Care Authority is a senior care consulting firm that helps families find the right care for their loved ones in the Pittsburgh area. Their team of Certified Senior Advisors (CSAs) are experts in senior care and can help you navigate the complex healthcare system, understand your options, and make informed decisions. Senior Care Authority is committed to providing compassionate and personalized care to their clients. FINDING SENIOR LIVING OPTIONSMaking the right care decision for your loved one can be a daunting task. There are so many options; the terminology is often unfamiliar and the terrain unknown. Senior Care Authority of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania will streamline the process to make it easier for you to make informed choices and reduce the stress and pressure associated with such important decisions.Our team of Certified Senior Advisors carefully inspects locations from mid-to-larger size communities as well as smaller, residential care homes. We meet the staff, residents, family members when possible. State reports are reviewed to advise you of any citations or complaints issued against a particular provider. We have comprehensive knowledge and experience with all facets of senior living, from Independent Living to Assisted Living, to Memory Care and Skilled Nursing.Your Advisor will meet with you in person to discuss your options and then accompany you on visits to places that meet your criteria. We ensure that all your questions are answered, and assist with paperwork and negotiations. The hallmark of our service commitment is that we are by your side every step of the way.We are paid a referral fee by the communities and care homes so there is no cost to you for our placement services. In the rare case where we are not contracted with a community, your Advisor will let you know at the outset and explain any fees that might be incurred, should you choose that location. You can expect total transparency from us and we respect your right to choice.ELDERCARE CONSULTINGSometimes our families need help with challenging transitions, endless decision-making and navigating a complex healthcare system. This can include facilitating essential conversations between family members, locating a skilled nursing facility, home care agency or caregiver selection, long distance caregiving, finding the right resources and learning how to access them, or regular visits to your loved one, providing you with "peace of mind" when you are unable to visit. It can be comforting to have someone partner with you who is outside the emotional landscape of the family: doing research, talking to providers, organizing paperwork, or finding those "needle in a haystack" resources a go-to person you can turn to when things get overwhelming. No care plan is cookie cutter. We customize our services for your family. We are your advocates on this often difficult journey and help you track the endless details.There is no cost for an initial consultation. You and your Advisor can get to know each other and decide if working together is a good fit to meet your needs.ADVOCACYAn advocate can be a good friend to have on your side, especially when things get complicated. When navigating the healthcare system, sometimes there is so much information being offered that it is nearly impossible to hold it alone and sort out what you have been told. As your advocate and coach, we do our best to ensure that everyone understands the information being dispensed and that your questions are answered appropriately.FAMILY COACHINGA third party who is outside of the emotional landscape of the family during tough decision-making can be a great benefit. Each family has its own dynamic and a coach can help make sure everyone is heard and seen, and that everyone is treated fairly, even if you dont all agree. Your coach can help your family find consensus or at least encourage everyones point of view to be voiced and listened to calmly. We are not therapists. We are trained to empower families to move forward with whatever process is most beneficial. Initial consultations are always offered at no charge.Kathy Thompson is the owner of Senior Care Authority for the Pittsburgh area of Allegheny and Westmoreland counties. She became a Certified Senior Advisor to help families and seniors navigate the broad, confusing, and stressful decisions regarding senior living options. From her mothers fight with cancer, she has learned that life can change instantly. Her mission is to help families get the necessary resources and information they need in a timely fashion to be able to make the best educated decision for their elder parent or loved ones.Kathy understands that choosing the right senior care is a difficult decision, and she is here to help you every step of the way. Contact her for an initial consultation and see how she can make a difference for the senior in your life.