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Dementia is not simply one health condition, though it’s easy to talk about it like it is. Instead, it’s a broad term that refers to a decline in one’s thinking abilities and memory, which can be an emotional experience for those caring for individuals with memory loss.
Dementia, however, is not considered a mental illness, though it can affect mental health and display signs similar to some mental illnesses. Understanding these differences and similarities can be vital in providing the best treatment for your loved one, whether at home or in memory care.
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a group of symptoms that can affect memory, thinking, and social abilities to the extent that they interfere with daily life. Dementia is a progressive condition, meaning symptoms can worsen over time.
One of the most well-known causes of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. It’s the most common cause, accounting for 60%-80% of all dementia cases. In fact, with 1 in 9 people over the age of 65 having Alzheimer’s, it’s possible you may know someone affected by this condition.
Though Alzheimer’s gets a lot of attention, there are several other types of dementia as well, including vascular dementia, Dementia with Lewy bodies, and frontotemporal dementia.
The exact cause of dementia is not fully understood but may be related to damage to brain cells and changes in how they communicate. Researchers believe that a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors may play a role.
Some risk factors for dementia include:
Dementia can cause a wide range of symptoms depending on the type, but some of the most common symptoms include:
While doctors don’t consider dementia to be a mental illness, it can sometimes coexist (or be confused with) other mental health conditions. For example, people with dementia can experience a change in their mood, which can worsen already present feelings of depression.
Seniors aren’t immune to mental illness, so keep an eye out for signs and symptoms.
Depression can cause persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed. It can also lead to physical symptoms such as changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and fatigue.
Depression is a serious condition that can significantly impact a senior’s quality of life. It can also be hard to recognize since older adults might not have the same symptoms as younger adults. For example, sadness might not be the main symptom for seniors with depression. Instead, they may describe a feeling of numbness or lose interest in the world around them.
The symptoms of depression can sometimes overlap with the symptoms of dementia, making it challenging to diagnose which condition an individual is dealing with.
It may be difficult to speak with an older relative about mental health, but it’s essential all the same. Knowing what your loved one is going through can help you provide the right kind of support.
Typically, bipolar disorder first appears in the teens and early 20s, though rarely, it can manifest later in life with symptoms that may be easily confused with dementia. Doctors refer to this as late onset bipolar disorder.
Late onset bipolar disorder can occur in individuals over the age of 50. Mood swings, periods of depression, and periods of mania characterize it, but it can also cause:
If those seem familiar, it’s because you may also notice them in people with dementia. This can make diagnosis and treatment more challenging.
The relationship between dementia and mental illness is complicated, with one sometimes looking like the other and getting mixed up. However, both mental illness and dementia can affect how your loved one lives, and you shouldn’t ignore the signs.
Dementia may not be a mental illness, but don’t underestimate how much it can affect your loved one’s mental health. If your loved one is experiencing symptoms of dementia, it may be time to consider memory care.
The Fairways at Naples provides care and support for individuals with dementia. We offer a wide range of services to help manage symptoms and support quality of life. If you’re looking for a welcoming community to support your loved one, book a tour with us today.
Why Senior Move Management Makes Life Transitions Easier by A Call to Order Professional OrganizersSupporting Seniors with Care, Compassion, and ClarityLife ChangesWe Help Carry the Emotional WeightEvery home holds a lifetime of memoriesbirthdays celebrated in the kitchen, quiet mornings on the porch, the smell of favorite meals cooked with love. So when its time to move, especially for a senior, its never just about boxes and furnitureits about letting go, starting again, and doing so with dignity.At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we understand the deep emotional layers of senior relocations. Whether you're moving a parent into assisted living or helping a loved one downsize, the process can feel overwhelmingfor everyone involved. That's where Senior Move Management becomes not just helpful, but essential.Senior move managers aren't just organizers. We're listeners, planners, advocates, and compassionate companions in what is often one of life's most emotional transitions. And for families navigating this journey, having that steady, understanding hand can make all the difference.How Senior Move Management Brings Peace to the ProcessBecause no one should feel rushed, lost, or alone during a move.Relocating later in life often comes with a swirl of emotionsgrief, uncertainty, fear of change. Add to that the physical strain and countless decisions that come with moving, and its easy to see how overwhelming it becomes. But with professional senior move support, what once felt unmanageable becomes a guided, step-by-step process grounded in care.Heres how we help make life transitions easier:1. A Clear Plan Reduces OverwhelmInstead of facing an entire house full of decades-worth of belongings, we break the process down into manageable steps. From sorting and downsizing to coordinating moving logistics and setting up the new home, everything is planned and paced for comfort and clarity.2. Emotional Support Is Just as Important as the Task ListOur team doesnt just focus on what needs to go wherewe focus on how it feels. We understand that parting with familiar items and leaving a long-time home can be heart-wrenching. We honor those feelings, allow space for them, and help families navigate them with kindness.3. We Make the New Space Feel Like HomeIts not just about moving thingsits about creating a safe, welcoming, and familiar environment in the new home. We recreate setups where possible, hang favorite artwork, place treasured items in view, and make sure the first day in the new space feels comforting and reassuring.Tips for Families Navigating a Senior MoveCompassion is the most important box to pack.Whether you're local or coordinating from afar, here are a few gentle ways to support a senior loved one through a move:1. Start Early and Go SlowGive the process time. Beginning conversations early allows room for thoughtful decision-making and minimizes last-minute stress. Rushing can lead to regret. Early planning is one of the most powerful tools for reducing anxiety.2. Honor Their StoryWhen sorting through belongings, listen to the stories behind the items. You might be surprised how healing it can be to reminisce. Ask questions like, Tell me about this photo or Who gave you this? Sometimes, being heard is just as important as being helped.3. Bring in a Neutral, Professional PartnerAs much as family means well, emotions can run high. A Senior Move Manager acts as a neutral guide, keeping the process organized and respectful while reducing tension between family members. We help keep the focus on what mattersa peaceful, positive transition.4. Focus on Whats Being GainedInstead of focusing only on whats being left behind, talk about whats ahead: a simpler space, closer community, more safety, or better access to care. Reframing the move as a new chapter helps ease the emotional weight.A Move with MeaningAt A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we know that a move is never just a move. Its a moment of transformation, one that deserves tenderness, understanding, and a team who truly cares.Thats why Senior Move Management is more than a serviceits a lifeline. We take on the physical burden, yes, but more importantly, we walk beside seniors and their families with warmth and respect, ensuring that no one ever has to face change alone.If you or a loved one is approaching a move and feeling overwhelmed, please know this: help is here, and it comes with a heart. Call us at 719-231-5425 or visit www.acalltoorderco.com to schedule a free consultation.Because making life transitions easierthats what were here for.FOLLOW US and stay inspired as you simplify and transition with love: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acalltoorderco/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACalltoOrder Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acalltoorderco/
As we grow older, many daily activities that were once simple can become more difficult, including preparing healthy meals. For seniors, proper nutrition is essential to maintain energy, supporting the immune system, managing chronic conditions, and staying independent. Thats why meal preparation isnt just a convenience, its a lifeline.Key Benefits of Meal Preparation for Seniors1. Ensures Balanced, Nutritious MealsHaving meals prepared in advance ensures that seniors are eating regularly and get the essential nutrients their bodies need. It prevents reliance on unhealthy processed foods or skipping meals altogether.2. Supports Chronic Condition ManagementMany seniors live with conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. Proper meal planning allows for dietary restrictions to be met, helping control symptoms and reduce complications.3. Reduces the Risk of MalnutritionMalnutrition is a silent threat among older adults, especially those living alone. Meal preparation helps safeguard against this by promoting consistent, nourishing eating habits.4. Promotes Independence and DignitySeniors who struggle with cooking may feel frustrated or dependent. Having meals planned and readywhether through caregiver support or meal delivery servicesallows them to eat well without feeling like a burden.5. Encourages Social EngagementWhen meal prep includes shared cooking or mealtimes, it creates opportunities for connection. Eating with a companion improves mood, reduces loneliness, and often encourages better eating habits.6. Saves Energy and Prevents AccidentsShopping, standing at the stove, lifting pots, or cutting ingredients can be physically taxing and even dangerous. Meal preparation helps minimize fatigue and reduces the risk of falls or burns in the kitchen. Meal Preparation OptionsThere are several ways to incorporate meal prep into a seniors routine: Family or caregiver assistance for shopping, cooking, and portioning meals Meal delivery services that offer senior-friendly, diet-conscious options Community programs such as Meals on Wheels Group cooking sessions at senior centers that combine nutrition with social interaction Freezer meal prepping once a week or month to ensure ready-made meals are always available Meal preparation is about more than just food, its about health, safety, and quality of life. For seniors, having access to nutritious, well-planned meals means more energy, better health, fewer hospital visits, and the ability to stay independent longer.
As we age, our bodies and minds go through a variety of changes, many of which can increase the likelihood of falling. For older adults, falls are not just a minor mishap; they can lead to serious injuries, loss of independence, and a lower quality of life. Understanding why seniors are more vulnerable to falls is the first step in creating safer environments and developing effective prevention strategies.The Aging Body and Increased Fall RiskSeveral age-related factors contribute to an increased risk of falls among seniors. These include physical, sensory, and cognitive changes that often occur gradually but can have a significant impact.1. Decreased Muscle Strength and FlexibilityWith age, muscles naturally weaken, and joints may become stiffer. This can reduce balance, coordination, and reaction time, making it harder to prevent a fall when tripping or slipping.2. Poor Balance and Gait ChangesChanges in the way a person walksoften due to arthritis, neurological conditions, or previous injuriescan lead to an unsteady gait. Seniors may shuffle their feet, walk slower, or have trouble lifting their legs, all of which increase fall risk.3. Vision DeclineVision plays a critical role in balance and spatial awareness. Conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration make it difficult to judge distances, see steps clearly, or identify hazards in dim lighting.4. Hearing LossHearing is connected to balance. Inner ear problems or age-related hearing loss can lead to vertigo or dizziness, making it harder for seniors to stay upright.5. Chronic Health ConditionsMany seniors live with chronic diseases such as: Diabetes (which can cause nerve damage and numbness in the feet) Heart disease (leading to dizziness or fatigue) Parkinsons disease or Alzheimers (affecting movement, memory, and decision-making) These conditions can impair coordination and increase confusion, both of which heighten fall risk.6. Medication Side EffectsOlder adults often take multiple medications, which can interact and cause side effects such as dizziness, low blood pressure, drowsiness, or blurred visionall potential contributors to falls.7. Cognitive ImpairmentSeniors with dementia or other cognitive disorders may have poor judgment, forget to use walkers or canes, or become disoriented, all of which increase their chances of falling.8. Low Physical Activity LevelsWhen seniors become less active, muscles weaken and balance deteriorates. A sedentary lifestyle can quickly lead to frailty, making even routine movements more hazardous. What Can Be Done?Awareness is the first step. By understanding why seniors are more prone to falls, families, caregivers, and seniors themselves can take proactive steps such as: Regular balance and strength exercises Home safety modifications Routine vision and hearing checks Medication reviews with a doctor Use of mobility aids as needed Falling doesnt have to be a normal part of aging. By recognizing the reasons behind increased fall risk in seniors, we can create supportive environments that promote confidence, mobility, and independence. With the right strategies in place, seniors can continue living full, active, and safe.
The Fairways at Naples is a memory care community located in Naples, Florida, offering a vibrant and engaging lifestyle for our residents. Situated near the Grey Oaks Country Club and just minutes from the beach, our community provides a beautiful and convenient location for our residents to enjoy.Our community features an elegant yet homey atmosphere, with three courtyards, complete walking paths, and social areas where residents can gather with family and friends. We are dedicated to enhancing the journey of life for our residents, providing personalized care and attention to meet their unique needs.At The Fairways at Naples, we specialize in boutique, personalized care for those living with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and dementia. Our holistic approach ensures that residents receive support for all aspects of life, from daily activities to social interactions within our community.We offer a variety of lifestyle options, including memory care, respite care, and hospice care services, ensuring that residents have everything they need for every stage of life. Our community also features a range of amenities and experiences designed with our residents in mind, from distinctive dining options to engaging activities and events.Our team at The Fairways at Naples is dedicated to providing expert memory care, with specially trained staff who understand the unique challenges of memory care living. We are committed to making a difference in the lives of our residents, ensuring comfort, ease, and support for each individual.If you are looking for a memory care community that offers personalized care in a vibrant and engaging environment, we invite you to schedule a visit to The Fairways at Naples. Experience our flourishing community and learn more about our commitment to enhancing the lives of our residents.
The Fairways at Naples is a memory care community located in Naples, Florida, offering a vibrant and engaging lifestyle for our residents. Situated near the Grey Oaks Country Club and just minutes from the beach, our community provides a beautiful and convenient location for our residents to enjoy.Our community features an elegant yet homey atmosphere, with three courtyards, complete walking paths, and social areas where residents can gather with family and friends. We are dedicated to enhancing the journey of life for our residents, providing personalized care and attention to meet their unique needs.At The Fairways at Naples, we specialize in boutique, personalized care for those living with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and dementia. Our holistic approach ensures that residents receive support for all aspects of life, from daily activities to social interactions within our community.We offer a variety of lifestyle options, including memory care, respite care, and hospice care services, ensuring that residents have everything they need for every stage of life. Our community also features a range of amenities and experiences designed with our residents in mind, from distinctive dining options to engaging activities and events.Our team at The Fairways at Naples is dedicated to providing expert memory care, with specially trained staff who understand the unique challenges of memory care living. We are committed to making a difference in the lives of our residents, ensuring comfort, ease, and support for each individual.If you are looking for a memory care community that offers personalized care in a vibrant and engaging environment, we invite you to schedule a visit to The Fairways at Naples. Experience our flourishing community and learn more about our commitment to enhancing the lives of our residents.