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According to the World
Health Organization, more than 55 million people (about twice the
population of Texas) worldwide are living with dementia. If your loved one has
started showing signs of dementia and you are looking for a memory care facility in
Pittsburgh to provide them with proper and safe care, we’d like to
help you in your search. Choosing a memory care facility can affect your loved
one’s quality of life and overall well-being. In this blog, we will discuss
making informed decisions, and how to find the best memory care facility for
your loved one through proper research.
What are the signs of early dementia? According to the
Alzheimer’s Association, early dementia signs include problems with:
Conditions usually start slow and progress as time goes on.
Contact a doctor if you or your loved one are having difficulties with any of
these signs.
Location
When choosing a location, your loved one being comfortable
is most important. Is it a new area? Is it the same town they’ve lived in for
years? It all depends on your loved ones or your preferences to find the best
location to choose. According to The Ridge Senior Living, when choosing a
location, the most important factors include how close the family is, the
ability of the location to meet your loved ones needs, the surrounding area,
and the facilities nearby. Begin your search with facilities near your loved
one, it may be best for them to stay within an area they are familiar with and
attach memories.
Ratings and Reviews
When researching memory care facilities for your loved one,
it’s important to research ratings and reviews from family members of current
residents. According to A Place for Mom, look for thoughtful reviews and how
they compare to ratings, sometimes reviews can be biased or inaccurate, but
it’s important to take the time to look and evaluate all the information in
front of you. Certain specifics to look for when looking at reviews on websites
are the amount, if it’s a family member, specific details, reoccurring topics,
and verification of the review. If you find something negative, don’t be afraid
to ask the facility more on that topic and evaluate their response when you go
on a tour.
Book a Tour
Taking a tour of the potential memory care facility your
loved one will be at is crucial. This is your time to assess the environment
and cleanliness of the facility, if it gives off a positive ambiance. While on
a tour, you will meet some staff who would be in charge of your loved one’s
care and needs. You want to look for compassionate and kind employees who will
put your loved one’s needs first. You have the opportunity to interact with
staff and get a feel for their level of training and demeanor. During your
tour, keep an eye out for safety precautions the facility takes, like secure
entryways and staff to resident ratios. Many facilities offer levels of care or
specialized care plans, you can learn more on your tour asking questions about
their programs offered and how they evaluate residents with
dementia.
Remember, it is not you in memory care, consider your loved
one’s comfortability in this facility and ask yourself if this is the best
environment for them.
Staff
When it comes to memory care, the staff is extremely
important to your loved one’s experience. Working in memory care takes passion,
patience, and grace. Something to look out for at a memory care facility is if
the staff are Certified Dementia Practitioners. They have a special knowledge
and training in dementia care, and the various stages and challenges. They are
trained in giving personalized care to each resident based on your loved one’s
specific and unique needs. When dementia progresses, Certified Dementia
Practitioners have the knowledge on how to manage behavior and use redirection
techniques to create a supportive environment. Remember to ask on your tour if
any of the facility’s staff are Certified Dementia Practitioners.
Security and Safety
What’s more important than safety? Many memory care units
are designed for people living with dementia to do it safely and for families
to feel comfortable their loved ones are in a protected environment. You want
your loved one to be able to move around freely and not be in a confined space,
which is why doing the proper research and asking the important questions is
necessary. When residents can move freely and safely, it can help to reduce
anxiety and confusion. That feeling of independence is important for them to
hold on to, as A Place for Mom stated, “sheltered freedom.” Things to look for
in a facility that promotes safety:
Cost and Financials
As you begin your search for a memory care facility, you
will notice the range in prices and how different needs could affect the
overall cost of living. According to A Place for Mom, the national median of a
memory care facility costs $5,800 a month in the United States. This can all be
affected by location. It can be hard to grasp the amount of money memory
care can be, let’s discuss what could be included in the price…24/7 care,
bathing/dressing/grooming, housekeeping services, protocol systems, medication
management, transportation, activities, amenities, and dining. Some memory care
facilities offer all-inclusive pricing, paying only a monthly fee, regardless
of which level of care is needed.
When it comes to affording memory care, there are options.
Insurance, savings and assets, veterans’ benefits, Medicaid, family support,
state and local programs, nonprofit organizations, reverse mortgage, and life
insurance conversions.
Activities and Amenities
When doing your research, look out for activity calendars
that offer stimulating programs for residents, especially in memory care. Most
facilities offer fun and engaging activities for all residents and some
specifically are tailored towards residents with dementia. Having amenities
like patios, hair salons, a library, WI-FI and more helps your loved one feel
at home and able to independently still make choices. Activities help your
loved one stay active and build a sense of daily structure, which can improve
their mood.
Trust Your Gut Feeling
When deciding or researching a memory care facility,
trusting your intuition is an important factor to consider. Ask yourself if it
feels right for your loved one and create a pros and cons list. When you tour a
memory care facility, you may feel an emotional connection to that facility, or
you may not. The atmosphere of the facility can either bring you comfort or
warning signs, ask yourself:
Is it a warm environment?
Does it seem well-maintained?
Is the staff engaging and compassionate?
Are their safety measures being implemented?
Do they offer daily stimulating activities?
Your gut is a powerful tool, this is an important time to
use it and trust it. Your loved one needs proper care with a patient care team
ready to create a fulfilling life for them. If you are struggling with your
loved one’s diagnosis and need to talk to someone, The Alzheimer’s Foundation
of America offers Alzheimer’s and Dementia support groups. You can also
research in your local town the support groups that are offered.
You and your loved one are not alone in this search, there
are many resources and opportunities to create a beautiful life. Take the time
to do the proper research and consider the right care your loved one
needs.
Maintaining a sense of purpose and engaging in meaningful activities can be important for seniors mental and physical well-being. Senior living communities, like Celebration Villa of Allison Park, a Priority Life Care Community, can provide a supportive environment that can help seniors maintain a sense of purpose with meaningful activities as they age.Here are some ways seniors can start or continue with their meaningful activities to help keep their sense of purpose as they age:PURSUE HOBBIES AND INTERESTSSeniors can continue to pursue hobbies and interests that they enjoy, such as painting, playing music, or gardening. Engaging in these activities can provide a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment. Priority Life Care communities offer a range of activities and programs, such as arts and crafts classes or gardening clubs, that can help seniors pursue their hobbies and interests. We get to know our seniors and build our programs around the interests of our residents.VOLUNTEERMany seniors find meaning in volunteering, whether its at a local charity or community organization. Volunteering can provide opportunities to give back to the community and connect with others who share similar values. Many Priority Life Care communities have partnerships with local charities and organizations, making it easier for our residents to get involved and volunteer. We find that some residents find it fulfilling to lead classes of their own or join a group that loves to give back to the community like creating floral arrangements for the dining room.LEARN NEW SKILLSLearning new skills can be a great way to stay engaged and mentally stimulated. Seniors can take classes, attend workshops, or even learn online to pick up new skills or knowledge. Priority Life Care communities all offer classes and workshops on a variety of topics, from computer skills to cooking. We find that these types of opportunities can help seniors learn new skills and stay mentally stimulated.Stay ActivePhysical activity is important for seniors health and well-being. Seniors can try activities like yoga, walking, or swimming to stay active and maintain mobility. All of our communities offer daily fitness classes, such as chair yoga or tai chi, that can help seniors stay active and maintain mobility. These classes are offered at all levels so anyone can join and feel the effects of maintaining their physical well-being.CONNECTION WITH OTHERSSocial connections are important for seniors mental health. Seniors can connect with friends and family members, join social clubs or groups, or even use technology to stay connected with others. Priority Life Care communities provide opportunities for social interaction, such as organized outings or social events, that can help residents connect with others and make new friends.TRAVELMany seniors enjoy traveling and experiencing new things. Whether its a day trip to a nearby town or a longer vacation, travel can provide new experiences and a sense of adventure. In addition to on-site events, Priority Life Care communities offer local day trips that allow seniors to explore new places and experience new things in safe and supportive environments. Residents can also choose to come and go with family and friends.Overall, senior living communities can provide a range of resources and support that can help seniors maintain a sense of purpose and continue with meaningful activities as they age. These are just a few examples, and seniors can find meaning and purpose in many different ways. Thats why we take the time with every resident to understand what they love to do now AND what they might like to learn in the future. With this information, were likely to pair them with like-minded individuals and people who share their interests.
Seniors are prone to suffering from serious medical conditions related to poor dental hygiene. There is evidence that gum diseases, such as periodontitis, can be linked to heart disease and diabetes, as well as other systemic complications.Healthy teeth allow seniors to enjoy their food more without suffering from painful chewing and swallowing. Seniors suffering from untreated tooth decay or premature loss of teeth will find themselves opting for soft foods, as opposed to fresh fruits and veggies which can affect nutrition.HOW TO HELP SENIORS WITH THEIR ORAL CARESeniors tackle a series of roadblocks when it comes to receiving regular dental care, such as lack of transportation, memory loss, and physical and mental impairments that may prevent them from making their appointment.Some seniors require additional help when it comes to brushing and flossing, as well as regular visits to the dentist for cleanings. Certain medical conditions, such as painful arthritis in the hands, can affect a seniors ability to brush or floss. Left unaddressed, this can lead to ongoing oral issues.Whether your elderly loved one resides in an assisted living facility or at home, they may benefit from regular reminders to brush twice a day and to floss at least once. A soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste helps to keep their gums healthy. According to the American Dental Association, antiseptic mouthwash has been proven to reduce plaque and gum disease.If your senior wears full or partial dentures, they should be reminded to remove them at night. Not only can they be uncomfortable to sleep in, but they should also be cleaned regularly. Denture-induced stomatitis is linked to ill-fitting dentures, poor hygiene, and potential inflammation.RISK FACTORS RELATED TO POOR ORAL HYGIENEReceiving dental checkups every six months prevents an issue from getting out of hand and allows the dentist to check for any sores, ulcers, swelling, and signs of infection or oral cancer.Without proper and consistent checkups, seniors are at an increased risk of:Root Decay Exposure of the root due to acids can cause the gum to begin to recede, leaving a sensitive, sometimes painful area.Oral Cancer The median age for diagnosis with this disease is 62, further strengthening the case for frequent dental checkups.Tooth Decay Over 90% of adults aged 65 and over have had at least one cavity, with 20% suffering from untreated tooth decay.Gum Disease This can be caused by plaque buildup, tobacco products, or other chronic issues such as diabetes, affecting nearly 68% of the senior population.Tooth Loss Often caused by untreated gum disease; nearly 1 in 5 seniors have lost all their teeth.Dry Mouth Many medications have the side effect of reducing saliva production, which can increase a seniors risk of cavities.IMPROVING SENIOR DENTAL CAREPriority Life Care is committed to providing quality care for seniors. For seniors who have suffered from poor dental hygiene in the past, its not too late to turn their oral health around. Many communities work with dental companies for easy, on-site visits. With the help of a qualified dental professional and caregivers who can keep up with daily brushing, flossing, rinsing, and removing and cleaning dentures every night dental well-being can be regained.
TIPS FOR SAFE AND ENJOYABLE ADVENTURESAge is just a number and that number should never restrict your sense of adventure or put a damper on your desire to explore the world. Many of us have a bucket list of places we want to visit but are often held back because we arent sure where to start, have no one to travel with or feel overwhelmed by the cost. But guess what? You dont need to spend a fortune or find a travel companion to pack your bags and set off an exciting adventure.Traveling solo is not only liberating, but it can also be extremely fulfilling. You get to take your time and savor every experience, meet new people, and learn about different cultures. As much as we want you to embrace the joys of solo travel, we also recognize that safety is a top priority. Here are some tips to help you ensure safe, enjoyable, and memorable solo travels.1. Plan AheadOne of the hallmarks of safe solo travel is thorough planning. Before you embark on your journey, take the time to research your destination, including local customs, popular tourist sites, and means of transportation. This will give you an idea of what to expect, how much money you should budget for your trip, and what safety precautions you need to take.2. Choose Safe AccommodationsWhen traveling solo, the type of accommodation you choose can make or break your experience. If you can, always stay in reputable hotels or well-rated Airbnbs. Opt for accommodations that are centrally located in safe neighborhoods, offer amenities such as 24/7 security, and have positive reviews from other travelers.3. Share your ItineryLetting someone close to you know where you will be at all times is another smart tip.Share your travel plans with a family member, friend, or a trusted neighbor before you leave. Provide them with your itinerary, your contact information, and emergency contact details. If youre traveling abroad, its also a good idea to provide them with your passport information.This will give you (and, likely, them) some peace of mind and ensure that someone knows where you are at all times in case theres an emergency.4. Pack LightlyTraveling solo means that you will be responsible for carrying all your luggage so you should pack light and pack smart. Focus on essential items such as comfortable clothing, footwear, toiletries, and medication. Also, keep an extra copy of important documents such as your passport, ID, and travel insurance.5. Trust Your InstinctsYour gut feeling is often right, so if you sense something is off, trust your instincts. If you feel like a particular activity or destination is unsafe, avoid it altogether. Be wary of strangers who seem too friendly or offer to help you more than what seems reasonable. Always keep an eye on your belongings and your surroundings and as always, trust your gut. Its better to be paranoid than it is to put yourself in a dangerous situation.HAPPY WANDERING!Traveling solo is an experience that should not be limited by age. By following our safety tips and trusting your instincts, you can embark on an adventure that will leave you with lasting memories.And if youre looking for a place to call home when youre not wandering the globe and ideally one that offers all the amenities and support you need to live your best life then we are here for you. Contact us today to learn more about our senior living, and how we can help you live your adventure!