For more information on the author, Maris Pointe, CLICK HERE!Consider these facts from the Alzheimer's Association: More than 6 million people live with Alzheimer's disease today. This number is projected to rise to 13 million by 2050. In 2020, more than 11 million people typically family caregivers spent 15 billion hours providing unpaid memory care for people with Alzheimer's or other forms of memory loss.Too often, these family members sacrifice their careers, their finances and, sometimes, their good health. Still, most people with dementia eventually require memory care beyond the abilities of family caregivers. They need professional, round-the-clock care in a memory care facility. Had these families chosen memory care in a senior living community rather than caring for their loved one themselves, things might have gone better for everyone concerned.Memory care is more than assisted livingThere's a difference between needing help with the activities of daily living (ADL) bathing, dressing, managing medicines and needing memory care. Assisted living is intended to help otherwise capable seniors with these ADLs. Memory care is a form of assisted living that provides specialized, personalized care for seniors with memory and cognitive issues, including Alzheimer's disease and other forms of memory loss.Memory care at a senior living community provides constant care and supervision and is staffed with specially trained professionals. The environment is secure and designed to reduce the risk of residents getting into dangerous situations or wandering into the wrong areas. There may be interior gardens for residents and families to enjoy, and certain areas may be color-coded to help with easy navigation and decrease anxiety. In addition to extra security, this type of environment creates the right setting for residents to regain a sense of independence and helps maintain it longer.Memory care facilities help with behavioral issuesFamily caregivers usually have their hands full with the mechanics of caring for their loved one providing meals, doing shopping and housework, making sure they're safe and relatively content, and so on. They're simply not trained or equipped to engage in any kind of therapeutic program or to offer a level of social contact that might benefit someone living with dementia. Memory care at a good senior living community is designed to offer not only leisure and recreational programs, but proven approaches to therapy and socialization that give the individual a stronger foundation to maintain a measure of independence and find contentment and meaning each day.Memory care communities don't isolate residents; they provide comfortable living spaces with supervised participation in group therapies and activities. Residents in memory care typically have access to the same amenities the community offers everyone, although they may need help and supervision to take advantage of them. The goal is for residents to remain engaged, happy, and as independent as possible. The memory care neighborhood is part of the overall community living atmosphere, and great care is taken to prevent residents from feeling lonely or isolated. Read more about the benefits of memory care living here. Most often they include:24/7 support. A major challenge of helping someone with progressive dementia is the unpredictability of negative episodes and the need to be available at all times. This is what causes family caregivers to quit their jobs and sacrifice their personal lives. Memory care at a senior living community offers assistance and security throughout the day and night by trained caregivers and nurses. Professional support is available whenever its needed.A plan for care. Family caregivers usually face the challenges of memory care day by day. They're not prepared or equipped to apply a more expansive approach to helping their loved one. Memory care communities, on the other hand, are staffed with professionals who understand dementias challenges and the unique ways the condition presents itself. Living in a specialized community offers care plans, resources and daily routines designed to fit an individuals needs precisely. Its not surprising these advantages are reflected in the results seen in residential memory care.Diverse programming. In the same way that a care plan can be customized to meet individual needs ,daily activities are tailored to sync with interests and preferences. Programs designed to promote cognitive stimulation draw participation and engagement of memory care residents in ways that are hardly possible at home. Residents are busier and more mentally stimulated.Better nutrition. Any family caregiver will attest to the difficulty of keeping a loved one with dementia well fed and satisfied. Memory care communities ensure that senior residents eat well and receive the assistance they may need during mealtimes.The socialization factor. Few if any home settings can offer the social opportunities found in memory care communities. Community life makes it easy for residents to interact with one another and their caregivers. An active social life is a major component of cognitive health.A return to ones role as an adult child .Assuming the responsibilities of a family caregiver makes it very difficult simply to be someone's son or daughter. Memory care communities go a long way toward improving that situation.Access to a wider network of professionals .People with cognitive impairment from Alzheimer's disease often need ancillary care such as podiatry, dentistry, physical therapy, or some other clinical discipline.At times, advanced medical care may be called for. Memory care communities assist not only with transportation to local service providers, but they can also be helpful in finding additional healthcare services and specialists.A checklist of questions to screen memory care communitiesWhat level of care does the community provide?What personal assistance can residents expect?What's the staff-to-resident ratio?What type of training has the staff received? Is it ongoing?What specialized programming is offered? Pet therapy? Music therapy?Are there fitness or wellness programs?How is the community secured? Are there safe outdoor spaces?What medical services are available? How are emergencies handled?What meals are provided? Are special dietary requests accommodated?How is food served? Are escorts to meals available?What's the monthly rate for housing and care? Which services does that rate include?Are rooms private or semiprivate? How do prices vary for each?

For more information on the author, Home Instead of Charlotte, CLICK HERE!This time of year is one to reflect on the past and look toward the future with anticipation and excitement. However, reflection can also spur and magnify feelings of grief and loss especially for older adults who feel isolated or remember loved ones who have passed away. What's more, the pandemic and its effects may increase feelings of grief, isolation and loneliness in older adults this year, which can impact both physical and mental health.According to a recent AARP report, more than 50% of adults surveyed said if social distancing guidelines remain in place over the winter holidays, this will increase the negative impact on their well-being. Whether you are a family caregiver or an aging adult, it is important to understand ways to help cope with grief while still enjoying the season.The holiday season can be overwhelming. It takes an emotional toll on older adults and creates obstacles for caregivers, friends and family to navigate, especially if they've recently lost a loved one. In those cases, special occasions can be particularly difficult, said Lakelyn Hogan, Ph.D., gerontologist and caregiver advocate at Home Instead. It is crucial that family and friends step in to help seniors process their emotions. Whether it be lighting a candle in someone's memory, going through old photo albums to share happy stories or dancing to their favorite song there are thoughtful ways to remember those who are no longer here.The holidays often bring back memories of a lost spouse, sibling or friend, and that can be especially painful for older adults. Hogan says friends, family and caregivers can help aging adults enjoy the time with those around them and offers these tips to help navigate feelings of grief and loneliness.5 Tips for Processing Grief in Older Adults1. Acknowledge and adjust.It is perfectly acceptable to allow sadness in particularly after losing someone special. Grief can be a complicated emotion. Encourage older adults to grieve in whatever way feels natural to them.2. Honor the memories.Set aside time to help older adults memorialize the person who has died. While some find comfort in keeping their usual holiday traditions, others may struggle. Whether it's carrying on a tradition previously done together or creating a new one in their memory, it is important to create a space for seniors to reminisce. By making the time, older adults can keep a piece of their loved one during this meaningful time of year.3. Allow them space to heal.Grief is not a linear process. It takes time to fully grasp the magnitude of losing someone. Allow your loved one time to process what they are feeling and space to begin healing. When they are ready to open up, be there to listen, provide comfort and support. If appropriate, encourage them to join a support group to talk to others who have also experienced loss.4. Create new goals.For many, the best way to honor a deceased loved one is to live life to the fullest. Set an actionable resolution for the new year to embrace all life has to offer and focus on the good. Whenever you experience joy, think of it as a gift sent from the person you love and embrace it as if you were embracing them once again.5.Enlist professional help.If an older adult has lost a loved one and is experiencing overwhelming and unmanageable grief, reach out to a mental health professional for coping strategies and resources. Also consider in-home care services. This would not only provide your loved one with help around the house, but someone to interact with and talk to regularly. While the holidays are a time for joy and celebration, for many it can intensify feelings of loneliness, grief and sorrow. Check on the older adults in your life and remind them they are not alone this season.

A massive shift is happening in the senior care industry. Home care, once the go-to solution for many families, is seeing its prominence wane in favor of adult day services. There are many reasons, and they highlight the changing needs and preferences of our aging population. Here are the top four reasons why home care is dead and why adult day is the future of senior care:1. Lack of Socialization in Home CareOne of the most significant drawbacks of home care is the limited social interaction it offers. An aging individual might spend hours, if not days, without meaningful human interaction, save for the occasional visit from the caregiver. This isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and even precipitate mental health issues like depression.On the contrary, adult day services prioritize group activities, interaction, and camaraderie. Seniors have the opportunity to participate in group exercises, games, and discussions, forging new friendships and relishing the joys of community living.2. The Rising Costs of Home CareHome care, especially when availed round the clock, can be a hefty financial burden for families. Personalized, one-on-one services at home demand a premium, and not every family can shoulder these costs over extended periods.Adult day services, with their group-centric model, often turn out to be more economical. These centers can distribute costs across several participants, making the service more affordable without compromising the quality of care.3. Chronic Staffing Shortages in Home CareThe home care industry has been grappling with staffing shortages for some time now. Given the rising demand for elder care services and the challenging nature of home-based caregiving, recruiting and retaining talent has been an uphill task. Families sometimes find themselves in a bind, unable to secure a reliable caregiver when they most need it.In contrast, adult day services often have a more stable staffing situation. The group setting, regular hours, and team-oriented approach make these centers more appealing for many professionals in the elder care sector.4. The Multifaceted Services of Adult Day CentersHome care, in its traditional sense, usually covers basic needs like meal preparation, bathing, and medication reminders. But what about the other aspects of well-being?Adult day centers often offer a slew of additional services that can greatly enhance the quality of life for seniors. This includes hair and nail services, so participants can feel pampered and well-groomed. More crucially, many centers provide physical and occupational therapy, ensuring that seniors maintain their mobility and dexterity. These services, bundled together, present a holistic approach to care that home-based solutions often miss.While home care has its merits and can be the right choice for some, the shifting needs of our aging population are paving the way for the rise of adult day services. With their emphasis on community, affordability, reliable staffing, and a broad range of services, its no wonder that more families are choosing adult day centers for their loved ones.Adult day is the future of senior care. ActivAge is coming to a city near you!Join the movement and together we can change the world! Interested in owning an ActivAge?Click Here to learn more about ActivAge Franchise Opportunities.

The conversation surrounding senior care has been gaining momentum over recent years, in line with shifting global demographics and an increase in the aging population.Thanks to advancements in healthcare, people are living longer, resulting in a larger percentage of older adults who may require assistance in their daily lives.Amidst the diverse array of senior care services available today, adult day care remains underrated, yet holds tremendous potential.This article will examine why adult day care is currently an underrated option, and why it is poised to become the fastest-growing service in senior care. The Underrated Potential of Adult Day CareDespite its vast benefits, adult day care often goes unnoticed due to a combination of misconceptions and lack of awareness. It is not just a place for seniors to pass time.These centers offer seniors the opportunity for social interaction, mental stimulation, and structured activities, which significantly improve their quality of life.Additionally, adult day care centers provide respite for caregivers, reducing the risk of caregiver burnouta common issue affecting the quality of care provided to seniors.Moreover, these centers are typically more affordable than in-home care or nursing homes, providing significant financial relief for families. Historical Growth Limitations: Medicaid DependenceHistorically, the expansion of adult day care centers has been curtailed as these facilities have traditionally catered to the Medicaid population.The quality of care at these centers is often directly linked to the quality and funding of state Medicaid programs.In many states, Medicaid programs have been plagued with budget cuts, leading to a decrease in the funds available for services like adult day care.The bureaucratic complexities often associated with Medicaid can create additional challenges for these centers.This dependence on Medicaid, with its fluctuating stability and varying coverage from state to state, has undeniably hindered the proliferation of adult day care centers. Future Growth: Private Pay and the Middle-Income Senior PopulationThe future of adult day care looks incredibly promising, driven by the growing demand from the private pay sector and the rapidly expanding middle-income senior population.The National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC) projects the number of middle-income seniors to nearly double by 2029. This growth will result in a surge in private pay demand for adult day care services.Middle-income seniors often possess more financial resources than the traditional Medicaid-dependent population but may find more costly care options unattainable.Adult day care centers offer an affordable, quality solution for these seniors, providing essential care services, and enabling them to maintain their independence while giving their loved one the break they need to continue working, run errands or take a break. The Coming Surge: Why Adult Day Care is Set for Exponential GrowthSeveral other trends also indicate that adult day care is set to become the fastest-growing service in senior care:1. Aging Population: The global population is aging, with a projected two billion people over the age of 60 by 2050, according to the United Nations. This growth will require an expansion in senior care services, including adult day care centers.2. Caregiver Crunch: The increasing number of seniors correlates to a higher demand for caregivers. However, a lack of workforce in this sector is creating a caregiver crunch. Adult day care services can alleviate this strain by providing care during work hours.3. Preference for Aging in Place: AARP reports that 90% of seniors want to stay in their homes as they age. Adult day care supports this desire, allowing seniors to maintain their independence while still receiving the care they need.4. Increase in Chronic Conditions: With age comes an increased risk of chronic conditions like dementia or heart disease. Adult day care centers are equipped to handle such conditions, providing specialized care that cant always be provided at home.5. Cost Efficiency: As previously mentioned, adult day care is often more affordable than in-home care or assisted living communities, making it an attractive option for many families. The historical constraints of adult day care are evolving into new opportunities, heralding a promising future for this service.The increasing needs of seniors, the benefits of adult day care, and the rising demand from middle-income seniors are propelling this service towards the spotlight.Adult day care is not just an alternate solution, but a crucial component in the continuum of senior care services.Its time in the limelight is near, and it is poised to become the fastest-growing service in the senior care sector. Adult day is the future of senior care. ActivAge is coming to a city near you!Join the movement and together we can change the world! Interested in owning an ActivAge?Click Here to learn more about ActivAge Franchise Opportunities.