Massachusetts - Greater Boston

Health effects of untreated hearing loss  About 48 million Americans are living with hearing loss. While 80% of hearing loss cases can be successfully treated with hearing aids, only one in four people who could benefit from hearing aids actually use them.1 Most people are not aware that untreated hearing loss is associated with serious illnesses and conditions, including: Dementia: The 2020 study from the Lancet Commission2 shows that hearing loss is the largest modifiable risk factor against dementia. According to the report, dementia risk varies based on the level of hearing loss:3 Mild hearing loss doubles the dementia risk Moderate hearing loss triples the risk Severe hearing impairment increases the dementia risk up to 5 times The study states that "hearing loss might result in cognitive decline through reduced cognitivestimulation." By being proactive and treating hearing loss as soon as possible, the risk for cognitive decline and dementia can be reduced. Heart Disease: The Centers for Disease Control found that cardiovascular disease and hearing loss are linked due to blood flow. Its believed that heart disease can reduce blood flow to the ear and cause damage to different parts of the auditory system. This damage typically results in sensorineural hearing loss, which is permanent and often managed with amplification.4  Depression: Hearing loss, left untreated, can have serious emotional and social consequences,especially for older people. Poor hearing often leads to anxiety, insecurity and social withdrawal. Feelings of loneliness often culminate into depression. Older adults who use hearing aids are less at risk of suffering from depression.5 Increased risk of falling: What you can hear (and don't hear) directly affects your balance. Even mild hearing loss can triple your chances of falling. Treating hearing loss with hearing aids can help serve as a "balance aid."6 Not everyone with hearing loss will develop the conditions outlined above, but being educated about the potential risks can help you make smart decisions about hearing loss treatment. Today's hearing devices are equipped with many features that could greatly enhance your quality of life. Helping to protect your overall well-being is certainly one of the better reasons to seek treatment for hearing loss.  1www.hearinghealthfoundation.org; 2G Livingston, Jonathan Huntley, Andrew Sommerlad, et al. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission. The Lancet. July 30, 2020; 3G Livingston, A Sommerlad, V Orgeta, et al. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care. The Lancet. July 20, 2017; 4Hull, R. H., & Kerschen, S. R. (2010). The influence of cardiovascular health on peripheral and central auditory function in adults: A research review. American Journal of Audiology,19, 9-16;5Bigelow, RT, Reed, NS, et al. Association of hearing loss with psychological distress and utilization of mental health services among adults in the United States. JAMA Netw Open. 2020 Jul 1;3(7):e2010986; 6www.healthyhearing.com/report/53220-Hearing-loss-falls-balance-hearing-aids

Any initial transitions, whether it be a new home, a job, or school, can be difficult. The transition, and even the decision, to move to an assisted living community can be another challenging life transition for both seniors and their children. Acknowledging it can be difficult is both necessary and refreshing professionals in an assisted living community realize this, showing seniors and their children alike that this new experience is a shared experience. It is completely normal for many emotions to follow the decision to move to an assisted living community, including relief, guilt, sadness, and happiness. It is important to reinforce the initial reasons why the decision to move to an assisted living community was made. An assisted living community offers many benefits: increased social engagement through a variety of enrichment and wellness activities, nutritious meals, assistance with activities of daily living, a safer, more accessible living space, and more.A great deal of thought, research, and planning is typically involved when looking for the best community. Take the time to ask questions, take a tour, if available, and become familiar with a community before the move it can help ease fear and apprehension. You can make the move easier and exciting bringing key items from the seniors previous living space including artwork, family photographs, a favorite quilt, or a tote filled with crafts or hobbies they enjoy will make the new residence feel more familiar. A few new items like decorative pillows or books help personalize the new space. It can take some time for a new resident to adjust, especially in a memory care setting. With an abundance of patience and kindness, even the most challenging transitions will work out.  New residents necessary level of care will change and fluctuate over time. Assisted living communities have the resources and knowledgeable staff members to meet those changing needs. Staff observe residents and discuss changes in care needs with the resident or designated family member or friend. Every transition comes with unexpected challenges. Make sure to use resources available to you and seek support from professionals within the new community. Keep in mind that assisted living communities can be the ideal solution to maintaining a seniors quality of life while fulfilling their healthcare needs. Editors Note: This article was submitted by Jenna Anderson. Jenna is Director of Sales and Marketing for SALMON Health and Retirement and may be reached at 774-270-7613 or by email at [email protected]. 

Change is hard. Making a move in uncertain times can be scary; navigating all your options can be downright confusing.Assisted living communities are supportive environments meant to help prolong the independence of you or your loved one. This housing option is often overlooked because many dont realize it is a viable option until there is an emergency. There is often resistance because there are many misconceptions surrounding this senior living option, including affordability, access and services provided.Once you start to look around, comparing the various communities is no simple task; from giant continuums of care to very small specialty units, and your job as the consumer is to find which place suits your needs as close as possible for as long as possible. One very important factor for most people when researching communities, besides the quality of care and location, is cost. Do I rent or join a community with a buy-in? Is an all-inclusive program better, or does the a la cart pricing structure work better for me? Looking at your finances is the first step to determine which option is right for you.If you have a long-term care insurance policy, for instance, you want to go to a licensed assisted living facility for your services so you can utilize those funds for your care. If you are a wartime veteran or spouse, you would want to make sure that the community you choose supports the Aid & Attendance benefit.One thing that can very easily get overlooked in the decision-making process, especially if it is an emergency, is what happens if/when the money runs out?In many cases, the options are very limited and it is your responsibility to find your next home. Some communities, however, have financial programs available that allow the resident to age in place through subsidy programs such as a SCO or PACE program, or in some cases GAFC. These programs are a great way to keep your loved one in their assisted living if the community offers it. At the end of the day, knowing your options will help you find the best place for your needs and a wonderful new home for you or your loved one. Written by Stephanie Nordstrom, Director of Admissions & Marketing at Christopher Heights of Marlborough, an Assisted Living Community. She can be reached out 508-281-8001 or [email protected]. 

Mary Ann Morse at Heritage Memory Care Team Achieves ICCDP Certification in Montessori Method Applied to DementiaSpecialized skills advance person-centered Alzheimers and dementia careFramingham, MA (November 6, 2025) Mary Ann Morse at Heritage is proud to announce that the caregiving team in its Homestead Memory Care program has achieved official certification for the Montessori Method Applied to Dementia. This certification, awarded by the International Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (ICCDP), highlights the team's expertise and dedication to providing compassionate, person-centered memory care.This prestigious distinction places Mary Ann Morse at Heritage among a select group of senior living communities committed to enriching the lives of residents through innovative, evidence-based care.The certification highlights the organizations unwavering commitment to honoring each residents individuality, fostering autonomy, and enhancing quality of life through innovative, research-driven approaches for individuals living with Alzheimers disease and other dementias.Montessori-based dementia care draws from the Montessori educational philosophy, emphasizing respect for the individual, fostering independence, and nurturing a supportive environment. These principles translate seamlessly into memory care, focusing on residents strengths, meaningful engagement, and dignity.By earning this certification, we reaffirm our mission to deliver personalized, exceptional care for our residents, says Lisa Kubiak, President & CEO, Mary Ann Morse Healthcare Corp. This milestone highlights our dedication to creating an environment where every individual can live authentically and purposefully.How Montessori-Based Memory Care WorksThe Montessori approach to dementia care centers on structured, supportive environments that encourage independence and meaningful interaction. Adapted to meet the unique needs of individuals with cognitive impairments, this method builds on parallels between dementia care and Montessori principles, such as addressing communication challenges and emotional needs.Among the key features of Montessori-based dementia care are strategies that promote independence through clear navigation tools and manageable task steps, reducing frustration and fostering autonomy. Multisensory activities and reality orientation evoke memories, provide emotional grounding, and help maintain routine and identity. Familiar tasks, respectful caregiving, and social interaction foster purpose, belonging, and community, essential for emotional and cognitive well-being.Emerging research underscores the benefits of this approach, including improved memory recall, reduced agitation, enhanced motor skills, increased positive behaviors, and better eating habits. These outcomes are achieved through structured routines, meaningful activities, and dining interventions that support engagement and self-feeding.Highly Trained StaffThe Homestead Memory Care Program staff are certified in Montessori methods for dementia care, ensuring personalized and structured approaches tailored to residents abilities. Training from organizations like the International Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (ICCDP) equips caregivers to foster environments of dignity and purpose.We are thrilled to achieve this milestone and bring the added benefits of the Montessori Method Applied to Dementia to our residents and their families, adds Brian Kelly, Executive Director. This accreditation reflects our mission to set the standard for exceptional memory care in our community.About Mary Ann Morse at HeritageMary Ann Morse at Heritage is a premier senior living community in Framingham, MA, offering traditional assisted living, memory care, and mental health assisted living programs within a safe and secure campus.Mary Ann Morse at Heritage is part of Mary Ann Morse Healthcare Corp., a trusted resource for senior living and healthcare in the MetroWest region for over 30 years. The organizations continuum of care includes Mary Ann Morse Healthcare Center, Natick, offering short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, memory care, respite care, and hospice services; and Mary Ann Morse Home Care, providing 24/7 Medicare-certified home health and personal in-home care throughout 19 MetroWest communities. As a nonprofit, Mary Ann Morse Healthcare is dedicated to empowering seniors to live their best lives and embrace healthy aging at every stage of their journey. For more information about the Homestead Memory Care Program and the Montessori Method Applied to Dementia or to schedule a tour, please visit www.maryannmorse.org, or contact Ken Demeo at 508-665-5317 or via email at [email protected]. ###