Shopping for a Funeral Home online: Tools families need Shopping for a funeral provider online can be overwhelming. There are many great funeral homes and more importantly many great funeral directors. Here are a few useful tips to help make this process a bit easier. 1. Make a list of your expectations. You can use this as a guide to explain to the Funeral Director on what type of services you need. 2. Know your budget. Knowing exactly how much you can spend is always a good place to start when planning a service. 3. Review the website. Look over the Funeral Homes website to read about their staff, their commitment to their families and any other services they might provide. 4. Schedule a face-to-face meeting. Know the name of the Funeral Director that will be helping you. You will need a trusted point of contact through this process and even after. 5. Visit the funeral home. It is important to visit the funeral home to see the staff and upkeep of the place; images online can be deceiving. 6. Are there hidden costs? Ask questions about the pricing you are given. Does this price include death certificates, crematory fees, and alternative container, in- person consultation or a viewing? 7. Trust. Trust is important. When planning for cremation or burial services you need someone to take you by the hand and guide you through the service. Editors Note: This article was submitted by Distinctive Life Cremations & Funerals. They may be reached at 972-238-7011 or www.DistinctiveLife.com

Dementia: Improving Communication with Improv | Overview is part of a six-part series. Dementia is a degenerative neurological condition that affects millions of people worldwide. As the disease progresses, individuals with dementia may experience difficulties with communication, including problems with memory, language, and understanding. This can make it challenging for caregivers and family members to connect with their loved ones and provide the best possible care. However, there is a promising solution to this challenge: improv. In this six-part series, we will explore how improvisational theater techniques can be used to improve communication and connection with individuals with dementia. By tapping into the power of improv, caregivers can learn how to communicate more effectively, build rapport, and create meaningful experiences with their loved ones.Dementia is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is a progressive disease that affects memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform daily tasks. As the disease progresses, individuals with dementia may have trouble communicating and may become withdrawn and isolated. However, with the right approach and support, individuals with dementia can still achieve good quality of life.One approach to supporting individuals with dementia is to meet them where they are at. This means that care providers should strive to understand the individual's unique perspective, experiences, and needs. This approach can help to reduce frustration, confusion, and anxiety and promote a sense of well-being and connectedness.To meet individuals with dementia where they are at, care providers can use a range of strategies. These may include:Communication: Communication can be challenging for individuals with dementia. Care providers should use clear and simple language, speak slowly, and allow time for the individual to process information. They should also use non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and gestures, to convey meaning.Activities: Activities that are meaningful and engaging can help individuals with dementia to stay connected and maintain a sense of purpose. Care providers should focus on activities that the individual enjoys and are tailored to their abilities and interests.Environment: The physical environment can have a significant impact on the well-being of individuals with dementia. Care providers should create an environment that is familiar and comfortable, with minimal distractions and noise.Personalized care: Personalized care can help individuals with dementia to maintain a sense of identity and autonomy. Care providers should take the time to get to know the individual and their preferences and involve them in decision-making as much as possible.Emotional support: Individuals with dementia may experience a range of emotions, including fear, anxiety, and frustration. Care providers should provide emotional support and validation, acknowledging the individual's feelings and concerns.Meeting individuals with dementia where they are at requires a holistic and person-centered approach. By understanding the unique needs and experiences of the individual, care providers can support them to maintain a sense of dignity and quality of life, even as the disease progresses.Communication is a complex process that involves sending and receiving messages, both verbal and nonverbal, between individuals. Effective communication requires the ability to understand and interpret messages, express oneself clearly, and respond appropriately to feedback. For people with dementia, communication can become more challenging as the disease progresses and affects their cognitive and language abilities.Communication in people with dementia can be impaired due to a variety of factors, including memory loss, difficulty finding the right words, and impaired processing and comprehension of language. This can lead to frustration and anxiety for both the person with dementia and their caregivers. It is important to understand how communication can be affected by dementia and to develop strategies for effective communication.It is also important to remember that communication is a two-way street, and caregivers and healthcare providers must also be good listeners. Active listening, which involves paying attention to the person with dementia, acknowledging their feelings, and responding appropriately, can help build trust and understanding.Improved communication with individuals with advanced dementia can lead to several benefits, including better social interaction, reduced feelings of anxiety, and improved quality of life. It can also help caregivers better understand the needs and preferences of the person with dementia, resulting in more personalized care and enhanced well-being for both the caregiver and the person with dementia.Several studies have explored the benefits of improving communication with individuals with advanced dementia. For example, a systematic review of communication interventions found that these interventions can lead to reduced agitation and aggression among people with dementia, as well as improved quality of life and social engagement (Van't Leven et al., 2013). Another study showed that individualized communication training for caregivers can lead to significant improvements in communication quality and overall well-being for both caregivers and individuals with dementia (Graff et al., 2006).Moreover, incorporating improvisation techniques, such as mirroring, storytelling, and music, can be particularly beneficial in enhancing communication with individuals with advanced dementia. A randomized controlled trial of music therapy showed that it led to significant improvements in communication and social interaction among individuals with advanced dementia (Raglio et al., 2015). Another study showed that using storytelling and role-playing techniques can lead to significant improvements in communication and emotional well-being among individuals with advanced dementia (Hsu et al., 2018).Improving communication with individuals with advanced dementia can lead to several benefits for both the person with dementia and their caregiver. Incorporating improvisation techniques can enhance the effectiveness of communication interventions and improve overall well-being.The components of improv can be applied to dementia care to help improve communication, build trust, and enhance the overall care experience for both the caregiver and the person with dementia.Components of improv for dementia care include:Acceptance: Accepting and building on the ideas of others is a key component of improv. In dementia care, acceptance can involve acknowledging and validating the thoughts and feelings of individuals with dementia, even if they are not based in reality. This can help build trust and improve communication.Listening: Active listening is essential in improv. In dementia care, listening involves paying attention to verbal and nonverbal cues, as well as being open to new ideas and adapting to the needs of the person with dementia.Agreement: In improv, performers agree to the reality of the scene and build on it. In dementia care, agreement can involve finding common ground with the person with dementia and building on their ideas and interests.Creativity: Improv is all about creativity and thinking outside the box. In dementia care, creativity can involve finding new ways to communicate, engage, and connect with the person with dementia.Flexibility: Improv requires performers to be flexible and adapt to changing situations. In dementia care, flexibility can involve being open to new ideas and adjusting communication strategies as needed to accommodate the needs and abilities of the person with dementia.Playfulness: Improv often involves a playful and lighthearted approach to communication. In dementia care, playfulness can involve using humor and creativity to make communication more enjoyable and engaging for the person with dementia.Using improv techniques can help caregivers communicate more effectively with individuals with dementia by fostering flexibility, active listening, engagement, and humor. These techniques can help improve the quality of communication and enhance the overall care experience for both the caregiver and the individual with dementia.Improv can help communicate with someone who has dementia by:Emphasizing flexibility: Improv involves being open and flexible to new ideas and situations. This approach can help caregivers communicate more effectively with individuals with dementia, who may have difficulty following a specific train of thought or conversation. By being flexible and open to new ideas, caregivers can adapt to the needs and abilities of the person with dementia, allowing for more successful communication.Encouraging active listening: Improv requires active listening and responding to what is being said in the moment. This approach can help caregivers communicate more effectively with individuals with dementia, who may have difficulty following a conversation or articulating their thoughts. By actively listening and responding to the person with dementia, caregivers can help them feel heard and understood.Fostering a positive and engaging environment: Improv involves creating a positive and engaging environment that encourages participation and creativity. This approach can help caregivers communicate more effectively with individuals with dementia, who may become easily disengaged or frustrated during communication. By creating a positive and engaging environment, caregivers can help individuals with dementia feel more comfortable and open to communication.Using humor and playfulness: Improv often involves using humor and playfulness to communicate and connect with others. This approach can help caregivers communicate more effectively with individuals with dementia, who may respond well to humor and playfulness. By using humor and playfulness, caregivers can help lighten the mood and make communication more enjoyable and less stressful for everyone involved.Improv TechniquesThere are many improv techniques that can be used on a client with dementia. By incorporating these techniques into their care approach, caregivers can help improve communication, reduce stress, and enhance the overall care experience for the person with dementia.Here are a few examples:"Yes, and..." technique: This technique involves building on the ideas of the person with dementia, rather than shutting them down or correcting them. For example, if the person with dementia says, "I want to go to the moon," instead of saying "That's not possible," the caregiver can say "Yes, and maybe we can pretend to go to the moon by looking at pictures of space."Mirroring technique: This technique involves mirroring the body language and facial expressions of the person with dementia to help build rapport and understanding. For example, if the person with dementia is smiling, the caregiver can mirror their smile to help create a positive and engaging environment.Storytelling technique: This technique involves creating a story with the person with dementia by building on their ideas and interests. For example, the caregiver can start a story with "Once upon a time, there was a cat who loved to play in the garden," and then ask the person with dementia what they think happens next.Role-playing technique: This technique involves engaging the person with dementia in role-playing activities to help stimulate their imagination and memory. For example, the caregiver can suggest playing "restaurant" and ask the person with dementia to be the customer, while they act as the waiter.Musical improvisation technique: This technique involves using music to engage the person with dementia and create a positive and engaging environment. For example, the caregiver can sing a familiar song and ask the person with dementia to join in or use music to help create a calming environment during a potentially stressful situation.Using improv techniques in caregiving can greatly enhance the caregiver's relationship with their loved one with dementia. By accepting and validating the individual's experience, caregivers can build trust, improve communication, and increase their loved one's sense of safety and comfort. Improv also allows for creative problem-solving and flexibility, which can be crucial in adapting to the individual's changing needs and abilities. Ultimately, incorporating improv as a form of communication can lead to a more positive, meaningful, and fulfilling relationship between the caregiver and their loved one with dementia.Read all of the articles in this six-part series on Dementia: Improving Communication with Improv Dementia: Improving Communication with Improv | OverviewDementia: Improving Communication with Improv | "Yes and..." TechniqueDementia: Improving Communication with Improv | Mirroring TechniqueDementia: Improving Communication with Improv | Storytelling TechniqueDementia: Improving Communication with Improv | Role-playing TechniqueDementia: Improving Communication with Improv | Musical Improvisation techniqueAuthor: Kathleen Warshawsky, BSN, RN | Publisher Seniors Blue Book Greater Dallas | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleenwbsnrn/References:Alzheimer's Association. (2021). Communication and Alzheimer's. Retrieved from https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/communicationsGoldsmith, L., & Goldsmith, J. (2019). Communication and dementia. American Family Physician, 99(11), 684-691.Graff, M. J., Adang, E. M., Vernooij-Dassen, M. J., Dekker, J. H., Jnsson, L., Thijssen, M., ... & Rikkert, M. G. (2006). Community occupational therapy for older patients with dementia and their care givers: cost effectiveness study. BMJ, 333(7580), 1196.Guzmn, A., & Hegarty, J. (2018). A systematic review of drama therapy interventions for dementia care. Aging & Mental Health, 22(10), 1309-1319.Hsu, M. H., Flowerdew, R., Parker, M., Fachner, J., & Odell-Miller, H. (2018). A thematic analysis exploring group music psychotherapy for people with dementia in the UK. Journal of Applied Arts & Health, 9(1), 75-87.Kales, H. C., Gitlin, L. N., & Lyketsos, C. G. (2015). Assessment and management of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 350, h369.Raglio, A., Bellelli, G., Traficante, D., Gianotti, M., Ubezio, M. C., Villani, D., ... & Stramba-Badiale, M. (2015). Efficacy of music therapy in the treatment of behavioral and psychiatric symptoms of dementia. Alzheimer Disease and Associated Disorders, 29(2), 158-163.Raglio, A., Gianotti, M., Manzoni, V., Bolis, S., Ubezio, M. C., Villani, D., & Stramba-Badiale, M. (2016). Effects of improvisational music therapy vs enhanced standard care on symptom severity among patients with Alzheimer disease: The IMT-ALZ randomized clinical trial. JAMA Neurology, 73(7), 797-805.Van't Leven, N., Prick, A. E., Groenewoud, J. G., Roelofs, P. D., de Lange, J., Pot, A. M., & Van't Leven, N. (2013). Communication enhancement between dementia care professionals and dementia patients during daily care. Aging & Mental Health, 17(5), 555-568.

As the world's population ages, the need for quality senior care has become more pressing. With a focus on facilitating the best home living assistance for seniors, Ruby Care Senior Living Advisors has taken a unique approach to advising and offering the best possible help. In an exclusive interview with Insights Care, Joyce emphasizes the importance of providing such assistance and how Ruby Care's knowledgeable advisors help clients navigate the right placement. This article delves into the innovative approach of Ruby Care Senior Living Advisors and its commitment to providing the best possible care for seniors.There is a famous quote saying, We rise by lifting others. Simply put, when you start helping others, your life starts to have meaning and purpose. Among many, the best step to human kindness is trailblazing the path of transforming million.With such a vision to facilitate the best home living assistance, Ruby Care Senior Living Advisors has a unique approach to advising and offering the best possible help. It facilitates home assistance to the senior population and provides the best care with its resourceful platform.Spearheading this change is its Founder, Joyce Logan, believes in providing the best help by networking with healthcare providers, such as home health, hospice, rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, physicians, and other senior service providers.Being curious to learn more about its efficient services, we at Insights Care crossed paths with Joyce, wherein she emphasized the need for such assistance and how the company with its knowledgeable advisors, helps its client navigate the right placement.Let us dive into the insightful interview.Please brief our audience about your company, its mission, and the key aspects of its stronghold within the senior care services niche.Ruby Care Senior Living Advisors help simplify the process of locating the best senior housing option for an aging loved one. We work with Independent Living, Assisted Living, Residential Care Homes, and Memory Care communities in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in finding the most appropriate housing solution.We save families or seniors countless hours and unneeded stress when they need to find a senior living community. Our service is complimentary as we are compensated by the communities once a loved one moves in. Our Mission: We listen, we guide, and we follow up to ensure that our clients find the senior living community that is perfect for them.Tell us more about the services that give you a distinct edge to stand out from the competition?Our advisors have over 80 combined years of experience in the healthcare and senior living industry. Many of our advisors are Certified Dementia Practitioner and Certified Senior Advisors as well as Care Navigators, thus, providing a vast array of knowledge across a variety of all disciplines. Our clients benefit from our collective knowledge in addition to placement advising.We are members of the National Placement Referral Alliance, an association that promotes best practices, code of ethics, and senior advocacy to the clients/families we serve.What is your opinion on the effects of the current pandemic on the healthcare sector, and what challenges did your company face during the initial phase of the pandemic?I feel the healthcare and senior housing industry came together as a group like no other industry. The communities and facilities were taking care of the most vulnerable, our aging population. They shared ideas and embraced technology while taking the safety of the residents to a new level.Our business was briefly impacted at the beginning of the pandemic because families were reluctant to move their loved ones to senior communities because they were on lockdown, which meant families were not able to visit.As families realized they were not able to care for their loved ones at home as well as a community, they trusted the communities to do what they do best, care for the aging population with their trained staff.The business was back to normal in September 2020, when the Governor directed the Health and Human Services Commission to open visitation options, allowing up to two trained essential family caregivers to visit their loved ones in their rooms to help ensure their physical, social, and emotional needs were being met.Our process on how we worked with families and communities was impacted longer, as we usually consult and tour with our clients face to face. Still, we had to rely on technology virtual tours and consultations until we were able to visit in person with the families again.With continuous technological development in the healthcare space, what is your prediction about the future of senior care services?As baby boomers age and seek senior living options, I expect the movement toward technology to increase. Smart Aging, which refers to Artificial Intelligence, will continue to expand. Telehealth will be more universal in communities as well as Virtual Reality (VR).As an established leader, what would be your advice to the budding entrepreneurs and enthusiasts aspiring to venture into the senior care services niche?You must make sure you have a passion for caring for the elderly. Do your research on the senior niche you are pursuing and know the ins and outs. Being an elderly advocate doesnt have a schedule and can be demanding, so be prepared to be available when the time is needed, it may take away from personal time, but its so rewarding.How do you envision scaling your companys operations and offerings in 2023?Ruby Care will continue educating our advisors and achieve certifications to continue to provide unsurpassed quality service to our clients. Staying current with the ever-changing health care environment and senior living trends will ensure that Ruby Care maintains its leading edge. We will continue building brand recognition and growing our team. As technology evolves, Ruby Care offers increased access to information and ease of communication.The Senior Living Industry is greatly expanding; its an industry on the rise. Ruby Care set itself apart by doing business in an altruistic way from the rest demonstrated by phenomenal growth since its inception in 2016.

Downsizing and clearing out a home when youre getting ready to move is a big job, especially if youve lived in your home for any length of time. In this blog, we want to share some of WayForths professional tips and methods for sorting and managing your possessions. We often use the Four-Pile Sort Method to work quickly and effectively. Your 4-Piles Keep -- This is the place to put anything you want to go with you in your move as well as pieces that may be designated for a friend or family member. If someone is taking something, make sure to set a time and date for them to claim their item.Sell -- This is the section for items that you know you want to sell. This can be through a garage or yard sale, on the Internet or even through an auction house. Donate -- Often people will want to donate items instead of throwing them away. Be realistic with these types of items. If a piece is broken, stained or damaged, the charity organization will just end up throwing it away. Trash -- Even the smallest homes can generate a lot of trash during downsizing. Make sure that you have a plan for trash, whether its taking a load to your local dump or renting a commercial dumpster that will be picked up at a later dateRead more about the 4-pile method here.If you or a loved one is downsizing to move to a new home, WayForth can help with our comprehensive moving solutions. They include downsizing, clear-out, storage and moving. For more information, contact our moving professionals today at 817-697-4478or visit ourwebsitetolearn more.