Senior Living by Design Award Winners Showcase Excellence, Innovation

Senior Living by Design Awards are showcased in the latest issue of Senior Living Executive magazine. The fourth annual competition reinforces the importance of mental and physical health and wellness in creating purposeful places... read more

Elder Care is Love

As the people we love begin to age the care they require becomes more intense and overwhelming. Assisted living facilities allow aging parents and grandparents to continue their independence in a way that works best for them while providing peace of mind that they’re being cared for properly.

5 Signs Your Elderly Parent May Have Dementia

As your loved ones age, medical concerns can be more difficult to pinpoint and solve. Particularly when mental faculties come into play, a doctor’s regular oversight may be necessary to identify the exact health needs. If you fear that your parent or grandparent may be suffering from dementia, be on the lookout for these five signs.

1.    Mood swings.

Stress, anxiety and agitation are common among dementia patients. Memory loss brings about uncertainty which can be troubling and upsetting to manage.

2.    Memory loss.

This is probably the most commonly thought of symptom of dementia. Although it can be inconsistent, a growing inability to remember details that used to be clear is an early sign of disease.

3.    Getting lost.

If a neighbor finds your loved one wandering, you can probably consider this an early sign of dementia. Particularly when they’re losing track of themselves in places that used to be familiar.

4.    Making poor choices.

Wearing a jacket when it’s warm outside and skipping bills are signs of poor judgment in a dementia patient.

5.    Losing items.

Storing a wallet in the fridge or keys in the utensil drawer could be signs that confusion has set in.
Keeping track of the happiness and safety of your dementia-stricken loved on is no easy task.The care of professionals can help ease this burden. If you’d like more information about dementia care in Aptos, check out this website.

10 Places to Launch a Second Career in Retirement

Many seniors are going to continue to work past age 65, both for the money and because they enjoy working... read more

Preparing for Hospice Care

Receiving the news of a terminal diagnosis for a loved one can be shocking. With so many emotions roiling through the family, decision making can be difficult. Fortunately, there’s hospice. Hospice provides compassionate care and support to the patient and the family. Getting the patient and family ready for hospice is a positive step during a difficult time.

Find a Hospice Provider

There are many qualified hospice providers. To help narrow down your choices, ask the physician that gave the diagnosis for recommendations. Look at the quality ratings for those, and other, hospice agencies that are in your area. Call and talk to at least two. Go with one that offers a Patient’s Bill of Rights and clearly explains its services in a helpful, supportive manner.

Determine Patient Expectations

Hospice focuses on making the patient as comfortable as possible. Patients with full cognitive function should be included in discussions with the hospice provider about things like pain management concerns. Decide where care will be provided. Some patients want to spend their remaining time at home surrounded by family and friends. Others prefer the peace and quiet of a care facility that offers hospice services.

With hospice, you and your family do not have to handle a terminal diagnosis alone. Visit this website for information on end of life care in Soquel.

Celebrate the Journey

Seniors have valuable memories and experiences from their journey through life. A senior-centered community can provide an important social outlet where they can share with their peers.