Blog

Understanding the Difference: Dementia vs Alzheimer’s

Posted by on March 18th, 2024

Despite the fact that dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are so common, there is still some education needed to understand the cause and challenges of the two. Often used interchangeably, these terms can lead to confusion about each diagnosis’ differences and implications for elder care.  While we know that both conditions affect cognitive function, understanding their distinctions is crucial for providing appropriate care and support for impacted individuals and their families.  That’s why we’re dedicating this blog post to understanding the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s in consideration of the types of elder care ideal for each. Dementia vs Alzheimer’s: is there a difference? Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily functioning. Alzheimer’s disease, on the other hand, is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases. It is a progressive brain disorder characterized by abnormal protein deposits in the brain that disrupt communication between brain cells. And it is very common. In fact, more than 6 million Americans have Alzheimer’s, with an estimated 6.7 million aged 65 or older, while 73% are 75 and older.  Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s: Implications for Elder Care In light of the similarities between dementia and Alzheimer’s, it’s reasonable to expect that elder care looks the same for either diagnosis. And for the most part, it does. At the end of the day, exceptional elder care for anyone, regardless of diagnosis, depends on a personalized and…

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Understanding the Need for 24-Hour Care in Dementia: A Compassionate Guide

Posted by on February 2nd, 2024

Dementia is a difficult disease to navigate because it is fraught with so much uncertainty, both for the patient and their caregivers. The novelist Laurie Graham, who lost her husband to dementia, has said, “None of us wants to be reminded that dementia is random, relentless, and frighteningly common.”  She’s right. It is very common — more than 55 million people have dementia worldwide; however, that doesn’t mean the answers about how to approach dementia care are clear or in any way obvious.  That’s why we’re offering our guide, based on our experience and expertise, to help you evaluate when 24-hour dementia care might be needed for your loved one.  When dementia requires round-the-clock care Even when it’s evident that round-the-clock care is required for a person diagnosed with dementia, the fact is the decision to secure that care is emotional and can be complicated by financial concerns or restraints.  Setting those aside for the moment, here are the tangible boxes that, if checked, would evidence that 24-hour care is not only appropriate, but ideal.  Safety concerns  As dementia progresses, individuals may face challenges in maintaining their safety. Frequent falls, wandering, and confusion about their surroundings can put them at risk. If safety becomes a consistent concern, it may be an indicator that 24-hour care is needed. Inability to perform daily activities Dementia can impact an individual’s ability to carry out daily activities independently. If tasks like dressing, bathing, and preparing meals become increasingly challenging or impossible, it may be…

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The Gift that Keeps on Giving: Socialization in Eldercare

Posted by on January 3rd, 2024

After a wonderful series of holiday celebrations last month, our team wishes to share the importance of festive celebrations to the senior citizens in your life. As experts in elder care, we recognize and have long witnessed the positive ramifications of socialization to our elderly residents. That’s why we prioritize opportunities to socialize, year-round, and especially during the emotional highs and lows of the yuletide season. In addition, celebrating holidays and important family events year-round can help aging loved ones know that they are still an important part of their families. Why do we place such a premium on socialization?  Let us offer you some specific benefits about elders keeping an active social calendar and share some photos of the recent holiday celebrations we have been honored to host at all of our As Life Goes On locations.  5 reasons why socialization is so important to elder populations Aging is a complex process and the experience is unique to everyone; however, what we know is that socialization offers myriad benefits and can offset some of the challenges commonly associated with aging.  Consider the following benefits of socialization to elderly populations:  #1 Safeguards against social isolation For many seniors, social isolation is a significant concern, especially during the holiday season. Family gatherings, community events, and parties provide invaluable opportunities for seniors to connect with others, breaking the monotony of solitude that may be more prevalent during other times of the year. Socializing during the holidays helps combat feelings of loneliness, and a…

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Mythbusting the Realities of Assisted Living 

Posted by on December 1st, 2023

If there is one thing that our years of experience and expertise has taught us it’s that there are many myths circulating about assisted living and what it means to enter an assisted living facility. Unfortunately, unlike beloved stories, these myths are damaging and deny the truth about assisted living. 

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5 Signs it’s Time to Consider Moving to Assisted Living

Posted by on October 30th, 2023

It can be difficult to know if it’s time for assisted living — and far too often, you don’t realize it’s needed until it’s an overdue change. Many of the changes that make assisted living a good choice happen slowly over a long period of time, so you may not realize how much quality of life has been impacted until your aging loved one is really struggling. By keeping an eye out for changes in certain areas, you can start thinking early about how someone is adjusting to aging. Here are five signs that it might be time to move to assisted living.

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How to Choose Between Assisted Living and In-Home Care

Posted by on September 27th, 2023

If you or a loved one need more care, you may be considering Assisted Living or In-Home Care. But how do you decide? While for some the choice (for either one) is easy, for many it can be difficult to determine what the best option is. Here are some ideas to help you determine the best choice for your family.

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Tips for Choosing a Senior Care Facility

Posted by on August 29th, 2023

So, you and your aging parent have decided that it’s time to find a senior care facility. How do you choose? This process involves a lot of communication, so it’s good to prepare for the process.

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How to Talk To Friends and Family About your Aging Parents

Posted by on July 24th, 2023

Whether you’re gathering at the holidays, just catching up, or regularly spending time together, stigmas about old age can make it difficult to talk about your aging parents with family members and friends. Sometimes you might be looking for advice or support, and in some situations you might just want to keep a family member in the loop about changes in your parent’s life. Here are some tips for talking about it.

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What are the Differences Between Assisted Living Facilities and Nursing Homes?

Posted by on June 19th, 2023

The terms assisted living and nursing home are often used interchangeably, but once you start doing more research, you will start to discover that there are a lot of important differences between the two. Here are some useful distinctions between assisted living facilities and nursing homes.

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Protection Against Identity Theft & Fraud

Posted by on May 15th, 2023

Fraud is a looming and growing concern for many consumers, with nearly $6 billion in consumer fraud reported in 2021. Identity theft, too, is a growing concern. As more of our financial lives and identifying information is disseminated online, the risks increase. Aging people are often a prime target for these sorts of scams, as they are less likely to be aware of warning signs. Here are a few tips to help make sure that you are protected.

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