Tools for managing diabetes in the elderly require us to look closely at lifestyle habits. Diabetes is a health condition when the body does not produce enough insulin (or use it in the right way) to break down the sugars in your body. This results in your body not being able to absorb the sugar, also called glucose, that it needs for energy to function properly. 

There are two types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. Children more often diagnosed with Type 1. While Type 1 is incurable it’s also less common than Type 2. This article will focus on the more common and curable, Type 2.

According to the CDC, about 12 million Americans (age 65+) suffer from diabetes. Get to know the symptoms, risks, and prevention tools available to you. 

Risk factors in the Elderly

The elderly are at the greatest risk for developing Type 2 diabetes simply because they have been alive the longest. The tools for managing diabetes in the elderly are part of a larger comprehensive approach to care. High blood sugar levels, limited access to healthy food choices, a sedentary lifestyle, and a predisposition to obesity are all risk factors for diabetes. 

Experts agree that family history + lifestyle choices determine your personal diabetes outcome!

Do you suspect that you or your aging loved one may have diabetes? Here is a shortlist of the most common symptoms (this is not a comprehensive list):

• Blurred vision
• Always feeling very tired
• Always feeling very hungry
• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Tingling, pain, or numbness in hands and/or feet
• Wounds are slow to heal
• Areas of dark skin, typically around the neck and armpits

It’s important to discuss any symptoms with your doctor.

Associated Risks with Type 2 Diabetes

People with Type 2 have a higher risk of developing heart disease and the many related symptoms that come with it. It’s important that you and your doctor work together to control your diabetes, as uncontrolled diabetes can damage the artery walls and contribute to coronary heart disease. Meaning the tools for managing diabetes in the elderly can have a direct impact on overall health.

People who are overweight or have a genetic predisposition to heart disease need to be extra aware of the food they are eating and their activity levels. People may also develop serious problems with their eyes and kidneys and experience nerve damage that can result in amputation. They are also at a higher risk for cancer, stroke, and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Prevention Tools for Managing Diabetes in the Elderly

Type 2 is 100% preventable! Organizations around the world are leading the effort to educate people on the prevention and management of Type 2 because so many people suffer from it. Preventing Type 2 is simple, but not necessarily easy.

The key is maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is by eating healthy foods and exercising consistently. Taking walks, jogging, water aerobics, yoga, Silver Sneakers classes, and lifting weights are all great options to keep blood sugar levels low.

Encourage the elderly to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, limit convenience or prepared foods, and to drink water and tea instead of soda and juice. If you are looking for assistance or advice in the care of the senior in your life, Nestvy offers comprehensive and simple senior and home care solutions for you and your family. Best of all, our services are always free to you. You may easily contact us anytime here.

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Learn how to prevent and recognize respiratory illnesses in seniors, because what may start out as a runny nose or cough can quickly turn into something far more serious. As we age, the immune system is weakened, so knowing how to prevent and recognize respiratory illnesses in seniors can lower their risk for a host of health problems, including most respiratory illnesses.

Seniors who contract respiratory illnesses are often hospitalized, and unfortunately, some of those cases end in death. Respiratory illnesses and diseases can include the following:

• Pneumonia (an infection in the lungs)
• Asthma
• The flu
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (a chronic disease of the lungs that makes it hard to breathe)
• RSV, respiratory syncytial virus, a virus that attacks the lungs and airways
• Bronchitis
• Emphysema
• Lung disease

Prevention

Contracting a respiratory illness and disease cannot always be prevented, but there are steps everyone can take to prevent the spread of infection. These practices are especially important if you are taking care of a senior or work closely with them.

• Wash your hands often, and remind seniors to do the same.
• When coughing and sneezing, always cough and sneeze in the crook of your elbow and not on your hands.
• Make sure to keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs easily make their way into our bodies through these openings. 
• If it’s possible, avoid close contact with others who are sick. 
• Disinfect surfaces, especially door handles, tables, countertops, cellphones, and anything else frequently touched.
• As hard as it is, stay home if you are sick. Spreading your germs to those around you does much more harm than you missing an event activity, so make sure to stay away from others until you are better.
• Avoid tobacco smoke, vapors, and other pollutants
• Exercise consistently
• Maintain a diet filled with fresh fruits and vegetables and low in saturated fats and refined sugars

Symptoms

There can be lower and upper respiratory tract infections. Lower tract infections present more often as coughing, while upper respiratory infections present with cold-like symptoms. Here are some symptoms to look out for:

• Stuffed up nose
• Low fever
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Cough

The following symptoms would indicate that there is something more serious going on and you should seek out medical help immediately:

• Rapid breathing/difficulty breathing
• High fever
• Blue tint to the skin
• Chest pain
• Severe cough that produces phlegm

Concerned about your aging loved one’s lung health? See what’s considered a normal part of the aging process and what’s not.

If your aging loved one resides in a nursing home or assisted living facility or has recently stayed in a hospital, it’s especially important to be aware of any symptoms as soon as they start. A weakened immune system and being around others with weakened immune systems increase the risk of infection. 

In the fall and winter months, it is very important that you and your aging loved one get the flu vaccine, as contracting the flu can be incredibly serious for a senior with an already compromised immune system. 

If you are looking for assistance or advice in the care of the senior in your life, Nestvy offers comprehensive and simple senior and home care solutions for you and your family so you can be confident you’re choosing the best option for your specific situation. Best of all, our services are always free to you. You may easily contact us anytime here.

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Recognizing and preventing stroke in seniors requires a comprehensive approach to senior care. Older adults are at a higher risk for stroke, especially those with heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, those who are overweight, and obese.

Recognizing and preventing stroke in seniors is no easy feat. According to the National Institute on Aging, “Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, and causes more serious long-term disabilities than any other disease.”

Signs Your Aging Loved One is Having a Stroke

Strokes are just as serious as heart attacks, so it’s important to know the signs in case you or someone around you should suffer from one. Because strokes happen extremely suddenly, call 911 right away if you or someone with you has:

• Dizziness, loss of balance, or trouble walking
• Problems seeing out of one or both eyes
• Sudden confusion or trouble speaking
• Numbness or weakness in the arm, face, or leg- especially on one side of the body
• Sudden severe headache with no apparent cause

Sometimes these symptoms only last for a short time, making you wonder if they truly happened at all. These can be transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), or mini-strokes, and are just as serious as major strokes, in that if not dealt with right away, a major stroke could follow right behind it. 

80% of strokes are preventable.

How to Lower the Risk of Stroke

Avoiding a stroke is not entirely possible, as some factors like age, family history, and race are things that cannot be controlled. Lifestyle choices, however, can greatly reduce the risk of having a stroke. Here are some lifestyle choices that can keep you stroke-free:

• Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. You can monitor these by regular visits to your doctor and by following the instructions he or she gives you for maintaining healthy levels. 
• Don’t smoke!
• If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, make sure you are controlling it.
• Eating fresh fruits and vegetables every day, along with foods low in saturated fats and cholesterol will keep your heart healthy and happy. 
• Consistent exercise that includes both cardio and weight training is essential for low blood pressure and low cholesterol.

In short, take good care of your body and your body will take good care of you.

After a Stroke

There are many side effects to expect after a stroke. Since it largely depends on the part of the brain that’s affected, side effects will vary.

• Paralysis on one side of the body or muscle weakness
• Problems speaking or swallowing
• Vision problems
• Loss in memory, judgment, the ability to learn new skills, attention, and awareness. 
• Depression or difficulty with expressing emotions

For more resources and support on living with the effects of a stroke visit the American Stroke Association.

Almost all stroke patients will go through physical and occupational therapy to relearn and strengthen the muscles and skills that have been affected. As a caregiver, and especially if you are a family member, this can be a very difficult time in your family’s life. Rehabilitation is a slow process, and it takes patience and compassion to walk through recovery.  

Whether you’re caring for a senior in your home or you work in the senior care profession, it’s important to encourage prevention practices for stroke. After all, prevention is the best medicine! Nestvy offers simple senior and home care solutions that are custom-made to fit your needs. Visit us for a completely free consultation.   

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The #1 cause of death from injury in seniors is preventable.

Yes, you read that right. The #1 cause of death from injury in seniors is preventable.

The sad reality is that 1 in 4 people age 65 and older will suffer a fall-related injury. Every 11 seconds an older adult is seen in an ER for a fall-related injury. According to the National Council On Aging, falls account for the majority of injuries for people age 65 and older.

As we become older, our balance, flexibility, and coordination suffer. This naturally leads to an increase in the chances that we will fall or trip over something. Falling is not a normal part of aging, and it can be prevented by taking a few simple steps. Don’t wait until it’s too late. It is much harder to recover from an injury than to prevent one in the first place.

However, most seniors don’t think they will be the victim of a fall, and it isn’t until after an incident that they begin to seek out help. Here are a few preventative measures you can take now to limit the chances of succumbing to a fall.

1. Be honest with your doctor.

After all, most of the time medications or chronic illnesses contribute to falling, therefore it’s important to report any dizziness, lightheadedness, or vision problems right away. Also make sure to mention joint pain or any problems with the feet, ankles, knees, or hips, as a problem in any of those areas can lead to a fall.

2. Look around your living space.

Identify any potential items or furniture that can contribute to a fall.

3. Pay attention to how you move.

Do you hold on to a wall or chair for support? Are you steady on your feet with good balance? Do you have trouble standing up or sitting down? Any of these can be an indicator that there is a deeper physical problem and it’s best to be proactive in addressing it.

4. Get out and moving!

As adults age, chronic illnesses and pain can play a large part in reducing mobility. However, it’s a common misconception that remaining inactive will lessen the chances of a fall, but the opposite is actually true. Daily physical and social activity helps to maintain flexibility, range of motion and keeps your mind working strong. Remember, it’s never too late to regain strength and flexibility.

Prevention is the best way to reduce fall-related injuries in seniors!

If you need advice or assistance in caring for an aging loved one, Nestvy is pleased to offer simple care solutions that are custom-made to fit you. Our services are paid for by the community care providers that we refer families to, so you and your family never pay a dime to use our services. Contact us for a simpler way to senior care.

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With nearly 44 million people worldwide suffering from a cognitive decline, the chances of your spouse or an aging parent needing some type of care solution are great. However, only about 25% of people have been given an actual diagnosis for a memory loss related disease (Alzheimer’s, dementia, etc.)

How do you know when it’s time to seek help for memory loss?

Memory care is a residential facility or an in-home caregiver for seniors who have been diagnosed with late-stage or rapidly declining dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease, or who may be a danger to themselves due to memory loss. A memory care community can be as small as a private home with only a few residents, as large as a wing or dedicated area within an assisted living facility or nursing home, visiting a daily adult day care, or a private caregiver who works in the home of the patient.

Because memory care is such a broad topic, here are three questions you should ask yourself when starting to research care solutions for your aging loved one.

1.) What are the needs?

Identifying the needs of your aging spouse or parent is the first step in the memory care journey. Most often your loved one’s physician will be able to help you with identifying the physical and mental hurdles that may exist. Make sure to include other family members in on the conversation, as their perspective can often bring to light to an emotionally charged situation. Memory care patients need a very gentle and compassionate care person, so it’s important that the community or in-home caregiver you select has experience with memory care patients.

Memory care can be offered at many different levels within senior housing. Assisted living facilities, nursing homes, retirement communities, group homes, and continuing care communities may all offer memory care areas within their walls. This is helpful in keeping seniors in one community even as their level of care changes.

2.) What services are required?

Once you have identified your family’s needs you will now have a clear direction on what to start looking for as you research care options. Some general services for memory care that are offered in most cases are meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, personal grooming, medication adherence, companionship, transportation, exercise programs, social events, and medical care. In the early and middle stages of memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer’s Disease, some seniors can function somewhat independently and do not need 24-hour support, so it is beneficial to have all of these services available. As the disease progresses into its final stages, 24-hour care is usually required.

3.) How do I find the best solution for my family?

When it comes down to it, you want to know how to find the best possible care solution that provides maximum benefit to your aging loved one but also works for the rest of the family. If your loved one needs to be moved to a community, online research is a great way to narrow down your search to a few standouts. If they require an in-home caregiver, using a senior placement agency is going to be your safest and surest avenue. Finances and the location of the community will also come into the decision making process.

Managing care for a loved one with memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer’s disease is difficult and at times can seem overwhelming. Remember that there are programs available to help you and your family, and using a senior placement agency can prove to be invaluable. Don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our experienced senior care coordinators today. Our services are always free to you and your family.

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When it comes to health and medical situations everyone wants to be covered, which is why people buy and sell health insurance. As adults live longer they typically have a greater need for medical services, as the body inevitably continues to break down and age. For adults aged 55+, it can be difficult to sift through what health care options are available, and which ones are the most affordable.

Long term care refers to seniors who need daily medical or living assistance because of disease, illness, or injury. Medicare does not pay for long term care (LTC) such as time spent in nursing homes, assisted living, or in-home care, even though data shows that 50% of American seniors require this type of care. There is a great probability that you or your loved one will need to pay out of pocket for some type of long term care (LTC), and if you don’t have the savings account or equity in your home to do so, long term care insurance may be the best option.

Breaking down the basics

Here are a few points you should know when it comes to long term care insurance:

• The two main types of long term care insurance typically offered are hybrid (more flexible and more expensive) and traditional (less flexible and less expensive).
• The older you are when you purchase a plan, the more expensive it will be.
• The cost of LTC varies greatly by state, and then again within each state.
• Most plans include a waiting or elimination period before benefits are paid out. This can be anywhere from 0-100 days. The longer your waiting period, the lower the premium price, but you’ll pay for costs out of pocket until your benefits kick in.
• Most policies are subject to premium increases and/or benefit changes.
• There are tax advantages to buying long term care insurance.

It’s a gamble

As stated before, one in every two American seniors will need long term care, but for how long and to what degree varies widely. Almost 50% of seniors who receive long term care do so for less than one year, with only 14% needing it for 5 years or more. If you are on the younger side of aging (say 55 opposed to 65) and are in good health, your premium will be among the lowest offered. In contrast, if you are over 65 or have a history of medical issues you may not even qualify for a policy, or if you do the premium will be very expensive.

Because no one can predict the future, deciding on the plan that’s right for you requires a look back on your medical history, as well as a look forward to try and guess what situations may occur and for how long you or your loved one may need assistance. It also requires a look at your finances. How long can you sustain paying for long term care out of pocket?

What does long term care insurance cover?

This is, of course, subject to what you think you may need, but some typical coverage points are as follows:

• Stays in nursing homes, assisted living communities, and adult day care services.
• In home care, including assistance with daily living activities (ADLs).
• Home modifications: adapting the home for wheelchairs, walkers, grab bars, etc.
• Care coordination: a trained professional to keep all the information, finances, and care moving along smoothly.

Hybrid plans have more expensive premiums, but they guarantee that an unused portion of the payout goes to your spouse or children should you not need all of it. They are also tempting because the premium is locked in at the beginning of the plan and is not subject to inflation. Traditional plans have less expensive premiums, but should you never actually need to use your coverage you won’t see a dime of the money you have already spent. The premiums can also increase every year.

Federally-funded Medicaid is an option for individuals or couples who have very low income and no other means (such as home equity, retirement or savings account, etc.) to pay for long term care.

If you are generally in good health and can afford the yearly premiums then purchasing long term care insurance may be a good option for you. If you can’t afford the premiums then it may be better to save extra every month, pull from the equity in your home, use Veteran’s Benefits, and have a real conversation with your family members about the future and what everyone will be able to contribute.

If you have questions about long term care, placement options, or have questions about the health of an aging loved one please reach out to one of our senior care coordinators. Our services are always free of charge to you.

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When a loved one is suffering from cognitive declines such as Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia, their natural tendency will be to withdraw from family, friends, and social events. Their gaps in memory or not being able to put a name to a familiar face leaves them feeling vulnerable, anxious, and sometimes depressed. It is important to remember even though their memories or mind may become confused over time, that just like the rest of us they still need love, compassion, and physical touch.

Adults suffering from cognitive decline also need to be stimulated mentally and challenged physically. This can be tricky because if their disease in its later stages they may not trust people to help them with these tasks, and the risk for depression goes up while their quality of life goes down.

As a few general rules, make sure to keep activities simple and to be willing to move on to something else if they become frustrated or angry. The goal is to engage with them in a positive way. Here are some tips to help find activities that are beneficial and enjoyable for aging adults with cognitive decline.

Identify Their Abilities

Before you can help your aging loved one with some activities they may enjoy, you first need to identify what they are capable of accomplishing. Are they able to have a conversation, walk short or long distances, perform fine motor skills tasks (button their shirt, open a door, zip a zipper, etc.), or follow written or verbal directions? Once you have determined what they can successfully participate in without getting frustrated, you will have a better idea of which activities to help them in.

Mental Stimulation

It’s important that the activities are not just time fillers or time wasters. Everyone finds much more satisfaction in completing tasks and activities that they find enjoyable, rather than something that someone else is forcing them to do. Utilizing skills and talents that the adult has past experience with is a sure way to bring a smile to their face. Some enjoyable mental activities can include working on children’s puzzles, knitting simple patterns, solving Suduko or crosswords, listening to a favorite music CD, listening to an audiobook or reading an actual book, or looking through family photo albums together.

Physical Exercise

It is very important for people of any age to have regular physical activity. Exercise has been proven to help beat depression, help promote better sleep at night, reduce stress and anxiety, and contribute to a general feeling of well being. Some easy, low impact activities include taking a walk, tossing a softball back and forth, practicing yoga or tai chi, gardening, and other light yard work, doing chores around the house, and swimming. If your aging loved one is unable to walk you may consider looking into stretches and exercises that can be done while sitting down. Don’t forget the power that a little bit of vitamin D and some fresh air can have on a person; make sure to go outside every day if weather permits.

Emotional Support

Most adults suffering from cognitive decline are very sensitive emotionally. A few ways this can manifest is anger, weepiness, anxiety, or depression. By connecting emotionally with the patient or loved one, you are bringing them comfort and a sense of peace they desperately need, and physical touch is a wonderful way to accomplish this. A hug, brushing their hair, soothing dry skin with lotion, or giving a manicure are just a few ways to make the patient feel more at ease. Some aging adults really enjoy feeling different textures, so it’s a good idea to have a few items that are soft, smooth, rough, or bumpy for them to feel.

Sometimes seniors connect with inanimate objects such as a favorite blanket, a stuffed animal, or a little baby doll. There are specially made animal ‘pets’ for dementia patients that move and make sounds that can often be very engaging for aging adults without the cleanup and responsibility of owning a live animal.

In the End

Caring for an adult with cognitive decline is really about trying new things, seeing what works, and then trying to stick to some sort of routine. They may not remember everything they did last week or even the day before, but consistency and perseverance will go a long way in bringing some comfort and stability to their ever-changing minds.

If you and your family need help or support in caring for an aging loved one with cognitive decline or memory loss, our experienced and compassionate care coordinators are only a phone call away. We understand wanting to make your loved one as comfortable as possible, and that is one of the reasons our services are always free to you and your family.

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Perhaps you’ve noticed your aging mother has unexplained bruises on her arms or legs, or maybe you found the TV remote in the fridge and the milk in the pantry. Maybe your dad is no longer capable of maintaining his yard or he has been smelling a little off lately, possibly indicating a failure to keep himself clean on a daily basis. These and many other situations are common signs that aging adults may be having trouble keeping up with their activities of daily living (ADLs).

Fender benders, bills that haven’t been paid, and missed medication dosages are more serious signs that perhaps the mental and/or physical health of your aging loved one may not be what it should be to maintain a safe and healthy lifestyle. Here is a basic checklist of activities that seniors should be able to perform on their own.

Bathing/Personal Grooming

• Can take showers/baths completely on their own with no assistance from someone (grab rails or a seat in the shower can help maintain independence).
• Can use the toilet completely independently.
• Maintains daily or every other day cleanliness practices.
• Nails, hair, and skin look clean, healthy, and well maintained.
• Clothing is clean and neat, and they are able to dress.

May need support if they:

• Can only wash hands and face.
• Cannot shave safely or regularly.
• Are physically unwilling or unable to take a bath or shower.
• Are bedwetting at night or incontinent during the day.
• Are unwilling to receive assistance to maintain daily cleaning standards.
• Are unaware that days or weeks pass by without maintaining personal cleanliness.
• Cannot wash or keep clothes clean or need assistance dressing.

Nutrition and Exercise

• Can safely prepare, cook, and clean up after a meal in the kitchen.
• Can drive to the store to buy healthy food, or has food delivered on a weekly basis.
• Is able to comply with any food allergies, sensitivities, or diet restrictions.
• Can walk, swim, jog, garden, etc. daily or weekly with no assistance.

May need support if they:

• Cannot safely use the kitchen tools, stove, etc.
• Let food spoil or don’t notice expirations dates.
• Cannot drive to the store or don’t have access to healthy food choices daily or weekly.
• Cannot adhere to any dietary restrictions.
• Cannot or won’t feed themselves or are constantly dehydrated.
• Are unable to engage in physical activity, especially having trouble walking or moving around.

Lifestyle

• Can shop, attend appointments, and find their way around town and back home.
• Can attend family and social gatherings without assistance.
• Can drive safely and independently.
• Remembers names, important dates, and faces, or uses a calendar or reminders to do so.
• Pays bills on time and in full.
• Adheres to taking correct medication dosages.
• Can use a telephone, email, etc. with little or no assistance.

May need support if they:

• Are unable to drive and run necessary errands or go to appointments.
• Get lost or cannot remember where they are or where they live.
• Consistently forget familiar faces, dates, and scheduled appointments.
• Forget to pay bills, cannot walk to the mailbox, misplace important paperwork, etc.
• Forget to take prescriptions or take the incorrect dosage.
• Are unable to use the telephone to communicate or a computer to check email, etc.
• No longer show interest in social or family gatherings.

Housekeeping/Yard

• Can keep the inside of their home clean independently or can hire help to do so.
• Can wash dishes, put things away without assistance.
• Can maintain the outside yard with little to no assistance or can hire out help to do so.
• Can fix small problems that arise or can hire someone to do so.

May need support if they:

• Cannot consistently maintain or clean the interior of their home.
• Are unable to notice or fix problems such as leaks, pest control, broken appliances, etc.
• Are unwilling or unable to hire outside help to help manage the issues.

Of course, there are many different lifestyles and standards for what is considered normal and healthy, and this checklist is just a general guide. If your aging loved one is unable to complete most ADLs on their own or almost on their own, their own safety and the safety of anyone who lives with them may be in jeopardy. Often times bringing in an in-home caregiver on a part-time basis is enough support to keep the aging adult comfortable in their own home.

If you notice that your aging loved one needs support in one or more of these areas, it can be a difficult conversation to have. The sooner you talk through these issues with your family, the easier it will be on everyone in the long run.

A senior care coordinator can help smooth out the tough conversations that need to take place, as well as offer outside support and assistance with a gentle and experienced hand. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable and experienced care coordinators, as our services are always free of charge to you and your aging loved one.

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If statistics can be believed, then half of American seniors will need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) or long term care at some point in their lives. As the American population continues to live longer, the need for senior medical care has increased exponentially over the past two decades. Assisted living is a popular solution for many seniors because of its flexibility and ability to meet a wide range of needs.

The average cost of an assisted living facility in the United States is $48,000 per year. The actual cost of each assisted living facility depends on the location, amenities, and the degree of senior care needed. According to AARP four out of five seniors will pay out of pocket to live in an assisted living community, and it is currently not covered by Medicare. Each state sets its own regulations for care and cost, so be sure to research all payment options available to you. This is where a senior care coordinator’s knowledge and experience can be invaluable to you.

If assisted living is a very probable part of most peoples’ futures then it’s important that we understand how to pay for it. Whether you’re planning for a loved one’s care or your own future, here is what you need to know about paying for assisted living.

Medicare

Unfortunately, some people believe that Medicare will pay for and cover all or almost all of their healthcare costs as they age. This is not the case. It really only covers your personal health insurance, including doctor’s visits and prescriptions.

Medicaid

Medicaid for seniors is a federally funded program for individuals or couples. The income levels to qualify for Medicaid are extremely low, vary by state, and it’s really only available when you have exhausted all other financial resources.

Veteran’s Benefits

If the senior is a veteran or the spouse or widow of a veteran they may qualify for Aid and Attendance from the government. By contacting the agency directly, you will be provided with someone who can assist you in finding and paying for the care you need, as well as answer any questions you may have.

Privately Funded

Some other options for paying for assisted living and care is to use the income from the sale of the home, renting the home out, long term care insurance, or using the benefits of life insurance or social security. It’s also important to have a family conversation about what (if anything) other family members can contribute. This can be time spent taking care of an aging loved one, financial support for someone else to do so, and even moving the senior in with other family members to save money.

Reverse Mortgage

A reverse mortgage is available for adults aged 62 and older. It basically takes any equity in the home and turns it into cash to help with living and medical expenses. This loan does need to be paid back, and property taxes and house insurance must still be paid every year. These loans can have some potential risks, and aging adults need to be fully aware of all the risks when taking out a reverse mortgage. Find out more detailed information here.

Choosing an assisted living facility for your loved one can seem overwhelming and perhaps intimidating. It is important to schedule a tour of all the facilities you want to look at, bring a list of questions you want to ask, and never sign a contract on the day you tour. A senior care coordinator can also take all of your specific factors (cost, level of care needed, location, etc.) and help you tour, apply for, and manage payment for whichever assisted living facilities are on your list.

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When an aging loved one is diagnosed with dementia it can feel like a heavy weight has been placed on your shoulders, especially if it is your spouse or a parent. What is the next step? How do you care or find care for someone with a cognitive disease? How do you pay for treatment or support? Take a deep breath and a few moments to read this quick reference to help guide you through caring for someone who has been diagnosed with dementia.

What exactly is dementia?

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia is, “a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life.” Dementia can manifest itself in a few different ways including memory loss, visual problems, inability to focus or reason, and a decline in the ability to communicate.

It is important that a physician informs you of his or her opinion on how far the disease has progressed in your loved one. Cognitive decline has many levels and each person’s situation and ability will be unique to them. Though there is not yet a cure for cognitive decline, there are medications and lifestyle changes that can slow the progression for months or even years to ensure a better quality of life for the patient.

Types of Care

Depending on your budget, the needs of your aging loved one, and the support any family is able to give, you have a few different options for finding care for someone suffering from dementia.

• In Home Care, A senior remains in their home and is cared for by a part or full-time caregiver. With new technology available, such as real-time location monitoring, smartphone surveillance, and senior safety tools, this option is becoming more manageable for some families. Home care can include a caregiver giving 24-hour care, day or night time care, care for a few visits a week, and skilled care. Finding the right caregiver for a memory loss patient is important to make sure to use a care coordinator or a senior placement company to help ensure safety, vetting, and the right personality fit.

• Communities, Memory care can be offered at many different levels within senior housing. Assisted living facilities, nursing homes, retirement communities, group homes, and continuing care communities may all offer memory care areas within their walls. This is helpful in keeping seniors in one community even as their level of care changes. Most facilities can accommodate the different stages of memory loss and the symptoms that accompany it. Confusion is a key symptom in memory loss causing many seniors to wander around or forget where they are, posing a danger to themselves. Because of this most facilities have a secured area for memory care patients. This keeps them safe but also allows them the freedom to interact with others and move around within their secured area.

• Adult Day Care This is exactly what it sounds like. Seniors are dropped off at a senior center or other location and are cared for as a group. There are usually activities and meals provided, and it can be paid for a half or full day program. This is a great option for family members who are caregivers who need a break once or twice a week.

For information on what programs and services are available to help pay for memory care visit us here.

For the family

Providing physical and emotional care for anyone can often be an exhausting, thankless job. It is important that the family members of the patient with dementia also take care of themselves because if not they may find themselves burnt out and frustrated. Caring for some with cognitive decline requires patience, compassion, and a flexible mindset. If a spouse or child is the primary caregiver, they are usually very emotionally invested and because of that, it can sometimes lead to an unhealthy perspective or relationship with the patient. This is why many families choose to hire a part or full-time caregiver.

If you or your family would like help to find the perfect caregiver for your aging loved one, or you simply have questions and don’t know where to begin, please reach out to one of our senior care coordinators. Our services are always free to you, and it is our pleasure to assist you in any way that we can.

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