The Arbor Company Senior Living Blog

The adjustment period for a loved one transitioning into a dementia care community can span days, weeks, or months. Unfortunately, there’s no way to predict how long the adjustment period will last or what challenges and environmental triggers will have to be overcome during the process.

Is there anything better than the spring season? There is certainly much to be said about a season that beckons us all outside to enjoy warmer temperatures and take big breaths of fresh air that smells like rain. Colorful flowers push up from the dirt, and everyone has an innate desire to throw open the windows to clear out any stale air left over from winter.

Since spring does encourage more outdoor activity, in temperatures that are reminiscent of Goldilocks—not too hot, not too cold—most people dust off their jackets and tennis shoes to head outside. This year, consider grabbing your gardening gloves and tools. Not only will you enjoy the time gardening, you will be able to reap some mental and emotional benefits as well.

If you have ever walked into a room only to forget why you were there in the first place, you have experienced firsthand the frustration that can come with memory loss. Fortunately, these “where did I put my keys?” moments are typically few and far between for healthy adults. However, seniors run the risk of experiencing more memory loss issues as they age. The risk of memory loss can increase without regular brain exercise. The saying “use it or lose it” rings true when it comes to maintaining a healthy mind as we age.

Multiple studies have shown that active brain engagement can lead to decreased memory loss or even a slowing down the process of progressive dementia. If you are currently not in the practice of making a focused daily effort to exercise your brain, here are six activities that can get you moving in the right direction:

Just 40 to 50 percent of dementia cases have been diagnosed. That means most people suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia aren’t receiving the care they need.

Signs of dementia may be overlooked—but more often they’re ignored by seniors and loved ones who aren’t prepared to confront the difficult reality of a life-limiting disease. And the real danger of ignoring the warning signs of dementia can be medical complications, accidents and injuries, and financial crises that jeopardize our loved ones’ future stability.

The progression of dementia impacts everyone differently. The progression of Alzheimer’s disease, for example, can span anywhere from several months to several decades. That’s why memory care decisions must be guided by the unique experiences and needs of you or your loved one.

When your loved one receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease or another dementia, you can find yourself emotionally reeling. You will likely have many questions about the progression of the disease and the quality of life your loved one will have going forward. It is certainly a trying time for your loved one, their family and friends. Once you cope with the initial diagnosis and feelings, it is time to get busy planning for the best possible care for your loved one. Searching for Memory Care in the Jacksonville area is a great place to start.

Navigating the senior living industry can feel a bit overwhelming at first. At first glance, there are so many options for care and your loved one will likely need more care as they age. If you are seeking living options for a loved one with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease or other another type of dementia, memory care living is often the best case scenario. However, assisted living communities can often seem appealing as well, especially if extra services are available to keep your loved one engaged and safe. How can you tell which option is the best for you? Check out these differences between memory care and assisted living communities.

If you have found yourself staring at a diagnosis of dementia for a loved one, you are likely feeling a mix of emotions from anxiety to sadness. If you are like most loving family members, you may also be feeling a strong sense of determination to give your aging loved one the best quality of life possible. For some families, the answer for continued quality of life lies in the home - keeping Mom at home for as long as possible. But when it comes to effective memory care, is staying at home a realistic option?

If you look after an aging parent with dementia, the very thought of placing him or her into a memory care community may make you cringe with shame. You may worry that this course of action signifies that you are uncaring or selfish or can’t manage the care of a loved one by yourself. If this sounds familiar to you, please stop right now with the self-recrimination, take a deep breath, and recognize that taking care of a person with a cognitive impairment is a hugely demanding position for anyone.