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Is there any better feeling than that of a new spring day? With winter behind, there are many enjoyable activities that you can share with your loved one who requires senior assisted living help or for your loved ones requiring memory care support services. Flower arranging Spring brings with it so many wonderful and fragrant flowers. They are often associated with rebirth and can bring great joy just by looking at them and smelling the wonderful scents. Bringing some fresh cut flowers into the home and taking the time to play and experiment with them is a wonderful past time. In addition to the lovely aromas and beauty that fresh cut flowers can bring, studies have shown that there other positive effects as well including: Increased feelings of compassion and kindness. A decrease in feelings such as anxiety, worry and sadness. An increase in energy, happiness and enthusiasm. Gardening Gardening is a fantastic activity that can be both enjoyable and bring health benefits including: A decrease in symptoms of depression. A chance to take a break from electronic devices. Stress relief Decreased dementia risk Hang a bird feeder When spring arrives, it also brings with it many beautiful birds. Hanging a bird feeder can promote education and learning about birds and can also be a way to connect with nature. Early risers can watch the birds feed in the early morning if a bird feeder is near the breakfast table. Have a picnic The spring weather makes a great time for a meal outdoors. Eating a meal outdoors can improve moods and help connect with the people and the nature around you. The fresh air can revive the body and clear the mind. If the person you’re caring for is able to walk to the picnic spot, they can get a little exercise as well. These are just a few ways to embrace the warmer weather and the benefits that come with Spring, but even simply appreciating the sun and outdoors (even from inside) can be a celebration and bring a new sense of purpose to life. At The Birches at Villa Rica, we know caring for an older adult brings joys and challenges. Our mission is to change the way the world ages. We provide seniors with quality care that enables them to live happier and healthier lives. Our services are distinguished by the caliber of our caregivers, the responsiveness of our staff and our expertise in live-in care. We embrace a positive, balanced approach to aging centered on the evolving needs of older adults. For more information, contact The Birches at Villa Rica.

Caretakers are often unsung heroes. The love and care they provide cannot be measured. One important thing that is often forgotten is that caretakers need care too. Here are a few tips to to help those who are so giving of themselves.  Create a support network One of the most essential parts of caretaking is building a support system. Caretaking is much more than taking care of a loved one. It also involves a myriad of other activities including coordinating with doctors, nursing care and even mountains of paper work. It is essential to build a support network early in the caregiving role. Some other resources include: Family and friends can be one of the best options to help. Talk with them and share the journey that is coming and create a network to help. It can include simple things such a creating a meal train or helping to clean. Look for support groups offered through local hospitals, libraries, area agencies on aging, senior centers and mental health advocacy organizations. Groups like these will often provide free and discounted resources, guidance for dealing with difficult situations and the invaluable insights of those who have already navigated caregiving challenges. Ask for help It can be difficult to ask for help in any situation, but it is especially essential in a caregiving situation. If you are overwhelmed, showing signs of caregiver stress ask for the help you need. There is absolutely no shame in asking for help. Many medical providers and patient advocates from local medical facilities have people dedicated to this. Checking with these organizations and individuals is an excellent place to begin. Self-care Caregiving can be extremely stressful mentally, emotionally and physically. While most caregivers are focused on a loved one, it is vital to also remember to take care of yourself. Caregivers also have to think of themselves in order to give their loved on the best care possible. The three things most import to remember include: Getting enough sleep. Sleep contributes to overall heath and well-being. During sleep, the body recovers, heals and develops the resources needed to support everyday activities, including caregiving. A healthy sleep routine includes going to bed and waking at the same time each day; if possible in a caregiving role. Some helpful tools for good sleep can be using room darkening curtains, lowering the room temperature and not using digital devices in the bedroom with the hour before going to sleep. Balanced nutrition. Eating healthy can sometime be difficult in a caregiving situation. Try to include a variety of real, whole foods in your diet while enjoying sweets and treats in moderation. Packed foods and boxed foods may be convenient, but most do not have the vitamins, minerals and nutrients that it needs for optimal function. Without a balanced diet, stress can be felt more sharply. Guidance on healthy eating to support your caregiver role may be available at local hospitals and wellness centers through nutrition workshops. Physical movement. Exercise may be one of the last things that caregivers have on their mind. It may not be realistic as a caregiver to get three or four workouts in a week. Instead, aim for daily physical movement that gets your heart rate up for 30 minutes. This can be a walk, bike ride, working in a garden, yoga, taking a fitness class or turning on music and dancing in your living room. Movement releases hormones that help support a positive mood, strengthen the body and help relieve stress. Find something you enjoy and move every day. Know the warning signs of caregiver stress The stress of caregiving puts the caregiver at risk for health problems such as burnout, anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, headache, sleep disturbances and relationship tension. If you are experiencing symptoms such as these, it is imperative to seek support and medical guidance so that you can recover your wellbeing and continue to be of support to your loved one. Many medical facilities and patient advocates are available for help. It also may be beneficial to talk to a therapist who specializes dealing with caregivers. Also, never underestimate the power of sharing with friends and family. The most important thing to remember is to ask for help.

Finding out that a loved one needs care in an assisted living and memory care center can be a devastating and heartbreaking decision. Besides the emotional feelings that come with that decision, one of the other main concerns can be the costs of this kind of care. There options available that can help alleviate some of the costs and, in some cases, cover all costs. Finding a way to pay for assisted living There are many options available for financing assisted living costs, and seniors and their families often choose more than one way to pay these costs. It is a matter of finding the ways that best suit your needs and budget. Using long-term care insurance to pay for assisted living Long-term care insurance is designed to help policyholders pay for the costs associated with long-term elder care services like assisted living. Long-term care insurance is private insurance. Monthly premiums for this type of insurance vary widely depending on the health, age and amount of coverage. Those planning on using long-term care insurance to pay for assisted living usually must be planned well in advance. The best time to purchase long-term care insurance is between the ages of 40 and 50. Some may be ineligible to purchase this type of insurance after a certain age or if you have certain major health conditions like Alzheimer's, Cancer, Heart Disease or Multiple Sclerosis. Other conditions that may make someone ineligible to purchase long-term care insurance if there a criminal record or a history of substance abuse. When purchasing a long-term care insurance policy, it is very important to read all the fine print and fully understand the terms of your agreement. Working with an insurance or elder care attorney when purchasing a long-term care insurance policy can be beneficial. Using life insurance to pay for assisted living An active life insurance policy of $50,000 or more can be sometime be converted into a long-term care benefit plan account. Converting a life insurance policy to a long-term care benefit plan involves transferring ownership from the policy holder to an official benefits administrator. Funds from a life insurance policy will then be put into an FDIC-insured benefit account and automatic payments will be made to a designated care provider, like an assisted living facility. The remaining account balance will be distributed to family members or other beneficiaries after the policy holder passes away. Using Veterans Administration benefits to pay for assisted living The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers several programs to help veterans and their families pay for long-term care services, including assisted living. To be eligible for these benefits, you meet all the following criteria: The individual must be signed up for VA healthcare. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs a Geriatric Evaluation and conclude that the individual needs a specific service to help with with ongoing treatment and personal care. The service or long-term care setting is available near the patient. Generally, the VA does not pay for room and board at an assisted living facility, but will pay for other basic services and healthcare expenses. VA aid and attendance pension Certain veterans may also be eligible for the VA Aid and Attendance Pension, a version of the basic Veterans Pension specifically for veterans with limited income who cannot complete the activities of daily living without the assistance of another person. These pension benefits will cover some of the daily living costs in an assisted living residence. The amount possibly received from the Aid and Attendance Pension is based on how many dependents there are and if the individual us married to another veteran who qualifies. Other facts to remember include: The maximum yearly Aid and Attendance benefits for veterans with no dependents is $24,610. The maximum yearly Aid and Attendance benefits for veterans with at least one dependent spouse or child is $29,175. The maximum yearly Aid and Attendance benefits for two veterans who are married and both qualify for the Aid & Attendance Pension program is $39,036. To learn more about accessing these services, call the VA's toll-free hotline at 877-222-8387, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST. Using a reverse mortgage to pay for assisted living A reverse mortgage is a loan that allows homeowners to tap into the equity in their homes and use it to pay for things like home repairs, medical expenses or in this case, the cost of assisted living. The loan is repaid when the home is sold after the borrower dies or moves out permanently. A reverse mortgage is usually only an option if a spouse or other co-borrower on the loan still lives in the home. Contact a reverse mortgage specialist in your area for more information about how reverse mortgages work and whether or not you qualify for one. Using an annuity to pay for assisted living An annuity is an insurance product that can be used as a source of income during retirement. Think of it as a contract between you and an insurance company in which the insurance company makes regular payments or a single large payout to you in the future. An annuity can be purchased in either one lump sum or overtime in a series of payments. Annuities will grow over time and can provide income later in life when you need to pay for long-term care. An annuity should be considered an investment, and like all investments, it carries a certain level of risk. Because purchasing an annuity can be complex, it is essential to work with a trusted financial advisor or attorney. Using a bridge loan to pay for assisted living A bridge loan is a short-term loan that a senior takes out to fund their move to an assisted living facility while they wait for their house to sell. Taking out a bridge loan can be risky. Generally, this option should only be used if necessary. If your house doesn't sell as quickly as you thought it would, you will still be on the hook to begin loan repayment, which means you'll be paying for the loan, your home's mortgage and the costs of assisted living. For some, bridge loans pass the risk test. Research each option and talk to friends and family members who have navigated paying for assisted living. Consider speaking to a trustworthy financial advisor or elder care attorney who can help you decide how best to use or invest your current assets for future long-term care needs. Another good idea is to look into state, regional or local agencies and organizations on aging. They may have information on additional resources, offer benefits and financial counseling, and help walk you through government programs like Medicaid and Medicare.

The diagnosis of dementia can be unfathomable for the patient and their loved ones. While most people have a general idea about what the diagnosis entails, there are also many myths regarding the diagnosis. This article will help dispel some of those misconceptions regarding dementia including the causes, effects and expectations, especially when it come to the intake of sugar as a cause High sugar intake While a high sugar diet is not a cause of dementia, but it can increase the risk of developing this disease. E ating sugar does not mean someone is guaranteed to develop dementia, however, eating an excess of sugar can increase the risk of developing this disease. Sugar increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, which is a risk factor for developing dementia. Some research suggests that cutting down on fizzy drinks such as soda, sweets, cakes and other high sugar products can help lower the risk of dementia. Other research suggests that excessive sugar can lead to poor cognitive function later in life. Studies have also shown that adults with high sugar intake were 1.84 times more likely to develop dementia. Eating healthy While there is no fool-proof lifestyle that will prevent the chances of developing dementia, there are a number of things that can be done to help lesson the risks. Eating a balanced and healthy diet can help reduce the chances. Increasing the following can help reduce your risk of dementia and other diseases. Eat a variety of fruit and vegetables. Eat whole grains. Eat fish and poultry in place of red meat. Choose cuts of lean meats when they are consumed. Limit sweets and sugar-sweetened beverages. Eat nuts and legumes. Use olive oil or similar monounsaturated fat sources in food. Limit the amount of trans fat, sodium, and saturated fat in your diet. Keep moving Any form of exercise including walking can help with cardiovascular health along with lowering dementia risks. For adults over 65, balance training is also important to help prevent falls while also keep the body moving.

As people age, many changes come along in the process. One of the most overlooked changes is that senior adults tend to feel colder than when they were younger. It is not something that people associate with aging, but it is an important issue to consider Why do seniors always feel cold? There are several common reasons that contribute to this phenomenon. As we age, the skin naturally thins, along with the layer of fat underneath it. Along with the typical loss of muscle mass, these factors lead to senior adults having less of a natural barrier against the air. This can produce the effect of feeling colder. Metabolism changes are also a factor. Metabolism breaks down nutrients from the food and drink consumed and breaks them down into energy. This helps the body regulate its own temperature. As the metabolism slows, the body receives less of the energy it needs to maintain its heat. Blood circulation can also be a factor. Problems with blood pressure and blood circulation are common in the aging process and a decrease in either can lead to feeling colder in the extremities as blood works harder to get to them. Being less active is also a contributing factor. It is common to stop doing some of the more physical things as the aging process progresses. Daily physical exercise helps build and maintain muscle mass and helps with blood circulation and blood pressure problems. Taking a walk many not seem like it could make a difference, but just the act of being active can help reduce these factors. Medical issues may contribute to sensitivity to cold. There are many medical conditions that may add to the feeling of a chill or cold. Some of the more common conditions known to cause this include: Anemia Diabetes Thyroid disease Kidney disease Vitamin deficiency While this is not a comprehensive list, these conditions can affect they way the body reacts. If these symptoms come on suddenly or even gradually and seem to persist, reach out to a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Some medications to treat one of these conditions, could be causing the unfortunate side effect of feeling colder.

While there are a number of articles and conversations regarding recognizing the signs of elder abuse, one of the more common overlooked issues is recognizing the self-neglect of senior adults. What is elder self-neglect? Elder self-neglect is a huge concern for many seniors and their loved ones. According to the National Institute of Health, (NIH) elder self-neglect is best defined as “refusal or failure to provide oneself with care and protection in areas of food, water, clothing, hygiene, medication, living environments and safety precautions.” As senior adults age, they can often struggle to complete the necessary, everyday tasks they need to stay healthy and functional. This can look like poor personal hygiene, missing medications, doctor’s appointments, skipping meals and even staying isolated in one place. According to census data, around 25% of adults aged 65 or older live alone. That comes out to around 14.3 million Americans. Each year, this number only increases as well. According to more data, older adults spend at least half of their waking hours alone, if not more. Unfortunately, this provides plenty of time for health and well-being to deteriorate, even possibly going unnoticed. Time spent alone can lead to a downward spiral, especially for those with dementia or other memory loss related issues. Those with Alzheimer’s, dementia or other chronic conditions, such as diabetes, elevates the cause for concern. What are the signs of elder self-neglect? Whether you are the primary caregiver, or have a senior adult in your life that you love and are concerned about, here are some signs to keep in mind. Elder self-neglect may not be easy to spot. They may even try to brush it off or say that everything is fine, even when it is not. Some signs to be aware of include: Take a look in their fridge or pantry. Do they have good that is going spoiled or rotting? Does it look like they have been missing trips to the grocery store? Check their calendar or date book. Are they missing important appointments, such as doctor visits or dental checkups? Do they have frequent, unexplained bruising on their body? Are they struggling to get up from a seated position? Do they have any difficulties with mobility or walking? Is getting around their home a struggle? Do they appear to be uncertain or have confusion when performing basic or routine tasks? Are they becoming more and more forgetful? Do they have unpleasant body odor? This could mean that they are skipping bathing and not taking care of their personal hygiene. Is there a noticeable decline in grooming habits, such as unruly or unkempt hair or an overgrown beard or facial hair that looks unclean? Take a look around their home. Is the laundry piling up? Do they have a lot of dirty dishes? What about mail and other clutter? Keep an eye out for late notices from utility companies, or mail from debt collectors. Check their power and water. Is everything running and functioning? Are they eating properly, or have they gained or lost a significant amount of weight recently? Are they showing less interest in their hobbies or interests lately? Do they just seem overall resigned or checked out? Are they experiencing erratic changes in their mood swings, cycling between one and then the other rapidly? Are they skipping out on medications or failing to take them at all? While all of these are not exclusively signs of elder self-neglect, they are still a good baseline as to what to be aware of. If you determine that your senior loved one may be experiencing elder self-neglect, it may be time to reach out for help. As a primary caregiver, it is normal to want to do everything alone and shoulder the responsibility yourself. Check with their health care provider to see what help is available.

Anemia can affect many Senior Adults. It can cause loss of physical abilities, functional deterioration and hospitalization. It is crucial to recognize the warning signs. What is Anemia Anemia can develop when the red blood cell count drops below normal. It is frequently brought on by blood loss, a decline in the production of red blood cells or the destruction of red blood cells. Anemia can have a negative effect on one’s health because hemoglobin in the red blood cells plays an important role in transporting oxygen to human tissues. It can also affect health because hemoglobin in red blood cells plays an important role in transporting oxygen to human tissues. Common signs of Anemia While not a comprehensive list, some of the sign include: Fatigue Weakness Dizziness Irritability Pale skin Difficulty breathing Any of these symptoms should be taken seriously. If a member of your family displays these signs, contact their healthcare provider. Anemia should not be taken lightly and treatment is available.

Communicating with a loved one who has dementia may feel intimidating. One key to successful and loving communication is education. It is a common concern for those who have a cherished person with dementia and might be at a loss on how to communicate. How a person interacts and understands someone who has dementia is vital. Recognizing different ways you can connect and communicate can be immensely helpful. How to communicate with someone with dementia While some of these methods will vary depending on the individual, these are some common ways to help guide you in your efforts. Respect. Respecting those with Alzheimer’s or dementia is essential. They want and deserve respect, so be thoughtful of how you speak and try to avoid phrases that could be patronizing, demeaning and/or condescending. Speak clearly and calmly. Remember to refer to people by their names and refrain from using pronouns such as he, she or they. Use touch if they will allow it. A reassuring hug or hand on someone’s shoulder can show affection without using words. Those with dementia may miss the physical attention and can really benefit from feeling loved via touching. Keep conversations simple. Try to talk about one thing at a time. If the conversation has multiple subjects, it can be confusing. Also, try to ask more simple questions that have the opportunity for one or two answers. This can make the conversation feel less frustrating. Listen. Be sure to spend time listening and not monopolize the conversation. If you do not understand something, it is okay to ask them to repeat it or say, “I am sorry, I do not understand." Talk about something they are interested in or about their past. Someone with dementia may be able to remember his or her childhood but have a hard time remembering something that happened earlier that day. Have patience. Give them some time to explain and talk. Try not to interrupt and if you ask a question, just pause and give them time to respond. Talking with someone with dementia can have the opportunity to create precious memories that you will be able to cherish. It is possible that they will also remember the time you spend together. Even if that is not the case, take the time to talk with them. It can mean more to them than you will ever know,

For at-home memory care support providers, occasionally misplacing things such as your keys, cell phones and other everyday items might lead one to fear that they too may be showing the beginning signs of Alzheimer's or dementia. While only a professional can diagnose the concern with certainty, but it is likely the commonalities of normal, fully functional aging adults. Aging is a natural process, and as we grow older, parts of our brain and body are gradually altered. Some of the changes affect physical abilities and others can affect mental ability. Everyone ages differently. People will certainly experience changes eventually and there is no exact timeline for when these changes will occur. Most expect to experience some memory loss at some point, but what is the difference between normal aging and a condition that affects cognitive functions, like dementia or Alzheimer’s? When is it time to speak to a healthcare provider about additional support services or memory care? What is the difference between dementia and memory loss? Dementia and memory loss have similar symptoms but are significantly different from each other. How do we distinguish between forgetfulness and a need for memory care? Memory loss occurs as part of the normal aging process, resulting from a natural decline or slowing of the body. Although the brain begins to slow, a person’s intelligence continues to function as usual. Natural memory loss is normal and usually include: A disruption to your day-to-day life. Affects your ability to complete tasks. Affects your ability to learn new things. Dementia is a progressive condition resulting from a breakdown of cognitive function. This condition can cause frequently disruptive mental and physical symptoms that gradually worsen. Symptoms of dementia can effect: Your daily life. Your daily routines. Your ability to learn new things. Your ability to complete familiar tasks. Your relationships. If you are losing sleep or constantly worry about your memory issues possibly being related to early dementia, speak to a medical professional. It may put you at ease making you more happy, positive and a better care provider for your loved one. .