Yearly Archives: 2019

Finding a home for your loved one

Feel free to print this out and use it.  Dan TO DO’S Identify homes that are geographically located close where you want the resident to live. Call each home and ask if there is availability. The ones that have openings, take a copy of this list and ‘show up’ for a visit. When you arrive, ask to walk around immediately. Look in each room, bedroom, bathroom and around the facility. Look at the residents. Talk to the residents. Ask if they like it there. Then sit down with this list, (one page of questions for each facility). Ask the questions and write down the answers as you get them.   QUESTIONS TO ASK How long has this facility been open? Are you licensed? May I see a copy of the license? How many beds are there?…

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Questions to Ask When Interviewing a San Diego Dementia Care Facility

In the Process of interviewing a San Diego Dementia Care Facility? This comprehensive guide will arm you with the right questions to ask your prospective San Diego Dementia Care Facility. Take the time to clearly write down the specific needs of your loved one.  What type of environment do they need to thrive, what specific medical needs they have and what areas would be a good fit for your family. Conduct a search in your area for available facilities. Ask your friends or neighbors, conduct some searches on Google, Yahoo and Bing and utilize a local directory like Choose Well.  Note all the residences you want to contact and proceed on your outreach mission. First Contact With The Prospective San Diego Dementia Care Facility When you are calling the facility for the first time, you may only…

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KISS-CUT KOI

KISS-CUT KOI Residents had fun making brilliant Koi fish with glitter in the craft class. Framed, they are worthy of either giving as a gift or hanging on the wall of their room to constantly remind them of something beautiful that they made themselves. Framed glittered Koi fish. At Lakeside Manor all residents have the option in participating in Art Therapy sessions. Check out some other fun Art Projects completed in the past: Amate Art Projects and the Giant Fantasy Flower Art Project.

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How to Choose a Memory Care Facility or Alzheimer’s Assisted Living Facility in San Diego

Making the decision to move your loved one into a San Diego Alzheimer's Assisted Living Facility is difficult. It takes a lot of research, time and effort to choose the right San Diego Memory Care Facility. To make sure your loved one gets all the care they need, like healthy meals, assistance getting to the bathroom and traveling to their doctor's appointments, you need to know exactly what to look for. What is Alzheimer's Assisted Living and what does it offer? Alzheimer's assisted living is a type of housing for elderly residents who have Alzheimer's or Dementia. The staff undergoes special training in order to specifically work with Alzheimer's and Dementia patients. Alzheimer's assisted living facilities offer: A safe and stable environment for your loved one A secured facility to ensure your loved one does not leave…

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Improving Quality of Life for Dementia Patients

Dementia progresses through 7 stages of decline over a period of several years. During the first 6 stages, dementia patients are still capable of leading productive, satisfying lives. Some people think that once a person is diagnosed, they are no longer capable of doing any of the normal activities they once did. In reality, people in the earlier stages of dementia can do a lot of the things they’ve always done. They want to feel like they make a difference and contribute to their family’s and friends’ lives. As the disease progresses, they will need supervision and assistance to ensure their safety. But that doesn’t mean they can’t continue to be functional and happy for most of the time they have left. The type of care dementia patients receive, as well as their living environment, greatly…

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Easy Crafts for Seniors with Dementia

For those whose lives have never been touched by dementia, it's not always easy to recognize the positive impact a class in crafts for dementia patients can have, especially since some of the participants of an art and crafts class don’t remember what they’ve done minutes later. People who haven’t seen what dementia is like up close don’t know the downsides. They also don’t realize how important it is to create as many good moments in the dementia patient’s life as possible. Dementia is a progressive disease that affects memory. The longer the person has it, the less they remember. They begin to forget how to do things and people they knew. Simple tasks become more difficult and more dangerous. But it isn’t until the end stages of the disease that the person loses their own…

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Alzheimer’s Communication: How to Talk to Someone with Alzheimer’s

Talking to someone with Alzheimer’s can be a frustrating task if you don’t take the right approach. Effective Alzheimer’s communication often takes a lot more effort than just talking for the sake of breaking the silence. Like any conversation, one with an Alzheimer’s patient is an opportunity to express their thoughts and feel important. It’s also a chance for you to understand how the person feels and what they need that they aren’t getting. Although engaging in conversation with a person whose condition has progressed is more challenging, it is possible. It’s important to both of you to take advantage of every moment you have while they can still communicate orally. Once that ability is gone, there are still some activities that will help them communicate. Getting the greatest value from every moment matters to the…

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What is Assisted Living & Is It Worth It?

Because it is a less well-known service offered for elderly care, many people still often ask “what is assisted living?” Assisted living bridges the gap between fully independent living and various levels of round-the-clock care. It gives seniors an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of living on their own without most of the restrictions necessary in facilities where residents have more affected capabilities. In assisted living, residents live in apartment- or townhouse-style dwellings. Residents have access to three meals a day, social events, and other amenities. Many strive to resemble a resort or an apartment complex more than a senior living facility. What Kind of Patient Thrives Best In Assisted Living? Residents who do best in assisted living are those with some ability to live without supervision and the will to remain independent as long as…

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What Is Assistive Technology?

The simple definition of assistive technology (AT) is “anything that makes life easier for people with disabilities.” They may use highly advanced technology like speech recognition software. They can also be as simple as a book with large print. Assistive technology for dementia patients helps patients remain independent and encourages social interaction longer. Depending on the person’s situation and the stage of dementia they are in, assistive technology can improve their quality of life. How Does Assistive Technology Work? AT includes computer systems and electronics, and the accessories needed to use them. It includes the software and hardware designed to educate, stimulate, and provide entertainment. It provides a resource for dementia patients to exercise their memories. Those people who have problems writing, making phone calls, or going up and down stairs can live more comfortably and…

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How to Pay for Assisted Living for Your Loved Ones

At-home care is the first choice for the majority of seniors but sometimes it is not the safest or most cost-effective option. Individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's, dementia and other progressive diseases do best with around-the-clock care, and this leaves many families wondering how to pay for assisted living for their loved ones. With proper planning, assisted living can be an affordable option for everyone. Even when a family is less prepared, there are ways to offset the costs of an assisted living program. We have gathered fourteen strategies your family can use to help pay for professional assisted living care. Do Your Research: Give your family and your senior loved one enough time to evaluate different care communities. If you like a specific location, join the waiting list. Making last minute decisions could end with your family…

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