Archive for year: 2020

It can be difficult for both the patient and the family to decide when an elderly must move into assisted living facilities for Alzheimer’s. Even some caregivers feel guilty as they move new people from their homes, into assisted living.

 

The truth is guilt should not burden anyone. Caring for someone at home can become dangerous. There comes a point in time where everyone needs extra support. Keeping up with a loved one with medical conditions can become impossible when not professionally trained. For this reason, it is often necessary to move them to facilities for Alzheimer’s.

 

The new decision might come harder than most. But in the end, knowing your loved one is receiving the best care possible will benefit both parties.

 

Here are things to keep in mind:

You have made the right decision

 

Sending elderly loved ones to assisted living does not mean that you have not been a good caregiver them. It simply means that you are making a decision to keep them safer and get the level of care they actually need.

 

You can still spend time with them, and in most cases have access to manage their care or house plan. In fact, you are often taking better care of them, as opposed to abandoning them.

 

Let professionals handle this

 

You should know that every family has its own problems. Deciding to put a loved into assisted living is not one of them. You should not focus on judgement of others because you are doing what is best for a loved one at the given time.

 

If an older adult is suffering from serious health conditions, they deserve a higher level of care.

 

As anyone becomes more stressed, tensions can raise. Moving your loved one can protect both your safety and health by allowing them to get the care they need, while easing you stress and anxiety.

 

Nobody can control cognitive ability

 

Do not doubt your decision to bring your older family member to assisted living facilities for Alzheimer’s. No one can predict the future. When reality involves deteriorating mental status, the best time to transition is now.

 

Moving to an assisted living environment can greatly impact the stability of a patients mental health. Making the decision is only fair because the health and safety of your loved one can be at stake.

 

Finding long-term care facilities for Alzheimer’s

 

If you can no longer take care of a person with Alzheimer’s at home, it is time that you make a move. There often comes a time when they will need round-the-clock attention and care. And there is no shame in not being able to provide that alone.

 

It is important to remember that you are not losing this person, and they are not losing you. This is just the best place for them to get long-term care. You will still have constant access to them. Let it not bother your conscience because your loved one will receive the care they need.

 

Here are a few different options for in-care living:

 

• Continuing care retirement communities – A retirement community where people with Alzheimer’s can live and receive proper care.

 

• Assisted-living facilities – People who need help with daily tasks can take advantage of this type of facility.

 

• Group homes – This is a home where people who are unable to take care of themselves with 2 or more staff members live.

 

• Nursing homes – People who cannot take care for themselves can settle for nursing homes where care units are available for special Alzheimer’s disease patients.

Interested in seeing what we offer here at Richmont in terms of memory care? Click here to view our memory care services!

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Richmont Senior Living is proud to serve Ashland, NE and the surrounding cities: Memphis, Springfield, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Waverly, Murdock, Ithaca, and Chalco

Independent living for seniors is a system designed for older adults who want to enjoy their retirement independently. Independent living options at senior living facilities offer a secure, comfortable, active, and simpler lifestyle to their residents.

There are different types of independent living facilities and retirement homes that you can choose from. Before considering relocating to a retirement home, look at the list of types of retirement homes that you can choose from that will support your independence and lifestyle.

 

4 types of independent living and retirement facilities:

 

Low income or subsidize living facilities

• Low-income senior citizens from 62 years old and above may qualify to live in subsidized facilities to enable them to live independently. Most of these properties are owned and operated by non-profit organizations offering an assortment of activities, services, and amenities for their senior residents.

 

Anyone in the United States aged 62 and beyond may apply directly to the facility near them or their preferred retirement place under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Section 202.

Senior apartments

• These are ideal for seniors who are looking for low cost and low maintenance independent living for seniors’ complexes with amenities to make your life comfortable and enjoyable. Senior apartments are designed to meet the requirements and lifestyles of elderly residents.

 

Little to no stairs, handrails, and wheelchair ramp are expected in senior apartments. Also, senior apartments vary according to size and style like single-family apartments, suite, and duplexes. However, most senior apartments only accept 55 years old and above residents.

Retirement homes

• Retirement homes are like senior apartments who impose age restrictions that residents must be at least 55 years old. Also called old people’s homes, retirement homes are multi-resident places with a multitude of accessible facilities designed to meet the current and future needs of independent seniors.

 

Retirement homes like apartments and suite rooms are available for sale or rent which have facilities for recreation, dining, health, and gatherings.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities or CCRC

• These types of independent living for seniors’ facilities are ideal for elderlies with health issues that need assistance in the future. These facilities offer independent living to nursing home services in the same community.

 

For seniors who have serious health problems, CCRCs are the best option for you. Another thing that makes Continuing Care Retirement Communities appealing is that senior residents can easily and comfortably transition from independent living to assisted living should the need arise.

As you get older, the possibility to settle in an independent living environment is most likely to happen. But it is something you should be worried or anxious about for it will aid in making your life easier at the same time enjoyable.

Facilities for independent living for seniors are made available to make your life manageable without giving up your freedom. With other residents in your chosen independent living community, you can still socialize; meet new friends, and do recreational activities without the need of going out.

Interested in independent living for you or a loved one? Click here to see the pricing and floor plans we offer here at Richmont Senior Living

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Richmont Senior Living is proud to serve Ashland, NE and the surrounding cities: Memphis, Springfield, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Waverly, Murdock, Ithaca, and Chalco

The world’s population has been fighting a silent battle against memory loss for many years now. In the United States alone, at least 5.8 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia this year and that number is expected to increase further as more Americans enter their late adulthood years and move into memory assisted living.

 

Occasional forgetfulness is a part of the aging process, but when you experience difficulty in language, memory, thinking and judgment consistently, you could be having memory loss that could easily led to Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia if not addressed right away.

 

But how does a doctor test for memory loss in adults?

 

Neurological test

• The first step that doctors usually take when testing for memory loss is to evaluate your five senses, reflexes, speech and spatial skills. You may be asked to follow some verbal and written commands, draw some shapes, name objects and do things that will help the doctor look for signs of neurological issues.

 

Neuropsychological test

• After the initial neurological evaluation, the doctor may also perform a neuropsychological test to further assess your ability to focus, remember and identify people, time and place. This will be done through a series of questions that are related to your mood and behavior to determine how memory loss affects your daily activities.

 

Cognitive test

• Cognitive evaluation means checking for your memory, concentration and sense of time and place through a series of questions about your personal life, especially about your daily activities. The doctor may also talk to your family members or caregiver to ask about any changes that they’ve observed since you first manifested memory loss.

 

Psychometric test

• The more specific psychometric test measures the speed, quality and accuracy of different mental processes by letting you take a written test where you will be given different challenges that will determine how you make decisions, use language, organize, remember details, solve problems and focus on activities.

 

• If a doctor still needs more definitive signs that you are experiencing memory loss or worse, if it’s progressing to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, he may order additional tests like an MRI scan and PET scan.

 

• • An MRI is a non-invasive scan where radio frequency pulses and magnetic fields are utilized to produce detailed images of bones, organs and even soft tissues. Doctors usually order an MRI scan to rule out other medical conditions such as tumors that may be causing your memory loss.

 

• • A PET scan, on the other hand, is another imaging test that will give doctors a better picture of how your organs and tissues are functioning inside your body.

 

At the end of the day, it’s very important to have yourself tested from the moment you start experiencing consistent memory loss. This will not only allow you the opportunity to have an early diagnosis but also give you the best quality of life, whether you need to move to memory assisted living or not.

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Richmont Senior Living is proud to serve Ashland, NE and the surrounding cities: Memphis, Springfield, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Waverly, Murdock, Ithaca, and Chalco

Are you confused with all the senior housing options out there? If your loved one or someone in your family needs housing or an assisted living facility, you can explore the senior housing options available for you.

 

Assessing Your Options

Since aging is a time for change and adaptation, planning for future housing needs is an essential part of improvement even as you get older. But regardless if you desire a lifestyle change or due to serious medical conditions, finding the right place can be both stressful and challenging for you and your family.

So the earlier you assess your current needs, the more options and control you will have.

However, the main point of making the best choice is to match your senior housing option with your financial needs, health, and lifestyle. You can either modify your own home to make it safer and more comfortable or you can move to a housing facility with more social options and support available on site.

 

Senior Housing Options

 

Aging In Place

Staying at home as you age is more advantageous if you want to keep a familiar place where you know the community and your neighbors. You can enjoy home care services and make home modifications or repairs so that life can be easier and safer.

• • Safe neighborhood
  • A close network of family, friends, and neighbors
  • Easily accessible transportation or alternate transportation to driving
  • Modified home to reflect your changing needs
  • Easy home and yard maintenance
  • Medical and physical needs don’t need a high level of care

 

Independent Living

This is just any housing arrangement made exclusively for seniors, such as those aged 55 and over. The housing environment is different from apartment-style living to freestanding homes.

This means that the housing is friendlier to older adults with easier navigation without maintenance or yard work to think about. Independent living can be your best option if you say yes to any of the following conditions.

• • You only see the need for minor assistance with activities of daily living
  • You like a place without a lot of upkeep of maintenance
  • You like socializing with peers and having activity options close by

 

Assisted Living Facilities

This residential option for seniors is suitable for those who want to help with some of the activities of daily living. This may include cooking, getting to the bathroom, keeping the house, and traveling to appointments.

Assisted living facilities offer 24-hour safety and security support, and access to care day or night. So a good facility will develop a personalized plan to meet the needs and accommodate any disabilities while giving freedom to do anything you can do for yourself.

 

Nursing Homes

This provides custodial care, such as getting in and out of bed and providing assistance with bathing, dressing, and feeding. But nursing homes differ from other senior housing facilities as they also provide a high level of medical care.

Overall, when you decide to choose the right senior housing facility that is good for you, it is essential to think about the needs you will have in the future. Such would include medial and physical needs, location and accessibility, home maintenance, financial needs, and social and emotional needs.

 

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Richmont Senior Living is proud to serve Ashland, NE and the surrounding cities: Memphis, Springfield, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Waverly, Murdock, Ithaca, and Chalco

One in every 10 people over the age of 65 is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia. That equates to at least 5.8 million Americans this year and the number will continue to grow every year. To address this growing statistic, more memory assisted living facilities are now available all over the country to cater to the needs of seniors who require specialized care due to memory loss. To ensure that a senior gets the level of care that fits his needs, the healthcare team usually conducts an interview with these three common interview questions:

 

How do you feel about your memory now?

This question is aimed at determining the level of awareness a senior has about his current memory state. In a study, all of the subjects expressed their awareness that their memory is not as good as it used to be.

Most of them have challenges with short-term memory function and they attribute it mostly to an existing medical condition. On the other hand, their long-term memory is a lot better, although most seniors feel that it would also start to deteriorate over time.

 

When did you start to notice that you’re becoming more forgetful?

It’s very important for healthcare staff to ask this question to know exactly when memory loss began manifesting itself, which will hopefully be a factor in diagnosing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Most seniors would know when their memory starts to fail them, especially when they start to forget even the most routine and mundane tasks like where they placed their keys or if they already took their medication.

This will allow healthcare staff in memory assisted living to determine the right healthcare plan that will meet the level of care needed by an individual.

 

How do you feel about losing your memory?

Memory loss is a difficult reality to accept for seniors because it makes them feel hopeless and helpless because they have no control over it. This is why it’s very important to ask this question to acknowledge their feelings about this difficult time in their life and let them know that they are not alone.

Memory assisted living has the primary goal of helping seniors going through memory loss due to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease to accept their condition and not let it define the rest of their life.

Asking this question is the first step to achieving that goal and it will also allow healthcare teams to know exactly how to deal with the elderly to help him go through this journey and still enjoy the best quality of life possible.

With the growing elderly population that’s predicted to overpower the younger population for the first time in history, the role of memory assisted living is more important now than ever.

As with any area in healthcare, interview questions are always the first step to making sure that excellent quality care is given to every senior going through memory loss and other related conditions.

 

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Richmont Senior Living is proud to serve Ashland, NE and the surrounding cities: Memphis, Springfield, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Waverly, Murdock, Ithaca, and Chalco