Caregiver & Family Resources
Senior Living Options for Couples
Choosing Senior Living for Couples With Americans living longer than ever, “in sickness and in health” can go decades beyond retirement age for many married couples. Approximately 70% of men and 44% of women aged 65 and over are married according to U.S. Census data. That means the majority of couples will face important decisions […]
Downsizing: Living with Less and Loving It
The Upside of Downsizing Moving is ranked as one of the most stressful life events—along with divorce, loss of a job and loss of a loved one. It’s an intensely emotional experience that can be filled with hope, disappointment, excitement and anxiety. When you’re in the process of moving to senior living, the idea of packing […]
4 Benefits of Community Living for Seniors
No matter your age, social isolation and loneliness can have a dramatic impact on your mental and physical health. A recent report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) shows that more than one-third of adults 45 and older feel lonely, and nearly a quarter of adults 65 and older are considered […]
5 Types of Senior Living Options
Understanding Different Senior Living Options When you’re first starting to plan long-term care for yourself or a loved one, it can be emotional and overwhelming. Although some senior living options may seem similar at first, they are distinctly different, each with its own features, benefits and considerations. To find the best fit, it’s important to […]
5 Financial Planning Tips for Older Adults
As people age and care needs change, many families find themselves unprepared for dealing with the costs and complexities of health care, senior living and asset management. Keeping financial and legal matters at the forefront of your retirement planning is key to making the most of your senior years. Before making any financial decisions, we […]
Helping Someone Who is Grieving
What is Grief? Grief is the deep sorrow felt when something or someone you love is taken away. While it can often be intense and overwhelming, it’s important to remember that grieving is a healthy, natural response to loss. However, the process of grief is not always straightforward. There are many types of grief—from “normal” […]
Keep Calm and Carry on When Dealing with Families and Dementia
The Demands of Dementia: Dementia is not a specific disease—it’s a general term for many conditions that affect the brain and cause cognitive decline. Symptoms include memory disorders, personality changes and impaired reasoning. Unfortunately, it gets worse over time and there is no known cure for dementia. It’s the sixth-leading cause of death for adults […]
The Impact of Dementia and Alzheimer’s on Women
This month, as we celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re honoring the impact all of our mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and friends have had on our lives. And we’d like to spread awareness about a condition that is disproportionally affecting them—dementia. Why Are Women More Affected by Dementia? Worldwide, two-thirds of clinically diagnosed cases of dementia […]
Motivational Interviewing: A Communication Tool for Change
Motivational interviewing is a communication style that helps people make behavior changes by exploring and resolving their own ambivalence. Instead of a directive approach, motivational interviewing allows people to sort through their own problems—and discover their own motivations to change. This person-centered approach uses genuine empathy, respect and collaboration to elicit positive, sustainable behavioral change. […]
6 Engaging Activities for Loved Ones in Dementia Care
By Beverly Sanborn, L.C.S.W., Gerontologist and Vice President of Program Development, Belmont Village Senior Living The Elements of Successful Aging Successful aging means living the fullest, most satisfying life possible by nurturing the mind, body, and spirit each day. Research has shown that there are many lifestyle elements that contribute to successful aging—even for seniors […]