DEMENTIA: WHAT IS IT? AND HOW DOES IT FEEL?

dementiaYou may have been in a foreign city or neighborhood and shopped at a large box store. Although it looks identical to your local store in many ways, such as the logo and color scheme, but you walk down an aisle expecting breakfast cereals only to discover that there are school supplies. It can feel a bit disorienting. This disorienting feeling could be a glimpse at how someone with dementia sees the world.

You’re familiar with the effects of dementia on the behavior and personality of your loved ones. What does dementia look like inside? Understanding the perspective of your loved one can help you to feel more connected and compassionate.

What is dementia?

A set of symptoms that lead to cognitive decline is called dementia. You may experience it due to a number of conditions and diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, traumatic brain injury, and Parkinson’s. The following symptoms may be present:

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Christian Assisted Living Resources

assisted livingSeniors making the move to Christian assisted living may have fears of losing their beloved community ties; however, fostering an ongoing relationship with your church family is one way to maintain a great support network. Christianity remains an integral part of American cultural identity, and that’s especially true for older adults. Surveys from the Pew Research Center show that a vast majority (three-quarters) of these elders consider religion to be highly important in their lives, bringing them peace and well-being.

Assisted living offers an attractive way to enjoy your retirement years without compromising comfort or convenience. Treat yourself to delicious restaurant-style meals, convenient housekeeping services, and a wealth of amenities that extend from physical activities to spiritual care–all in one place!

Finding the “right fit” for your long-term care is essential, and connecting with a community that shares similar values can make this process easier. For seniors transitioning to assisted living, selecting an environment where they feel comfortable and surrounded by peers who share their beliefs could be just what’s needed for happiness during this new stage of life!

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Selling A House To Fund Long-Term Senior Care

senior careSenior care is essential for many older adults, regardless of whether they need in-home care or full-time care at a nursing home. The cost of senior care can be a concern for seniors who are on Social Security and have limited pension benefits.

Senior care is becoming more costly due to rising inflation. The 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey shows that seniors in the United States spend an average of $4500 per month on assisted living and $7,908 for semiprivate rooms in a nursing home.

Many seniors have decided to sell their homes in order to pay for the care they require. Selling a home can be complicated, especially for seniors who are dependent on government benefits. This guide will help you organize and make smart decisions about everything.

When is the best time to sell your parent’s home to pay for senior care in Myrtle Beach?

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Assisted Living Tips – Caring For Seniors With Obesity

assisted livingAs they age, seniors experience many physical changes. Some of these changes, such as the loss of muscle mass, makes it difficult for seniors to maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is a problem for many older adults and their caregivers. Obesity doesn’t necessarily mean failing, but it is important for seniors to recognize the health risks associated with it. Obese people are more likely to have high blood pressure, type 2 Diabetes, high cholesterol, coronary heart disease, stroke, and high blood sugar. Obesity can also increase the risk of obstructive sleeping apnea and cancer, as well as poor physical functioning. However, with the right assisted living facility, seniors with obesity can get the care and assistance they need.

Despite these risks, obesity is still a common medical condition in the United States. It affects 41.5%, or 60 million, of the population. Due to their higher risk of developing heart disease or other complications, obese people also have higher medical expenses. Some seniors are also subject to weight bias when they visit the doctor, participate in community events, or engage in other activities. Weight bias refers specifically to negative attitudes, judgments, and discriminatory actions that are directed at overweight or obese people.

This guide will explain how older adults with obesity may benefit from moving to an assisted living facility in Myrtle Beach. This guide includes tips on advocating for seniors with this medical condition, a listing of senior communities that offer programs for residents with obese residents, and many resources to help seniors, their caregivers, and learn more about nutrition, fitness, and other topics.

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What You Need To Know About Assisted Living & Independent Living

assisted livingEach loved one is different, so their care needs are unique. You need to be aware of all options available and distinguish between them in order to find the right senior living option. There are many options for elder care. Independent living is a type for active, independent seniors who want to live in a community with other senior citizens, but without having to worry about home maintenance. Assisted living is a step beyond independent living. Assistive living communities provide the same benefits and more complete care for seniors who require assistance with daily activities like dressing, bathing, or preparing meals. To compare the amenities and services offered by assisted living and independent living, take a closer look:

Independent living vs. assisted living

Independent living communities offer apartments or small homes with full amenities. Apartments in assisted living communities have fewer amenities and more safety features.

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The Benefits Of Assisted LIving Communities

assisted livingYour senior loved one has worked hard for their retirement. Assisted living communities provide social interaction, and a productive and safe lifestyle, safety, as well as the right support for seniors who may require some assistance. Many communities offer a variety of amenities, such as beauty services, gourmet dining, and fitness centers. Many seniors find that assisted living communities offer convenience, happiness, and a better quality of life. These seven benefits of assisted living communities will help you understand how your relative can enjoy happiness and good health.

The boredom is gone!

Seniors may feel overwhelmed after retirement. They can use these extra hours to pursue their passions or learn new hobbies. There are many activities that can appeal to everyone, which is one of the greatest benefits of assisted living.

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SIGNS THAT IT’S TIME FOR ASSISTED LIVING

assisted livingSeniors with special needs may benefit from assisted living. It can be difficult to know if your loved ones are a good fit for assisted living. We will discuss some indicators that your loved one is ready to move into assisted living and how they can benefit from assisted living.

Benefits of Assisted Living

Personal Care Problems: Seniors often choose assisted living because they have difficulty with personal care tasks. Assisted living in Myrtle Beach may be a good option if your loved one has difficulty dressing, grooming and bathing themselves. Reflections Assisted Living staff can assist residents with personal care tasks, so they can continue to live independently but still have access to help when necessary.

Decline in Cleanliness: With declining mobility, it becomes more difficult to keep up with housework such as cleaning and laundry. It could be a sign that your loved one is having trouble keeping up with their housework. Seniors can be relieved of these responsibilities and still retain their independence.

Loneliness: Seniors can feel lonely and isolated if they live at home, particularly if they no longer drive. Long periods of isolation have been shown to be linked with obesity, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease. Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest is a positive step for many seniors.

Safety concerns: Seniors are at risk from falling, injury, or other accidents within their homes. You may be concerned about your loved one having an emergency at home if they live alone. You don’t have to worry about your loved ones being left alone in an emergency. With senior living in Myrtle Beach, the staff is available 24/7 and are always on-hand for assistance.

Difficulty driving: Many seniors abandon driving after a while, which can leave them feeling frustrated and isolated at their home. Residents can use assisted living facilities to transport them to appointments and other social events. This allows residents to go out and enjoy their favorite places without having to drive.

Frequent forgetfulness: Although everyone experiences forgetfulness from time to time, some people find it more common and more burdensome as they age. If it becomes a regular occurrence, forgetting to lock the front door or set the alarm can lead to serious consequences. Our company provides a safe environment and can remind seniors to make appointments. We also provide transportation and help with memory loss.

Costs of assisted living

Care costs will vary depending on the size and level of care required. Monthly care includes all expenses, including meals, personal care, housekeeping, community activities and access to amenities. There is an additional charge for medication assistance, hair styling and other personal care.

Financial Assistance 

Seniors often use financial aid to help pay for assisted living. It is important to remember that Medicare doesn’t cover assisted living. This surprise surprises many seniors and their families when they start to look into assisted living. There are still other options.

Medicaid and its Waiver Programs

Medicaid provides financial assistance to seniors who are eligible for the program. Medicaid is not federally regulated like Medicare. It is a joint program of the federal government and the states. Each state has the ability to set its Medicaid guidelines and can also vary in how it covers assisted living.

Medicaid is a waiver program that covers the cost of assisted living in most states. Medicaid waivers enable states to provide benefits and coverage that are not covered by federal guidelines. For example, coverage for long-term senior care. The Home and Community Based Services Medicaid waiver program gives seniors more control over their care and helps to prevent them from being moved to skilled nursing homes. You will need to verify your state’s Medicaid eligibility guidelines and coverage for HCBS waivers.

Veterans Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs has several financial assistance programs available for veterans over the age of 50, including the Aid and Attendance. A&A involves paying eligible veterans every month in addition to their VA pension. It helps to cover their long-term care services such as assisted living.

A&A is only available to veterans who are eligible for and have received a VA pension or have served during a war. A veteran must meet several eligibility requirements, including the need for assistance with daily living tasks. A&A is an option for many veterans or their spouse who are in need of assisted living. Veterans must be examined by a doctor to receive this benefit and then complete the VA form.

Life Insurance Settlements

Although not their original purpose, life insurance policies may be used to assist seniors in paying for long-term care such as assisted living. Sometimes, the policy can be purchased by a third party company for 50-75% of its initial value. In what is called an “accelerated death benefit“, some insurance companies allow policyholders to get their benefits early. As with the previous option above, accelerated death benefits almost never equal the value of the initial death benefit. However, it is worthwhile to have liquid cash available to you during your lifetime.

No matter what route you take to obtain a settlement for life insurance, losing your policy’s death benefit can be a difficult decision. Before you make a decision, weigh the pros and disadvantages of accessing your benefit and consult trusted resources.

Reverse Mortgages

Reverse mortgage loans can be used by seniors to pay for assisted living costs. Homeowners can convert some equity in their home into cash or take out a loan against their home’s value with reverse mortgages. This payment is usually tax-free, and seniors can move into a residential care facility like Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest without having to sell their home in order to receive the money.

Reverse mortgages have limitations and may not be the best choice for everyone. Reverse mortgages can “use-up” equity in a home, which leaves less assets for the homeowner’s spouse and heirs. Be aware of scam companies and untrustworthy loaners. It is best to use the federally insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage loan (HECM). HECM loans are backed by the federal Government and typically offer larger advances with a lower total price than loans from private firms.

Insurance for long-term care

LTC insurance, a private type of insurance policy that covers senior care and personal and custodial services, is called long-term care insurance. This insurance policy is more likely to cover the expenses for assisted living compared to Medicaid or private health insurance plans. However, seniors are not usually able to sign up to an LTC insurance policy. This type of insurance is only available to people who have signed up earlier in their lives.

LTC insurance policies can be very different in what they cover. You should review the policy details to see if assisted living is included and, if so, how much per day or year.

Call us now if you’re looking for a place where your senior family member can get the best care possible.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/

Making Transition To Assisted Living Easier

assisted livingIt can be hard to make the decision to move a loved one into an assisted living facility. This is often a difficult and emotional process. How can you ensure that your loved one’s transition is smooth? Here are some things to consider. This blog post will give you tips to make your loved one’s transition to assisted living easier.

1. Select the right assisted living community

It is crucial that your loved one transitions smoothly into assisted living by choosing the right community. This involves finding the right community for your loved one. You want to ensure that your loved one is happy.

Some things to remember when visiting assisted living communities:

  • The community’s location
  • The community’s size
  • Services and amenities offered
  • Care options
  • The community’s cost

2. Find out the costs associated with assisted living

Researching the cost of assisted living in Myrtle Beach is another important step in the transition. This will allow you to plan for the move as well as ensure that you have enough money. Costs for assisted living can vary depending upon a variety of factors such as the location, the size, and the type of care needed.

3. Take a tour of the community

After you have made the decision to choose the best assisted living community for you, it is time to arrange a tour. You and your loved one will have the opportunity to tour the community and meet the staff. This is a great opportunity to ask questions about the community and the transition process. A tour of an assisted living community is a great way to get a feel and decide if it’s right for you. You can also ask questions about the transition and what to expect.

4. Make sure to pack the essentials

You should only pack the essentials, such as clothes, toiletries, medications, and other personal items. Personal items such as photos and sentimental objects may be useful. Don’t pack too many. Assistive living communities often provide furniture and other essential items. To find out what furniture is available and what items they recommend, it is a good idea to speak with the community.

5. Set Up Their New Living Space

After your loved one has moved into assisted living, it is time to put their living space in order. You will need to pack their belongings and arrange furniture. To make the space feel homier, you may want to decorate it. The staff at an assisted living facility can usually assist you if your loved one requires assistance.

It can make your loved one feel more comfortable in their new home by making sure it is inviting and comfortable. This is a great opportunity to personalize the space and make it feel more like your own.

6. Give your loved one time to experience an emotional transition

It is important that your loved one has the opportunity to feel an emotional transition. You may feel sadness, anger, or anxiety when your loved one leaves their home. It is important to be understanding and patient during this time. It may take some time for your loved one to adjust to the new lifestyle. Let them express their feelings and discuss their feelings.

Find the right assisted living facility for your loved one

Moving into assisted living can be difficult for your loved one. It doesn’t have to be difficult if you prepare properly. These tips will help you make the transition as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest aims to give seniors the best experience in assisted living. Contact us today to book a visit!

Like our Facebook page for more great info about assisted living.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/

Caring For Seniors With Memory Care Needs During The Holidays

memory careIt’s not unusual for seniors with memory care needs to find the holidays overwhelming. It can be difficult to navigate changes in routines and environments, loud social events, increased emphasis on food and drink, and other factors that may make it more challenging. It is important that loved ones with dementia feel included during holidays. Family is the true heart of holiday celebrations. Seniors often feel lonely or isolated at this time of the year. This is especially true if they are living alone or have lost their closest friends. what you can do is change your plans to best suit your loved ones who have Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Here are 7 ways to make the holidays more enjoyable for a senior with dementia:

Let them stick to a routine

Sudden changes can be upsetting or confusing for seniors needing memory care in Myrtle Beach. Simple considerations such as serving meals at the same time and in a familiar place can help.

Slowly make environmental changes

It’s a good idea for your loved one to spread decorations over several days if you are planning to decorate their living or bedroom. While decorations can bring joy and happiness to those with dementia, it is important to take the time to adjust to their needs. You may also slowly introduce the idea of assisted living to them and discuss their future.

Involve them in simple, but nostalgic activities

Ask them to help you bake holiday cookies and festive cupcakes. Or ask them to decorate a Christmas tree using ornaments passed down from one generation to another. It can be comforting and enjoyable for them to take part in familiar activities.

Prepare for family events

If you are taking your loved ones to a family event or party, make sure they have a place to go if they feel overwhelmed. Also, be clear with guests about your loved ones’ needs if necessary. Your loved one will be happier and more settled if you ask guests to lower the volume or refrain from using crackers or party poppers.

Reminisce on the good times

Many seniors with dementia enjoy the opportunity to relive old memories. It could be as simple as watching a favorite Christmas movie together or singing some of their favorite Christmas songs. This holiday season is a great time to reminisce on family memories. Why not create a digital album with old photos or videos that you can explore together?

Take time to consider their needs during mealtimes

Seniors with dementia often have difficulty eating. There are many reasons for these problems, such as decreased concentration, discomfort, depression, side effects from medication, and physical difficulties like chewing and swallowing. Avoid putting too much food on your loved one’s plate if they are having trouble eating. You may find that they are more comfortable with familiar foods than traditional festive dishes.

Ask them what they would like to do

Communicating with your loved ones is the best way for you to find out what works for you. Everyone is different and everyone has their own unique symptoms. Ask them to describe their ideal holiday celebration if they are able to communicate with you.

The holiday season can be a hectic time for families. It is difficult to think of ways to make your loved one feel included during this busy season. Although small modifications like those mentioned above may be helpful in certain cases. Always remember that every senior is unique. It is best to get professional help from experts at Reflections Assisted Living.

Call Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest now if you’re looking for a memory care facility in Myrtle Beach.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about assisted living and memory care.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/

Family’s Involvement As Elderly Move To Assisted Living

assisted livingIt is important to strike a delicate balance when it comes time for family visits to assisted living facilities. You can be supportive of your loved one and there are times when you interfere with their care.

Are Families Too Involved in Family Life?

I like to think I was always on the safe side of this line. Over time I became friends with the staff. I tried to keep out of their way when they were busy and didn’t talk too much. If they had a problem, I didn’t critique them. Instead, I asked them if they could make adjustments. I listened to their explanations and suggestions. My visits lasted about an hour, which allowed me to meet with elders and ensure that their day was complete. Both elders and staff were open to my presence.

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