Category: In the News

Go Red to Raise Awareness for Women’s Heart Health

The American Heart Association’s (AHA) Go Red for Women movement encourages everyone to take action! Wear red on February 7th to help raise awareness and fight heart disease in women.

The day before National Wear Red Day, a member of our team tragically lost a dear friend to a heart-related issue. The A Place At Home team came together today and wore red to support and raise awareness of cardiovascular disease. It is the leading cause of death among women and claims more lives than all forms of cancer combined.

The Heart Disease Myth

Heart disease and stroke have long been associated as an older man’s disease. In order to dispel this myth, the AHA created the Go Red For Women initiative to empower women to take charge of their heart health. Taking charge of your heart health will help reduce the tragic results of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Along with having a balanced diet and being active, real health includes getting enough sleep, practicing mindfulness, managing stress, and engaging socially. Moving towards better habits helps build better health. AHA has a tool called My Life Check where you can take a health assessment to guide you toward ideal heart health habits.

My Life Check Assessment

Once you create an account, the assessment takes under 5 minutes. Your results will give you areas to focus on, areas to improve and areas to celebrate. Even tackling one new habit at a time sets you in the right direction and helps you avoid getting overwhelmed.

Make it a Top Priority

A women’s to-do list can seem never-ending. Making time to care for your heart by monitoring your diet and a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise several days a week can be the ticket to fighting heart disease. There is real preventative power within your lifestyle habits.

While heart disease may not seem like a reality to you because you haven’t experienced loss in your family, it doesn’t make you immune. Read these real stories of survival from women that fought for their lives and want to inspire you to take action.

Join the Movement

The Go Red For Women movement has raised $540 million. These donations help support research, education, advocacy, prevention, and awareness programs. In honor of our team member’s friend who lost her life much too soon, please join us in spreading awareness today. You can also take action every day to protect your own health.

To donate to the cause visit AHA.

New Franchise Now Serving Seniors in Orlando

A Place At Home has awarded a new franchise in Orlando. Stephen Sherbin and Nicky Sherbin are the new owners that will help fulfill A Place At Home’s larger strategy to help seniors age with dignity through personalized care.

The Population Reference Bureau predicts that by 2060 close to 100 million Americans will be aged 65 and older. Only 3 percent of the elderly prefer nursing homes. The remainder chooses in-home care support. There is, therefore, a corresponding growing demand for quality in-home care services which led A Place At Home to franchise it’s successful model.

A Place At Home is set to serve over 22 areas in Orlando, Florida, from Bay Hill to Pine Castle and Pine Hills through the stewardship of Stephen Sherbin & Nicky Sherbin. The owners have extensive experience in healthcare. They will be operating from a centrally located office at Hoffner Center, Suite #234.

“We happily welcome Stephen and Nicky to the A Place At Home family,” said Co-Founder Dustin Distefano. “They bring vast business and care experience that embodies our spirit of CARE. We believe that they are the perfect people to help us grow and serve seniors throughout Orlando.”

About The Owners

Stephen is the president-elect of the Florida Hearing Society. He has 18 years of executive-level experience in the hearing aid industry. He is also a former member of the Economic Development Council for Brevard County and a former chair of the Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce.

His business partner, Nicky Sherbin, is a Radiation Oncology Registered Nurse Manager in Winter Park. She has been providing care for those in her community for more than 25 years. Nicky was also a Spring Training nurse for the Washington Nationals, Montreal Expos, and Florida Marlins. She was also the nurse for the LPGA and helped launch the Sports Medicine Institute in Melbourne, Florida. Both she and Stephen are very experienced in handling VIP clients.

Why A Place At Home Franchise?

The senior care entrepreneurs chose A Place At Home for its new franchise model and inspiring philosophy. “A Place At Home has given us the ability to offer the complete range of services including in-home companion care and in-home private care,” said Stephen. “We have also started a referral service that transitions patients to the right assisted living facilities that can meet their needs.”

Stephen praised A Place At Home for its nurturing franchisee relations. “The agency employs its care staff in a supporting, responsible, and traditional way. Their comprehensive training program allowed us to hit the ground running.”

The US Census Bureau confirms that Florida has the highest percentage of seniors, standing at 19%. The weather, the tax system and the vibrant community of elders are the contributing factors. Stephen and Nicky have a great opportunity to make a difference in the quality of elderly care in the state.

“Having started my nursing career in hospice and home care and working in radiation oncology for the past 14 years, I have personally seen the life-changing results achieved by competent home care professionals,” says Nicky. “We are thrilled for the chance to make an impact in our local community filled with family and friends.”

Stephen adds, “Success requires passion. Our passion comes from our family that is going through the same challenges as our patients’ families. We understand the strong need to provide high-quality care for those we love. We also understand the feeling of being trapped by having to work but wanting to be a caring son or daughter. Providing solutions to those problems through our new franchise is incredibly rewarding.”

About A Place At Home

A Place At Home aims to be agile to the dynamics of the aging process through the provision of personalized services tuned to the unique and changing needs of each patient. The service model is dubbed C.A.R.E, which stands for Compassionate, Accountable, Respectful, and Ethical. A Place At Home helps seniors stay at home for longer with support and a degree of independence they desire. When the patients must move to senior care facilities, free placement services are offered.

Visit www.aplaceathome.com to learn more about the services we offer and www.aplaceathomefranchise.com to learn about franchising opportunities.

CONTACT:

Jerod Evanich, MBA Co-Founder and Head of Development
O: 888-502-6310 x 101
F: 402-281-0738
E: jerod.evanich(at)aplaceathome(dot)com

Tips for Seniors Living With Diabetes

Diabetes is a great health concern in America which is why November is National Diabetes Month, a time to bring attention to the disease. According to the Center for Disease Control, over 30 million Americans suffer from diabetes, with 25% of these patients being 65 years or older. Fortunately, seniors living with diabetes can manage the disease. The best approach to combating diabetes is understanding what it is, how to prevent it, and how to treat it.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood glucose levels brought about because the body does not properly process food into energy, and as a result, your blood sugar levels become too high.

The body’s glucose levels are controlled by a hormone called insulin. The pancreas produces insulin. In the case of type 1 diabetes, the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin. Patients suffering from type 1 diabetes are given insulin injections. Approximately 5% of adult diabetes cases are type 1.

Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes

Significant loss of weight
A deep hunger
Urinating frequently
Fatigue
Unusual thirst

In Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas either cannot make enough insulin or cannot effectively use what it produces. Type 2 diabetes occurs among people over the age of 40 years. About 95% of adult diabetes cases are type 2.

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

Slow-healing wounds
Depression
Numbness in your feet or hands
Blurred vision
Confusion
Any Diabetes Type 1 Symptoms

Causes and Complications of Diabetes

Studies have linked diabetes to genetics, lifestyle, and aging. The major risk factors for seniors living with diabetes are being overweight and living a sedentary lifestyle. Diabetes is also inherited. All of these risk factors affect people differently.

If not well managed, diabetes can cause serious health conditions. These complications may include:

Vision problems
Thinning arteries
Heart disease
Foot complications
Kidney problems

Another severe consequence attributed to diabetes is hearing loss. The National Institutes of Health states that hearing loss is common among adults suffering from diabetes compared to those without the condition. Research has linked diabetes with the destruction of the blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear.

Physical Activity and Controlling Diabetes

Suffering from diabetes is not a hindrance to one’s physical activity. Walking 20-30 minutes at least three times a week is enough to improve your body’s utilization of glucose. Additionally, exercise improves cholesterol and blood pressure, burns calories, relieves stress, lowers the risk of stroke and heart disease, and increases your flexibility and strength.

Here are some tips you should practice during an exercise session and always consult a doctor before you engage in any tedious exercise program:

Check your glucose levels. Make sure it does not go beyond 300mg/dL. Check these levels before, during, and after engaging in physical activity
Eat a snack or fruit, or drink some juice or milk if your glucose levels are under 100mg/d
Carry snacks when going for exercises

In some cases, exercise and diet are not sufficient to control diabetes. Oral medication may be required to boost your levels of insulin or assist your body’s potential to use insulin. Also, as you grow older, your body synthesizes less insulin. Therefore, regardless of what drugs you consume, your diet, or how much physical activity you engage in, you may still require insulin injections.

Food Tips For Seniors Living With Diabetes

The American Association of Diabetes recommends the following food tips for adults who are above 55 years old:

Substitute fries with fruits and vegetables
Start your meals with a salad or broth-based soup
Stay away from buffets
Eat light desserts
Practice the Diabetes Plate Method
Use dressings and sauces on the side

Summing it up

The American Association of Diabetes vouches for the following tips for seniors with diabetes:

Eat the right foods at the right rations
Engage in physical activity
Monitor your blood glucose levels
Take any prescription given by your doctor
Avoid cigarette smoking
Gather as much information as you can regarding diabetes

Veterans Benefits: Paying for Senior Care

When Mom or Dad reach retirement age and are in need of ongoing assisted living services from professional caretakers, it can sometimes be difficult to find the best way to pay for it. But for many seniors who are also veterans, spouses of veterans, or surviving spouses of veterans, the VA’s Aid & Attendance pension benefit can bridge the financial gap to make this kind of care more affordable.

Even though around one out of every four US seniors would likely qualify for the Aid & Assistance program, only around one in seven who qualify have actually claimed their benefits. There are two main reasons for this shortfall: lack of awareness that the program exists and being intimidated by the long, complex application process.

Who Can Qualify For The VA Aid & Assistance Program

Not all seniors or even all veterans can qualify for Aid & Assistance, but many do, and since the benefit is often around $2,000 per month, it’s well worthwhile to find out if you qualify.

To be eligible, all of the following must be true of the applicant:

Was honorably discharged from military service.
Served 90 or more days of continuous active duty, including at least one day during a time of war.
Meets the “countable family income” limits. This is the total monthly/annual income minus unreimbursed medical expenses and certain public benefit payments.
Has a medically documented need for assisted daily living, such as help eating, bathing, or getting dressed.
Any of the following are also true of the applicant: is 65 or older, is totally/permanently disabled, is currently a patient in a nursing home, or is currently receiving SSDI or SSI benefits.

The VA will also take account of the applicant’s total net worth. There is no specific rule here – it goes on a case-by-case basis. A home, car, and basic assets are not counted, but a high total asset value on non-essentials could bar approval for the program.

Navigating The Application Process

On average, it takes nine months from start to finish to gather all necessary documents, fill out all forms, apply, and finally, receive approval for Aid & Attendance benefits from the VA. The total list of necessary documentation is quite long, including such papers as veteran discharge originals, proof of assets and income, a physician’s note detailing what type of care the applicant needs, or the marriage certificate for a veteran’s spouse seeking benefits.

However, this process is well worth it if you ultimately get approved. Monthly benefits for single veterans has a maximum of $1,830 currently, while for a veteran plus his/her spouse, the maximum is $2,170 per month. Plus, you get reimbursed retroactively for the months you spent waiting for your application to be approved.

Also note that, if a veteran is approved for Aid & Attendance and then passes away, the application process for his surviving spouse is much shorter – around three months on average.

Let Us Help You

To learn more about the VA Aid & Assistance program, to find out if you or your loved one qualify, or for help and advice on wading through the application process, do not hesitate to contact A Place at Home today! We have in-depth knowledge of this program and of other possible means of securing financial assistance for veterans or for others in need of assisted living care.

In the News

5 Benefits of Aquatic Therapy for Seniors

Aquatic therapy is a great solution for seniors to exercise regularly while reducing the impact on joints.

We know that regular exercise and staying active is key to aging well and staying healthy. Associated with an improved overall wellness, reduced risk of falls, dementia prevention, and even a lower risk of death, regular exercise is non-negotiable for seniors seeking to stay healthy as they age. But sometimes health conditions can make traditional exercise challenging. Learn more about aquatic therapy and its unique benefits for seniors below.

What is Aquatic Therapy?

People of all ages benefit from aquatic physical therapy (APT), finding that it is a great way for seniors to maintain or achieve fitness and rehabilitation goals. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, APT is “the evidence-based and skilled practice of physical therapy in an aquatic environment by a physical therapist.” APT can serve seniors seeking treatment from an injury, rehabilitation, prevention, health, wellness, and fitness.

Aquatic therapy includes a wide range of exercises done in the water including water aerobics, strength training, yoga, water jogging, and swimming. There are thousands of variations of aquatic therapies using various types of equipment and exercises. This makes APT extremely versatile and adaptable for people of all ages and ability levels.

1. Mood Enhancing & Anxiety Reducing

Like most forms of exercise, APT releases endorphins (“feel good” hormones) that can improve mood and reduce anxiety. However, in addition to the endorphins released by exercise, being in the water has relaxation benefits that can reduce anxiety even more. And, because APT is usually done in a social setting, there are social benefits to the therapy, including increased confidence and a strong sense of well-being.

2. Natural Resistance Reduces The Impact On Joints

Water provides natural resistance and natural buoyancy that makes reduces the stress on joints. Many seniors who live with arthritis find that APT is a great way to stay active and lessen the pain on their joints. In fact, some seniors find that they are able to do certain exercises in the water that they are not able to do on land.

3. Improved Cardiovascular Health

Even though APT is more gentle, it can still be an intense form of exercise and can raise the heart rate enough to burn fat and improve overall cardiovascular health. APT specifically trains the lungs and heart to use oxygen more efficiently and may reduce the risk of heart attack and heart disease.

4. Increased Strength & Balance

Certain conditions put seniors at an increased risk for falls, which can have catastrophic outcomes for seniors. In fact, the CDC reports that 20 percent of falls cause a seiners injury, like a broken bone or a head injury. Aquatic therapy done in water that is at least waist deep will build strength as seniors fight water movements to stay balanced. Moving quickly through water can provide natural resistance that builds muscle endurance and strength, reducing the risk of falls.

5. Hydrostatic Pressure

Hydrostatic pressure is the force fluid molecules place on the body when immersed in water. This pressure exists even with no movement. It has been shown to help decrease swelling in pain, increase range of motion, and improve circulation.

As with any exercise program, it is best to consult a doctor before beginning aquatic therapy.

9 Signs Your Loved One Needs Memory Care

How do you know when you can no longer provide the care your loved one needs? These indicators may signal that it’s time to move to memory care.

Beyond forgetfulness, dementia symptoms can include delusions, agitation, extreme personality changes, confusion, and disorientation that can put you and your loved ones at risk. We know that families are doing all they can to provide compassionate and loving care services. We also know that dementia requires specialized care from people who are well-trained to meet the needs of people living with dementia.

1. You Worry About Your Loved One’s Safety

No matter if your loved one lives alone, with you, or in an assisted living community, if you are constantly worried about his or her safety, it may be time to move to memory care. Memory care communities are designed to meet the specialized needs of people living with dementia and with specially trained caregivers, they can keep your loved one safe around the clock.

2. You Worry About Your Own Safety

As dementia progresses, many people experience significant personality changes and can develop confusion and agitation that leads to violence or threats of violence. If your loved one is exhibiting these signs and you are concerned about your own safety or the safety of others in your home, it may be best for your loved one to move to memory care. Memory care communities are familiar with these symptoms and know how to help your loved one work through emotions in a more productive manner.

3. You Are Exhausted

Caregiver burnout is very real and caring for someone with dementia is emotionally and physically exhausting. Many caregivers let their own health suffer while they are taking care of a loved one and caregiving alone is not a sustainable situation. Memory care communities are partners in caregiving and can give you rest while still involving you in important care decisions.

4. Your Loved One Is Neglecting Finances

If your loved one is living alone, take note of their mail. Are you seeing late notices on unpaid bills? What about creditor and collection notices? Have an open and honest conversation with your loved one about their financial situation. Neglecting finances is one of the first signs of dementia for many and can leave your loved one open to financial scams, putting their finances at risk.

5. Your Loved One Is Neglecting Personal Care

Unwashed or wrinkled clothing, body odor, unkempt hair, and other personal hygiene issues are another sign that it may be time to move to memory care. It can mean your loved one is missing standard hair and nail appointments, forgetting to bathe, forgetting to do wash, and can be a sign of dementia. Memory care services will include personal care and assistance with activities of daily living that help your loved one stay on track.

6. Your Loved One Wanders

If your loved one wakes in the middle of the night or becomes confused and disoriented he or she may wander. Wandering can be extremely dangerous as your loved one will walk and not realize where they are, or how to get back home. It can put seniors in dangerous situations and leave them exposed to harsh elements in the winter and summer. Memory care communities are secured and often have enclosed outdoor spaces to keep your loved one from wandering off without a caregiver.

7. Living Conditions Are Subpar

Early dementia can sometimes present itself as hoarding. If you see that your loved one is no longer caring for his or her home, the mail is piling up, food is spoiled in the refrigerator, dishes are left out, and other household messes become uncontrollable, it may be time to move to memory care. Memory care communities include housekeeping and linen services, helping your loved one stay clean and well in their apartment home.

8. Your Loved One Is Isolated & Lonely

Getting out with a loved one with dementia can be difficult for caregivers and it’s very easy for people with dementia to sink into isolation. Feelings of isolation and loneliness can increase the risk of depression. Memory care communities have active and engaging calendars with activities that are specifically designed for people with dementia. Activities are meant to be purposeful and fun while also mitigating some of the agitation and anxiety dementia brings.

9. You Want to Restore Your Relationship With Your Loved One

Over time, as dementia progresses, you have become your loved one’s caregiver. It has changed your relationship and now you spend more time managing their care than anything else. Moving to memory care can help you reverse that relationship so that you get to spend time with your loved one doing the things you love to do together while someone else handles the professional care.

Hospice Way: CARE During End of Life Stages

Considered to be the model for quality, compassionate care for people facing a life-limiting illness or injury, hospice care involves a team-oriented approach to expert care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient’s needs and wishes. Hospice focuses on caring, not curing and in most cases care is provided in the patient’s home.

“At the center of hospice and palliative care is the belief that each of us has the right to die pain-free and with dignity, and that our families will receive the necessary support to allow us to do so,” Aubre Phillips, Director, A Place at Home Omaha.

Aubre understands first-hand what it’s like for a family member to go through hospice. While providing majority of the care for both of her grandparents during their end of life stages – she witnessed just how challenging it can be for the patient and patients family.

“There are families all over the place with a loved one in their last days. It can be incredibly difficult to see someone during this time – many people experience hallucinations, and overall, it’s just a painful process,” Aubre expressed.

Although she realizes the hardships that come with a loved one passing, she doesn’t view death as the end, but rather a new beginning.

“I don’t believe that death is necessarily the end – it’s the passing to the next stage of our life. And I would imagine that that’s really painful and stressful. We need people who can be here helping to support and guide those that are passing on to reassure them that it’s okay and to make sure that they are comfortable when they are on this journey,” Aubre said.

Aubre’s passion for providing end of life care birthed A Place at Home’s Hospice Way – a program dedicated to supporting hospice patients with the compassion and care they deserve.

“A Place at Home has a team of specially trained caregivers that hospice is a passion for them. They understand that the journey is different for everybody, but that their role is to help the person passing on do so in as comfortable and with as much dignity as possible,” Aubre said.

What services are provided?

Manages the patient’s pain and symptoms;
Provides needed drugs and medical supplies
Coaches the family on how to care for the patient;
Delivers special services like speech and physical therapy when needed;
Makes short-term inpatient care available when pain or symptoms become too difficult to manage at home, or the caregiver needs respite time; and
Provides bereavement care and counseling to surviving family and friends.

Beyond Hospice Care

Our devotion to the seniors we care for continues even after they have passed away. In their loving memory and honor, we plant a tree through the Arbor Day Foundation. The newly planted tree memorializes the family’s loved one forever, living on to provide future generations an enduring symbol of lasting peace and comfort.

A Place at Home is rooted in CARE.

Join us in expanding our roots by becoming a franchise partner.

hospice care senior care

5 Tips For Handling Mental Illness in Seniors

According to the Institute of Medicine report, untreated mental health conditions lead to poorer physical health outcomes, higher costs and longer hospital stays. Seniors with untreated depression, for example, are less likely to properly take medications for other problems like diabetes or hypertension.

Having a conversation regarding care for seniors with mental illness may not be an easy feat, but it is essential to ensuring the health and safety of your loved one. If you are unable to care for you senior loved one by yourself, then it may be necessary to bring in a home care agency with professional caregivers. Here are some tips that can help you start a difficult discussion:

Make sure they are taking their medication.

Some older adults struggle to take all their medications properly. Depending on which medications are missed, this can cause serious effects on an older person’s health. Ensure they take their medication on time with an electronic application or with the help of a certified medication aide.

Choose a time when both of you are calm.

Discussing the state of your loved ones mental health could be triggering for them and emotional for you. For this reason, it’s important that you handle the conversation as delicately as possible. Calmly let them know your concerns, and be sure to hear them out. They may not agree with everything you suggest, so be prepared to compromise.

Take resistance in stride.

When it occurs, shift the conversation to less inflammatory aspects of your concerns. Threats or emotional outbursts will only add anxiety and shut communication down. Remember not to take outbursts personally and know that they often stem from the feat of the unknown.

Take a breath and come back to the conversation

Your loved one may not want to discuss the topic when you first bring it up, the Mayo Clinic advises trying again later. The same goes for conversations that go wrong. If you feel yourself becoming emotional, the best advice is to take a break from the conversation and choose another time to discuss the topic.

Get the paperwork you need to properly care for your loved one.

In cases where an elderly parent is a danger to themselves or others, adult children may want to acquire a medical power of attorney for their elderly parent so they can make medical decisions on their behalf.

Combat Elderly Depression With Quality In-Home Care

Whether your senior loved one is dealing with the loss of a spouse, experiencing the grieving process, struggling with family conflict, or declining health, emotional and physical stress can have a big impact on their mental health.

If untreated, elderly depression can lead to early death and lower quality of life. In-home care provides an excellent remedy to prevent senior depression while improving senior longevity and daily life.

How In-Home Senior Care Helps Seniors Live Better Lives

Prevents Isolation and Loneliness

In-home care companions provide a symbiotic relationship that enables the senior to thrive. On a social level having friends and companions enables seniors to talk about challenges, express grief, and to find resources to solve problems.

Assistance with Errands and Extracurricular Activities

Seniors with mobility problems often stay home rather than visiting with others because it’s too much trouble, painful or even impossible for them. An in-home care worker can take them out for errands, to visit others, or just for fresh air.

Combats Caregiver Fatigue

If you’re caring for your loved one solo, the stress harms you, your senior parent and your family. Mom will notice and could feel guilty about caregiver overwork leading to depression or family strife. Our at-home caregivers relieve everyone of troublesome, unhealthy stresses.

Visual Problems and/or Declining Health

Vision problems can go undiscovered when seniors live alone, and depressed seniors may not admit to them. A regularly visiting in-home care worker can uncover health issues or behavioral changes, and alert our care coordinators or family.

Relieves Chronic Exhaustion

Senior listlessness/exhaustion can be a side effect of senior depression or a cause. Seniors may feel too tired to contact others, creating vicious cycles of loneliness, neglect, depression and poor overall health. We find senior parents look forward to our in-home provider’s visits, becoming more enthusiastic and energetic.

Eliminates Reluctance to Burden

Your senior loved one often don’t want to both you with their problems including depression and poor health, so she may hide them. Seniors know the in-home care worker’s job is to help, so they feel less guilt or burdensome

We’re Omaha Senior Care Experts, Ready to Help

Let A Place at Home help you and your family live better, without anxiety and elderly depression. We provide compassionate, friendly, capable, and carefully screened in-home care aides for your senior parent. We also offer care coordination helping you decide which services your parent needs, and help you access all needed services on the senior care continuum. A Place At Home is ready to assist you.

4 Tips for Reducing Alzheimer’s Stigma

Dealing with Alzheimer’s symptoms can be a challenge, and any stigma or discrimination you face adds unnecessary stress.

After all, Alzheimer’s is a medical condition, which nearly 14 million people in the US may develop in the next 30 years. That’s why we’re offering you tips on how to reduce Alzheimer’s stigma.

Communicate

Social connections can help slow disease development. That’s because all of us, no matter our health condition, need to interact with others and maintain close relationships. Back-and-forth conversations show you care and can improve Alzheimer’s patient’s self-esteem. Spending time alone can lead to depression and stress, which can make Alzheimer’s worse.

Get Out and About

Becoming isolated is unhealthy for seniors (and anyone, of any age), so don’t allow this condition to keep your loved one hidden, at home. Include them in social events and outings, as you normally would. This also helps increase awareness for those around you about Alzheimer’s. The more your family, friends, and the public, see (and/or interact with) an individual with Alzheimer’s, the more they realize this is a normal human condition. Your relative with dementia deserves respect, and admiration for their struggle, as everyone does.

Be Respectful and Genuine

Remember, the dementia patient is still a “whole” person, deserving of (and capable of) love, just like they’ve always been. If you treat the person much differently than you did before diagnosis, they might feel they’re “fading away” from society and life. Don’t let this happen.

Don’t Assume

Don’t think that your elderly parent can no longer make decisions, or function independently. Alzheimer’s affects everyone differently, some people are only mildly affected, while others are further along with disease progression. For some, the disease progresses very slowly. Even as their capabilities change, your loved one still needs to stay as involved as possible in the world.

Helping Seniors Live Independently, and Well

When your loved one with Alzheimer’s needs at-home care and social interaction, A Place at Home can help. Our caregivers can help your beloved relative live independently, and improve quality of life for them–and for you. Contact A Place at Home today.