Reading helps improve capabilities such as memory, cognition and attention span, especially in seniors. With so many resources available — audiobook and traditional physical books — the choices can almost seem overwhelming. Here are a few great options to ignite the book lover inside of you. 5 Audiobook Suggestions Perfect for Seniors As of 2021, … Continue reading Visual or Audible: Great Books For Seniors
We are thrilled to help our residents safely visit with their families! Understanding risk, but also recognizing the benefits of visiting with loved ones, Optalis residents are able to enjoy visitation, with some guidance provided by the CDC and CMS in regards to the core principles of infection control to mitigate the risks to our … Continue reading Visiting a Loved One at Optalis
Dear Averi: My aging father needs more help than I can provide for him. In my conversations with various continuing care retirement communities, I think that skilled nursing would probably be the best option. What do I need to do? Any advice would be helpful. Sincerely, Dora Dear Dora, You have provided a great service … Continue reading Admission to a Senior Living Community
If this is your loved one’s first year in a long-term care community, holiday planning can be a stressful time. Even if they’ve lived there for some time, it can still be difficult. Your celebrations will be different from how they were in years past — but “different” doesn’t have to mean “bad.” Here are … Continue reading 7 Tips for Holiday Planning
It is never easy for an adult child to know when it is time for their parent to move to an assisted living or long-term care community. It’s tough to know what to look for and how to evaluate your parent’s ability to live on their own. After all, you’re their child, not their doctor. … Continue reading How to Assess Your Parent’s ADL Ability – and Why It’s So Important
A concern we frequently hear from Columbus area family caregivers is that they don’t know how to tell if the changes they see in the person they care for are a normal part of aging or Alzheimer’s disease. Loved ones often rush to the conclusion that their family member has Alzheimer’s when they exhibit one of the … Continue reading Is this Alzheimer’s?
Activities of daily living are the things people do every day, like eating, bathing or dressing. That’s the short answer. The long one includes answers to questions like why activities of daily living (ADLs) matter and how they can help you tell what level of care your parent needs. Here’s what you need to know … Continue reading What Are Activities of Daily Living?
What’s the difference between long-term care and memory care? Knowing the answer can help you find the best fit for your parent. Below, we’ll explore the difference between the two, as well as how to determine which is right for your loved one. Long-Term Care vs Memory Care Long-term care is a service designed for seniors … Continue reading The Difference Between Long-Term Care and Memory Care
Dear Allie, After trying for years to help my dad stay at home, my wife and I have determined he’s not safe in his home. We’re moving him to memory care at West Park in Columbus. However, he doesn’t want to move from his home. How can we make the move easier on him? How can we make him … Continue reading How to Help Dad Move to Memory Care
We know women outlive men for a variety of reasons. But if you visit a memory care program in an assisted living community, you will likely notice men make up what seems to be a disproportionate amount of the resident population. A new study on Alzheimer’s and men sheds light on why. Looking at three years of … Continue reading Aggression in Men with Alzheimer’s Disease
