“It’s the most wonderful time of the year” – or so the song goes. But for those of us caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, the holidays can be especially stressful. We put so much stock in our own holiday traditions that when those shared experiences
Effectively communicating with a person who has Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia can be challenging and often frustrating. As their disease progresses, your loved one will slowly lose the ability to have nuanced and detailed conversations with you, so it is important to shift your communication techniques along the
It’s not uncommon or unnatural for caregivers to experience frustration when spending time with our loved ones who are living with dementia. Often those frustrations lie in their diminished recall, especially when it comes to short-term memory. You may catch yourself saying things like, “Mom, I just told you that!”
As a caregiver, having a strong support system in place is critical. This is a big job – so big, in fact, that we have an entire team on hand to do what ONE family caregiver bravely takes on each day. Remember that you are not alone in this journey.
One of the most common challenges in caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s is ensuring adequate food consumption. Family members will often tell us their loved one does not finish meals, even when you sit with them and actively encourage them to eat. It was once thought that this
It is our honor and privilege to care for many of the men and women who so bravely served in the U.S. Armed Forces. In each Autumn Leaves community, you will find a Wall of Honor featuring the photos of our resident Veterans.
November is “Family Stories Month,” and there is nothing like the onset of dementia to remind you just how precious those memories are. One way we’re preserving our residents’ stories is with the OneDay for Senior Living app. This tool allows us to record short interviews or special moments with
Routine is a caregiver’s best friend and not-so-secret weapon. Having a good routine in place can make the difference between a bad day or a good day for someone living with Alzheimer’s. In a world that is increasingly confusing, unfamiliar, and overwhelming, routines offer comfort and stability. Familiar touchpoints throughout
A gently crinkled smile that hints at a life filled with laughter, a crown of graying hair that says you’ve seen a few things in your many years… there is an unmistakable beauty and grace that can only come with age. And while our inaugural Ms. Rockwall pageant had plenty of glamour
It’s back-to-school time! Those of us with children or grandchildren may be busy buying new school clothes and supplies. For students and their teachers, “back-to-school time” is an exciting time for new beginnings. Your loved one might enjoy reminiscing over those back-to-school days of years gone by. If you have
As verbal and cognitive functions decline, how do you know if a person living with dementia is in pain? It was once thought that people with dementia don’t feel pain the way we do; we now know this isn’t the case. People with dementia indeed experience pain, but often have
It’s August, and our Autumn Leaves residents are making sure local students are well prepared when they head back to school. Many of our communities have forged special intergenerational bonds with local students, so this month’s service project means a lot to them. The process of “giving back” benefits not
According to the Mayo Clinic, the recommended calcium intake for men over the age of 70 and women over the age of 51 is 1200-2000 mg per day. Strong bones help prevent fractures during falls, protect our organs, anchor our muscles, and store calcium. But the older we get, the
The Summer Solstice not only represents the transition from Spring to Summer but it is also the longest day of the year. Each year on “The Longest Day”, the Alzheimer’s Association invites people to spend this special day doing an activity you enjoy from sunrise until sunset. The goal is to raise funds
You may be looking forward to Father’s Day this year. Or you may be feeling sadness or frustration. You may feel as if your dad has left you, or is leaving, bit by bit. Nancy Reagan called this “the long goodbye” of Alzheimer’s, and it can be especially painful at
Staying hydrated is important for our residents year round, but as temperatures climb, it is especially critical. There are a number of ways a person with dementia can become dehydrated: Underlying medical condition: Vomiting and diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration. Side effects from medicine: Many medications may induce a
Earlier this month, several representatives from Autumn Leaves attended the Argentum Senior Living Executive Conference in San Diego including regional team members, home office staff, and management from many of our communities. It was a wonderful opportunity for us to spend time sharing ideas, insights, challenges, and successes with the
Towne Lake Life Engagement Manager Emily Horne was honored as one of two Hero Award Winners at the 2018 Argentum Senior Living Executive Conference this year. Below is an article that appeared in Senior Living Executive Magazine highlighting many of the reasons why Emily was nominated for the prestigious award
While tangible gifts like flowers, scented candles, jewelry, and cozy loungewear are all great ways to show your appreciation, the most important thing you can give to Mom on Mother’s Day is the gift of time. The two of you are making a journey together—one that started with the joining
In a recently aired segment on CBS’ 60 Minutes, Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook shared an update on Carol and Mike Daly, a couple he has followed for the last decade as Alzheimer’s slowly took Carol away, leaving her husband physically and emotionally shattered in its wake. Schekesia Meadough, BSN, RN,
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