As your parents or other loved ones start to age, it is hard to know if they are safe alone. There are obvious signs, like increased forgetfulness or cognitive decline, but what about those who are not showing such obvious signs? While less obvious, there are signs that someone you care for should not be living alone. 

On many occasions, it is obvious when a loved one needs additional assistance, but there are some cases where it is not so obvious. These changes tend to happen gradually, which is why they may go unnoticed for an extended period of time. We are going to walk you through how to identify if your loved one can stay in their home alone or if it is time to seek more support.

As our loved ones get older, they usually require a higher level of care. Your options are usually at-home caregivers or assisted living communities, but it can be difficult to determine which is the best option for you and your family. So, what is the difference between the two?

While memory loss is a large part of Alzheimer’s disease, it tends to be our focus when it should not be. Individuals who suffer from Alzheimer’s undergo many neurological and physical changes, which can cause challenges for them and those around them. We have found that being informed and educated about the disease is the best way to prepare for the road ahead. We have divided the stages of Alzheimer’s into early, middle, and late stages. Let’s look at what you can expect from each one. 

Transitioning to assisted living can be a challenge; however, we often find that the benefits of assisted living were not possible when living at home. Our goal is to always help aide this transition and we find it helps to lay out some of the benefits.

Transitioning to a memory care community is hard; it’s hard on your loved one and it is hard on you. They are leaving their home. You are probably dealing with a lot of feelings around the subject. On top of all of that, you have to pick a community for your loved one to move into. So how do you pick the right one? We are about to walk you through the key things to consider.

As a caregiver, it is easy to get overwhelmed. There is constant care, ensuring proper nutrition, social interactions, and so much more. It is hard to keep it all straight. One way to be prepared for doctor’s visits is to write down your questions or anything you have recently noticed before-hand. For example, if there have been any recent changes in your loved one’s mood, write it down as a concern. This is a great opportunity to get answers without being on hold or sifting through a variety of resources. You may be asking, “but what do I ask?” A few very important questions are: 

At all ages, flexibility and mobility are important to overall health; but it’s even more important as we age.

The transition to assisted living communities can be difficult; from finding a community to being confident you made the right choice.

Memory loss diseases, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s do not discriminate.

Aging is natural; however, without the proper care, it can happen quicker than it should.

Noticing that your loved one is showing signs of dementia is always heartbreaking…

Delirium and Dementia are two different illnesses that share several of the same characteristics…

It is the New Year, and there are so many new opportunities for your loved one!

Memories are one of the most valuable things we have in our lifetime ….

With the holidays fast approaching, we are surrounded by friends and family, including parents and grandparents.

Respite care, also known as a short-term stay in an assisted living community, can be a very important resource…

Community is so important to everyone, especially those affected by Alzheimer's disease.

Your memory is one of the most important things to protect…

With residents that are a part of Bluegrass' memory care programs, it is important that they participate in daily activities that exercise their brains.