Memory Care

Mom and Dad haven’t been the same for some time. As their kids grew older and moved hours away, and they sold their family business, many of the joys of conversation and socialization were lost. They now watch hours upon hours of television—Mom occasionally works on some of her favorite pastimes, like crafting and sewing. … Continue reading “The joy of conversation and socialization and their importance for seniors”

Steve Klotz, Executive Director of Validation Education, joined Country Meadows in 1995. He was looking for a career change when a friend told him Country Meadows in York had an opening for a chaplain. He wasn’t sure he was the right fit, but he took a chance and soon fell in love with the residents. … Continue reading “Validation—the key to compassion and communication in memory care”

November is not only the month of giving thanks and enjoying the last of fall foliage, but it’s also Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month. This month, the Country Meadows assisted living team wanted to celebrate the people who selflessly give to those closest to them. More than 40 million Americans act … Continue reading “Caregiving tips for families whose loved ones have dementia from our assisted living facility experts”

As we grow older, it is normal to experience some degree of memory loss. People naturally begin to endure a decline in brain activity after the age of 50, leading to common memory issues like the name of an acquaintance, where we left our car keys or the date or location of an important appointment. … Continue reading “7 ways photos can stimulate memories for loved ones with dementia in assisted living facilities”

Sept. 8th is National Grandparents Day, and it’s a great time to thank and pay tribute to these senior family members for all they have done. While we shouldn’t need a special day to do this, sometimes it’s helpful to be reminded to show our appreciation or to say, “We love you.” Grandparents Day was … Continue reading “Grandparents Day—senior living homes want you to come and make memories”

People who retain their vision, hearing and physical reflexes are driving today at ages beyond those of previous generations. But no matter how long you have been driving, you’re never too old to heed advice for safe driving. Follow these tips for safe driving (with input from the Mayo Clinic and HelpGuide.org): Stay physically active … Continue reading “Safety on the road makes for healthier, happier senior independent living”

Joel Kroft, Executive Director of Memory Support Services, is celebrating 15 years of service with Country Meadows, 11 of them in his current position after previously serving as a trainer for memory care staff at our campuses. After college and graduate school, where he studied developmental psychology and adult development and aging, he cared for … Continue reading “Memory care services give purpose and meaning to seniors with dementia”

With the senior population growing each year, more and more older Americans are embarking on travel adventures with their families. Recognizing this trend, hotels and airports have begun to rethink and modify services to meet this age group’s changing mobility needs. While that’s great news for senior travelers, families of those with dementia need to … Continue reading “10 tips for dementia care while traveling with a loved one”

The other day I talked with a new resident and learned where she was from, what she did before her retirement and her favorite activities. I helped her recall some of memories by asking a few questions, which she readily answered. As we got deeper into our conversation, I noticed that she kept repeating herself … Continue reading “Patience is a virtue, especially when speaking with a person with dementia”

Managing prescription drugs can be difficult and even risky for seniors with memory issues, particularly if they live alone. Their risk for drug-related problems increases further as they age or take additional medications. Survey results released by AARP have shown that 80 percent of Americans ages 65 and older take at least two prescription drugs. … Continue reading “Assisted living or memory care services can help seniors manage their medications”

Cold weather months are the peak season for house fires and related injuries and deaths, with cooking and heating equipment as the main causes. Americans 65 and older account for just 15 percent of the population but make up 40 percent of fire deaths. Consider these sobering statistics from the U.S. Fire Administration: In 2017 … Continue reading “Retirement apartments in senior communities offer protection from fires”

“Susan, is that you? Oh Susan, it’s so lovely to see you. It’s been years and years!” a mother calls out to her son. He visited her memory care facility just yesterday, to prepare her to see the grandkids and spend time with her one-on-one. Still, she conjures up images of her best friend from … Continue reading “8 tips for dining out with your loved one needing memory support this holiday season”

Mary is concerned that her husband Harold hasn’t come home for dinner yet. She wonders if he’s working late but is worried that he hasn’t called. She hopes he hasn’t been in a car accident. In truth, Harold died five years ago. But for Mary today, Harold is very much alive, at least in her … Continue reading “Validation therapy provides memory care support to comfort and socialize”

When my son asked me to tell him about my childhood, I felt like someone had tossed me into a turbulent rolling tunnel where numerous images bombarded me. My mind went blank, but at the same time I had flashes of people, places and events, but nothing I could concentrate on and tell him about. … Continue reading “Find your hidden memories so your legacy lives on”

During November, Country Meadows is observing Alzheimer’s Awareness Month by using our experience and resources to provide information on dementia and help families who are dealing with it. As a member of the Alzheimer’s Workplace Alliance (AWA), Country Meadows has an important role in educating and guiding families. The AWA is a group of nearly … Continue reading “During Alzheimer’s Month, we invite you to benefit from our memory support resources”

September 9 is Grandparents Day, and we would like to use this time to assist children with grandparents receiving dementia care, either at home or a retirement community. When beloved grandparents have dementia, their grandchildren may become confused, frightened or upset by the changes they see. The best way for parents or other adults to … Continue reading “Children with grandparents in dementia care need support, too”

Q: What is the key factor in the happiness and comfort of seniors residing at the best retirement communities? A: The quality of the staff. Words from families about staff members at our senior communities From co-workers in health care and therapy services to those in food services and maintenance, they arrive each day with … Continue reading “Co-workers at the best retirement communities are driven by making a difference”

If you have decided that retirement community living could meet your needs or those of a loved one, you have several options to consider. You may even feel a bit overwhelmed by your choices and concerned about making the right one. Seeking recommendations from friends or relatives is fine, but your priorities may be different … Continue reading “What should you look for in a retirement community?”

With Halloween just behind us and all the holiday sweets just ahead of us, now is the perfect time to discuss oral health in seniors. Oral health can change during the senior years, so with teeth, gums and other areas of the mouth at greater risk of complications, routine dental care remains as important as … Continue reading “Dental care is a vital part of assisted living and personal care services”

Grandparents Day was declared a national celebration in 1978 by then President Jimmy Carter with the intent to “…to honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children, and to help children become aware of strength, information, and guidance older people can offer.” What a better way to honor them … Continue reading “Create a memorable Grandparents Day—How to interview grandparents about their lives”