Coping with a loved one’s dementia: Get our free guide on memory support for families

When those we love begin to experience symptoms of dementia and memory loss, they are likely frustrated, anxious and fearful. Their family members and friends will share those feelings while, at the same time, doing what they can to guide their senior loved ones through this difficult process.

It is an emotional time for everyone involved, and caregivers need to care for themselves as well if they are to be fully supportive of their memory-challenged seniors.

New guide for caregivers is available

In observance of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in November, Country Meadows Retirement Communities has just published a free guide, “Understanding Dementia’s Effects on Your Loved One and Family,” to help caregivers deal with dementia and memory loss. You can order the guide here now.

The free guide includes resourceful tips and insights including:

• Assessing if a loved one may have dementia
• Interacting with someone with dementia
• 5 steps to address concerns about driving
• Legal and financial planning
• 8 questions to determine if memory care is needed

The guide also provides information on the Validation Method of communicating with those with dementia; visiting and celebrating the holidays with them; selecting a memory support program and helping children cope with a grandparent’s dementia.

Connections Memory Support Services

At Country Meadows, we know how upsetting and debilitating the effects of memory loss can be for seniors. Recognizing the special needs of these residents, we developed our Connections Memory Support Services 30 years ago and, since then, have cared for more than 10,000 people. Our Connections service is available to our residents in our personal care and assisted living homes as well as our independent living communities.

We offer two distinct levels of service—the Connections Club and Connections Neighborhood. Our Connections Club helps alleviate feelings of frustration and anxiety that accompany early-stage memory loss, using one-to-one assistance to create personalized support plans. Our Connections Neighborhood meets the needs of individuals with more serious memory loss, who need hands-on assistance with daily activities, a structured, supervised setting or a safe, secure living area.

If you are choosing a retirement community and feel your loved one might benefit from our Connections program, we recommend that you view this video. You may determine that his or her needs would be met by memory support services delivered within our caring senior community, rather than a nursing home or long-term care facility. We also invite you to contact us to learn more about Country Meadows and tour any of our Pennsylvania or Maryland retirement homes.

We would be happy to introduce you to our comfortable senior housing in Lancaster, York, the Harrisburg area, Wyomissing, Lehigh Valley and Pittsburgh, where we offer fulfilling, personalized senior living that engages the body, mind and spirit.