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Five Signs That It Is Time For Memory Care

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Memory Care

Making the decision to implement memory care for a loved one is always a difficult process. However, your loved one’s quality of life must always be protected. There are certain indicators that it is time to consider assisted living. With that said, here are five signs that it is time for memory care.

Safety Becomes An Issue

First off, safety is crucial for your loved one. When signs of mental decline start to appear, your loved one’s safety may be of concern. This can include injuries at home, wandering, and mismanaging vital medication. If your loved one’s safety is at risk, it is time for memory care.

Financial Negligence

Forgetting finances is oftentimes one of the first signs of memory issues. If bills and going unpaid and piling up, your loved one is in need of memory care. Having the conversation about memory care may be difficult, but it is important when they are no longer able to properly handle finances.

Decline In Personal Hygiene

A lack of personal hygienic care is an indicator of memory issues. If your loved one is forgetting to bathe and take care of themselves, this is a sign that memory care is needed. Memory care services will give them the assistance they need for their personhood.

Changes In Personality

Has your loved one grown frustrated, agitated, or angry? On the other hand, they may grow isolated, withdrawn, and lonely. These changes in personality are signs that memory care will be valuable to your loved one. When memory issues start to show, their temperament will often change as well. 

You Want To Heal Your Relationship

When signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s appear, the dynamic between you and your loved one changes. You may become their primary caregiver. When this happens, your relationship can suffer. Using memory care and assisted living will take the caregiving off of your shoulders so you can go back to being their family, friend, and loved one.

Compassionate Assisted Living & Memory Care Communities In Michigan

At Courtyard Manor, we understand memory issues affect the entire family. You deserve peace of mind that your loved ones are enjoying a high quality of life and receiving the best care. Our all-inclusive nursing care is on the floor 100% of the time, 24 hours a day. Contact us today to learn more.

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Do you want to learn more about our many services, including memory care? If you do, please reach out to us today!
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Five Fall Activities For Loved Ones with Dementia

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Fall Activities

It’s important to stay active physically and mentally for loved ones with dementia. This helps with boredom, depression, and mental decline. While autumn can be a bit chillier than summer, there are still plenty of things your loved ones can enjoy. Here are five fall activities for loved ones with dementia.

Baking

Who doesn’t love a nice fall-themed dish? Baking is a fun way to keep your loved ones with dementia mentally engaged. Plus, they get the satisfaction of creating something with their own hands. Dishes with pumpkin or apple are especially popular in the fall, and easy to make. If your loved one is unable to partake in the baking, you can bake for them and share a meal together.

Enjoy A Walk

Autumn can be especially beautiful. Taking a walk together is a great activity for physical exercise. Plus, it’s also the perfect activity to spend some time talking and enjoying each other’s company.

Crochet

If mobility is an issue, brocheting, sewing, or knitting is a perfect fall activity. It’s comforting and relaxing, and, much like baking, brings a sense of creativity and fulfillment.

Reading

The coziness of fall makes it the perfect season for reading. Moreover, reading has been shown to boost cognitive function, fight stress, and improve memory for those with dementia. This can also be done with a book club, if they are in a living facility that has one.

Listening To Music

Music is a highly effective way to boost your loved one’s mood and quality of life. Plus, it’s been shown to improve memory and cognitive function. You may even discover some music they still remember and cherish.

Peace Of Mind For Families

At Courtyard Manor, we understand memory issues affect the entire family. You deserve peace of mind that your loved ones are enjoying a high quality of life and receiving the best care. Our all-inclusive nursing care is on the floor 100% of the time, 24 hours a day. Contact us today to learn more.

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Do you want to learn more about our many services, including memory care? If you do, please reach out to us today!
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Tips for Communicating With A Loved One With Dementia

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Communication

Dementia affects so many areas of a loved one’s life. These areas include memory, communication, and even their personality. Because of this, conversing with a loved one with dementia is a challenging process. However, knowing a few things ahead of time can make a world of difference. Here are five tips for communicating with a loved one with dementia.

Establish A Positive Environment

First off, you have the ability to set the mood of the conversation. This is done through your tone of voice, body language, and facial expressions. Communication may be more difficult when a loved one has dementia, but they can still understand your actions. Essentially, you want everything you do and say to radiate warm, affectionate feelings to make them feel at ease.

Speak Simply & Clearly

Simple words, questions, and statements are highly important. Speaking calmly in easy to understand words and phrases will help them stay engaged. Another way to do this is to use “yes-no” questions. Basically, questions that are too open-ended can be confusing. 

Be Patient

Listening closely and exercising patience will go a long way in dementia communication. Sometimes, your loved one will get stuck in the middle of a thought. When this happens, it is okay to offer support and help them find their words. Ultimately, being patient will make all the difference.

Offer Distractions When Necessary

Unfortunately, there are times when your loved one’s mood will be out of your control. If this happens, it’s important to not only be patient with your loved one but also with yourself. However, redirecting the conversation or offering healthy distractions can help if they are upset. Some effective options are offering to go for a walk or getting something to eat.

Laugh

Sometimes, the best medicine is laughter. While communication is challenging, those with dementia do often still maintain a number of social skills. Because of this, they are often happy to enjoy a sense of humor alongside you. However, always remember that laughter should never be at their expense. 

Dementia Care With Compassion

At Courtyard Manor, our goal is to see a smile on your loved one’s face every day. Your family becomes our family. Our all-inclusive nursing care is on the floor 100% of the time, 24 hours a day. Visit our site today to learn more.

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Do you want to learn more about our many services, including memory care? If you do, please reach out to us today!
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The Differences Between Alzheimer’s And Dementia

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The Differences Between Alzheimer’s And Dementia

June is recognized as Alzheimer’s And Brain Awareness Month. In honor of raising awareness, we at Courtyard Manor would like to discuss an important topic. Terms like Alzheimer’s and dementia often get used interchangeably. In fact, they both refer to declining mental ability and share many similar symptoms. However, there are a number of key differences between the two. With that said, let us show you the differences between Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Alzheimer’s Is A Disease, Dementia Is Not

First off, a major difference is that dementia is not technically a disease. Unlike Alzheimer’s, dementia is referred to as a “syndrome.” This refers to a group of symptoms, but not a disease. Essentially, dementia is an umbrella term for cognitive decline that Alzheimer’s falls under. The symptoms are centered around a decline in cognitive function, including memory, thinking, language, and behavior.

Triggering Dementia

While Alzheimer’s is a disease, dementia can actually be triggered by other diseases. Diseases such as Parkinson’s and Huntington’s are common causes for dementia. As time goes on, dementia symptoms often start to show.

Treatment

Another major difference is treatment. Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s is incurable. However, dementia symptoms can be treated with some success. Medications and therapies have been shown to be effective in dementia treatment. However, these methods do not work with Alzheimer’s.

Physical Symptoms

While dementia as an umbrella term focuses on cognitive issues, Alzheimer’s goes beyond strictly mental symptoms. It can cause physical problems as well. Common symptoms include trouble walking and swallowing in later stages.

Compassion For Your Loved Ones

At Courtyard Manor, we understand memory issues affect the entire family. You deserve the peace of the mind that comes with knowing your loved ones are receiving the best care. Our all-inclusive facilities have 24-hour care with compassionate, expert staff. Your family becomes our family. Contact us today to learn more.

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Do you want to learn more about our many services, including memory care? If you do, please reach out to us today!
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5 Early Signs of Alzheimer’s

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Recognizing Early Signs of Alzheimer's

Alzheimer’s is a brain disease that causes memory and thinking skills to decline over time. It can be difficult to identify whether someone is showing signs of it. However, there are a number of ways to identify symptoms early on. With that in mind, let us take a look at the 5 early signs of Alzheimer’s.

Memory Loss

First and foremost, memory loss is an early sign. Specifically, this deals with memory loss that interrupts daily life. This includes asking the same questions over and over, forgetting events and dates, and more. Essentially, if they are having trouble remembering things they normally did not need help with it can be considered an early sign of Alzheimer’s. 

Trouble Speaking Or Writing

Another early sign may also be trouble conversing. As a result, they may struggle finding the right word. Additionally, joining and keeping caught up in a conversation can be difficult. 

Misplacing Things & Problems Retracing Steps

A person with the early signs of Alzheimer’s will often place things in unusual places. Consequently, they struggle to remember where they placed them. Finally, it becomes difficult for them to retrace their steps and figure out where those items might be.

Decreased Judgement & Reasoning Skills

Decision-making can be a challenge and an early sign of Alzheimer’s. The person may show a lack of attention when dealing with money, hygiene, and more. Essentially, their judgement and reasoning skills will start to falter.

Changes In Mood & Withdrawal

A person with the early signs of Alzheimer’s may experience a change in their mood and personality. As a result, they may become depressed, anxious, or confused. Additionally, this can cause them to withdraw socially as they have trouble emotionally and conversationally.

Quality Of Life You Can’t Find Anywhere Else

At Courtyard Manor, we understand memory issues affect the entire family. That’s why we offer 24-hour on-floor nursing care. We give your loved ones quality of life and compassion you cannot find anywhere else. Are you ready to give yourself and your loved ones the peace of mind they deserve? Contact us today.

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Do you want to learn more about our many services, including memory care? If you do, please reach out to us today!
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5 Safe And Healthy Summer Activities For Seniors

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Summer Activities

Staying active is an important part of aging healthily. Partaking in healthy activities is great not just for physical health, but mental well-being as well. The social benefits can even prolong life. With summer just around the corner, it is a good idea to have some activities ready to go. Let us take a look at these 5 safe and healthy summer activities for seniors. 

Have A Picnic

Getting outside is especially important. Sunlight is an excellent source of Vitamin D, which helps fight a number of issues including anxiety, depression, and osteoporosis. The sunlight and nice weather is a great way to stay active and keep spirits high.

Board Games And Puzzles

Board games are a fun and easy way to socialize, have fun, and keep seniors’ minds active. Additionally, studies show that mental activity may even help dementia. 

Crafting

Another one of the 5 safe and healthy summer activities for seniors is crafting. Art therapy can be very beneficial for seniors. Working on a craft gives them a creative outlet to express themselves. In addition, it keeps their motor skills healthy. This is also a great way to socialize.

Visit Sporting Events

This is another fun activity that helps seniors get their Vitamin D from sunlight. Also, it can be a great way to connect with family and friends. Watching sporting events that their grandchildren are playing in can be a great way to stay social and active.

Reading A Book

Reading can also be done outside to enjoy the fresh air and sunlight. Moreover, joining a book club can give seniors some wonderful socializing. Reading also keeps their mind active and has mental health benefits.

Compassionate Assisted Living

At Courtyard Manor, we give your loved ones a quality of life you can’t find anywhere else. With 24-hour on floor nursing care, you can rest easy knowing your loved ones are in a safe and caring environment.

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Do you want to learn more about our many services, including memory care? If you do, please reach out to us today!
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5 Benefits Of Memory Care For Seniors

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If you have a loved one with memory care needs, it is easy to feel hopeless and stressed. Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and brain injuries all severely affect memory. It is difficult to watch a loved one have their memory affected. However, there are steps that can be taken to alleviate that difficulty. Memory care can go a long way to make a difference through a number of ways. Let us take a look at 5 benefits of memory care for seniors.

Engagement

Memory care helps a great deal with engagement. In truth, a lack of engagement and social interaction can cause Alzheimer’s and Dementia to worsen. By having regular engagement and social interactions, however, your loved one can avoid this. This is especially valuable with professional 24-hour care. Stimulating the brain with activities and engagement leads to a more fulfilling life for your loved one.

Physical Safety

Seniors with memory-affected conditions can easily become lost or confused. In these moments, they may wander and find themselves in potentially harmful situations. Because of this, memory care is especially important. By having memory care professionals available at any time, your loved one will always be safe.

Quality Time

If you are the primary caregiver for your loved one that is affected by memory conditions, it can be difficult to find quality time with them. Your time and energy goes into caring for and protecting them. Due to this, it can be hard to find time to spend uninterrupted, quality time with your loved one. With memory care, you can step away from the caregiver role and become the family or friend you both need.

Daily Tasks

Memory care also helps greatly with daily tasks. This takes care of things such as doctors bills, medication, food, and more. With memory care, you no longer need to worry whether your loved one is receiving food or cleaning. Their daily tasks and needs are taken care of.

Peace Of Mind

Peace of mind is one of the best of the 5 benefits of memory care for seniors. At the end of the day, you deserve to have peace of mind regarding your loved ones. Memory care offers this for you and your loved ones. Truly, knowing your loved one is getting the best possible care is an invaluable gift. 

All-Inclusive Care

At Courtyard Manor, we know memory issues affect the entire family. Additionally, we know that no two situations are the same. That is why our memory care facilities have 24-hour nursing care for your loved ones. Our philosophy, training, and engagement focuses on meeting your loved one where they are in the moment. We go above and beyond to give your loved ones the compassion, joy, and comfort they deserve.

Do you want to learn more about our many services, including memory care? Contact us today.

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Do you want to learn more about our many services, including memory care? If you do, please reach out to us today!
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4 Tips For Long-Distance Caregivers

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Being a local caregiver is already a demanding situation: being a long-distance caregiver even more so. If you already have long drives for work, errands, and other appointments, being a long-distance caregiver can be especially difficult. Here are 4 tips for long-distance caregivers to make your life a little easier.

Create A Local Caregiver Team

You can’t always be there to give care when you are a long-distance caregiver. In addition, you can’t do it alone. Having some local caregivers to help out is crucial in your role as a long-distance caregiver. This can be done by keeping in touch with local agencies, neighbors, yard service members, house cleaners, and more. 

Be Realistic About What You Can And Can’t Do

This goes along with your local caregiving team. You can’t fulfill every role, so being realistic about what you can and can’t do is important. If you aren’t realistic about what you’re able to do, you will end up not giving the quality care you’re aiming for. If you focus on the tasks that can be done long-distance, you’ll find you can still be a vital part of the caregiving process. This can include things like handling finances, scheduling appointments, calling doctors, and more.

Make The Most Of Each Visit

Since you can’t be there all the time, making the most of each visit is very important. First and foremost, make sure your visits are fun and full of love. That is why you do what you do. In addition, make sure to check for any work that needs to be done while you’re there. Leaky faucets, yard work, and so on. You can also use this time to meet any local caregivers and service providers, such as neighbors, yard care workers, and more. Checking in with them will also help make the most of each visit. 

Stay Connected

Just because you’re a long-distance caregiver doesn’t mean you can’t stay connected. Regular phone calls or face-time calls make a huge difference in staying connected. This is great for keeping spirits high. Other ways to stay connected can be scheduling phone meetings with doctors, calling neighbors to check in, and more. You might not live right next to each other, but it does not have to always feel that way.

The Perfect Place For Your Loved One

Do you have a loved one in need of assisted living? Courtyard Manor promises you the peace of mind you deserve. We guarantee safety and compassion you can’t find anywhere else. Our goal is to see a smile on your loved one’s face, every day. Contact us today for a free assessment.

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4 Self Care Tips For Caregivers

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Being a caregiver is not an easy task. Caring for someone else’s life and putting their needs before your own can be overwhelming, especially if you were suddenly thrust into the position of caregiver. This is why self care is so important for the caregivers themselves. If you aren’t taking care of yourself, it can become more difficult to take care of someone else. Here are 4 self care tips for caregivers.

Don’t Be Afraid To Say No

This is at the top of the list because it is one of the hardest to do. As a caregiver, you may find it comes naturally for you to say “yes” to everything asked of you. It’s in your nature to help others as much and as often as possible. However, sometimes you need to say no: and that can include turning down invites to fun things that you’d even like to attend! You might occasionally need a night of alone time just to recharge, and that’s fine.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help

This is another one that can be daunting. Do you find yourself piling on responsibilities so you don’t inconvenience others? Perhaps you think you’d be a bother to ask others for help. However, this can quickly take a toll on you and cause burnout. Your friends and loved ones are there for you, and chances are they would be happy to help you. Even if it’s just something small, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Get Enough Rest

Easier said than done, right? However, getting proper rest is essential for your role as a caregiver. Having a routine sleep schedule can be a great help to staying properly rested. Avoiding naps during the day will also help you sleep easier at night so you can more easily develop a healthy sleep schedule.

Find A Therapist

In an ideal world, everyone would have a therapist. But caregivers especially need a professional they can talk to. Mental health is just as important as physical health. Finding a therapist doesn’t mean you have “failed” or that you are weak. Quite the opposite: it means you are strong enough to know your limits. Caregiving day in and day out means putting others before yourself. Having professional help makes this journey easier on you. Even if it’s just to have a licensed professional there to listen, it makes a big difference.

Peace Of Mind For Assisted Living

Do you have a loved one in need of assisted living? Courtyard Manor promises you the peace of mind you deserve. We guarantee safety and quality of life you can’t find anywhere else. Our goal is to see a smile on your loved one’s face, every day. Contact us today for a free assessment.

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Benefits of Caffeine for Seniors

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Do you think healthy aging means giving up your morning cup of coffee? Think again! A caffeinated jolt in the morning may help prevent many age-related conditions, including dementia and heart health problems. Caffeine is an effective antioxidant, which means it can help fight age-related oxidative damage. This can improve one’s health in numerous ways, especially as you age. Keep on reading to learn more about some of the benefits of caffeine for seniors! 

Enhanced Memory

According to a study involving military personnel who lacked sleep, 200-milligram doses of caffeine increased logical thinking and reasoning skills. Seniors who have difficulty sleeping may also enjoy similar benefits. An average amount of caffeine can also increase your loved one’s long-term memory. This is because caffeine boosts the brain’s consolidation process, helping them retain information for extended periods. Although too much caffeine can make your loved one feel anxious, impeding long-term memory formation.

Decreased Risk of Dementia

Another benefit of drinking caffeine is the reduced risk of dementia. Studies involving coffee and tea drinkers suggest that caffeine may be associated with the reduced cognitive decline with age. Researchers have concluded that drinking three to five cups of coffee may help decrease the risk of dementia later in life by as much as sixty-five percent. Scientists also found that those with cognitive impairment had unwanted built-up in the brain that may be responsible for dying brain cells. Caffeine helps counteract this buildup by blocking the processes that lead to harmful tau protein.

Reduced Risk of Stroke

Additionally, caffeine reduces the risks of a stroke. A study involving middle-aged women found that those who consumed more than a cup of coffee per day were least likely to have a stroke. As with all lifestyle habits, it is recommended to consult your loved one’s physician about appropriate daily amounts of caffeine. 

Less Driver Errors

Lastly, caffeine reduces driver errors and accidents. For seniors, increased alertness behind the wheel aided in the prevention of accidents. When your loved one consumes a caffeinated drink, caffeine directly affects the central nervous system, boosting brain activity. This often leads to enhanced muscle coordination and increased cognitive awareness. Your loved one can earn a mental boost throughout the day by regularly drinking tea or coffee. However, various drugs are known to interact with caffeine, so seniors looking to boost their cognitive functioning should first speak with their doctors. 

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