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Senior Care in Home or An Assisted Living Facility

How To Decide

Is it better for you or a loved one to receive senior care in home or at an assisted living facility with a team of professional caregivers? It’s a big decision, and one that should be given plenty of thought. This quick guide will help you decide between senior care in home or at an assisted living facility. 

In Home

Senior care in home presents a number of benefits for you or your loved one. Being assigned one single, consistent caregiver means they get to know each other on a healthy basis to know their individual needs. Both the caregiver and individual know what to expect each day. There is also a sense of comfort of being able to remain in their own home while receiving care.

However, there are a few downsides as well. 24/7 care can be extremely expensive in-home. This also means you or your loved one can become socially isolated, resulting in loneliness, depression, and a lower quality of life. 

Assisted Living

Assisted living is much different. 24/7 care in an assisted living community is much more affordable. When your loved one’s daily needs are being met in the assisted living facility, it gives you and your family more time to focus on your relationship with them. Essentially, you can spend better quality time with them. Assisted living communities also allow for your loved one to socialize and meet new friends, an important aspect to a happy life.

Conclusion

Ultimately, this decision has to be made with you or your loved one’s best interests in mind. While moving into a new community can seem intimidating at first, an assisted living facility offers excellent levels of care, opportunities to socialize with others, and the option to spend their time doing activities they enjoy. 

Family-Like Environment

At Courtyard Manor, your family becomes our family. We ensure your loved one is treated with compassion and respect. To learn more about our assisted living and memory care communities, contact us today.

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Dementia Is Difficult: 7 Steps To Better Support Your Loved Ones

Dementia

At Courtyard Manor, we know dementia is a very difficult condition to care for. When a loved one has dementia, they struggle with memory, communication, and taking care of themselves. It can also cause jarring personality changes and mood swings from day to day. We have created a quick guide to assist you because we know dementia is hard to deal with. Here are what steps to take to give your loved one the support they need.

Stay Positive

Your facial expressions, body language, and general mood will deeply affect how your dementia care will go. Speaking to your loved one positively and warmly helps every step easier and more doable. Humor is also very effective for both you and your loved one, as long as it is never at their expense. 

Limit Distractions

The less noise and distractions, the better. Dementia is a disease that makes communication difficult. Helping them stay focused when you communicate is crucial to giving proper care for dementia. 

Keep Communication Simple

Make sure you are communicating in a way that is simple and clear. A big part of this is making sure the questions you ask while giving them care are straightforward. Basically, try not to make your questions open-ended. For example, instead of generally asking what they would like to wear, give them two shirts to choose between. They will be able to see and understand the choice they’ve been given more easily this way.

Use Simple Steps For Activities

Some things they may still be able to do on their own, but might get confused at certain parts. Walk them through each step when necessary, and if they lose their focus or can’t remember where something is, step in to help.

Know When To Change Subjects

Dementia is a disease that can result in intense mood swings. Sometimes your loved one will become agitated and frustrated. When this happens, you may want to change subjects or activities. Make sure to acknowledge their frustration as well before moving on. That way, they know they are being heard and are maintaining an emotional connection with you.

Share Memories

Finally, sharing memories is good for both of you. Memory is affected by dementia, especially in the short term, but they often still recall memories from years and years past. This is a great way to maintain that special connection with your loved one.

Compassionate Assisted Living & Memory Care Communities in Michigan

You deserve the peace of mind knowing your loved one is receiving compassionate care in a family-like environment. At Courtyard Manor, 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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Nursing Care – What You Need To Know

Nursing Care

Nursing care, also often times called long-term care, refers to a set of services for disabled and chronically ill individuals. These services include areas such as medical, personal, and physical needs that trained caretakers provide for them. This guide will explain nursing care, what you need to know, and how to determine if your loved one can benefit from this type of care.

Services

Nursing care provides a wide variety of vital services for your loved one. First off, everyday tasks such as bathing and providing food are included. Moreover, nursing care services include medical care such as monitoring medication and providing 24-emergency care. Room and board are included, and social activities are provided as well.

Finding The Right Nursing Home

Next, it’s always wise to plan ahead for finding the right nursing home. Doing some prior research will help you find peace of mind that your loved one will receive the best care available. Ask yourself and your loved one what level of care they need, and find out what level of care the facility provides. What tasks does your loved one need help with? Make sure to thoroughly examine all your options in regards to what your loved one requires.

Accomodations

Nursing care should be accomodating for all of your loved one’s needs. One area that is important to research is the facility’s design. Are they designed to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers? Is the environment comfortable, warm, and welcoming? Basically, you want your loved one to feel at home when they are receiving care.

Social Activities

Nursing care includes social activities as well. This is especially important not just for physical health, but your loved one’s mental and emotional health as well. Socializing keeps their spirits up, and healthy, fun activities help fight against depression and anxiety. Ultimately, this is extremely important for providing a high quality of life.

Compassionate Assisted Living & Memory Care Communities in Michigan

At Courtyard Manor, our all-inclusive nursing care is on the floor 100% of the time, 24 hours a day. Your family becomes our family. Know your loved one is treated with respect and dignity. 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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Assisted Living For Seniors: What You Need To Know

Assisted Living

At Courtyard Manor, we understand just how important the decision to bring a loved one to assisted living for seniors can be. If you have a loved one who may need assisted living, you’ll feel better knowing what it entails and its many benefits. Here is a quick guide on assisted living for seniors and what you need to know.

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living often gets confused with nursing homes. However, these are two different situations. Assisted living for seniors is for those that live relatively independent lifestyles that require some assistance day to day. On the other hand, nursing homes are typically for those that require a high level of medical care and consistent help. Plus, nursing homes tend to be much more costly due to these needs. Ultimately, this is the main difference between assisted living and nursing homes.

Benefits Of Assisted Living For Seniors

Assisted living for seniors has a multitude of benefits for your loved one. The first benefit is their physical health. 24/7 staff are there to help with whatever needs they may have. This includes tasks such as managing medication, personal care, and hygiene. Further services laundry, handling trash, and meals. 

Next, assisted living keeps your loved one mentally stimulated. Activities and amenities are available so they have plenty of exciting ways to stay engaged. Gardening, puzzles, movies, and book clubs are all examples of some of the ways assisted living helps to keep your loved one intellectually fulfilled.

Finally, assisted living is a wonderful way to stay social. Your loved one will meet new friends and get to spend time participating in fun activities. This is so important for your loved one’s mental health as well. Socialization helps with depression and anxiety, and gives them a high quality of life.

Ultimately, assisted living for seniors is not only beneficial for your loved one but for your whole family. When you know they are cared for and happy, it gives your family a peace of mind that they are living a life they can be proud of.

Compassionate Assisted Living & Memory Care Communities in Michigan

Courtyard Manor is here to help you sleep well knowing your loved one lives in a family-like environment filled with compassion, dignity, and respect. We always go above and beyond for our residents. Are you ready to give your loved one a quality of life they can’t find anywhere else? 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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Four Tips To Find The Best Senior Care Service

Senior Care Service

As loved ones grow older and are no longer able to take care of themselves day to day, it becomes time to look for senior care service. Moreover, it’s important to find a senior living facility that guarantees a high quality of life. With that said, here are four tips to find the best senior care service.

Determine What Level Of Care They Need

First off, it’s wise to figure out exactly what type of care your loved one needs. What activities do they need assistance with? Do they need meal preparation? Are they able to take their medication at the correct levels and frequency? By making a list of what services your loved one needs, you can get a better idea of which senior care facilities will be the right fit.

Make Sure They Stress Safety

Second, make sure the senior care service you are looking into prioritizes safety for their residents. You can do this asking them about their safety procedures, guidelines, and whether they have 24/7 staff. Ultimately, safety is going to be crucial for your loved ones.

Learn Costs

Next, learn ahead of time what is included in their senior care service. What amenities and services are covered? Essentially, by learning ahead of time what to expect, you can better plan getting the right care for your loved one.

Visit The Facility

Visiting the facility’s website is a good start, but visiting the facility in person is always a good idea. Get a feel for the environment. Does it feel homelike and friendly? Is it accommodating for each resident’s needs? When looking for the right senior care service, these are always important things to consider ahead of time.

24-Hour Nursing Care​

At Courtyard Manor, your family becomes our family. Know your loved one is treated with respect and dignity with our 24-hour nursing care. Are you ready to learn more about how we can give your loved ones an exceptional quality of life? Contact us today!

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Dementia: Early Symptoms & What To Do

Early Signs Of Dementia

When a loved one starts to display early dementia symptoms, it can be difficult on you and your family. However, detecting those symptoms can be challenging as well. With that said, there are ways to determine if your loved one is displaying these symptoms or not. Here are dementia’s early symptoms and what to do.

Short-Term Memory Loss

First off, one of the earliest symptoms is trouble with short-term memory. Things that happened just minutes ago may slip their mind. On the other hand, their long-term memory may still be completely normal. When frequent short-term memory lapses begin, this is one of the dementia early symptoms to take note of. 

Communication Issues

Is your loved one frequently struggling to find the right words? Trouble communicating is another major indication of dementia’s early symptoms. Even more, they may start communicating less in general. If communication is starting to fade and struggle, you should take note that this is often a sign of dementia.

Confused & Distracted Behavior

Confusion is another common early symptom of dementia. If your loved one has trouble remembering names and faces, this could be an indication of mental decline. They may show signs of foggy thinking with everyday tasks as well.

What To Do

Scheduling a doctor’s visit for your loved one is always a good idea. By getting a professional opinion through tests and evaluations, you will have a better idea of your loved one’s state of mind. Furthermore, it is time to start considering assisted living for your loved one. Essentially, this can give them much needed support and boost their quality of life. 

Offering Peace Of Mind

You deserve peace of mind that your loved one is receiving the best care possible. At Courtyard Manor, we offer a quality of life you can’t find anywhere else. Our 24/7 nursing staff is here to give your loved one with dementia the compassion and service they deserve. Visit our site to learn more.

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Assisted Living For Seniors – What You Need To Know

Assisted Living For Seniors

Assisted living refers to a category of housing catering to individuals requiring support for their day to day lives. In most cases, an individual moves to an assisted living facility to receive care regarding medical or personal services. This quick guide will give you an overview of assisted living for seniors and what you need to know.

Services

Assisted living for seniors comes with a wide variety of services for your loved ones. First off, necessities such as meals and medications are provided. Laundry services are typically provided as well, and nursing staff are on site for additional support. Moreover, daily social functions are provided to meet social and mental needs. All in all, assisted living for seniors aims to give a home-like, welcoming environment for a rich quality of life.

Memory Care

Not every assisted living facility offers memory care. However, the truly exceptional facilities provide ongoing support for memory care, Alzheimer’s, and dementia. If your loved one requires additional care for these services, make sure to choose a living facility that can provide them. 

Assisted Living Vs. Nursing Homes

There is some overlap between these two settings. Both assisted living and nursing homes provide similar services such as personal hygiene and meals. However, assisted living generally refers to moderately active seniors who do not necessarily require 24-hour care. Nursing homes, however, typically refer to situations where a loved one requires constant monitoring and support. Additionally, assisted living offers a wider variety of options and accommodations. 

Personalized Care

One of the greatest benefits of assisted living for seniors is the personalized care individuals can receive. Each senior has unique needs and requirements, and assisted living can meet these needs. Some may need assistance for taking the proper medications on schedule, while others may need help bathing and grooming on a day to day basis. With assisted living, personalized care can meet each individual at their specific level of care required. 

Summary

In conclusion, assisted living for seniors offers a warm, family-like setting with personalized care. Its numerous services can offer seniors a high quality of life while meeting their specific needs. Assisted living can give you and your loved ones peace of mind when you need it most.

Our Promise To You

Here at Courtyard Manor, our mission is to provide the best hands-on experience for our residents while preserving their dignity. You can have peace of mind knowing your loved one is in good hands. Contact us today to learn more! 

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Five Signs That It Is Time For Memory Care

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

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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Tips for Communicating With A Loved One With Dementia

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.

Reach Out To Us

Do you want to learn more about our many services, including memory care? If you do, please reach out to us today!