When you go to get documents notarized you assume all of your personal data is going to be safe, right? Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Did you know that notaries in Arizona are NOT background checked when we receive our notary commission? That means anyone with $40 can become a notary in Arizona. Notaries in Arizona also get NO training. We don’t get any training on notary laws nor do we take a test to find out if we have any idea what our role is or how important our role is in handling legal documents. I had no idea about this until I became a notary almost 9 years ago. My guess is most of you did not know this until right now.

So how do you know the notary at least has a basic understanding about notary laws and your personal information is safe? There are no guarantees but there are some things to pay attention to: When you go to a notary or a mobile notary comes to you, does the notary cover up the personal information that is written on the same page where you sign your name in their book? If not, that means ALL of the personal information on that page could be easily stolen and used for identity theft. Just the other day, I walked into a UPS store to drop something off and the notary on duty was working with two people right in the middle of the store. The page in the notary book was almost full and I could see all of the personal information of every person on that page of the notary book. I could have easily taken a picture of all of that information with my phone without anyone knowing it and used it for nefarious reasons. Then when the notary was done, she walked back behind the counter and instead of securing her notary book and notary stamp, she casually threw them on the back counter and started helping other customers in the store. This not only left all that personal information vulnerable and easily available to an unscrupulous person but it made her stamp vulnerable to theft and being used on fraudulent documents . This is a clear example that this notary does NOT know the notary laws. Unfortunately, you will find these things happening more often than not.

Other examples that a notary does not know notary laws include back dating or forward dating a notarized document. It is the law that the date in the notary block (the paragraph where the notary signs and stamps the document) MUST be the date the document is being notarized on. The notary block must also include information about who the signer is, and the county and state the document is being notarized in. I have seen documents with no notary block at all, just the notaries signature and stamp. This is also an indication the notary does not know the notary laws or how to do their job.

Did you know that it is against the law for a notary to notarize documents that have blank spaces? I had a client come to me to notarize some documents for a refinance on their truck. They were refinancing with a local credit union but they were using a third party they found on the internet. The document was mostly blank. The information for the truck was on the document but the information for the owner was blank. I told the signer that she needed to put her information on the document where it was asking for it. She then told me the person she was working with told her NOT to fill anything else out. I told her I could not notarize the document. She then decided to call the person she was working with on this loan and she told him that she was with the notary and that the notary was refusing to notarize the document with all of the blank spaces. He then told her to just go to a different notary and they would do it. At that point she decided she was going straight to the credit union to apply for the loan directly. I think that was a smart move because we both believed this third party was trying to steal her truck! When there are blank spaces on a document, anyone can then fill in anything they want and it will be notarized.

Notaries are also required to do their best to make sure the signer in comprehending and understanding what they are signing. If the signer is not, then the notarization can not be done.

When witness are required, a notary must make sure the witness is not related to the signer or anyone named in the document, it is considered a conflict of interest. The witness also CANNOT be anyone involved with the care of the client.

If you are looking for a notary for your senior, there are a couple of things I highly recommend for you to look for in a notary. The first of course, is a background check on the notary. Notaries can get background checks through the National Notary Association. If you go to SigningAgent.com or FindaNotary.com, both are through the National Notary Association, then you can search the notary’s name and find out if they are background checked. If their name does not come up, though they could be background checked somewhere else, it is unlikely and I would avoid using their services. The other is how much experience a notary has with someone who is in cognitive decline (not all seniors have this issue). See if you can find one that is dementia trained or certified. This helps them to know how to speak with your senior to understand if they are making decisions that they are understanding.

I hope this information helps you to keep your’s and your senior’s personal information safe!

Melinda ‘Mindy’ Hansen
M&M Mobile Notary & Signing Agents, LLC

Call: 602.430.0951

We’d like to thank Melinda Hansen for supplying us with this valuable information, and for contributing to our blog. To learn more about her services, check out her website here. If you require help with other facets of caring for an aging loved one, check out our comprehensive directory of age-friendly businesses.

It can happen overnight. Or it can creep up gradually over a long period of time. What started as a simple helping hand for your aging loved one doing shopping, laundry, and chauffeuring to doctor’s appointments has now turned into a full-time job. Suddenly, you’re a caregiver.

How do you navigate caregiving 101? We’ve got you covered.

It can be overwhelming, frustrating, and exhausting all at the same time. Whether your parent has had a major health event like a stroke or is suffering from cognitive issues like dementia, it’s important to understand the full scope of caregiving. If you’ve found yourself in this situation, here are some good caregiving 101 tips to act on if you’ve made a commitment to take care of someone else.

Caregiving 101 To-Do List

For many caregivers, this isn’t their only job. Often, they have a professional daytime career as well. They might have children or grandchildren that they care for as well.

That’s why self-care is critical to mitigating fatigue, stress, depression, and the other side effects of too much caregiving. Remember, it’s one thing to gear up for a short-term health crisis with your aging loved one, but it takes another level of energy and tenacity to provide care over a longer period.

So, here are ways to be a successful caregiver by making it a top priority to care for yourself, too, along the way.

Caring for the Caregiver 101

• Set realistic expectations—for yourself and your loved one
• Learn about the disease and what you can expect
• Learn the skills you need to care for the care receiver and which ones you are or are not able to perform
• Learn to say “no” to things you cannot do
• Learn to accept help from others
• Build resilience
• Identify your button-pushers/stressors
• Identify your coping skills
• Remember the big three for successful coping:
  • Eat right—good nutrition as opposed to stress-snacking. Limit alcohol and other drugs
  • Exercise—it may be hard to find time but it’s the best cure for depression and increases your endorphins (“good” coping hormones)
  • Sleep—7-8 hours is hard to get but essential. Admit when you are experiencing burnout and get help

Most importantly, remember that taking care of yourself is as important as taking care of someone else.

A great place to get the support you need is by letting us help you. Senior Resource Connectors is here to provide trusted resources for all of you caregivers out there. Promise. We’ve got your back.

Contact Senior Resource Connectors

Your roadmap for determining the best care plan for your senior loved one in Arizona – at any age or stage. View our business directory, or connect with us below.

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Benjamin Franklin

It’s easier to solve a problem if you know the cause. In medicine this means understanding why people get sick and treating the disease itself, not just the symptoms. For nearly 100 years, the medical community had limited knowledge about why people develop Alzheimer’s disease. Recent scientific discoveries are uncovering clues about what causes Alzheimer’s and how to stop symptoms before they start. To understand how far we’ve come, let’s look at a brief history of Alzheimer’s research.

Dr. Alzheimer Describes a “Peculiar Disease” called Alzheimer’s

In 1906 a German psychiatrist named Alois Alzheimer presented the case of a “peculiar” disease at a conference. The patient, a woman in her early 50s known as “Auguste D.,” showed signs of memory loss, mood changes, paranoia and disorientation.

After her death, Dr. Alzheimer studied sections of Auguste’s brain under a microscope and reported that her brain had shrunk in certain areas with abnormal “depositions.” For most of the twentieth century, researchers studied the clinical symptoms of Alzheimer’s and explored potential causes of the disease. As technology improved, experts began to use brain imaging, such as CT and MRI scans, to identify the microscopic plaques and tangles (what Dr. Alzheimer referred to as “depositions”) associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Interested in supporting this research? Learn more at TestforAlz.com.

The Search for a Diagnosis for Alzheimer’s

In the mid-1980s the medical community created guidelines for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease. At the time, experts believed that Alzheimer’s had only one stage, known as dementia, where patients showed clear signs of cognitive decline. Once someone showed evidence of dementia, they could receive treatments for their symptoms. The 1980s guidelines assumed that only people with identifiable
dementia symptoms had the disease.

Researchers later discovered that Alzheimer’s can start affecting the brain years before symptoms
start, and that certain biological clues may indicate if someone is at risk of developing the disease.
In 2011, experts revised the guidelines for diagnosing dementia. New research showed that Alzheimer’s could lie dormant without symptoms for years, during a “silent” period known as “Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease.” Experts were exploring ways to detect Preclinical Alzheimer’s by looking for early disease signs in cerebrospinal fluid, blood, and other sources.

2021 and Beyond – New Reasons to Hope

Researchers are currently investigating new ways to detect and treat Alzheimer’s in its early stages. The FDA recently approved the first drug designed to address the causes of dementia.

There are many more clinical trials in progress (the number of dementia studies has doubled in the past ten years) as well as increased funding for dementia research from the US government and private donors.

To learn more about dementia research and how you can get involved, visit TestforAlz.com.

This fantastic article was supplied courtesy of Leah Berk, Senior Content Writer at CareAccess.com

Fill in the below contact form to get in touch with our clinical concierge at Senior Resource Connectors. Our services come at no cost to families.

Celebrating the Fourth of July is a beautiful opportunity to cherish time with our aging parents and create meaningful memories. This blog post offers ideas and suggestions for adult children to make the 4th of July special for their elderly loved ones, fostering a sense of love, joy, and togetherness.

1. Plan a Patriotic Celebration: Embrace the patriotic spirit by planning a Fourth of July celebration tailored to your parent’s preferences. Organize a backyard barbecue with favorite grilled dishes and traditional American fare. Decorate the space with festive red, white, and blue accents, such as flags, banners, and tablecloths. Consider playing nostalgic, patriotic music to evoke fond memories. Enjoy a family picnic at a local park or beach if the weather permits. Engage your parents in planning to ensure the celebration reflects their desires and creates a joyous atmosphere.
2. Create a Family Scrapbook: Gather old family photographs, capturing precious moments from previous Fourth of July celebrations and other significant occasions. Spend quality time with your parents, reminiscing about those memories, and create a family scrapbook together. In a world where everything is digital, it’s nice to have a tangible keepsake of precious moments. Provide colorful papers, stickers, and pens to make the activity interactive and creative. As you flip through the pages, share stories and anecdotes related to each photo, fostering a sense of nostalgia and strengthening family bonds. The completed scrapbook will serve as a cherished keepsake, reminding your parents of the love and warmth shared within the family.
3. Watch Fireworks Together: Attending a fireworks display is a quintessential part of Fourth of July celebrations. Check local event listings for nearby fireworks shows and take your parents along. If mobility is an issue, explore alternatives such as televised displays or community gatherings that offer a comfortable viewing experience. Bring cozy blankets, snacks, and refreshments to make the outing more enjoyable. Find a vantage point where your parents can comfortably watch the fireworks, ensuring their safety and comfort throughout the event. Taking in the dazzling lights and booming sounds will create a memorable experience.
4. Engage in Meaningful Conversation: This may seem obvious, but we often forget to pause and talk with our aging loved ones in the everyday rat race. Amidst the festivities, dedicate time to engage in meaningful conversation with your parents. Ask open-ended questions about their past Fourth of July memories, their experiences, and the significance of the holiday for them. Listen attentively and show genuine interest in their stories. Encourage them to share their wisdom, life lessons, and personal reflections. Such conversations foster a deeper understanding of your parent’s lives, imparting a sense of appreciation and connection. These heart-to-heart discussions create lasting memories and strengthen the bond between generations.

As adult children, we are privileged and responsible for making our aging parents feel loved and cherished. This Fourth of July, let’s embrace the opportunity to create a special celebration that honors their presence, creates lasting memories, and strengthens the beautiful bond between family members. Happy Fourth of July to all!

Remember, special holidays can be a lonely time for many aging parents and can lead to feelings of isolation and depression. If you suspect your senior loved one is struggling, read the following article for tips to fight holiday loneliness.

Life insurance can leave a lot of people scratching their heads in confusion. There is a lot of jargon to decipher, and the insurance industry has seen its fair share of scandal and fraud, leaving many people skeptical about its effectiveness and relevance in today’s world. This article sheds some light on some of the most pressing questions about insurance for seniors who reside in Arizona.

What is the difference between whole life insurance and guaranteed universal life insurance?

Whole life insurance can provide lifelong coverage and long-term peace of mind because the death benefit will payout regardless of when you die, as long as you pay the premiums. Like other permanent policies, whole life builds cash value by investing a portion of your premiums into a savings account. You can then withdraw the cash or take out a loan against the value. However, it can take time for the cash value in life insurance to build — sometimes a decade or more.

This type of life insurance is typically more expensive than term products, especially if you purchase a policy later in life. This is because your health can decline as you age, and your life expectancy is shorter, which means the insurer might have to pay out the policy sooner.

Guaranteed universal whole life insurance is a blend of term and permanent life insurance. Guaranteed universal, sometimes called “term for life,” is similar to term coverage in that the policies expire after a certain amount of time. However, instead of choosing several years to cover, you select an age at which the policy will expire, such as 90, 110, or 121.

Guaranteed universal life has lower monthly premiums than whole life, but it typically offers a small cash value while providing high coverage amounts. Guaranteed universal policies usually require you to pass a medical exam to qualify, and coverage is not always assured. The word “guaranteed” refers to a guaranteed death benefit permitted you pay your premiums.

How much insurance do I really need at my age? And how does one calculate this?

This figure can vary significantly as it is dependent on a couple of factors. Finding affordable life insurance for seniors is not always easy, as the cost of coverage typically increases as you age. But affordable options may be available, especially if you’re in good health. Here’s the average cost of life insurance for older adults, including seniors over 80, noted by gender:

• For women aged 65 and older, whole life insurance coverage of up to $100,000 can cost anything from $349 and upwards a month.

• For men aged 65 and older, whole life insurance coverage of the same amount can cost anything from $414 and upwards a month.

• For women aged 65 and older, guaranteed universal life insurance coverage of up to $10,000 can cost anything from $66 a month.

• For men aged 65 and older, guaranteed universal life insurance coverage of up to $10,000 can cost anything from $88 a month.

I’m retired and have no debt. Do I really still need life insurance?

If you’re debt-free and have healthy savings or funds set aside for final expenses, you might not need life insurance coverage. Although it’s always best to double-check with a professional if you’re unsure. A life insurance policy might make sense if you:

• Have outstanding debt that others would have to repay.

• Support a spouse, child, or other dependents with your income.

• Want to cover your funeral and burial costs.

• Have a high net worth and want to cover estate taxes.

• Want to provide an inheritance to those you leave behind.

I already have a lot of savings in different accounts. Is life insurance still relevant/necessary?

It may be challenging to say. Rather chat to a professional financial advisor to determine whether these accounts or savings will serve the needs of those you leave behind after your passing or whether your loved ones will still feel the pinch in your absence. 

If your death would financially harm no one in your life, you can likely put off investing in a life insurance policy. For now, you may find that saving and investing your money in other assets — stocks, bonds, your retirement funds, or real estate, perhaps — is a better move.

As part of our trusted coalition here at Senior Resource Connectors, they will be able to guide you on the next best steps for your new journey. Alternatively, get in touch with our clinical concierge at no cost to you for the best referral within our trusted network of companies.

Presidents Day is a time to celebrate our nation’s presidents and the legacies they have left behind.

The United States celebrates its presidents with a day of festivities.

What better way to celebrate than by getting out and doing something fun?

Seniors are one of the fastest-growing demographics in America, so it’s important that they have activities available to them when they want to get active outside their homes or assisted living facilities.

In honor of Presidents Day, we’ve put together a list of fun activities seniors can enjoy to celebrate.

From watching historical documentaries to taking a scenic drive, these activities will get you in the patriotic spirit! Plus, they’re all great ways to connect with your loved ones and create some lasting memories.

So gather your friends and family and get ready to have some fun!

We hope you enjoy these activities and have a wonderful Presidents Day!

1. Watch documentaries about American presidents: Watching documentaries about America’s past presidents is a great way to learn more about their lives and legacies. You can find many different titles at your local library or online.
2. Visit presidential landmarks: If you live near a presidential landmark, be sure to visit it on Presidents Day! These locations are often open to the public and offer guided tours.
3. Make patriotic crafts: There are many fun patriotic crafts that you can make with your elderly loved ones. Some ideas include making paper flags, creating USA-themed collages, or assembling puzzle maps of the United States.
4. Play trivia games about the presidents: Presidents Day is a great opportunity to test your knowledge of America’s leaders with some fun trivia games. You can find printable quizzes online or make your own questions.
5. Have a picnic lunch: A patriotic picnic lunch is a perfect way to celebrate Presidents Day! Serve foods that are traditionally associated with the holiday, such as hot dogs and apple pie.
6. Go on a nature walk: Take a nature walk and look for things that are red, white, and blue. This is a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy.
7. Listen to patriotic music: Patriotic music is a great way to get in the Presidents Day spirit! You can find many different albums of Americana music online or at your local library.
8. Read books about America’s presidents: Reading books about our nation’s leaders is a great way to learn more about their lives and accomplishments. There are many different titles available, so be sure to check out your local library or bookstore.
9. Create an art project inspired by one of our presidents: Presidents Day is a perfect time to create an art project that pays tribute to one of America’s leaders. You can make a collage, painting, or sculpture, depending on your artistic abilities.
10. Enjoy a delicious feast: What’s Presidents Day without a big, festive meal? Be sure to cook up your favorite patriotic dishes and enjoy them with your loved ones.

We hope you have a wonderful time celebrating Presidents Day with these 10 activities! From watching documentaries to playing trivia games, there is something for everyone.

We hope you enjoy these fun activities and have a great holiday!

​​​​​We hope you enjoyed this blog post! Be sure to check back soon for more content like this. Happy Presidents Day!​​​​​

We’re a trusted coalition of Arizona companies committed to providing your senior loved ones with the best care resources in Arizona, at any age or stage. You can reach out to us for help directly, or submit an application to become part of our trusted coalition.

We offer the best education, information, and all of the local resources needed to navigate the emotionally stressful challenges that occur when dealing with our aging population in Arizona. This includes adult children that are responsible for their senior parents.

Our mission is to provide seniors and their families easy access to the most trusted and professional resources for senior care. Our services will always be free.

Listen to our Podcast on the reason behind creating the coalition that is Senior Resource Connectors.

Are you looking for information on Phoenix senior living?

You’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we will answer all of your questions and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about where to live.

We’ll discuss topics such as cost, location, amenities, and more.

So whether you are just starting your search or you have already narrowed it down to a few options, read on for everything you need to know about Phoenix senior living!

What is the cost of living in a Phoenix senior living community?

The cost of living in a Phoenix senior living community varies depending on the type of community you choose.

Independent living communities typically have lower monthly fees than assisted living or memory care communities.

However, the overall cost of care will be more expensive if you need to move into a higher level of care later on.

It’s important to note that most Phoenix senior living communities offer all-inclusive pricing, which includes utilities, meals, and other amenities.

What are some common amenities offered in Phoenix senior living Communities?

Phoenix senior living communities offer a wide variety of amenities, including:

• Fitness centers
• Swimming pools
• Movie theaters
• On-site pharmacies
• Bistros and cafes
• Hair salons
• Library services

It’s important to note that amenities can vary from community to community, so be sure to ask about the specific amenities offered at each one.

What is the climate like in Phoenix?

The climate in Phoenix is hot and dry.

The average temperature year-round is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can get as high as 115 degrees in the summer.

However, there are also many days during the winter when temperatures reach into the 70s.

So overall, Phoenix is a very mild climate for seniors who are used to colder winters.

What are the best neighborhoods to live in Phoenix?

There is no one “best” neighborhood to live in Phoenix.

It really depends on what you are looking for in a community.

Some of the most popular neighborhoods include Camelback East, North Central Phoenix, and Scottsdale.

These neighborhoods offer a mix of urban and suburban living, as well as a wide variety of amenities and activities.

For more information on the different neighborhoods in Phoenix, Senior Resource Connectors can assist with this decision.

What should be considered when choosing a senior living facility?

When choosing a senior living facility, there are several factors to consider:

• Cost: the cost of each senior living facility will depend on the level of care required.
• Location: you will want to consider location so that you can visit your loved one on a regular basis.
• Size of community: you or your loved one may prefer a smaller or larger community depending on personal preference or individual care needs.
• Level of care offered: the level of care will depend on the care requirements of you or your loved one.
• Amenities offered: when looking at amenities offered, consider the level of activity and independence required.
• Climate: depending on personal preference you or your loved one may prefer a warmer climate.
• Neighborhoods: It may be important to stay in a neighborhood that is familiar to you or your loved one to avoid the upset of a major change in the environment. It’s comforting to reside near the usual hairdresser or a doctor that you come to know over the years.

It’s important to weigh all of these factors and find the right community for your individual needs.

If you need assistance with this decision, our team at Senior Resource Connectors can help! We offer free consultation services and can connect you with the best communities in Phoenix.

How do I know if Phoenix Senior Living is right for me?

The best way to decide if Phoenix Senior Living is right for you is to schedule a tour of a few communities.

This will give you the opportunity to meet the staff, see the facilities, and ask questions.

It’s also important to talk to your family and friends about their experiences with Phoenix senior living communities. Ultimately, you need to make the decision that is best for you and your loved ones.

If you have any other questions about Phoenix senior living, please don’t hesitate to contact us! We would be happy to help. Thank you for reading!

For more information on senior living in Phoenix, visit our website: https://seniorresourceconnectors.com/

Are you a senior who is looking for information on Phoenix Senior Living? You’ve come to the right place.

We’re a trusted coalition of Arizona companies committed to providing your senior loved ones with the best care resources in Arizona, at any age or stage. You can reach out to us for help directly, or submit an application to become part of our trusted coalition.

Our coalition of trusted Arizona companies answers critical care questions and provides the appropriate services, plans, and products for seniors and their families in need of guidance. Whether families need financial services, legal advice, moving assistance, or in-home help, Senior Resource Connectors is here to help.

Home health vs home care? Have you heard these two terms and just assumed they meant the same thing? Or have you been confused about what the difference was? Don’t worry; you are not alone. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they mean very different things in our industry.

Home With Help® , a coalition member of ours is a home care agency. So, we get asked a lot of questions about what services they offer, because most people don’t know the difference between the two types of companies. We totally get it as our family didn’t know how they were different before we got into this line of work.

Hopefully, this will help…

In-Home Care Agencies

Home care is a term people use to describe non-medical care provided by a caregiver in someone’s home. If a company says they are an in-home care (or home care) agency, then they have caregivers that will provide non-clinical services for people who need help with activities of daily living.

Below is a list of services that Home With Help® and most other companies offer as a home care agency. We pride ourselves in being able to offer a concierge approach to in-home care. So, this is not a comprehensive list of our services, but will hopefully give you a better understanding of what home care companies offer.

1. Personal Care Services such as bathing, toileting, dressing, grooming, hygiene assistance, and transportation.
2. Companionship for clients can be anything from medication reminders to playing games to monitoring diet and eating. This service can be for the senior who lives alone or for the family member who lives with the sick or elderly person and cannot leave the home.
3. Homemaking for the elderly, permanently or temporarily disabled, or senior suffering from Alzheimer’s or Dementia. These services include laundry, dishes, light housekeeping, meal prep, transportation to doctor’s visits or grocery store, and more.

Why should you should hire a home care agency?

Most seniors think if they hire a home care company, it takes away their independence. But, it is actually the opposite. It is a great preventative tool to allow them to stay in their homes as long as possible.

Home care services are perfect for anyone who needs a little extra help with activities pertaining to daily living. Hiring a caregiver is a great idea for someone who has had a recent surgery or hospital stay and cannot perform all of the normal tasks at home. If you have an elderly loved one in another state, you could hire a home care agency to check on them and help around the house.

Home Health Care

Home health is defined as in-home medical care and/or skilled services. Companies that offer in-home health care have licensed professionals on staff to help with acute or chronic health conditions.

This is a general list of services offered by home health care agencies…

1. Occupational therapy
2. Physical therapy
3. Nursing
4. Wound care
5. Doctor visits

Reasons to hire a home health care company

If you or a loved one has recently been released from the hospital, rehab center, or skilled nursing facility and still need clinical help, you would hire a home health care company. Or, if an elderly loved one has been diagnosed with a serious medical condition, home health care may be ordered by a doctor.

By Laura Wayman from The Dementia Whisperer

A diagnosis of any cause of dementia symptoms, while life-changing, marks the start of a new chapter and transition. It does not, however, indicate the beginning of an end. Individuals living with dementia symptoms continue to engage in daily life, interactions, relationships, tasks, goals and more. In life’s intricate mosaic, dementia symptoms do not diminish one’s humanity, either.

This fresh chapter is not devoid of transformation. The nuanced interplay of physical, mental and emotional shifts reshapes how individuals navigate life, especially as the disease progresses over time. To navigate this unique chapter with resilience and embrace the evolving narrative is to be “dementia aware.” A passage of notes or musical melody can induce a range of physical and emotional reactions. Being dementia aware is like acknowledging that one can’t change the melody, but you can learn to harmonize with the tune.

Addressing the multifaceted challenges of caring for someone with dementia involves overcoming the communication barriers that arise – to find a semblance of harmony when no one thought it was possible. Being dementia aware requires caregivers to adopt a nuanced mindset, filtering their interactions through a lens attuned to the everyday experiences of the person with memory impairment.

Here are five harmonious approaches to dementia awareness that enable caregivers to navigate challenges and foster positive connections with their loved ones and the people in their care.

1. The power of empathy

Establishing trust with those in your care involves stepping into their perspective and consistently expressing understanding. When you imagine and validate their feelings—whether frustration, fear or misunderstanding—you can magnify their emotional experience. This is not always ideal though. The next time around, soften the experience by connecting with them and acknowledging their internal experiences instead. Share in how they feel on both the surface and heart-string levels to make better connections.

2. Avoid information overload

Excessive details overstimulate and confuse individuals with memory impairment. Simple tasks many people don’t think twice about, like body movement and balance, are more challenging. That’s why it’s important prioritize and limit the information shared to preserve cognitive bandwidth. On some days, a simple cadence is all you need.

3. Lead with action

Prioritize positive action statements for effective communication. Questions can create a barrier whereas these statements act as answers, encouraging immediate engagement. This straightforward approach skips the process of answering questions, replacing it with clear and positive language. For example, instead of asking for help, say, “Let’s make lunch together,” proceeding with the action, followed by some hype.

4. Go with the flow

And avoid asking too many questions. Even seemingly simple inquiries can trigger challenging responses from individuals with cognitive impairment. They may find it difficult to process and responds appropriately, leading to increased frustration, anger and anxiety.

5. Help process information

Individuals experiencing dementia symptoms may face challenges in processing information that others handle routinely. By participating in the thinking process, you can fill these cognitive gaps, providing support that eases their frustration and fear often associated with challenges in grasping and processing information. Some hand holding can make the world of difference in so many ways.

By being Dementia Aware, we can foster cognitive, physical, spiritual and psychological well-being in a secure, supportive and loving environment.

To learn more about Laura, and what she does, click here.

If you’re an adult child in need of a trusted referral, advice or senior-centric resources of any kind, contact us at Senior Resource Connectors today. Our services come at NO COST to you.

By Laura Wayman, The Dementia Whisperer

Choosing a care facility for an aging loved one is an emotional decision, a delicate balance between love and practicality. Beginning the search for a top-notch facility signifies a commitment to ensuring that evolving needs are met with compassion and support. You seek a place where your loved one can experience dignity, comfort and the empowering opportunity to thrive and fully embrace the richness of life.

When navigating through different facilities, consider asking questions that delve into the level of personalized care, staff training in providing compassionate support, available amenities fosterin comfort and the programs in place to ensure residents can thrive and engage fully in their lives.

Here are some essential questions to ask during your exploration, so you and your family can land on a place that prioritizes compassionate care, comfort and the opportunity for your loved one to thrive.

What’s the facility’s overall approach to leadership, and how does it engage with families when considering memory care for a loved one with dementia?

When searching for a memory care community for a loved one with dementia symptoms, it’s imperative to pose vital questions so you know the priority is optimal care.

Gain insights into the community’s leadership, inquire about executive engagement and ask about measures for issue resolution, staff training, certifications and resident security to make an informed decision.

Next, learn details about the community’s size and amenities. Get informed about the capacity of resident rooms, whether they are private or companion rooms, and the availability of dining rooms, as well as indoor and outdoor activity spaces. This will give you insights into the living conditions and communal facilities that your loved one will experience.

How does the facility address medical care and staff interaction for residents with
dementia?

When evaluating a memory care community, inquire about the presence of 24/7 medical staff, especially registered nurses or licensed nurse practitioners.

Explore the training protocols for staff in dementia care and their approach to managing dementia-related behaviors, such as wandering. Additionally, seek clarity on the consistency in assigning caregivers to residents, which fosters a stable and comfortable living environment.

How are dietary and living conditions addressed within the community?

Look into the meal setting, cleanliness level and the approach to individual nutrition needs. If companion rooms are an option, ask about the compatibility assessment process and whether a resident can remain in the same room as their condition progresses.

What should I consider regarding regulatory compliance and financial aspects?

When finalizing your decision, learn about regulatory compliance by asking about the community’s oversight and the state entity responsible for ensuring compliance.

Explore financial considerations, including overall costs, potential Medicaid support and any consequences tied to financial decisions. These questions will serve as valuable guides. Opting for the right community offers relief. Once you know expert care is tailored to your loved one’s comfort and need, you can begin to refocus on relationship-building and spending valuable time once again.

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If you need resources, advice, or a trusted referral, then Senior Resource Connectors is your go-to. We can help get your senior the care or advice needed to offer you complete peace of mind, at no cost to your family. Contact us today.