Senior Living Blog by UMH

Why Memory Care Matters

By: Tracey Haughton November 25th, 2022

Keys to Helping Seniors with Dementia Live a More Enriched Life

What Types of Services Can I Expect from an Assisted Living Community?

By: Elizabeth Bemis July 13th, 2022

If your loved one is showing signs that they require some help with the activities of daily living, you’ve likely been seeking out resources to help navigate the type of support they realistically need. Often, this is the time seniors and their families consider the prospect of transitioning to an assisted living community. Many offer an abundance of services that can make moving to an assisted living residence incredibly helpful and worthwhile.

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8 Must-Take Steps for Touring Assisted Living Communities

By: Elizabeth Bemis June 20th, 2022

Searching for the right assisted living community for your loved one can feel like climbing a mountain, especially if you’re new to the process. It’s an important decision, and one you’re unlikely to take lightly, as the community you choose will have a major impact on your loved one’s health, happiness, and financial outlook. Deciphering what differs one community from another and making essential considerations around issues like budget and value require a well-planned approach.

Memory Loss with Age: What’s “Normal” for Older Adults?

By: Elizabeth Bemis May 13th, 2022

Aging is a natural process, one that comes with its fair share of changes and challenges—not the least of which include those related to memory. Plenty of older adults joke about having “senior moments” when they forget something or lose focus. And truthfully, some forgetfulness and lapses in memory are to be expected with age.

Unexpected Advantages of Pet Companionship for Seniors Living with Dementia

By: Elizabeth Bemis April 13th, 2022

Pets are those loyal companions who bring joy and meaning to the lives of those around them. From traditional pets, like dogs and cats, to other varieties including birds, rabbits, and more, there’s simply nothing quite like the feeling of bonding with an animal. It is for these obvious reasons that many seniors enjoy living with or spending time with pets. But did you know there are some unexpected benefits to pet interaction, particularly for seniors facing memory struggles such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia?

Why Quality Memory Care Programs Tap Into the Healing Power of Music

By: Elizabeth Bemis March 8th, 2022

Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia can have one of the most tragic effects on a senior’s life: stealing their precious memories. There is, however, one key brain area that goes relatively undamaged in the process, and that is musical memory. A senior’s memories linked to music may be largely preserved, even for those in highly progressed stages of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Alzheimer’s & Medication Management: What Every Caregiver Should Know

By: Elizabeth Bemis February 8th, 2022

One of the most prominent challenges for seniors living with Alzheimer’s is consistently remembering to take their medication—in the exact prescribed dosages and at the correct times. Depending on an individual’s specific physical and mental health needs, there’s likely to be a number of different medications to manage, with quantities and/or physician directives changing as the senior’s circumstances change. Ultimately, this process can become a highly complex one, and handling it properly is absolutely critical to a senior’s health and well-being.

How to Help Seniors with Dementia Cope with Colder Weather

By: Elizabeth Bemis January 18th, 2022

In many parts of the country, winter’s chill is forcefully gripping the air. The next few months will urge the majority of us inside to keep warm and avoid the discomforts of colder weather. For seniors, the prospect of facing a snowy, icy, or otherwise freezing climate can be a daunting one. But these conditions are even more hazardous for those living with dementia, as the bite of winter often presents a number of heightened risks to their physical and mental health.

Staying Hydrated - Not Just a Summer Problem

By: Elizabeth Bemis September 24th, 2019

With warm weather and time in the sun, staying hydrated is challenging for everyone, especially seniors but many don’t realize they can become dehydrated at any time during the year. Dehydration is a common cause of hospitalization, especially in the summer months. Although the warm season is a time to be on guard for dehydration, this could be a potential risk at any time of the year. That’s why it’s so important to keep an eye out for signs of dehydration in yourself if you’re a senior, or in a parent or senior loved one, if you’re a caregiver.

Independent Living vs. Assisted Living vs. Memory Care

By: Elizabeth Bemis May 21st, 2019

Moving out of your home and into a senior living community comes with a lot of big changes and adjustments. However this can be an exciting time if you choose a community that’s a good fit for your needs.

Should Your Aging Loved One Move in with You?

By: Elizabeth Bemis May 21st, 2019

As your loved one gets older, the risks and downsides of them living on their own increase. Your first thought may be to ask them to move into your home, but this isn’t always the best senior care option for every family. Before you make any decisions about moving your parent or senior loved one into your home, consider the pros and cons of this option first.