Senior Living Blog by UMH

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.

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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.

What to Look for in a Memory Care Community

By: Elizabeth Bemis November 12th, 2019

Do you or a senior loved one need to find a memory care community? Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia have specific needs that often can’t be met when they live at home. Fortunately, memory care communities are designed specifically for those seniors’ needs in mind.

Why You Should Make the Move to Senior Living Sooner Rather than Later

By: Elizabeth Bemis November 12th, 2019

Are you considering making the move to a senior living community? For seniors who face memory or health challenges, it’s better to move to senior living now rather than putting the transition off. In fact, before you face physical challenges, you should consider making the move. Here are a few reasons it’s a smart decision to move to a senior living community as soon as possible.

Memory Loss: Tips and Techniques for Communicating With Your Aging Loved One

By: Marissa Salvesen August 26th, 2014

Attempting to communicate with a loved one with memory loss can be challenging. However, there are ways to manage the situation while improving the quality of life for those with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other memory issues. Ultimately, the right communication strategies can yield positive results for both you and your aging loved one. Set the Scene