Modifying Holiday Celebrations for Loved Ones with Dementia

By Kathleen Biggs, CTRS Picture-perfect parties, over-the-top decorations, loud and crowded family gatherings and the biggest and best gifts –Hollywood’s depiction of the holidays sets the bar high for celebrations, and can place unnecessary stress on families, especially when caring for a loved one with health issues such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. According to […]

Medications & Food: Be Aware of Common, Possibly Harmful Interactions

Healthy eating is important for everyone, but sometimes the foods we think of as most healthy can be harmful when we are taking certain medications. It is always important to read the instructions and labels on medications prescribed for you, and discuss dietary restrictions with your doctor. Sometimes the healthiest of foods can be dangerous […]

Know the Lingo

As we age, or we care for aging family members, it can sometimes become confusing when dealing with all the different types of care available, and the terminology used by professionals when discussing available care options. We put together a short list of terms you should know in order to better understand your care options. […]

Age Matters When It Comes to Medications

Summer is finally just around the corner, and we all deserve some nice weather after a long, cold winter! If you haven’t already, try to get outside and enjoy the sunshine (with sunscreen or protective clothing, of course!). Take a stroll, or sit on a park bench and watch the people walking by. Some signs […]

Why Is My Mouth So Dry? Five Steps to Alleviate Dry Mouth Symptoms

Dry mouth can happen to anyone. It is not a natural occurrence with age, however, it does occur with certain health issues—such as diabetes and autoimmune diseases (i.e. Lupus)—and certain medications—such as chemotherapy, anti-depressants and anti-hypertensives. This makes the condition more prevalent in the senior population. When dry mouth conditions persist, they can have a […]

Beating the Winter Blues

Do you suffer from the “winter blues?” Do you regularly sleep more often, have little energy, and crave sweets or starchy foods in the winter months? Do you often feel sad, depressed, anxious or uninterested in things that usually are important to you? If this sounds like you or someone you know, then you might […]

Five Keys to Successful Communication with Those with Memory Loss

Communication is the key to having a happy and successful relationship. However, as our loved ones age, some may become forgetful, and the basis of our relationships may change. Communication can become difficult, and it may seem impossible to find common ground. When communicating with those with memory loss, the words and phrases once used may […]

Making Memories: How to Have a Meaningful Visit with Loved Ones

Visiting a loved one in a nursing home or hospital during the holidays? Here’s a simple guide to making it a memorable visit. During the holidays, our residents and patients look forward to visits by family and friends. The holiday season is filled with fond memories and celebrations. Science has taught us that if we […]

Is Palliative Care Right for Your Loved One?

Palliative Care and Hospice Care are often confused, because the overall goal of both is to improve a patient’s and family’s quality of life during the time of illness. Palliative Care is the overall discipline dedicated to aggressively managing and treating the physical, emotional, spiritual and social suffering of patients, while also providing curative treatments […]

What is COPD?

November is COPD Awareness Month. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. It is caused by damage to the lungs over many years, usually from smoking. COPD is often a mix of two diseases: Chronic bronchitis and Emphysema. With chronic bronchitis, the airways that carry air into […]

Gene Schwarz moved into Gurwin’s Assisted Living community four years ago. She chose a two-bedroom apartment because she wanted to use one as an office, where she now keeps her artwork, as well as her books and Broadway playbills. Enjoy your visit to Gene’s apartment!

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