Blog

staff and resident smiling at each other giving high fives while playing cards

Showing Appreciation for Caregivers

Dear Mike: With the holiday season approaching, my family would like to do something to show our gratitude for one of the nurses that cares for my mom at her nursing home. While the whole staff is just terrific, this nurse has gone above and beyond to support my mom. We would like to give her… Read more »

gifts wrapped in paper

Appropriate Gifts for Your Senior this Holiday Season

This may be our most asked question during this time of year! Finding gifts for our senior loved ones in assisted living or long-term care can be a challenge. Holiday Gift Guide for Seniors If you are hoping to find a more meaningful gift, here are a few ideas you might want to consider: Produce… Read more »

senior woman looking out a window

Holiday Warning Signs that a Senior Needs Assisted Living

Sometimes the warning signs that a senior is struggling are obvious ones, such as frequent falls or a chronic health condition. But many times, the signs are small ones. These are easy for families, especially those that live far away, to overlook until a crisis occurs. Warning Signs a Senior Loved One Needs Help Here are… Read more »

image of crushed up paper on a head

Is this Alzheimer’s?

A concern we frequently hear from Columbus area family caregivers is that they don’t know how to tell if the changes they see in the person they care for are a normal part of aging or Alzheimer’s disease. Loved ones often rush to the conclusion that their family member has Alzheimer’s when they exhibit one of the… Read more »

female getting a vaccine from doctor

Flu Shot and Seniors

Dear Dr. Dineen: My 87-year old mother moved in with us this past summer. She is still fairly active and independent but just wasn’t safe on her own any longer. I’m trying to convince her to get a flu shot. Since she had it last year, she doesn’t want to get it again. Mom thinks… Read more »

memory card set

7 Important Stimulating Memory Care Activities

If you’re caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, it may be hard to know how to help them. Of course, you want to make their life as easy as possible but it may be difficult to know exactly what they need. Are the questions you’re asking them and the activities you’re… Read more »

Christmas ornaments

Holiday Decorating with Dementia

When a central Ohio loved one who lives with you has Alzheimer’s disease, the holiday season can present more than a few unique challenges. One of those challenges is decorating. Decking the halls for Christmas or Hanukkah is a tradition many families enjoy doing together every year. The tinsel and twinkle add to the festive… Read more »

hands inside a dryer for laundry

What Are Activities of Daily Living?

Activities of daily living are the things people do every day, like eating, bathing or dressing. That’s the short answer. The long one includes answers to questions like why activities of daily living (ADLs) matter and how they can help you tell what level of care your parent needs. Here’s what you need to know… Read more »

family sitting outside getting sweet tea poured for them

Should My Family Visit Assisted Living?

Dear Kara, My mom and dad recently moved to assisted living. With family celebrations and holidays coming up, I want my grandchildren—their great-grandchildren—to visit and spend time with them. However, like all kids, they can sometimes be noisy and rambunctious. I don’t want the children upsetting other people there. What should I do? Sincerely, Mary… Read more »