Education

At one point or another, many families will have to discuss senior living in the Chicago area with their elderly relatives. People, in general, often don’t want to be taken away from their homes. Over the years, they’ve built countless priceless memories there. So, when you open up the possibility of senior living, many might reject the idea completely.

Unfortunately, allowing seniors to remain in their homes while their health deteriorates may not be the best decision. It can be dangerous for their physical and mental health. And not to mention, it will also take a toll on the mental health of family caregivers. So how then can you convince your aging parents to move to a senior living community?  

How to Persuade Aging Loved Ones to Move to a Senior Living Community  

What Do Senior Living Communities Offer?

Most people assume that a conventional nursing home is similar to senior living communities. Although these two share similarities, they are different in many ways. Senior living offers a homey, comfortable, and warm environment for seniors.

It’s a place where they receive the support and care they need to maintain their quality of life despite their age. These communities also offer an excellent avenue for the elderly to socially interact with other residents and participate in fun and engaging community activities.  

Senior living offers laundry services, escorting, dressing, bathing, incontinence assistance, and medication management. In addition, all the residents are given three full meals a day, outings, utilities, housekeeping, and 24/7 accessible staff.  

In a senior living community, you don’t have to worry about your parents being on their own or getting anxious that they might hurt themselves or take the wrong medication. Someone will always be there to look after them.

Who Qualifies for Senior Living?  

If your parents keep forgetting to take their medications, they are unsure about the dosage or frequency, or they are having difficulty completing activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing, they can benefit from senior living communities. Even though they will be getting professional assistance, these communities encourage independence.

Every person’s needs are different. Your loved ones will be thoroughly assessed to determine what type of care they need.

Nevertheless, seniors who have had a fall or those who are suffering from nutritional deficiencies, and those who need help with activities of daily living, are good candidates for senior living communities. You’ll know if it’s time when you are constantly worried about your parent’s safety and well-being.

The challenge isn’t about deciding whether they need senior living; the real test is to convince them to leave their beloved homes. How can you convince your parents to go for it?

What Can You Do to Convince Them to Try Senior Living?  

#1 Talk Casually About Senior Living

Don’t start out with a formal presentation or an educational session with your loved ones. Instead, talk about it casually. You can start by saying that your friends’ parents gave it a shot, and they were delighted being in senior communities.

Talk about real people with real experiences. You also don’t have to state the name of the living option. You can just explain what it offers and how it can make their lives more comfortable, safer, and easier for them.

#2 Be Prepared for Questions

If you are going to convince your aging parents to try senior living, you must be prepared. You’ll be presented with numerous questions, and if you can’t answer them, they will get discouraged. So, the best thing you can do is to do your research. For example, you may use search engine sites to gather information about senior living or call these communities yourself and ask them questions.

#3 Wait for the Perfect Moment  

The timing of your offer also matters a great deal.  For example, if your mom slipped and hurt her knee, you can use that opportunity to let her know that a senior living community can keep her safe since the place is fully equipped with safety features to keep accidents at bay. This will give your parent some time to digest the information and acknowledge the need for help.  

#4 Look for Referrals  

Another effective way to convince your loved ones to go to a senior living community is to find someone you know whose parents are thriving well in such communities. It’s also a good way to let them know the possible outcomes of being a senior living community resident.

#5 Tour Them Around

Senior living communities offer delectable meals and fun activities for their residents. You can take your parents there for a tour so they can get a feel of what it’s like to be in such a facility. Show them around and ask for their opinions.

Would they prefer to be in a smaller community or a bigger one? Does the living condition fit their standard? Is the place comfortable for them? What can they say about the location or the food? Did they have fun with the activities? The answers to these questions will help you find a facility that suits them best.  

#6 Talk About the Benefits

If you’re looking for a tactic that will make your parents want to be in a senior living community, you should start talking to them about the perks of living in one. Emphasize the advantages of a senior living facility both for them and for you.

Let them know that they will get the assistance they need whenever necessary. In addition, all the staff members are trained to respect personal space even if they offer professional help.

Seniors can focus their attention on tasks and activities they enjoy instead of using up all of their energy on chores. These chores are done for them.  

Would You Like to Learn More About Senior Living in Chicago Area?

If you have more questions or wish to learn more about our services so you can explain them better to your parents, feel free to come to us, and we’ll answer all your questions.

At Senior Living Experts, our advisors will work closely with you and your family to help you find the perfect place for your parents.

We have been working with over 230 communities, and we’ve helped hundreds of seniors live better and more comfortable lives with the array of options we offer. Call us today to learn more about assisted living and nursing homes.

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Family members are torn between wanting to keep their parents in their homes and the need to move them to an assisted living facility. When is the best time to consider assisted living in Chicagoland? You have to face the reality that your parents are getting older by the day. And the older they get, the more they’ll need to be assisted. This is the unfortunate part of aging.

If leaving your parents at home worries you, then it’s high time you check assisted living communities in your area. Assisted living communities offer the best support that is guaranteed to cater to the needs of your loved ones.

Frequently Asked Questions About Assisted Living Communities

What Is Assisted Living?

The best description for assisted living is a supportive community for the elderly. It’s a unique living option that helps promote senior independence while preserving their dignity in a safe environment. These facilities are fully equipped to give seniors a comfortable and homey place to stay.

Professional assistance is available 24/7. This assurance will ease your worries, knowing that help is provided whenever needed. Assisted living services include medication management, evening care, laundry, incontinence assistance, bathing, dressing, etc. The care plan designed for your loved ones is tailor-made to suit their preferences and unique needs.  

Family members fear that leaving their aging parents in assisted living communities will make the elderly feel isolated and depressed. On the contrary, surveys show that residents feel more alive than ever because they get the chance to interact with other residents socially. In addition, these communities have well-established programs that encourage residents’ active participation.

Assisted living is an excellent option for seniors who don’t want to live alone and require professional help. Instead of being institutionalized, they’ll be housed in private apartments while receiving laundry services, housekeeping, meal plans, and maintenance. And the best part is they have full access to the community’s modern amenities. It’s like being on vacation 24/7.

This type of community is ideal for seniors who don’t require extensive medical care but only added support with their activities of daily living and personal care. It’s also suitable for the elderly who have memory gaps since living alone makes it unsafe for them.

What Makes Assisted Living Different from Nursing Homes?  

Everyone is more familiar with nursing homes, so they often mistake a nursing home for an assisted living community. These two are different in multiple ways. In assisted living, independence is encouraged as much as possible. Residents get to live in private apartments that they can decorate as they please.

They also get to choose what meals they want and have the liberty to decide what activities they’ll join. The elderly have complete control over how they are going to enjoy their day.  

On the other hand, a nursing home is an institutionalized setting designed to care for sick seniors. The seniors receive 24/7 skilled nursing care. As a result, the place is more clinical than the homey and warm vibe of assisted living.

How Much Are You Going to Pay for Assisted Living?

The cost of these communities depends on your location, the size and type of rental apartment you’re getting, and the level of care your loved ones need. Some residents opt for additional services, and this will add up to the overall cost.

The average cost of assisted living is between can vary depending on amenities, care, and location. Patients with disabilities, like those who have Alzheimer’s, will have to pay more for special memory care.  

A nursing home is more expensive than assisted living communities because the residents receive specialized care.  

Who Qualifies for Assisted Living?

One of the questions family members want to know is whether or not their parents are good candidates for assisted living. Assisted living is the perfect place for the aging population. The residents do not need specialized care if it’s not necessary – and can get assistance with daily tasks such as meals, housecleaning medication, dressing, monitoring, etc.

Most adult children will eventually move out of their homes to build their own families, leaving their aging parents behind. Sadly, seniors are no longer as strong and agile as they used to be, unlike their younger years. As a result, they become prone to falls and injuries.

By this time, there should be someone in the home to look after them. If you can’t make that commitment, your parents might be better off in assisted living communities where they can thrive and practice their independence. It’s a win-win case for you and your loved ones.

You get to have peace of mind knowing that they’re safe, and you won’t feel guilty for living your own life while your parents get the assistance they need to improve their quality of life.  

What are the Benefits of Assisted Living?

Research shows that seniors in assisted living communities are happier than when they were in their own homes. Here’s why.

#1 Companionship  

Assisted living communities are designed to make the elderly feel at home. The place has a warm and homey vibe, unlike clinical nursing homes. One of the things seniors love about these communities is the companionship. Through the activities, they can engage, interact, and socialize with other residents and staff. Over time, they develop long-lasting friendships with other people.

#2 Personal Wellness

The staff of assisted living communities is trained and skilled to help the elderly. One example is medication management. The team monitors and keeps track of the dosages, frequency, and any adverse reactions to the medications.  

In addition, they update the family members about any concerns regarding the medication while keeping an open communication line with the resident’s physician.

Are You Looking for an Assisted Living in Chicagoland?

The options may seem overwhelming, but don’t worry, we can help you! At Senior Living Experts, our advisors will work closely with you and your family to help you find the best community for your aging parents.  

We have been working with over 230 communities, and we’ve helped hundreds of seniors live better and more comfortable lives with the array of options we offer. Call us today to learn more about assisted living and nursing homes.

If you’re looking for senior living in Lombard, there’s a good chance you’ve seen how expensive eldercare can get. Even if you have a healthy income, you may be unsure that you’ll be able to cover all your medical expenses.

This is where Medicaid spend down comes in. Below, we’ll explain what Medicaid spend down is and answer some frequently asked questions about it. We hope this helps you determine your best options for financing your healthcare costs.

What Is Medicaid Spend Down?

If your income and assets disqualify you from Medicaid, you can still get help paying for your medical expenses. You just need to spend your “excess income,” i.e., the income that prevents you from being eligible for Medicaid.

Medicaid spend down can be compared to a deductible: once you put a certain portion of your income and assets towards the cost of medical care, you’re eligible to receive coverage for the rest of it.

To give an example, let’s say you’re making $100 more per month than the Medicaid income limit. Once you’ve spent that $100, you’ll be eligible to receive Medicaid benefits.

What Expenses Qualify for Medicaid Spend Down?

Typically, people meet the limits for their spend down using medical bills, including but not limited to:

• Doctor’s visits
• Hospital bills
• Prescription costs
• In-home care
• Health insurance
• Medical equipment (e.g., eyeglasses)

The rule of thumb is simple: if an expense would be covered by Medicaid, it will probably count towards your Medicaid spend down. This means that dental, podiatric, and chiropractic services all count toward your Medicaid spend down.

Along with these, there are some expenses that you may not immediately think of as being medical expenses. Transportation to healthcare services and modifications to your home designed to help you keep living in it safely are both considered essential. This means they are covered.

What Other Expenses Can Be Used to Help Me Reach My Medicaid Spend Down Goal?

Along with medical expenses, you can also include paying off debt when working towards your Medicaid spend down. While this can be medical debt, it also includes credit card debt, mortgages and car payments.

What If Someone Else Paid for a Medical Expense?

If someone else paid for your medical bill, you can still count it towards your Medicaid spend down. That said, you can only do so if they expect to be paid back for that expense. This is essentially a form of medical debt.

Forms of Proof for Medicaid Spend Down

There are two ways to show that you qualify for Medicaid spend down because of the expenses you’re paying for: bills and receipts. Receipts will show the expenses that you have paid for, while bills will show those that you haven’t.

Can I Use the Same Bill to Meet My Medicaid Spend Down Over Multiple Months?

If the entirety of a bill’s amount was counted toward your Medicaid spend down limit one month, you cannot use it another month. However, you can split the total cost of a bill over multiple months if this helps you meet your Medicaid spend down limit.

Is Medicaid Spend Down the Same in Every State?

No, Medicaid spend down rules vary based on the state you’re in, so it’s important to ensure you understand the rules and regulations in your area. In this article, we’re discussing Medicaid spend down in Illinois.

What Is the Maximum Income to Qualify for Medicaid in Illinois?

Medicaid income and asset limits vary based on marital status.  

Unmarried applicants can’t have more than $2,000 worth of assets. They also can’t make more than $1,073 per month. Married applicants applying together can’t make more than $1,452 per month, and they can’t have assets totaling more than $3,000.

Does Social Security Disqualify Me from Receiving Medicaid?

You can receive both Social Security and Medicaid, but the money you receive from Social Security will count as part of your income when determining Medicaid eligibility.

What Counts as a Countable Asset?

If assets could be used to pay for medical expenses, you need to liquidate them and use the money before qualifying for Medicaid.  

Your home and car don’t typically count toward this, since they are both essential living expenses, though there are some exceptions in the case of high-value homes (e.g., homes worth more than one million dollars). Furniture and common household items also don’t count.

While you are allowed to have assets outside of the exceptions, they cannot be valued at more than $2,000.

Can Any of My Past Assets Count Against Me?

When applying for Medicaid, the program will look back over the last five years of assets you held. This is known as the Five-Year Look-Back Period, and it is designed to prevent people from quickly giving away assets to qualify for the program.

This means that any assets that were given, or sold below market value, are counted against your spend down limit when you’re trying to get Medicaid.

Typical examples of this include gifts given to children, or even trusts you’ve set up for them. However, there are some financial arrangements that you may not even consider, such as paying a caregiver without having a formal care agreement.

How Long Will Medicaid Cover My Expenses Once I’ve Reached My Spend Down Goal?

Illinois counts Medicaid income limits on a month-by-month basis. This means that, once you’ve reached your spend down goal, you will be covered by Medicaid for the rest of the month.

For this reason, some people choose the months they get a medical card for. You need to continually meet the spend down goal every month in order to continue qualifying for Medicaid.

Because Medicaid income and asset limits are assessed on a monthly basis, you need to be mindful of any gifts you receive, and how they can impact your eligibility for Medicaid. If, for instance, you receive an inheritance, this will count as an asset that needs to be spent until you are eligible for Medicaid again.

Get Expert Senior Living Advisors in Lombard and the Surrounding Area

If you’re looking for senior living in Illinois or Wisconsin, you’ve come to the right place. At Senior Living Experts, we’re committed to helping seniors understand the options they have for living the best life possible.

We have home health providers, elder law attorneys, financial planners, SRES realtors, insurance experts, and more, all ready to assist you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out in order to speak with one of our experts.

The older people get, the more they’ll crave independence. As their physical and mental capabilities slowly degrade, their biggest fear is that one day they might not be able to do the things they normally do. The majority of the elderly do not want to be stripped of their independence. Some of them may deny their need for help without realizing how dangerous this could be. Luckily, there is a way to get help while allowing seniors to be as independent as they can be. That’s what assisted living in WI offers.  

According to surveys, one in every five American adults ages 85 years old and above say they need or are currently are receiving assistance with activities of daily living. If you are on the brink of burnout from being a 24/7 caregiver to your parents, now is the time to consider assisted living.  

Understanding Assisted Living

What Is Assisted Living?

An assisted living community is a place designed for the older population. It’s a place that provides personalized care in a homey environment. This community is best for seniors who require special care and support.

To qualify, the elderly will have to undergo a thorough health assessment based on state regulations. Aside from assistance, assisted living communities to promote social interaction and help seniors lead a healthy lifestyle.  

What Are the Services Offered in Assisted Living?

You might wonder what’s in it for your loved ones if they are placed in assisted living. Well, some of the usual services being offered in these communities include bathroom assistance, help in grooming and dressing, medication management, social activities and programs, transportation and laundry services, meals, and housekeeping.  

The major advantage of an assisted living community is that your loved ones get 24/7 care. No matter what time of day it is, a staff member will always be available to offer assistance whether it’s support, care, or safety.

All residents are encouraged to bring some of their personal possessions so that they will be comfortable and at ease in their new home.  

Before your loved ones are taken in, they will be assessed so that the facility can create a personalized service plan to meet their unique needs and to make the care personal. This will aid in their transition since they will be getting the service they expect and paid for.

There are also assisted living communities that offer memory care services for residents who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. In memory care, the residents will have different dining rooms and their food will be individualized as it will be based on their needs.  

What Services Are Not Offered in Assisted Living?

Most people think assisted living is similar to nursing home care or a skilled nursing facility. Well, it’s not. In a skilled nursing facility, all the residents are cared for by specially trained medical personnel.  

This is ideal for residents who require a high level of medical care regardless of if it’s a long-term or short-term stay. Extended care and skilled nursing care are licensed by Medicaid or Medicare. Their primary goals are short-term rehab and long-term medical care.

You’ve probably already heard of supportive services before. Each state has a different definition of supportive services.

There are times when the level of care of supportive services is the same as assisted living but most times they are for adults with developmental disabilities.  

What Are Examples of Activities of Daily Living?  

The most common reason why family members want to take their loved ones to an assisted living facility is that the elderly can no longer perform activities of daily living on their own.

According to research, ideal candidates are those who need help with at least two daily activities. Studies reveal that residents need help with the following ADLs:  

• 64 percent need help with bathing
• 57 percent need assistance with walking
• 48 percent require help with dressing
• 40 percent cannot go to the toilet on their own
• 29 percent need support with bed transfer
• 19 percent cannot eat on their own

What’s It Like to Be Living in an Assisted Living Community?

If you’re familiar with independent living, then it’s easy to imagine what assisted living communities are like since they share a lot of similarities, as both offer some of the same benefits. These communities also offer unique programs tailored to the needs of the residents.

Statistics show that assisted living communities are thriving. In fact, in the U.S. alone there are approximately more than 29,000 assisted living facilities.

Although each community comes in various settings, all of them share the same goals: to treat the elderly with the utmost respect and offering privacy while promoting independence.  

What Are the Benefits of Assisted Living?

The benefits go beyond helping residents with activities of daily living. Family members who have sent their parents to assisted living communities say they noticed a significant improvement in their loved one's quality of life. Another benefit is that the burden is lifted off the shoulders of caregivers. This makes the lives of both parties easier.

A Quality of Life in Assisted Living Survey conducted in 2019 showed that 87 percent of elderly residing in assisted living communities and 78 percent of family members are extremely satisfied with their overall experience with assisted living.  

Is It Time to Take Your Loved Ones to an Assisted Living Community?

It’s not an easy decision to give up your role as a caregiver, but sometimes you need to take a step back and see the bigger picture. Can you truly commit to becoming a 24/7 caregiver? Will you be able to give up your job and your life in general just to care for your parents?  

At some point, you’ll need to make a decision to make everyone’s lives easier and less stressful. You can start by checking if your parents have had at least one fall in the past year, if they can no longer prepare their own meals, or if you think their nutritional needs aren’t met.  

If you notice your senior parents have a hard time maneuvering around the house or if they need help with bathing and getting dressed, then you need to start considering assisted living communities.

Are You Looking for Assisted Living in WI?

Are you searching for an assisted living community for your loved ones? Look no further. At Senior Living Experts, our advisors will work closely with you and your family to assist you in finding the best place for your parents. We have been working with over 230 communities and we’ve helped hundreds of seniors live better and more comfortable lives with the array of options we offer. Call us today to learn more about our services.

How safe is senior living help in Chicagoland? This is probably one of the most commonly asked questions and it’s perfectly understandable because family members are concerned about the safety of their loved ones. Unfortunately, senior living is sometimes uncharted territory. 

It’s not something you talk about over dinner. However, when you’re living with seniors, you may at some point consider senior living, especially if no one in the family is willing to commit to becoming full-time caregivers. 

The sad reality of life is that when people age, their energy, stamina, cognition, and their ability to fend for themselves may diminish. For some, it happens abruptly while for others it could manifest during their later years. They become prone to diseases, accidents, injuries, and their overall health and well-being may be compromised if they continue living life without assistance. 

This is when you should start talking about senior living. Unfortunately, many families are apprehensive to give senior living a try because they are concerned about the safety of their loved ones. So, do senior living facilities provide safety to seniors?  

Is It Safe to Leave the Elderly in A Senior Living Facility?

What Are Senior Safety Risks?

Recent studies from the National Safety Council revealed that in the year 2019, there were approximately 131,400 deaths in the home that were all injury-related. And the sad part of it all was that these deaths could have been prevented. 

The statistics increase at a rate of nearly five percent every year. The top leading causes of death are poisoning, which accounts for fifty percent, while falls follow next accounting for twenty-nine percent of the total deaths. 

It was found that seniors with ages sixty-five years and above are more prone to falls compared to the younger generation. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that more than one out of four seniors experience falls each year. When an elderly falls once, they are likely to fall again. In America, the death rates that are related to having increased up to thirty percent. 

Unfortunately, it has become pretty common for seniors who are left alone at home to accidentally slip and fall. When no one is around, they won’t be able to get the help they need. 

Picture this scenario. You’re off to work and you left your 75 year-old grandmother in the house. Her memory is still sharp, and she has your phone number. Your instructions were very clear and that if anything happens, she should call you immediately. 

It’s nine in the morning, which means it’s bath time. She goes to the bathroom, but the tiles are still wet. She slips and falls. 

Her legs and knees are too weak to carry the weight of her body. She attempts to stand but she just doesn’t have the strength. She wanted to reach the phone to call you and to let you know what happened but how can she do that if she can’t even get herself to stand up? 

This is a typical example of why many consider taking their loved ones to senior living communities. Unless they are able to cut their hours at work and devote a large portion to being their grandparent’s caregiver.

Lucky, if the impact isn’t strong. Some seniors become unconscious after a fall, which makes it even more dangerous. 

Another potential problem is poisoning. Did you know that seniors can get poisoned by carelessly taking the wrong medications or the wrong dosage? When they mix up meds and dosages, they are putting themselves at unnecessary risk.

Aside from poisoning, other risks include fire and smoke, choking, mechanical suffocation, and drowning. When no one is at home with the elderly, they won’t be able to get help when they need it and their health, safety, and life could be at risk. 

How Do Senior Living Communities Offer Safety?

Senior living communities all aim to provide safety to residents. They have trained, knowledgeable, and skilled staff that ensures all the needs of your loved ones are satisfactorily met. The communities are uniquely designed for seniors. 

The hallways and doorways are wide and the units only have one floor. The layout is also carefully thought out and is equipped with safety features such as grip bars in toilets, showers, and bathtubs.  

The toilets are also raised and the floors are slip-resistant. Furthermore, the lights are bright enough to illuminate the space allowing seniors to clearly see where they are going. Safety locks are also provided in pools and spas. 

The seniors also have access to wheelchairs. Senior living homes are also equipped with intercoms and emergency systems. Regular wellness checks are also practiced to ensure that the health of the residents is always monitored. Whenever their needs change, the care changes as well. 

The facilities also have security guards manning the entrances and exists to monitor visitors. Anyone who wishes to visit should sign at the front desk and log in their names and their time of visit. This added security proves that senior living communities are indeed safe 24/7. 

Are You Interested in Finding Senior Living Help in Chicagoland?

Caring for seniors is a tough job. In fact, tough is an understatement. Family members who “tried” to take care of seniors at home ended up frustrated, disappointed, angry and burnt out and that’s because providing care to this age group will really test your patience. 

It also requires expertise and knowledge to keep them safe. Senior living facilities offer medication management, healthy and nutritious meals, and other forms of therapy that are designed to improve their quality of life. If this is what you need, we can help you. 

At Senior Living Experts, our advisors will work closely with you and your family to help you to find the best place for your parents. We have been working with over two hundred and thirty communities and we’ve helped hundreds of seniors live better and more comfortable lives with the array of options we offer.  

Our staff received ample training to cater to the needs of the elderly. They are ready to provide care whenever necessary. Call us today to learn more about our services. 

Many factors contribute to forgetfulness – anxiety, depression, alcohol use, stress, under-active thyroid, lack of sleep, and certain medications have all been found to cause memory slips. However, if forgetfulness becomes a constant companion of your loved ones to the point where their safety is at risk, you may want to take them to memory care in Geneva.

Caring for seniors who have dementia can be overwhelming. It’s a full-time job that requires you to be on alert twenty-four hours a day seven days a week.

If you have a job and if you have a family yourself, it’s not realistic to commit to being your loved one's caregiver unless you’re willing to make certain sacrifices. To make your life less stressful, the best decision you can make for the entire family is to consider a memory care facility.  

When Should You Take Your Loved Ones to a Memory Care Facility?

When Does A Doctor Suggest Memory Care?

When seniors meet with their doctors during appointments they don’t mention memory loss problems. More often than not, it’s their children who bring it up. It can be challenging to monitor signs of dementia. 

But, there are obvious signs that signal the need to get seniors to a memory care facility. Examples include disheveled hair, a significant drop in weight, and seniors who aren’t tidily dressed. 

Dementia is also evident when the senior cannot carry a conversation, feels lost, or is agitated. When all these signs are present, the doctor will conduct a mental status exam to check if the patient has dementia.

If a person isn’t capable of performing activities of daily living like bathing, eating, or dressing then transitioning to memory care is a good option because in there they’ll find all the help and assistance they’ll need to function optimally.

To assess the safety and abilities of the seniors, the doctor may ask the following questions:

• Do you frequently get lost on your way to the grocery store or when walking around your neighborhood? 
  
• Do you have a hard time remembering if you ate or drank? 
  
• Do you take your medications during the appropriate times? 

If your loved ones answered yes to all these, the doctor may recommend a mental status exam and suggest that it’s time to think about memory care.

The safety of your loved ones is at risk if they start leaving appliances on like the stove or burner after they are done cooking if they get bruises and injuries and can’t remember how they got it if there have been frequent visits to the emergency room and if they wander or get lost in dangerous and public places.  

When Is Memory Care Appropriate?

Answering the questions below will help you decide if it’s time to take your loved ones to a memory care facility.  

1. Did some of your friends and family comment about the changes in the behavior of your parents?  

According to doctors, family members especially the caregivers don’t notice changes in their parents’ behaviors unless someone points it out to them. It can be difficult to monitor the progress of their dementia if you’re always around them. 

An example is weight loss. If you see your parents daily you won’t be able to notice their weight loss. The drastic weight change will be obvious to a family member or a friend who hasn’t seen them in quite a while. 

2. Is your elderly parent showing signs of agitation or confusion? 

Seniors who suffer from dementia often experience agitation and confusion. More than not, this leads to aggression and violence. Seniors tend to bite, hit, or even kick their caregivers. It’s also common for them to manipulate and verbally abuse their caregivers. 

According to doctors, patients with dementia insult or accuse family and friends of theft. In fact, when they are asked about their dementia during a consultation they get defensive and agitated. This alone is a sign that they need professional help and assistance. 

The manifestation of aggression due to dementia can be dangerous especially if the patient is being cared for by his or her elderly spouse as this can result in elder abuse. 

3. Has your aging parent become nervous or withdrawn?

One of the signs that seniors suffer from dementia is when they start declining social invitations or when they begin to withdraw from social interactions. Although it’s normal for the aging population to experience a decline in their energy levels, what’s not normal is when they show disinterest and avoid activities they used to love and enjoy. 

Another thing to look out for is nervousness. Do they feel nervous when they go on walks by themselves or when they leave the house? Mention these to your doctor during your parent’s next doctor’s appointment.

4. Are they able to meet their hygiene needs?

If seniors start forgetting their daily hygiene practices from changing clothes to brushing their teeth and taking a bath you need to consider memory care. 

Some of them don’t ask for help because they don’t want to feel humiliated but even if they don’t tell you, you can already tell they are struggling from the way they look. When your parents look neglected, that’s already a red flag. 

5. Does your parent wander off? 

Healthy elderly don’t wander off but once they do, plus when they show signs of disorientation and confusion, you need to let their doctor know about this behavior change. Seniors who wander far from their residence can go into dangerous places like busy streets or getting lost outside their neighborhood during bad weather.

Is It Time To Take Your Loved One to a Memory Care in Geneva? 

By now, you should have already consulted with a doctor. If your loved one has dementia and if no one in the family can take care of the senior parent, then yes, it is time to take your parent to a memory care facility.

 Memory care centers offer various services that will give your loved ones a pleasant living experience. They will be safe since the facility offers 24/7 monitoring with professional staff that’s always ready to assist in grooming, bathing, medication and nutrition management and so much more. 

At Senior Living Experts, our advisors will work closely with you and your family to help you find the best place for your loved one. 

We have been working with over two hundred and thirty communities and we’ve helped hundreds of seniors live better and more comfortable lives with the wide range of options we offer. Call us today to learn more about assisted living and nursing homes.

As much as you’d like to keep a close watch on your aging parents, sometimes the demands of work and your personal life will get in the way. If you could have it your way, you’d want to be there for your loved ones to cater to their needs, but you also have needs of your own. Can you put your life on hold for your parents? Even though they don’t demand your time, you know deep down that their growing needs would require you to be there for them physically 24/7. Lucky for you, senior living in Gurnee can take this burden off your shoulders.  

Senior living may seem like uncharted territory for most of us. Leaving your parents in a facility you’re not familiar with and entrusting their safety and security to strangers may seem daunting.  

But, if you dig deeper, do your research, and understand the professional services these institutions offer and how long they’ve been in the industry, you’ll appreciate the perks of senior and assisted living. It will give you peace of mind, and it will help your loved ones enjoy their life without compromising their independence, health, safety, and happiness.

Assisted living and independent senior living are not the same. Learn the difference between the two, so you and your parents can decide which center is the best option.

What are the Differences Between Assisted Living and Independent Senior Living?

Daily Amenities

In terms of amenities, assisted living facilities offer support and assistance to seniors when they need it. Most of the seniors that opt for assisted living are housed in apartments or condominiums where they live close to other members. Whenever they need help, all they need to do is to push a button, and they’ll receive assistance ASAP.

Examples of life tasks that are available to them include cleaning, shopping, meal prep, bathing, grooming, medications, and keeping doctor’s appointments. The range of services isn’t fixed. They can be adjusted based on the health and needs of the residents.

Senior living, or independent living, does not offer nursing support and medical care. These facilities concentrate more on maintaining an active lifestyle and offering convenience to seniors.  

Medical Care

Assisted living is a good option for seniors who are not capable of living alone but also do not require intensive nursing care. When your loved one is in an independent living facility, their independence is persevered, which means there is no access to nursing and medical care. In a way, independent living offers peace of mind to seniors who do not feel at ease living alone.  

Independent living is a good and healthy place for people who do not experience difficulty in performing daily basic activities.

However, when seniors are no longer capable of attending to their basic needs or if they can’t make a decision on their own without asking for help, then they need to be in an assisted living home care.  

Access to Staff

When your loved one is placed in an independent living community, they won’t have regular contact with the staff. The assistance they’ll be receiving from the staff will depend on their preference. For example, if they want to subscribe to a meal service, then that’s the only time they’ll see the staff. Otherwise, they can keep to themselves if they prefer a quieter and more peaceful living situation.

Meanwhile, with assisted living, the staff is always present and visible to check and monitor the condition of the residents. Even though they are not authorized to diagnose, they are obliged to continuously monitor seniors to make sure they are well, healthy, and thriving.

Cost

At an independent senior living community, it’s more of a lifestyle preference instead of senior care. Since the services are fewer, the cost is more affordable. However, this service is not normally covered by insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare.

Assisted living, on the other hand, costs more depending on the level of care the residents need. Since the services are more extensive going beyond basic care, expect to pay more. The services offered with assisted living are usually covered by employee benefit programs and insurance companies.  

Family Involvement

As the needs of seniors continue to increase as they age, it’s not unlikely for family members to feel burned out or depressed after devoting so much of their time caring for them. This is not an easy job, especially if family members have to juggle work, personal, and family time.

Independent living is a win-win service because it gives you peace of mind knowing that someone is looking out for your loved ones while you’re busy with work. At the same time, the services they are receiving give them comfort, security, safety, entertainment, and support, so they will not feel lonely, afraid, or isolated. If family members wish to offer help and assistance, they are free to do so.  

With assisted living, the burden of being 24/7 caregivers is removed from the family members because the staff of the facility will shoulder all the responsibilities of caring for your loved ones.

You won’t have to worry about missed medications or reminding them to eat or feel scared that they might hurt themselves while they’re bathing or grooming. All these are being professionally handled by the staff.

Do Your Loved Ones Need Assisted Senior Living in Gurnee?

Discuss the needs of your loved ones and base your decision as a family on those needs. Would your loved ones’ health be at risk if they were alone in their home? If yes, then you may want to consider assisted living.

Are they healthy but feel lonely? If yes, then they might feel less lonely if they were in a senior living community where they get to interact with other residents. The answers to these questions will help determine what type of facility is best suitable for them.

At Senior Living Experts, our advisors will work closely with you and your family to help you find the best place for your parents. We have been working with over 230 communities and we’ve helped hundreds of seniors live better and more comfortable lives with the wide range of options we offer. Call us today to learn more about assisted living and senior living.

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Alzheimer’s and dementia are not synonymous. Dementia is an umbrella term that refers to conditions caused by diseases or brain injuries that negatively impact a person’s behavior, thinking, and memory. This is a cause for concern especially for seniors because not only will it interfere with their activities of daily living but it will also compromise their safety.

If you are living with a parent who has Alzheimer’s, we know it’s a tough 24/7 full-time job. This means that you may have to give up some of your freedom to take care of your loved ones. Unfortunately, not a lot of people can commit to this care. In such a case, we recommend considering memory care in Elgin.

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

What is Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s is a progressive form of dementia. Usually, people diagnosed with this disease are 65 years old and above. If your loved one was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s earlier than 65, it’s called early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease, but you can slow down its progression with the help of medical treatment. You may also help keep your loved ones safe by seeking memory care.

What are the Symptoms of Alzheimer’s?

There are often times when you forget things, like when you forgot where you placed your car keys or as hard as you try, you cannot remember where you hid your birth certificate. The difference between a healthy individual and a person with Alzheimer’s is that the latter’s forgetfulness worsens over time. Examples of symptoms of Alzheimer’s you should look out for are the following:

• Forgetfulness that affects daily activities like skipping appointments
• Having trouble figuring out how to do tasks that used to be familiar, like using the remote control for the air conditioner or turning on the microwave
• Difficulty solving problems
• Having trouble with writing and speech
• Getting disoriented with places and time
• Poor judgment
• Decreased personal hygiene
• Personality changes
• Mood swings
• Withdrawal from community, family, and friends

What are the Causes and Risk Factors of Alzheimer’s?

Although medical experts have not singled out the main cause of Alzheimer’s, research has found several factors that can put an individual at risk for the disease.

• Age – People who develop Alzheimer’s disease are 65 years old and above
• Family history – If there are members in your family who have Alzheimer’s, there’s a good chance you might get it too.
• Genetics – Some genes are associated with Alzheimer’s, like the APOE or apolipoprotein E.

It’s important to mention that just because you have these risk factors does not mean you will have Alzheimer’s. These are only factors that will increase your risk and your likelihood of developing the disease.

What are the Stages of Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s comes in stages. As mentioned, it is a progressive disease. It will start out with mild symptoms and continue to become severe over time. It can be summed up into seven stages:

First Stage – The first stage shows no symptoms at all, but you can be diagnosed if you have a family history of Alzheimer’s.

Second Stage – The earliest symptom of Alzheimer’s is forgetfulness.

Third Stage – In this stage, you will notice mild mental and physical impairments. Your loved ones will have a hard time concentrating and they are slowly losing their memory. This will not be apparent to friends, but will be obvious to those close to Alzheimer's patients.

Fourth Stage – By this time, your loved one would have already received a diagnosis. However, Alzheimer’s at this stage is still mild. The patient is not able to perform daily tasks efficiently and manifests evident memory loss.

Fifth Stage – Patients who are in the fifth stage of Alzheimer’s exhibit moderate to severe symptoms. It is no longer safe for them to be by themselves. They need the help and assistance of their loved ones or from caregivers that are trained in memory care.

Sixth Stage – When patients reach the sixth stage, they will require help even in the most basic tasks such as putting clothes on, oral hygiene, and eating.

Seventh Stage – The most severe stage in Alzheimer’s is stage seven. When your loved ones reach this stage, they will lose their speech as well as their facial expressions.

Why Take Your Loved Ones to a Memory Care Facility?

Memory care facilities are equipped to keep your loved ones safe from injuries and from getting lost. Imagine if you were busy with work and your Alzheimer’s-stricken loved one went out in the streets and couldn’t find his way back home?  

Residents are safe in a memory care facility as it is designed to offer a safe and secure environment for patients with Alzheimer’s. The locks are on the exteriors of the doors so there is no way they can make their way out without informing the staff.

Some of these facilities have installed doorbells and keypads in exits and entryways just to help the staff monitor the movements of the residents. These devices will alarm them if ever anyone tries to leave the facility. Even the courtyards and gardens are designed to keep the residents safe. They can roam outdoors without wandering.

Memory care communities are also designed to reduce the disorientation and confusion that lead to wandering. The spaces are clean and clear, the apartments are personalized, they are well lit, and background noise is significantly reduced. The overall design of the facility is carefully thought out to keep everyone in the community safe.

Rest assured that the facility offers tranquility, familiarity, calmness, and more importantly – safety. Residents won’t feel that they are confined in an unsafe and clinical building because the design makes them feel at home.  

Why Should You Consider Memory Care in Elgin?

If you can’t commit to caring for your loved ones and if you aren’t able to provide them the safety that they need, you should consider taking them to a memory care facility where they can receive round-the-clock care. Their needs are catered and their safety is assured.  

At Senior Living Experts, our advisors will work closely with you and your family to give your loved ones superior quality care. Call us today to learn more about assisted living and nursing homes.