Senior Medical Care


The Final Stage of Alzheimer’s: What to Expect

Being prepared for the final stage of Alzheimer’s is key to continuing to help make life as meaningful as possible for someone you love.

The journey through Alzheimer’s disease can be compared to navigating a winding road that spans years, riddled with intermittent stops, starts, unexpected twists, and a plethora of unknowns. As the dedicated caregiver for an individual grappling with dementia, having foresight about what to expect around the next bend is paramount. This knowledge empowers you to not only be well-prepared but also to administer the most fitting and compassionate level of care in the final stage of Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s, being a highly individualized experience, manifests uniquely in each person. Yet there are certain commonalities at every stage of the disease. When an individual transitions into the last stage, discernible challenges emerge, including struggles with eating … Read More »



Why Alzheimer’s Caregivers Say They Need to Go It Alone – And Why It’s a Bad Idea

“You can make it, but it’s easier if you don’t have to do it alone.” – Betty Ford

Alzheimer’s caregivers may feel as though they are the only ones who can provide the best care for an older loved one, but finding a care partner is vitally important.

As a family member caring for a loved one with dementia, you know firsthand how challenging it can be. It’s definitely never a role that Alzheimer’s caregivers should try to fill on their own. Yet, many caregivers struggle with seeking the support they need, intensifying stress and leaving minimal room for self-care, a vital aspect for those in caregiving roles.

See if you can relate to these top reasons given by family caregivers for attempting to provide care solo, and why they need to be reconsidered:

Dad would not want another … Read More »



3 Steps to Better Advocate for an Aging Parent

Trusting someone you love to the care of someone else is never easy, particularly for a senior family member. Whether at home or in a facility, you’ll have questions you need answered. You will also want to be ready to advocate for an aging parent to proactively address any potential problems and also to quickly take care of issues that do take place.

For instance, review the following common situations and how to most effectively advocate should they arise with an older adult you love:

The person has dementia. A loved one with Alzheimer’s might not be able to effectively communicate their wishes and needs. As an example, a new caregiver may not realize that Dad wears inserts in his shoes and she may put his shoes on each day without them. Dad may not know how to communicate this … Read More »



Reminiscing in Dementia: How to Spark Memories and Instill Joy

Memory loss and dementia may seem synonymous. Yet it’s crucial to understand that long-term memory frequently remains intact long into the progression of the disease. For this reason, tapping into those distant memories is a good way to help an older adult with Alzheimer’s stay engaged in current conversations by connecting to the past. Reminiscing in dementia can help older adults:

Better connect to others through sharing stories
Instill self-confidence by bringing to mind the numerous accomplishments they have made as well as the lives they’ve impacted
Minimize some of the adverse effects of Alzheimer’s, such as restlessness, wandering, agitation, and more
Reduce negative emotions and stress by shifting the focus to happier times

Reminiscing in dementia, also known as reminiscence therapy, doesn’t have to be elaborate. Begin by cracking open a photo album and simply looking at pictures together. Then let … Read More »



Understanding Chemo Brain and Its Effects

Chemo brain can last for months or even years after treatment has ended.

Memory lapses, confusion, and difficulty concentrating—these symptoms could easily be attributed to Alzheimer’s, but for cancer survivors, there’s another likely culprit: chemotherapy. Referred to as chemotherapy induced cognitive impairment (CICI) or “chemo brain,” these effects can linger for months or even years after treatment concludes. It’s not exclusive to chemotherapy recipients, either; radiation, surgery, hormonal treatments, and even the cancer itself can contribute to cognitive challenges, complicating effective treatment.

Exploring the Complexity:

Dr. Kevin Liou from the Bendhaim Integrative Medicine Center at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center emphasizes that cancer-related cognitive impairment is a multifaceted issue with various contributing factors. This complexity means that chemo brain can manifest at any point during or after cancer treatment, presenting symptoms like difficulty multitasking, reading comprehension issues, word-finding … Read More »



4 Ways to Better Advocate for Your Older Loved Ones

Being a better advocate for your older loved ones begins with these four tactics.

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” – Dr. Seuss, The Lorax

Serving as an advocate for your older loved ones is perhaps one of the greatest honors – and responsibilities – you’ll have as a family caregiver. It means fully comprehending their needs and wishes, and communicating them to those who can help to make sure they’re achieved.



The Strategy You Have to Try: Virtual Reality in Dementia Care

Virtual reality in dementia care can be highly effective in improving engagement, communication, and joy.

Imagine for a moment how it could feel to struggle with the cognitive challenges of dementia. The people who are closest to you are now unfamiliar. The words and phrases that would roll off your tongue without a second thought are now just beyond your grasp. In fact, the world as you once knew it has turned completely topsy-turvy, leaving you yearning for a recognizable foothold.

However, one of the kindnesses imparted by Alzheimer’s is the long-term memories that oftentimes remain intact long after short-term memories have disappeared. It’s why connecting older adults with Alzheimer’s to the past is often a remarkably effective way to engage them – through music, movies, photos, and reminiscing. Now we can add a high-tech tool to the … Read More »



Why You Need to Find a Geriatrician for the Best Senior Health Care

The best senior health care is provided by a geriatrician who is an expert in the unique needs of older adults.

If your child suddenly developed an illness, who would you call? It’s a no-brainer; many parents have the number on speed dial for the pediatrician they’ve carefully chosen to manage the medical care needs of their children. With their specialized training, working with a trusted pediatrician ensures the best possible care.

Likewise, selecting the best senior health care provider who focuses on specific health concerns of older adults is equally as important. However, sadly, the health care system as a whole has not placed a great focus on the unique health care needs of seniors. Dr. Carla Perissinotto, geriatrician and professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, shares her alarm over this age-related health … Read More »



Tips for Communicating About Your COPD Diagnosis

Communicating about your COPD diagnosis can be easier with these steps

It began with your inner circle, those closest to you, and it has slowly been spreading outward to good friends and acquaintances. Communicating about your COPD diagnosis and knowing how to respond to the numerous questions that arise about it can be uncomfortable – for you personally, and also for those you’re speaking with as well.

Surprisingly, you might find that the biggest challenges come in speaking with your primary caregiving partner – the person who is closest to you personally. The caregiver/care receiver relationship can raise a number of emotions. The individual on the receiving end of care may feel insecure and self-conscious as a result of needing assistance, that may lead to feelings of anger and frustration just to name a few. The care provider … Read More »



Separate Truths From Myths About Hospice Care

Learn some of the most common myths about hospice care and the true facts about this incredibly beneficial form of care.

If you knew that a significantly better quality of life could be achieved for someone you care about, you would not think twice about exploring that option. Yet one of the most beneficial forms of care – hospice – is one that family members shy away from, due to many different misperceptions and myths about hospice care.

Hospice is meant to help someone with a life-limiting illness find respite from pain and other difficult symptoms, while obtaining comfort as well as spiritual and emotional support. Hospice care is provided night and day, both for the individual needing care as well as family members. And, for anyone covered by Medicare, hospice care is offered for a very low … Read More »






Contact Us to Learn More!

Want to find out more about our senior care in California and how it can improve safety, comfort, and independence at home? Contact us at (866) 940-4343 to request a free in-home consultation to learn more about our customized care solutions in Novato, Pleasanton, Santa Rosa, Napa, Sonoma, and the surrounding areas.


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