In 2021, Lady Gaga was performing at Radio City Music Hall with the late, great Tony Bennett, who was suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease, yet he managed to remember the lyrics and songs they were both singing. Suddenly, he called her by her name, something he hadn’t been able to do during rehearsals. As she recalled,…

It’s pretty much a given that as we age, we experience some hearing loss. That’s because changes occur in our middle and inner ears over time. Hearing loss also stem from various medical conditions we may be experiencing. Today, it is said that hearing loss often begins in one’s forties, and by the time adults…

Over the years, there have been several studies about the benefits humor can have on one’s health, let alone for those who suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias. But it was a chance remark from a Witherell family member that got us thinking: Maybe there was something visitors could do to brighten their visits…

Dementia affects more than 5.8 million people in the United States, according to the CDC. It can be very mild or severe. But experts uniformly caution us not to infantilize or talk down to those with dementia when you wish to communicate. In this week’s Wall Street Journal, Dr. Anne Basting, author of Creative Care:…

Being a caregiver can be very rewarding, but it also can cause great stress. According to the AARP, a staggering 42 million Americans―that’s one in four adults―face challenges of caring for an adult friend or relative, and 36 percent of family caregivers characterize their situation as “highly stressful.” Because of the responsibilities that come with…

Nurses are the backbone of any healthcare facility, and that’s especially true in skilled nursing. The Nathaniel Witherell is quite lucky in this regard; our nursing team is second to none and our dedicated nurses are specialists in elder care. As a town-owned and operated facility, our nursing culture is supportive, welcoming, and nurturing. Perhaps…

The job of a social worker in a skilled nursing facility is challenging and complex. It generally involves overseeing the psycho-social well-being of hundreds of seniors, while also supporting family members before, during, and after the transition of a loved one to long-term care. During the last year, however, the pandemic brought new challenges: health…

Making the decision on a skilled nursing facility for an older adult parent can be difficult. As senior care experts, we’re often asked what families should consider when making that choice. Quality of care is primary. But, according to many experts in the field, a facility’s location is also tremendously important. According to Aging.com, “When…

As the “aging at home” movement grows, an important concern has surfaced: new research shows that social isolation may be a precursor to memory loss. So, for seniors who choose to reside alone at home, cognitive decline may be a real possibility. The good news is that lifestyle improvements can make a significant difference. “As…