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…
Maintaining social distance from elderly family members during the pandemic was challenging but necessary. Now, as more people are fully vaccinated, we’re reveling in those joyful reunions. For those whose parents or grandparents live independently, that first visit after months apart can offer valuable insight into a senior’s health and well-being. Typically, adult children notice…
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…
There’s much to love about the Town of Greenwich. In fact, Greenwich is so beloved that now more than ever, Greenwich’s senior population is opting to age right here in town, gracefully. It might surprise some to know that 18% of Greenwich’s citizens are 65 or older. In fact, we are home to more seniors…
Making the decision to move a family member to a skilled nursing facility is tough in normal circumstances, but during a pandemic, it’s even more challenging. One worries about the health and safety of loved ones, and about the possibility of not being able to visit. But, keeping a family member at home when they…
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…
When caring for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, an abundance of patience and kindness are something we at the Witherell prize as much as one’s physical care. There is an art to caring for those whose memories are failing them. Gail Carone and Amy Demezzo, two members of our therapeutic recreation team, work at…
