It is normal for senior citizens to start forgetting things occasionally due to the age-related changes in the body. However, if the instances of memory loss are more frequent or become quite severe, then it could be more than usual forgetfulness and indicate dementia. Below is how you can differentiate between normal age-related memory problems and dementia in seniors. This way, you can make sure that your loved one gets the right type of care services in the assisted living facility. Memory Loss Symptoms in Seniors Poor memory due to aging is not that serious and not a cause of concern at all. The typical memory-loss symptoms in seniors include transience and absent-mindedness. According to Harvard Medical School, these two conditions are common signs of aging. Transience refers to a condition where seniors cannot remember old things due to decreased accessibility of memory. Studies say that this is the brain’s unique mechanism to remove old memories so that there can be enough space for new ones. Absent-mindedness, on the other hand, refers to a condition where seniors start showing inattentive or forgetful behavior. This happens due to the reduced focus of the brain, which is a common side effect of aging. There could be many other factors too, which cause absent-mindedness in seniors, such as boredom, sleepiness, or focusing on personal thoughts instead of paying attention to the external surroundings. The National Institute on Aging says that there could be many health conditions as well, which lead to memory loss […]

Heart attacks, strokes, coronary heart diseases, and other kinds of heart-related problems are more common in seniors than in younger people. The National Institute on Aging of the US Department of Health and Human Services says that heart diseases are one of the major causes of death in the country. If not fatal, heart problems in seniors often lead to disability and take a toll on their overall quality of life. That is why it is very important to educate a senior about maintaining good heart health. The Common Aging-Related Heart Problems Seniors experience many changes in their bodies due to aging, and this includes their heart and blood vessels too. For instance, their heart becomes unable to beat as fast as it did when they were younger, especially during physical activity or when under stress. This limits the flow of blood and oxygen to the body parts, which further leads to many health complications. Below are some of the most common heart issues that are associated with aging. Arteriosclerosis: Aging causes hardening or stiffness of the large arteries, leading to high blood pressure or hypertension. This can be very serious if fatty deposits start building up inside or on the walls of the arteries. Atherosclerosis: Increased blood pressure due to aging can elevate the risk of developing atherosclerosis. This condition refers to the accumulation of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and around the artery walls. This hardens and narrows the arteries, leading to a limited oxygen-rich blood supply […]

Assisted living is one of the most popular senior care options these days. However, not many people know that there are many types of rooms in assisted living facilities, which can cater to the specific needs of residents. Below is a quick look at the different types of rooms commonly found in an assisted living community. Private Apartments Most of the seniors moving to assisted living facilities prefer living in their own unit while having access to specialized care and assistance round-the-clock. A private apartment in an assisted living community will have a living quarter and a private bathroom, while some also have a small cooking area. The layout and design may differ from community to community, and it can be furnished or unfurnished. In any case, private apartments allow seniors to live as independently as possible with the needed assistance for bathing, meals, medication, etc. Condominiums Many assisted living communities offer high-end options to their residents these days. These units feel more like a luxury condominium than a private apartment, which helps to make the move easy and comfortable for some seniors. The condo-like setting allows seniors to get better privacy for receiving the necessary care services, which can be scheduled per the preferences of the resident. A condo-style room in an assisted living facility will be larger than an apartment and will include fancier fixtures and furnishings. While these are more expensive, condominiums offer the highest level of independence and privacy. Private Rooms Some assisted living facilities offer […]