When a life-changing event happens, it is natural to spring into the mindset of making plans and preparations for the future. But when more gradual conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia begin to take hold, there isn’t always the same immediate impact. Symptoms begin to manifest over time, and it can be difficult to discern exactly when extra care is needed. Studies have proven that transitioning those with Alzheimer’s and dementia into memory care sooner rather than later has numerous long-term benefits for patients not only mentally, but physically and emotionally as well. Here are some signs it might be time to begin considering memory care: Alzheimer’s or Dementia Diagnosis We…

Many seniors find that they need a more gentle form of exercise after reaching a certain age, one that still keeps joints, muscles, and bones healthy and strong. It can be difficult to find a good routine that offers everything you need while also benefiting your mental health, but yoga is a great start. Many seniors shy away from yoga because they’re intimidated by the poses. While some advanced yoga involves poses that can be tricky, the process itself is wonderful for keeping you limber and ensuring that your joints are healthy and your balance stays on point, something that is incredibly important for seniors. Not only that, it’s the…

Submitted by Lydia Chan Most of us spend our working years focused on planning and saving for retirement, but you may have spent less time thinking about the possibility of needing long-term care. After all, no one can predict the future, so there’s no way to know for sure what your needs will be. You can anticipate and prevent some health concerns that raise your risk, though. You can also plan now for how you would pay for long-term care in the event that you need it later on. Who Needs Long-Term Care? Unfortunately, this is a question that doesn’t have a definitive answer, but you can ask yourself a…

Highlights of the 1930’s The 1930s were marked by the Great Depression, where worldwide economic decline reached its worst point in the century. However, it was also anointed with cultural figures that are still relevant to this day. In the 1930s, we were introduced to Betty Boop in Max Fleischer’s “Talkartoon” animated series. It’s commemorated and celebrated the flapper style of the earlier decade, such as Helen Kane and Clara Bow. We also saw the United States embarking on an ambitious program of public work to regenerate the economy. This effort also included the construction of the Boulder Dam, colloquially called the Hoover Dam. Highlights of the 1940’s After the…

People who are a part of the “sandwich generation” can easily find themselves “sandwiched” between providing care to both aging parents and young children. Though there is endless love for both of them, constantly caring for both can be exhausting and it can take a toll on the caregiver. At Encore, we believe that putting the elderly with the young children through a variety of programs can help lessen some of the needs that each group has. Children are able to provide the social interaction that is so important for seniors, while seniors are able to provide the love that kids need. Our community encourages interaction between our seniors and…

If you have a loved one in an assisted living community, or you’d like to give back to a generation of your elders, volunteering at Encore is one of the most fulfilling ways to get engaged with those around you. We offer a host of programs that cater to the needs and wants of our residents, and we are always looking for helpful folks to lend a hand.     Some of the volunteer opportunities in our program include: Music & Memory As a part of our memory care program, patient-care volunteers who choose to take part in music and memory are able to offer residents the opportunity to listen…

If you’re beginning your search for a care solution that your loved one will enjoy, the process can seem daunting. There are a wide variety of terms used to describe different types of care, and it’s important to know what you’re looking for. Especially when shopping for memory care, it’s common to be confused on exactly what to expect. As dementia and Alzheimer’s continues to become a more widespread problem, memory care services are now a top priority for seniors and their families. Here are some things you should know about our memory care program: We are focused on serving those with cognitive impairment. Our communities are designed to give…

Submitted by Rebecca Evans. If you have joint pain, mobility issues, or problems with arthritis, there’s one question you should certainly be asking. That question? How does your diet and lifestyle affect your joint pain? The truth is that most people suffering needlessly from arthritis or other joint pain never consider how their lifestyle or diet might contribute to inflammation—and thus to their pain. But they should. Inflammation is a major problem for most Americans, and learning to adjust your lifestyle and diet can greatly reduce that inflammation—and, in turn, your joint pain. Think of it like this: When we have pain, that’s our body telling us something isn’t working.…

Submitted by Lydia Chan No matter your age, your health and wellbeing should be priority #1. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of the best tips on maintaining and improving your current physical and mental health. Protect your skin with a sunscreen of at least SPF 30. The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that sunscreen is a great first line of defense against skin cancer. And it’s never too late to begin protecting your skin, which is thinner and less able to fend for itself with each passing year. Not only will your skin look and feel better but you’ll lower your risk of developing melanoma (skin cancer).…

Memory care is a unique form of care given to those who suffer from various degrees of mental ailments like dementia or Alzheimer’s. At the core of memory care is a structured environment that helps set schedule and routines to create an enjoyable, stress-free lifestyle for the residents that also promotes the health and cognitive abilities of a senior. As we age, we naturally begin to lose some of our mental acuity and dexterity. Diseases like Alzheimer’s or dementia manifest themselves as severe short term or long term memory loss, but those effects can be combated through a program known as memory care. Memory care involves creating a structured environment…