When it comes to caring for an aging loved one, assisted living is often seen as the best of both worlds between the amount of care given, and your loved one’s ability to maintain independence. Assisted living residents are given as much independence as they want, but can rest assured knowing that personal care and support is available if they need it. A quality assisted living community can provide assistance with daily living activities like bathing, grooming, getting dressed, and more.  Though some states allow assisted living communities to offer assistance with administering medications, they do not offer complex medical services like a nursing home. The environment of an…

Most veterans of the military are aware they are eligible for some form of benefits through the VA after leaving military service, however it can be challenging to decipher exactly which benefits you are eligible for, and how to go about securing them. There is a huge range of benefits you may be eligible for, including free medical care, discounted hotel rooms, free fishing licenses, and much more. There are so many different benefits that it is nearly impossible to list them all, but the guide below will help you determine what you are and are not entitled to. As a veteran of the military, you may be eligible for:…

Contrary to what many believe, hospice is not a place you go, but rather a form of care that is meant to bring comfort to those who are suffering from life-limiting or terminal illness. Rather than curative treatments, hospice focuses on improving a person’s quality of life. Every patient receives individualized care that is tailored to their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Hospice is focused on pain management and care, and does not hasten or prolong the end-of-life process. Here is just some of what hospice care entails: Providing – Giving patients and their families the assurance they need, and attending to them with compassion, dignity, and hope. Affirmation –…

            Caring for someone who is ill is emotionally taxing, even when the illness is short-term and the prognosis guarantees a positive outcome. When it’s degenerative, the emotional toll on the caregiver is exponentially higher. If that degenerative illness affects the mind, it’s higher still. Focusing on your own needs as a caregiver can seem counterintuitive as you watch your loved one slip further into helplessness. The reality, however, is that the person in your care needs you to look after your own well-being as much as theirs. Your ability to provide care is directly related to your own physical and emotional wellness. To quote…

This infographic was created by McLean DDS.

Restaurants aren’t the only businesses around that cater to our seniors. People of all ages love shopping, and many of the biggest names in retail offer significant discounts for those folks who are approaching retirement age. The best part? Orlando is one of the biggest retail hotspots in Florida, so the options are almost endless! Just some of the options that seniors have for discounted shopping include: Banana Republic: With over 500 stores worldwide, this luxury clothing store offers a 10% discount to those 50+ at participating locations Bealls: Sometimes referred to as “The Florida Store,” Bealls operates under the name Burkes Outlet, and offers 50+ shoppers 20% off on…

Contrary to the many advertisements for products that promise to “bring back youth,” aging isn’t always such a bad thing. Having grandchildren, receiving social security perks, and exclusive senior discounts are just some of the perks of being in the “golden years.” Discounts are available on everything from groceries and clothing, to travel and restaurants. The age threshold for reaping the rewards of these discounts varies, but many start in the 55-60 year range. Be sure to call your local store location before visiting, as some of these offers are subject to individual location participation. Here are just some of the discounted dining options available to our seniors: Applebees –…

Stephanie Lerret, Sr. Vice President, Encore At Avalon Park Assisted Living & Memory Care, recently joined Insight Marketing Group to share her innovative digital marketing tactics that have made Encore At Avalon Park Assisted Living & Memory Care one of the most dynamic assisted-living facilities in Florida. Read more here.

Pessimism about old age may be a risk factor for dementia, study finds Read the story here.

                Submitted by Lydia Chan What is Alzheimer’s Disease? An estimated 5.4 million Americans suffer from the degenerative brain disorder Alzheimer’s disease. Most of those people are seniors aged 65 or older, with over 700,000 of them dying from Alzheimer’s or related conditions. Alzheimer’s falls under the umbrella of dementia, and the two share many of the same symptoms including memory loss, changes in personality, and other cognitive struggles. Other unexpected symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include: ● Trouble discerning right from wrong. ● Physical instability and frequent falling. ● Inability to remember the function of commonly used objects. ● Consuming old, rotting food…