Brickmont Assisted Living Blog

Like many things, forgetfulness is a normal part of aging. As we get older, it’s completely natural and not usually a cause for concern when we misplace our keys, forget someone’s name, or miss an appointment.

Our vision can be something that we take for granted. We can often forget to appreciate how incredible the power of sight is when we’re reading a book, watching our grandchildren play, or looking out at a beautiful landscape of mountains or oceans. However, as soon as our vision begins to fade or lose some of its sharpness, we are forced to realize how crucial this sense is to our overall health and well-being.

School drop-off. Client meetings. Doctor’s appointment with mom. School pick-up. Finish that work presentation. Pick up dad’s medication. Cook dinner. Help with homework. Go to sleep. Repeat. 

Pretty hectic day, right? It may seem like this chaotic schedule doesn’t occur in real life and only exists in comedy sitcoms. But, in reality, this could be a typical day for someone in the sandwich generation - those who take care of their children, their aging parents, and (when time permits), themselves.

Everyone knows the feeling. You’re walking up a steep flight of stairs and feel your breathing get a little heavier than usual, or you’re running on the treadmill and feel a slight tightness in your chest. This is fairly typical—lungs don’t have unlimited capacity, and at a certain point of exerting them, you will run out of steam—and breath. 

It can be challenging to find the perfect gift for someone you love. What do you get for someone who has everything, or for someone who wants nothing? Or, in the case of your older parents, what do you get for someone who has received a lifetime of gifts, or may have a different idea of what a “good” gift is?

When you think of chronic conditions, you may think of diabetes or high blood pressure and cholesterol. Others you may not think about as much, like lupus, muscular dystrophy, or osteoporosis. However, with over 54 million Americans living with low bone mass, osteoporosis is more common than you may realize.  

Several stereotypes have come to be associated with memory loss: the image of a person who is always confused, wanders alone, gets angry easily, or doesn’t even remember their name. Not only can these stereotypes be untrue, but they can also be hurtful to those living with memory loss and their families.

As adults, the consensus is that we should see our primary care physician once a year for a physical exam. As we get older, however, medical needs change and require more attention, and this annual exam may not be enough to stay proactively healthy. After all, “the goal for medicine should be prevention and wellness [instead of] chasing medical problems after they come up,” says Amber Tully, M.D., a family medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic. 

Respite care, or short-term care, is becoming a valued option in modern caregiving. In today’s world, more family members are becoming informal caregivers and are balancing a lot on their plates. Respite care provides a temporary solution for those caregivers who need to focus on personal commitments, emergencies, or simply take a well-deserved break.

At a certain point, you may start to consider transitioning to an assisted living community. Whether you recognize that you need an extra level of care and support or are simply looking for a maintenance-free lifestyle, making the decision to move to a senior living community can provide you with the solutions that you need.