When a parent or family starts to require extra support and assistance, you might find yourself taking on the role of caregiver. In this case, a caregiving plan can help you outline your loved one’s needs, determine how to meet them, and plan for the future. 

Many people associate dementia or Alzheimer’s disease with memory loss. While it’s true that memory loss is a significant component of these conditions, they can involve other symptoms as well. Experiencing memory loss does not always mean you have dementia, and vice versa; having dementia does not mean you will only experience memory loss.

The April showers have officially brought along May flowers, and now is the perfect time to get outside and start planning your own garden! Gardening connects us to the beauty of the natural world, but for older adults, it can also provide a variety of wellness benefits. 

Whether due to a health condition, injury, or recovering from surgery, a physical therapy program can help an individual restore mobility, independence, and wellness. 

The brain sends signals to the body constantly; for instance, when we’re happy, when we’re sad, and when we’re stressed. When the brain senses some form of danger or uncertainty, signals are sent throughout the muscles, directing them to tense up, and our adrenal glands begin to release stress hormones. 

Now that spring has finally sprung, there’s hardly a shortage of fun things to do in Atlanta, with its variety of museums, landmarks, and sense of adventure. Brickmont Assisted Living is proud to provide exceptional senior living to individuals and families in Atlanta, and we believe there’s no place quite like the “Peach State” to kick off the spring season and enjoy the warmer weather! 

Life expectancy has nearly tripled and it’s expected that the world’s population of adults over the age of 60 will double by the year 2050. Adults living longer is an amazing feat and it provides opportunities to celebrate our loved ones for many years to come.

The increasing population of older adults also signifies an expansion of seniors who will at some point require a form of care. Often, this comes in the form of an adult child serving as their parent’s senior caregiver.

Whether a dog, cat, or even a fish, owning a pet has various benefits that can positively impact mental and physical health. Being a pet owner or simply spending time with an animal brings companionship, love and joy, and caring for an animal provides a sense of purpose. Animals are also judgment-free; by nature, animals are uncritical and loyal, making them excellent companions for all walks of life.

For all of these reasons, animal-assisted or pet therapy has been known to benefit people living with varieties of emotional, mental, and physical problems. Furthermore, new studies and advancements show that animal-assisted therapy can significantly benefit those with dementia.

Humans spend about a third of their day sleeping; it’s no wonder sleeping is significant for our health. Researchers at the University of Cambridge’s department of psychiatry and the Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence at Fudan University in Shanghai conducted a study to determine the ideal amount of sleep adults over the age of 40 need every night. The results? Seven hours is the optimal time for a good night’s sleep. 

But how do sleeping positions affect our health? Everybody has a preferred sleeping position that helps them fall asleep or makes them more comfortable. Whether you prefer sleeping on your side or your back, experts say various sleeping positions can improve or prevent certain health concerns. 

Caregiving is a rewarding experience, especially when it comes to ensuring that your parents are taken care of. However, it can also come with challenges. Stress, lack of self-care, and other obstacles can contribute to emotional and mental health issues.

As an only child, caring for aging parents can be especially hard. You don’t have siblings to rely on for extra help, and you might find yourself serving as the sole caregiver. Part of Brickmont Assisted Living’s mission is to provide resources regarding senior caregiving so that families know where to begin when providing the right care for their loved ones. 

If you are an only child, our assisted living team in Georgia is sharing senior care tips to help you create a strong care system to support you and your parents.