Look for indicators that extra support is needed:

• Difficulty with daily tasks (dressing, bathing, cooking)

• Memory lapses affecting safety

• Isolation or depression

• Unmanaged health issues

Services typically include:

• Meals and dining

• Housekeeping and laundry

• Personal care assistance

• Medication management

• Transportation

• Social and wellness activities

• Assisted Living: A residential option offering personal care, meals, medication management, and social activities, while still maintaining some independence.

• Memory Care: A specialized form of assisted living designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other memory-related conditions — with secure environments and trained staff.

Consider the positives of placing your loved one in a senior community. They will likely benefit from the structure and stimulation of the home's activities and a daily routine in an accepting and understanding environment. This placement gives your loved one the opportunity to socialize with other people who are in similar stages of aging. Many seniors gain weight, and their physical and mental health improve when they have fresh cooked meals, medications on time, attentive physical care and opportunities to engage in activities such as music, art, exercise and games. In many cases, fellow residents are eager to include new people in the social aspect of group living. Group activities evoke feelings of camaraderie and human connection, which are necessary for well-being. In many cases, relationships improve when you return to being a family member first and caregiver second. You will still oversee your loved one’s care, but the day-to-day stresses and responsibilities will be shared.

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Both are licensed by the State of California as Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) and offer housing, personal care assistance, 3 meals a day, housecleaning, laundry, medication management and some transportation. A Board & Care is a small home setting, usually 6 to 15 rooms. B & C’s offer private or shared rooms, meals in shared areas and some activities. B & C’s don’t have an activities director but often have a higher caregiver to resident ratio. They offer 24/7 compassionate bedside and hospice care. Assisted Living Communities are larger 25 to 100+ apartments and attract seniors who need some aid but are still independent. AL's charge a monthly rental fee, plus care fees for the services you need. AL's have more amenities such as: spacious apartments with full kitchens, opportunity to bring a pet, salon/spa, a nurse 7 days a week, PT or OT onsite, theatre, live music, recreation areas/pools, robust activities and more.

Signs include frequent confusion, wandering, memory loss, or needing reminders for daily tasks. A professional assessment can help determine the most appropriate level of care.

Get free expert guidance that can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. With over ten years of experience in senior living and dementia care, we’ll walk you through the process, arrange in-person tours, and help you find the perfect new home for your loved one—all at no cost to you.

Assessment Process: Relate what’s Most Important to your loved one and you. Be honest and open about your situation, the challenges and your budget.

Guidance: We provide another level of screening and accountability. Know your options and ask questions. Prompt the doctor for the 602 and meds list.

Support: Be prepared for a range of emotions. We offer emotional support and reassurance to families during a challenging transition and role shift.

Tours:  Plan to visit and tour several homes before deciding. Focus on the personal care, attention to individual needs and social opportunities, not the appearance. Talk with staff, other family members and residents.  Attend an activity and eat lunch at the home if possible.

Advocacy: We are the liaison between you and the home. We can make sure your needs are met. We have resources to help with the transition. 

Key things to observe:

• Talk to staff and residents

• Observe cleanliness, security, and atmosphere

• Notice staff interaction with residents

• Ask about personalized care plans

• Activity offerings

• Join a meal or activity if possible

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive and irreversible neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases. Alzheimer's disease is caused by abnormal protein deposits in the brain that damage brain cells and disrupt communication between them. As the disease progresses, it becomes more difficult for the affected person to carry out daily activities and communicate with others.

The early signs of Alzheimer's disease can vary from person to person, but some common symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty completing familiar tasks, confusion about time and place, poor judgment, mood swings, and changes in personality or behavior. It is important to note that memory loss is a normal part of aging, but significant and persistent changes in memory and thinking should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

If you have a loved one with Alzheimer's disease, there are many ways you can support them. Some suggestions include creating a safe and structured environment, providing assistance with daily activities as needed, engaging in activities that the person enjoys, and offering emotional support and companionship. It is also important to take care of yourself as a caregiver and seek out resources and support from healthcare professionals and support groups.