Articles for Memory Care

The old joke goes, “An interviewer approached a man on the street and said, ‘The two greatest problems with society are ignorance and apathy. Do you agree?’ The man responded, ‘I don’t know and I don’t care!’”

There is nothing funny about apathy, but it affects about 90% of dementia patients sooner or later. Yet research often doesn’t seem to care. It is often overlooked because it is not as noticeable or disruptive as aggression and other behaviors, and is distinct from depression.

Apathy is a loss of interest and emotions. It can be distressing for families, and is linked with more severe dementia and worse clinical symptoms. Faster decline and care problems can result. Apathy is the most common symptom of dementia, with a bigger impact than memory loss.

Life in the Lehigh Valley has its uncertainties, just like anywhere else. Although the challenges of living in our area may be somewhat different from other places, there are decisions to make and needs to be met that make seniors anywhere a special group. Life changes, especially those that involve family caregivers, may require the help of educated and experienced professionals who can navigate issues related to aging and elder care. Aging Life Care Professionals® are those specialists.

Summer is working its way through the Lehigh Valley, and many citizens are working their way out of the doldrums of isolation and boredom. Getting outside is healthy for both body and mind. The bright sun, the bright colors, and the bright sounds of birds and bugs beckon for our attention.

We at South Mountain Memory Care in Emmaus make resident care and safety a priority. The quality of life we offer extends to the design of our buildings and grounds, using the small house model that promotes happiness and connectedness. We also offer a safe and secure outdoor environment that fosters health and fun.

Money and finances are tricky and controversial topics to begin with — very personal. That sensitivity can be magnified when discussing the need to manage money for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. When a person is deemed no longer capable of handling their affairs, a guardian or power of attorney or other system may be set up to manage their assets. These informative tips can help you before you reach that stage and help those who may be charged with your care, as well as those who are currently caring for a loved one.

Here are some things to remember before you might become dependent on others for money management.

South Mountain Memory Care in Emmaus, Lehigh Valley, is the first privately-owned standalone “Small House” designed memory care community in the Lehigh Valley. This concept has always proven to be effective in giving residents a sense of comfort and security, and the COVID-19 crisis has served to spotlight the advantages of the small house model.

When we encounter memory problems, large or small, in ourselves or others — especially among seniors — we may immediately think, “Dementia!” Because that is a common affliction of older folks, it is taken for granted that it must be the cause of every mental problem.

There is another health issue that can have symptoms similar to dementia: delirium. Both conditions cause confusion and are similar on the surface. Although delirium is not the same as dementia, it can be a sign of a more serious health issue, including dementia.