Articles for Memory Care

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.

“You’ve Got Mail!” Moviegoers and AOL subscribers should recognize that phrase. It is AOL’s option for announcing that you’ve received an email. It is also the title of a popular film starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. To many lonely people in the Lehigh Valley and beyond, it’s a welcome reminder that someone cares.

With the introduction of commercial greeting cards in 1846, the effort needed to express one’s feelings and thoughts was somewhat reduced — the need to compose your own personal thoughts was also reduced. At least, you could sign your own name in your own handwriting.

Receiving recognition from the nation’s largest senior care rating and review site is indeed an honor. We were chosen, not just from the Lehigh Valley, but from among nearly 45,000 senior care communities in nearly every state and several Canadian provinces. Only 3% of those providers received this honor from SeniorAdvisor.com and A Place for Mom.

If you are a senior citizen in the Lehigh Valley, you may remember the days of the house calls, when the friendly neighborhood doctor would arrive at your home with his black bag and oral (or otherwise) thermometer. They say those days are over; however, a new visitor has come calling: the padbot.

What is a padbot? It’s a model of a telepresence robot. Simply put, it’s a mobile robot that can move around on wheels and tilt its “head,” which is controlled by a smartphone or iPad. The little visitor is impervious to germs and viruses, so it is the ideal tool for communicating between doctors and other healthcare workers and patients.