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When touring senior living communities, here are some questions you may want to consider asking: What types of housing options do you offer for seniors? Some communities offer a continuum of care: i…
When touring senior …
When touring senior living communities, here are some questions you may want to consider asking: What types of housing options do you offer for seniors? Some communities offer a continuum of care: independent living, assisted living and memory care. What amenities and services are included? What is the monthly cost and what does it cover? Are there any additional fees or charges that I should be aware of? Most communities charge a one-time community fee, and communities providing meals will charge a 2nd person fee for couples. What level of care and assistance is provided to resident…
Lori Williams
June 29, 2023 
Is it Time to Make the Transition to Assisted Living?Making decisions about aging loved ones and their living arrangements can be challenging and emotionally charged. It’s important to recognize the…
Is it Time to Make t…
Is it Time to Make the Transition to Assisted Living?Making decisions about aging loved ones and their living arrangements can be challenging and emotionally charged. It’s important to recognize the signs that it may be time to make the transition to assisted living. While every individual and situation is unique, there are five signs that can help families determine when this move is necessary.1. Declining Physical Health. Your loved one is experiencing difficulty with daily activities such as dressing, bathing or maintaining personal hygiene. Frequent falls, chronic health conditions…
Lori Williams
June 29, 2023 
We hear about childproofing a home, but there’s another level of difficulty when you add years of experience of using common household items. That’s why it’s important to make your home safe if …
We hear about childp…
We hear about childproofing a home, but there’s another level of difficulty when you add years of experience of using common household items. That’s why it’s important to make your home safe if you’re caring for a senior with dementia. They’re often able to operate appliances, but their judgment is impaired - leading to home and personal safety issues.Megan Rowe joins Senior Services Expert Lori Williams to discuss home safety for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s. As the senior program manager with the Alzheimer’s Association, Dallas and Northeast Texas Chapter, she draws from…
Lori Williams
January 27, 2023 How can I prevent cognitive decline?Try the Alzheimer Association’s 10 ways to love your brain The new year is underway, and many have begun new goals in physical fitness. Physical health is import…
How can I prevent co…
How can I prevent cognitive decline?Try the Alzheimer Association’s 10 ways to love your brain The new year is underway, and many have begun new goals in physical fitness. Physical health is important, but an often-overlooked part of the body is our brain. Just like a workout regimen, there are everyday activities you can do to help your brain health – which also play a big role in dementia and Alzheimer’s prevention. Megan Rowe, the senior program manager of the Alzheimer’s Association: Dallas and Northeast Texas Chapter, shares ‘10 simple ways to love your brain.’ This list pro…
Lori Williams
January 20, 2023 What do I need to know about strokes?Strokes are largely preventable, and knowing the signs is critical.Strokes are the number five cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United State…
What do I need to kn…
What do I need to know about strokes?Strokes are largely preventable, and knowing the signs is critical.Strokes are the number five cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. They occur for 2 reasons: a clot or obstruction of blood flow to the brain (called “Ischemic") and when a blood vessel ruptures ("hemorrhagic"). Both cause death in regions of the brain from lack of oxygen and blood flow. Regardless of type, the likelihood is you either know someone or will know someone who suffers a Stroke. Fortunately, the American Stroke Association says 80% of strokes are…
Lori Williams
January 13, 2023 
Prevention is key when it comes to health - and the same goes for dementia. Just as you’d Exercise to help your physical fitness, you can train your brain to help ward off mental decline.Mental fitn…
Prevention is key wh…
Prevention is key when it comes to health - and the same goes for dementia. Just as you’d exercise to help your physical fitness, you can train your brain to help ward off mental decline.Mental fitness is a passion for Ron Nevelow, licensed clinical social worker and certified dementia practitioner. With his practice, called Enlighten Senior Care, he and a team of mental health practitioners work in senior living communities to provide onsite mental and brain health services.He joins Senior Services Expert Lori Williams to discuss:- The difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s- The 5 pr…
Lori Williams
January 6, 2023 What can we learn from the Golden Girls?The ‘80s sitcom teaches us about aging and life.The Golden Girls is a sitcom that first aired in 1985 and follows 4 older women in their “golden years.” B…
What can we learn fr…
What can we learn from the Golden Girls?The ‘80s sitcom teaches us about aging and life.The Golden Girls is a sitcom that first aired in 1985 and follows 4 older women in their “golden years.” Blanche, Rose, Dorothy and Sophia share a home together after various life events brought them together, such as the death of a spouse. Together they navigate life while having laughs along the way.While some remember the fashion choices characteristic of the era - puffy sleeves, permed hair, and the stereotypical nightgowns - the show also offers nuggets of Wisdom. Eight lessons from the Golden Gi…
Lori Williams
December 30, 2022 Are all senior living communities Nursing homes?No, there are many senior living options beyond just nursing homes."All senior living communities are nursing homes" is a common myth. Perhaps you’ve …
Are all senior livin…
Are all senior living communities nursing homes?No, there are many senior living options beyond just nursing homes."All senior living communities are nursing homes" is a common myth. Perhaps you’ve spoken to your loved one about senior living, and they shut it down, saying, “I can’t go to a nursing home!” You may have the mental image of depressing facilities from the 1970s with low ceilings and few windows. Thankfully, we’ve come a long way since then!Senior living is an umbrella term for many types of senior communities. There's senior apartments, which offer community activities a…
Lori Williams
December 23, 2022 
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), data consistently shows that cold weather kills more people then hot weather. This may be surprising to most Texans, however, during the Texas winter…
According to the Cen…
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), data consistently shows that cold weather kills more people then hot weather. This may be surprising to most Texans, however, during the Texas winter storm in February 2021, 246 people lost their lives, many to hypothermia.The National Institutes of Health (NIH), states that older adults are at an increased risk of hypothermia because their body’s response to cold can be diminished by underlying medical conditions, such as Diabetes, medications and aging itself. Hypothermia can develop in older adults after even relatively mild exposure to…
Lori Williams
December 21, 2022 What are some tips for the holidays when my loved one has dementia?Be adaptable, flexible and communicateThe holidays are a time for togetherness and making memories, but the reality is it can also br…
What are some tips f…
What are some tips for the holidays when my loved one has dementia?Be adaptable, flexible and communicateThe holidays are a time for togetherness and making memories, but the reality is it can also bring stress and disappointment. Holiday traditions may need to evolve over time as family dynamics and situations change, including when a loved one has Alzheimer’s or dementia.Megan Rowe is the Senior Program Manager with the Alzheimer’s Association: Dallas and Northeast Texas chapter - and she has helpful tips if you’re a caregiver or celebrating with someone who needs a little extra help.M…
Lori Williams
December 16, 2022 What should I buy my grandparents for Christmas? [H2]Listen to Lori Williams’ senior gift guide [H3]It’s a busy time of year and you may find yourself scrambling to find gifts for everyone on your…
What should I buy my…
What should I buy my grandparents for Christmas? [H2]Listen to Lori Williams’ senior gift guide [H3]It’s a busy time of year and you may find yourself scrambling to find gifts for everyone on your list. Maybe you’re wondering what to buy Grandpa this year, or you'd like to find something “out of the box” and unexpected. If you’re looking for gift inspiration, Senior Services Expert Lori Williams has a shopping guide for the holiday season.Seniors love self-care [H3] There are many solid options that are standard for elderly loved ones, such as self-care gifts. Cozy blankets, pajama…
Lori Williams
December 9, 2022 
So you’ve decided you or your loved one needs senior living - how much is it going to cost? A 2020 study by Genworth determined that the U.S. average for assisted living is $4,429 a month, though it…
So you’ve decided …
So you’ve decided you or your loved one needs senior living - how much is it going to cost? A 2020 study by Genworth determined that the U.S. average for assisted living is $4,429 a month, though it could be less (or even more) depending on where you live! Budget is a huge factor in determining what’s available to you. Unfortunately, there’s also a huge misconception that Medicare will cover the cost. That is simply not the case.With that in mind, Senior Living Expert Lori Williams shares 10 ways to pay for senior living. Depending on how you’ve prepared over the years, there may be di…
Lori Williams
December 2, 2022 It’s estimated that Parkinson’s disease affects 1 million Americans. Ninety-six percent are diagnosed after age 50, and the incidence of disease increases with age. Since April is Parkinson’s Aw…
It’s estimated tha…
It’s estimated that Parkinson’s disease affects 1 million Americans. Ninety-six percent are diagnosed after age 50, and the incidence of disease increases with age. Since April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, Senior Services Expert Lori Williams welcomes the CEO of the Parkinson’s Foundation, John Lehr.John discusses:- What Parkinson’s disease is + the symptoms- The potential causes- Treatment plans and the importance of a care partner- Important resources for those with Parkinson’sJohn draws from the wealth of knowledge from the Parkinson’s Foundation for a comprehensive, co…
Lori Williams
November 25, 2022 
In my last blog post, I shared ,Red Flags to be aware of when visiting aging family members over the holidays. It’s important to look for changes in their general health and well-being, as well as t…
In my last blog post…
In my last blog post, I shared ,Red Flags to be aware of when visiting aging family members over the holidays. It’s important to look for changes in their general health and well-being, as well as the safety of their home environment. If you noticed red flags, what comes next? Having an open and respectful conversation about your concerns and their wishes.Most older adults want to remain in their homes. In fact, a recent AARP study found that 77% of Americans want to age in place at home. There are services and tools that make this possible. You can create a safer environment by eliminati…
Lori Williams
November 19, 2022 So you’re home for the holidays and see signs of dementia or safety risks that could affect your loved one – what’s next?If you notice any red flags, then it’s important to have a conversation…
So you’re home for…
So you’re home for the holidays and see signs of dementia or safety risks that could affect your loved one – what’s next?If you notice any red flags, then it’s important to have a conversation with them and know what resources are available to you. Even if nothing bad has happened yet, the holidays are a great time while everyone’s together to discuss their wishes in case they need additional care.The American Association of Retired People (AARP) did a study finding that 77% of Americans want to age in place at home. If this is the wish of your loved one, then it’s important to mak…
Lori Williams
November 18, 2022 The holidays will be here before you know it, and soon you may be visiting family members you haven’t seen in a while. When spending time with aging loved ones, it’s important to keep your eye out…
The holidays will be…
The holidays will be here before you know it, and soon you may be visiting family members you haven’t seen in a while. When spending time with aging loved ones, it’s important to keep your eye out for changes in behavior since the last time you visited. These could be signs of dementia. When it comes to dementia and Alzheimer’s, the more informed you are, the better support your family will receive. Senior Program Manager Megan Rowe from the Alzheimer’s Association for Dallas and Northeast Texas is here to explain the warning signs and provide tips for helping your loved ones. First, u…
Lori Williams
November 11, 2022 
Many of us live hours or even states away from our aging family members, which can make it difficult to pick up on clues or red flags that they may need help. During the holidays, families come togeth…
Many of us live hour…
Many of us live hours or even states away from our aging family members, which can make it difficult to pick up on clues or red flags that they may need help. During the holidays, families come together for in person visits and are often shocked to see how much a loved one has declined over the past year. We see a significant uptick in the numbers of calls we receive in January from families who’ve gone home and realized that their loved one needs help. The following Red Flags will help you know what to look for. 1) Change in Physical Appearance – is your mom, wearing the same clothes …
Lori Williams
November 7, 2022 What’s it like working as a hairdresser at a senior living community? Margo Brooks would tell you it’s been the best 9 years of her life, full of nonstop laughs, fun and fulfillment. Not only does…
What’s it like wor…
What’s it like working as a hairdresser at a senior living community? Margo Brooks would tell you it’s been the best 9 years of her life, full of nonstop laughs, fun and fulfillment. Not only does she cut and style hair for senior men and women, but she uses her beauty school training for grooming and applying makeup to help seniors feel their best. Margo tells Seniors Living Expert Lori Williams how she started working at the onsite senior living salon and the joys of the job. She’ll also discuss the seniors that inspire her and how (in the words of one of her clients) feeling good is …
Lori Williams
November 4, 2022 
