How can I afford a Care Advisor?

Anyone can afford an Assisted Living Locator Care Advisor. That’s because we are paid only when we help you make a decision about your senior’s living location and we are paid by the location you choose. And because we only receive payment when you’re paying the Care Community directly, we’ll also put you in touch with your state’s social service network to make sure that you receive the proper state support in the event that you are unable to pay for senior care and housing yourself.

What can a Care Advisor help me with?

An Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisor specializes in knowing your senior housing and in home care options, but via their referral network they can connect you with state resources in the event that you need to consider state resources to finance and secure senior housing, as well as a wide variety of specialists who focus on some aspect of the senior services industry- Eldercare Attorneys, Financial Specialists, Real Estate Agents, Downsizing Specialists, Home Health Experts, and just about any other senior service need you can think of.

Who is my Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisor?

Glad you asked. This site gives you a number of ways to find your local Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisor. Pick one and we’ll either get them on the phone, or make sure that they contact you in a timely fashion. Click here to get to our Care Advisor page.

How are Care Advisors trained?

Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisors are vetted for the right set of skills before they ever even buy a franchise. Once they do, we provide comprehensive initial training and a 13 week “in community” onboarding process. We ask all Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisors to become Certified Senior Advisors, a nationwide accreditation program that provides additional industry specific knowledge. Care Advisors also participate in continuing education provided by us and provided by local senior oriented industry associations to ensure that they understand the latest tools, techniques and industry rules and regulations to help you navigate the senior experience.

What does a Care Advisor do?

An Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisor spends time at each of the communities and homes in your local area. They understand how well the community is performing against state standards and they understand what the community is good at- in short, they understand what isn’t in the community’s glossy brochure. An Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisor networks to ensure that they have a broad array of qualified resource team members that they can call on to help deal with challenges beyond senior housing and care, which is their own area of expertise. And Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisors spend time with families and seniors. They can’t help if they don’t know and understand you and your family. Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisors have a structured way to identify important needs that you and your senior have, which they then use to match you to the best community choices or the best members of their resource network that can meet your needs.

Who is Assisted Living Locators®?

A franchise business based in Arizona, with local owners and operators across the US. Our Care Advisors bring problem solving skills and compassion to your local senior community, and we supply the training, processes and industry knowledge they need to provide you with the help you want.

Where are your Care Advisors located?

Everywhere. If we don’t have a Care Advisor yet in your local area, we’ll find you an affiliate advisor who can help. But every month we train more Care Advisors to meet the growing needs of seniors in every community across the US. You can find your local Care Advisor by using the tools on this website. And because we are nationwide, we can help you in your town or in towns all across the US.

When should I contact an Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisor?

Since Care Advisors understand the entire range of living options available to seniors, any family with a senior over 55 can benefit from their expertise. Use us to understand your independent living options if your senior wants more time for leisure pursuits after 55. Use us especially when you are concerned about the safety or health of your senior loved one. And it’s critically important that you reach out to us if your senior is in the hospital or rehabilitation facility so that we help you navigate the immediate next health care and housing steps that must be taken, giving you a voice in how the health care and insurance systems in your state manage your senior’s needs.

Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease

By Angela Olea

Published June 2, 2023

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Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects cognitive function, memory, and behavior. It can have a significant impact on both patients and caregivers, with patients experiencing memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes, and caregivers experiencing high levels of stress, fatigue, and financial burden.

Caregiving tips such as educating oneself about the disease, developing a daily routine, adapting the living environment for safety and comfort, encouraging social interaction, communicating effectively, providing emotional support, and prioritizing self-care are essential for improving patient outcomes and easing the burden on caregivers.

Caregiving Tips for Alzheimer’s Care

Caregivers should educate themselves about the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, common symptoms, and effective caregiving strategies. This knowledge can help caregivers provide better care and support for individuals with Alzheimer’s. It is important for caregivers to understand that Alzheimer’s disease affects each individual differently and to remain flexible and adaptable to changing needs.

Develop a Daily Routine

Individuals with Alzheimer’s may feel more secure and less anxious when they have a consistent daily routine. Develop a daily schedule that includes regular mealtimes, activities, and rest periods. This routine can help provide structure and predictability, reducing confusion and anxiety for individuals with Alzheimer’s.

Adapting the Living Environment for Safety and Comfort

Adapt the living environment to make it safe and comfortable for individuals with Alzheimer’s. This may include installing grab bars in the bathroom, removing clutter, tripping hazards, and labeling drawers and cabinets. You can also consider making modifications to the home, such as installing ramps or stairlifts, to make the home more accessible and safe for individuals with Alzheimer’s.

Encourage Social Interaction

Social interaction is important for maintaining cognitive function and emotional well-being. Caregivers can encourage social interaction by scheduling visits with friends and family, participating in group activities, or joining a support group. Social engagement can also help individuals with Alzheimer’s maintain a sense of purpose and identity.

Communicate Effectively

Individuals with Alzheimer’s may have difficulty communicating, so it is important for caregivers to communicate clearly and effectively. Caregivers should use simple language, give clear instructions, and allow time for the individual to process the information. Caregivers should also use nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language, to help convey meaning.

Provide Emotional Support

Individuals with Alzheimer’s may experience feelings of confusion, frustration, and anxiety. Caregivers can provide emotional support by listening attentively, offering reassurance, and validating the individual’s feelings. It is important for caregivers to remain patient and understanding, even in the face of challenging behaviors or situations.

Prioritize Your Self-care

Caregiving can be emotionally and physically demanding, so it is important for caregivers to prioritize self-care. This may include taking breaks, engaging in physical activity, and seeking support from friends and family. Caregivers should also be aware of signs of caregiver burnout, such as exhaustion, irritability, and depression, and seek help if necessary.

Alzheimer’s Disease Self-Care

Self-care is crucial for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease to maintain physical and emotional well-being. Activities such as exercise, creative pursuits, and socialization can improve mood and reduce isolation. Caregiver support is also important in promoting self-care. Adequate nutrition, hydration, and sleep hygiene are also essential for overall health.

Regular exercise: Engaging in regular exercise can have a significant impact on both physical and mental health. Exercise can help maintain cardiovascular health, increase muscle strength and flexibility, reduce the risk of falls, and improve mood. Caregivers can help individuals with Alzheimer’s engage in regular exercise by accompanying them on walks, participating in exercise classes, or doing exercises at home.
Healthy diet: A healthy diet is important for maintaining physical health and can also have an impact on cognitive function. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can provide the nutrients necessary for maintaining overall health. It is also important to limit foods high in saturated and trans fats, as well as added sugars.
Mental stimulation: Stimulation is essential for maintaining cognitive function and can help delay the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Activities such as reading, playing games, and doing puzzles can help keep the mind active and engaged. Caregivers can help individuals with Alzheimer’s engage in brain exercises by providing opportunities for these activities and adapting them to the individual’s abilities.
Social engagement: Social isolation can lead to depression and anxiety, while social engagement can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Activities such as volunteering, joining a club or group, or spending time with friends and family can provide opportunities for social engagement.
Stress management: Stress can have a negative impact on physical and mental health, so it is important to develop strategies for managing stress. Activities such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. It is also important to identify sources of stress and develop strategies for coping with them.

Using Technology for Alzheimer’s Care

Assistive technology can play a crucial role in improving the care and quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Here are some examples of assistive technology devices and tools that can be used:

GPS Tracking Devices

Individuals with Alzheimer’s may become disoriented or confused and wander away from their homes or caregivers. GPS tracking devices can help caregivers locate individuals with Alzheimer’s who may wander or become lost.

These devices can provide real-time location updates and alerts to caregivers, allowing them to locate the individual quickly and easily. GPS tracking devices can help caregivers provide a safe environment for individuals with Alzheimer’s and reduce the risk of accidents or wandering.

Medication Reminders and Dispensers

Medication management can be a challenge for individuals with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Some individuals may forget to take their medication or take it incorrectly, leading to health complications.

Medication reminders and dispensers can help ensure that individuals with Alzheimer’s take their medications on time and in the correct dosage. Some devices can also dispense medications automatically, reducing the risk of missed doses or incorrect dosages.

Communication Aids

Communication can be a challenge for individuals with Alzheimer’s, who may have difficulty expressing themselves or understanding others. Communication aids, such as picture boards, speech-to-text software, or voice-activated assistants, can help individuals with Alzheimer’s express themselves and communicate their needs effectively. These aids can help reduce frustration and anxiety and improve the quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s.

Home Monitoring Systems

Caregivers often worry about the safety of seniors with Alzheimer’s who live alone. Home monitoring systems can help caregivers monitor the safety and well-being of individuals with Alzheimer’s. These systems can include sensors that detect falls or movement, video cameras, and alarms for smoke or carbon monoxide. Home monitoring systems can provide peace of mind for caregivers and allow individuals with Alzheimer’s to maintain their independence in their own homes.

Using technology in Alzheimer’s care can be a valuable tool for both individuals with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. However, selecting and implementing technology can be challenging, especially for those who are not familiar with it. To make the process easier, it is important to consider the individual’s needs and abilities when selecting technology.

In Summary

Alzheimer’s disease can have a significant impact on both patients and caregivers, with patients experiencing memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes, and caregivers experiencing high levels of stress, fatigue, and financial burden. Early detection and management of the disease are crucial for improving patient outcomes and easing the burden on caregivers.

Technology can also be a valuable tool in Alzheimer’s care, enhancing safety, improving communication, simplifying daily routines, and providing peace of mind for caregivers. It is important to select and implement technology in a way that considers the individual’s needs and abilities, provides training and support, ensures privacy and security, and regularly evaluates its effectiveness.

Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease