Starting this week, Calson is scheduled to receive FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines for residents and team members. All communities will have priority rotation to receive vaccines continuously for the foreseeable future. Each community will have specific vaccination dates with a follow-up schedule five weeks later.

There is no doubt the pandemic has impacted everyone this year, but this is especially true for seniors. Thankfully, with COVID-19 vaccines becoming available, we now have hope for a better future. However, we aren't there yet, and we must all do our due diligence to remain safe. While some senior care communities are offering in-person tours by following all CDC protocols, but they are other communities that aren't. So, here is how you can still safely tour a senior care community during a pandemic.

COVID-19 may limit how we can connect with family and friends in person during the holidays, but that doesn't mean we can't find ways to be together. By adapting holiday activities and finding new ways to celebrate the season with your loved ones, you can minimize stress and create a pleasant experience for everyone.

The year 2020 has been full of unwanted surprises. As this year comes to an end and we are closer to an approved vaccine, we are happy to say we are registered to be amongst the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

We are excited to introduce our newest community, The Lodge at Glen Cove opening in winter 2020. The Lodge at Glen Cove exclusively caters to those with independent living, assisted living, and memory care needs.

There is no getting around it. When you have a loved one with dementia, you know that they will require specialized care at some point. But which is the right choice - a Memory Care Community or Home Care? We recommend families explore all their options and understand what each can provide. So, what are the most important factors to consider when making such a big decision? Let's start at the beginning.

As people age, they are more likely to experience some forms of forgetfulness, but sometimes it's more than forgetfulness; it's dementia. Dementia is one of the main reasons seniors lose their independence.

As we prepare to enter a holiday season like none before, I wanted to share with you how we will keep the spirit. Rest assured, even though we won't be able to have our traditional family gatherings, we're planning for ways to continue to celebrate with our residents. Here's some of what we have planned so far.

Do any of us enjoy a physical? Most people find them to feel very invasive. Which is why I am here to tell you it doesn’t have to be. An assessment is NOT a physical. It does not require removing clothing or having to sit on a cold table. In fact, it begins simply with a review of the physician’s report (LIC 602).

Often, families ask me what I recommend they bring in when moving their loved ones into my community. They find it a bit difficult to choose from everything their loved one has collected throughout the years. I tell them while downsizing is important, it really should not be their focus. There will be plenty of time for them to work on that. Instead, I recommend bringing items that your loved one will need, which will make their transition more comfortable.

Finding not just the right foods but also foods that seniors want to eat can be challenging. Being in the senior dining industry for over twenty-five years, I have come to learn that seniors not only need what I consider five of the most indispensable foods in terms of getting the vitamins and minerals that an aging person needs, but also some foods which they like to have and enjoy.

Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. It is important to note that dementia is not a part of normal aging; it is a disease. Dementia is an impairment of memory, communication, and thinking.

These charges are self-explanatory for the most part, but what happens when you see something you don't recognize? For instance, a "Community Fee." You may ask, what is that for, and how does it benefit my loved one?

Finding the right senior care community is difficult and emotional, especially when you have so many options to choose from. But where do you start? There are many things to consider before making your choice.

Assisted living is not giving up independence, but rather empowering loved ones to perform daily living activities by offering an around-the-clock team to deliver support and encouragement. Some of the primary reasons families consider assisted living communities are for safety, socialization, wellness, nutrition, and daily living activities. Each of the factors influences the decision-making process; however, family dynamics can complicate discussions.

From normal forgetfulness to dementia, the memory function of seniors varies widely from person to person. Research has found that while dementia causes progressive memory loss and impairment, memory for music remains. This means that melodies can often bring back memories of names, faces, and forgotten words. In fact, data has shown that listening to music releases dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is the "feel-good" natural neurochemical responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward in our lives.

Many family caregivers resist the thought of putting a loved one into a companion suite because they don't like the idea of their mom or dad having a roommate. The truth is companion suite can be an excellent option with many benefits and an affordable option.

When seeking a community do they have a program specifically designed to help your loved one with dementia thrive? At our communities, we provide residents and their families with customized care through our Aviator Care Plan. This unique program, tailored to our memory care residents, has been successfully benefitting residents in our communities for over ten years.

The happiness of your loved one is what matters the most. Pay attention to these five signs. Ensuring your loved one lives in a place where they are happy will also bring happiness and peace of mind to you.

Selecting a memory care community for your loved one doesn’t have to be intimidating. This can be an opportunity for you to make their advancing years as comfortable and happy as possible. When choosing a community for your loved one, keeping these things in mind will help you find the right place for your loved one and guarantee they will thrive there.