Our Blogs & Articles | Somerby Lake Nona

Adult child sitting on a couch with their older parent and feeling stressed about caring for them.

November 19, 2024

What to Do if You’re Feeling Trapped Caring for an Elderly Parent

Caring for an aging parent is a profound act of love, but it can also be an overwhelming responsibility. Many […]

An adult with their young child visiting their older parent in memory care, laughing together and playing an engaging game of Jenga.

7 Engaging Activities for Seniors In Memory Care

Visiting a loved one in memory care can be a rewarding experience. It’s full of opportunities to strengthen your connection […]

A woman holds a spoon and a bowl of soup, attentively feeding an elderly lady who is experiencing a decrease in appetite.

November 7, 2024

What Causes A Loss of Appetite for Seniors?

Food is essential for everyone’s well-being, especially older adults. A proper diet can make a difference for healthy aging. If your loved one has less appetite, what can cause this?
There can be many reasons older adults lose their appetites, including physical changes, mental health issues like depression, loneliness, or simply a loss in variety of food. When these changes occur, your loved one may need more support to improve their appetite or meet their wellness needs.
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A group of smiling seniors in an assisted living community playing cards together while a doctor checks in on them.

How to Qualify for Assisted Living

Transitioning to assisted living is a significant life change that requires careful planning and consideration. Understanding the steps to qualify for assisted living is crucial.
If you are thinking of helping an older loved one or parent move to an assisted living community, following a step-by-step guide and accessing extended resources can help you make sense of the legal considerations and financial details. With a determined mindset and the support of your friends and family, you can make the transition into assisted living a smooth experience. […]

A hand extends, passing a key to the new homeowner with a gesture of transfer and ownership

How to Pay for Memory Care?

One of the last things many people want to discuss when you or a loved one is considering moving to a senior living community is the cost. We all like to believe there are no limits to the life we can offer, but early discussions regarding financial considerations can help ensure this transition goes smoothly.
Some options you can explore when deciding how to pay for memory care include:
Disbursements from personal retirement and pension plans
Equity from the sale of your home
A bridge loan or home equity loan
Veterans Affairs Aid and Attendance benefits
Sale of stocks and securities
Life settlement income
Financing memory care can seem overwhelming, but with thoughtful planning, you can embrace all that senior living has to offer!
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A senior woman sitting on a couch with a Pomeranian dog sitting on the back of the couch

Best Small Dogs for Seniors

Seniors can find solace, purpose, and joy in the company of small canine friends, and the reasons are as varied as the breeds themselves.
Whether older adults live independently or in assisted living, there are many benefits of embracing furry friends. The best small dog breeds for older adults include blending low-maintenance care and manageable energy levels and can include:
Bichon Frise
Poodle
Pomeranians
Shih Tzu
Cavalier
Havanese
Pug
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A smiling adult man hugs his older, smiling mother.

How to Get Guardianship of a Parent with Dementia

Witnessing a parent’s decline in memory, reasoning, or comprehension abilities can be challenging. Family members often need to step in and make crucial decisions on behalf of their loved ones when they become unable to. Guardianship becomes essential at this stage. It serves as a legal way of ensuring the safety and well-being of a parent who can no longer care for themselves.
The individual’s cognitive state, and applicable legislations are the 2 key elements that determine the process of obtaining guardianship for a parent with dementia. There isn’t a universal approach. Obtaining guardianship of a parent with dementia must ultimately go through the courts. That’s why it’s crucial to involve a knowledgeable law professional who can assist with all the necessary documentation.
If you can, consider arranging when and how guardianship will happen early on, before it is needed. With help from a legal professional, you can ensure that your loved ones wishes are still carried out, but that they have proper care and established paths for decision making when conditions progress.
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Aerial view of a lush, green, residential community on the ocean in Florida

Benefits of Moving to Florida as a Senior

In recent years, Florida has become a top destination for seniors looking to enjoy their retirement. It’s not just the […]

An older man sitting on a couch with his spouse leaning over his shoulder looking at assisted living forms on a laptop.

What Is an 1823 Form for Assisted Living?

The 1823 form is vital in ensuring that assisted living communities in Florida provide appropriate care to their residents. This comprehensive assessment outlines the resident’s specific needs and helps determine the level of assistance required.
It is a key document in the admissions process for assisted living facilities and helps to establish a baseline for care.
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Older adults in memory care exercising while seated in chairs.

7 Physical Activities For Seniors In Memory Care

Incorporating physical activity into the daily lives of loved ones in memory care is essential for their health and well-being. It not only enhances their overall well-being but also offers a wonderful way for caregivers and family members to connect with them in a senior living community.
7 physical activities for older adults in memory care include these indoor and outdoor activities:
Chair yoga
Tai Chi
Walking groups
Gardening
Dance classes
Ball games
Water aerobics
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An adult child sitting on the couch with their parent and smiling while discussing memory care.

What Is the Difference Between Memory Care & Skilled Nursing?

Deciding on the most suitable care option for a loved one is a deeply personal and often challenging decision. When faced with the choice between memory care and skilled nursing, caregivers and families should understand the nuances of each, as these 2 options offer different services and levels of care.
Memory care communities cater to individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, providing a safe environment with specialized support, while skilled nursing offers a broader range of medical services for individuals with various complex healthcare needs.
Talking with your loved one and seeking professional advice from their healthcare provider can help you determine which type of community could offer them the best quality of life.
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An older adult in the library, smiling and holding a stack of hardcover books for their book club.

Best Book Club Books for Seniors in 2024

Hobbies enrich the mind and provide a sense of fulfillment—something everyone deserves at every stage of life. For older adults, […]

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