Eskaton Blog

Many people are surprised to discover the numerous options available in modern senior living communities. There are communities designed to meet the needs of specific groups of elder adults. For example, independent living communities are designed for seniors who are still independent but want the security and social benefits of living in a community. If your parents are showing signs that they would benefit from some additional support and assistance, you may want to explore the options and find one that suits their current and future needs.

Memory care communities provide people living with dementia a secure and supportive place to live. People living with dementia have unique and ever-changing needs because dementia does not follow the same path with every person. If you have a parent who has been diagnosed with a form of dementia, needs help with activities of daily living (ADL), and/or is no longer able to remain safely at home without support, it could be time to consider a memory care community.

When it is time for your parent to move to a senior living community you will discover that there are a number of different types of communities available. The communities range from those that will allow your parent to live with a high level of independence to those that can provide assistance with all activities of daily living. The best choice is a community that has the resources to provide the appropriate level of care while allowing your parent to have a high quality of life. Two types of senior living communities that adult children often explore for their parents include assisted living and memory care. You can decide which one is best for your parent by learning about each type of community and comparing what they offer to meet the needs of your parent.

Deciding how to care for a parent or spouse living with dementia is difficult. You want your loved one to get the support he or she needs and to be comfortable in his/her surroundings. If you have a family member with dementia you may be debating whether home is the best environment, especially if the person lives alone. Currently there is no cure for dementia, but environment and lifestyle play an important role in delaying its progression and maximizing quality of life. It’s important to look at both the needs of your loved one and his/her caregiving situation to truly understand whether remaining at home with support makes the best sense.

As you start to explore the world of senior living you will find that there are many different options. There are several types of communities to choose from based on the needs of you or your aging parent. Within each category of community there are also choices to make based on personal preferences. Before you can narrow down which community is best it is helpful to understand what differentiates the different levels of support. Two  common options include assisted living and memory care. Finding an option that meets the individual needs of you or your loved one is the most important part.  

Living with dementia can be a difficult journey, both for the person living with the disease and their care partners. There is currently no cure but there are steps you and your loved one can take to live well even with a diagnosis. If you have dementia or have a loved one with dementia it is important that you plan for both present and future needs.

In 2016, Eskaton began an ambitious conversation to think differently about dementia. Working collaboratively with Live Well, formerly the Alzheimer’s Resource Center in Connecticut, we dared to imagine a new way of supporting people living with dementia. We imagined creating communities where relationships flourished and differences are embraced.

This year 2,776 walkers in Sacramento came out to support the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The morning air was cool and crisp—a refreshing change from the warm Sacramento summer heat. It was a perfect fall day—the crowd was filled with people wearing purple who were holding forget-me-not flowers that each tell a story. The feeling that day was hope.

by Therese ten Brinke, Project Coordinator

Music transcends language, culture and time. Eskaton residents are sparking new connections using an innovative music platform called SingFit. The music-therapist-designed program was created specifically to keep the mind and body engaged.

Larry, 82, is a retired veteran who served in the Air Force. He loves Aretha Franklin and BB King, but not many people know that. Since moving to Eskaton Care Center Greenhaven in 2012, Larry hasn't talked much. "He had a stroke," said Laura. "I was distraught and didn't know what to do." A support group helped her find Eskaton.