Kerianne has provided CareOne written consent to share this story.

Managing post-hospital rehabilitation and memory care needs at the same time is no easy feat—but with a personalized approach and compassionate care team, patients can experience remarkable results. 

When buying her house, Kerianne did so with the intention to care for her aging parents at home. She renovated a suite in her house, preparing to welcome them whenever the time would come. Years later, when her mother fell ill, her parents moved in with Kerianne and her family. 

But when Kerianne’s parents moved in, she saw something she didn’t expect: Her father started showing signs of dementia. The signs she saw were not noticeable from her interactions with him when he lived outside of her home.  

Kerianne’s father was known for his intellect and ambition, having reinvented his career throughout his life. He was celebrated for his ability to finish the Wall Street Journal crossword in 30 minutes. But little by little, his abilities started slipping — and as Kerianne’s mother’s condition was getting worse, her father’s dementia was progressing. "Dementia progresses like tiny paper cuts all the time — it’s almost too late when you realize there’s a problem," she said.

“Dementia progresses like tiny little paper cuts all the time — it’s almost too late when you realize there’s a problem.”

Sadly, Kerianne’s mother passed, which also marked a point in time when her father’s condition progressed beyond a manageable level. As with many people with dementia, Kerianne’s father was often confused and started to behave in ways that are typical for those with progressing dementia. During the day, Kerianne placed him in a daily care program. When he would come home in the evening, he would wander, requiring Kerianne to follow him closely to keep him safe. Eventually, Kerianne’s father fell and fractured his hip, requiring emergency surgery and a stay in hospital. 

While the hospital took care of his immediate treatment, Kerianne knew she needed to plan for his post-hospital rehabilitation — one that could support her father’s recovery from injury but also provide comprehensive dementia care. Having worked in a skilled nursing facility in the past, Kerianne was concerned that her father would need an extra layer of care to better support his healing due to his dementia. She was looking for a place that would provide around-the-clock rehabilitative support as well as specialized memory care. 

Finding the Right Level of Care 

While the hip fracture was the primary factor in Kerianne’s decision to transition him to a care facility, there were other life factors at play. As her father’s sole caregiver, Kerianne was finding it increasingly difficult to provide the level of support he needed as his dementia progressed. While Kerianne was navigating these changes, another family member of hers had fallen ill and she was also caring for her teenage children. As part of the sandwich generation, Kerianne found herself in a difficult position that is all too common: She was experiencing burnout from taking care of her aging parents, while also looking after and providing for children who have their own socio-emotional needs. 

This is when Kerianne decided to contact Alyson Mulryne, Senior Administrator at Harmony Village at CareOne Jackson. Harmony Village is a specialized memory care community that provides 24/7 care for individuals with dementia. Alyson worked with Kerianne to put special arrangements in place, such as occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), and on-site nursing staff specializing in dementia, to ensure the right level of care for Kerianne’s father. 

Providing Individualized Care  

When Kerianne’s father first arrived at Harmony Village at CareOne Jackson, he was unable to walk and required significant support. Fortunately Harmony Village at CareOne Jackson has an in-house therapy team that includes both OT and PT. Alyson worked closely with Kerianne to ensure the right support was in place for his healing. When Kerianne wasn’t visiting her father, she would be on the phone with his care team to check on his progress. Starting with almost daily check-ins, which eventually progressed to weekly, Kerianne was involved in every decision for her father’s post-hospital rehabilitation and memory care. “Our frequent communication helped us build trust with Kerianne and her family and we believe it helped her know that we were all in," said Alyson.

"Today, a visit to her father is simply a visit where Kerianne and her father can enjoy themselves."

At Harmony Village, residents live in distinct neighborhoods based on their degree of memory loss, from mild to moderate and then severe. This layout improves social interaction and engagement in suitable activities, fostering a stronger sense of belonging and improving overall care outcomes.  In this case, Harmony Village at CareOne Jackson was able to use the neighborhood system in reverse order to aid his recovery.  

Due to his injury, Kerianne’s father started in the neighborhood with the highest care needs. As his physical condition improved, Kerianne’s father was eventually able to move out of the severe neighborhood to the moderate, and now, based on his progress, he is living with others who have mild cognitive impairment. Hip fractures, particularly in individuals with dementia, can often be debilitating, but in this case, his care team helped him get back on his feet. According to Harmony Village at CareOne's Jackson's Physical Therapist, Kyle Negron, "He came to us in a wheelchair, and we helped him rehabilitate to the point where he could walk up to 500 feet without assistance or a device."

"We now have to remind him to sit down and take rests!"

Kerianne’s father’s success story serves as a powerful reminder for those assessing their senior care options: Individualized, personalized care can help people reach their full recovery potential and significantly improve their overall quality of life. Harmony Village designs care plans tailored to the cognitive and physical needs of each resident. This approach extends beyond treating the individual, care teams at Harmony Village provide support for the entire family. Family plays a particularly crucial role in memory care as family members often have to be the advocate and voice for their loved one with dementia. Harmony Village at CareOne Jackson's Dementia Care Specialist, Casey Gordon stresses the importance of family support:

“You have to support the family along with the resident, because they are the ones placing their trust in us.”

Harmony Village at Jackson helped lift Kerianne's burden of caregiving. Now, Kerianne is often seen visiting the community, dancing and singing with her father. “I am so grateful to the care team at Harmony Village," she said. "They have helped improve not only my father’s quality of life, but also mine and my family’s. It is a relief to know that he is thriving when we’re not there, and it’s a treat seeing him so happy at all our visits. "

"We breathe easier knowing that he is well cared for every day.”

For more information about Harmony Village at CareOne Jackson, contact us or schedule a tour.  

The post From Healing to Hope: A Post-Hospital Rehabilitation Success Story appeared first on CareOne.

Facing the Reality of a Dementia Diagnosis 

Dealing with a dementia diagnosis is difficult for everyone involved. People who receive a diagnosis might feel confused, distressed, or even deny the condition of their memory loss altogether. Meanwhile, their families typically experience feelings of sadness, worry and grief that their loved ones with dementia are changing before their eyes. 

One of the most challenging aspects of dementia is communication. Communication styles and habits that worked with a loved one before will require adjustments based on their stage of their dementia. In some cases, people with dementia might be in denial about their condition, saying their forgetfulness was a “one-time incident” and they don’t need help. Others with dementia might feel more irritable or ask for more support.  

While families try to make sense of these changes, they’re processing their own heavy emotions, and they often don’t know the right thing to say or do. It’s common for memory care specialists to hear families say their loved one with dementia has “lost their mind,” “can’t do anything” — or worse — that “they’ve gone crazy.” While well intentioned, some families might use infantilizing language toward their loved one with dementia, which only makes the individual feel worse.  

To ease some of the challenges that come with caregiving for a loved one with dementia, positive language is key. With the right approach to communication, dementia can be managed effectively at all levels and you can help improve your loved one’s overall quality of life. 

Here are some simple language shifts and other tips on how to communicate with someone with dementia.

Say This, Not That

Don’t say: “Did you remember to take your medication?”
What to say instead: “I see you didn’t take your medication. How can I help you?”
Why it matters: Many people with dementia often feel embarrassed when they’ve realized they’ve forgotten something or someone. By remaining patient and calmly stating your point, you can help your loved one feel more supported and at ease.

Don’t say: “You can’t do that by yourself”
What to say instead: “I can help you with that”
Why it matters: People with dementia are often underestimated by their abilities. Offering help instead of taking over their task shows that you respect their abilities while also providing them with the support they need.

Don’t say: “I will do it”
What to say instead: “I will do it with you” or “Can I do this with you?”
Why it matters: Those with dementia often struggle with losing their independence and want to know that they have a say in the decisions made about their lives. This simple language signals just that. You’re honoring their independence and dignity while also offering support.

Don’t say: “Calm down”
What to say instead: “I know this must be hard for you"
Why it matters: It’s critical to use positive language to express concerns as well as give your loved one time to process their situation. This language shift shows that you are validating your loved one’s feelings and experience.

Don’t say: “Your (loved one) died”
What to say instead: “Can you tell me about (their loved one)?”
Why it matters: Caregivers refer to this language shift as therapeutic fibbing. People with dementia, especially those in advanced stages, have a harder time processing loss. In many cases, it is more beneficial for the person with dementia to reminisce about positive memories from their past rather than try to understand their current reality.

Don’t say: “Hey, sweetie!”
What to say instead: “Hey, (real name)!”
Why it matters: Unless your loved one gives you consent, using a nickname without their permission can make some people with dementia feel belittled. Saying their real name is a sign of respect.

Don’t say: “You need to wear a diaper” 
What to say instead: “I have some protective undergarments for you”
Why it matters: Words like “diapers” and “bibs” are infantilizing. Making simple language changes protects the dignity of a person with dementia. 

Don’t say: “You seem under the weather”
What to say instead: “How are you feeling?”
Why it matters: Idioms and slang words can be extremely difficult for people with dementia to follow. Using clear, simple language is essential to ensuring your loved one understands what you are saying. 

Communication Beyond Words

It is not just what you say to someone with dementia, but how you say it. Keep these nonverbal communication tips in mind when talking to someone with dementia: 

• Smile: Positive, warm facial expressions can help people with dementia feel more comfortable and safer. 

• Tone Matters: Whatever you say, speak softly, especially when your loved one with dementia feels more irritable. Do not raise your voice as it can make matters worse. 

• Use Demonstration Cues: Expressive hand gestures and body language can help with signaling common tasks like eating, drinking, walking and sitting. 

• Lean on Photo Albums: Pictures can be a great way to communicate with a loved one with dementia, as they help people reminisce about some of their most positive memories. 

• Consider Signage: Consider signage for communicating with someone with dementia at a later stage, as the symbols can be easier for them to process information. 

The Power of Positive Language in People with Dementia 

Like any other progression of a disease, dementia presents new challenges at every stage. As a caregiver, it’s important to meet your loved one where they are in their journey. By understanding how to communicate with someone with dementia, you can minimize frustration for both you and your loved one and help reduce the dementia stigma. Most importantly, you can improve your loved one’s overall quality of life and well-being.  

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Forgetfulness is a common occurrence as we age – but memory loss, combined with other behaviors, can be indications of Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s or another memory condition requiring medical attention. According to the World Health Organization, there are 55 million people currently living with dementia worldwide. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that 6.7 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s in 2023.

Here are some signs memory loss concerns may warrant a professional diagnosis:

Dementia can affect the frontal lobe causing many people to act in a way that is out of character. This can mean loss of initiative or decreased interest in activities that once excited them. Learn more.

Cognitive decline can create increased difficulty for seniors living with the disease. They may be angry, saddened or frustrated by these changes. Learn more.

While loss of short-term memory and operational ability is often normal in aging, folks with dementia and related conditions face more significant challenges with their memory, including forgetting names and faces. Learn more.

Seniors with memory impairments often forget how to complete typical routines or tasks such as daily hygiene or cooking a favorite meal. Those with Parkinson’s specifically struggle with movement due to stiffness and loss of balance. Learn more.

Beyond changes in personality, you may notice a loved one completely mistaking the meaning of familiar words, substituting words for others that don’t fit. They might also have issues with abstract thinking and understanding numbers and/or symbols. Learn more.

Losing neurons in the frontal lobe may affect judgment. As a result, people with Alzheimer’s and dementia may not understand their actions which may be putting their safety or the safety of others at risk. Learn more.

A key sign of dementia is experiencing confusion in familiar environments or losing awareness of time and place. Your loved one may misplace items or get lost in familiar places. Learn more.

At CareOne, we treat your family like our own. If you suspect your loved one might have memory loss, call a CareOne memory care facility near you to speak to a memory care specialist and learn more about suitable care options.

The post When Should Memory Loss Concerns Be Taken Seriously? Here are the Signs appeared first on CareOne.