Caregivers: Get a $350 Assessment for FREE

Check out the free dementia assessment tool that I am giving away. Its a $350 value and comes with 3 videos that explain how to fill it out. Ideal for someone taking care of a parent or spouse diagnosed with Alzheimer's: You can get a copy at
Caregiver Assessment Tool

SECONDLY:

There come a time in the progression of this illness, when you might have to make difficult choices. Probably the worst is considering placement. This is a very tough decision, and is different for everyone. Factors include: burnout, finances, care needs, and ultimately what is best for your loved one.
Granted, no one loves your mom or dad like you do. But there may be a time when you cannot provide them with enough care or stimulation. While you cannot stop the progress of this illness, you CAN slow it down. Assisted living communities have given researchers the evidence, that with daily regime of exercise (fine motor skills, gross motor movement) and stimulation (verbal, visual and auditory) you can slow it down!

Personal reasoning aside, choosing a community can be a difficult process. And you only want to have to do it once. Picking the wrong one and then going through the process of moving again can be very time consuming.

As an executive director of assisted living communities, I can tell you about "referral agencies". They are great because you give them all your information (locations, price range, etc.), and they will help you by narrowing down your choices. Best of all they are free to you! (We end up paying them for the referral, but its worth it to us). In all my years, one national company stands head and shoulders above the others: A Place For Mom.

What you don't know, is some 'free' referral agencies, will give you a short list, but blast your information to every home in the city, and you end up being bombarded with marketing calls. They do this so that they are assured that no matter where you go, they will make money. A Place For Mom does not do that. They are very personable, and efficient. They will hold your hand through the whole process and never let go. I think I speak for a lot of administrators and families when I say this.