Áegis Living Offers Assistance to Recognize When Help Is Needed

Whether traveling many miles or merely spending more time with those closest to us, a visit home for the holidays is an annual tradition for many families. Though these visits are often filled with warmth, laughter, and good cheer, it is also a time when adult children come face to face with the increasing and changing needs of aging parents and family members. Each and every January, following the holiday season, senior living communities see an increase in inquiries from concerned family members looking for help and answers. At Áegis Living, a national leader in retirement, assisted living, and memory care communities, an appreciation and understanding of this period in adult children's lives is clearly recognized with help and guidance.

"The holidays are a time when families spend more time together. And often, it is during this period that the reality of where a parent or loved one is health-wise becomes all too apparent," said Dwayne Clark, chairman and CEO of Áegis Living, Inc. "When a visit home leaves a loved one concerned about the health and quality of life for their aging parent or family member, it is important and alright to follow through, to evaluate the situation thoroughly and determine what accommodations or care are necessary at this time in their life."

When deciding whether to seek the care of a senior living community, consider these questions.

--  How are they emotionally? Are there changes in their activity level
    and mood? Are they seeing friends and partaking in activities they have
    loved for years?
--  Has there been significant weight loss?  Unexplained weight loss could
    indicate a major health problem.
--  What shape is the home in? If the home is in need of repair and un-
    kept, these can be signs that more help is needed.
--  Are they taking care of themselves physically? Look to see if they are
    keeping up with basic daily routines such as bathing, brushing teeth and
    wearing clean clothes.
--  Are they having difficulty moving around their home? Having trouble
    walking or being unsteady on their feet puts them at risk for falling and
    injuring themselves.
--  Are you noticing changes in their personality?  Memory loss,
    difficulty in performing familiar tasks, poor judgment, misplacing items,
    disorientation, rapid mood swings, increased apathy or passiveness are all
    early warning signs of Alzheimer's. A doctor's evaluation can help
    determine the cause and treatment of these symptoms.

It is important to understand the many choices that make up the new face of senior living in the 21st century. Here is a breakdown defining the differences in the level of care offered.

Senior Living

In senior living communities, active older adults continue enjoying private dwellings, control over their own schedules, and freedom to come and go as they choose. Social networking, optional events and clubs, and conveniently located services, such as beauty salons, banks and technology centers, increase convenience and personal freedom of choice rather than limiting it.

Medical, dietary and other help is available when needed.

Assisted Living

An assisted living residence is a special combination of housing, personalized supportive services and health care designed to meet the needs -- both scheduled and unscheduled -- of those who need help with activities of daily living. Assisted living is quickly becoming the fastest growing long-term care option in the U.S. because of its philosophy, which embraces independence, choice and the opportunity for seniors to live enriching lives.

Alzheimer's and Dementia -- Memory Care

The diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer's presents a wide array of emotional and practical challenges for a family. Thankfully, the research and information regarding Alzheimer's and dementia has led to the establishment of residential options specifically designed to care for those living with memory loss. These specialized communities provide specially trained staffs, licensed nurses, safe and secure facilities, and cognitive and physical therapies to help soothe and relieve those with Alzheimer's and dementia.

About Áegis Living

Áegis Living is a national leader in retirement and assisted living, offering a progressive selection of senior residences to meet the growing needs of today's aging population. Áegis Living operates 34 communities in Washington, California and Nevada. More information about Áegis Living is at www.AegisLiving.com .

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Media Contact: Stacia Kirby (206) 363-1492 Email Contact