Home About Articles Social Media Print Design Agency Contact

Published Articles and Site Content

Browse my collection of published articles, landing pages, community descriptions, destination pages, video scripts, and miscellaneous projects.

A Place for Mom •

25 Unique Gifts for Dementia Patients in Every Stage

Finding the best gift for a loved one can be challenging, especially for someone with dementia. As their dementia progresses, it can be difficult to know what they would truly enjoy and benefit from. However, picking a gift can be extremely fun and rewarding if you know what to look for. To make your loved one feel special this holiday season, look for gifts based on their stage of dementia. Some great ideas we highlight below include games, craft kits, assistive products, fidgets, and sensory items.
A Place for Mom •

VA Memory Care Benefits and Programs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can help veterans with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia cover memory care costs. Veterans enrolled in VA health care can turn to various VA programs, health benefits, pensions, and disability benefits to cover the cost of living in a memory care facility and other dementia-care costs. The VA also offers memory care facilities for veterans to provide them support for memory-related illnesses and dementia.
A Place for Mom •

Does Medicare Cover Memory Care? A Detailed Look

Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of living in a memory care community or long-term personal care home. It does, however, pay for some medical services and equipment related to dementia care. If your loved one with dementia has Medicare, it’s important to understand how Medicare works and what memory care services it does and doesn’t cover. This can help your family plan finances for memory care accordingly.
Destination Pages •

Find Home Care Agencies Near Charlotte, NC

Charlotte’s 143 home care agencies offer seniors and people with disabilities the support they need through personal care services and light housekeeping. In Charlotte, the average cost of home care is $28 per hour. However, total costs vary depending on a client’s needs. Home care is a suitable option for seniors looking to age at home or for adults who need personal care as they recover from an injury or illness. To help you find the ideal Charlotte home care agency, we offer listings and insights into local costs, payment options, client reviews, and information on state licensing requirements.
A Place for Mom •

How to Get Paid to Be a Caregiver for Parents

Family members can get paid to be caregivers for their elderly parents through Medicaid, VA benefits, long-term care insurance policies, and caregiver agreements. Family caregivers often face greater financial instability and stress than noncaregivers. This is because they typically struggle to balance work and assisting their parents with personal care, meal preparation, and cleaning. Many caregivers choose to reduce their hours, take a leave of absence, or quit working, resulting in lost wages and benefits. Unfortunately, most family caregivers are unpaid due to strict eligibility requirements and unique financial situations. However, getting paid could help prevent stress and burnout.
A Place for Mom •

Is Memory Care Tax Deductible? Requirements, Eligible Expenses, and Tax-Prep Tips

Some memory care expenses and out-of-pocket medical expenses — like prescriptions and on-site nursing services — for a loved one with dementia are tax deductible. Meals and lodging at a memory care facility may also be tax deductible if an individual with dementia meets the IRS’ eligibility requirements. To reduce your family’s taxable income, you can itemize your return and deduct qualifying health care expenses.
A Place for Mom •

Memory Care Management: Patient Care and Needs Management

While all senior living communities aim to assist residents with activities of daily living (ADLs) and support a healthy lifestyle, memory care communities go above and beyond. They provide the same support along with memory care management, which addresses the specialized needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. A top-of-the-line memory care community focuses on specialized programming and techniques like person-centered care and dementia care mapping to empower residents, accommodate their needs, and help them meet their goals.
A Place for Mom •

How Much Does Memory Care Cost? A Complete State-by-State Guide

The national median cost of memory care is $6,200 per month in the U.S., according to the 2024 long-term care cost report by A Place for Mom. Key factors like floor plans, location, services, and a person’s health care needs can affect the price. The cost may seem steep at first, but it covers many services including meals, 24-hour care, safety protocols, housekeeping, and supportive cognitive therapies to support the health and well-being of residents.
A Place for Mom •

When to Move From Assisted Living to Memory Care: Signs, Steps, and Finding a Community

The right time for transitioning from assisted living to memory care varies from family to family. Some common indicators to look for in your loved one include wandering, aggression, frequent forgetfulness, poor hygiene, and difficulty socializing. Fortunately, the decision-making process and transition are usually collaborative, says Niki Gewirtz, a former Senior Living Advisor at A Place for Mom and former executive director at a senior living community that offered both memory care and assisted living.
A Place for Mom •

What Is the Average Length of Stay in Memory Care?

The average length of stay in memory care can range anywhere from two to ten years, according to Leslie Fuller, founder and owner of Inspired Senior Care. However, the stay varies depending on the needs of a senior with dementia, the progression of their dementia, and their overall health. In some instances, a senior may only need memory care as a temporary respite care stay. While another senior may be ready for a permanent move to a community that offers 24-hour supervision and specialized care services for seniors with dementia.
A Place for Mom •

Choosing a Memory Care Facility: 10 Tips and an Essential Checklist of Questions

Finding the best memory care facility for your loved one can be overwhelming. With so much variation in facility amenities, staffing, and activities, you may be unsure about how to find a memory care facility to fit your loved one’s needs. To help you with your search, we include tips from dementia care experts on how to determine your loved one’s needs, factor in preferences, compare memory care features, and find options within your budget. We also created a memory care checklist with questions to ask while touring to help ensure your loved one’s safety and well-being.
A Place for Mom •

40+ Independent Living Activities: Promoting a Healthy, Fulfilling Retirement

Most independent living activities include happy hours, game nights, fitness classes, art classes, and outings to local attractions to help seniors socialize, learn new skills, and continue their favorite pastimes. Independent living minimizes the daily hassle of chores, leaving more time for seniors to focus on their hobbies, foster friendships, and develop a healthier lifestyle. Communities offer a plethora of activities to help seniors thrive in the next chapter of life. Read on to learn about the array of activities you can find in many independent living senior communities.
A Place for Mom •

When To Move to an Independent Living Community: 5 Signs

If it’s becoming difficult to keep up with home maintenance, chores, meal planning, and transportation to activities and social events, independent living may be right for you. Independent living communities offer services and amenities that cater to healthy seniors who don’t require assisted living care but want a relaxing, stress-free lifestyle. A transition to independent living can provide the support you need to pursue passions, learn new skills, or spend quality time with friends and the people you love. If you’re not sure whether you’re ready for independent living, the following signs and related questions can help you decide if it’s the right choice.
A Place for Mom •

Memory Care vs. Home Care for Dementia: 5 Key Differences

The key differences between memory care and home care for seniors with dementia are the levels of care, environment, and cost. Both options offer assistance with activities of daily living, meals, and help with daily chores. However, memory care communities offer a secure, monitored environment, with highly trained staff, secured environments, and memory-enhancing programming. Dementia home care services enable seniors to age in place and receive care in their homes, but it may become more expensive as care needs increase.
A Place for Mom •

What Are Activities of Daily Living and How Are They Assessed?

Activities of daily living (ADLs) are basic tasks needed for everyday life, while instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) are more complex tasks needed to function independently and manage one’s own affairs. Research shows that individuals over age 85 generally need assistance with daily living, with more than 20% of seniors over 85 requiring help with ADLs.[01] Activities of daily living examplesHere’s a standard list of activities of daily living, as outlined by the Katz Index of Indep...
A Place for Mom •

50+ Memory Care Activities That Keep Seniors Active and Engaged

Like everyone, seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia benefit from feeling engaged and productive. Memory care communities offer activities and entertainment to encourage social interaction, reduce anxiety, stimulate the brain, and inspire feelings of accomplishment. To engage residents with different needs and abilities, memory care communities often provide a diverse calendar of activities, including fitness classes, holiday parties, art classes, brain games, and reminiscence activities.
A Place for Mom •

How to Pay for Memory Care: 6 Options for Families

Most people living with dementia pay for memory care using a combination of private and public payment resources. Private pay options typically include personal savings and assets like pensions, home equity, financial assistance from family, and funds from life insurance or long-term care insurance policies. Some seniors may also qualify for public assistance programs, such as VA benefits or Medicaid, that cover the cost of memory care. The median cost of memory care in the U.S. is pretty hefty at $6,200 a month, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary cost data — which is precisely why families need to learn about all of their options.
Destination Pages •

10 Best Independent Living Communities in Dallas, TX

Dallas is one of Texas’ most populous and diverse cities. It naturally draws in families and seniors because of its warm summers, mild winters, unique attractions, and robust senior living options. In fact, A Place for Mom partners with 16 independent living facilities within a 10-mile radius of Dallas’ downtown. These communities are designed to accommodate active seniors seeking a lively environment filled with adults in the same stage of life. They offer a safe, carefree atmosphere for seniors 55+ to thrive physically, socially, and mentally with convenient services and enticing amenities.
Landing Page •

What Is Memory Care? Services, Cost, and Benefits

Memory care is a type of long-term care community designed to meet the specific needs of individuals with a dementia diagnosis, like Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Memory care facilities offer 24-hour care and supervision, secured environments, specialized staff trained in dementia care, and memory-enhancing activities and therapies. Memory care can take place in apartment-like facilities, within a wing of an assisted living facility, or in smaller residential care homes.
A Place for Mom •

How to Deal With Irrational Elderly Parents Who Refuse Help: 10 Useful Tips and Strategies

Starting the conversation early, staying calm, and respecting their needs can help you navigate your elderly parent’s seemingly irrational behavior and their refusal of the help they require. Right now, it may seem like your aging parent is being irrational or stubborn by refusing the idea of a caregiver or senior care community, but there’s hope. You can use these helpful strategies and more to keep the conversation productive and free of judgment on both sides.
A Place for Mom •

Memory Care Caregiver: Job Description, Qualifications, and Duties

Memory care caregivers have a lot to consider at any one moment, and this requires an advanced level of awareness and expertise — such as an in-depth understanding of dementia, its types, and how it can manifest uniquely in each individual. Read on to learn more about typical memory care caregiver job descriptions, memory care caregiver duties, and the qualifications these caregiving professionals need to facilitate best-in-class memory care.
Load More