Blog

We know that adults aged 65 and older are at higher risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19, and physical distancing has been critical in protecting older adults from infection. But this drastic change in social life has come with physical and mental health risks of its own. Kim Kletter,…

Joe was sixty-five when he received a diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. The signs had been there for several years, but each individual symptom seemed minor. Joe lived alone so the day-to-day decline went unnoticed. He often lost his keys, forgot to make payments, and got upset over simple things.…

By Andrea Korsunsky, BSW, Director of Seniors At Home’s Center for Dementia Care Finding ways to stay connected with people we care about is perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of life during COVID-19. When you have a loved one who has dementia, virtual communication can be especially daunting—but it…

An Update from Seniors at Home, a Division of Jewish Family and Children’s Services Nothing is more important to Seniors At Home than helping older adults live safely, healthily, and independently in their own homes. During COVID-19, our services are especially vital in keeping seniors safe at home and limiting…

Even before a statewide Shelter-in-Place was mandated, social isolation was known as America’s quietest health risk—afflicting seniors of all socio-economic groups. Under normal conditions, many suffer in silence from the physical and mental health issues related to isolation and loneliness, but the current conditions are far from normal. With Bay Area residents sheltering in…

A Message from Andrea Korsunsky, Director of Seniors At Home’s Center for Dementia Care As we encounter disruption to our usual routine, it is important to adapt our approach as we connect with people who have dementia. When interacting with our loved ones with dementia, the goal at all times is…

4 Tips for a New Caregiver Many people feel shocked and frightened when their loved one has a heart attack.  It typically happens suddenly, and it can be overwhelming to discover that someone close has suffered a heart attack and that you may not know how to care for them.…

When a family member is diagnosed with dementia, some often wonder whether they should share the diagnosis with friends or other family members. Andrea Korsunsky, Director of Seniors At Home’s Center for Dementia Care, says, “Many families feel that they are breaking confidentiality or trust when disclosing information about their loved…

It may come as a surprise to learn that as we get older, our ability to feel the sensation of thirst lessens and our kidneys are not able to conserve water as well. This means that the risk of dehydration increases in seniors, and can commonly lead to hospitalization or…

For some people with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, the evening hours can bring increased agitation, confusion, and restlessness. Some may even experience hallucinations or energy surges. This unusual evening behavior is commonly known as “sundowning” or “sundown syndrome” and typically occurs as the daylight fades in the late…