Author Archives: Brian B

The first Sunday after Labor Day is set aside each year to celebrate National Grandparents Day. This year, National Grandparents Day falls on September 13th.

When To Celebrate National Grandparents Day

Grandparents Day is the perfect opportunity to come together and celebrate. Grandparents and children have such a special bond that is proven to make grandparents live longer and even make the children more emotionally resilient.

Just like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, make sure to mark your calendar on September 13, 2026, for National Grandparents Day!

History Of National Grandparents Day

The origin of National Grandparents Day actually dates back to 1969 when a child named Russell Capper sent a letter to President Nixon. In the letter, Capper suggested one day be set aside each year to celebrate grandparents.

Following the letter, Marian McQuade was nationally recognized by President Carter as the founder of National Grandparents Day. McQuade’s wish was to educate the youth regarding the importance of senior citizens and their contributions throughout history.

In 1977, Senator Randolph formally requested the President to “issue annually a proclamation designating the first Sunday of September after Labor Day of each year as ‘National Grandparents’ Day’.”

Once congress passed the legislation, President Carter signed the proclamation in 1978. He declared National Grandparents Day to be celebrated beginning the following year.

About Ventana Winds

Ventana Winds Retirement Community is a member of SLS Communities and offers Assisted Living and Memory Care services In Youngtown, Arizona.

More Articles About Senior Living

• How Much Does Memory Care Cost?
• How To Talk To A Parent With Dementia
• Memory Care Facilities Near Me
• Best Golf Clubs For Seniors
• Questions For Assisted Living Interviews
• How To Look Younger At 50
• Retirement Party Ideas
• Can I Retire At 60 With 500K?
• Retire In Youngtown AZ
• Retirement Wishes – 100 Quotes Continued
• Assisted Living vs Memory Care
• Retirement Wishes For A Boss
• Is It Possible To Retire Early At Age 30, Age 40, or Age 50
• Differences Between Independent Living Vs Assisted Living
• Senior Living Youngtown
• How Much Does Assisted Living Cost In Youngtown, Arizona?
• Best Places To Retire In Youngtown Arizona
• Assisted Living Peoria
• What Is Memory Care? The Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
• What is Assisted Living?
• What is Arthritis?
• Benefits of Assisted Living
• What is Memory Care?
• Senior Retirement Living Options
• Checklist For Assisted Living
• Best Place To Retire In Sun City Arizona
• Can The IRS Seize My Retirement Money?

Let’s take a look at the 10 best payment options for assisted living care.

How Much Will Assisted Living Cost?

The average for a private, one-bedroom apartment in these communities will run about $3100 per month or around $36,000 per year. These prices are around the cost of living in various areas.

The price will change based on the room sizes; for instance a shared apartment is going to be less expensive and a larger apartment or two-bedroom apartment is going to be much more expensive.

How To Pay For Assisted Living Expenses

Cost is always one of the biggest factors when it comes to choosing the right assisted living community for your loved one. Prices for assisted living care will depend on floorplans, services, amenities, accommodations, and location. As you carefully select the type of care you’d prefer, you must know how the expenses will be covered if Medicare helps with any of the costs.

Assisted living is paid using private funds but there are some exceptions. There may be insurance policies that will cover assisted living. Check the insurance policy to see if it will be covered.

If the resident is a military veteran or is the veteran’s spouse, they may qualify for veteran’s benefits which will pay for the community. In some states, Medicaid waivers and funds can be used to help cover assisted living.

Medicare

Typically, Medicare will not extend coverage for long-term or assisted living care. There are certain situations where Medicare covers qualified healthcare costs at these communities.

Medicare is generally used to cover the costs of home healthcare that’s provided by skilled nursing facilities.

Medicaid

In the state of Arizona, the Arizona Long Term Care System pays for care-related services for state residents living in assisted living communities. The System, however, will not pay for room and board.

Assisted living residents will be responsible for different basic living costs depending on their coverage and location.

Savings

Seniors often dip into their personal savings to handle assisted living costs. Retirement funds and/or social security pay may be accessed, at this time.

Some residents will use their business investments to cover these expenses. Careful financial planning is essential prior to moving into a senior care community.

Assisted Living Loans

Some organizations will offer loans that are designed to help seniors handle these costs.

If your income is low, this loan can be a great option to look into.

Long-Term Care Insurance

It is possible for long-term care insurance to provide support for seniors trying to cover assisted living costs.

All policies will vary, so always review the terms before transitioning to this living situation.

Reverse Mortgages

A reverse mortgage could be considered as a means for seniors to access equity for these expenses.

It is crucial to understand the terms and implications of reverse mortgages, however.

Life Insurance

Some life insurance policies come with a cash value that may be accessed to help pay for assisted living services.

Other options, such as accelerated death benefits or life settlements, could also help.

Bridge Loans

Bridge loans are strictly a temporary form of financial assistance. Typically, these loans will be taken out while a property sale awaits.

These loans can cover costs until a permanent solution is found.

Veteran’s Aid And Attendance Pension

In some cases, the Veteran’s Aid and Attendance Pension can be used to help cover costs.

Individuals who qualify must have under $80,000 in assets.

Family Assistance

Family members can also contribute funds to make assisted living more affordable.

Some seniors will use multiple sources to pay for care, including help from family members, personal savings, and loans.

Other Financing Options For Assisted Living

There are some assisted living communities in Arizona that offer private funding options for residents. If an individual happens to have long-term care insurance, this will cover a portion of the costs associated with assisted living.

In most cases, assisted living residents pay for care out-of-pocket. They fund these services by selling assets like homes or other valuable properties.

About Ventana Winds

Ventana Winds Retirement Community is a member of SLS Communities and offers Assisted Living and Memory Care services In Youngtown, Arizona.

More Articles About Senior Living

• How Much Does Memory Care Cost?
• How To Talk To A Parent With Dementia
• Memory Care Facilities Near Me
• Best Golf Clubs For Seniors
• Questions For Assisted Living Interviews
• How To Look Younger At 50
• Retirement Party Ideas
• Can I Retire At 60 With 500K?
• Retire In Youngtown AZ
• Retirement Wishes – 100 Quotes Continued
• Assisted Living vs Memory Care
• Retirement Wishes For A Boss
• Is It Possible To Retire Early At Age 30, Age 40, or Age 50
• Differences Between Independent Living Vs Assisted Living
• Senior Living Youngtown
• How Much Does Assisted Living Cost In Youngtown, Arizona?
• Best Places To Retire In Youngtown Arizona
• Assisted Living Peoria
• What Is Memory Care? The Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
• What is Assisted Living?
• What is Arthritis?
• Benefits of Assisted Living
• What is Memory Care?
• Senior Retirement Living Options
• Checklist For Assisted Living
• Best Place To Retire In Sun City Arizona
• Can The IRS Seize My Retirement Money?

You may be experiencing dementia if memory loss is interfering with your ability to function normally. However, memory loss is more commonly found in older stroke survivors.

Can Memory Loss Result From A Stroke?

Yes, memory loss can occur in some stroke survivors. Memory loss can ultimately impact an individual’s visual, verbal, and informational skills.

Verbal issues include forgetting names, stories, and feeling at a loss for words. Visually, individuals may for forget faces, shapes, and even familiar routes. Memory of information may be forgotten, as well as the ability to learn new things.

Common Memory Loss Symptoms

Here are some generic symptoms of memory loss:

• Short-term memory issues.
• Getting lost in familiar places.
• Misplacing household items.
• Loss of interest in people and things.
• Poor judgement overall.
• Trouble following directions.
• Forgetting events.
• Trouble performing familiar tasks.
• Language issues.
• Changes in sleep patterns.
• Delusions or hallucinations.
• Trouble reading and writing.
• Personality and behavior changes.

Types Of Memory Loss After A Stroke

There are three unfortunate types of memory loss that are often associated with individuals who have suffered a stroke. Let’s look at these types below.

Dementia

Dementia will undoubtedly interfere with daily functioning as it is a deterioration of cognition. There are a few different types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common.

Vascular changes, such as a stroke, can result in vascular dementia. This is the second most common type of dementia today.

Delirium

A sudden state of confusion that affects attention is known as delirium. Thankfully, this is oftentimes a reversable state.

Stroke, infection, sudden illness, electrolyte changes, dehydration, liver/kidney failure, and drug toxicity can cause delirium.

Mild Cognitive Impairment

Mild cognitive impairment is the stage right between normal cognition and dementia.

Typically, daily functioning will not be impacted, but the individual will begin experiencing impairment. Nearly half of these individuals experiencing mild cognitive impairment will eventually progress to dementia within 3 years.

Can Memory Loss From A Stroke Be Treated?

Memory can improve as time goes on, either naturally or through rehabilitation. However, symptoms can sometimes last for years. Memory loss can improve by taking regular medications for things like depression, anxiety, or sleeping problems.

Tests can be done to determine if a specific medical condition has led to your memory loss, according to Stroke.org. Dementia, however, usually get worse over time.

In order to stimulate your brain, it’s suggested to attempt new hobbies that get both the mind and body moving. Exercise can improve your physical and mental health.

When Is It Time For Memory Care?

Dementia and Alzheimer’s are very familiar types of memory loss circumstances that will be included in memory care. This is a dedicated care that will go through a variety of services that will depend on the seriousness of the symptoms, like 24-hour emergency call service.

Memory care will go further than what is typically offered in assisted living. Housekeeping, the preparation of food, and clothes washing services are generally provided, but the level of needed assistance with daily activities is increased. There also may be times when daily activities are designed specifically for a person that will allow them to reconnect with their interests or old hobbies.

As the communities can recognize the care challenges for elderly people who have dementia or Alzheimer’s, they may just provide memory care or, for continuing care communities may provide a neighborhood strictly for memory care. More often than not, it is these communities that will have fixed design elements that will lower the stress for those who have dementia or Alzheimer’s.

These elements will usually include a circular neighborhood design that permits the resident for safer wandering, memory boxes outside of their apartments, with natural lighting. About 6 out of 10 elderly people with Alzheimer’s will begin to wander around the community and it is specifically designed to lower the chances of being harmed by wandering, and that may done simply adding security alarms or doing welfare and safety checks.

About Ventana Winds

Ventana Winds Retirement Community is a member of SLS Communities and offers Assisted Living and Memory Care services In Youngtown, Arizona.

More Articles About Senior Living

• How Much Does Memory Care Cost?
• How To Talk To A Parent With Dementia
• Memory Care Facilities Near Me
• Best Golf Clubs For Seniors
• Questions For Assisted Living Interviews
• How To Look Younger At 50
• Retirement Party Ideas
• Can I Retire At 60 With 500K?
• Retire In Youngtown AZ
• Retirement Wishes – 100 Quotes Continued
• Assisted Living vs Memory Care
• Retirement Wishes For A Boss
• Is It Possible To Retire Early At Age 30, Age 40, or Age 50
• Differences Between Independent Living Vs Assisted Living
• Senior Living Youngtown
• How Much Does Assisted Living Cost In Youngtown, Arizona?
• Best Places To Retire In Youngtown Arizona
• Assisted Living Peoria
• What Is Memory Care? The Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
• What is Assisted Living?
• What is Arthritis?
• Benefits of Assisted Living
• What is Memory Care?
• Senior Retirement Living Options
• Checklist For Assisted Living
• Best Place To Retire In Sun City Arizona
• Can The IRS Seize My Retirement Money?

Yes, Medicaid will pay for certain memory care costs for eligible adults in need of these services.

What Is Memory Care?

Dementia and Alzheimer’s are very familiar types of memory loss circumstances that will be included in memory care. This is a dedicated care that will go through a variety of services that will depend on the seriousness of the symptoms, like 24-hour emergency call service.

Memory care will go further than what is typically offered in assisted living. Housekeeping, the preparation of food, and clothes washing services are generally provided, but the level of needed assistance with daily activities is increased. There also may be times when daily activities are designed specifically for a person that will allow them to reconnect with their interests or old hobbies.

As the communities can recognize the care challenges for elderly people who have dementia or Alzheimer’s, they may just provide memory care or, for continuing care communities may provide a neighborhood strictly for memory care. More often than not, it is these communities that will have fixed design elements that will lower the stress for those who have dementia or Alzheimer’s.

These elements will usually include a circular neighborhood design that permits the resident for safer wandering, memory boxes outside of their apartments, with natural lighting. About 6 out of 10 elderly people with Alzheimer’s will begin to wander around the community and it is specifically designed to lower the chances of being harmed by wandering, and that may done simply adding security alarms or doing welfare and safety checks.

What Is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a joint federal and state health insurance program in place to help adults with low income. It provides coverage for more than 1 in 5 Americans today.

Medicaid undoubtedly plays a crucial role in increasing citizens’ access to affordable health care. Oftentimes, Medicaid may be confused with Medicare, which is a federal health insurance program that provides coverage for seniors age 65 and older, as well as certain younger people with disabilities.

Is Memory Care Covered By Medicaid?

Typically, Medicaid will cover 100% of nursing home expenses, which includes memory care services. However, Medicaid does not pay for the cost of room and board in neither assisted living nor memory care facilities.

Medicaid may pay for some services offered by memory care facilities, as long as the facilities are Medicaid-approved for eligible patients. Let’s take a look at the two common ways Medicaid covers memory care services.

Institutional Medicaid

Medicaid will pay for 100% of nursing home care for eligible adults with either Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia. This is the case in every state and Washington, D.C. This does include the cost of room and board, though.

It also includes health care services, such as personal care services and meals. Medicaid patients will only be accepted by nursing home facilities officially licensed as a Medicaid Nursing Facility (NF).

Home And Community-Based Services

This is a Medicaid program that enables people to receive certain long-term services in assisted living facilities, memory care facilities, their own home, and other community settings. In order to qualify for an HCBS waiver, all individuals must apply for Medicaid benefits first.

HCBS waivers will cover services like skilled nursing, memory care programs, and more. It is possible for housekeeping, transportation, and respite care services to be covered, as well.

How Much Does Memory Care Cost?

The average cost of memory care is $5,655 a month with costs ranging from $1,595 to $9,715 in Arizona. Contact the team at Ventana Winds Retirement Community for more information.

The average costs for memory care ranges from $1,595 – $9,715+ a month. Prices shift dependent on location, services, and elderly care needs. While many services such as meals, medication handling, and group activities will be included, others will not. I.e., residents could have access to clothe washing services, lunch trips, or beauty amenities, like haircuts or pedicures, but those could cost extra.

How To Apply For Medicaid

To apply for Medicaid benefits, you must live in the same state where you are applying for the coverage. Contact your state Medicaid agency online, by mail, by phone, or in person for more information.

Other Ways To Pay For Memory Care

When a senior is suffering with Alzheimer’s of Huntington’s disease, keeping them safe and well takes precedence that could be mentally and emotionally draining on their loved ones. Concerning demeanors that can be hard to safely control, such as roaming and aggressiveness, begin to emerge.

For family care takers, like spouses and adult children, fulfilling their loved one’s complicating — and changing — requirements can be a major struggle.

The following are some alternative ways to pay for memory care:

• Medicare.
• Life Insurance.
• Long-Term Care Insurance.
• Reverse Mortgages.

About Ventana Winds

Ventana Winds Retirement Community is a member of SLS Communities and offers Assisted Living and Memory Care services In Youngtown, Arizona.

More Articles About Senior Living

• How Much Does Memory Care Cost?
• How To Talk To A Parent With Dementia
• Memory Care Facilities Near Me
• Best Golf Clubs For Seniors
• Questions For Assisted Living Interviews
• How To Look Younger At 50
• Retirement Party Ideas
• Can I Retire At 60 With 500K?
• Retire In Youngtown AZ
• Retirement Wishes – 100 Quotes Continued
• Assisted Living vs Memory Care
• Retirement Wishes For A Boss
• Is It Possible To Retire Early At Age 30, Age 40, or Age 50
• Differences Between Independent Living Vs Assisted Living
• Senior Living Youngtown
• How Much Does Assisted Living Cost In Youngtown, Arizona?
• Best Places To Retire In Youngtown Arizona
• Assisted Living Peoria
• What Is Memory Care? The Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
• What is Assisted Living?
• What is Arthritis?
• Benefits of Assisted Living
• What is Memory Care?
• Senior Retirement Living Options
• Checklist For Assisted Living
• Best Place To Retire In Sun City Arizona
• Can The IRS Seize My Retirement Money?

Frontotemporal dementia results from damage to neurons located in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. Also referred to as frontotemporal disorders (FTD), symptoms of this disease include unusual behaviors, as well as emotional issues. Let’s look at the stages of this disease.

The 7 Stages Of Frontotemporal Dementia

Frontotemporal dementia, like most forms of dementia, will ultimately progress slowly. According to NIA.NIH.gov, this disease often affects individuals aged 40-60.

Stage 1. No Symptoms

Stage one will see the individual exhibit no symptoms whatsoever.

• During stage one, the disease has not progressed to the point where any changes are noticeable.
• Individuals will present themselves as completely healthy and normal, at this time.

Stage 2. Mild Symptoms

Mild symptoms will pop up during the second stage of this disease. Most dementia patients will experience memory problems as the first sign of the disease. However, this is not the case with frontotemporal dementia.

• Patients may experience some slight changes in both social interactions and overall personality.
• Symptoms are still very subtle during this stage.
• A diagnosis may even be missed during stage two.
• Some symptoms could simply be classified as stress.

Stage 3. Some Cognitive Issues

This stage is where cognitive issues are generally noticed by friends and family.

• Changes can include declining social skills and use of language.
• Functional and working memory will also begin to decline.
• Obsessive behaviors can occur at this stage of the disease.
• Symptoms displayed during stage three typically alarm loved ones.

Stage 4. Visible Symptoms

There is clearly something wrong with the individual at this point in time. Previously unrecognized signs are now obvious.

• The individual will have trouble with normal, everyday interactions.
• Language skills continue to decline.
• A diagnosis made at this point could still be considered an ‘early onset’ diagnosis.
• It’s possible some treatments could be provided to the individual, which may not work during later stages.

Stage 5. Full-Time Care Needed

This stage is typically considered the disease’s mid-point. The individual will ultimately need round-the-clock care at this point.

• Language will be on a severe decline.
• Poor social skills.
• The individual may not react appropriately to most situations.
• The disease really starts to accelerate during stage five.

Stage 6. Severe Cognitive Problems

Loss of bodily control, cognitive issues, and a decline in judgement will all occur during this stage.

• Poor impulse control is another symptom experienced, which calls for the 24/7 caretaking.
• Pronunciations issues will persist.
• Individuals may try to completely isolate themselves.

Stage 7. Final Stage

The final stage is, unfortunately, the most difficult stage for the individual and loved ones.

• Individuals will become withdrawn and struggle to communicate.
• Assistance will be needed for every task.
• Motor and verbal abilities will disappear.
• Refusal to cooperate is quite common at this point.

About Ventana Winds

Ventana Winds Retirement Community is a member of SLS Communities and offers Assisted Living and Memory Care services In Youngtown, Arizona.

More Articles About Senior Living

• How Much Does Memory Care Cost?
• How To Talk To A Parent With Dementia
• Memory Care Facilities Near Me
• Best Golf Clubs For Seniors
• Questions For Assisted Living Interviews
• How To Look Younger At 50
• Retirement Party Ideas
• Can I Retire At 60 With 500K?
• Retire In Youngtown AZ
• Retirement Wishes – 100 Quotes Continued
• Assisted Living vs Memory Care
• Retirement Wishes For A Boss
• Is It Possible To Retire Early At Age 30, Age 40, or Age 50
• Differences Between Independent Living Vs Assisted Living
• Senior Living Youngtown
• How Much Does Assisted Living Cost In Youngtown, Arizona?
• Best Places To Retire In Youngtown Arizona
• Assisted Living Peoria
• What Is Memory Care? The Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
• What is Assisted Living?
• What is Arthritis?
• Benefits of Assisted Living
• What is Memory Care?
• Senior Retirement Living Options
• Checklist For Assisted Living
• Best Place To Retire In Sun City Arizona
• Can The IRS Seize My Retirement Money?

Dizziness is not only frustrating, but it can also be quite dangerous, especially for elderly citizens. From muscle changes to standard vertigo, there are several common causes of dizziness. Let’s look at these causes below and how to treat them.

What Causes Vertigo In The Elderly?

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of dizziness in elderly citizens today. This phenomenon also affects a portion of younger adults. BPPV is created when the tiny crystals in your inner ear become dislodged from their natural position.

This can ultimately result in a brief but intense vertigo sensation. Individuals may feel a spinning of their surroundings when moving their head or body. Spells of BPPV-induced dizziness are generally quite short, but they can be quite uncomfortable, to say the least.

Symptoms can include feeling lightheaded, nausea, or falling if standing up. Of course, these spells can be dangerous depending on the position an individual is in.

Dizziness From Spinal Degeneration

BPPV is undoubtedly the most common cause of dizziness in the elderly. A progressive degeneration of the spine is the second-most common cause of dizziness at an advanced age. Spinal degeneration is a fairly natural result of aging or age-related arthritis, resulting in limited mobility in the neck and head.

This sensation typically sends messages to the brain regarding the positioning of your head. These messages are oftentimes false, leading to a disoriented or dizzy sensation. Imbalance and falls can occur, at this time.

Other Causes Of Dizziness In The Elderly

There can be a few other causes of dizziness than BPPV or spinal degeneration. Abnormal blood pressure is quite common, which can lead to hypotension, postural, or orthostatic. Quick dizzy spells can happen when individuals are standing up. Unfortunately, even some medications can cause dizziness or interact with other medications and lead to dizziness.

Some unrelated mental health concerns have been linked to dizziness, as well. Anxiety has been known to cause elderly citizens to become dizzy.

Conclusion

Senior citizens should spend their time with family and friends; not worrying about vertigo or dizzy spells. While there are several different causes of dizziness, most are treatable. If you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, it’s best to reach out to your doctor right away.

Retirement In Youngtown, Arizona

There isn’t a more appropriately named setting for this lively community than Youngtown! Monthly rent at Ventana Winds includes three well balanced meals plus snacks, 24-hour staff, and a daily tidying of your apartment. The offerings don’t end there! Personal laundry is done weekly, transportation is provided for appointments or shopping, a 24/7 emergency call system is in place, as well as a full slate of exciting activities. Check out all of Ventana Winds’ offerings today!