Thankfully, We’re Here to Help

November, a time of togetherness and reflection, is Family Stories Month. What better time to share stories than Thanks-giving? Family Stories Month encourages us to record or listen to stories from relatives of all ages. Afterall, there are countless anecdotes of romance, travel, and adventure in every family’s history.

For some—who’ve lived long, fulfilling lives—the past brings a great sense of joy. For others, the past may be all they remember.

National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month in November is dedicated to raising awareness, increasing support for caregivers, and sharing resources with families.

The challenges presented by memory loss can be difficult to navigate, but Sumter Senior Living is here to help every step of the way. Not only does The Village Program® offer personalized programming to engage residents in activities to reflect their former schedules, lifestyles, and interests—it also helps residents feel safe and appreciated. Through enriching experiences and caring personal relationships, we find great sources of enjoyment and comfort—together.

Know the Signs
The Alzheimer’s Association® describes Alzheimer’s as a degenerative disease caused by complex changes in the brain from cell damage, while dementia is a general term describing declined mental ability to the point of interfering with daily life. Though aging is the largest risk factor for Alzheimer’s, the disease is not a regular part of aging.

Alzheimer’s dementia symptoms gradually worsen as the disease progresses, but the most common early symptom is difficulty remembering new information.

When sharing memories around the Thanksgiving table, don’t be surprised if someone remembers events differently, but maybe take a closer look if your loved one is exhibiting symptoms of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer’s, as outlined by the Alzheimer’s Association®:
. Memory loss – forgetting recently learned dates, names, details of events; asking the same question several times; repeating stories.
. Confusing time/place – losing track of time; not knowing the date; forgetting where they are, getting lost in familiar locations; disorientation; wandering.
. Trouble planning, organizing, and problem-solving – taking longer to complete tasks than before; difficulty following multi-step directions—even with familiar, straightforward tasks (e.g., writing a check, taking medications).
. Trouble communicating – struggling to find words; blanking on common words; substituting similar words (e.g., saying “mom” instead of “sister”).
. Misplacing things – unable to retrace steps to find objects; accusing others of stealing because can’t find belongings.
. Changes in mood/personality – significant mood and personality shifts, such as confusion, agitation, restlessness, suspicion, worry, and depression; sleep changes; sundowning (i.e., a state of confusion later in the afternoon and into the night).

Early diagnosis means optimal health management and planning. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America offers a free National Memory Screening Program year-round, so you can sign up for a virtual consultation from trained healthcare professionals if your loved one appears to exhibit tell-tale signs of MCI or Alzheimer’s.

Get the Support You Need
The World Health Organization (WHO) approximates 55 million people worldwide live with dementia; this number is expected to reach 78 million by 2030 and 139 million by 2050. Alzheimer’s, the most common type of dementia, accounts for 60–80% of all cases.

WHO estimates 50% of the global cost of dementia is attributed to informal care, with caregivers spending an average of 5 hours per day providing care. As the disease progresses, the emotional, physical, and financial pressures can cause significant stress to families and carers.

Which is why a broad spectrum of resources is necessary to provide caregivers assistance, and early screening and diagnosis of dementia is essential for improving outcomes.

At Sumter Senior Living, we understand the importance of balancing care with a sense of belonging. We know it’s not just feeling like you’re home—but actually feeling at home. Along with a variety of living options, we offer daily wellness, cultural, and educational programs, so there are endless opportunities for connection with the people, places, and activities you love.

Spend time with family in our community rooms. Take care of your health in our Fitness Center and indoor, heated therapy pool. Explore enriching interests at the Library, Theater, or Arts and Crafts Studio. From exercise and wellness to adventures in the larger community, we provide great sources for laughter, connection, and friendship—and include those ideals in everything we do.

A Place Where You Belong
Sumter Senior Living is proud to offer a continuum of living options to suit all needs and preferences, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care all on one beautifully landscaped campus.

Managed by Grace Management, Inc. (GMI), a leader in providing the best senior living experiences, Sumter Senior Living has been able to elevate industry standards by delivering exceptional living experiences, while providing the resources and information seniors and their loved ones need to make important life decisions. Grace Management, Inc. is a subsidiary of CPF Living Communities and is ranked in ASHA’s 50 largest seniors housing owners.

For more information, or to schedule a personalized visit, please call (352) 674-3600 or visit www.SumterSeniorLiving.com.

Sumter Senior Living
1490 Killingsworth Way,
The Villages, Florida 32162
(352) 674-3600
www.SumterSeniorLiving.com
Assisted Living License Number: 12227