In this interview, Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Sarah Milanowski L.M.S.W., Manager of Enrollment & Marketing, he looked to find out several things in their conversation: 

Sarah, you were on with the Michigan Business Beat previously in August of 2022, welcome back and remind the Michigan business community about LifeCircles?

A storyline crossed my desk last week, LifeCircles Pace's commitments to this sector of Michigan's population, so let's have a conversation:

● Why are the holidays challenging for individuals with dementia and their families?

● How does this sometimes keep families apart?

● What sort of things trigger somebody with dementia?

● Any strategies that families can use to mitigate those triggers?

● What are ways that family members can help de-escalate if their loved-one does become upset?

● So, it follows, tell us about Coping strategies for the family members?

● This is great, but in a practical sense, How would someone go about visiting their family member with dementia
especially if they can’t leave their home or care facility

● How can you support other family members if you are long distance and aren’t able to help day to day?
If the business community or others in the audience wanted to contact LifeCircles, how might they do so?

Here's some further information:

There is an issue regarding our seniors that needs to be brought to your attention so that hopefully, more families can fully enjoy the holidays. 

Right now, nearly 200,000 adults in Michigan over the age of 65 are living with some form of dementia. Each and every one of these individuals has a family network that's impacted as well. Folks coping with brain change and memory loss rely a lot on routine to help them stay calm and as independent as possible. It’s important for things to stay predictable. 

Triggers for those living with Dementia include: 

• Change in environment

• Unfamiliar Surroundings

• Loud Noises 

• Overstimulation

Unfortunately, the holidays include all of these and more. Just because it’s a challenge doesn’t mean you have to leave your loved-ones out of your family celebrations. LifeCircles Pace is committed to empowering individuals to age in place and as independently as possible. The interview shared above is where you may hear about their tactics and strategies for the holidays.

We have to treasure these moments while we can and ensure that we raise awareness about these strategies. We can minimize the number of seniors left alone during the holidays if their families understand that it’s attainable. Give them the gift of time with their loved-ones. 

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About LifeCircles PACE: At LifeCircles PACE, we believe living at home matters to older adults, because we know it matters to you. Our program is unique in its simplicity and common-sense approach to senior care. LifeCircles has provided an in-home alternative to traditional nursing home living since 2009. We provide peace of mind and support to seniors and their caregivers by providing all-inclusive medical and support services in-homes and at our day centers. For more information, visit our website: www.lifecircles-pace.org.

*According to Vera.org