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The Benefits of Reiki Holistic Healing for Alzheimer’s Patients
Senior Care of Sacramento is brought to you by; Therese Johnson,
Your Trusted Geriatric Care Expert
Helping you age well – Specializing in dementia
Free Senior Care Expertise: Read Articles on Geriatric Care Management, Assisted Living Placement, and Dementia Care. Our blog covers:
- How to Choose the Right Senior Care Home in 2025 – Checklist for evaluating assisted living, board & care, and memory care facilities.
- Why Geriatric Care Management Pays for Itself – Cost savings of a $350/hour consultation vs. preventing expensive crises.
- Therese Johnson Featured on Destined for Success Podcast – Expert guidance for families.
- Tips for Seniors to Stay Social This Valentine’s Month – Building circles of care.
- How Intuition Guides Caregiving – Therese’s story in The Los Angeles Tribune Magazine.
All articles are written or reviewed by Therese Johnson, gerontologist and Alzheimer’s specialist.
Senior Care Blog and Eldercare Resources
Keeping Connection Alive: Meaningful Activities For Loved Ones With Memory Loss
When a loved one experiences memory loss, the ways we communicate and connect naturally begin to shift. It is common for families to wonder how to maintain a deep, meaningful relationship when verbal conversations or shared memories become less accessible. However,...
Is It Normal Aging Or Something More? Early Signs Of Dementia To Watch For
Understanding the difference between normal aging and early signs of dementia is essential for timely care and support. Recognizing the Subtle Differences Between Aging and Dementia As individuals age, it is typical to experience occasional lapses in memory or slower...
Handling ‘I Don’t Need Help’ When The Evidence Says Otherwise
Navigating the delicate conversation when a loved one resists support despite clear signs they need assistance. Recognizing the Warning Signs: When Independence Becomes a Risk The desire for independence is a core value for many older adults, making it challenging to...
Preparing To Work With A Senior Care Agency Consultant: What To Know And What To Ask
Navigating senior care decisions can feel overwhelming, especially when you want the very best for someone you love. From understanding care options to evaluating what truly fits your family’s needs, the process can quickly become complex. That’s where Senior Care of...
When A Parent Can’t Manage Money Safely Anymore: Warning Signs And Next Steps
Recognizing when a parent may struggle with financial management is vital for their safety and well-being—discover key warning signs and practical steps to protect your loved one. Understanding Financial Vulnerability in Older Adults As individuals age, changes in...
FAQ Section
How does geriatric care management pay for itself?
The cost of hiring a geriatric care manager ($350/hour phone consultation or $525 for 1.5-hour in-person) is a fraction of the savings they produce. GCMs result in better health and financial outcomes, easily paying for themselves within a few years or less by: (1) Finding resources to pay for care, (2) Preventing expensive emergency ER visits/hospitalizations, (3) Reducing caregiver absence from work, (4) Preventing family members from leaving the workforce to provide care, (5) Identifying unnecessary services like excess medical testing or overlapping caregiver shifts, (6) Protecting against fraud or elder abuse, (7) Optimizing use of Medicare, Medicaid, and Veterans’ benefits.
What is Therese Johnson's book "Saving Seniors' Savings" about?
“Saving Seniors’ Savings: Best Kept Secrets on How to Pay for Senior Services” is a #1 Best Selling Amazon book in two categories that explains: (1) Where to find resources for caregivers, (2) How to get money to pay for them, (3) Secrets to funding senior care through unused benefits, (4) Asset transfers, gifting, and trust setup strategies, (5) Elder law attorney referrals for powers of attorney and living wills, (6) Medi-Cal and Veterans’ benefits optimization. The book was inducted into the Washington Library of Congress and featured in The Art of Connection.
How do I choose the right senior care home in 2026?
Key checklist items include: (1) Talk with residents about how they like the community and staff, (2) Verify visits are welcome at any time, (3) Confirm 24-hour assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), (4) Check criminal background checks on employees, (5) Verify elder abuse/neglect training programs, (6) Ask about common reasons residents may be asked to move out, (7) Visit during mealtime to assess food quality, (8) Check staffing levels at nights/weekends, (9) Verify handrails, grab bars, clear exits, smoke detectors, (10) Meet with the director and nursing director, (11) Ask about staff-to-resident ratios and training, (12) Check for Alzheimer’s/dementia units if needed.
What is a "circle of care" and how do you create one?
A “circle of care” is a network of family members, friends, and community members who help with caregiving duties such as driving, grocery shopping, and spending time with your loved one. Geriatric care managers help arrange and manage this process, creating a support system that enables seniors to age in place safely and confidently. This reduces caregiver stress, prevents family members from leaving the workforce, and improves seniors’ quality of life through social connection.
