READ MOREWhat to Expect As Your Loved One Ages: Consulting a Doctor About Memory Lapses


Image of Dr. Macie Smith, as she discusses tips for supporting someone living with dementia

By Dr. Macie Smith You’ve noticed your parent or loved one is experiencing more frequent memory lapses, increased repetition and forgetfulness of new or routine information. It’s time to share those concerns with a health care professional. Aging expert Dr. Macie Smith walks you through what to expect and how to prepare for a professional…

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READ MOREThree Ways Family Caregivers Can Take a Mental Vacation This Summer


Three Ways Family Caregivers Can Take a Mental Vacation This Summer

July not only falls right in the middle of vacation season, but it also marks Self-care Month. It’s the perfect time to take a step back and focus on taking care of yourself. This is especially important if you’re one of the millions of “sandwich generation” Americans who are tasked with not only caring for…

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READ MOREFinding Confidence in Home Care


SYNERGY HomeCare | Supporting Our Seniors & Caregivers

Do you feel you must take on caring for an aging family member yourself? When our caregivers can help, the positive effects are felt by all. When faced with caring for a loved one at home, most people’s natural response is to bear the responsibility alone. They often don’t feel comfortable asking for help, whether…

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READ MOREHow to Identify Non Verbal Signs of Pain in Dementia and Communicate Effectively


SYNERGY HomeCare | Effective communication with a loved one

Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias gradually diminish a person’s ability to communicate. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, communication with a person with Alzheimer’s requires patience, understanding and good listening skills. Using a person-centered approach can be very effective. Person-centered care emphasizes the individual’s unique needs, personal experiences and strengths rather than focusing on their declining…

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READ MOREExpert Tips to Support Someone Living With Dementia


SYNERGY HomeCare | Dr. Macie Smith on Good Morning Arizona

Aging expert and SYNERGY HomeCare partner Dr. Macie Smith shares tips to promote your loved one’s independence and preserve their dignity when living with dementia. Watch her recent appearance on “Good Morning Arizona” to learn: Early signs of dementia How to help your loved one guide their own plan of care Signs that professional home…

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READ MOREKeeping Seniors Safe in Extreme Heat


SYNERGY HomeCare | Excessive Heat

Tips for Keeping Seniors Safe in the Heat: Water, Water Everywhere Seniors are more at risk for dehydration in general because they have a lower fluid content and a decreased thirst response. So the trick to staying hydrated, especially when it’s really hot, is to drink, even when you don’t feel thirsty. Many medications can…

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READ MOREUnderstanding Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia


SYNERGY HomeCare | Understanding Alzeimer's and Dementia

Many people wonder what the difference is between Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia is an overall term for a particular group of symptoms. The characteristic symptoms of dementia are difficulties with memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking skills.  Alzheimer’s Disease – a type of brain disease that causes damage to…

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READ MOREHow to Vet a Home Care Agency for Parkinson’s Disease Care


Home Care for Parkinson's Disease

It’s Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Parkinson’s is a progressive disease, meaning that it changes over time. This can make it hard for your support group to define roles, as their involvement will evolve as the disease progresses.  Before your loved one requires more consistent care, a smart plan is to have already vetted a home care…

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READ MOREFirst Steps after Parkinson’s Diagnosis


Parkinson's Diagnosis

The diagnosis If you or a loved one has been recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, you may have oddly experienced an unexpected feeling of relief. While relief is the last thing one would think a Parkinson’s diagnosis would garner, the relief can be attributed to the long and arduous process of actually reaching a correct…

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