Category: Blog
10-15-2024
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Bella Groves
Recognizing Pain in Dementia Patients
Caring for a person living with dementia is a challenging and emotional experience that demands patience, compassion, and keen observation. Among the many hurdles care partners and family members face is recognizing when their loved one is in physical pain. Due to the nature of dementia, individuals may struggle or be unable to communicate their…
09-15-2024
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Bella Groves
Finding Grief Support After Losing Someone You Love
Losing a loved one is never easy, but when your loved one has been battling dementia, the grief that follows their passing can feel even more overwhelming. The long goodbye that dementia imposes during each stage often leaves care partners and family members feeling emotionally drained and uncertain about where to turn for support.
09-01-2024
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Bella Groves
Connecting Beyond Words: Dementia Communication Techniques
Living with dementia brings numerous challenges, not just for those affected but also for their family, friends, and loved ones. One of the toughest hurdles is communication. Discovering alternative ways to connect beyond words can be life-changing for care partners and family members, as it can strengthen familial bonds and elevate the level of care…
08-15-2024
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Bella Groves
Staying Connected With Your Loved One in Memory Care
Having a loved one in memory care can be an emotional and challenging experience for families. The distance, both physical and emotional, often adds a layer of complexity to maintaining strong connections. But staying connected isn’t just possible—it’s vital. At Bella Groves, we believe in fostering deep connections between residents and their families. Our memory…
08-14-2024
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Bella Groves
Is it Time for Community Placement?
Written By: Kayla Dudley As the Director of Dementia Programming and Education at Bella Groves, I get the opportunity to regularly speak to families navigating various stages of a loved one’s dementia diagnosis. These stages vary from “Mom’s display of independence masks her need for assistance” to “Mom is at the point where she is…
08-01-2024
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Bella Groves
Grieving and Joy Can Co-Exist in Dementia Caregiving
Grieving and joy can feel like polar opposites, but in the realm of dementia caregiving, they often coexist in surprising harmony. For many care partners, the emotional landscape is a roller coaster, encompassing moments of profound sadness and unexpected joy. Understanding this non-linear grief is essential for anyone navigating the complex world of dementia caregiving.…
07-15-2024
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Bella Groves
The Dangers of Euphemisms and Sayings
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” It’s a phrase that all of us have grown up with, whether a teacher or parent told it to us as children to help us cope with bullying or as a personal reminder to ourselves to ignore the hateful words of others.…
07-01-2024
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Bella Groves
Recognizing and Preventing Dementia Caregiver Burnout
Caring for someone with dementia is an act of love and immense patience. However, the unique challenges of dementia care can place a heavy burden on even the most resilient individuals, leading to caregiver burnout. Recognizing and preventing this burnout is crucial for the caregiver’s well-being and the quality of care provided to their loved…
06-15-2024
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Bella Groves
Planning for the Future After a Dementia Diagnosis
From the moment someone you love is diagnosed with dementia, the road ahead feels daunting. This is where care begins – with understanding, planning, and nurturing. Bella Groves is proud to serve as a trusted ally in your dementia journey and is dedicated to not only offering exceptional memory care in San Antonio but also…
06-01-2024
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Bella Groves
What is Synapse Retrogenesis?
Watching someone we love live with dementia can be an overwhelming experience, especially when faced with the gradual fading of their cognitive abilities. Dementia is characterized by a decline in memory, thinking, and other mental abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. One of the underlying processes of this decline is synapse retrogenesis, a…