The kitchen can best be understood as the heart of the home. It is oftentimes where memories begin and gatherings are fueled. It is utilized many times daily and fulfills some of our most basic needs. But it also poses many hazards—hazards that increase in prevalence with age. Hot surfaces, sharp knives, boiling water, and items just out of reach are accidents in waiting. And seniors, whether through negligence or inability, have a harder time managing them.

The passage of time is accompanied by many positives: increased knowledge, greater wisdom, and a more complete perspective on life. Unfortunately, it also has its negatives. Of the most prevalent are declining physical abilities that make daily life a more burdensome task. Though not a joyful experience, recognizing the inevitable effects of age can inspire the right preparation—preparation for future needs that may include long term care.

In our experience, most families start professional care for an elderly loved one because of an unexpected injury, illness, or medical condition that threates the safety of an independent lifestyle. Yet other factors are frequently overlooked. They are discreet, and often routine for a person of good health. But for seniors they can be an enormous challenge and signal a decline in abilities restricting the quality of their lives.

How do you know when it’s time for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s to transition to a long term care solution? Generally, the best indicator is an inability to adequately perform Activities of Daily Living (ADL). ADLs are routine tasks including meal preparation, bathing, taking medications, paying bills, and many others that require daily achievement to maintain a basic quality of life. The regressive nature of Alzheimer’s Disease will ultimately lead to struggles with ADLs for all who experience it.

We would like to congratulate Bonnie Ochoa, the 2013 Winner of the "Joie Award for Home Health Aide of the Year"