Welcome to Our Blog

Live Joyfully is a blog that shares wisdoms collected over Winter Growth’s 40+ years of supporting older adults in living lives filled with joy and purpose. Knowing that caring for someone you love can too often be isolating, this support has always also extended to families – offering warm reassurance, expert advice, and even a hug or two when needed. Be sure to Subscribe to receive notifications of new posts.  You can also Comment to share your thoughts and questions.

Memory Care

Winter Growth’s Memory Care community offers an affordable quality of life alternative to larger, more expensive facilities or shared rooms in small group homes. Private bedrooms are now available for move-in with NO Entrance Fees or other add-on costs.

Welcome to Our Blog Page

Live Joyfully is a blog that shares wisdoms collected over Winter Growth’s 40+ years of supporting older adults in living lives filled with joy and purpose. Knowing that caring for someone you love can too often be isolating, this support has always also extended to families – offering warm reassurance, expert advice, and even a hug or two when needed. Be sure to Subscribe to receive notifications of new posts.  You can also Comment to share your thoughts and questions.

Memory Care

Winter Growth’s Memory Care community offers an affordable quality of life alternative to larger, more expensive facilities or shared rooms in small group homes. Private bedrooms are now available for move-in with NO Entrance Fees or other add-on costs.

Welcome to Our Blog Page

Live Joyfully is a blog that shares wisdoms collected over Winter Growth’s 40+ years of supporting older adults in living lives filled with joy and purpose. Knowing that caring for someone you love can too often be isolating, this support has always also extended to families – offering warm reassurance, expert advice, and even a hug or two when needed. Be sure to Subscribe to receive notifications of new posts.  You can also Comment to share your thoughts and questions.

Memory Care

Winter Growth’s Memory Care community offers an affordable quality of life alternative to larger, more expensive facilities or shared rooms in small group homes. Private bedrooms are now available for move-in with NO Entrance Fees or other add-on costs.

01 Mar: Technology and Aging

Technology plays a critical role in facilitating effective communication and access to essential services for the aging community, particularly outside their homes.

01 Feb: Understanding Adult Day Care in Maryland

As the population ages, the need for specialized care services for seniors becomes increasingly vital. Among these services, adult day care stands out as a valuable resource for both elderly individuals and their caregivers.

01 Jan: LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

For people living with dementia, finding and engaging in meaningful activities can provide a sense of purpose, cognitive stimulation, comfort, and an opportunity to remain connected with others.

01 Dec: HOLIDAY TIPS FOR CAREGIVERS

The holiday season is a wonderful time of the year, but for caregivers it often comes with additional tasks and extra stress. Instead of peace and laughter, the season can be filled with tension and guilt. Read on for tips and tricks that can help ensure your holidays are filled with less stress and more joy.

01 Nov: NUTRITION, MEALTIMES, and DEMENTIA

Research conclusively reports that good nutrition and hydration for people with dementia is important in maintaining cognitive function as well as other bodily functions – furthermore, poor nutrition may exacerbate behavioral symptoms and cause weight loss.

01 Oct: Self-Care for Caregivers

Taking care of oneself isn’t a new concept. However, the term “self-care” changes the obvious concept and turns it into something intentional. It means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health.

01 Sep: Navigating the Stages of Grief When a Loved One Has Dementia

The progressive nature of dementia means that caregivers experience a series of emotional stages as they witness the gradual decline of their loved one’s cognitive and functional abilities.

01 Aug: LIFE LONGEVITY – INFLUENCING FACTORS

When it comes to living longer, there are several factors at play. Here’s the big secret, though: the ultimate goal that contributes to achieving longevity is reducing stress. Yep, stress reduction is like an umbrella that covers all the other factors.

01 Jul: RECOGNIZING WHEN HELP IS NEEDED

As people become older, the amount of help needed often increases. Sometimes, the amount of support needed becomes more than a caregiver can handle, or is capable of providing. It is during these times that it is important to remember that it’s ok to ask for help.

01 Jun: DEMENTIA TREATMENTS AND MEDICATIONS

Along with cognitive decline, many individuals living with dementia will develop behavioral and psychological symptoms such as depression, anxiety, apathy, and delusions, among others. Both non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions can potentially reduce these symptoms.

01 May: Caring for Aging Loved Ones

Relationships change over time, and when it comes to parents and their children, this feeling of “role reversal” is quite common. Adult children may find themselves “parenting” their elderly parent. This transition is challenging for both parties and may leave everyone involved feeling vulnerable and confused.

01 Apr: PLANNING DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY INDOOR ACTIVITIES

We all know the saying, “April showers bring May flowers.” These rain-filled days often mean being indoors and finding ways to stay active at home. From reading and listening to music, to sharing in household tasks, there are so many activities that you and a family member with dementia can enjoy together.

01 Mar: MONTESSORI FOR THE AGING

Montessori is an educational philosophy that can be applied to any age group. It focuses on individual development and meeting the person where they are. In older adults, the Montessori approach is primarily used to foster independence and a sense of self-worth.

01 Feb: DEMENTIA AND RELATIONSHIPS

One can agree that to love and be loved is a magical feeling. People of all ages find joy in romantic relationships. However, these relationships can look different when a partner suffers from dementia or other cognitive disorder.

01 Jan: RESOLUTIONS FOR CAREGIVERS

As a caregiver, it’s easy to lose yourself to the endless lists of to-do’s that come with meeting your loved one’s ever-evolving and sometimes overwhelming needs. With the New Year getting under way, we challenge you to take a deep breath and resolve to Live Well, Laugh Often, and Love Much in 2023.

01 Dec: UNDERSTANDING SLEEP AND DEMENTIA

Poor sleep and dementia intertwine – each contributing to the other. Learn more about the interactions between the two and discover some simple changes you can make to address them.

01 Nov: SUPPORTING THE AGING LGBTQ+ POPULATION

Caring for some of the most vulnerable members of our society requires staff across the board to be mindful and respectful of the uniqueness of each individual.

01 Oct: The benefits of walking

Research suggest that older adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate physical exercise a week. Achieving this goal is as simple as lacing up your sneakers 5 days a week and heading out for brisk 30-minute walks.

01 Sep: The Healing Power of Pets

While science doesn’t have all the answers, hundreds of research articles published on the benefits of pet therapy point to the conclusion that it positively impacts quality of life for many people living with dementia.

01 Aug: a caregiver’s guide to preparing for weather emergencies

Whether it’s a hurricane, flooding, or any other natural disaster, there are steps you can take to ensure that you and your loved one with dementia can safely weather the storm. As always, it starts with being prepared.

01 Jul: NAVIGATING LIFE AS A CAREGIVER

It happened; you are now a caregiver. It’s okay. Breathe. You are not alone, this path has been walked before, and you will learn to navigate the new space you are in.

01 Jun: Tips for Traveling with a Loved one who has dementia

Summertime is travel time for many families. Vacations, family reunions, a nice drive for fresh air – so many options for enjoying the outdoors and making memories. But, what if you are caring for someone living with dementia? You can take the trip with your loved one, with just a bit of planning.

01 May: PARLAYING COLLEGE SEARCH EXPERIENCE INTO YOUR ASSISTED LIVING SEARCH

Remember searching for a college for yourself or your child? Searching for a college and searching for an assisted living option for your loved one can be quite similar!

01 Apr: Discover Ways to Enjoy the Warmer Weather with Your Loved One

The spring season has arrived and with it comes more sunshine and warmer days. This creates the perfect opportunity for one to explore outdoor spaces that both you and your loved one will enjoy!

01 Mar: Caregiving for Multiple Generations

As an adult, it is likely that at some point you will be a caregiver of your child or of your parent. But what if they coincide at the same time? Welcome to the Sandwich Generation.

01 Feb: Recognize and Manage Seasonal Depression

Winter is here… and with it comes less sunlight and cold, dreary weather. During the winter many of us may experience a sadness that results from a lack of sunshine or the end of the holidays; when these blues persist, however, these “low” feelings can become a problem.

01 Jan: Winter Safety for Our Aging Loved Ones

As the year comes to a close, the winter months arrive… bringing lower temperatures, and higher risks. These risks affect everyone, but especially older adults. As we go about our daily lives this winter, there are some important things to keep in mind.

01 Dec: Thoughtful Gifts for the Holidays

The pandemic has affected our loved ones in so many ways; this year for the holidays, give gifts that offer a bit of extra comfort and enjoyment. With a little creativity, you can find ways to include your loved ones in festivities or start new traditions to remind them that they are loved.

01 Nov: What to Look for When Choosing an Assisted Living Community

While many seniors and caregivers embrace the idea of “aging in place”, assisted living offers many benefits that aren’t available to those who remain in their homes.

01 Oct: When Assisted Living is the Right Choice

While many seniors and caregivers embrace the idea of “aging in place”, assisted living offers many benefits that aren’t available to those who remain in their homes.

01 Sep: Tips for Visiting with a Memory-Impaired Person

If memory loss makes conversations difficult, there are many strategies and activities that you can incorporate into your visit to facilitate a fun and meaningful time together.

01 Aug: Tips for Conversations with a Memory-Impaired Person

Talking with a memory-impaired person can be difficult. Here are some easy tips to help you enjoy a great conversation.

01 Jul: Dining Out When a Loved One Has Dementia

Dining out doesn’t have to be a nerve-wracking experience when your loved one has dementia; with careful planning, everyone can enjoy a relaxing time.

01 Jun: The Importance of Sleep

We all spend about one-third of our lives sleeping. That’s a lot of time and it goes to excellent use! Research shows that quality sleep is important for everyone. Sleep not only helps our bodies to rest and rejuvenate, but it also enables our brains to better learn and remember.

15 May: Agency vs. Independent Hire In-Home Care

There are two types of in-home health care providers: companion caregivers and home health caregivers. The cost of hiring either type will depend on your location and the level of care needed.

01 May: Benefits of Adult Medical Day Care

Adult Day Care programs provide a safe, friendly environment that promotes cognitive stimulation, physical activity, and social interaction.

15 Apr: Care Options for Aging Loved Ones

When your loved one clearly needs help, you have several different options to consider – including Day Programs, In-Home Care, and Assisted Living.

01 Apr: Overcoming Objections to In-Home Help

Many older adults refuse to admit they need help, despite struggling with everyday activities. Here are some strategies for overcoming this resistance.

15 Mar: Knowing When Help Is Needed

How do you know when your aging loved one needs help? One way to answer this question is to pre-plan.

01 Mar: The Value of Routines

Having a routine is especially important for seniors as they begin to lose control over their physical and cognitive abilities.

15 Feb: Aging and Fall Prevention

Fall don’t have to be an inevitable part of aging! There are some simple ways for you and your loved ones to prevent them.

01 Feb: Hydration in the Elderly

As people age, their risk for dehydration increases. Making hydration fun can reduce this risk.

Subscribe to Winter Growth’s Live Joyfully blog to receive a notification when new posts are available.

The program runs from 9am to 3pm, Monday through Friday, and participants can attend anywhere from two to five days a week. If longer hours are needed, Respite Care is also available. Ready to sign up? Download our Admission Packet and get a head start on the process!

© Winter Growth, Inc. 2019 | Privacy Policy

GuideStar Exchange Platinum Participant  GuideStar Exchange Platinum Participant  WINTER GROWTH INC Nonprofit Overview and Reviews on GreatNonprofits  Olney Chamber of Commerce

Winter Growth is a 501(c)(3), a Montgomery County Dementia Friendly Business, a GuideStar Exchange Platinum Participant, a 2017 Top-Rated Nonprofit on GreatNonprofits, and a proud member of the Olney Chamber of Commerce.

Winter Growth as a recipient of federal financial assistance has a non-discrimination policy as required by Section 601 of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975. Specifically, that policy states that no person will on the grounds of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, ancestry, or disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination in the provision of any care, service, or employment. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

If you believe you have been subjected to unequal treatment because of race, color, or national origin, then you have a right to file a formal complaint.

Complaints may be filed within one hundred-eighty (180) days following the date of the alleged discriminatory action. Requests for more information or complaints may be submitted to Human Resources by mail (18110 Prince Philip Drive, Olney, MD 20832), telephone (410-964-9616), or email.

The USDA and MSDE are equal opportunity providers.