AlmaVia of San Rafael

  • Masking the Problem: A Non-Pharmacological Approach to Senior Care

    Masking the Problem: A Non-Pharmacological Approach to Senior Care

    A baby cries, and we soothe it. But, when our older adult parent suffering from dementia has an outburst, how do we handle that? Sometimes these non-memory-related symptoms such as aggressiveness, agitation, or even delusions, the first treatment plan is to go to antipsychotic medications. But, more often than not, these drugs mask real issues……

  • Why Nonpharmacologic Approaches to Alzheimer’s Are Successful

    Why Nonpharmacologic Approaches to Alzheimer’s Are Successful

    The words “dementia” or “Alzheimer’s” can often elicit fear for us. We instantly think about what a loved one will lose if we hear that diagnosis. Dementia doesn’t have to mean you are losing out on your life. Cognitive skills may diminish, but every person can grow. That is the fundamental philosophy behind I’m Still……

  • Team Member Spotlight: Josephine Davis

    Every month we invite one of our team members to sit down with us and tell us more about their journey to Elder Care Alliance, their role now, and their insights into older adult care. We are excited to share the expertise and knowledge of our many team members who come to work every day……

  • Issues Older Adults Commonly Face When Driving

    Issues Older Adults Commonly Face When Driving

    You gain wisdom with age, as well as potential health and mobility problems that can affect your ability to drive safely. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in 2018, over 45 million adults age 65 or older had valid driver’s licenses, representing a 60% increase since 2000 for this demographic. If you……

  • Why is Older Adult Living So Expensive?

    Why is Older Adult Living So Expensive?

    If you’ve noticed your cost of living increasing each year, you’re not alone. Everything costs more today than it did even five years ago. And if you’re an older adult who fondly remembers $90-a-month mortgage payments and 49-cents-a-pound ground beef, wrapping your head around today’s prices can be difficult at best. Do you wish to……

  • Spiritual Care in Senior Living

    Spirituality is a vital part of a healthy lifestyle. Just like we tend to our physical health, it is important to nurture our spiritual health. All people need spiritual care, whether they realize it or not. Perhaps the best place to start is to consider what spirituality really means. Spirituality is finding alignment between our……

  • Creating Supportive Environments for LGBTQ Seniors

    The month of June is Pride Month across America. We are honored to recognize the thousands of people in the LGBTQ community, especially our seniors, who have worked tirelessly to gain rights, change laws, and increase social acceptance. Every person deserves to grow older with dignity; this is especially true for LGBTQ seniors who have……

  • Meet Virginia Vecina of AlmaVia of San Rafael

    Q: How long have you been part of the San Rafael family and what is your role? A: I started in February 2013 as a resident assistant and still enjoy that role and being here for the residents.   Q: What does a typical day look like? A: I help residents get dressed and washed……

  • Resident Spotlight: John Hurford

    Resident Spotlight: John Hurford

    Following a distinguished career in mechanical engineering, a resident of AlmaVia of San Rafael is earning accolades in a very different field: oil painting. Resident John Hurford, a native of Southern California and an AlmaVia resident since November 2017, began pursuing oil painting after his early retirement to stimulate his creativity and keep his mind……

  • Let’s Socialize! Tips to Boost Your Social Wellness

    Whether we’re sipping wine on a Friday evening, visiting a new art exhibit or enjoying a beautiful picnic with friends, social wellness and nurturing ourselves and our relationships with other people plays an integral role in overall health and life at AlmaVia of San Rafael. July is Social Wellness Month, a time to recognize the……