ABHM offers more than housing and health care to seniors. Through our Crest Services division, we provide support to those with developmental disabilities or those who have suffered brain injuries. Crest Services operates in Iowa and Southern Minnesota. Our new blog post focuses on the Crest Services division, and is written by a family member of a recipient of our services.

As parents of an adult child with special needs, we’re always looking ahead. How can we ensure Alex is secure and cared for when we’re no longer here? Alex, our 38-year-old son with developmental disabilities, lives at home and receives hourly Home and Community-Based Services. Late in my career as a healthcare executive, I shifted my focus to working with individuals with physical and intellectual challenges to better understand the complexities Alex will face ‘in the system’ as he grows older.

Unique Challenges for Parents of Children with Special Needs

We can foresee a time when Alex’s needs may no longer be safely met at home, even with services. There will also come a day when neither of us will be present in his life. For parents of children with special needs, these thoughts weigh heavily. While all parents worry about their children’s futures, the complexity of securing appropriate services and planning for a safe, fulfilling life adds an extra layer of concern. Continue reading A PARENT’S PERSPECTIVE: Navigating the Future

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Nearly 42% of people over 55 may develop dementia—a risk that’s hard to ignore and rising. For those with certain health conditions, the likelihood doubles. While this may sound alarming, there’s no need to panic. You have more control over your brain health than you think, and taking simple steps today can make a big difference.

A 2023 study published in Nature Medicine found that dementia risk has increased, particularly among people with heart-related diseases. However, experts stress that risk is not destiny—many people with these risk factors never develop dementia.

The study also found that Black individuals face a sharper rise in risk starting at age 75. For women, the risk surpasses men’s around age 85, primarily because women tend to live longer. Continue reading Worried About Dementia? The Risk is Rising—Here’s How You Can Take Action

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While the holiday season often brings images of joy and togetherness, it can also highlight feelings of loneliness and isolation for many older adults during the holidays and afterwards. If you’re experiencing these emotions, you’re not alone. At American Baptist Homes of the Midwest and your local ABHM community, we understand the unique challenges that seniors may face during this time, and we are here to offer support. By exploring simple, manageable strategies, seniors can rediscover connection, joy, and purpose this season—and beyond.

Understanding Loneliness

Loneliness is more than just an emotional feeling—it’s a growing concern for many older adults, especially during the holidays. Factors like the loss of loved ones, limited mobility, geographic distance, and health issues can make this time of year particularly challenging. According to the National Health and Aging Trends Study, 43% of seniors report feeling lonely regularly, with numbers increasing during the holidays. Dr. Amit Shah, a Mayo Clinic geriatrician, has emphasized that loneliness can be as harmful as smoking, obesity, or excessive alcohol consumption, linking it to serious health risks like cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and even premature death. Continue reading Combating Loneliness: Tips for the Holiday Season and Beyond

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The holidays are a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with family, but they can also reveal subtle changes in your aging parents that might go unnoticed throughout the year. During your visit, keep an eye out for signs that your loved ones might need extra assistance. Often, it’s only after the holidays that families realize their parents have been struggling, leading to a surge in calls to senior living facilities for help.

Watch for These Telltale Signs During Your Holiday Visit Continue reading Home for the Holidays: Five Signs Your Aging Parents Might Need Extra Support

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When a loved one has dementia, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the challenges. What if we told you that people living with dementia have unique insights into what helps them live better, more fulfilling lives? A recent study published in The Gerontologist found that those with dementia often prioritize joy, purpose, and connection—elements that can significantly improve well-being.

At American Baptist Homes of the Midwest (ABHM), here’s how our communities put these insights into action for your loved one’s care: Continue reading A Fresh Look at Well-Being in Memory Care: Key Insights for Families

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While we’ve made progress in understanding and diagnosing dementia—like achieving 90% accuracy with Alzheimer’s blood tests—recent research has revealed two new risk factors for dementia. Here’s what you need to know.

The Latest Discoveries: High Cholesterol and Untreated Vision Loss

According to a report in The Lancet, high cholesterol after 40 and untreated vision loss are now recognized as modifiable risk factors for dementia. This builds on previous research which identified 12 lifestyle-related risk factors, including:

  1. Physical inactivity
  2. Smoking
  3. Excessive alcohol consumption
  4. Air pollution
  5. Head injury
  6. Infrequent social contact
  7. Less education
  8. Obesity
  9. Hypertension
  10. Diabetes
  11. Depression
  12. Hearing impairment

Together, these factors contribute to nearly 50% of global dementia cases. Continue reading New Dementia Risks Uncovered: How High Cholesterol and Vision Loss Could Affect Your Brain Health

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