While serving as a caregiver for an aging family member or friend can be rewarding, it also means committing to responsibilities that can be mentally, physically and financially draining.

As our parents age, it can be challenging to broach difficult conversations, including that it may not be safe to live home alone anymore.

Most people understand that dementia affects memory as well as thinking and reasoning skills. Less commonly understood is the difference between memory changes that come with age and early-stage dementia.

Before you begin researching communities and setting up visits, it’s important to fully understand the differences between each senior living option.