Senior Living Blog

Navigating the Long Goodbye: Understanding Grief and Cognitive Decline
Jonie Sturek Jonie Sturek

Navigating the Long Goodbye: Understanding Grief and Cognitive Decline

Watching a loved one navigate the journey of Alzheimer’s or dementia is one of the most profound challenges a family can face. It is a unique experience—often described as "the long goodbye"—because you are mourning the loss of the person you knew while they are still physically present.

If you are currently walking this path, please know that your feelings are valid, and you are not alone. Understanding the emotional landscape of this journey is the first step toward finding peace.

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Closing Out 2025 with a Grateful Heart
Jonie Sturek Jonie Sturek

Closing Out 2025 with a Grateful Heart

As the calendar turns to 2026, I find myself looking back at the incredible families I have had the privilege of serving this past year. At Family Ties Senior Placement, our name is our mission. We believe that when a loved one moves into a senior living community, the "ties" to their family shouldn't be stretched—they should be strengthened.

To the families and friends who trusted me in 2025: Thank you.

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When to Step In vs. When to Step Back: Navigating the Balance Between Help and Independence for Aging Loved Ones
Jonie Sturek Jonie Sturek

When to Step In vs. When to Step Back: Navigating the Balance Between Help and Independence for Aging Loved Ones

As our parents and loved ones age, we often find ourselves walking a tightrope—balancing our instinct to protect them with our respect for their independence. At Family Ties Senior Placement Services, we frequently hear the same question: “When should I intervene, and when should I let my loved one continue making their own decisions?”

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Our Senior Living Services Get Recognized 🙌🏼
Jonie Sturek Jonie Sturek

Our Senior Living Services Get Recognized 🙌🏼

We are thrilled to share that Welcome Home Team @ Better Homes and Gardens and Family Ties Senior Placement Services have been featured in the March Home Issue of Elkhorn City Lifestyles Magazine. This recognition highlights our expertise in senior transitions and the unique services we provide to help families navigate one of life’s biggest decisions—finding the right home for their loved ones.

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