Resources&Guidesto Help You Navigate the Future

Exploring senior living and care options often brings thoughtful questions about lifestyle, timing and what comes next.

Franciscan Ministries provides reliable information and trusted resources to help individuals and families move forward with clarity and confidence. Whether you are researching independent living, assisted living or memory care, or are simply seeking guidance, you’ll find helpful tools and connections here.

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Blogs & Articles

Our blog offers insights on senior living, caregiving, faith and wellness and the everyday experiences that shape healthy aging.

Press & News

Stay informed about announcements, community milestones and media coverage involving Franciscan Ministries and our communities.

Workbooks & Resources

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Home Safety Checklist

Download our free checklist for easy ways to modify your home, making it safer, more comfortable, and easier for you or a family member to navigate.
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Family Decision Workbook

Our free workbook can help you and your family choose the right senior living community — from having the initial discussion and learning about your options to organizing your thoughts and making the final decision.
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Helping Your Loved One Transition to Senior Living

Learn how to get ready for moving day and ease your family member’s transition into their new community by downloading our free guide.
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Finding the Right Assisted Living Community

Download our free checklist to learn which questions you should be asking each potential assisted living community to find out if it is the right fit for you or a loved one.
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Senior Living Options

Learn about the levels of care that are available, what is included in each of them, and which one would be right for you or your family member.
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Cost of Living Workbook

Discover how the costs of living in a private residence add up and compare to those in a senior living community by downloading our free resource.
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Memory Care Checklist

Download our free checklist to discover which questions you should be asking to determine if a memory care community is the right fit for your loved one.
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Quality of Life Calculator

Download our free Quality of Life Calculator to understand your current quality of life and discover if you or someone you love could benefit from transitioning into a senior living community.
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Understanding the Differences: Assisted Living vs. Skilled Nursing Care

The key to ensuring overall wellness is finding the right level of care and support for yourself or someone you love. Download our free eBook to learn the differences between assisted living and skilled nursing care.
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6 Steps to Grace: Controlling Your Frustration with Your Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease

When caring for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, many uncontrollable situations can bring about stress and frustration. Discover six tips to grace, so you can understand the root of your feelings of frustration and learn how to take active steps toward positivity and communication.
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9 Tips for Caregivers of Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s Disease

Download our free guide with tips for caregivers to identify their barriers, manage stress, find support and set achievable goals.
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Dementia Care: Legal & Financial Planning

Plan early to protect financial security and personal wishes. Key steps include organizing finances, updating legal documents and preparing for future care needs.
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How to Talk with a Parent About Memory Concerns

Franciscan Ministries’ free eBook shares information about memory loss, signs of dementia and when you should seek guidance from a healthcare provider.
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Benefits of a Faith-Based Senior Living Community

Franciscan Ministries’ eBook will help you explore the benefits of faith-based communities, where shared values foster a strong sense of belonging.

Additional Tools & Guides

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Fully Living Life Amidst a Pandemic

Reference this guide to learn how to reduce your risk of COVID-19, support your overall well-being, and enhance your retirement lifestyle.
Elderly woman and caregiver sitting on outdoor bench

Nonprofit vs. For-Profit Senior Living Communities

Download our free resource to learn more about how senior living communities are structured and why choosing a nonprofit community benefits you or a loved one.
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Why Consider Senior Living?

Discover six reasons why you should consider making the transition into a senior living community by downloading our free guide.
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The Benefits of Choosing a Multi-Community Organization

Reference this guide to learn why financial resilience matters and the benefits of choosing a senior living community that is part of a larger organization.
Smiling seniors standing in circle looking down

Top Reasons to Move to Senior Living Now Rather Than Later

Discover the benefits of choosing to transition into a senior living community now rather than waiting until later and how by doing so you can enhance your quality of life.
Three seniors laughing together at dining table

Your Guide to Touring a Senior Living Community

Easily compare the senior living communities you tour and keep track of what you like and dislike about each one by downloading our free worksheet.
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Downsizing & Moving Checklist

Give yourself plenty of time and learn how to prepare for the move into a senior living community by downloading our week-by-week downsizing and moving checklist.
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What to Look for in an Independent Living Community

Learn which questions to ask and what elements to focus on as you tour independent living communities to determine which one is right for you.
Younger woman comforting sad elderly man

10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

Cognitive abilities can begin to change as we age, so it’s crucial to watch for any signs that a parent or loved one might be showing symptoms of memory impairment. Download our free resource to learn what causes Alzheimer’s and what warning signs to look for in someone you love.
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7 Steps to Lower Risk

You can help reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s by making healthy lifestyle choices. Download our free resource to start promoting cognitive health.
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Get the Facts on Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, so we’ve created a free fact sheet that shares numbers associated with Alzheimer’s, stages of the disease, signs, symptoms, and more.
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Get the Facts on Alzheimer’s Disease Medications

Franciscan Ministries has put together this free resource so you can stay educated on the process of Alzheimer’s drug development and find the right medication for someone you love.
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Forgetfulness / Knowing When to Ask for Help

Get the facts surrounding memory loss, recognize the symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s and ensure your loved one is able to receive the care and support they need.
Smiling senior couple embracing indoors

Guide to Alzheimer’s & Dementia Behaviors

Our free guide aims to help you understand and manage behaviors associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia, so you’re able to identify the causes and manage accordingly.
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The 5 Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

Learn more about the five stages of dementia, so you and your family know what to expect, prepare accordingly and ensure your loved one’s quality of life is met with comfort, dignity and care.
Elderly hands resting on wooden cane

Understanding Alzheimer’s Genes

Specific gene mutations and variants, as well as inherited genes, can increase a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. This free guide shares information on how genetics can influence the progression of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
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How Faith-Inspired Senior Living Supports the Whole Person

Download our free eBook to explore how faith-inspired senior living supports older adults through care rooted in purpose, dignity and connection.

We’re Here When You’re Ready

If you have questions about senior living options, care services or finding the right Franciscan Community, our team is available to provide thoughtful guidance.

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