Posts Tagged ‘assisted living’
A few fun facts about Seniors and Health from MedIndia
April 8, 2013
1. Currently people over 65 years number 483 million in the world and by 2030 the number will reach 974 million. By the year 2025 approximately 18% of the world population will be seniors.
2. There are 72 men for every 100 women in the age group ‘above 65 years’ and there are 45 men per 100 women in the age group ‘above 85 years.’
3. The number of people over 50 years who access the web is growing every day. It is estimated that 19% of the web users are over 50 years.
4. In the United States on Nov 1st, 2005 there were an estimated 67,473 centenarians (people aged 100 or older).
5. There are immense benefits of increasing the life spans of people in our community. Kevin Murphy and Robert Topel made some interesting estimates on insurance pay-outs if we increased our longevity. Reducing the death rate from heart disease or cancer by 20% would be worth around $10 trillion to Americans. This would be more than one year’s U.S. Gross Domestic Product.
6. As per the Guinness Book of World Records – Jeanne Louise Calment was the oldest human who lived for 122 years and 164 days. She was born in France on February 21, 1875, and died at a nursing home in Arles, southern France on August 4, 1997.
7. In the United States, seniors account for 40% of all prescriptions although they form only 15% of the population.
8. Older people are more prone to loneliness and depression and have a higher rate of suicide. In 1997, 20% of all U.S. suicide deaths were by individuals aged 65 and older.
9. Keeping physically active can slow the ageing process. Exercise is the mantra to keep young and feel good. A study published in 1995 that tracked 9,777 men between 20 and 82 years found that physically unfit men who became fit had death rates 44% lower than those who remained unfit.
10. Regular exercise prevents bone loss and incidence of fractures; it increases the muscle strength and hence the balance and co-ordination.
References:
1. World Health Network
2. USA Today
3. National Center for Health Statistics
* Read more: Top Ten Facts About Senior Health | Medindiahttp://www.medindia.net/health_statistics/health_facts/senior-health-facts.htm#ixzz2LwYT56LI*
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Tags: assisted living, health, older adult health, older adults, senior living | 
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“Dear Abby” – A Voice for Alzheimer’s
February 18, 2013
Pauline Philips, the woman we all knew as “Dear Abby”, was never afraid of bringing difficult topics in front of the public for discussion, including Alzheimer’s disease.
In 1980, long before her own diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease, she put dementia in the spotlight when she published a letter from a woman searching for guidance, whose 60-year-old husband had was suffering from memory loss.
Pauline responded to the women by directing her towards the Alzheimer’s Association – an organization that at that time, was a newly formed group. They helped provide assistance to people with the disease and their families, as well as raise awareness and advocate for state and federal help. They also worked to increase government funding for research.
Pauline spent many years bringing the topic to readers across the country, and in 15 years after she put Alzheimer’s on the map, she began showing signs of the disease.
The difference she made was profound. She encouraged people to talk about the disease and she helped to change and shape lives through information. She also let those living in fear of the Alzheimer’s know they were not alone, and by spreading awareness, she was a fundamental part of increasing the research budget from 2 million in 1980 and 450 million today.
For more information please visit the Alzheimer’s Association website, at www.alz.org.
Choosing an Elder Care Community for your Spouse or Parent
December 14, 2012
One of the hardest parts of a family member aging, is when your spouse or elder parent’s care becomes more than you can physically or emotionally manage in your home or theirs. When trying to a choose the best possible home for your loved one, look for the best care available at all hours of the day and at night.
Here are a few hints of what to look for in a quality senior living community:
- Compare costs from other local communities. Don’t pay more than you need.
- Plan ahead of time. Often, the highest rated homes have waitlists.
- Consider a smaller care community. Bigger does not mean better.
- Look past the fancy exterior and see how the patients are treated – is the staff caring? Engaged? Friendly? Respectful? Do the residents seem anxious or at ease? Are they happy in their homes?
- Visit a community more than once. Eat the food. Talk to the residents. Meet their families.
- Find out how the staff communicates information with the families. How are concerns handled and what happens when there is a dispute?
- Ask about resident turnover, outside of deaths.
- Find out how your loved one will be integrated into the community of care workers and other residents.
Alzheimer’s and the Holidays
December 12, 2012
The holidays can be stressful enough, but for families living with Alzheimer’s, it can be an extra challenge. However with a little bit of planning, you’re celebrations can still be just as special.
Know the Situation
Throughout your loved one’s journey with Alzheimer’s, they may have trouble following conversations or repeating themselves. It’s best to let guests know what to expect ahead to time, so family members are patient with communication, as well not interrupting or correcting your loved one.
Adjust Expectations
-Discuss your holiday plans ahead of time and be sure that other family members understand your role as a caregiver, so they have realistic expectations of what you can do.
- Be good to yourself and only do what you can manage. Consider having others bring the food, paring down the guest list, or switching the time of the meal to accommodate yourself and your loved one with dementia.
-Arrange for respite care so you can take some time for yourself to enjoy a movie or go out with friends.
Involving the Person with Dementia
Keeping your loved one involved in the holidays is important. Focus on activities that are meaningful to them, whether it’s signing an old holiday song or looking through a photo album. Also, as you see fit, invite your loved one to help you wrap gifts, decorate the house, prepare food or even set the table.
Holidays in a Senior Living Community
The holidays are still the holidays, whether they are celebrated at home or in at a Senior Living Community. Be sure to join your loved one in any community planned activities. Another way to make their day special is to bring their favorite holiday dish to share, participate in any signing or decorating with the residents, or even throw your own party, inviting family and friends to celebrate in your loved one’s new home.
For more information visit: http://www/alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-holidays.asp?utm
3 Tips to Consider When Choosing a Care Facility for Your Loved One
December 5, 2012
Sometimes, no matter how much we want to keep a loved one in their home or with use, it’s simply not an option. Finding a place can be overwhelming, as it’s a huge decision and you want to make sure your loved adjusts to their new surrounds, is well cared for and above all, is safe. A few keys points from Senior Expert Carol O’Dell, from Caring.com
-Notice how folks are being treated – look past the fancy store front: More and more facilities are beginning to look like country clubs, and that’s great but real care of your loved one is what you are after. Ask to have lunch with the residents. Stroll to the community center or gathering room. See if you can go down the hall where your loved one might be placed and see who their neighbors may be.
-Don’t just take a tour – branch off and ask residents questions. Ask residents if they like the food, if they get their medications on times. Ask the families if their loved ones have ever had a bed sore or problems with any of the staff or other residents. Even if they say the right words, notice how they hesitate, get antsy or look around. If your loved one has dementia, ask to see that area as well. Make sure there are safety measures so tenants are not wandering around, and make sure they are spoken to in a firm but kind manner. Notice if their clothes are clean, if they have a dazed look on their face, if their rooms are tidy and if there is a smell in the air.
- Ask how concerns will be handled and what you can do if you need to change care facilities. Find out how disagreements are handled up front. Talk to the day staff, weekend staff and night staff. Ask how they handle serious issues and what happens if you choose to move your loved one to a different facility.
For more information, please visit www.caring.com/local
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Maintaining Cognitive Health in Older Brains
November 27, 2012
When most people think about staying fit, they generally think about physical activity. However brain health plays a critical role in almost everything we do, from thinking to feeling, remembering to playing — and even sleeping. It helps in shaping our overall well being.
Similar to other parts of the body, our brains lose agility as we age. There is good news though! Emerging evidence suggests that keeping your brain healthy as we age may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Some of the most common of mental activities keep the mind sharp. Reading the newspaper, writing letters, creating art, playing chess or checkers or attending a play all stimulate brain cells and the connections between them, strengthening the brain.
For more information or services, please visit the Alzheimer’s Association, http://www.alz.org
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Alzheimer, Alzheimer's Care, assisted living, Coventry Assisted Living and Memory Care, Dementia, Geneva, memory care | No Comments »
Come Visit Santa at Coventry!
November 26, 2012
Come and share a cup of good cheer by the fire at Coventry!
The holiday season can be a busy time. Holiday shopping, planning meals, visiting relatives… the last thing you want to think about is standing in a long, crowded line at the mall to have pictures taken with Santa. Vie assistée Genève has your solution – come visit us!
Thursday, December 6thfrom 4:00pm to 7:00pm
We are inviting our friends and neighbors to stop by our lovely building to meet Santa Claus and have their picture taken with Santa free of charge. Our building will be decked to the halls… and we love to have company!
In the spirit of the season, please bring a toy to donate to Toys for Tots… we are an official drop site.
Feel free to call us with questions or to set up a tour at 651-528-8442
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: assisted living, Vie assistée Genève, Geneva, memory care, senior housing, senior living, toys for tots, visit santa, White Bear Lake | No Comments »
Dog Days of Summer at Vie assistée Genève Assisted Living!
August 13, 2012
Does your best friend drool and have four legs? Or do you prefer to watch Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl instead of the other February football game? IF you answered yes to either of these questions, come join us on Wednesday, August 22nd for the Dog Days of Summer at Vie assistée Genève! The festivities include a special barbeque dinner fundraiser for Second Chance Animal Rescue and a Dogs of Fame and Fortune presentation in honor of National Dog Day. Unfortunately, personal pooches are not invited but there will be plenty of other dogs in attendance. Don’t miss out on this chance to explore our Assisted Living & Memory Care community while meeting some new furry friends! If interested, call Aaron for more details at 651-528-8442.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Alzheimer's Care, animal rescue, assisted living, Geneva, memory care, White Bear Lake | No Comments »
Worried about Mom?
November 18, 2011
The holidays are a great opportunity to spend more time with family. It can also be a time when you notice subtle changes in an aging parent. Know the warning signs that your loved one may need your help.
6 important signs
Here are some signs to look for:
1. Weight loss- Has your loved one lost weight? It may mean they are not eating well or getting the proper nutrition they need. Check the refrigerator. A lack of good food options and/or dates on items that have long since expired are tip offs to poor eating habits.
2. Poor hygiene- Is your loved one’s appearance a bit disheveled? For someone who prided themselves in a neat appearance, it could be another troubling sign.
3. Home appearance- Does your loved one’s home appear in disarray? Too much clutter can be dangerous and lead to a fall—the leading cause of injury for older adults.
4. Forgetfulness- Does your loved one have memory problems? Mild forgetfulness is normal, but having trouble performing simple tasks, like paying bills and keeping appointments, could signal a problem.
5. Medication management- Is your loved one taking their medications properly? If they lack an understanding of what medications to take when, it’s another sign they need assistance. Look for dates on medications to be sure they are current prescriptions.
6. Mood- Does your loved one seem depressed? If their usually bubbly personality is replaced by someone who seems depressed or angry, it’s something that deserves attention.
Options to consider:
Here are some ways Ebenezer can help:
• Care Management and Coordination
We’ll help you understand all the options, resources and services available in your area, so you’re armed with the knowledge to make the best decisions possible.
• Assisted Living and Memory Care
Vie assistée Genève, Assisted Living and Memory Care, managed by Ebenezer Management Services, offers a wide range of living options to meet the needs of your loved one should they need to move to a safer housing situation.
To learn more about these and other solutions for your aging loved ones, call Carleigh Sawyer at 651-528-8442.
FREE 
Offer!
Not sure how to start the conversation? While supplies last, get a FREE copy of the book, “Mom, Dad….Can We Talk?” Just stop in to visit Carleigh Sawyer at Vie assistée Genève and mention this blog. Leasing office location: 752 Stillwater Road, Geneva or call to set up an appointment 651-528-8442.
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