Posts Tagged ‘senior housing’
Creating a Memory Fitness Plan
January 14, 2013
Kathryn Kilpatrick, Speech and Language Pathologist, specializing in Geriatric Communication and Memory Fitness, understands the benefit in creating a memory fitness plan to promote successful aging, especially in the early stages of memory loss. Her goal is “to help families and caregivers create and support activities at the appropriate level for the person who no longer does the things that were once part of leisure time interests. Whether it was reading, doing puzzles or word games, talking on the phone or participating in conversations, sometimes modifications can be made to facilitate some level of participation.”
A memory fitness plan for successful aging includes maintaining a positive attitude, paying attention, healthier lifestyle choices, effective memory props, upgrading brain games and creating balance in daily routines.
A few modification ideas:
- For those having trouble reading books -Large print books, for those with visual difficulty -Books with shorter stories that are inspirational and humors
- For those having trouble with puzzles and words games Puzzles – Make a copy, enlarging the print Word Search – Help your loved one, either by letting them give you the answer or just sitting with them and helping figuring it out together Scrabble – Create a cheat sheet of uncommon but acceptable two and three letter words
- For those having trouble with Television and Movie Plots -Rent familiar or favorite movies and watch them twice -Used close captioning -Call your loved one to let them know when and what channel their favorite show is on – and have it recorded for them
For additional information refer to the www.eldercarelink.com: Enhancing Your Visits with an Older Adult
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
Increasing Life Expectancy – Another Benefit of Exercise
November 28, 2012
Everyone knows that exercise is good for you. However, a new study published in PLOS Medicine, which followed more than 650,000 subjects for an average of ten years, has found that adding low amounts of physical activity to one’s daily routine adds longevity – anywhere from 1.8 – 4.5 years of life after age 40, depending on the amount of activity.
This large sample size allowed researchers to study many different levels of physical activity and BMI. The benefits to exercise were seen in both men and women, as well as among white and black participants. More importantly, they were observed among people who were normal weight, overweight and obese.
Findings such as these may help convince currently inactive older adults to make being modestly active worth wild, while increasing longevity of life.
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Tags: excersise, older adult health, older adults, senior housing, senior living | 
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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 »
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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