Senior Housing

Winter Wellness Tips for Assisted Living Residents

Staying physically active during winter in Assisted Living

The winter season can be particularly challenging for seniors for several reasons. The colder and darker days can lead to feelings of depression and isolation. Given the risks associated with winter, assisted living communities are getting more creative in offering a warm environment to their residents, allowing them to remain engaged and active throughout the winter months.

Physical activities have proven beneficial in weight management, maintaining strong muscles and bones, reducing risks of chronic diseases, improving mood and boosting energy, and improving brain function and memory. However, the colder and shorter days can challenge maintaining an active lifestyle. But with a bit of creativity, there are still ways to keep residents in assisted living to keep on going and aiming for better health.

Here are some practical tips to remain active during the winter.

  • Use technology. Use the Internet and gadgets to participate in virtual exercise classes. You can also watch online videos for light exercises, yoga, aerobics, or other physical programs suitable to your physical capability.
  • Plan your daily activities and where to inject your daily exercise program. It does not have to be intense. Simple chair dips, squats, leg lifts, or sitting up and down for 15 minutes daily can make a difference.
  • Painting, knitting, and drawing are indoor activities that do not require much physical energy but keep your mind and body active. Express yourself through creativity and improve your mood through arts and crafts.
  • Try puzzles, card games, and other board games to stimulate the mind and motor skills.
  • Try indoor gardening to add life to your windows and assisted living space. It helps boost your mood and connect with nature.
  • Decorate your private and shared spaces fitting for occasions during the winter months. Make these spaces warm and cozy, where everyone can relax and connect with other residents.

Promoting mental well-being in Assisted Living

The colder weather and limited mobility due to the harsh conditions leading to social isolation can contribute to feelings of anxiety and sadness for seniors in assisted living.

See below for suggestions to promote mental well-being during the winter season.

  • Use light therapy
  • Open blinds to let natural light in
  • If possible, go for short outdoor walks. Just make sure to bundle up and stay within the facility premises to avoid risks of falls and injuries.
  • Do yoga or meditation
  • Spend more time with family and friends.
  • Eat healthy, balanced meals.
  • Get enough sleep by limiting screen time.
  • Light scented candles and make your bedroom cozy

Nutrition and hydration during colder months

Other than mental health, it is also crucial for senior residents to maintain proper hydration and nutrition.

  • Eat Vitamin C and Vitamin D-rich foods to boost the immune system, like citrus fruits, such as ranges, berries, salmon, and tuna, for your source of Vitamin D.
  • Drink warm beverages and soups like tea and casseroles.
  • Limit caffeine and salt intake as these have dehydrating effects.
  • Lastly, consult a dietician for appropriate guidelines on how to stay hydrated during winter.

By taking these steps, you can ensure your residents are happy and nourished during winter. To learn about Fallbrook Assisted Living, click here!


Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper

Facilities for Alzheimer’s

How to Spread Holiday Cheer in Facilities for Alzheimer’s

Adapting holiday traditions for residents with Alzheimer’s

People always look forward to holiday celebrations with family and friends, celebrating traditions and creating new memories. However, for those with Alzheimer’s, things can be different from what they used to love doing. They may have trouble remembering things, dates, faces, and doing simple tasks, which can be frustrating. The holiday season may also be overwhelming for families and caregivers responsible for caring for their loved one’s unique needs. But by creating a well-thought-out plan, the holiday can still be enjoyable and meaningful for everyone and loved ones in facilities for Alzheimer’s.

  • Always consider your loved ones’ physical and mental limitations. Activities should match their abilities, but they should also be fun for everyone.
  • Always introduce your plans to loved ones and caregivers to make necessary adjustments, particularly in their daily routines. You may also introduce photos of family members or friends to make loved ones more oriented.
  • Make the holiday celebration simple and intimate. Or better yet, stick to traditions that are familiar to them to avoid disruption, overstimulation, and unnecessary stress.
  • Always have a contingency plan, such as a quiet room for your loved one to retreat to when things or the environment become too hectic.
  • Limit your holiday activities to a few hours and, if possible, during the daytime to avoid agitation.
  • Prepare dishes that are familiar to loved ones and meals that they enjoy.

Accommodating their needs with love, patience, and understanding can make a big difference in your holiday celebrations.

Activities that bring joy and connection in Facilities for Alzheimer’s

Physical activities and social engagements are not only beneficial for the body but also for the mental and overall wellness of residents in facilities for Alzheimer’s. Regular physical and social activities can improve cognitive function, give a sense of accomplishment, promote independence, improve communication skills, and alleviate signs of loneliness and other dementia-related symptoms.

  • Simple morning or afternoon walks can boost muscle strength, flexibility, and balance. Walking is also known to lower symptoms of anxiety and depression. It also improves pain caused by chronic illnesses, manages blood sugar, and improves stamina.
  • Dancing is an activity almost everyone enjoys. Dancing should be a part of your holiday gatherings. Simple dance movements build muscle strength, improve bone health, flexibility, and balance, and provide more opportunities for social interaction.
  • Movie nights in a group with family and fellow residents are excellent ways to appreciate art and celebrate friendships. Line up a few Christmas-themed movies, popular and old, to awaken memories and evoke emotions.
  • Arrange decorating sessions for senior residents, allowing them to express themselves. Encourage families to join in this fun activity. Before the actual day, ask residents about their favorite decorations to help them anticipate the upcoming celebrations.
  • Virtual tours are excellent choices for loved ones with mobility issues. They can use technology to watch live streams or join immersive tours, allowing them to visit and discover new places from the comfort of their memory care quarters.

Other than these suggested activities, always consider the residents’ preferences and interests so these can be incorporated into facilities for Alzheimer’s calendar of activities.

Supporting staff and caregivers during the holiday season

The holiday season can be challenging for caregivers and memory care staff. The physical and mental stress of taking care of seniors with unique needs can take a significant toll on their well-being. Let them feel that they are loved and appreciated through these suggestions below.

  • Saying heartfelt “thank you” can go a long way. You do not have to be grand. Just show them you appreciate their dedication and effort. You can take it up a notch by giving tokens or simple thank-you cards.
  • Make time to take care of your loved ones and give caregivers time to spend with their families.
  • Offer extra time off during the holidays.
  • Give them treats or spa or relaxation gift cards.
  • Organize a small get-together intended only for caregivers and staff.

Get to know Falbrrok Assisted Living by clicking here!


Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper

Alzheimer’s Care Facilities

The Benefits of Seasonal Indoor Activities for Alzheimer’s Care Facilities

Cognitive benefits of engaging in seasonal activities

Seasonal changes can impact a person’s overall well-being through the wealth of opportunities that allow them to stay engaged and active. As the seasons change, different activities and events are also tailored to each season, giving senior adults in Alzheimer’s care facilities to stay engaged, stimulate their minds, improve cognitive function, and enhance overall well-being.

Seasonal benefits vary from one season to another. While the winter season can be challenging, the colder months are filled with merry activities that bring joy and warmth. Crafting decorations and cards can foster creativity and give seniors a sense of accomplishment. Participating in holiday decorations helps seniors stay physically, creatively, and socially active. Keeping and sharing traditions with other residents enhances the bond while creating lasting memories.

Spring is the perfect time for seniors to reconnect with nature. Gardening, hiking, flower picking, and bird watching are simple yet greatly beneficial for seniors in maintaining mobility and strength while enjoying the sunshine, seasonal blooms, and fresh air. Going outside is also an opportunity to meet new people and foster relationships for more social engagement.

Meanwhile, the summer season is for bazaars, farmer’s markets, summer festivals, swimming, and other forms of outdoor entertainment.  Enjoy live performances, buy fresh produce from local farmer’s markets, or enjoy water activities to stay cool. Going out can be therapeutic and help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. A stroll in your local community is an opportunity to meet new and old friends. Seeing familiar places and faces can boost emotional and mental health.

As the weather cools, residents in Alzheimer’s care facilities can now focus on indoor activities like cooking, baking, decorating, and other interests that can stimulate the mind and motor skills. Seniors can join in various activities with family and friends that will strengthen the bond, engage in intellectually stimulating conversations, or do anything worth creating new wonderful memories.

Emotional benefits of fostering connection and joy

Social interaction, regardless of age, is proven to have a profound effect on cognitive health. Research shows that social interaction promotes a sense of belonging, giving residents a solid support group and reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.

The presence of family and friends can enhance the overall quality of life. Meaningful connections and conversations create a positive and supportive environment. When residents can share experiences and engage in deep conversations, these promote cognitive stimulation and create a sense of purpose and belonging.

Examples of practical indoor activities in Alzheimer’s Care Facilities

Arts and Crafts

  • Knitting
  • Scrapbooking
  • Collaging
  • Painting

Entertainment

  • Movie nights
  • Storytelling
  • Singing

Daily Chores

  • Cleaning
  • Tending the plants
  • Organizing

Memory Games

  • Puzzles and board games: Maze Circuit game, matching game activity, Sudoku, Tic Tac Toe, Matching Shapes game, Jenga, Uno, The Logo game
  • Dice games
  • Bingo
  • Dominoes
  • Guessing game
  • Trivia nights (Movies, Music, Urban legends, Famous personalities, TV shows and sitcoms, National Parks, National Holidays, Flags of the World, International Cultures)

Learn more about Fallbrook Assisted Living by clicking here!


Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper

Memory Assisted Living

Holiday Planning Guide for Memory Assisted Living

Understanding the unique needs of memory assisted living residents

The holiday season is a time when families come together, a celebration of traditions. It is one of the most wonderful times of the year when warmth, joy, and a sense of togetherness are always looked forward to. However, not all families can celebrate the holidays traditionally, particularly those with loved ones in memory assisted living.

But with innovation and creativity, residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s can still join the festivities. Dementia mainly affects the person’s ability to remember things and dates and communicate. Understanding these unique challenges will help carers, staff, and families to organize social gatherings that will be enjoyable for everyone.

Activities and gatherings must be adjusted to meet the unique needs and challenges of the condition. For example, seniors with dementia can be susceptible to flashing bright lights, loud music, unfamiliar faces, and crowded places. To reduce anxiety, consider using soft and relaxing music and soft lighting and setting up intimate gatherings with familiar people.

Also, consider gatherings earlier in the day as dementia patients are easily agitated due to Sundowner’s Syndrome, a condition that affects dementia patients from dusk to night. If possible, stay within the facility instead of outside celebrations, as traveling can also be challenging, particularly for a person with advanced-stage dementia.

Ensure the environment is comfortable, including the seating arrangement, temperature, and accessibility.  There should be a designated corner, a quiet space for dementia patients to retreat to when things become overwhelming. Do not forget to maintain their schedules and routines to avoid stress.

Tips for creating a joyful holiday atmosphere

Families, carers, and memory-assisted living management must work together to help loved ones celebrate a joyful and meaningful holiday. Here are some valuable tips for an inclusive holiday celebration.

Make a list of your favorite dishes for everyone to feast on. Include your loved one’s favorites and family recipes that evoke memories and emotions. However, this food must also meet the patient’s dietary restrictions. Preparing your holiday menu can also be a great way to strengthen the bond.

Take the time to decorate together with loved ones. Ask about their favorite holiday decorations or what they love about the holidays. Simple questions can open discussions and stories that will stir up emotions. This, too, would make the whole preparation extra fun and enjoyable.

Who doesn’t like holiday songs? Use their favorite songs to uplift your loved one’s emotions. Play and sing familiar holiday tunes to elicit pleasurable reactions such as dancing and singing, improving their mood and cognitive function.

Engaging families in holiday planning in Memory Assisted Living

This activity is crucial to creating a warm, fun, and successful celebration.

Consult with loved ones in memory assisted living about how they would want to celebrate the upcoming holiday. This would not only make them feel valued but also ensure that their preferences and limitations are met.

Involve loved ones in the choices of decorations, holiday themes, and activities. Their suggestions and involvement in decision-making will make the whole process more productive and build connections, leaving everyone happier.

Encourage loved ones to share stories during holiday gatherings to share family history and pass on family traditions. This will not only ensure that precious stories endure for future generations but also be a therapeutic exercise to combat loneliness and depression.

This holiday season is not just about parties and gatherings but also about creating a joyful and comfortable celebration for loved ones in memory assisted living.

Learn more about Fallbrook Assisted Living by clicking here!


Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper