Memory Assisted Living

National Cholesterol Education Month in Memory Assisted Living

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National Cholesterol Education Month occurs every September in the United States, serving as a reminder of the risks associated with high cholesterol levels. This condition affects millions of adults but often shows no noticeable symptoms. The month-long initiative highlights the importance of regular screenings and informed lifestyle choices in reducing health risks. While its message applies to the general population, residents in memory assisted living may require closer attention because factors like age, medications, and coexisting conditions can complicate cholesterol management.

Why Cholesterol Matters for Brain and Heart Health

The link between heart health and brain health is strong and understanding is essential for individuals in memory assisted living. When blood vessels that support the heart are not healthy, the brain can also be affected, since both depend on steady blood flow and oxygen to function correctly. This makes cholesterol levels an issue that goes beyond the heart alone.

To put it simply, cholesterol can act like a waxy substance in the body. Too much of the wrong kind can accumulate in the blood vessels, narrowing them and making it harder for blood to flow freely. When this happens, the heart struggles to pump, and the brain may not get enough oxygen or nutrients. Over time, this can raise the chance of heart problems, strokes, and difficulties with memory or thinking skills. Maintaining a healthy cholesterol level helps protect both the heart and the brain.

Recognizing the dual impact of cholesterol encourages families and care providers to see it not only as a medical number but as a key factor in preserving quality of life.

Challenges in Memory Assisted Living

Dealing with cholesterol issues comes with many challenges, especially for those living with memory conditions. The daily routines that might seem simple to most can quickly become complicated when memory loss and health concerns overlap.

Medication management

Remembering to take prescriptions at the right time can be challenging. Missed doses or taking too much can affect cholesterol control and overall health. Caregivers often need to step in to ensure that medications are administered correctly and consistently.

Diet compliance

Following a heart-healthy diet is often recommended, but it can be difficult when someone forgets food restrictions or resists dietary changes. Meals may need to be supervised or adjusted so that healthier choices are actually eaten.

Lifestyle modifications

Exercise and other habits that help reduce cholesterol can be more challenging to maintain when memory loss limits independence. Even simple activities may require reminders, encouragement, or direct assistance from others.

Practical Steps in Care Communities

Despite the challenges, there are practical solutions to address cholesterol issues, even in memory care settings. With thoughtful planning, care communities can support healthier routines that reduce risks and improve day-to-day well-being.

Heart-healthy meals

Nutrition plays a central role in cholesterol management. Communities can design menus that reduce saturated fats, include high-fiber foods, and offer balanced portions. Simple adjustments, like preparing familiar dishes with healthier ingredients, encourage better compliance.

Structured activities

Daily schedules that include mentally stimulating and social activities can indirectly support cholesterol health. Organized routines help reduce stress, promote consistency, and encourage the adoption of healthier habits throughout the day.

Exercise programs

Physical activity remains an essential factor in cholesterol control. Group exercise sessions, walking clubs, or gentle movement classes give residents safe ways to stay active while benefiting from guidance and supervision.

Looking for excellent senior care in Fallbrook? Click here to learn about Fallbrook Memory Care!

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

Summer Safety Month in Alzheimer’s Care Facilities

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Summer Safety Month is approaching, and Alzheimer’s care facilities must prioritize the well-being of their residents. This observance highlights the importance of sun protection and safeguarding vulnerable populations from the risks of excessive sun exposure. Residents with memory impairments are at higher risk for heatstroke and dehydration, making proactive measures essential. By understanding these dangers, caregivers can ensure residents stay safe while still enjoying outdoor activities. Let’s promote health and safety this summer through awareness and preventive care.

The Unique Risks for Alzheimer’s Residents

Summer brings unique and elevated risks for seniors living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, necessitating heightened vigilance in care facilities. Individuals with Alzheimer’s are particularly vulnerable to dehydration, wandering, and impaired heat sensitivity, all of which demand careful attention to ensure their safety throughout the warmer months.

Heat Sensitivity

Alzheimer’s can significantly impair the body’s natural heat sensitivity due to its impact on the brain regions responsible for temperature regulation. As the disease progresses, residents may experience a reduced ability to perceive both heat and cold.

Even mild heat can become dangerous, as cognitive confusion makes it difficult for residents to recognize discomfort or remember to seek shade. Therefore, it is crucial for caregivers to diligently monitor weather conditions and refrain from outdoor activities, especially during peak heat hours.

Dehydration

Cognitive impairment often leads to forgetfulness, causing residents to overlook the need to drink water. Caregivers must proactively ensure residents consume fluids frequently throughout the day. It’s also important to remember that certain medications can increase fluid loss. Beyond water, offering hydrating fruits can be an excellent way to supplement fluid intake.

Wandering

Increased agitation, which can be exacerbated by heat, may lead to wandering. If a resident wanders outdoors during hot weather, the risks of heat-related issues escalate dramatically.

Facilities must ensure that tracking devices are readily available and utilized to prevent dangerous situations. Consistent monitoring of weather conditions and careful planning of outdoor activities are essential preventative measures to keep residents safe.

Safety Measures in Alzheimer’s Care Facilities

Residents in Alzheimer’s care facilities require proactive strategies during the hot season to address their unique needs, particularly in terms of hydration, shaded areas, and sun protection.

Due to memory impairment, some residents may forget to drink water, increasing the risk of dehydration. To address this, facilities should install hydration stations strategically throughout the premises. Using colorful signs and bright, appealing cups can help encourage residents to drink. Caregivers should also actively promote hydration by offering small, frequent servings of fluids and hydrating snacks such as watermelon and cucumber.

When going outdoors, caregivers must ensure residents wear appropriate clothing and sun protection. This includes wide-brimmed hats, UV-protective sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. Outdoor activities should be scheduled during cooler hours of the day and kept within safe time limits. Sunscreen must be reapplied every two hours to maintain effectiveness.

Shaded outdoor areas are essential for preventing overheating. Even with protective measures in place, facilities should provide covered patios, outdoor umbrellas, shaded seating areas, and misting fans to help residents enjoy the outdoors comfortably and safely.

With these precautions, both residents and caregivers can enjoy a safer, more pleasant summer season.

Engaging in Safe Summer Activities

Seniors with Alzheimer’s are still entitled to fun and engaging summer activities. However, careful planning is essential to strike the right balance between enjoyment and safety. Structured routines and well-timed activities help minimize, if not prevent, heat-related risks while enhancing residents’ overall well-being.

Sun exposure has its benefits, including boosting mood and vitamin D levels. However, because too much sun can pose serious health risks, outdoor activities must be regulated. Mornings can be dedicated to indoor engagements such as arts and crafts. At the same time, late afternoons are ideal for light garden activities or short walks, allowing residents to enjoy a breath of fresh air in safer conditions.

Caregivers in Alzheimer’s care facilities must be trained to quickly recognize signs of heat discomfort and ensure cooling spaces are easily accessible. While shaded and air-conditioned areas provide relief, extra precautions are still necessary when outdoors. The safest times for outdoor activities are between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. Even during these cooler hours, sessions should be limited to a maximum of 20 minutes and always conducted near shaded areas.

Are you looking for excellent memory care in Nebraska? Click here to learn all about Fallbrook Assisted Living!

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

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Top 10 Decluttering Tips for Clutter Awareness Week in Senior Housing

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Clutter Awareness Week is an annual initiative aimed at drawing attention to the emotional, mental, and physical impacts of clutter, especially in vulnerable populations such as seniors. Celebrated during the last week of March, it encourages individuals, families, and care facilities to recognize how excessive possessions can hinder quality of life. In senior housing, decluttering is more than a matter of aesthetics; it’s a vital practice for safety, wellness, and peace of mind.

The Risks of Clutter in Senior Housing: Fall Risks, Stress, and Confusion

Clutter can pose significant health and safety challenges for older adults. In senior housing, these risks are magnified due to mobility limitations, cognitive decline, and smaller living spaces. Here are the top concerns:

  1. Fall Hazards. Items strewn across the floor, stacked on furniture, or crowding hallways can easily lead to trips and falls. These incidents are hazardous for seniors, often resulting in serious injuries or long-term disability.
  2. Mental Overload and Stress. Visual clutter has been shown to increase stress and anxiety. For seniors, who may already be coping with changes like loss, illness, or relocation, clutter can exacerbate feelings of overwhelm.
  3. Cognitive Confusion. Seniors with dementia or memory challenges may struggle to find essential items in a cluttered space, which can lead to frustration, panic, or even medical errors (e.g., missing medications).

Top 10 Decluttering Tips for Seniors and Caregivers

Start Small and Simple

Focus on one drawer, shelf, or surface at a time. A small win can motivate continued effort without overwhelming the resident.

Use the “One In, One Out” Rule

For every new item brought in, one should be removed. This prevents accumulation and encourages mindful purchasing or gifting.

Prioritize Safety Over Sentiment

Keep walkways clear and remove tripping hazards like rugs or low tables. Sentimental items can be preserved digitally if they pose a physical risk.

Label and Organize

Use clear labels on drawers, boxes, and shelves to make finding and returning items easier, especially helpful for those with memory concerns.

Schedule Seasonal Reviews

Plan quarterly check-ins to remove unused clothing, expired food, and outdated medications.

Digitize Paper Clutter

Scan and store important documents digitally to reduce paper piles while keeping essential records accessible.

Create a Memory Box

Encourage residents to select a few special mementos to display or store neatly, reducing the need to keep every keepsake.

Invite Family to Help

Family members can provide emotional support during decluttering sessions and may take items that hold shared meaning.

Use Storage Aids Wisely

Utilize bins, hanging organizers, and vertical shelving to maximize space and keep frequently used items within reach.

Bring in a Professional if Needed

Senior move managers or occupational therapists can provide expert assistance tailored to a senior’s specific mobility and cognitive needs.

Clutter Awareness Week is a perfect time to take proactive steps toward a safer, calmer environment in senior housing. With a compassionate, methodical approach, decluttering can boost residents’ independence, safety, and quality of life.

Making Decluttering Enjoyable for Seniors

Decluttering doesn’t have to be a stressful or emotionally draining task. In fact, with the right approach, it can become an uplifting and empowering experience, especially within the context of senior housing. The key is to shift the focus from loss to liberation. When seniors are included in the decision-making process and treated with respect and patience, decluttering can feel like an opportunity to reflect, share stories, and create a space that supports comfort and well-being.

Involving seniors in setting goals and making choices gives them a sense of control and dignity. Whether it’s reorganizing a closet or letting go of excess kitchenware, the goal is to make their living space more functional and serene. Ultimately, when approached with empathy and creativity, decluttering can enhance daily life and create a more joyful atmosphere in senior housing.

Are you looking for excellent senior care in Nebraska? Click here to learn all about Fallbrook Assisted Living!

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

Assisted Living

Planning for the Holidays in Assisted Living

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The holiday season is a cherished time filled with warmth, memories, and connection. In Assisted Living communities, thoughtful holiday planning is vital to ensuring residents enjoy the season comfortably and joyfully. The proper preparation helps seniors feel included, supported, and connected to both loved ones and the community around them. With a bit of coordination and creativity, families and caregivers can transform the season into a meaningful, stress-free celebration for everyone involved.

Why Holiday Planning Matters for Residents and Families

The holidays can be emotionally powerful for seniors, bringing excitement, nostalgia, and sometimes mixed feelings. Planning helps shape the season to support residents’ emotional, social, and mental well-being.

  • Emotional benefits – Activities that spark joy, such as music, decorating, or storytelling, boost mood and reduce feelings of loneliness.
  • Social connection – Festive gatherings and shared traditions create opportunities for residents to bond with neighbors, staff, and visiting family members.
  • Mental well-being – The familiar rhythm of holiday traditions can help seniors feel grounded and comforted, promoting a positive mindset throughout the season.

Assisted Living communities also play an essential role by offering seasonal programs, inclusive activities, and safe celebrations. From themed crafts to holiday musical performances, these events help residents stay engaged and enjoy the special atmosphere of December.

Tips for Preparing Early

Starting preparations early makes the holidays smoother and more enjoyable for residents and families alike.

  • Plan family visits and travel – Coordinating schedules in advance ensures loved ones can spend meaningful moments together without stress.
  • Prepare menus and gatherings early – Whether it’s a special lunch, a cookie-decorating afternoon, or a holiday banquet, early planning helps staff accommodate dietary needs and preferences.
  • Organize safe celebrations – Consider crowd sizes, mobility needs, and sensory preferences to ensure events are comfortable for everyone.
  • Involve residents in decision-making – Even simple choices, like selecting decorations, choosing music, or helping plan a dessert, give residents a sense of ownership and joy.

These preparations not only make the season festive but also help residents feel respected and included in shaping holiday experiences.

Creating Meaningful Traditions in Assisted Living

Holiday traditions bring comfort, joy, and a sense of continuity. In Assisted Living communities, traditions can be adapted so that everyone, regardless of mobility or cognitive ability, can participate.

  • Community-wide festivities – Holiday concerts, ornament-making workshops, themed dinners, and gift exchanges encourage participation and build camaraderie.
  • Decorating and baking – Residents can assist with hanging ornaments, making simple treats, or arranging seasonal centerpieces to create a warm and inviting environment.
  • Faith-based services – Many seniors find meaning in spiritual observances. Offering nondenominational or faith-specific services allows residents to honor their beliefs.
  • Inclusive celebrations – Activities should be adaptable for different abilities, such as seated crafts, sensory-friendly decorations, or gentle music events.

These traditions help residents feel connected to their past while enjoying new experiences with fellow residents and staff. The holidays are a beautiful opportunity to create comfort, connection, and cheer within Assisted Living communities. With early planning, inclusive activities, and thoughtful involvement from both staff and families, the season becomes a time of togetherness and joy that residents can look forward to year after year.

Looking for excellent senior living in Nebraska? Click here to learn all about Fallbrook Assisted Living!

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 Celebrate the Holidays in Facilities for Alzheimer’s

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The holiday season can be a time of joy, warmth, and cherished traditions. But for residents living in facilities for Alzheimer’s, the sensory changes, busy schedules, and unfamiliar decorations can sometimes feel overwhelming. Thankfully, with thoughtful planning, holidays can be celebrated in ways that bring comfort, connection, and meaning to every resident. Understanding their unique needs allows families and caregivers to create a season that is both festive and supportive.

Understanding Holiday Needs for Memory Care Residents

For individuals with Alzheimer’s, routine and predictability are essential. The holidays often come with changes, such as different music, new decorations, and more visitors, which can unintentionally cause confusion or stress. In facilities for Alzheimer’s patients, maintaining familiarity is especially important.

  • Preserving routine: Keeping mealtimes, daily activities, and sleep schedules consistent helps residents feel grounded even as surroundings change.
  • Thoughtful sensory planning: Bright lights, loud music, and crowded rooms may be overstimulating. Opting for soft lighting, gentle music, and calm gatherings helps create a peaceful environment.
  • Emotional awareness: Holidays can bring emotions tied to family memories. Offering comfort, reassurance, and quiet spaces allows residents to process these feelings safely.

Experts suggest choosing decorations that are simple and safe, such as avoiding blinking lights, large rearrangements, or items that may confuse. Creating a familiar environment lowers anxiety and keeps the season enjoyable.

Simple, Comforting Holiday Activities

Holiday activities in facilities for Alzheimer’s should focus on comfort, sensory calm, and meaningful engagement. Simple traditions often resonate most with memory care residents.

  • Music therapy: Playing gentle holiday classics or familiar songs from the resident’s past can spark joy, reduce agitation, and encourage light movement, such as clapping or humming.
  • Easy crafting: Activities such as making paper ornaments, decorating cookies, or creating simple holiday cards allow residents to participate at their own pace.
  • Reminiscing sessions: Looking through old holiday photos, sharing stories, or exploring memory boxes helps residents connect with long-held memories in a safe, guided way.
  • Safe decorations: Using soft textures, soothing colors, and recognizable décor helps create seasonal cheer without sensory overload.
  • Familiar scents: Gentle fragrances like cinnamon, vanilla, pine, or warm baked goods can evoke positive memories without overwhelming the senses.

These activities not only promote engagement but also encourage emotional well-being, helping residents feel connected to the holiday spirit.

Tips for Engaging Families in Celebration

Family involvement adds joy and warmth to the season, but it must be done thoughtfully to avoid overwhelming residents. In facilities for Alzheimer’s, the best celebrations are those that balance togetherness with simplicity.

  • Choose calm, family-friendly events: Small group gatherings, quiet meals, or brief visits often work better than large, energetic parties.
  • Create meaningful moments: A short conversation, sharing a favorite holiday song, or looking at family photos can be more special than lengthy visits.
  • Set realistic expectations: Families should remember that a resident’s abilities may change from year to year. Focusing on connection, not perfection, helps everyone enjoy the moment.
  • Offer gentle reassurance: Familiar voices, comforting touch, and warm expressions provide residents with a sense of safety during busy holiday periods.

When families and staff work together, the holidays can become a time of peace and comfort, filled with moments that honor each resident’s history, abilities, and emotional needs. With thoughtful planning, facilities for Alzheimer’s can create celebrations that are festive, meaningful, and wonderfully supportive for everyone involved.

Are you looking for excellent memory care in Nebraska? Click here to learn more about Fallbrook Assisted Living!

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

assisted living facilities

Celebrating National Volunteers Month in Assisted Living Facilities

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Every December, communities across the nation come together to celebrate National Volunteer Month. This is a time to honor the people who generously give their time, energy, and compassion to help others. In assisted living facilities, volunteers play a remarkable role in creating connection, comfort, and joy for residents. Their dedication strengthens the fabric of the community and enhances quality of life in meaningful, lasting ways.

Why Volunteers Are Essential to Senior Communities

Volunteers bring warmth, companionship, and heartfelt support to daily life in assisted living facilities. Their presence helps uplift seniors in ways that complement the work of professional caregivers.

  • Companionship and emotional wellness – Volunteers spend time reading with residents, chatting over coffee, playing games, or simply offering a listening ear. These moments help ease loneliness, boost mood, and support emotional well-being.
    • Activity support – Volunteers often help lead or assist with group activities such as arts and crafts, music sessions, exercise classes, and holiday events. Their involvement keeps residents engaged, active, and socially connected.
    • Fresh energy and connection – The High Point Residence notes that volunteers bring a unique spark to senior communities—new personalities, new stories, and new relationships that enrich daily life.

Their impact extends far beyond tasks. Volunteers help residents feel seen, valued, and part of a vibrant, caring community.

Ways to Honor Volunteers During National Volunteers Month

Showing appreciation helps volunteers understand just how deeply their contributions are valued in assisted living facilities. Meaningful, heartfelt gestures can make this celebration truly special.

  • Thank-you events – Hosting a volunteer breakfast, luncheon, or appreciation ceremony gives staff and residents the chance to express gratitude in person.
    • Handwritten notes – Personalized cards from residents, staff, and families offer sincere thanks that volunteers can treasure.
    • Recognition walls or displays – Posting photos, names, and stories of volunteers in a common area is an excellent way to highlight their contributions all month long.
    • Small tokens of appreciation – Items like certificates, flowers, or handmade gifts demonstrate warmth and recognition.
    • Public acknowledgment – Featuring volunteers in newsletters or community updates honors their service and inspires others to get involved.

Recognizing volunteers strengthens their connection to the community and encourages continued engagement.

How Residents Participate in the Celebration

National Volunteers Month is also an opportunity for residents to express their appreciation and enjoy the sense of community it fosters.

  • Resident-made cards or crafts – Seniors may create handmade cards, drawings, or simple crafts to present to volunteers. These heartfelt items carry special meaning because they come directly from the residents they support.
    • Sharing stories and gratitude – Group gatherings where residents share personal stories about volunteer interactions create touching moments of connection and highlight the difference volunteers make.
    • Participating in events – Residents can join in appreciation ceremonies, photo displays, or small receptions, making the celebration interactive and joyful.

Through their participation, residents feel empowered to give back and recognize the vital role volunteers play in their daily lives. Volunteers are an essential part of the heart and spirit of assisted living facilities. Their kindness, presence, and generosity enrich the lives of residents in countless ways. Celebrating volunteers honors their service and strengthens the bonds that make senior communities warm, uplifting, and deeply connected.

Ready to find your new home? Click here to learn all about Fallbrook Assisted Living!

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 care assisted living

Gift Guide for Family Members in Memory Care Assisted Living

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Gift giving is a fun way to show love, especially for someone living in memory care assisted living. The best gifts are those that bring comfort, spark joy, and support emotional well-being. Whether for a holiday, birthday, or a simple “thinking of you”, thoughtful gifts can create lasting warmth and joy.

Choosing Meaningful, Practical Gifts

Gifts for individuals in memory care assisted living should be chosen with both comfort and simplicity in mind, ensuring they soothe rather than overwhelm.

  • Personal comfort items: Soft blankets, cozy socks, adaptive clothing, or weighted lap pads offer warmth and stress relief.
  • Sensory-friendly gifts: Fidget blankets, textured pillows, plush animals, or tactile activity boards help ease anxiety.
  • Calming objects: Soft lighting, aromatherapy diffusers, or relaxing sound machines can create peaceful daily routines.

Experts emphasize avoiding overly complex devices, fast-paced electronics, or gifts with multiple buttons, as these may cause frustration. Instead, choose items that feel familiar, comforting, and easy to use.

Memory-Supportive Gift Ideas

Memory-supportive gifts help residents connect with their personal history and enjoy familiar sensations, often bringing comfort and emotional grounding.

  • Photo books: Labeled family photo albums or printed memory books help spark recognition and conversation.
  • Memory boxes: A small box filled with letters, trinkets, fabrics, or postcards encourages reminiscence and storytelling.
  • Music players: Simple, easy-to-use music devices preloaded with favorite songs can lift mood and reduce agitation.
  • Familiar scents and textures: Lavender sachets, soft shawls, or scented lotions can evoke positive memories through gentle sensory cues.

These gifts support meaningful connections between residents and their pasts while providing comfort in the present.

Experience-Based Gifts

Sometimes the most impactful gifts are shared moments. Experience-based gifts strengthen family bonds and create opportunities for meaningful engagement.

  • Activity experiences: Doing a puzzle, listening to music, baking, or enjoying a slow walk all foster connection.
  • Shared creative activities: Painting, crafting, or decorating together allows loved ones to participate in traditions stress-free.
  • Connection-building items: Large-print books, simple card decks, or family DVDs can nurture shared experience.

These shared activities remind residents that they are loved, valued, and included in family traditions.

Tips for Safe and Appropriate Giving

Safety is essential when choosing gifts for someone in memory care assisted living. Keeping items simple, familiar, and hazard-free ensures a positive experience.

  • Avoid confusing items: gifts with complicated instructions, breakable parts, or overwhelming features.
  • Coordinate with staff: Caregivers and team members can offer personalized suggestions based on the resident’s preferences, cognitive level, and daily routines.
  • Think comfort and clarity: Clear labels, soft materials, and sturdy, easy-to-handle items are best for fostering independence and ease of use.

By choosing gifts that align with the resident’s abilities, families help ensure joy without creating stress or confusion. The right gift can brighten ones day, spark cherished memories, and strengthen bonds with loved ones in memory care assisted living. Thoughtful choices bring comfort and connection to the moments that matter most.

Looking for excellent memory care in Nebraska? Click here to learn all about Fallbrook Assisted Living!

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