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Staying active and engaged is crucial regardless of age. However, it is also essential to maintain social connections for residents in senior housing, particularly during the cold winter months. The colder, darker, and longer days can lead to isolation, depression, and physical decline.

Physical activities and engagement combat feelings of loneliness, improve mood, maintain cognitive function, and contribute to a happy and fulfilled life in senior housing. While outdoor activities are limited during winter, many indoor activities keep senior residents occupied and socially stimulated, essential for their physical and overall well-being.

Indoor Activities for Senior Housing

You can try these indoor activities with family, friends, and carers.

• Board games are not only good for maintaining a connection with residents but also good for mental stimulation.
• Puzzles, jigsaw, word searches, crossword puzzles, and Sudoku are classic games that keep the mind sharp.
• Painting, knitting, or sewing is relaxing while enhancing creativity.
• Cooking or baking sessions with family or friends can be fun to learn new skills.

All suggested activities involve different cognitive functions that slow mental decline. Completing a puzzle or a game gives a sense of accomplishment, the same feeling you get when you create a delicious dish. Engaging in these simple yet fun activities is also beneficial for maintaining fine motor skills while making memories with loved ones.

Community Events

Offering a variety of community events can create an uplifting and vibrant environment throughout the winter season. Movie nights, for example, allow senior residents to share experiences and thoughts about the movie, breaking free from their daily routines. Movie nights are also accessible for everyone, including residents with limited mobility.

Meanwhile, holiday parties and gatherings foster a feeling of belonging, reducing loneliness and isolation. When you are with the people you care about on special occasions, the festive atmosphere can boost your mood and bring you joy.

Attend fitness classes organized by senior housing facilities to enhance balance, flexibility, and strength, reducing the risk of falls typical among seniors. These classes are also great opportunities to meet new friends and socialize. In addition to social connection, engaging in physical activities releases good and happy hormones called endorphins to alleviate signs of depression and anxiety. Joining community events can boost the mood, kicking off the winter blues and allowing you to get out of your room and socialize.

Outdoor options

Even during winter, outdoor activities are still an option, but with careful safety and accessibility considerations.

• Weather permitting, a stroll around a senior housing facility can be a great way to get some fresh air and an opportunity for light exercise. However, make sure to do this safely.
• Do some gardening work on warmer days. Walk around or enjoy the view and the sunshine.
• Set up bird feeders near your window or in the garden. This would be an excellent way to connect with nature.

Enjoy the winter scenery with a guide to ensure safety. Check the temperature first, bundle up, and wear boots with good traction to avoid slips and falls. Start with short walks and eventually increase the distance on your next walk.

Looking for excellent senior 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

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

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

Expressing gratitude in assisted living facilities can be a perfect opportunity to provide residents with a warm, inclusive, and festive atmosphere. This is a perfect time to celebrate, especially for those who cannot do so with their family. Thus, it focuses on community, creating memories, and promoting a sense of family and gratitude.

Ways to Show Thanks in November

It is important to show gratitude in the month of November as a way to acknowledge goodness and recognize its source. Note that gratitude can enhance mood and decrease stress. Thus, it can drastically improve overall health and well-being.

• Giving handwritten letters and notes can be simple but meaningful ways to thank the people in your life. It can mean the world to someone and allow you to express gratitude to the people you love.
• A gratitude journal is also one of the best ways to show daily gratitude. With the gratitude journal, you can start a collection of little grateful moments.
• Donating your time by volunteering is a selfless and excellent way of expressing gratitude towards the organizations and people working to help others.
• Giving away clothes you no longer need is another way to express your gratitude on this momentous occasion.
• Giving to organizations that support causes is also a great way to make a difference in your community.

There are still so many other ways to provide gratitude to others. Such would include playing the gratitude game or giving out gratitude and thanksgiving books for younger children. You may also give importance to others by expressing gratitude to your own family or friends, for that matter. And, of course, it should be a perfect time to thank the people who matter the most to you–loved ones in assisted living facilities.

Thanksgiving in Assisted Living Facilities

Expressing gratitude in assisted living facilities can also give seniors time to socialize and connect with others during the holiday season. In fact, there are many activities that seniors will love, including Thanksgiving dinners, turkey trots, pumpkin painting contests, and craft fairs.

You can celebrate Thanksgiving in assisted living facilities by creating a festive space. For instance, you can hang up some of your favorite fall and Thanksgiving-themed décor to get into the holiday spirit. On the other hand, you can enjoy a special Thanksgiving meal with the family. Furthermore, lots of assisted living facilities host special Thanksgiving events and themed activities that you can participate in to make the assisted living community more cheerful.

In addition, when visiting a loved one, you may reminisce about past holiday memories by presenting old photos. However, if you are away from your loved one in assisted living, you may just express in advance how happy you are for them during this occasion. This will surely help them feel connected to you, knowing that you are thinking of them.

Click here to learn more about life at 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

World Pancreatic Cancer Day is a vital reminder of the ongoing fight against this challenging disease, especially within senior housing communities. This day allows us to raise awareness, educate residents and their families, and promote a supportive environment. It aims to empower residents and encourage open conversations about health and wellness through informational sessions, health screenings, and community discussions.

World Pancreatic Cancer Day

The World Pancreatic Cancer Day celebration is on the third Thursday of November each year. For ten years, it has raised awareness around the world that it is one of the most challenging cancers. On this day, communities, including senior housing, raise awareness and support the people battling the disease.

In commemorating World Pancreatic Cancer Day, people unite and help spread the word about pancreatic cancer. The day also aims to raise awareness about its prevention and treatment. Many health organizations in 30 countries join hands to encourage awareness of risk factors, symptoms, and treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Look for Signs in Senior Housing

The pancreas is a gland in the abdomen that aids in food digestion. When it becomes infected with cancer cells, it can present symptoms, including bloating, fatigue, jaundice, nausea, and lack of appetite. Pancreatic cancer can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. However, the survival rates are low because it is hard to detect in its early stages.

The symptoms can be hard to determine, but only once the tumor starts affecting other organs in the digestive system. The healthcare provider may suspect the emergence of the disease once you have recently developed diabetes or pancreatitis.

Pain in the abdomen or back is caused by the tumor pushing against or invading nerves or organs near the pancreas. Another area of pain happens when the cancer blocks the digestive tract. Patients experiencing poor appetite, indigestion, and nausea can be expected in people with the disease. Note that some or all of the symptoms mentioned may occur when the tumor presses against the stomach.

In addition, if the patient’s skin and eyes begin to show yellowing due to excess bilirubin in the blood, this is a sign that the patient has jaundice. People with jaundice may experience itchiness of the skin, abnormally dark urine, and light or clay-colored stool.

For the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, healthcare providers suggest a combination of tests, including imaging tests, blood tests, staging laparoscopy, and genetic testing. The good thing is that early detection and treatment can make complete remission possible. However, the only way to cure pancreatic cancer is the total surgical removal of the tumor.

Residents in senior housing should be tested for pancreatic cancer when the said symptoms are observed. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you must bring them up with your doctor or healthcare provider to receive supportive or palliative care.

Looking for excellent senior 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