Facilities for Alzheimer’s

Celebrating the Month of Love in Assisted Living Facilities

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Valentine’s Day is one of the most anticipated holidays in the year even in assisted living facilities. The month of love isn’t just for couples, after all, and there are many ways to make it fun and memorable for the elderly members of the community.

A lot of assisted living facilities around the country have established a tradition of celebrating the month of love. For one, it’s something that seniors can be excited about because it will give them the opportunity to bond with other members of the community.

The management can also organize activities that allow residents to be active while improving their mood.

Here are some fun ideas for celebrating the month of love in these assisted living facilities:

Invite family and friends over.

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to have family and friends over for a picnic lunch or even just an afternoon of tea and cookies. Seniors always long to see the most important people in their lives and there’s no better time than the month of love for them to feel that extra warmth.

You can even tell their loved ones to bring a card or gift for their beloved to really make the event more festive and memorable.

Decorate the facility.

Like Christmas, Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to go all out on decorations to get into the love month mood. You don’t need to spend a lot on décor because there are a lot of DIY ideas that you and your team can follow.

For instance, you can cut up some hearts out of colored paper and hang them around the facility. You can create heart garlands to decorate in different rooms with pops of color.

Bring out the flowers.

Of course, Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be complete without beautiful flowers. Pick up some fresh blooms at the farmer’s market and put them in festive vases.

You can also donate a rose for every resident if you have the budget.

Organize movie night.

Nothing is more romantic than being able to enjoy a good movie over popcorn and some drinks. So, why not organize a movie night for your residents? Pick out a few classic movies and serve some popcorn and drinks to complete the event.

You can also go for a concert night. You can have a band come over or Livestream some classic songs while residents enjoy some desserts.

There’s no better day than Valentine’s Day to show residents in assisted living facilities, like Fallbrook, that they are loved and valued.

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

Start the New Year in a Memory Assisted Living Facility

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As people get older, forgetfulness becomes common. Senior adults do not get adequate blood flow to the brain resulting in impaired memory and other declines in cognitive skills. Although at first, this is manageable, you may want to consider memory assisted living as a long-term option.

As the New Year starts, it is best for your loved ones to be in a memory care facility especially if they are struggling with forgetfulness. Serious cases of memory problems like Alzheimer’s can make your lives difficult when trying to juggle personal and work priorities.

While it can be difficult to provide quality care to senior loved ones with memory problems, a memory assisted living community can provide the care that they need.

What is Memory Assisted Living

A memory assisted community is special care and housing for senior adults with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Commonly these facilities feature private and semi-private apartments all structured to protect senior residents from wandering.

Because the facilities are managed by skilled and licensed professionals, they offer a high level of support and care for cognitive skills and quality of life.

Most memory care communities offer round the clock security and other services such as:

  • Meals 3x a day with snacks and beverages
  • Laundry, housekeeping, and linen services
  • Recreational activities, socialization, and engagements for their residents
  • Day-to-day living assistance including bathing, dressing, and grooming
  • In house medical team for emergency
  • Support groups
  • Fitness programs
  • Low staff to patient ratio

What Are The Benefits of Memory Care

With the intensive and long-term care memory care facilities provide, the benefits are numerous.

The well-structured environment, the meals, the routines, and they help residents get with their daily activities make the senior residents enjoy the following benefits:

Minimal confusion.

The layouts in memory assisted living apartments are unique and well-though to minimize confusion.

Adequate staff to patient ratio.

A balanced level of staff and residents helps everyone get the quality service and care that they need to maintain a good quality of life.

Secure environment.

Families will have peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are safe. People with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia have decreased ability to recognize familiar places. With extra security measures, everyone is assured of a safe environment.

Dementia therapies.

Exercise and therapeutic activities are available not only to provide enjoyment and pleasure but to prevent senior residents from developing depression and isolation.

Experienced staff.

  • Being one of the leading causes of disability among seniors, experienced staff in memory care apartments are proven to show a positive attitude towards patients which is associated with quality care and overall experience throughout their stay.

Fallbrook Memory Care

Starting the New Year right is a commendable attitude. Deciding for the future of your loved one can be tough. However, here at Fallbrook Assisted Living, we understand the need for a secure environment.

Here, we offer specialized services because we know too well the ever-changing needs.

Enjoy solitude in our spacious apartments. Meet new friends at our dining room while savoring your home-cooked meals served restaurant-style. Let our trained staff do the weekly housekeeping and linen service.

Stay connected with your loved ones through our wireless Internet connection. Stay active with an array of activities and entertainment. So, are you ready to live the life you deserve with the assurance of quality 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

senior housing

2022 Reading Lists for Senior Housing Residents

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New Year means new resolutions, a new hobby, and new books to read in 2022. For those in senior housing, January is a great time of the year to start your new reading lists.

This year, tons of exciting new books are set to release. Be ready to spend more hours turning one page after another as you immerse in to new stories.

Why Reading is Good for the Brain

Constant reading shows to increase brain connectivity and strength according to past studies.

Using brain scans, researchers noticed that the circuits and signals in the brain get stronger throughout the reading period and the days beyond that.

Also, scientists believe that reading protects cognitive function and reduces age-related psychological decline.

In addition, researchers have found that reading at least 30 minutes can reduce any emotional and physical stress. However, reading the news can be stressful. So, adults in senior housing can opt to read novels, magazines, and short stories.

Reading regularly can also lead to improved memory and concentration. Reading is a form of exercise that aids in memory functioning, recall memory, and knowledge.

Lastly, regular reading may help you live longer. Based on a study published in 2017, it is said that reading is associated with a 20% reduction in risk of mortality.

List of New Books for 2022

(Dis)connected: How To Stay Human In An Online World

The book written by Emma Gannon will be out this January 13, 2022. The book discusses how to stay human amongst the wide popularity of the Internet and social media.

With the world adapting to the new normal, Internet has become a necessity for work, school, entertainment, and anything you can think of.

(Dis) connected will help you get back on track and stay in touch with your human side even with humans being dependent on the Internet.

Wolfskin

Wolfskin, written by Lara Moreno, is another book to look forward to this January 2022 which talks about sisterhood, sexuality, family, and power.

The story revolves around the two sisters who’s been reunited and have no choice but to face the reality of their lives and their past.

The Paris Apartment

If you are looking for thrill and mystery, this book by Lucy Foley will keep you hooked after just reading a few pages.

This is available for pre-order and will be available by March 2022. So, are you ready to discover the secret that lies behind the Paris apartment?

The Flames

Give your loved one in senior housing a trip back to the beginning of the 20th century. Enjoy this historical fiction that talks about 4 women with their own stories to tell.

 

One the market for an excellent assisted living community? Click here to check out what Fallbrook Assisted Living has to offer!

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

Fallbrook Memory Care Facility

Plan for the New Year with Fallbrook Memory Care Facility

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The year 2021 is almost over and another 365 days to create memories is soon to start. New Year signifies a fresh start, new opportunities, and new aspirations.

Even residents in Fallbrook Memory Care Facility are looking forward to 2022 where they can improve their ways for a better life moving forward. With new beginnings filled with hope and plans, we have New Year tips that will help you welcome 2022.

Why Plan Ahead?

Planning ahead is important as it allows you to prepare, improve, and have better management of things especially if health protocols are still in place due to the COVID19 pandemic.

Setting targets and goals for the New Year encourages growth and improvement. It also gives the opportunity to examine if you have been sticking to your targets. This and below are a few highlights of why it is important to plan ahead.

  1. Goals to Reach

When you plan ahead, this gives you objectives that you want to achieve. In addition, this helps you work on ways towards meeting your goals.

  1. Assessing Risks

Advance planning gives you the confidence to take risks leading you ahead of the ball game. Besides, it also helps identify, categorize, and prioritize risks. This way, you can create a response plan.

  1. Encourages Proactiveness

Planning ahead lets you take the right action when faced with challenges and adversities. It makes you ready to respond to challenges and accepts changes.

  1. Improved Performance

Being prepared improves performance. By having a clear idea of what to do next, life will be better with less stress.

Tips for Starting the New Year Off with a Bang from Fallbrook Memory Care Facility

We at Fallbrook Memory Care Facility encourage you to write your goals and objectives for the New Year. Although some of this may change along the way, it is important to give yourself a good starting point.

Personal Schedule

Remember all the commitments you have already made and fill your calendar. Having a planner will make it easier for you to be organized and be prepared. Doing this will help you remember things easily.

Also, write your projects for the year. Do you intend to update your room or establish a light exercise regimen? You can include things you want to accomplish this year.

Health and Medical Appointments

Keep your medical calendar up to date by filling it in beforehand. Sometimes you tend to forget your healthcare and doctor’s appointments, so writing down the dates in your calendar keeps you from missing your appointments.

Mealtime

Never miss a meal by writing it down. Stick to your mealtime to build a routine. People with dementia may refuse to eat or lose interest in food but eating a balanced diet on time will help prevent unnecessary weight loss or less muscle strength.

Fallbrook Memory Care Facility and our residents have witnessed many years come and go. And as 2021 ends, let us start the countdown and start planning our resolutions.

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

nursing homes

Making Christmas Bright for Residents in Nursing Homes

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The holidays can be merry and festive when spent at home with the ones you love. But residents in nursing homes are prone to holiday blues. Being away from home with cognitive or physical limitations gives the feeling of frustration, isolation, and loneliness.

But there are different ways to make Christmas merry for senior adults in nursing care facilities. Simple celebrations and spending time together can be special and memorable.

Even senior adults with no family can still feel the magic of love and giving this Christmas through various activities. So, bring in the joy and spend time together for that meaningful holiday celebration.

Ways to Help Nursing Home Residents Celebrate

Senior residents are more than welcome to participate in holiday activities. From Christmas to Hanukkah, there are activities for every adult to enjoy.

The Gift of Time or Money

Being in nursing homes means you are well-cared for by professionally trained staff and caregivers. But nothing beats the feeling of being remembered and valued by the people dear to you.

The best give you can give to let them feel the Christmas spirit is a few minutes of your time. Share lunch with traditional family food to bring them joy and pleasure. Invite family members to join to show they are appreciated and valued.

Or you can organize or participate in donation campaigns to help others in need while experiencing an increased level of pleasure. Donating gifts or money will inspire younger family members to give back and bring more meaning to life.

Send Gifts to Loved Ones

Not being able to visit your loved one can be one of the most difficult things to do during Christmas. But if you are unable to make it due to a hectic schedule, you can send gifts that they can use every day for comfort or fun.

Consider the interest, pastime, or preferences of your loved ones in nursing homes. Below are useful gift ideas that will spread the feelings of joy and love this season:

  • warm blanket
  • socks
  • sweater
  • digital books
  • monthly subscriptions (magazine or movie streaming)
  • game boards, word games, dominoes
  • arts and crafts supply; colored pens, knitting kit, print books, coloring books, etc
  • CDs of favorite songs
  • Homebaked goodies like cakes, cookies, or traditional family food to bring back the good old days

Virtual Gathering

A virtual gathering is the best option if most of the family members are out of town, living in different time zones, or if health restrictions are still active. By connecting virtually families and residents in nursing homes can still interact and share family stories at the comfort of their homes.

Outdoor Activities

Take your loved one outside for a breath of fresh air. If possible, you can stroll around malls or landmarks to admire the Christmas decorations. Or, enjoy a family meal at your favorite restaurant.

These activities do not require too much energy or can be modified according to your loved one’s mood and current condition. Regardless of how you celebrate the holidays, these tokens will be treasured.

 

Looking for an assisted living facility that is the perfect fit for you or a family member? Check out our programs at 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 care assisted living

Celebrating the Holiday Season in Assisted Living Facilities

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While restrictions have been eased since the vaccine rollout, many residents still cannot go out and will remain inside assisted living facilities. This means your loved one will miss traditional family activities everybody used to share and enjoy before.

Fortunately, senior housing facilities now accept family visitors; hence, you can now celebrate the holiday together. Bring in the fun and make the holiday celebration nostalgic, fun, and comforting.

Aside from Christmas celebrated by Christians, other religions observe Hanukkah or Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and Thanksgiving. Regardless of your religion, there is always something to celebrate about starting on the fourth Thursday of November until the last days of December.

Thanksgiving in Assisted Living Facilities

Thanksgiving has been celebrated in the United States. The first Thanksgiving celebration happened in 1621 when Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Native Americans celebrated an autumn harvest feast.

In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared the national Thanksgiving Day to be commemorated every November.

Dinner, decorations, music, and gift-giving are familiar activities and sights during the Thanksgiving holiday. But it won’t hurt to try new activities to mark the occasion.

Of course, do not forget the classic dishes including stuffed turkey, mashed potato, and pumpkin pie for the Thanksgiving dinner for the family to enjoy.

Help your loved ones in assisted living facilities decorate their private spaces with Thanksgiving-themed pieces. Bring back younger memories through their favorite music. Pen a heartfelt gratitude letter or give your loved one that special gift he/she will always cherish.

Add a little twist to your celebration by adding non-traditional recipes like baked brie with cranberries and pomegranate, apple and honey tarts, balsamic cranberry roast chicken, or glazed lamb chops.

Kwanzaa in Assisted Living

Some people honor their heritage by celebrating Kwanzaa every December 26th to the 1st of January. The weeklong celebration is a combination of several different African celebrations and activities like singing, dancing, poetry reading, storytelling, and feasting.

Residents in assisted living facilities can celebrate Kwanzaa by preparing Mazao, a combination of nuts, fruits, and vegetables on a placemat. Or re-create the sun’s power by lighting 3 red candles, 3 green candles, and 1 black candle placed on a kinara (candle holder).

Hanukkah in Assisted Living

Hanukkah or Festival of Lights is a Jewish festival that lasts for 8 days in December. Senior residents can commemorate the feast by lighting candles on each evening of the festival, reading scriptures daily, almsgiving, and hymn singing.

Christmas in Assisted Living

Christmas is a universal holiday from the Christian faith. However, Christmas has changed dramatically over the years that even non-Christians recognized the festivity every year. Today, the celebration of Christmas without reference to faith, religion, or sect is common.

Regardless of your religion, Christmas is the season of love and giving. It is a season of giving back to the community, to the less fortunate.

It is also the time of the year where people spend the most time with family and friends.

Are you looking for Assisted Living Facilities that offer the right level of care for you? Contact us at Fallbrook Assisted Living today to learn more about us.

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 Gift Guide for Residents in Alzheimer’s Care Facilities

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Gift-giving can be done any time of the year. But nothing is more special than handing that perfect gifts to your loved ones during the holiday season. But finding a gift for a senior loved with Alzheimer’s can be difficult. It should be useful depending on the stage of the ailment of your loved one in Alzheimer’s care facilities.

Here are some holiday gift ideas that you can choose from that show love, thoughtfulness, and creativity for loved ones in Alzheimer’s care facilities.

Puzzles

The gift of a puzzle is great for people with cognitive disorders, low mobility, and patients with early stages of Alzheimer’s. Puzzles in different colors, sizes, and pieces that come in different levels of difficulty provide stimulating comfort, a sense of control, and improved mental speed to patients. Customize or personalize photo puzzles are also great options to refresh the patient’s memories.

The price for puzzles ranges from $13 to $30, all are available online for ease and convenience.

Memory Phone

A memory phone that can store up a specific number of family members or friends’ names, contact details, and photos is straightforward and convenient to use. Patients in Alzheimer’s care facilities can take advantage of its simplified menu to get in touch with family, friends, and caregivers during an emergency.

The price starts from $45 per month up to $60 for a monthly subscription. But this depends on the mobile carrier of your choice.

Music Therapy for Those in Alzheimer’s Care Facilities

Research shows that music helps stimulate the senses of patients with a moderate case of Alzheimer’s. Gift your loved one with a music therapy bear that can hold their favorite nostalgic tunes.

One particular product that is extremely popular is Arthur – the Music Therapy Bear that meets the needs of people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. You can load the bear with around 1,000 songs for only $69.99

Digital Frame

The old-school photo frame is now digital with ease and convenience. Most digital photo frames are Wi-Fi-ready and can hold up thousands of photos, and touchscreen.

Share photos via email, social media account, or from Google drive where other family members can also contribute. The perfect gift for a senior loved one starts from $109.99 on Amazon.

Smart Calendar

Due to memory loss, residents in Alzheimer’s care facilities often forget important dates, appointments, and activities. A smart calendar will keep your loved one’s life a little easier, keeping track of all essential activities in one place.

Keep track of family events, facilities activities, and engagements, chores, meal plans, doctor’s appointments, or grocery lists on a touchscreen device. Price starts at $99.99 on Amazon.

Soap, Lotion, and Fragrances for Those Living in Alzheimer’s Care Facilities

Alzheimer’s care facilities patients with moderate/late Alzheimer’s can use scented soaps, lotion, and fragrances to help stimulate memories. Fragrances that may calm and soothe your loved include lemon and lavender scents.

Rosemary scents can also help with improving memory and alertness.

Perfumes, essential oil blends, diffusers, and scent kits are available for as low as $11.99.

 

Are you looking for an excellent assisted living facility that offers memory care you can trust? Contact us at Fallbrook Assisted Living today to learn more!

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

When to Move Someone from Assisted Living to Memory Care Assisted Living

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Dementia and Alzheimer’s are cognitive illnesses and progressive conditions that worsen over time. As illnesses like these progress, proper care will become necessary. Memory care assisted living facilities are a smart move for those needing 24-hour care and safety.

When is the Right Time to Make the Move?

The answer depends on the unique needs and progression rates of each patient. However, there are some signs to look out for, that can be foreshadowing the need for more consistent care.

Assisted Living vs Memory Care Assisted Living

Choosing between assisted living and memory care is critical if your loved one has a serious medical condition. Although both offers assisted care, picking between the two needs to be thought about carefully.

Level of Care, Activities, and Amenities

Assisted living is an option for seniors requiring assistance in daily activities like bathing, cleaning, meal preparation, and companionship. On the other hand, memory care assisted living is a facility specifically catering to residents with cognitive impairments.

Both have highly skilled and trained staff like nurses and nursing assistants. However, memory care staff have additional training and experience to deal with the residents’ specific needs. From behavioral and mood changes to physical incapabilities, staff members will be able to assist the residents in every need.

Assisted living communities have a greater focus on social and recreational activities. They allow for more freedom and less structure at the will and capabilities of the residents. Memory care facilities provide tailored exercises and activities to cater to the unique needs of people with dementia or Alzheimer’s. These specialized activities are designed to address the residents’ challenging behaviors and promote better cognitive health.

When it comes to food and nutrition, assisted living provides 3 optional meals a day in a social setting where residents get to mingle with other residents. Memory care facilities prepare specialized meals to ensure residents get the right nutrition to suit their preferences or their current condition.

Environmental Precautions

Lastly, both have 24/7 security, but memory care assisted living communities to have alert systems and wandering-preventive tools. The facility design is also far from other senior housing communities since wandering and falls are common for people with dementia.

As mentioned above, if your loved one is comfortable in the assisted living community or still in the early stages of dementia, assisted living option may be OK. However, if he/she is struggling with daily activities or needs more support, the memory care option is ideal. Again, the choice depends on the current needs of your loved one.

Signs That Someone Needs Memory Care Assisted Living

First, if you constantly worry about your loved one’s safety, it may be best to move to memory care assisted living.

Second, if your loved one shows signs of neglected personal care, this needs to be addressed right away. Body odor and other personal hygiene issues are signs that it is time to move to memory care housing.

Third, if your loved one becomes disoriented, confused, or wakes up in the middle of the night and wanders, they may be at risk. Memory care facilities have highly secure and safe lock systems to keep their residents from wandering.

Lastly, if you notice manifestations of isolation, loneliness, or depression, your loved one might need the help of memory care nurses. They have the experience and tailored approaches that allow residents to feel calm, secure, and relaxed.

 

Is it time for your loved one to move into memory care? Contact us at Fallbrook Assisted Living for an easy and effective transition.

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

Fallbrook Memory Care Facility

Which Type of Senior Housing is the Right Fit for Me?

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Retirement is meant to be enjoyable whether you spend that time at home or in senior housing. However, with so many retirement living options available, you might be wondering which one fits you best.

Asking yourself the right questions will help determine which community provides for your specific needs.

Independent Living

Independent housing facilities are for older adults who wish to live on their own but need help around the home. These living options range from apartment-style living to single-family detached homes. Seniors in these facilities enjoy the freedom of living independently with assistance in cleaning, meal preparation, laundry, and more.

Most independent senior housing facilities provide their residents with barber salons, tennis courts, swimming pools, fitness gyms, and more. Amenities such as also available like housekeeping, laundry and linen services, private dining areas, massage salons, and so much more.

Independent living is best for older adults who need little to no assistance in their day-to-day living. So, if you want to be somewhere safe and secure without giving up your independence, independent living is for you.

Assisted Living

Assisted living is a type of housing or community for senior adults who need moderate personal and medical assistance. Therefore, residents in assisted living typically need assistance with daily activities like bathing, cooking, or short travel assistance.

Assisted living facilities are commonly apartment complexes or converted homes with apartment-style living. Many offer both shared and private living spaces depending on your budget.

For amenities, swimming pools, TV lounges, salons, and fitness rooms are available in most assisted living facilities. Typically, these facilities will offer the following:

  • housekeeping services
  • 24/7 security
  • transportation
  • emergency call systems
  • laundry services
  • medication management
  • social and recreational activities
  • personal/medical assistance

A senior housing like assisted living is ideal for those who do not require round-the-clock care.  So, if you need a care level similar to what we went over, assisted living might be the perfect place for you.

Memory Care Facilities

This specialized senior housing is a safe and secure option for adults suffering from cognitive illnesses like dementia and Alzheimer’s. With 24-hour care, highly trained staff, structured environments, and specialized care, residents receive lower stress levels to improve cognitive function.

Typically, memory care services include the following:

  • 24-hour care and supervision
  • mobility assistance
  • help with personal care
  • medication management
  • transportation
  • housekeeping
  • nutritious meals
  • laundry service
  • toileting
  • memory-enhancing activities and therapies

To summarize, memory care facilities offer many benefits to the sensitive and unique needs of adults with memory-related illnesses. These facilities not only offer a secure and safe environment but also enriching activities to stimulate memory and improve life quality.

Wrap Up

To conclude, independent living, assisted living, and memory care facilities are well equipped with the knowledge, tools, staff, and services to keep their residents safe, relaxed, and feeling at home. When choosing which is best for you, it is crucial to keep in mind the level of care you need.

So, for more information on what our facilities here at Fallbrook Assisted Living have to offer, contact us today!

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

How to Keep Up with Physical Activity in Alzheimer’s Care Facilities

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We are all aware of the benefits of physical exercise to our bodies. It can enhance mood, reduce depression, anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, improve sleep, and improve quality of life. These benefits are even more crucial for those living in Alzheimer’s Care Facilities.

Exercise promotes the release of chemicals like serotonin and endorphins responsible for enhancing your mood. That way, this will motivate you to socialize, get in touch with family or friends, and lessen the feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Unfortunately, as we age, we tend to slow down due to a variety of reasons. It could be due to weight gain, pain issues, health problems, and other health-related difficulties.

But as a senior adult, physical activities will not only maintain your weight but also boost your energy, protect your heart, and manage your illnesses. In addition, all forms of physical activity are good for your memory and mood.

Even adults in Alzheimer’s Care Facilities can reap the benefits of physical exercise. Although this can be a challenge given the current state that you are in, it is never too late to do simple and enjoyable ways to stay physically active.

Walking

Although it is a whole lot different as you age and simple walking may be a challenge but regular walking can lower the risk for a variety of health conditions.

Spend at least 30-40 minutes walking outside with a loved one. If not, then you may do it on a treadmill with supervision from a professional carer.

If you have trouble walking, you can do simple tasks like sweeping, folding the laundry, vacuuming, or any other light chores. Or you can use a stationary bike, a stretching band, or a rubber ball that you can throw back and forth with other residents in Alzheimer’s Care Facilities.

Weightlifting

Weight training is an excellent exercise to combat bone loss. It is also an effective way to improve cognitive issues. Senior adults with dementia or Alzheimer’s can do light weightlifting using household items, soda, or soup cans.

Low-Impact Aerobics

Alzheimer’s Care Facilities can organize low-impact aerobic workout routines for their residents. These are not only helpful but also great ways to encourage their residents to participate, socialize, and have fun.

Gardening

Mowing, pruning, raking, and watering the plants are simple activities that do not feel like structured exercise. Sweeping or picking up falling leaves will not only tidy the lawn but can be beneficial to residents with memory problems.

Dancing

Most memory care facilities organize dancing parties, but this can be done regularly as not only a form of socialization but regular exercise.

Exercise without a doubt is beneficial for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia. However, these physical activities must be safe. Before starting with an exercise routine, it is suggested to do the following:

  • Speak with the person’s primary doctor first
  • Make sure the person with Alzheimer’s is with a caregiver or family member when doing outdoor exercise
  • Hydration, sunscreen, and protective gear are important for outdoor exercise.

To learn about the memory care facilities at 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