assisted living

Helping to Improve Memory in Assisted Living

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An assisted living (AL) facility separates itself from a nursing home by giving residents freedom to go about their daily lives. However, many of its elderly seem to exhibit the same issues found in those under nursing care, including the frequent need to be reminded about taking medication. Thus, memory assisted living is important.

 

 

Memory decline is one of the major reasons AL residents are moved to nursing homes where they will receive constant medical care and personal assistance. At the same time, there is also a demand from residents themselves and their family to allow them to “age in place.”

 

 

What can assisted living facilities do knowing that residents fear being moved because of decreasing cognitive ability?

 

 

Addressing the fear of memory loss

 

Many older adults fear losing their ability to remember. Several studies support this fear, citing memory decline as one of the top complaints with regards to aging. This fear is not unfounded since there is a common belief that memory declines as a person ages. What AL facilities can do to help is find ways to address the fear of memory loss.

 

 

In an effort to improve, memory assisted living facilities can conduct memory training programs. However, studies have shown that such a program is most effective in the high functioning elderly. Meaning, frail elders who are at risk for cognitive decline don’t stand to benefit from memory intervention programs.

 

 

Where AL facilities can focus on is improving everyday memory, which includes being able to remember faces and names, recent and past events, information and facts, and directions – just to name a few. Since studies show that older adults use external memory strategies (making lists or notes), AL facilities can also turn their attention towards using internal memory strategies like association.

 

Improving memory in the elderly

 

To improve memory assisted living communities can teach cognitive-behavioral skills to their elderly residents. In particular, older adults are taught how to use mnemonic techniques to improve their memory. The techniques make use of both external and internal memory strategies to help residents be better at remembering.

 

 

Some level of freedom is a benefit afforded to assisted living residents, and just how much of it is provided greatly depends on the memory capabilities of a person. For instance, someone who constantly forgets names raises red flags about their memory ability. To continue living in an AL facility, older adults should be able to demonstrate that they can remember. Remembering here involves important information, not just trivial ones.

 

 

AL communities should also not stop at just teaching older adults cognitive-behaviorial skills. They also need to make sure residents are able to apply the techniques they learned. A simple test could be to see whether or not an elderly person can remember to complete an action without any assistance.

 

 

Memory is definitely tricky, but sometimes the key to improving it is to shift traditional beliefs about declining memory. Many older adults believe that memory decline comes with age, but assisted living facilities can show them that isn’t always the case; with memory care a person can still be in good shape even in old age.

 

 

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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Assisted Living: What to Expect

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There are different living options for seniors, and with shared characteristics between them, making a decision can be quite difficult. When it comes to assisted living, it is important to understand exactly what it is if you are choosing this option or doing so for a loved one.

 

What assisted living entails

Independent living is another senior living option and just like assisted living, it stresses senior independence. However, the latter is for those who really need help with daily activities, be it remembering medication, keeping up with doctor’s appointments, bathing and grooming.

 

Assisted living is an option for those who can no longer live alone, but don’t need intensive nursing care yet. Facilities are for seniors who can’t tend to their basic needs, need help in making decisions, and can’t function without assistance.

 

Although you will be moving into a different space, you are free to treat it as your own. This means you can bring personal possessions and entertain friends and family. And of course even go on trips outside the facility as well.

 

There is still a level of independence provided in a living facility, but with an added layer of support.

 

You have your own place and are afforded privacy. If you are an introvert, you can go on living the quiet life. On the other hand, if you like mixing and mingling, there will be lots of opportunities for that as well.

 

In terms of cost, you can expect assisted living to be more expensive than independent living. Assisted living requires more services to be rendered to ensure the comfort of senior residents.

 

Is it the right option?

Choosing a senior living option is difficult, whether you’re deciding for yourself or for a family member. Whichever the case, it’s important to consider all the factors before committing to a certain kind of living option.

 

You can start by asking a few questions.

 

Is living alone going to be a health risk? If so, assisted living may be the option for you since medical support will be provided by trained staff.

 

Are you increasingly becoming reliant on others for errands? Are you doing the same for regular needs? Afacility can provide the support you need so you no longer have to wait until your spouse or child is free to help you out.

 

Are you concerned about performing daily activities? If the thought of walking up a flight of stairs scares you because of the consequences of a fall, then Fallbrook Assisted Living not only provides help but also peace of mind.

 

If your doctor has expressed concern about you living alone, then it might be best to consider assisted living.

 

Choosing to live in an assisted living facility doesn’t mean you’re giving up your independence. You are given both the freedom and privacy to live your best life, along with the confidence that there will always be someone there should you need help with daily activities.

 

 

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

Independent Living: What to Expect

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Independent living is a senior living option available for many seniors. An emphasis on independence is what separates it from assisted living, an option for seniors who need help with basic life tasks. It’s essentially a living preference rather than a form of care.

 

An independent living community provides for the needs of seniors by:

  • allowing seniors to live in a community that provides them with much needed privacy
  • providing assistance to seniors but making sure they maintain independence
  • providing an alternative to costly home maintenance
  • offering access to amenities

 

What is staying in an independent living community like?

Independent living communities aren’t places where seniors go to “grow old.” Loneliness is a battle many seniors face, but that shouldn’t be the case. Human contact and intellectual stimulation is as important to elders as it is to young children. Committing to an independent living community ensures that you will never have to feel alone again.

 

You can expect a wide range of activities in living facilities. Activities can be in the form of classes, outings, social events, or informal gatherings. You can always expect an active community life.

 

Meeting new people and finding others who share the same interests is just as important in old age as it is when you were younger. This can be a challenge for seniors who choose to live alone, but that is not the case when opting to live in an independent living community.

 

Your health is of utmost importance as you grow old. Many seniors who have chosen to live alone tend to be unhappy and become unhealthy as a result. Getting to interact with like-minded people and attending social gatherings are just two ways to keep the blues away and remain healthy.

 

While independent living communities emphasize senior independence, help is always provided when you need it. Whether you require assistance with your medication or just need a ride to go shopping, you will find such support in an independent living facility.

 

Choosing a Facility

Choosing independent living also means putting an end to troubles over the costs of maintaining a home. You no longer have to be burdened about the leaking roof, the faulty plumbing, or the trimming of the grass. Everything is taken care of. All you have to do is relax and have fun.

 

Independent living also doesn’t mean being confined within the borders of the community. You are free to explore outside and transportation to your destination can be provided.

 

Your privacy is also valued in living facilities. You can continue to live the quiet life if you’re an introvert. On the other hand, extroverts can take part in many social events.

 

Independent living is just like living at home, but can be made a whole lot better. It’s a living option that addresses many of the issues seniors face when living alone.

 

You should enjoy your retirement. You worked so hard to get to this point. If living alone makes you lonely, independent living can be a cure for that.

 

 

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

Learn To Communicate With a Memory Care Resident

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If you think that it is quite challenging to communicate with a memory care resident, then you have come to the right place. This is because memory assisted living is not only a place where you put your elderly loved ones, but also a place where communication is one of the priorities.

 

When it comes to caring for your loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, communication is key to make your caregiving journey less stressful. Thus, you must take a few notes on how to communicate effectively without getting frustrated or upset.

 

Establish a Positive Mood

 

Be aware that even your non-verbal communication can be used to express your thoughts and feelings. Sometimes this is even more expressive than words. So it is best to set up a comfortable atmosphere when making conversation by speaking to your loved one respectfully and nicely. Not only will you be able to show that you care, but you can also reinforce and convey your message by using a positive mood, proper tone of voice, and physical touch.

 

Ensure To Get Your Loved One’s Attention

 

Upon having a conversation, try to avoid noise and distractions. If possible, address them by their name and try to use your name to identify yourself. Moreover, you can use nonverbal cues or physical touch so that you can help them stay involved and focused on the conversation. Remember that memory assisted living also requires interesting conversations to get the attention of your loved one.

 

State Your Message Clearly

 

Try to speak slowly when talking to your loved one via a reassuring tone. Make use of simple sentences and words that everyone can understand. Do not raise your voice, even when frustration occurs during conversation.

 

If your loved one didn’t understand the first time you said something, try to repeat your message with the same wording. You also have to use specific names of places or people when conversing instead of using pronouns or abbreviations. This will all help promote memories and make the communication flow more easily.

 

Go For Simple or Answerable Questions

 

Instead of asking too many questions in a row, ensure that you only ask one question at a time and give them time to think and answer. For people with memory issues, it is best to establish questions that would require yes or no answers only. It would also help if you use specific words, making things clearer, easier, and simpler to understand.

 

Provide Direct and Simplistic Instructions

 

Try to break down tasks into single steps so that you can make things simple. You may use visual clues and instructions to ensure that he or she understands it.

 

Make Realistic Expectations

 

Try to answer with affection and reassurance, but avoid using the word “remember”. At the same time, try not to test their memory too hard at a memory assisted living facility. This could possibly upset them, especially if they are in denial about their condition. You may touch or hold their hands to help them respond if they may not be able to do so.

 

Use Humor to Neutralize Tension

 

It has been proven many times that laughter can defuse tense conditions almost instantaneously. Take note that people suffering from dementia tend to retain their social skills even if their memory has been diminished. They may even enjoy laughing along with you when you crack a joke or two.

 

 

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

When Is It Time To Move To An Assisted Living Facility?

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It is important to spot the signs as to when it is necessary to send a loved one to a nursing homes near me. Not only will this be beneficial to the person you want to be cared for, but also to the caregiver and the family in general.

 

Over 15 million Americans have been investing endless amount of time into caring for their loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. The problem with this condition is that sometimes the cost of caregiving becomes too high when the symptoms get progressively worse. Caregivers often bear the burden of providing healthcare at home and also trying to maintain their job. This can be very stressful for caregivers and patients.

 

Psychologists are here to help you recognize and understand the signs that tell you it may be time to move to an assisted living facility. Thus, it will be useful if you think that your love one needs proper medical attention.

 

Aggression

 

When you see your loved one frequently being into physical, sexual, or violent aggression, then he or she may be showing signs of dementia. In this case, caregivers or family members might suffer or begin to feel annoyed.

 

Caregiver Stress

 

Caregiver symptoms such as increased stress could justify the sign of dementia. Thus, it is good to be aware of all of your options as family members. When you are educated and aware, you will be better able to assess when you are ready to send your loved one to an assisted living facility.

 

Escalating Care Needs

 

You might consider a couple of conditions that would help you decide when it is time to seek help from professionals. This would include the following:

 

  • The person’s care needs might go beyond your physical abilities
  • The health risks that might come to the person with dementia or to the caregiver

 

Home Safety

 

It is important to the health of your senior family member and to your own health to make sure the home where you are living is safe for them. You must check to see if the person suffering from dementia no longer feels safe in his or her current home. If they do not feel safe, it is the time when you seek nursing homes near me.

 

Sundowning

 

People with Alzheimer’s disease often get very agitated, which becomes more obvious later in the day. This condition is considered the Sundowners syndrome. Experts believe that this could put a burden on caregivers, because it could severely disrupt family routines. At this point, care giving burden can be too hard to handle.

 

Wandering

 

There is a greater risk in the latter stages of dementia in which wandering becomes a lot worse. At this point, they can wander even if it was just time to go to the bathroom. Thus, there is a possibility for injuries or falls during these instances.

 

When there is stress involved in the current condition, then it is time to discuss assisted living options. This is important for everyone involved because caregivers and family members can experience bad symptoms, such as the following.

 

  • Avoidance behaviors
  • Disabling anxiety
  • Intrusive thoughts
  • Hyper-vigilance

 

These symptoms are attributed not only to pressures of caring for a loved one with dementia, but also to conditions like disrupted eating and sleeping patterns when someone spends much time on caregiving. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities like Fallbrook Assisted Living may be an option for you.

 

 

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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How Hip Fractures Affect the Elderly and How Assisted Living Can Help In the Recovery

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Needless to say, the elderly are prone to injuries for many different and varying reasons. However the risk of falling is especially bad for seniors, and can lead to hip fractures. The moment they lose coordination, they would have difficulty with their balance and eyesight and this can become potentially dangerous.

 

 

Therefore, when the elderly are at risk of falling in their everyday lives, they have higher chances of getting hip injuries due to weaker bones.

 

 

Risk Factors of Hip Injuries

 

  • Osteoporosis – when a person becomes older, they become more susceptible to bone fracture because this disease will cause the bones to become weaker.
  • Gender – it is a known fact that women tend to lose more bone density compared to men due to the lowering of estrogen levels after menopause starts.
  • Nutrition – when your childhood had poor nutrition issues, then you will have a risk of hip-fracture.
  • Tobacco and alcohol use – bone loss can be caused by too much consumption of cigarettes and alcohol.

 

 

Hip fractures have two main types, including the femoral neck fracture and the intertrochanteric region fracture. In rare cases, people may not have hip fracture surgery, as they might be too sick to undergo the procedure. Thus, they will be under the traction method or any appropriate methods to repair the fracture.

 

Therapy and Recovery

 

When one undergoes therapy, the repair could be simple, but the results can be dangerous. In fact, based on statistics, there are about 25% mortality rates per year after a hip fracture occurred. This is because of some complications, such as blood clots, pneumonia, and infections.

 

 

The need to have assisted living facilities towards recovery is essential. After the surgery is done in the hospital, patients are required to stay from 4 days to 1 week. However, longer stays can be necessary depending on the type of surgery.

 

 

In such cases, patients need to be rehabilitated in a separate facility for at least a month for recovery. It is the job of the occupational therapists to help patients recover, but only in the hospital.

 

 

After hospitalization, a skilled nursing facility or an assisted living community can be a good place for recovery. The most essential factor to determine the location to rehabilitate is finding a setting that would reduce the risk of readmission to the hospital. Moreover, it should help in the recovery of their strength and confidence.

 

 

Rehabilitation in Assisted Living Community

 

There is a great chance that rehabilitation after a hip injury can be achieved in assisted living facilities. This can be similar to home therapies provided by nursing services paid for by the insurance coverage.

 

 

Assisted living facilities are also necessary because the elderly would require assistance in activities of daily living, which include bathing, meal preparation, and dressing. Thus, an assisted living community should be a great option when you are looking to rehabilitate a loved one after a hip injury operation.

 

 

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

Quick Tips on Selecting the Right Independent Living Community in Your Area

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For the seniors in your home, the world is getting bigger, and it may have become a loud and annoying place for them. You can just observe how mom used to manicure the yard and raise her children for the past 30 years. But now, she can no longer lug the vacuum upstairs or weed the flower bed.

 

 

Well, making a decision to move into a more manageable place is not that easy. The moment when you think it is necessary, then you start thinking about the possibilities of having a new life. For seniors, it would feel like the weight has been lifted, as they will feel freer than ever.

 

 

The Independent Living Community

 

Basically, this is a community for healthy and active seniors who are able to live independently. This might not be the neighborhood you once used to live in, however, independent living communities provide the best place for someone to retire because of what’s provided.

 

 

Of course, you can still live in a home, condo, townhouse, and even on a motor or mobile home. Moreover, you can still own, rent, or live as part of the cooperative. At Fallbrook Assisted Living, there are many other amenities provided. Our independent living for seniors can offer such services as clubhouses, gyms, housekeeping, security, and yard maintenance.

 

 

Benefits of Independent Living For Seniors

 

  • Healthcare center
  • Concierge services
  • Community activities
  • Laundry service
  • Barber shop and beauty salon
  • Golf courses
  • Game or TV rooms
  • Private rental hall
  • Fitness centers and swimming pools
  • Security services
  • Restaurant-style dining halls

 

 

Basic Features of Independent Living For Seniors

 

The lifestyle of independent living spaces is independent in nature. This is where most residents would live alone or as couples, but without the need for personal care support or skilled nursing.

 

 

The moment their health declines though, they may need to hire caregivers to be able to avoid the urge to relocate. Others can have options for aging in place with continuing care retirement communities and senior co-housing.

 

 

You might be healthy for now, but you can’t really predict the right time to have a place where you’ll have people to take care of you. As simpler things, like housekeeping and yard work, become a burden then a senior living or assisted living facility may be an ideal option. You’ll be free to do as you please, but in a place that can assist you with those simpler things, and you’ll have a community of peers to spend time with.

 

 

Senior Apartments

 

The most common type of independent senior housing is the senior apartment. The minimum age would range from 55 to 62 years old. These are private senior apartments not allowed to accept younger tenants. Moreover, these communities offer meal service, social calendars, and transportation.

 

 

Age-Restricted Communities 

 

In these types of communities, they would allow seniors to rent or buy housing on properties with shared amenities. Such would include services like swimming pools, transportation, and golf courses. Each residence is connected to others by way of sidewalks or some other paths.

 

 

Among the types of homes available in age-restricted communities are duplexes, condominiums, mobile homes, single-family houses, and townhouses. Residents will have more opportunities to socialize with others in the community.

 

 

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