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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 26^th to the 1^st 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

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

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

Retirement can trigger mixed emotions and will make you face important decisions including whether to stay in senior housing or not.

Deciding to stay in a retirement home offers numerous benefits such as having low maintenance, being safe, secure, and healthy while still enjoying independence. But despite its wonderful benefits, moving can be stressful.

Tips on How to Reduce Moving Anxiety

Moving can be exhausting and stressful at any age. However, for seniors, moving to a new place is more than just about the physical stress. Moving into a new house can trigger sadness, anxiety, and depression.

Below are helpful tips that you can adapt to make the transition lighter.

Plan Ahead

Carefully plan on when exactly the move will happen to reduce anxiety and stress. It may seem easier to make decisions on your own, but it is best to include your senior loved one in the planning process.

This will also help you come up with the list of belongings your loved one wants to bring in the senior housing apartment he/she will be staying in.

Careful planning also means preparing a pack of medication, personal care items, toiletries, and other essentials.

Including a senior loved one in your decision-making process will lessen the overwhelming feeling of moving out from a familiar place.

Maintain Respect

Downsizing must be done before the big day. Maintain the use of kind language and always exercise empathy. Show respect when making decisions on what to keep and what to give away.

Seek the opinion of your elder on what to get rid of for what may look junk to you can be valuable or something with sentimental attachment. Spend with your loved one and go about keeping or donating those items that won’t be of use or won’t fit into the apartment.

Or you can suggest keeping these treasured items within the family. Ask family members if they are interested to keep cherished items. Doing so will give your senior loved one peace of mind.

Create a Familiar Space

Make your loved one choose the furniture or décor she/he wants to bring to the senior living villa or apartment. Instead of buying new decorations, stick to something familiar instead by bringing the bedside lamp, table, or chair.

Remember to Laugh

Maintain a lighthearted tone in everything that you do throughout the process. Do your best and encourage your loved ones to do the same. And even with careful planning, things can go wrong, so make sure you do not get easily frustrated.

Always aim for greater results and the benefit of your loved one. Laugh at small inconveniences instead of getting angry. Be patient in dealing with problems and when your loved one will see you frustrated or in a bad mood, he/she will feel the same.

Preparing for a move to a senior living facility can be both depressing and daunting for the family and the senior. With mixed feelings and negative emotions, the decision is not an easy journey.

But you and the rest of the family members can make things a lot easier by following these easy tips. If you still have questions or need assistance about moving to senior housing, 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

Sending a loved one to a memory care assisted living facility is a safe way to live while getting high-quality care. While it can be difficult at first, a memory care facility can provide numerous benefits not only to your relative but to the whole family as well.

Do you have a loved one suffering from dementia? Or maybe Alzheimer’s who is showing signs of forgetfulness, or decline in memory? You might be wondering what steps are needed to help this family member with his or her memory-related illness.

After being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other forms of memory loss, the next step is to make sure this dear member of the family will still live a good quality of life.

Here are some of the benefits both parties can expect when a family member becomes part of the memory care community.

Specialized Services

Memory care facilities provide personalized services dedicated to each individual’s exact needs. Residents in memory care receive professional medical assistance, care plans, and techniques for their optimum benefits.

Highly Trained Caretakers

Memory care assisted living communities to hire licensed and trained nurses and caregivers who are fully equipped with the knowledge and skills to care for those with memory-related illnesses.

Not only those, these professional staffs do not only understand the sensitive need of their residents but are trained to spot any life-threatening changes while providing compassion and care.

Advance Medical Care and Services

In addition to trained and professional nurses and staff, memory care facilities also have axillary services in their clinics. They also have on-call primary health care providers or resident doctors for medical needs. Besides, transportation is available for emergency and advanced medical care needs.

24-Hours Support

Families do not have to worry about worsened conditions over time for memory care communities offer round-the-clock security and support. You can rest easy knowing there is on-site care in case of emergencies.

Activities and Socialization

Those with a memory-related illness often lack socialization. Juggling between work and personal life may be a challenge making it difficult for family members to interact with each other.

Residents in memory care assisted living homes regularly communicated with their caretakers and other residents through activities and daily care. This kind of support is available at any time, but residents also have the choice to do “me” time.

Improved Overall Wellness

Proper diet and nutrition are paramount to keep a healthy lifestyle. But, for those suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia, staying in good health can be a challenge; hence, health care providers in memory care communities are real gems. They ensure that residents receive appropriate care and optimal nutrition.

Memory care assisted living facilities have specialists creating meal plans that meet the specific dietary needs of their residents.

To better understand the levels of memory care available 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