When it comes to memory care, finding a facility that offers exceptional care and a comforting environment is vital for your loved ones. Northwoods Memory Care Suites, located in Blaine, Minnesota, is a facility dedicated to providing compassionate care and creating a home-like setting for seniors struggling with memory-related conditions. In this blog post, we will delve into the story behind Northwoods Memory Care Suites, the passionate couple behind its success, and the exceptional care options they offer. A Journey of Compassion and Care Northwoods Memory Care Suites is locally owned and operated by a dedicated husband and wife team, Kyle and Sherri Lewis. With a combined 45 years of experience in the healthcare industry, their shared commitment to serving those in need has driven them to establish a memory care facility that goes above and beyond for its residents. As Executive Director, Kyle brings his expertise in management and operations, while Sherri, the dedicated Nurse, utilizes her skills to provide exceptional care. Their journeys in senior care led them to a shared passion for helping seniors with memory-related conditions. Together, they have formed a dynamic duo that residents and their families rely on for compassionate care. Creating a Close-Knit Community One of the remarkable aspects of Northwoods Memory Care Suites is the sense of community it fosters. Residents and their families become part of an extended family, where harmony and support thrive. The facility goes beyond providing top-notch medical care, ensuring that a comforting and familiar atmosphere emulates the feeling of home. Preserving Dignity and Joy Kyle and Sherris commitment to the well-being and happiness of their residents is unwavering. They understand the significance of preserving dignity, providing comfort, and creating moments of joy for those living with memory-related conditions. Through their extensive experience and genuine care, they continue to make a profound impact on the lives of the elderly population in Blaine, Minnesota. A Vision of Revolutionizing Care Northwoods Memory Care Suites was born out of a vision to revolutionize how we care for the elderly, especially those living with dementia. Unlike traditional, larger-scale care facilities, Northwoods has thoughtfully and purposefully designed their residence to emulate the warmth and familiarity of home. With a small, home-like setting, residents can feel truly at ease, knowing that Kyle and Sherri Lewis work full-time to ensure they receive the attention and care they deserve. At Northwoods Memory Care Suites, every individual is valued, and their unique life journey is honored. The facilitys mission is to provide a haven where the elderly are treasured, respected, and cherished. Compassionate caregivers understand the importance of each persons life and strive to create beautiful memories for residents. If you are seeking a facility that provides compassionate care and a welcoming environment, Northwoods Memory Care Suites is the answer. Schedule a tour today and experience the difference they can make in your familys life. 

Memory care is a specialized type of care that focuses on individuals with memory-related conditions, such as dementia or Alzheimers disease. When it becomes challenging to provide adequate care at home, finding the right memory care facility for your loved ones can offer them the support, safety, and quality of life they need. In this guide, we will explore the key steps to help you find the best memory care option for your loved ones. What Needs Should You Assess of Your Loved One? Start by assessing your loved ones specific needs and challenges. Consider their level of cognitive impairment, any behavioral issues, medical requirements, and lifestyle preferences. Understanding these factors will help you identify memory care facilities that can provide the appropriate level of care and support. Research and Visit Multiple Facilities Do thorough research on memory care facilities in your area. Look for reputable facilities with a focus on memory care, such as Northwoods Memory Care Suites. Read online reviews, check their website for information about their approach to memory care, and look for any industry accreditations they may have. Once you have a shortlist of potential facilities, schedule visits to each one. During the visit, observe the facilitys environment, cleanliness, security measures, and staff-resident interactions. Ask questions about their staff training, safety protocols, activities program, and medical support. What Specializations Should You Consider for a Facility? Memory care facilities should have a specific focus on memory-related conditions. Ensure that the facility you choose has experience and expertise in caring for individuals with dementia or Alzheimers disease. Ask about their approach to memory care, therapy programs, and how they handle challenging behaviors. Understanding the facilitys specialization will give you confidence in their ability to meet your loved ones needs. Evaluate Staff Qualifications and Ratios The quality of care provided by a memory care facility heavily relies on the staff. Inquire about the qualifications, experience, and training of the staff members at each facility you visit. Find out the staff-to-resident ratio to ensure that your loved one will receive personalized attention and care. Additionally, ask if there is a registered nurse on-site or on-call 24/7, as having access to medical expertise is crucial in managing any health issues that may arise. What Amenities Should You Consider? Look for memory care facilities that offer a range of amenities and services to enhance the well-being of their residents. This may include nutritious meals tailored to individual dietary needs, engaging activities designed to stimulate memory and cognition, transportation services, and personalized care plans. Specific amenities like secure outdoor spaces, sensory-rich memory walks, or pet therapy programs can contribute to a nurturing and comfortable environment for your loved ones. Assess Cost and Financial Planning  Memory care can be costly, so its essential to consider the financial aspects. Inquire about the facilitys pricing structure and what factors may affect the cost, such as the level of care needed or specific services required. Ask if they accept insurance, long-term care insurance, or government assistance programs like Elderly Waiver. Choosing a memory care facility is a significant decision that can greatly impact the quality of life for your loved ones. By carefully assessing their needs, researching potential facilities, considering specialization, evaluating staff qualifications, and considering amenities and costs, you can find the right memory care facility to provide the care, support, and security your loved ones deserve. Remember to be thorough in your research and visit multiple facilities to make an informed choice. Your loved ones deserve the best care possible, and finding the right memory care facility can make a meaningful difference in their lives. 

Spotify  This company has created a virtual music library that you can personalize to your specifications; 70s rock n roll, anyone? You have the ability to save songs to your library, make playlists and listen to Spotifys premade playlists. Spotify also offers a variety of comedy stations, audiobooks and a specially-made playlist of music you may be interested in. There three different ways to listen: smartphone app, computer desktop program and a web player. The first two provide icons that take you immediately to your music library, while the web player can be accessed through an internet search engine.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download, but it will play ads. You can remove the ads for a monthly fee.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.It has millions of different songs from which to choose.Old Time Radio Player  Do you miss classic radio programs and theatric radio voices?This app can take you back in time. There are over 14,000 episodes from classic shows, such as Hopalong Cassidy, Dick Tracy and Sherlock Holmes.Some benefits of the app include:It is compatible with Android devicesIt is free.It is easy to use.Audible  If you like to read but find your eyes straining, Audible may be a solution. Through this app, you can choose a book from genres, such as history or romance, and a narrator will read the novel to you. This app is the hip, new successor to the books on cassette tapes. Your first book is free, but you will have to pay a monthly subscription fee.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download, but you will have to pay for subsequent books.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.You can cancel your subscription and keep the books you previously downloaded.Waze  Pronounced ways, this handy GPS app is a must for drivers. Its goal is to help drivers avoid traffic jams and quickly get them where they need to be. Waze does this by tracking your car and asking drivers to submit accidents, road hazards and more, so other drivers can get the heads-up. The navigation map shows events in real time, so drivers can see the most current traffic reports.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.It includes turn-by-turn navigation.Shazam  This app takes all the guess work out of remembering song titles or lyrics. If you hear a song on a TV commercial or on the radio, Shazam can listen and search for the song in its database. The app allows you to explore new and old artists.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download.It is compatible with Android devices, Apple products and Windows smartphones.Provides the option to purchase and download songs.Honey  Honey actually isnt an app for your smartphone or tablet. It downloads onto your computer as an extension and appears as a small icon near your search bar. If you shop online, you need Honey because it applies every promo code on the internet to your online shopping cart, which saves you money. When you sign up, youll also become a member of their awards program called Honey Gold where you can earn a $10 gift card or make a donation to a charity.Some benefits of the app include:Its free to download on your computer.It works on Mac and Windows computers.You can delete your account and the extension if needed.Duolingo  If learning a new language is your goal, look to Duolingo. You can learn languages such as, Welsh, Spanish and Greek. Each lesson asks you to speak, listen, translate and answer multiple choice questions. The way the lessons are set up, its like playing a game.Some benefits of the app include:Its free but you can pay $6.99 per month to remove ads and add more perks.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.It uses images and audio to help you learn.Venmo  Need to pay someone back but dont have cash or time to run to the bank? Use Venmo. You can connect your bank account or debit card with Venmo and instantly recieve and send money to anyone with a Venmo account. You can also pay for goods and services online if they accept Venmo as a payment.Some benefits of the app include:The app is free.Its free to send and receive money or use money to purchase something online. Their standard 3 percent fee applies to credit cards.Venmo uses encryption to help protect your account details.WordScapes  WordScapes is a cross between a text twist and a crossword puzzle. It challenges your vocabulary as you twist the letters to find words that will fit correctly in the crossword puzzle. It also features beautiful landscapes in the background to keep you zen and focused.Some benefits of the app include:The app is free but does include ads.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.Theres over 5,000 puzzles.WordBrain  If a word scramble and Bejeweled were blended, it would be this app. You can keep your mind sharp as you find hidden words and collapse the puzzles. It boasts 580 levels, so youll never run out of fun challenges.Some benefits of the app include:It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.It is free.The rules are easy to learn.Draw Something  Its a fun game you can play with family and friends wherever they are. Players take turns drawing the given word and the other player must guess the word using only the picture and letters provided. If you enjoy Pictionary or charades, you should download this app.Some benefits of the app include:It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.It is free.It offers a fun way to interact with your children or grandchildren.Lumosity  Developers have transformed cognition tests created by scientists mini mind games. Lumosity says their games will keep your mind sharp by working to enhance memory, attention and other skills. After each game, you can see your results or scores.Yoga for Adults & Seniors: For Increased Mobility & Flexibility  A yoga instructor will guide you through stretches and sequences tailored for adults and seniors. It's also beneficial for those of all ages with restricted mobility.Diabetes AppsDiabetes is becoming more prevalent across the globe. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts diabetes will be the seventh leading cause of death in 2030. The majority of people around the world with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes.However, people can delay or prevent Type 2 diabetes with physical activity, a healthy diet and maintaining a normal body, according to the WHO. Here are some apps created to help people manage their diabetes.Always consult your physician for medical advice regarding diabetes diagnosis, treatment and management. If you are interested in trying one of these apps, ask your doctor if it would be beneficial to your care plan.MyNetDiary   is a calorie counter, weight and exercise tracker, and more. It has an extensive index of food items ranging from specific brands to dishes at popular restaurants. There is a separate app, called, MyNetDiary Diabetes Tracker, where you or your loved one can view reports to see the impact of foods, medications and exercise on blood glucose levels. MyNetDiary works best if you create an account on their website.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download. However, the Pro version of the app is $3.99, the Diabetes Tracker app is $9.99 and the Maximum upgrade subscription is $5 per month.It is compatible with Android devices and AppleIt can sync with activity trackers, such as the Fitbit.mySugr  tracks blood glucose levels, medication, meals and physical activity. It has colorful, clear graphs and charts that make it easy to understand how food and exercise influence glucose levels. mySugr also has a HGA1c (hemoglobin A1c) monitor on the home screen, so you can quickly check your results.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download. However, you can choose to upgrade to the Pro version for $2.99 per month or $27.99 per year. You can also purchase a certified diabetes educator coaching feature for $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year.It is compatible with Android devices and AppleIt connects with glucometers, such as Accu-Chek.Fooducate  is a health and activity monitor. The app calls itself a nutritionist in your pocket because when a user scans a food products bar code, the app analyzes the products nutrition panel and ingredient list. Fooducate also grades raw and pre-prepared meats, processed and raw fruits, and much more. In the app you can share recipes and motivation within the community.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download. However, you can choose to purchase a subscription for premium features. Premium features let users customize their dietary needs in case of food allergies, such as gluten and lactose intolerances.It is compatible with Android devices and AppleIt recommends healthier options based on what you are eating.Glucoracle  is an app and research project at Columbia University. The app can predict your or your loved ones blood sugar levels after eating a specific snack or food. All you need to do is take a photo of your food item, estimate the nutritional content (such as carbohydrates) and the app will calculate a blood glucose forecast. The researchers goal is to help people with diabetes to improve their self-management by making healthier meal choices and preventing blood sugar spikes and crashes.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download.It is compatible with Android devices and AppleThe forecast is personalized through food intake and blood glucose measurements.Apps for People With DementiaApps can be beneficial and fun for people with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. The following apps may not be appropriate for all the stages of dementia, so test out which apps will be best for your loved one. Pocket Pond 2  Everything is Zen in this app, recommended by the Alzheimers Association. You and your loved one can design a relaxing pond by adding koi fish, lily pads and other creatures. You can even make splashes in your pool. There are more in depth ways to play, such as raising and selling your koi, but you dont need to do that to enjoy the game.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.In-app purchase options can be turned off.Tiny Piano and Mini Piano: These two apps, for Apple products and Android devices respectively, allows you to play on a tiny, mini piano. The little pianos display a section of realistic piano keys, which you and your loved one can press. You can play famous songs or create your own masterpiece. What sets these two piano apps apart is that you can tap any key to follow along with the song. So, your loved one can enjoy the music by just keeping the tempo, hitting anywhere on the piano. This is a great option for those who have limited physical and/or cognitive abilities.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products, respectively.The apps come with free, preloaded songs.Colorfy  This app makes it easier to participate in the adult coloring trend. Colorfy is equipped with templates or coloring books, featuring designs such as mandalas, flowers and animals. To color, select a colored pencil and just tap the section or area you want to fill in. If you make a mistake, you can use the undo option. You can also zoom into the image if your loved one has low vision. The one drawback is that while the app is free, not every coloring book is free.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.The app can run without an internet connection.