Memory Care: Maintaining Dignity with Independence

When someone you love has dementia, youll notice that things are changing quickly. When they make mistakes and fumble with the little things, our instinct is to correct and remind. Thats to be expected. After all, youre hoping that a little push and a dose of reality would be enough to lead them back to the person you know and love.As you will see below, corrections and reminders wont always work. Effective communication with a dementia patient requires an adjustment of expectations. In the following, well get you started.Forced choicesEveryone likes to have a choice. But having too many options can actually be confusing to a patient with dementia. Thats because their working memory is operating in limited capacity. Working memory is where the brain retains just the right amount of information to finish a task think of dialing a new phone number. So you can see how loss of working memory can be problematic in conversation and hinder decision-making.Thats where the forced choice method can lift that burden for your loved one, and cut the confusion. Watch the video here.Help with sequencingWe take basic daily tasks for granted: eating, standing, brushing our teeth. Though these tasks feel natural and automatic, we rely on the frontal lobe to help us complete these tasks. When someone is experiencing dementia, the brain degeneration can make them lose their ability to access this command center. When you see your loved one freeze, as if in confusion, you can help them through the basic task with sequencing, by breaking down the tasks into simple steps. This video about sequencing provides some examples.The therapeutic fibYou can never go wrong with the truth, or so youre taught. But when it comes to dementia and Alzheimers, the truth actually has a cruel side. Because when someone is living with degenerative memory, they sometimes lose track of key details of their loved ones. The fact that a partner or a child is deceased or gone can literally be forgotten. In cases like these, telling the truth can be devastating it will be as if theyre hearing this horrible news for the first time. This is where a therapeutic fib can get you both through the difficult moment, and this video explains how.Admit wrongdoing when youre rightSpeaking of truth, sometimes your loved one with dementia will get basic things wrong. They may insist, for example, that they cant possibly be a grandparent because in their mind, theyre only 25 years old! This can be a painful moment, because this represent a loss in your relationship with them and you want to hold on. But fighting these beliefs is futile. This video will show you how to gently move past the conversation.Repeating themselvesHearing the same story, especially if they think youre hearing it for the first time, can get frustrating. The wrong response is trying to make them understand theyve already told it. In this segment, well show you how to get through the moment.The important thing to remember is when a person has dementia or Alzheimers, the brain is going through massive changes. That can be difficult to take. Take a look at this video, Whats Happening to Their Brain?, so you can put yourself in their shoes. Understanding whats at work can go a long way in good communication when your loved one has dementia.Learn more about how we provide specialized care in our series Insights from Arthurs featuring educational videos from Arthurs Director of Development and Senior Care Consultant Deb Nygaard. 

Finding the perfect balance between wellness and community is essential for a fulfilling senior living experience. At an assisted living facility in Burnsville, Minnesota, residents enjoy a supportive environment where their health and social needs are prioritized. These facilities are designed to offer more than just assistance with daily activitiesthey provide a vibrant community where seniors can thrive, stay active, and enjoy meaningful interactions.When it comes to senior care in Minnesota, choosing the right environment can make all the difference. Facilities in Minnesota focus on delivering personalized care plans that address both physical and emotional well-being. From tailored health services to engaging activities, these care facilities ensure that seniors receive the attention they need while also fostering a sense of belonging and community.For those needing specialized support, waivered care services are an integral part of senior care. These services offer customized assistance for individuals with specific needs, such as advanced medical conditions or unique personal preferences. By incorporating waivered care into their senior living options, facilities can provide more comprehensive care solutions that cater to each residents requirements, enhancing their overall quality of life.Ultimately, senior living is about creating a space where wellness and community come together harmoniously. By choosing a facility that prioritizes both, seniors can enjoy a rich, fulfilling lifestyle surrounded by supportive peers and compassionate caregivers. Its about more than just meeting basic needsits about nurturing a thriving, engaged community that supports each residents unique journey.If youre looking for a senior living community where wellness meets community, contact Cardenas Friendship Homes today to explore our comprehensive care options and discover how we can support your loved ones needs. 

Affordable Senior and Family Living at Menorah PlazaMenorah Plaza is more than just a residenceits a vibrant community where independent seniors can enjoy an active and fulfilling lifestyle. Nestled on two peaceful acres near Saint Louis Park City Hall, Menorah Plaza combines affordability with top-notch amenities, ensuring seniors and their families have access to a welcoming and enriching environment.A Focus on Independence and VitalityAt Menorah Plaza, we prioritize fostering independence while providing essential support tailored to our residents' needs. Our HUD-supported community boasts 154 thoughtfully designed apartments, including 12 specialized memory care unitsa rare and invaluable feature in affordable senior housing. Through private payment plans or government programs like Elderly Waiver (EW) and Community Alternatives for Disabled Individuals (CADI), eligible residents can access the care they need to thrive.Comfortable Living Spaces and Community AmenitiesMenorah Plaza features one- and two-bedroom apartments designed with comfort and safety in mind. Controlled entry systems provide peace of mind, while community spaces encourage socialization and relaxation.Key amenities include: A welcoming community room with a television and meeting area Outdoor patio and walking paths for leisurely strolls Exercise classes offered twice weekly Puzzles and games to stimulate cognitive activity An on-site Mini-Store for daily essentials A dining program offering delicious meals Convenient access to public transportation Pet-friendly policies for small pets Supportive Health Care ServicesMenorah Plaza offers 40 ADA-compliant apartments designed for residents needing additional healthcare support. Residents can access Sholoms Home Healthcare service package, which includes: Assistance from Home Health Aides and Nurse Coordinators Light housekeeping support Comprehensive care available 24/7 These services ensure residents can maintain their independence while receiving the care and attention they need to stay healthy and active.Engaging Activities and Social OpportunitiesFrom planned social events to outdoor activities, Menorah Plaza promotes a sense of community and engagement. Residents can participate in group activities, exercise classes, or simply enjoy the serene walking paths and patio spaces.Experience the Joy of Senior LivingMenorah Plaza is committed to redefining senior living by offering a vibrant, supportive community where independence and connections flourish. With recently updated apartments, bilingual staff, and a variety of amenities, residents can enjoy comfort, convenience, and companionship.Contact Menorah Plaza Today!Join our community and experience senior living at its best. Schedule a visit or get in touch with us for more information.Address: 4925 Minnetonka Blvd, St. Louis Park, MN 55416Phone: (952) 653-3680 Email: jfeldman@thecapitalrealty.comHours: Monday Friday: 9 AM 5 PM Saturday & Sunday: Closed