For more information about the author, click to view their website: Choice Connections
I began my career in senior living in 1996. I had just graduated with my bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation. My first job was working in a nursing home as an activity assistant in Saint Louis Park, Minnesota. For the next ten years, I devoted my work week to providing seniors with meaningful activities. It was a joy to bring smiles to people. The programming that is now offered in senior housing has evolved. While some assisted living communities still offer bingo and bible study there is so much more to look forward to.
Social events serve the purpose of bringing people together for the fun of it. Birthday parties, monthly themed get-togethers and holiday celebrations are other fun ways to bring people together. Some senior living communities will plan theme parties and design the menu to include a special meal related to the party. This gives everyone an opportunity to participate.
Live music is one activity that almost everyone enjoys. You can sing along, clap, dance or just listen to the tunes. Music feeds the soul. It also helps to bring forgotten memories forward for people that have dementia.
Happy hour is not just for people who enjoy adult libations. Non-alcoholic options are almost always served too. Many assisted living homes include a generous snack to go along with the beverages.
Senior living almost always offers transportation for scheduled community outings. First off, most people like to go out to eat. Even when the senior living offers meals three times a day, getting out allows for a change of scenery.
Secondly, seniors like to go to the store and shop. In this case, the bus will take you from home and drop you off at the store. Sometimes, a staff member is available to assist you with shopping. Seasonal trips to the theater, casino, and other places around town offer entertainment outside of facility.
When I was an activity director, the residents of the senior living wanted to go sledding during the winter. One resident had never done this before, and it was something she always hoped to do. We loaded up the van and took the residents to Buck Hill in Burnsville.
I’ll never forget the smile on Clara’s face as she rode down the hill. As I helped her out of the inner tube she said to me, “you made my dream come true.” It is a highlight of my career.
Keeping your mind engaged in stimulating programs is important as a person ages. Senior living homes are now offering a wide range of programs to do just that, keep your brain active.
Lifelong learning is one of the cornerstones at Ebenezer communities. They combine educational programs with a collection of coordinated arts to keep the mind active. The Waters Senior Living offers a program called The Great Courses. This award-winning program allows you to learn from experts and professors from institutions all around the world.
Technology now offers many ways for seniors to stay engaged in educational programming. Whether it’s Solitaire or Soduko, games like these help engage the mind. Online courses are a benefit today. We can learn about events and history all over the world in the comforts of our own home.
Art gives everyone the opportunity to explore and tap into their creative selves. Whether it is a guided painting class, drawing or journaling, we all have an artist within us.
It is amazing to watch something beautiful emerge from a blank page. There are some senior living communities that have designated space such as an art studio or a woodworking shop. At times, these classes are taught by the residents living there. This is a great way to share a talent and give leadership opportunities to the people living there.
When it comes to serving people with memory loss, senior living communities create targeted programs that are designed to give purpose and meaning for those living in memory care.
For several years, I worked in an assisted living community that served as a primary residence to more than 70 people living with dementia. What made this community special was the programming and the people who carried out the services daily. Great care was taken in planning activities that would be meaningful to the people living there.
Music always played a big role in bringing forward memories. Faith based programming was also incorporated into each month. Sensory programs like baking and special meals were also intertwined throughout the month. Reminiscing about the past was incorporated into sing along programs and trivia.
In memory care, it is essential to know the interests of each resident to design a program that gives everyone an opportunity to participate.
January 24th, 2024 is National Activity Professionals day. It is a day to recognize and thank the creative teams that bring so much joy to the people they serve in senior housing and beyond. Take a moment to say Thank You or write a note of encouragement.
Planning creative programs month after month is challenging. The professionals that chose this career do it because they love making other people happy.
Thank you, activity professionals for making a difference in the lives of seniors! Call us for more information at 651-261-5379.
Written by Janelle Meyers, CSA (R), LALD
Our eyes are incredibly precious, yet its easy to take our vision for granted until problems arise. Lets focus on proactive steps to maintain and improve our eye health. Here are some tips to keep your vision in top shape:Schedule Regular Eye Exams:One of the best ways to safeguard your vision is by scheduling regular eye exams. Comprehensive eye exams can detect vision problems early on, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of further complications. Make it a priority to see your eye doctor at least once a year, even if you dont currently wear glasses or contact lenses.Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays: Just like your skin, your eyes can be damaged by the suns harmful UV rays. Whenever youre outdoors, especially on bright, sunny days, wear sunglasses that offer UV protection. Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to shield your eyes from potential damage. Give Your Eyes a Break from Screens: In todays digital age, many of us spend a significant amount of time staring at screens, whether its for work, leisure, or staying connected. Prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain, characterized by symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. To reduce eye strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.Eat a Balanced Diet:Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining eye health. Incorporate foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants, such as leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, and nuts and seeds. These nutrients can help protect against age-related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts.Practice Good Eye Hygiene:Proper eye hygiene is essential for preventing eye infections and irritation. Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes or handling contact lenses. Follow your eye doctors recommendations for contact lens care, including proper cleaning, disinfecting, and storage.Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to dry eyes, so be sure to drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily to keep your eyes and body hydrated.Get Plenty of Sleep:Adequate sleep is crucial for overall health, including eye health. During sleep, your eyes receive much-needed rest and replenishment. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to help reduce eye fatigue and maintain optimal visual function.By incorporating these simple yet effective tips into your daily routine, you can help protect and preserve your precious eyesight for years to come.Your eyesight is irreplaceable, so take care of your eyes today for a brighter tomorrow!
Moving to a new home can be scary and stressful, especially for older people. But don't worry! Here are some easy ways to make moving day less scary and more fun.1. Pick the Right HomeFirst, choose a new home that feels good. Think about what you like. Do you want a garden view? Do you need help with cooking? Make sure your new home has what you need to be happy.2. Make ListsWrite down everything you need to do. This helps you remember important things. Start early and take your time. Don't rush!3. Choose Special ThingsWhen you move to a smaller home, you can't take everything. Pick the things that mean the most to you. It's okay to feel sad about leaving some things behind.4. Get Help from MoversHiring people to help you move can make things much easier. They know how to pack and move your stuff safely.5. Use Good BoxesUse boxes that stack well. Plastic boxes with lids are great because they're easy to pack and unpack.6. Say Goodbye to Your Old HomeHave a party to say goodbye to your old home. Take lots of pictures to remember it. This can help you feel better about moving.7. Think Happy ThoughtsMoving can be exciting! Think about all the fun new things you'll do in your new home. You might make new friends or try new activities.8. Pack a Special BagPack a bag with things you'll need right away in your new home. Put in things like:MedicineToothbrush and toothpastePajamasSnacks and waterThis way, you won't have to search through all your boxes on the first night.9. Make a Moving Day PlanPlan out your moving day. Know when you'll leave and when you should arrive at your new home. Don't forget to plan for breaks along the way.Remember, moving can be a big change, but it can also be the start of a great new adventure in your life!
When moving to a senior living community, it's important to know what to bring and what to leave behind. This guide will help you pack smart for your new home.Before You Start PackingVisit Your New Home: Take a look at how big your new space is.Talk to Residents: Ask people who already live there about what they brought and what they wish they had.Check with Staff: Find out what furniture and items the community provides and which items are not allowed.Involve Family: Let your family pick items they might want to keep, especially heirlooms.What to BringClothes and Personal ItemsEveryday clothesToiletries like toothbrush and shampooMedicationsMobility aids, like walkers or canesSpecial ItemsPhotos and artwork that you loveSmall mementos that make you feel at homeFurniture (if there's room)A comfortable chairA small table or nightstandA bed (if not provided)Lamps for lightingOther Important ThingsBedding and blanketsKitchen items if you have a small kitchen areaTV or radio (if allowed)Pet supplies if pets are permittedWhat Not to BringExpensive jewelry or valuable items that could be lost or damagedClothes you no longer wearLarge furniture pieces that won't fitBig appliances that the community providesHeaters or air conditioners that may not be allowedLarge rugs that could be a tripping hazardRemember, your new home will be smaller, so you'll need to choose carefully what to bring. It's perfectly okay to ask for help from family or friends if packing feels overwhelming.
Connecting Those We Serve to the Best Choices in Senior Living Since 2009Choice Connections is a local, independently owned company. Our mission is to help seniors and their families save time and minimize the stress of finding a new home when their current living situation is no longer the best choice. We offer a four-step process to help find the Best Choice in senior living. You will find that our personalized approach is much more than an internet search. Because we are actively involved in your community, we are well acquainted with the local senior living options and amenities, including assisted living, independent living, residential care homes and memory care. Choice Connections' caring advisors help simplify the overwhelming process of finding the right senior living option. You can trust that we have your loved ones best interest at heart!Our advisory services are free when you start your search with us as communities pay us a referral fee at move in when we have connected you. For more information, please call 651-261-5379 or email us at info@choice-mn.com."Figuring out the right option at the right time for a loved one is really difficult. I have always had a special place in my heart for our aging loved ones and believe in taking good care of them, keeping them safe and happy. Because of that deep passion for helping the elderly and their families (as I did for my own Mom), I am blessed each day as I help families find the right living options or work through an unexpected, stress-filled crisis. I thrive on providing the support they need and walking alongside them on their journey of finding the right senior living option for their loved one. Helping people is what I love to do!"Eunice K. Neubauer, CSA,
Connecting Those We Serve to the Best Choices in Senior Living Since 2009Choice Connections is a local, independently owned company. Our mission is to help seniors and their families save time and minimize the stress of finding a new home when their current living situation is no longer the best choice. We offer a four-step process to help find the Best Choice in senior living. You will find that our personalized approach is much more than an internet search. Because we are actively involved in your community, we are well acquainted with the local senior living options and amenities, including assisted living, independent living, residential care homes and memory care. Choice Connections' caring advisors help simplify the overwhelming process of finding the right senior living option. You can trust that we have your loved ones best interest at heart!Our advisory services are free when you start your search with us as communities pay us a referral fee at move in when we have connected you. For more information, please call 651-261-5379 or email us at info@choice-mn.com."Figuring out the right option at the right time for a loved one is really difficult. I have always had a special place in my heart for our aging loved ones and believe in taking good care of them, keeping them safe and happy. Because of that deep passion for helping the elderly and their families (as I did for my own Mom), I am blessed each day as I help families find the right living options or work through an unexpected, stress-filled crisis. I thrive on providing the support they need and walking alongside them on their journey of finding the right senior living option for their loved one. Helping people is what I love to do!"Eunice K. Neubauer, CSA,
Connecting Those We Serve to the Best Choices in Senior Living Since 2009Choice Connections is a local, independently owned company. Our mission is to help seniors and their families save time and minimize the stress of finding a new home when their current living situation is no longer the best choice. We offer a four-step process to help find the Best Choice in senior living. You will find that our personalized approach is much more than an internet search. Because we are actively involved in your community, we are well acquainted with the local senior living options and amenities, including assisted living, independent living, residential care homes and memory care. Choice Connections' caring advisors help simplify the overwhelming process of finding the right senior living option. You can trust that we have your loved ones best interest at heart!Our advisory services are free when you start your search with us as communities pay us a referral fee at move in when we have connected you. For more information, please call 651-261-5379 or email us at info@choice-mn.com."Figuring out the right option at the right time for a loved one is really difficult. I have always had a special place in my heart for our aging loved ones and believe in taking good care of them, keeping them safe and happy. Because of that deep passion for helping the elderly and their families (as I did for my own Mom), I am blessed each day as I help families find the right living options or work through an unexpected, stress-filled crisis. I thrive on providing the support they need and walking alongside them on their journey of finding the right senior living option for their loved one. Helping people is what I love to do!"Eunice K. Neubauer, CSA,