Planning for the Future

Lets talk PATHWAYS:  Personalized Support for Those Experiencing Cognitive DeclineDecember 5, 2024 By CC Young StaffThis time of year is filled with gatherings, which means you may be spending more quality time with your family members, particularly your parents and older relatives. While time spent together is a blessing, it can also highlight changes brought on by aging. If you believe someone you love is experiencing mild cognitive decline, there are options for keeping them safe while maintaining their independence and quality of life.This year, CC Young Senior Living in Dallas launched the Personal Assistance Toward Health and Wellness As You Succeed (PATHWAYS) program. Designed to serve as a bridge between Assisted Living and Memory Support, PATHWAYS provides extra support and structure in an intimate, small-group setting.We sat down with Nena Paris, CC Youngs Administrator, Assisted Living and Memory Support, to better understand the PATHWAYS program and who can benefit from it. Here are seven takeaways.PATHWAYS was created to fill a need between Assisted Living and Memory Support. The program came about because, often, Memory Support units can have long waitlists and fill up quickly. Truthfully, sometimes people with cognitive impairment dont necessarily need full Memory Support, as theyre not at risk of eloping, or leaving the community without supervision. CC Young has recognized that theres this middle group people who need a little more guided assistance and structure with their daily activities but are not qualified for full-blown Memory Support.PATHWAYS can actually slow cognitive decline. Research has shown that a guided program like PATHWAYS can in fact slow cognitive decline and help people stay engaged. Our program does this by providing residents with personal interaction, along with physical and emotional support, as a way to enhance their overall wellness and quality of life in a positive environment.PATHWAYS promotes resident wellness. At CC Young, we focus on whole-person wellness, using the 7 Pillars of Wellness as defined by the International Council on Active Aging: physical, social, spiritual, intellectual, emotional, vocational, and environmental wellness. Thats also the backbone of the PATHWAYS program, which promotes active aging regardless of cognitive issues. From these pillars, we have designed a comprehensive therapeutic program to support the needs of those with mild cognitive impairment in a joyful, engaging environment.PATHWAYS offers an intimate caregiver-to-resident ratio. Part of what makes PATHWAYS so successful is that the CC Young staff works closely with residents, which means the staff will notice any cognitive changes. In fact, at 1 caregiver to 7 people, the caregiver-to-resident ratio in PATHWAYS is better than both Assisted Living and Memory Support, which are 1 to 25 and 1 to 10, respectively. That also results in PATHWAYS residents becoming like family, as the staff truly gets to know them.PATHWAYS is not just for CC Young residents. Its true anyone from the Dallas community who has a need for the program can become a PATHWAYS resident. Upon entering the PATHWAYS program, your family member would also become an Assisted Living resident in The Hillside at CC Young.PATHWAYS is a less stressful transition for both family members and residents. It can certainly be stressful for families to face the decision of whether or not their family member should enter Memory Support. PATHWAYS offers a comforting solution for both them and their loved ones, as it lessens the pressure of deciding whether full Memory Support is needed now. The PATHWAYS resident may be able to live out their days in the PATHWAYS program or eventually transition to Memory Support, if the need arises.PATHWAYS keeps residents engaged and prevents isolation. To keep PATHWAYS residents engaged, the program takes an active and intentional approach to life enrichment activities, which includes participating in activities on the Assisted Living calendar as well as a specialized PATHWAYS calendar. The biggest differentiator for PATHWAYS is that a dedicated support staff member helps residents plan their day and escorts them to the activities. Since we purposely guide residents to keep them engaged, they are able to remain active and enjoy a better quality of life, while also avoiding any isolation that can be a symptom of cognitive decline.PATHWAYS is just one more service that CC Young offers current and prospective residents and their families. When we noticed an increase of older adults experiencing various levels of cognitive decline but not necessarily to the level of needing Memory Support we wanted to do something about it. We put our heads together and created a solution: PATHWAYS.If you are noticing cognitive decline in someone you love, we encourage you to have a conversation to express what youre observing. Talking to your primary care physician is a good place to start. CC Young is also happy to provide information, so feel free to give us a call at 214-305-9662.

Moving to a new home is an exciting adventure, but for your furry friend, it can be a stressful experience. Pets thrive on routine and familiar surroundings, so a sudden change can trigger anxiety. But with a little planning and the right support, you can help your pet feel safe, secure, and comfortable during the moving process.At Bluestar Move Management, we understand that every move is unique, and were here to help make the transition smoother for both you and your pets. Here are some strategies to ensure your four-legged family members feel right at home in your new space.1. Plan Ahead for Your Pet's Health and SafetyBefore you begin packing up your home in SWFL, take a few crucial steps to ensure your pets health and safety during the move:Schedule a Vet Visit: Ensure your pet is healthy and up-to-date on their vaccinations before the move. If youre relocating to a new area, ask your vet for recommendations for local clinics and get a copy of your pets medical records.Update Microchip & ID Tags: If youre moving to a new address, dont forget to update your pets microchip and ID tags with your new contact information. This ensures theyll be safe in case they get lost during the transition.2. Stick to a RoutineRoutine is key to your pets comfort. During the moving process, try to maintain their usual schedule as much as possible. Feed them at the same time, keep walks on track, and continue giving them plenty of love and attention. Familiarity helps reduce anxiety and keeps your pet feeling secure, even in the midst of change.3. Create a Safe Space During the MoveOn moving days, things can get chaotic, especially in the busy neighborhoods of SWFL. With movers coming in and out, its easy for your pet to become overwhelmed. To keep your pet calm and prevent them from getting lost or stressed, set up a quiet, secure room where they can relax.Make sure the room includes your pets bed, toys, water, and some familiar scents. If youre traveling with your pet, whether within SWFL or beyond, bring a comfortable carrier or harness to ensure their safety during the trip.4. Take It Slow in the New HomeOnce you arrive at your new home in SWFL, its important to introduce your pet to their new environment gradually. Start by setting them up in one room with their bedding and toys to create a comforting, familiar space. Let them explore other areas of the house at their own pace.Introducing your pet slowly to the new environment will help them adjust more quickly and feel less overwhelmed. The familiar smells and objects they recognize will help them settle in faster.5. Trust Bluestar Move Management for a Stress-Free ExperienceWith the right preparation, your pet can adjust to their new home in SWFL without too much stress. Bluestar Move Management is here to provide the support and expertise you need for a seamless move. We handle all the detailsfrom packing to unpacking and setting up your new spaceso you can focus on what really matters: your pets comfort and your own peace of mind.Moving with pets doesnt have to be stressful. Let Bluestar Move Management take care of the heavy lifting while you enjoy a smooth, easy transition to your new home.Ready for a stress-free move with pets? Contact Bluestar Move Management today at 239-387-1147, and well help you every step of the way!

5 Essential Tips for a Smooth Senior Moving ExperienceIt is not easy to move at any age, but it can be even more difficult as a senior citizen. It may involve moving to a new house, an assisted living facility or to a relatives house and this process demands some planning. In this post, I will share with you five important and useful tips that can help to reduce the stress when moving a senior citizen to a new home. 1. Start Planning EarlyAnother aspect that can help in the successful completion of a senior move is to start the process at least one month prior to the actual move.Why Early Planning Is Important:        It enables you to sort through belongings and choose what to take, give away or dispose.         It affords one the chance to arrange for professional movers or help if needed.        You may also have to arrange for the utilities or ensure that the new house is in a good condition before the moving date.  2. Sort and Declutter This is the reason why downsizing is a common phenomenon especially among senior citizens when moving houses. Steps for Sorting and Decluttering:         Keep: Only the needs and the wants of us. We need to donate the things which are not important but can be of help to someone else        Discard: Anything that has been damaged or has no use at all. It is also recommended that you engage your senior family member in the process. This is because they feel like they are still able to make decisions and choose what they want to take.3. Hire Professional Movers who specialize in Senior Relocation Services. Professional movers who are familiar with senior moves can make really the come whole in process handy run in order that much more smoothly. They are trained to handle problems that arise when shifting elderly people. What to Look for in a Senior Moving Company: The company should have prior knowledge in senior relocation especially on shifting to assisted living or other forms of senior housing. They should be gentle and kind, that is, they should be able to bear the sorrow and physical effects of the move. Check the achievements or ask for the recommendations from the people who have recently become seniors moved.4. Pack Smart and Label Boxes If you are over 65, one of the most challenging aspects of the moving process is packing and this Packing is Tips: where professional the movers first can help. is to make sure that every box is well labeled as to the content and the room that it belongs to. Delicate items should be packed in a special way, that is, with the help of bubble wrap and sturdy boxes to ensure that they are not broken. Consider special needs: If your friend or family member needs specific medical supplies or gadgets, ensure that you pack them carefully and in a way that they can be easily reached. 5. Ensure the New Home is Ready for Move-In Before the actual day of the move, ensure that the new house problems or that the facility arise is as well prepared for last minute in big day. Make this transition assist easier. Avoiding some Things to Check Before Moving In:        Set up utilities and internet: It means that the house has functioning utilities and other necessary services have been connected to it.         Arrange furniture layout: It is advisable to know where furniture and other belongings will be placed in advance. If possible, make the environment as comfortable as possible by ensuring that all the things they need are well arranged.         Ensure safety measures: It means that the house has put in place features such as handrails, anti-slip mats and enough lighting. More Details About Senior Move: How to Achieve Great Results         Stay Organized: This is because having a checklist will ensure that you do not miss on certain aspects that you may need to consider.         Involve Your Loved One: This is because by informing and involving your senior family member, they will be more comfortable with the whole process.         Offer Emotional Support: It is therefore important to reassure and comfort people especially when they are in the process of transferring house. Therefore, it is not necessary to get stressed when moving, especially if one is a senior citizen. Therefore, it is important to plan ahead, involve the senior in the process and get professional help where necessary to guarantee a successful move.Do you need help with senior moves? Then, call us at 800-201-9989 or email info@seniorsbluebook.com and let us assist you with the planning of your relocation.This blog is useful for those who have to organize a senior move, and it will help families understand how to move their loved one without many complications