PTSD Awareness Month

Posted on

Oct 05, 2021

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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was first officially recognized in the 1980s. Many have now heard the term PTSD at some point. However, few can identify those suffering and the symptoms that impact them. With June being National PTSD Awareness Month, it is the perfect time to gain more understanding on the illness. When reflecting on our senior community, think of how many lived a huge portion of their lives without understanding, proper diagnosis, or treatment. This month, let us reemphasize the importance of mental health.
WHAT IS PTSD?
To understand PTSD, we must first understand trauma. Abuse, car accidents, loss of loved ones, or life-threatening careers are just a few of the many traumas one could experience. When a person is unable to process and heal from the traumatic event, PTSD can develop. Imagine how many of our senior population experienced childhood trauma, served during wartime, or experienced domestic abuse that was never addressed. For some of our veterans the war they fought never ends.
PTSD is an emotional or psychological wound manifesting itself in flashbacks, disassociations, sleep problems, nightmares, panic attacks, change in appetite, change in mood or behavior, and isolation. These symptoms can occur or increase when triggered by stimuli such as sights, smells, or sounds that remind the brain of the traumatic event. The person then has a physical and emotional response to feeling unsafe or threatened. Powerful emotions of fear, irritability, anger, or guilt can result. These symptoms can reoccur over a lifetime if the traumatic incident is never processed.
HOW TO SUPPORT A SENIOR WITH PTSD?
When caring for a senior who suffers from PTSD, there can be triggering moments which cause past emotional wounds to weep. It is important to remain empathetic and understand they are reacting to the brain reliving the most horrible part of their life. Do not take an emotional outburst personally. A senior could also have cognitive decline, which could worsen symptoms and increase confusion. It is important to learn known triggers and grounding techniques that work best for the individual. A grounding technique could be as simple as encouraging deep breathing or asking the individual to name items around them.
Families and care givers should communicate openly to create a care plan. There are options for treatment such as psychotherapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), medication, and holistic therapies.
Support groups can also be extremely beneficial. Many seniors rely on family members or care givers for their primary source of socialization. Those suffering from trauma may isolate those closest to them, worsening their depression. Being able to speak openly and relate to others who have similar traumatic experiences is a great start to healing.
I would like to encourage each of us to imagine what your day would look like if you struggled with PTSD. What event caused the traumatic response? What are some triggers you could encounter on a typical day? If the event were serving during wartime, some of your triggers could be seeing a news report of an attack, hearing loud noises, the smell of fire, or the feel of sand in your clothes. With that in mind, think of how you can aid someone struggling today.
ARE THERE TREATMENT OPTIONS?
It is important to know that you do not have to deal with trauma alone. There are options for treatment such as psychotherapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), medication, holistic therapies, and grounding techniques. What works best for one person may not be the best option for another. It is important to explore treatment options and find what works best for the present symptoms. During my time working in mental health, I saw many begin treatment at the lowest point of their lives. What astounded me was how they rose to be hopeful healing people after they had the opportunity to process their pain in a safe environment and learn positive coping mechanisms. Above all, it is important to have faith over fear that you can overcome trauma!

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The PAWsitive Power of Pet Therapy

Lifes most tender moments often involve the companionship of our beloved pets.   How many of us giggle with delight when we get to pet a rabbit or a horse or hold a bird? From morning walks with our faithful dogs to the comforting purr of a cat in our lap, these interactions bring immeasurable joy. But why should these cherished experiences fade as we age or transition to senior living? At Grand Living, we recognize the importance of preserving these connections, valuing the unique individuals we serve, and their desire for pet experiences.Fostering Bonds Between Seniors and Their PetsRemember the exhilaration of a playful romp with your dog or the contentment of your cat nestled in your lap? These feelings are timeless and transcend age. At Grand Living, we celebrate the magic of pet companionship, whether residents bring their pets or wish to experience the joys of pet interaction.A Profound Impact on Physical and Mental Well-beingThe positive rewards of pet companionship extend far beyond the surface. Studies have revealed the benefits of having a furry friend by your side. Lowered blood pressure, improved mood, reduced depression, enhanced mobility, and increased physical fitness are just a few of the positive outcomes. Remarkably, these effects linger even after the interaction ends. A single daily interaction with a pet can have lasting benefits for hours and days.Grand Living at Tower Place residents enjoy pet therapy.One of the most profound advantages of pet companionship is the sense of purpose it brings. Caring for a pet offers a continuous source of affection and attention, infusing life with meaning. At Grand Living, we understand the significance of this bond in promoting emotional well-being. The simple act of nurturing a pet fosters immeasurable positivity in a persons life.Maintaining Pet Companionship in Memory CareMemory loss can pose challenges to pet care, but at Grand Living, were dedicated to overcoming obstacles. In our LUMINATIONS Memory Care program, we strive to enrich residents minds, bodies, and spirits. Recognizing the benefits of pet companionship, we make many adaptations to penetrate through memory loss to recreate the benefits of owning a pet.Innovative Pet Therapy ProgramsLLamas visit Grand Living at Indian Creek.Our Pet Therapy programs are both diverse and heartwarming. Within our communities, dedicated staff members bring therapy dogs to interact with residents. Beyond traditional cats and dogs, we introduce residents to llamas, therapy horses, and petting zoos featuring adorable baby lambs, goats, and rabbits. Additionally, other Grand Living residents and families bring their dogs to the LUMINATIONS neighborhood for daily visits.In a creative leap, weve introduced animatronic cats and dogs to our neighborhoods. These lifelike companions purr, yap, and play, captivating residents with the same joy as real pets. These interactions create a bridge to the past, allowing residents to relive the joy of caring for and playing with pets.A Life Enriched: Championing the Joys of Senior LivingAs we grow older,  life can sometimes feel like a succession of losses. At Grand Living, we meet this challenge head-on, striving to fill the lives of our residents with warmth, happiness, and fulfillment. The power of pet companionship cannot be underestimated its a connection that transcends time and infuses our days with purpose and delight.Age is no barrier to the profound joys of pet companionship. At Grand Living, we celebrate the uniqueness of each individual and their desire for pet experiences. Through our innovative programs, we ensure that the benefits of pet companionship are accessible to all, even in the face of challenges like memory loss. The warmth, love, and purpose that pets bring to our lives are boundless, and were committed to keeping that spirit alive in every step of our residents journey.

What Is Life Enrichment?

For many people, the idea of a senior living community includes images of older adults sitting alone in their rooms or napping in a common area. These negative perceptions do not actually reflect the active lifestyle lived by most American seniors. According to a study by the University of Michigan, a growing number of older adults are embracing healthy living, staying physically active and remaining socially engaged.  When a senior and their family begin to consider transitioning to a senior living community, lifestyle, engagement and health are always top considerations. Simply because an older adult may need more daily assistance or support with the activities of daily living, it doesnt mean they will want to stop practicing their hobbies or keeping up with life enrichment activities they love. Many senior living communities help accommodate these pursuits through their life enrichment programs.So, how important is life enrichment for seniors? And what are the benefits of life enrichment programs? What Does Life Enrichment Mean?What does life enrichment mean? Life enrichment programs for seniors include plans and activities that support a seniors social, physical, emotional and cognitive well-being. In addition to encouraging creativity and personal growth, life enrichment programs are designed to keep seniors active, healthy and engaged in their community.While senior enrichment programs may seem like perks, they play a much more important role in senior living communities than just fun and games! Activities that suit a seniors active lifestyle and programs that engage their minds add greatly to the quality of life for older adults. Here are a few ways life enrichment programs benefit seniors:Keeping seniors activeAn active lifestyle is a vital part of healthy aging. 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At Anthology of Plano, residents have a community activity center with game rooms, a library and reading rooms to enjoy books, games and puzzles, all of which promote brain health. Life Enrichment Activities for SeniorsDaily engagement through life enrichment activities for seniors helps to encourage bonds with loved ones, build new relationships and explore new hobbies. Anthology Senior Living designed our Elements of Life Enrichment program around our core philosophy and using our six dimensions of wellness. Anthologys six dimensions of wellness include:Physical HealthSocial HealthEmotional HealthIntellectual HealthSpiritual HealthEnvironmental HealthThis unique life enrichment program truly nurtures the full mind, body and spirit. From participating in a group fitness class to joining other residents for a card game or an off-site adventure, the Elements program keeps residents energized and encourages them to make the most of each and every day. Examples of life enrichment activities that are part of the Elements program include:A calendar of daily social, cultural and recreational senior living activities for residents to choose from, such as art classes, happy hours, fitness classes, yoga, dance and walking clubsFitness, exercise and wellness programs designed to engage residentsThoughtfully designed common areas and landscaped outdoor spaces for social gatheringsThe Directors of the Elements Life Enrichment program at Anthology provide opportunities and activities to keep residents engaged, while also improving the balance and functional movement for a better life within the Anthology communities. Our diverse monthly calendars are full of senior living activities that reflect the spirit and aspirations of Anthology residents. At Anthology Senior Living, we also understand that effectively improving seniors everyday experiences means not just customizing their activities to meet their specific preferences and tastes, but also ensuring that their daily routine has some variety.  About Anthology Senior LivingAll of Anthology Senior Livings assisted living communities provide warm, dynamic care in a supportive, engaging environment. The team at Anthology manages everything to allow our assisted living residents to enjoy each day to its fullest. At Anthology of Boynton Beach, and all our communities, we provide housekeeping services, linen services, laundry and groundskeeping so residents can focus on fun and enjoyment. Theres so much to do at Anthology Senior Living that you will wish you had moved in sooner! Every day, various organized activities are available to participate in. From art classes to happy hours to brain games and fitness classes, theres something to indulge every taste. At Anthology Senior Living, your time is always your own. Choose as many or as few activities as you desire. View our calendars and see the wide variety that we have to offer.Interested in finding an Anthology Senior Living community near you? Visit our community finder to learn about all our locations. Or contact us today to set up a tour!