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Senior living has changed rapidly in the last few years. Gone are the days of a one-size-fits-all approach. Now senior living communities across the country are tasked with providing not only top-notch service, but offerings that fit each resident’s unique needs. Generally, there are three main types of services that senior living communities offer: Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care.
Independent Living
Independent Living is best for people who can still live independently but want to enjoy amenities and live life without the burden of chores like maintaining a yard or home, housekeeping, and cooking. This option is great for those desiring socialization within a community
Assisted Living
Assisted Living is best for people who need some level of personal assistance in their day-to-day lives. This is a great option for people who are no longer able to live alone but may not need 24/7 care. Assisted Living offers supportive help with Activities of Daily Living and medications and includes coordination with medical providers.
Memory Care
Memory Care provides a more structured environment and is for residents who have Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia. This option is for those needing the staff, surroundings, and programming specific to supporting those living with dementia.
When do you know it is time to look into senior living?
Determining when it’s the right time to look into senior living options can be difficult. Seniors can feel as though they are losing their independence or freedom. Here are some signs that it’s time to consider how senior living can provide a helpful hand to achieving a happy and active life:
· Increased number of falls or injuries
· Not taking medications correctly
· Difficulty with daily activities such as bathing or using the bathroom
· Unsafe behaviors such as leaving the stove on, or exterior doors left open
· Inability to manage home or yard upkeep
· Progressing medical conditions
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Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by Carissa Brown, Executive Director with The Lodge at Greeley. For more information she may be reached at 970-393-5700 or by email at greeleyed@islllc.com
The following are useful tips that will help you have difficult conversations with your family members about the changes that are to come regarding their care. It is not always easy for people to admit that they need help, or they need a change. Discussing their current conditions with them and asking them questions about their care preferences can make this easier. Keeping these tips in mind will help make the process a little easier and less stressful for everyone. 1. Do your best to pick a good time that works for your loved one. 2. Speak in a calm reassuring voice, but do not speak to them like they are a child. 3. Never miss the opportunity to listen to them. If possible, get with other family members and their support system. Address their concerns and voice your concerns in equal measure and agree which on of your concerns are the most important. 4. Try and be consistent among all of you on the conversations you are having with your loved one. 5. Keep the conversation short. Talking about too many changes at once can be overwhelming. Start with one or two topics that are you are most concerned about such as safety, medications, or nutrition. 6. Remember that this change is the most stressful for the senior. They may be concerned about losing their independence or control. Reassure them that you are concerned for their health and safety and not trying to take away their autonomy. 7. Be organized on your thoughts and look for things that you agree on even if they are not related to the topic at hand. 8. Talk about a friend who is receiving care. This can be a good introduction to the conversation and reassure them that you will be there with them when their time comes. 9. Do not expect to resolve your concerns with one conversation. This discussion may take several weeks or even months. Take baby steps. 10. Ask questions. See if they will be open to you about their concerns. It is common that their concerns, if they are willing to share with you, are going to be similar to yours. Question Example: Keeping track of all those medications must be really confusing. How do you feel about that? Listen carefully to their answer! If they agree to changes, offer to help. For example, I can help you do that when I come visit on Saturdays. If they do not agree to changes: a. If you feel they are safe, leave it alone for a week or a month and revisit the topic later.b. If you do not feel they are safe take a stronger approach - Can I help you and we do it together next time? I want to know how this works in case you need help down the road. 11. Before you react to a concern or objection from your loved one, ask another question such as Tell me more about that or What do you mean by that? This may help them open up and you can learn more about their underlying concerns or worries. 12. Remember that every person and their situation is unique. Even if you have done this for another family member this is a new person. Do not try and put your expectations for their care on them. If you have had this difficult conversation with your loved one and dont know where to go next, we can help! Call PIECES today at 970-837-1579 for more information!
Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions a senior can make for their health. Smoking poses severe risks, especially for older adults, but quitting can lead to significant improvements in eye health and overall well-being. If you have a senior loved one who smokes, be prepared to support them as they give up the habit. The Impact of Smoking on SeniorsSmoking affects everyone's health, but the impact is even more critical for seniors. It exacerbates conditions like heart disease, stroke, and respiratory issues. The risk of developing some types of cancer also increases significantly with prolonged smoking.Specific Effects on Eye HealthSmoking can damage the eyes. It raises the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, which can lead to blindness. Maintaining good eye health is essential for seniors to continue enjoying their independence and quality of life.Overall Benefits of Quitting Smoking at Any AgeIt's never too late to quit smoking. The health benefits begin almost immediately. After quitting, blood pressure drops, and lung function improves. Long-term benefits include a lowered risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and eye diseases. Quitting smoking adds valuable, healthy years to a senior's life.How Caregivers Can HelpQuitting smoking is tough for anyone, but it can be especially challenging for seniors who may have smoked for many years. Nicotine addiction, established habits, and the fear of change are barriers that caregivers must understand and address. Fortunately, there are several practical ways caregivers can assist.Creating a Smoke-Free EnvironmentCaregivers can start by making the home smoke-free. Remove ashtrays, lighters, and cigarettes. Encourage the senior to replace smoking habits with healthier activities.Encouraging Healthy Habits and RoutinesPromote healthy habits like walking, exercising, or engaging in hobbies. Physical activities can help reduce cravings and improve overall health.Providing Distractions and Alternative ActivitiesHelp seniors find alternative activities to occupy their time and mind. Puzzles, reading, gardening, or spending time with family and friends can serve as excellent distractions from the urge to smoke.Emotional Support and EncouragementEmotional support is crucial for seniors trying to quit smoking. Knowing that someone believes in their ability to quit can make a tremendous difference. Celebrate every small victory, whether it's one smoke-free day or a week. Small rewards can motivate seniors to keep going.Being Patient and UnderstandingUnderstand that quitting smoking is a process. Be patient and offer a listening ear without judgment.Resources for Smoking CessationNational resources like the National Cancer Institute's Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW) provide free support and valuable information. Guide seniors in accessing these resources. Help them schedule appointments, join online communities, or download helpful apps.Encourage seniors to talk to their healthcare providers about quitting smoking. Doctors can offer medical advice, prescribe medications, and refer them to support programs.Let Us Help You Foster Senior HealthQuitting smoking brings immense benefits for seniors, enhancing their health and quality of life. Caregivers can help and encourage their loved ones through this challenging process. If you have a senior loved one who needs more help at home, including support as they stop smoking, contact Senior Helpers Fort Collins. We're here to support families in Fort Collins, Englewood, Littleton, Lone Tree, and Longmont through professional senior care services. Let's work together to help our seniors lead healthier, happier lives.
Caring for a loved one with dementia presents unique challenges that can be overwhelming. It means coping not just with the loved one's illness and the huge life changes that will come, but with the caregiver's own feelings and struggles too. Keeping a detailed journal is an organized way to record the progress and effects of the patient's dementia helpful information for their doctors. But it can also provide emotional and psychological benefits for caregivers themselves. Whether you're caring for someone with dementia or another illness, here are some things to consider when keeping a journal. What To Track in Your Journal Why record what the dementia patient is experiencing? Two reasons: because it will help their doctors and because it will help the caregiver understand and adapt to the effects of the disease. Daily activities and behaviors: Note any changes in mood, unusual behaviors, or shifts in routine. This can help identify triggers for agitation or anxiety and reveal patterns or changes over time. Medications and side effects: Record the times and doses of medications. If their medications change, note any side effects or noticeable changes in the person's condition. This can be crucial for managing the drugs' effectiveness and any potential drug interactions. Eating and drinking habits: What and how much is your loved one eating and drinking? Tracking this information can help prevent malnutrition and dehydration, which are common issues in people with dementia. Physical health and symptoms: Record any physical symptoms, such as coughs, changes in mobility, or signs of discomfort. This information can be vital for detecting emerging health issues that may not be directly related to dementia. Sleep patterns: How much and how well are they sleeping? Do they wake up during the night? Sleep disturbances can exacerbate the symptoms of dementia and affect the health of both the caregiver and the patient. Falls: Research shows that falls are not only more common among people with dementia, but they can also accelerate cognitive decline. Details about any falls-where, when, and how they occurred-are important information for the doctors. Journaling: A Safe Space and a Helpful Tool Keeping a journal helps the caregiver process the complex emotions they're likely experiencing. A journal is a private, safe space where the caregiver can express frustrations, celebrate successes, and acknowledge hardships. Journaling can help them protect their mental health stability, which in turn can help them feel better able to support their loved one effectively. A journal can also be a place for the caregiver to track the effectiveness of care strategies and treatments. For example, the caregiver may notice that the timing of dinner is causing their loved one distress. Their notes can help them adjust their caregiving as needed. The caregiver may even decide to keep two separate journals-one for themselves and the other journal (or calendar) about their loved one's condition. "There is something about recording what is happening to us and our emotional reactions that enables family caregivers to stand apart from the onrush of tasks and crises they're immersed in," said Barry J. Jacobs in an article for AARP. A caregiver himself, Jacobs noted that journaling can help the writer "feel more in control." How the Journal Can Help Doctors A detailed journal is a valuable resource during medical appointments. It provides data and examples that help doctors understand the patient's current state beyond what a memory recall or short visit can reveal. This is crucial in diagnosing issues, adjusting medications, or changing treatment plans. Doctors rely on accurate, detailed information to make informed decisions about treatments and care strategies. For example, if the journal shows that the patient has fallen repeatedly, the doctor may use that information to assess the patient's need for mobility aids, physical therapy, or further neurological evaluation. The doctor may end up identifying a treatable condition, such as an inner ear disorder or vision problems. Moreover, the journal can help identify early signs of complications or side effects of medications that the patient might not be able to express because of their cognitive condition. This helps the doctor make a change before the complications cause a potentially serious health issue. Write for Them and for Yourself Keeping a journal is a simple yet effective tool that can greatly improve the caregiving experience for those managing the care of someone with dementia. You'll help not just your loved one, but yourself as well. Do it in whatever way works best for you. "This is not a school assignment," Jacobs reminds other caregivers. "No one is grading you. Just empty the contents of your mind without judging yourself." If you have any questions, please call Right at Home at 970-494-1111.
The Lodge at Greeleys Memory Care Neighborhood is designed specifically for residents with Alzheimers, dementia or other memory loss conditions. A single hall opens to an outdoor courtyard that encourages free movement, reduces anxiety and ties in with our communal activity room, sitting areas and dining area. Our team works with families to develop a personal and holistic care plan for each resident, including medication management, and individual apartments are designed with features that cue positive action. As part of our all-inclusive price, residents also enjoy three chef-prepared meals served daily, plus snacks; access to services such as weekly housekeeping and laundry services; amenities including a beauty salon, sunroom and a common kitchen for food-focused resident activities; as well as social activities and programs designed to encourage socialization and engagement. Our beautiful campus is outfitted with advanced technology for safety, security and entertainment, including personal emergency pendants available upon request.
At The Lodge at Greeley Senior Living, we cultivate an inclusive, energizing, family-like environment where residents are involved, engaged and take pride in giving back to their local community. Our studio and one-bedroom independent living apartments include a full kitchen and provide for an active, fulfilling home life minus the worry of home maintenance and repairs. As part of our all-inclusive price, residents also enjoy restaurant-style dining, with one chef-prepared meal served daily; access to services such as weekly housekeeping and scheduled transportation to appointments; and amenities including an on-site theater, game room, exercise room, beauty salon, greenhouse and outdoor dining area. We also offer a robust schedule of wellness programs, life enrichment activities and social events focused on residents interests and preferences. Located minutes from restaurants, shopping, and amenities, The Lodge at Greeleys pet-friendly campus is outfitted with advanced technology for safety, security and entertainment, including an emergency alert system.
Seniors who value their independence but still need some help with daily tasks will appreciate The Lodge at Greeley Senior Livings assisted living option, which prioritizes an individual's preferences and safety to support resident well-being. With multiple levels of personalized care available, as well as medication management, our team works with families and residents to craft an individualized care plan helping each resident thrive. At The Lodge at Greeley, Assisted Living residents also enjoy their own studio or one-bedroom apartment; restaurant-style dining, with three chef-prepared meals served daily, plus snacks; weekly housekeeping and laundry services and scheduled transportation to appointments; amenities including an exercise room, beauty salon, greenhouse and outdoor dining area; and a robust schedule of wellness programs, life enrichment activities and social events. Located minutes from restaurants, shopping, and amenities, The Lodge at Greeley is a pet-friendly campus outfitted with advanced technology for safety, security and entertainment, including personal emergency pendants.