Walk to End Alzheimer’s

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.

5 Key Things to Know About Memory Care for Your Loved OneIn the case of a family member who has memory loss, including Alzheimers or other forms of dementia, the decision on which care option to choose is crucial. Memory care facilities offer their residents special care that is suitable for people who need help with the basic activities of daily living because of their cognitive problems. In this blog post, you will learn the five most important things that every person should know about memory care to make a right choice for their family. 1. Memory Care Offers Special Consideration for Dementia Patients Memory care is a particular kind of long-term care which aims at addressing the needs of people who are in the process of being affected by Alzheimers disease, dementia or any other form of cognitive dysfunction. While normal assisted living facilities can be adequate for those who are in the early stages of the disease, memory care units are fully equipped with staff to help deal with the problems that are associated with the advanced stages of the disease.What to Expect from Memory Care: 24/7 Supervision: Trained caregivers are available around the clock to assist with daily activities and ensure the safety of residents. Personalized Care Plans: Each resident receives a care plan tailored to their specific needs, including medication management, physical care, and emotional support. Cognitive Therapies and Activities: Memory care facilities offer specialized programs and activities designed to stimulate memory and encourage cognitive function.2. It is Crucial to Identify the Various Forms of Memory Care Memory care is not the same in every facility and it is imperative to know the kinds of care that are available in order to get the right care for your loved one. Some of the memory care facilities are ones that are mainly involved in offering medical care to the clients and those that mainly offer activities and social relations. Types of Memory Care Services:   Inpatient Memory Care: This is common and is usually offered in a facility that is furnished for the use of patients with memory problems.   Respite Memory Care: It is short-term care which can give a breather to the family caregivers and at the same time ensure that the loved one is well taken care of in a comfortable atmosphere.   Home-Based Memory Care: There are cases when a specially trained in memory care home health aide can help in the persons own home.  3. One has to be very careful when choosing a facility for someone with memory issues as the safety of the person is of utmost importance.Another issue that is of so much concern when one is taking care of someone with memory impairment is the issue of safety. Memory care facilities are facilities which are intended to reduce the likelihood of a patient's wandering and other safety concerns that are associated with dementia.Safety Features to Look for in Memory Care:  Secure Areas: Another common feature that is found in many memory care units is secured entry and exit to ensure that the residents do not wander away.   Safe Environment: The environment should be in a way that does not confuse the patient, and there should be proper signs and directions to avoid accidents.   Emergency Response Systems: Memory care facilities have systems that enable the staff to respond to the patients needs as soon as they are needed.  4.  Memory Care Increases Social Contacts and Participation  Memory-Stimulating Games: Activities like puzzles, board games, and memory exercises are designed to improve cognitive function and keep the mind engaged. Group Activities: Social events like music therapy, art classes, or outings encourage interaction with others and help combat loneliness. Personalized Care Activities: Based on individual preferences, activities such as gardening, pet therapy, or reminiscing can promote emotional connection and engagement. 5. What is the Cost of Memory Care and How to Plan for It It is, therefore, important to have a good understanding of the cost of memory care as it is a critical decision. It is, however, important to note that the cost varies depending on the location, the type of facility and the level of intensity.  What to Know About Memory Care Costs:  Average Costs: It is important to note that memory care is more expensive than other assisted living facilities since the person in question requires a lot of attention.  Insurance and Assistance: Some of the long-term care insurance policies may also help to pay for memory care services and Medicaid in some states.  Additional Costs: It is necessary to find out if there are other charges for services like medications, special therapies or other specific care. Some Guidelines in Selecting the Right Memory Care Facility Visit Multiple Facilities: Do not stop at the first facility. It is recommended that you should visit several memory care facilities in order to compare and contrast the environment, the personnel and the services provided.  Ask About Staff Training: It should be checked if the staff members have undergone training in dementia care and if they have dealt with cognitive disabilities before.  Consider Proximity: Select a memory care home which is nearest to your home in order to visit your family member often especially if you visit often.  Memory care is an important type of care for elderly people who have cognitive disabilities and the type of facility that one chooses will have a big impact on the quality of life of the affected person. It is therefore important to get a brief overview of what memory care is, what it can do for you and how much it will cost. It is not a journey that you have to take alone. For more information about how we can support you, please call 800-201-9989 or email info@seniorsbluebook.com to discuss your options for the best memory care for your loved one.This blog post provides families with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions about memory care for their loved ones, ensuring that they receive the best possible care in a supportive environment.

Six Simple Strategies to Help Seniors Sleep BetterHow did you sleep last night? With National Sleep Awareness Week taking place from March 10th to 16th, its the perfect time to think about your bedtime habits and explore ways to improve your sleep quality.A restful nights sleep is like a reset button for your body and mind, and its especially important for seniors. Good sleep can boost your mood, sharpen your mind, and strengthen your immune system. However, as we age, getting those precious Zs can become more challenging. Changes in sleep patterns, along with environmental and emotional factors, often lead to restless nights.If counting sheep has become your nightly ritual, dont worryyoure not alone, and help is here. The Seniors Helping Seniors team has six simple, practical tips to help you sleep better and wake up refreshed. Lets dive in!1. Stick to a Relaxing Bedtime RoutineYour body loves routines, especially when it comes to winding down for the night. Create a calming bedtime ritual that works for youlike reading a book, doing some light stretches, or meditating. These activities signal to your body that its time to relax. Not sure where to start? Your Seniors Helping Seniors caregiver can help you incorporate these soothing habits into your evening routine.2. Power Down Your ScreensScrolling through your phone or catching up on emails before bed might seem harmless, but the blue light from screens can disrupt your natural sleep hormones. Try putting your devices away at least an hour before bedtime. Instead, swap that screen time for a calming activity like listening to music or journaling.3. Create a Cozy Sleep SanctuaryA good mattress and supportive pillows can make all the difference in how you feel the next morning. Look for bedding that keeps you at a comfortable temperature throughout the night. Your bedroom should also be dark, quiet, and coolthink of it as your personal sleep haven.4. Limit Afternoon NapsA quick nap can recharge your energy, but long or late-day naps might mess with your nighttime sleep. Keep naps short20 to 30 minutesand try to rest earlier in the day. This way, you can still enjoy a power nap without affecting your bedtime.5. Get Moving During the DayPhysical activity isnt just great for your overall healthit also helps you sleep better. Even 30 minutes of light exercise like walking or yoga can work wonders. Just remember to keep workouts earlier in the day, as late-night exercise might leave you too energized to fall asleep.6. Mind Your Evening MenuWhat you eat and drink before bed can influence your sleep. Heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol close to bedtime can leave you tossing and turning. Instead, try something soothing, like a cup of herbal tea or warm milk, to help you unwind. Need help with meal planning? Seniors Helping Seniors caregivers are happy to lend a hand.Bonus Tip: Keep Your Wake-Up Time ConsistentYour body thrives on routine, so try waking up at the same time every dayeven on weekends. A consistent wake-up time helps regulate your internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up feeling refreshed.If youve tried these tips and are still struggling with sleep, it might be time to seek professional advice. A healthcare provider or sleep specialist can help identify underlying issues, like sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome, and recommend tailored solutions.Sleep is vital for your health and well-being, and you deserve to wake up every day feeling your best. Your Seniors Helping Seniors team is here to support you in creating healthy sleep habits that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. Sweet dreams!