Whether 18 or 98, lets meet for coffee is a common way individuals invite each other to gather. It has become a key part of American culture, since the time frame can be loose (no waiters or mealtimes to observe), the environment casual and the cost low. Plus the actual drinking of coffee is optional. Most meeting places serve tea, hot chocolate and other non-coffee alternatives.Unfortunately, for older adults challenged with transportation or severe mobility issues, meeting for coffee isnt always so easy. If its too hard to drive, arrange a ride or access public options, some people especially older adults may choose isolation over connecting with others.With so many studies showing the potential negative health effects of social isolation, it is important for individuals, especially those over 50, to find ways to get out, if possible. One such study published in the Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences found that older adults who interact with people beyond their usual social circle of family and close friends were more likely to have higher levels of physical activity, greater positive moods and fewer negative feelings. The researchers suggest that leaving the house or apartment to engage with people leads to being more active.Kavod Senior Life has created a wonderful solution to this issue is by creating a Bistro in its main building. The Bistro is open Monday through Friday, 9:30 11:30am. Residents can simply take the elevator down from their apartment and gather with a neighbor, family member or friend without leaving the campus.The Bistro menu includes a variety of beverages (hot and cold), as well as pastries, fresh fruit and other snacks. Lunch items are forthcoming, and everything on the menu is affordable ($1.00 $2.50). Non-residents are also welcome to stop by and enjoy the space on their own.With this wonderful amenity on campus, residents have a safe, friendly and accessible place to meet for coffee, stay socially active and enjoy their best life living at Kavod.For more information on the Bistro, visit https://www.kavodseniorlife.org/amenities/  (hyperlink).For more information about living at Kavod for either a Senior Living or Assisted Living apartment, contact Melanie Kaye, Leasing Coordinator at 720-382-7833 or MKaye@KavodSeniorLife.org (hyperlink)Reference: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/broader-social-interaction-keeps-older-adults-more-active

While many people focus on holiday visits, your loved one in assisted living or memory care should enjoy spending time with their family and friends all year round. No one wants to feel alone or forgotten. Visiting a senior loved one who resides in memory care can be complicated, however especially when mental and cognitive challenges are resulting in unpredictable behavior. These visitations, while often difficult, are an important part of taking care of someone with memory loss or dementia. In this article, we help families prepare for and enjoy their memory care visits, providing concrete advice for those who fear that dementia is harming their relationship.Advice for Dementia Care Patient VisitsDevelop Empathy for Their ExperienceWhen a family member experiencing dementia begins to act out with aggression, it is usually related to their medical diagnosis. Dementia can adversely impact behavior, mood, and sense of reality, often causing anger or fear. Loved ones should not consider these episodes as personal attacks instead, illogical reactions are likely symptoms of their declining brain function. By understanding that these reactions are associated with the disease, family members can set their expectations before visiting, and prepare to respond with compassion. Educating oneself about the progression of dementia helps to provide valuable insight into what they are experiencing.Expect a Range of Emotions Preparing mentally for memory care visits can positively impact those interactions with your loved one that you dread. Some days will be better than others, that is an undeniable fact. On a good day, your loved one may be smiling and loving. On a difficult day, however, they may be so confused that they do not even recognize their loved ones. Before visits, mentally prepare for all possibilities.Establish a Familiar and Comforting RoutineCreating a routine can provide much-needed calm in the storm that a dementia patient finds themselves in. Begin with a familiar greeting and develop a consistent routine for your visits. Whether sharing photos, strolling through the garden, or watching reruns of an old TV show, familiar routines can significantly reduce anxiety and offer a sense of shared interests. If you notice a positive reaction to a specific word, action, or activity, be sure to use it often.Integrate Compassion into Your Conversations Effective communication with a family member with dementia requires patience. Approach each conversation with a calm, measured tone, using clear and easy-to-understand language. If they cant find the right words or become frustrated,  dont correct them, just smile and continue the conversation. Non-verbal actions like a gentle hand on the shoulder can communicate affection when words are difficult.Manage Challenging Moments Its important to stay calm if the situation becomes too challenging, as arguing or fighting can escalate fear and anxiety for your loved one. Try to gently change the focus of the conversation, or introduce a more soothing activity. If your family members become overly agitated, acknowledge their emotions and provide them with some space. The personnel at the memory care community are invaluable partners in these situations, as they have the required experience and knowledge required to address their needs and behaviors. Remember, the objective is always to establish a feeling of safety and support, even during visits.My Care Finders helps families find the right assisted living or memory care facility for their loved ones needs and requirements. Call us today to schedule a consultation to discuss your situation and assess your needs. Our professional team is trained to work with families of those with dementia, and we are prepared to help you and your family cultivate and maintain loving relationships.

Seniors who might need assistance with their activities of daily living (ADLs) are benefited greatly by staying at assisted living facilities or having trusted caregivers. ADLs cover the essential tasks necessary for maintaining a comfortable and healthy daily life. These include the following:BathingBathing helps in maintaining personal hygiene and also improves ones sense of well-being in general. Seniors who may have mobility issues or require assistance due to medical conditions can benefit significantly from the support offered by our senior care in Minnesota. With our assistance, they will feel fresh every day and prevent infections or skin problems.DressingAnother daily activity that seniors frequently require assistance with is dressing. People with physical difficulties or cognitive problems benefit from having trusted caregivers. With this help, seniors may express their unique personalities via their wardrobe choices while preserving their sense of self-worth and sense of fashion.EatingMaintaining proper nutrition is essential for the health and well-being of seniors. Some elderly may require assistance with eating due to difficulties with swallowing or using utensils. At our assisted living facility in Burnsville, Minnesota, we ensure that residents receive balanced and nutritious meals.These elderly care services can be provided at the seniors home or in assisted living facilities. The aim should be providing comfort and support for seniors. At our home care, we make sure that the assistance we provide addresses the needs of our residents.At Cardenas Friendship Homes, we assist our residents with their activities of daily living while still encouraging their independence. Our residents enjoy happy lives in a secure and comfortable setting with our waivered care services.  Call us today at 612-616-7105