Andrea Kecks teenage sleepovers looked a little different than most.A friend and I would stay with my grandmother and care for her, says Andrea. We thought it was the best thing because it was just like having a slumber party.Growing up, Kecks grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, a type of dementia that causes memory loss, confusion and can affect other cognitive abilities.With her grandmother living just across the street in Crossville, Tenn., Andrea was a frequent visitor. Then, as she got older, she was able to lend a helping hand, assisting her grandmother with tasks from getting dressed to eating.It was a responsibility that Andrea felt privileged to be a part of.That experience has always been special to me, she says. I thought it was cool that I was responsible for making sure she was clean, feed and loved.Answering the callCaring for others is something Andrea has always felt called to do. Its a calling that even as a teenager, required patience, compassion and a desire to understand the challenges that come with different health needs.Andrea began putting these traits into action not only with the care she provided to her grandmother, but also with the care she gave to one of her grandfathers, who had Parkinson's disease.When Andrea began to think about a future career, she realized that by becoming a nurse, she could care for others just like she had for her own grandparents.Originally I wanted to be a teacher, but I really believe my desire was to provide care that I knew so many people didnt get and I could provide, whether it was at the nursing home or at the hospital as a nurse, she explained.Joining the Good Samaritan Society After earning her nursing degree, Andrea first worked on a variety of hospital floors, from surgery and cardiology to oncology, and then as a home health hospice nurse.When Good Samaritan Society Fairfield Glade opened, she decided to apply as a floor nurse and pursue an area of nursing she had always wanted to return to caring for the elderly.I realized that getting my feet wet as a nurse in the hospital prepared me well for a nursing facility because there are so many different health conditions you have to take care of, she says.Today, Andrea is the nursing manager at the senior living community, an opportunity she credits to her diverse nursing experiences and to others who saw in her the ability to lead a nursing team.I had to step outside of my comfort zone because I wasnt sure that I could do a manager role, but I wanted to try, she says. The Good Samaritan Society challenged me to teach other nurses and help them get the information they need to be successful, and Ive really enjoyed it.Since starting her position, Andreas focus has shifted from spending her time on the floor as the go-to person, to educating and empowering her team, knowing that when they have the information and training they need to excel in their nursing abilities, they also excel in the care they provide to residents.I want my staff to succeed, our care to succeed and for our residents to receive the care that I would want my own parents and grandparents to have, she says.A total 360When the COVID-19 pandemic began impacting the center earlier this year, Andrea describes it as a total 360-degree shift in the nursing world. What became a challenge in addition to new safety procedures and personal protective equipment was keeping residents connected with their families.The location soon began helping residents use FaceTime and arranging window visits, but knowing how important meaningful conversations are to well-being, Andreas staff become especially attentive to one-on-one resident care.When their real families werent around, we had to become part of their family, says Andrea.Since joining the nursing profession 16 years ago, Andrea says its been a fulfilling career helping others in need.And seeing my staff blossom in their roles as new nurses and certified nursing assistants as just been an awesome experience, she says.

Holidays can look very different when celebrating with parents who have dementia. Mothers Day can be a difficult holiday because it is often focused on memories, and your mom may have lost many of those memories that you once shared. And this is a reality for many families across the country because its more common for women to develop dementia than men; in fact,2/3 of all individuals with dementiaare women. However, you can still celebrate Mothers Day in a meaningful way with your mom. Here are some tips to make Mothers Day special for your family.DO SOMETHING TOGETHERPlan to do an activity together with your mom. This can help you create new memories with her while also engaging her. Try water coloring, going for a walk, watching a movie, looking at art together, etc. You could also bring a meal to her and enjoy the good food together.Try to choose an activity that you know your mom would enjoy and that will also be easily adaptable to her schedule. Many seniors with dementia do best when they stick to a routine because it prevents some confusion or disorientation.However, getting out of the house or a senior care facility can also be beneficial for your mom. You could do a day trip and spend some time outdoors. If you choose to do an activity out and about, make sure you schedule in time for breaks in case your mom needs time away from noise, crowds, and other stimulation.REMINISCE ABOUT THE PASTIf your mom still has some of her long-term memory, then you can reminisce about the past and talk about earlier memories that you shared together. You can prompt reminiscing by showing a photo album or by talking about the memory yourself.Reminiscing about the past actually has many benefits for seniors with or without dementia. It can help promote physical health, help them improve their quality of life, and stimulate the mind to eliminate boredom.If your mom cannot remember or remembers things a bit differently, dont get frustrated. Dementia physically changes the brain, and its not your moms fault that she is unable to recall some of the sweet memories that you cherish.FOCUS ON THE POSITIVEWhen spending time with your mom with dementia, you may feel overwhelmed or experience grief. Maybe your mom doesnt remember your name or her relation to you. She may not be able to perform routine tasks. However, there are still positives you can focus on in any situation.For example, you can take the time to appreciate the qualities that your mom still exhibits a warm smile, an openness to strangers, affectionate, etc. You can appreciate the time you can spend to serve her and help her perform those tasks that she can no longer complete on her own. You could also tell your mom about the memories that you have by framing your mom as a star or superhero.LET YOURSELF FEELThroughout the day with your mom or even leading up to the holiday, you may feel a variety of emotions happiness, grief, frustration, sadness, hopefulness. Its okay to take a moment and let yourself feel these things.During this time, you can reach out to a friend or family member to talk about your feelings around Mothers Day and your experiences with your mom. This can help you process your emotions and feel support from those closest to you.GIVE HER A USEFUL GIFTTraditionally, children give their mom gifts on Mothers Day. And you can still do that if your mom has dementia! You just may need to think outside of the box when looking at gifts for her. Instead of choosing a nice candle, opt for something that will engage your mom and help stimulate her mind and senses. Remember that seniors with dementia may not remember how to use common items, making some items unusable or even dangerous. But there are a number of safe gift ideas out there!For example, you could get her a teddy bear that can play music, a beautiful baby doll, or a weighted blanket. The Alzheimers Store has a special collection of gift ideas that you can browse through to find the perfect gift for your mom.GET SOME HELPIf you are planning a meaningful Mothers Day with your mom, dont hesitate to reach out to Caring Senior Service. Our care experts are specially trained to handle the unique challenges that come with caring for someone with dementia. We can help make sure that your day goes smoothly and that you can spend time focusing on being a son or daughter, while we take care of the caregiving aspect. Sometimes this break in caregiving responsibilities is just what you need to focus on the relationship that you and your mom share.

Todays world has benefited from great advances in all aspects of modern medicine. Some of the most rewarding gains, in terms of outcomes for patients, have been within the field of cataract surgery. Cataract surgery works to eliminate the blurry vision and glare caused by cataracts, which can form in the lens of the aging eye. Traditionally, this has been accomplished by using a combination of surgical technique, scalpels and ultrasound. Recently there have been advances in the procedure of cataract removal, which now utilizes laser and optical coherence (OCT) technology. This breakthrough has resulted in greater safety and accuracy, and improved outcomes for patients.Femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery is now available nationwide, and the results from cataract surgery have never been better. This new technology utilizes the power and accuracy of laser energy to replace many of the critical steps in traditional cataract surgery and also optimizes the execution of these steps to maximize safety and accuracy. These processes are multifactorial in their scope of effect on the eye. The laser energy is used to create all corneal incisions to enter the eye, so a knife or scalpel is no longer required. These incisions are designed to be multi-planar, which allows for a higher level of wound sealing without sutures. The laser treats corneal astigmatism, which reduces the need for glasses following surgery. The laser also opens the natural capsule, which envelops the cataract, with a roundness, centration and precision that no human hand can duplicate. Additionally, the laser fragments the cataract, which decreases the amount of ultrasound energy required to break up the lens opacity. This theoretically is safer for the delicate endothelial cells on the inner surface of the cornea.The face of modern medicine constantly is changing to improve the lives of people with all manner of disease, and age-related degenerations. Cataract surgery is among the leaders of this continuum with Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery. Bladeless cataract surgery has already helped thousands of patients in northern Colorado. Ask your eye doctor if you are a candidate for this remarkable new technology.Editors Note: Karl Olsen MD is a Cataract and Refractive surgeon at the Eye Center of Northern Colorado. He can be reached at 970 221-2222 or by email at: Marketing@eyecenternoco.com

In our fast-paced world, the wisdom of senior citizens often goes unnoticed. Yet, embracing empathetic communication with our elders can be incredibly enriching.The Power of Empathy:Empathy bridges the generation gap, offering seniors the understanding they deserve. Actively listening and appreciating their experiences fosters a sense of belonging and mutual respect.Breaking Communication Barriers:Adapting our communication styles ensures inclusivity. Small gestures like clear speech and patience can make conversations with seniors more engaging and meaningful.The Gift of Time:Spending quality time engaged in activities seniors love not only brings them joy but also provides us with unique learning experiences, nurturing the bond between generations.Learning Life's Lessons:Seniors offer insights into life's nuances that textbooks can't capture. Their stories teach us about history, love, loss, and resilience, enriching our own understanding of the world.The Ripple Effect:Kindness, when shared with seniors, creates a positive ripple effect. By setting an example, we inspire others to follow suit, fostering a more compassionate society.In celebrating intergenerational relationships, we find the true essence of humanity. Let's acknowledge the beauty of connecting with senior spirits; in doing so, we enrich not just their lives but ours, too.