Minnesota - Twin Cities

Dying wishes are a difficult and often uncomfortable conversation to have. Emotions may become heightened, the topic of mortality can be delicate, and individuals must think about decisions that would take place should they no longer be able to make those choices. Having an advance directive in place offers your senior family member peace of mind during this time. Still, you might be unsure how to approach this sensitive conversation. Here is some guidance and advice courtesy of Senior Helpers Roseville.Benefits of Advance Directive PlanningAdvance directive planning is incredibly meaningful for seniors and their families. It allows your aging family member to remain in control of the decisions that must be made should they become unable to make choices themselves. This eliminates inter-family disagreements about what kind of care or treatments are appropriate and reduces confusion amongst healthcare professionals when it comes time to implement them. Additionally, having an advance directive can act as a legal document that states the wishes of your loved one, ensuring that their values and beliefs are protected in this difficult situation. How to Approach Your Senior About Advance Directive Planning Bringing up this conversation can be daunting for many family members. To make sure your senior loved one feels supported and heard during the process, consider these tips:Respect their autonomy throughout the discussion. Allow them to express their thoughts without interruption or judgment. Make sure to reference any decisions they have made as a sign of respect and admiration for them. For instance, if they previously acknowledged that they would like to remain in their own home, refer back so they know you're taking into account their wishes.Explain why currently-in-place plans are important with tactfulness and diplomacy. Stress that having an advance directive allows opinions about future healthcare treatments to remain consistent should general cognitive abilities reduce over time. Letting them know that you want what's best for them is key here; remind your senior relative of how much you care for them when considering possible solutions together.  Remain Compassionate in Your ApproachEnd-of-life conversations can be incredibly difficult to navigate, and showing kindness and compassion on each party's part goes a long way. Oftentimes, elderly individuals may be resistant to the idea of an advance care plan at firstthey could feel that setting such a plan implies that their death is inevitable or inevitable soon, which can cause anxiety. Thoughtful and sensitive communication will help ease these fears as your senior loved one navigates this new situation.Senior Helpers Provides Compassionate Care ServicesCreating an advance directive requires careful discussions and thought. With thoughtful communication and understanding, you can help your senior loved one feel confident in the decisions they're making. At Senior Helpers Roseville, we are here to support seniors in the St. Paul, Roseville, New Brighton, Shoreview, and North Oaks areas throughout life's transitionsif you have questions about end-of-life planning for a family member, please don't hesitate to contact us today at 651-414-9131 or visit our website at https://www.seniorhelpers.com/mn/roseville/

Elevating Compassion CareAging with grace and vigor is challenging. Being a caregiver for an aging loved one maybe even more challenging. Here are some innovations to help those you love are able to care for themselves and lengthen their independence.The Cassia Learning Lab director, Kate Ingalls-Maloney, suggests listing your concerns and then deciding, with some help, which technologies fit those situations. For example, is there a concern about leaving the oven or a burner on? Perhaps theres a worry about falling in the shower. On occasion, are daily medications forgotten? Be very honest with yourself and your family about what causes hesitation or concern. Then make your list.The top two reasons people move from their homes are medication errors and falls. Insurance companies may be more likely to cover home modifications and medication management devices that are designed to prevent these two situations. Waivers and private pay are other ways to obtain home adaptations or devices, and some vendors offer a try before you buy policy.Innovations to support seniors independence and peace of mind for their caregivers.Medication management systems There are many different kinds of medication reminders and dispensing systems: From a simple flip-top dispenser to a lockable electronic dispenser that can give alerts to both the person taking the meds and to his/her remote caregiver.Fall prevention innovations Easy to install lighting, with or without motion detection, can be affordable and also very effective. The adhesive-backed LED motion lights can easily mark a trail to the bathroom at night and provide a safe path. Other strategically placed night lights or touch lamps can also help to avoid falls.Grab bars systems In the bathroom, grab bars can be installed according to the users mobility needs. Newer models incorporate towel bars and toilet paper dispensers. Note: Its important to consult your physical therapist when installing grab bars. Non-skid flooring is another great way to help prevent bathroom falls.Wearable pendants or watches There is a variety of these on the market. They can detect falls automatically or be triggered to summon help if a fall occurs. In addition, there is now a wearable (but not noticeable) tracking device that inserts into a shoe or boot so that someone who tends to wander can be located using GPS technology.Safety in the kitchen There is no need to fear to leave the oven on if you have an automatic appliance shut-off sensor system. They can be installed in both electric and gas ranges.My mother is 93 and has very arthritic hands. Ive been clipping her nails for her. (I bought her a ClipDifferent Pro) and it will allow her to be independent when it comes to doing her nails. NancyFingernail care For self-care, the ClipDifferent Pro automatic fingernail clipper and Lil Nipper automatic fingernail clipper provides a way to safely and independently clip fingernails with no risk of harm or mess. Shop for Lil Nipper or ClipDifferent Pro here.Home voice activation systems Whole-home voice activation systems like Amazons Alexa or Google home, when installed correctly, can be very helpful for controlling thermostats, lighting, doorbells, TV, or calls for help.

Memory care facilities play a crucial role in maintaining the independence and dignity of seniors living with cognitive impairments. For families seeking an assisted living facility in Burnsville, Minnesota, understanding how these facilities encourage self-sufficiency can provide peace of mind. Personalized Care Plans Each resident in a memory care facility receives a personalized care plan that caters to their unique needs. These plans are designed to balance support with opportunities for independence, ensuring that seniors engage in daily activities that promote self-reliance. This approach is integral to providing high-quality senior care in Minnesota. Structured Routines Memory care facilities implement structured routines that help residents maintain a sense of control over their lives. Predictable schedules and familiar environments allow seniors to manage their daily tasks with minimal assistance, fostering a sense of autonomy. This structured yet flexible environment is a hallmark of facilities offering waivered care services. Engaging Activities Regularly scheduled activities tailored to residents abilities are a cornerstone of memory care. These activities not only stimulate cognitive function but also encourage social interaction and personal growth. Residents are often given choices in their activities, which further reinforces their independence. Supportive Environment The physical design of memory care facilities is intentionally crafted to promote safe navigation and ease of movement. Clear pathways, labeled rooms, and accessible outdoor spaces allow residents to explore their surroundings confidently, reducing the need for constant supervision. This supportive environment is critical in offering 24 hour care without compromising independence. Dignity through Respectful Care Staff members in memory care facilities are trained to provide care that respects each residents dignity. This includes encouraging participation in personal care routines and respecting residents choices, which are essential in preserving their self-esteem and dignity. Memory care facilities like Cardenas Friendship Homes are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seniors. Families looking for compassionate care should contact us to learn more about our services.

Alzheimers disease is a progressive and degenerative brain disease and the most commonly known form of dementia. What you may not know, is that Dementia is not a specific disease. It is actually an overall term used to describe a group of symptoms specific to memory loss and other cognitive impairments that are serious enough to interfere with your loved ones daily activities.If your elderly loved one in Burnsville, MN, is suffering from Alzheimer's or another form of dementia, caring for them can take a tremendous toll on your own physical and emotional well-being. Because of the progressive nature of the disease, many families choose the support and assistance of home care professionals like Senior Helpers. As the leading industry experts in Alzheimer's and dementia care, you can trust Senior Helpers to make your loved one's life, and yours, much easier and more enjoyable.We will work with you to create a customized home care plan that changes as your loved one's needs change. Our care team has extensive training and experience in providing the right level of individual care and support, while carefully monitoring everything from medication to daily activities. Our goal is to create a positive environment and activities that focus on what your loved one is still able to do, not what they can no longer do. Senior Gems: Helping Caregivers Assess and Provide Care for Seniors with Alzheimers and DementiaThe Senior Gems created by Senior Helpers, is a method used provide effective strategies for support and care for your loved one for everything from normal aging through late stage dementia. Through Senior Gems, we are able to focus on what is precious and unique about each senior.Changes take place as their disease progresses, but by taking a positive approach to care and using strategies that work, Senior Helpers can help your loved one to continue to live a purposeful life at home. The Senior Gems is based on the Gems, techniques, strategies, and overall approach to care which was created and developed by Teepa Snow, Positive Approach, LLC.The Gems classification system allows trained Senior Helpers caregivers to:Identify the characteristics of different stages of dementiaUnderstand what a person can still do based on a gem levelUse specific strategies based on gem level to care for our seniors.Create the best plan for caring for the individual long term.Call for more information at 952-225-1084 or visit us at https://www.seniorhelpers.com/mn/burnsville225-1084