Minnesota - Twin Cities

As our loved ones age, memory-related conditions such as Alzheimers or dementia can pose significant challenges to their daily lives. In these situations, finding a memory care community becomes crucial. These specialized facilities are designed to provide comprehensive care, personalized support, and a safe environment for individuals with memory impairments. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of choosing a memory care community like Northwoods Memory Care for your loved one, and how it can positively impact their quality of life. Expert Care and Support Memory care communities, like Northwoods Memory Care, have highly trained staff who specialize in memory-related conditions. They possess a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals with memory impairments. These professionals provide round-the-clock care, ensuring that your loved ones physical, emotional, and cognitive needs are met. From assistance with daily activities to medication management, specialized care plans are tailored to each resident to promote their overall well-being. Safe and Secure Environment Memory care communities offer a dedicated and secure environment, specifically designed to minimize risks and promote independence. Facilities like Northwoods Memory Care prioritize safety measures such as secure entrances, alarmed doors, and 24/7 monitoring to prevent wandering or other safety concerns. Residents can enjoy peace of mind, knowing they are in a protected space that balances independence and safety. Enhanced Socialization and Stimulation Memory care communities recognize the importance of socialization and engagement in improving cognitive function and overall well-being. These communities provide a range of stimulating activities and social programs tailored to the needs and interests of residents. Group activities, outings, and regular social interactions with peers and staff create a sense of community and minimize feelings of isolation. Northwoods Memory Care, for example, offers a variety of enriching activities from physical exercises to crafts, music therapy, and memory-enhancing programs. Specialized Therapies and Services Memory care communities often offer specialized therapies and services designed to address the unique challenges of memory-related conditions. These may include cognitive therapy, reminiscence therapy, and sensory stimulation programs. Trained professionals work closely with residents to enhance their cognitive abilities, improve memory retention, and promote emotional well-being. Additionally, access to various healthcare services, such as physical therapy or occupational therapy, is readily available to ensure comprehensive care. Respite for Caregivers Choosing a memory care community can also provide respite for caregivers who may be struggling to balance their own lives with the demands of caregiving. Knowing that your loved one is receiving specialized care and support allows you to take a break, focus on self-care, and recharge. This can result in reduced stress levels, improved mental health, and better overall caregiving for your loved one.  Opting for a memory care community, such as Northwoods Memory Care, for your loved one can offer numerous benefits. From expert care, a safe and secure environment, and enhanced socialization to specialized therapies and services, these communities prioritize the well-being and quality of life of individuals with memory-related conditions. Additionally, they provide much-needed respite for caregivers, allowing them to take care of themselves while knowing their loved one is receiving exceptional care. When considering memory care options, choose a community like Northwoods Memory Care that puts compassion and personalized support at the forefront to ensure the best possible care for your loved one.

At CommonBond, we serve people of all ages young people, families, veterans, and older adults. Our belief is that everyone deserves the foundation of a home.  However, it is impossible to ignore the increasing demand for affordable senior housing in our communities. The Lumin a 60-unit affordable housing development for seniors ages 62 and older is helping to meet this need.The Lumin is the first of 10 planned affordable rental developments at Highland Bridge, a 122-acre parcel of land in the Highland Park neighborhood in Saint Paul. The building opened in November 2023, and residents began moving into their new homes. Older adults face a unique set of challenges such as growing health concerns, caregiving needs, isolation, and so much more. Increased physical and mental health challenges mean greater costs, therefore amplifying the need for affordable housing as folks age.  Not only that, but the increasingly high cost of living becomes even more difficult to manage for seniors who are retired and living on a fixed income. This means older adults must make tough decisions about how to pay for basic needs like food, health care, and housing.  According to a 2023 Harvard Study, Nearly 11.2 million older adult households were cost burdened in 2021, an all-time high and a significant increase from the 9.7 million and 8.8. million recorded in 2016 and 2011, respectively. When folks are cost burdened, it means they pay more than 30% of their income for housing.*Across CommonBond, the average resident income for seniors 55 and older is $18,062. Compare that to $59,428, the average annual salary across the United States as of 2024 (forbes.com)*. The need for affordable senior housing in our communities is loud and clear, and CommonBond is proud to provide The Lumin as a deliberate effort to answer this call.Located at the intersection of Cretin and Bohland avenues, the building includes a community room, a wellness room, and bike storage. There will also be an Advantage Services Coordinator to provide services and programming for residents, including those in the seven units dedicated for seniors who have experienced homelessness.We are pleased to offer affordable homes for seniors in the Highland Park neighborhood. Thank you to Minnesota Housing, the City of Saint Paul, Ramsey County, the Saint Paul Public Housing Agency, Enterprise Community Partners, LHB Architects, and Ryan Companies, who helped make The Lumin possible!*Housing Americas Older Adults 2023 Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University*forbes.com/advisor/business/average-salary-by-state  

Your senior loved one's safety is a top priority. Fire safety is an important topic, and all seniors should be aware of it. Knowing the basics and how to prevent fires can save lives and property damage, so seniors need to understand the dangers associated with fire and take steps to protect themselves from potential risks.  Fire safety basics seniors need to start by understanding the basics of fire. To start and continue burning, fire needs three things: oxygen, heat, and fuel. A fire can start quickly when these elements are present in the right amounts and conditions. Fires spread rapidly when given an opportunity, so seniors need to have a plan in place if one were to occur.SMOKE ALARMS:Smoke alarms are one of the most critical fire safety devices for seniors. All homes must have working smoke alarms installed on every floor and bedroom.  Smoke alarms should be tested monthly to ensure they are working properly, and the batteries should be changed at least once a year.  Fire Extinguishers Fire extinguishers are another essential tool in a fire safety plan. Every home should have at least one fire extinguisher that is easy to access and in good working order.  Seniors need to know how to use the extinguisher correctly, so they can safely put out small fires before they become larger ones. FIRE ESCAPE PLAN:Creating and practicing a fire escape plan can ensure a senior's safety in the event of an emergency. Seniors should develop an evacuation route that includes two ways out of each room, such as windows or doors, and designate a meeting spot outside where everyone can meet up once they are safely out of the home. FIRE PREVENTION TIPS:There are several steps seniors can take to prevent fires in their homes. ELECTRICAL SAFETY: Electricity can be dangerous and cause fires in any home. To prevent electrical fires, seniors should: make sure that all outlets and wiring are up-to-date and safe  keep cords away from high-traffic areas where they could become damaged or worn out over time never overload an outlet with too many appliances, and always unplug small appliances when not in use.COOKING SAFETY:Cooking can also be a source of fire in the home. To prevent cooking fires, seniors should never leave food unattended on the stove or oven and always keep flammable items away from heat sources such as stoves or grills. All appliances should be properly maintained and regularly cleaned to avoid grease buildup that could start a fire.  HEATING SAFETY:Heating sources such as furnaces, stoves, and fireplaces can be a fire hazard. To prevent fires from these sources, seniors should always keep flammable items away from heat sources. Chimneys or vents should be regularly inspected and cleaned to avoid the buildup that could start a fire.SMOKING SAFETY: Smoking also causes house fires. To prevent fires caused by smoking, seniors should always use large, deep ashtrays and never leave lit cigarettes unattended.  Make sure that cigarettes are entirely extinguished before disposing of them in an ashtray or garbage can.SENIORS HELPERS ROSEVILLE CARES:Knowing the basics of fire safety and how to prevent fires can save lives and property damage. If your senior loved one in St. Paul, Roseville, New Brighton, Shoreview, or North Oaks, MN, needs assistance with daily tasks and safety basics, Senior Helpers can help. Contact us today to learn more about our services.  You can reach us at 651-800-4163 or visit our website at www.seniorhelpers.com/mn/roseville/

Fall is upon us, and winter is following close behind. That being said, more often than not, windows are now being closed and more people, including seniors, are spending time inside their homes with less exposure to fresh air. So, with less fresh air circulating through the home, and less time outside, improving the air quality inside the home becomes increasingly important.  Here are some suggestions to help improve the air quality inside your senior's home as the weather changes in St. Paul, New Brighton, Shoreview, and North Oaks, MN.Change the Air Conditioning FilterIt may seem obvious, and perhaps even a touch cliche, but, changing your air conditioning filter can make a huge difference in the air quality of your home in St. Paul and New Brighton, and that of your senior. The air conditioning system cycles through the air in the home continually, filtering out common pollutants as it does so, increasing the air quality in your home.  The issue arises, however, when the air filter becomes clogged, and the air that moves through can no longer be filtered or cleaned. When that occurs, the air quality in the home drops considerably, allowing for allergens and other toxins to remain in the air. It is also a good idea to check other filters in the house, such as the vacuum and the clothes dryer, to ensure that all filters contribute to good quality air in your home and that of your senior.Check Your Air DuctsThe air ducts in your home are responsible for the flow of all of the warm and cold air, distributing air throughout the home. Ducts that are not properly installed or maintained can collect dust, dirt, particles, and even small insects. This can tremendously decrease the quality of the air in your home and that of your senior. It is wise to have ducts cleaned by a professional on a routine basis to ensure that they are as clean and properly maintained as possible. This helps keep the good air quality in your home in Shoreview and North Oaks and keeps you and your senior safe and healthy.Keep Rugs and Carpets CleanBelieve it or not, your rugs and carpets collect a great deal of dust and debris in your home. Whether it is from people walking over it, particles in the air or particles hung in the humidity in your home, your carpets and rugs collect a plethora of particles. Its essential to vacuum and have carpets cleaned periodically to help eradicate some of the dust and particles in the air. Ensure the Best Indoor Air Quality for Your SeniorThere are many ways to maintain the best air quality in your home so you can enhance the overall health and well-being of everyone living there as the weather is starting to grow colder. And you dont have to do it alone.  Senior Helpers of Roseville, which serves Roseville and the surrounding areas of St. Paul, New Brighton, Shoreview, and North Oaks, helps your senior age in place, providing companion services to support your senior every day. As companions for your senior, they can help to work with you to implement solutions to help your senior be happy, healthy, and thrive in their home. This includes helping ensure steps are taken to improve the air quality in their home as the weather changes. Contact us today to learn how we can best support you and your senior loved ones at any time of the year.  Call us today at 651-414-9131 or visit our website at https://www.seniorhelpers.com/mn/roseville/