Nebraska - East, Iowa - West

To learn more aboutRemington Heights, CLICK HERE.While life has certainly changed for all of us with the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States, the residents and associates at Remington Heights Senior Living Community are making the best of it and staying optimistic. Our No. 1 priority is the health, safety and comfort of our residents. We have been following protocols from the CDC, state and local governing agencies since March 9.To limit our residents exposure to COVID-19, we have implemented these safeguards:We screen all associates at the start of their shift, including taking their temperature.Associates are wearing face masks.New move-ins must be asymptomatic, have a negative Covid test result, and follow the same isolation guidelines as our residents.Intentional infection prevention and protocols and enhanced staff training include frequent cleaning and disinfecting.Doors are secured 24/7.We are observing full visitor restrictions.Residents are served their selected mealResidents are encouraged to be at a safe distance from others while wearing a face mask while out in our common spaces.We are aiding communication with family members by cell phones, computer apps, Zoom, Facetime, Skype, One Day videos and other creative means.We are also continually monitoring and following additional guidance from the CDC and state and local health departments.We help facilitate window visits in our auditorium for families to visit and see their loved one, and courtyard visits for families to visit in person with social distancing being practiced.Our residents also especially like the efforts we are making to connect them with their loved ones over video calls such as FaceTime. One of our sweet ladies was able to see her great-grandbabies, during a Facetime visit.We are so thankful that during this critical time our staffing remains consistent. This is a testament to all the incredible group of caring, committed associates that work for us who are living our mission, vision and values each day.For example, staff members are going on grocery runs for our residents. Our staff keep the residents engaged with Root Beer Float carts, Wacky Wednesday, and having entertainers perform outside their windows.Its just the little things that go a long way, and faith over fear, shared Cortney Hartz, Marketing Director.Our residents say it best, though.I am extremely fortunate to be at Remington Heights, said resident Assisted Living resident. Through this virus crisis, everyone is caring, attentive, helpful and kind. I feel safe with the precaution measures, and I am thankful to be here!

Many adult children in the US live far away from their parents. Managing aging parents or in-law medical events can be a serious challenge without proper preparation and understanding of what your parents' wishes may or may not be, no matter where you live. Do you know what legal documentation your parents have in place regarding their medical care? Do they have advance directives that can help guide your medical decision-making process? Do you and your spouse openly discuss the situations of each other's parents?Medical advancements increase the longevity for aging Americans, even those with comorbidities such as high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, atrial fibrillation, and other health issues. Hospitals can typically fix non-life-threatening conditions easily enough, but what happens when a parent is released to return home? Are you prepared? Is there a plan? Many adult children tend to practice avoidance, denial, and wishful thinking regarding their aging parents potential medical crisis. It is advisable to organize and prepare for the health changes that inevitably come as your parents age.More than ever, seniors are choosing to live independently and with autonomy regarding their life decisions. Even if your parents are in a well-run continuing care retirement community, there will come a day when their health will force a change in their lifestyle and living arrangements. Many parents will resist "help," which they may view to be interference. Whether they believe they are being a burden to you or they decline a geriatric care manager's services due to cost concerns, most older people do not want others interfering in their private affairs.The goal is to find a way to help while still affording your parents the dignity and respect they want and deserve. To achieve a comprehensive plan on your parents' behalf, travel to them for an honest discussion. If this is not possible due to COVID-19 restrictions, then virtual meetings are best, followed by phone calls.Review what legal paperwork your parents have and make sure it is in order. Many documents have a signature from many years ago, and things may have changed. The main health care related documents that should be kept current are the health care power of attorney, HIPAA and an advance directive/living will. If these documents have not been reviewed in at least 10 years, it is recommended that you call our office to set up a free consultation.Create an up-to-date list of all your parents' doctors. The list should include medical contact information and all medicines (prescription or otherwise) that they take. Post-hospital fog and newly prescribed medications from an adverse health event can create confusion in an older parent. Ask about the parameters for health care intervention, such as dialysis and post-hospital during the time of COVID-19.Explain to your parents that being released from a hospital for a non-life-threatening, yet serious health episode is usually followed by the need for a care manager, at-home nursing care, or companion care. This additional care should not fall to a spouse if the parents live together. A spouse has their own unique role to fill as well as personal health challenges with which to contend. Heaping an increased responsibility for spousal health care upon them may be damaging to their own well-being.Before an unforeseen medical crisis can occur, identify several qualified agencies in your parents' hometown. Review each agency and candidate carefully. It is easier to integrate a suitable candidate at the outset than having the chaos of retaining and releasing multiple workers. Remember that a candidate who works for one parent may not be another parent's preference in the future. Maintain a strong relationship with the agency provider. They are an essential resource, and you will probably need them in the future.Take the time to learn the specifics of your parents' healthcare and living arrangements. Coordinating your plan of response is contingent upon whether your parents live independently, in assisted living, or in a retirement community. Wherever it is your parents live, their first desire will likely be to go home after an unexpected hospitalization. The desire to return home is a universal truth. Knowing the agencies that can quickly provide the type of care your parent needs in their home setting will go a long way towards a successful transition. The road to recovery may require a few weeks of nurse visits, physical or occupational therapists, or simply companionship. The faster you can meet the need, the easier it will be on your parent.If a full recovery is not possible, what will be your plan to address the new status of their normal? How much more medical oversight and assistance will they require? Know that in these instances, a parent can quickly spend through Medicare allotments afforded for temporary care. If they do not have long-term care, and many aging Americans do not, you will have to find ways to help them receive the care that they require.If there are multiple adult children, is there an expectation that all siblings share information and work on the problems at hand, or is one in charge? Is this designation formally documented? Managing sibling relationships is key to avoiding family conflict. Also, understand your parents' financial arrangements. It is likely that your parents will ask about the cost of any new healthcare service being arranged and decline using it. It is hard for a parent to spend down the money they worked their entire life to amass.Knowing your parents' aging strategies will not address every issue you might encounter because they may not have all the necessary decisions and documents in order. You can only work within the authority they choose to provide. As attorneys, we can help identify gaps in their planning and recommend ways to fill those gaps so everyone can have peace of mind. If youd like to discuss ways we can help, please dont hesitate to reach out.

Caring for someone with dementia can be mentally draining and physically exhausting. If you are providing the bulk of care for a loved one especially if your loved one has dementia you may be experiencing these feelings.Caregiver burnout is a very real problem. Its well documented that over time, your physical and mental health will suffer as a result of everything youre taking on. Your situation may not be sustainable over a long period of time and could ultimately be dangerous for you and the person you are caring for. There are many symptoms of caregiver burnout. Here are a few of the most serious.Lack of SleepOften, someone who suffers from dementia has an irregular sleep cycle. This can lead to a lack of sleep and rest for the caregiver as well. You may also not be sleeping because youre worried your loved one will wander out of the home or take a fall and hurt themselves if youre not constantly watching them. Not getting enough sleep can affect your mood, memory and health in really surprising ways. According to Johns Hopkins researchers, sleep deprivation can lead to your own risk for dementia!Health ProblemsWhen you spend the majority of time caring for others, caring for yourself takes a hit! A lack of attention to your own needs can lead to negative changes in your own health maybe youve been missing regular checkups, or other important screenings like a mammogram or prostate exam and more. Perhaps you arent spending enough time addressing your mental health. The link between mental and physical health has been well documented. Depression can cause real physical ailments such as back pain, irritable bowel syndrome and even make you more susceptible to strokes and certain types of cancer! Please keep these things in mind and remember: there is a reason that flight attendants tell you to put on your mask first before you help others you cant effectively help your loved one unless you help yourself first.Financial StrainMost often, undertaking a caregiving role is unpaid with no benefits. If you must or choose to devote yourself full-time to your loved one, you probably dont have another paying job OR you may be working irregular hours to manage a part time job as well as your caregiving duties in order to get by. According to the AARP, caregivers spend on average 20% of their income on caregiving expenses. This includes home modifications, medications, insurance premiums, additional food and personal supplies and more .Financial stress has a costly impact on your health, relationships and more.AngerLets be honest, the difficulties of caring for someone else can make you frustrated and angry at times. This is a normal, typical emotion. Particularly if you are new to your role and have lots to learn about the disease, you may find yourself feeling extra frustrated with your loved one are they faking this? Why are they so stubborn? Cant they remember? First, dont beat yourself up. What you are doing is hard. Acknowledge your feelings, forgive yourself for feeling anger and know you arent alone. It may be helpful to talk to a friend or therapist or to commiserate with other caregivers at a support group.IsolationSometimes the pivot to becoming a caregiver involves leaving socializing with friends, hobbies and relaxing behind because you feel that instead of focusing on maintaining relationships and experiencing joy yourself, you must prioritize your caregiving tasks. Withdrawing from the things you love can cause you to become lonely and isolated. Its absolutely pertinent that you take time for yourself and do things that bring you joy. Whether its practicing yoga, going for a run, getting dinner or drinks with a friend, crafting or even just taking a drive by yourself please prioritize yourself and your well-being. You are important too. Taking advantage of respite care may be helpful to you. Many communities, including The Meriwether, offer temporary or respite stays so you can travel or simply take a break. Or seeking help from others inside your home could be an option to pursue.If youre experience any of the things mentioned above, we encourage you to ask for help. There are tools and resources available including:Online ResourcesOrganizations such as the Alzheimers Association, AARPand the Family Caregiver Alliance all offer lists of tips and resources to consider. Click on each below to be taken directly to information on resources each organization provides.Alzheimers AssociationAARPFamily Caregiver AllianceSupport GroupsCheck out whats available in your local area. Click on each link below.Alzheimers Association Resource FinderFamily Caregiver AllianceHome CareGetting some help inside your home may provide you some relief. The Home Care Association of America has a search function on their website and could be a good place to start.If none of the options above work for you, know that trained memory care professionals are often better equipped to help with those with memory loss. If memory care is something that youre looking to explore,reach out to our team about what help and support we may be able to provide to you!

As both a member of the Agemark management team and a daughter of nearly-90-year-olds in senior housing, my perspective during this unprecedented time of a national pandemic is unique. Here are all the reasons why Im grateful.Professional oversight is 24/7I have wonderful siblings. One lives three states away; two of them are RNs, with years of elderly patient experience. Only two of us could reach my parents within 45 minutes when called upon, depending on the weather and other obstacles. But because were all still working theres no way any of us can make the daily visual checks theyre getting now from Community staff.It gives me incredible peace of mind to know that a caring professional will respond to my folks in minutes, whether its an emergency or not, and let me know if they observe any troubling changes.I know my folks are safeSafety is a priority at my parents senior living community. In addition to all the regular protocols for cleanliness and safety procedures, I know the staff are following all the recommended guidelines to protect my parents from unsafe conditions and disease transmission, including exposure to coronavirus.Communication is so much betterMy dad has early dementia; my mom does not. One cannot tell me and the other doesnt want to tell me everything thats going on. Neither has gotten the hang of email or cell phones or texting, so when I need information, I know I can contact someone at the community and get an immediate response with objective, professional insight.In addition to this access, I appreciate the regular emails, letters and phone calls from the Communitys management especially regarding updates to its COVID-19 precautions.They still have places to go, people to see!If my parents were still living at home, their leisure activity options would be severely limited now with the threat of COVID-19. Access to a well-rounded activity program is a Godsend, and I love that theyre getting extra exercise every time they walk down the hall to join a Bible study or use the NuStep. More than once my mom has said, If we hadnt moved in when we did, I think I would have been in a wheelchair by now.Now that they cant go to church or invite non-resident friends to a bridge game, Im even more grateful that my parents Community is showing movies, streaming worship services, planning extra Bingo games, rotating library books, and so much more. In a good congregate setting, social distancing does not have to mean social disengagement.Services are even more important nowLaundry, housekeeping, nutritious meals, medication delivery, transportation my siblings and I had cobbled together good people to provide delivery of these services to my parents when they were still living at home. But there were gaps. For example, help with grocery shopping didnt ensure a well-rounded menu. And when it came to transportation, we uneasily accepted the fact that our parents were still driving.What a relief now to know that Community management will not only ensure these services but has systems in place to meet quality standards. This includes background checks and providing substitutes when employees cannot fill their shift. In this time of pandemic, it is critical that my mom and dad have the consistent and reliable services that can only be provided by a senior living community environment.