Nebraska - East, Iowa - West

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.

Dementia isnt one specific disease; instead, the term describes a collection of symptoms that a person may experience if they are living with one of a variety of diseases. Here is a look at four of the most common types of dementia. We also explore how joining the right support group could be a huge benefit for a family member or caregiver.Types of dementia and what to expect from eachBelow are some facts from the Mayo Clinic and Alzheimers Association concerning four of the most common types of progressive and non-reversible dementia:Alzheimers diseaseThis is the most common cause of dementia and may contribute to 60-70% of all cases. Although not all causes of this disease are known, experts do know that a small percentage are related to changes in three genes. These gene changes can be passed down from parent to child.People with Alzheimers disease have plaques and tangles in their brains. Plaques are clumps of a protein called beta-amyloid. Tangles are fibrous masses made up of tau protein. Its thought that these clumps damage healthy brain cells and the fibers connecting them.Vascular dementiaThis type of dementia is caused by damage to the vessels that supply blood to the brain. Blood vessel problems can cause stroke or affect the brain in other ways, such as by damaging the fibers in the white matter of the brain.The most common symptoms of vascular dementia include problems with problem-solving, slowed thinking, and loss of focus and organization. These changes in thinking skills tend to be more noticeable than memory loss and sometimes occur suddenly after a stroke. Approximately 5-10% of those living with dementia only have vascular dementia. More commonly, vascular dementia is part of mixed dementia.Lewy body dementia (LBD)Lewy bodies are balloon-like clumps of protein. They have been found in the brains of people with Lewy body dementia, Alzheimers disease and Parkinsons disease. Common symptoms include acting out dreams in sleep and seeing things that arent there, known as visual hallucinations. Symptoms also include problems with focus and attention, as well as slow movement, tremors, and stiffness, known as parkinsonism.Researchers have not yet identified any specific causes of dementia with Lewy bodies. Most people diagnosed with LBD have no family history of the disorder, and no genes linked to LBD have been conclusively identified.Frontotemporal dementia (FTD)This is a group of diseases characterized by the breakdown of nerve cells and their connections in the brains frontal lobes (the areas behind your forehead) and the temporal lobes (the regions behind your ears). These areas are associated with personality, behavior and language. Common symptoms affect behavior, personality, thinking, judgment, language, and movement.This type of dementia was once called Picks disease. Most people with FTD are diagnosed in their 40s to early 60s.Getting support from others dealing with the same challengesNo matter which of the types of dementia a loved one is facing, the entire family is affected. Finding a support group with others dealing with the same challenges can be an invaluable source of support for you and your loved ones. In a group, participants share experiences, offer suggestions for caring, and provide an invaluable sounding board.It may take time before you feel completely comfortable sharing in a group. As you begin to realize your problems are not unique though, you most likely will begin to feel at ease discussing your experiences. In addition, it can be easier to speak with those in the same situation than it is with other family members or friends. Be patient as you find the group that is right for you.Memory care communities can be an excellent sourceFor outstanding information, support, and the knowledge that you are not alone, finding a support group in a memory care community is a wise choice. The environment is safe and comfortable, and you will be surrounded by those who can help you improve your coping skills, as well as give you a sense of control over your familys situation.At Heritage Memory Care communities, we know firsthand how difficult it is to care at home for a senior with memory challenges. We also know that helping them transition to living in a long-term care community can be hard on you as well as on them.Heritage Memory Care communities are certified and always adhere to the guidelines of the Alzheimers Association. While ourservices are what you expect and requireof your trusted team of caregivers, we always strive to exceed your expectations. Were here to help. We will listen, support, encourage and provide information.To support ourMemory Carefamily members, we offer:Monthly support group meetings for family membersOne-on-one meetings with an HC social worker or HC care team leaderRegular communications and updates about your loved oneConference calls, Zoom calls, or in-person meetings with important third-party advisors (PCPs, financial planners, attorneys, etc.)Memory Care at Heritage Communities is exceptional in many ways. Wed love to tell you more.We get to know, and love, each of our memory care residents. Download our free guide, The Family Decision Toolkit. Or contact us today 402-614-522 to learn more or schedule a tour.

ToHaving a good memory is important after all, it helps make us who we are. We rely on our memory for everything from recollecting a fond childhood memory to remembering where we left our keys. Memory helps us do everyday tasks, like remembering how to work the TV remote to cooking our favorite meals. Our memory also helps provide us with a sense of self and a lifetime of experiences.Forgetfulness is a normal part of aging, according to theNational Institute on Aging, and memory problems become more common with age. Some folks have a memory issue, such as Alzheimers disease or another type of dementia, that requiresmemory support servicesdue to more significant, frequent lapses of memory. While other people have occasional trouble remembering where they put their cell phone, for example, or temporarily forget what day it is now and then.Although, as previously stated, memory loss is a normal part of aging, its important to continue to do brain exercises for seniors, like memory games, to work your memory muscles. Why? Because just like how your body needs exercise to stay healthy, your brain needs a regular workout too.What are Memory Games?Memory games are fun activities that help improve your ability to retain information that you have recently learned, and to recall that information later.Why Memory Games Are BeneficialResearchers are still working to understand the full benefits of brain games when it comes to memory. Astudy of 221 people ages 60 to 90found that older adults who learn new skills showed measurable improvements in their memory.Some of the main benefits of memory exercises for seniors (or brain games) include:Brain exercises are designed to help sharpen your thinking skills. Playing a memory improvement game challenges your brain to helpprevent memory problemsand improve brain function just 15 minutes a day is all it takes to improve the function of your brain.Thesocial interactionof playing games can also help reduce isolation, stress, and depression.Memory games allow you to fully immerse yourself in the moment so you stay in the present.Brain exercise games can help you to learn new skills.Perhaps most importantly, games are so much fun that you will want to spend time playing them.5 Types of Games That Can Help Improve MemoryLooking to improve your memory? Try the following senior brain games and exercises.1. Crossword PuzzlesCrossword puzzles are excellent memory exercises for seniors that test your vocabulary and knowledge of art, science, and modern culture. You can choose to do crossword puzzles in a traditional format, such as the newspaper or paperback book, or opt for an online puzzle either way, focus on challenging crossword puzzles that keep your brain engaged.2. ChessChess is an intellectually challenging game that requires a good short-term memory to analyze the board and to create a strategy; a good memory of your opponents past moves helps you anticipate their next move.3. SudokuYou play sudoku on a grid of 9 x 9 spaces, which is further divided into nine squares of 3 x 3 spaces. You place a number from 1 to 9 in each of the spaces in such a way that you do not repeat any of the numbers within any row, column or square. Successfully completing the game requires you to keep a large quantity of numbers in your head while you mentally place them on the grid.4. ConcentrationThis old card game still works wonders when it comes to improving your memory. Simply lay any number of cards face down on a table; flip two up at a time to try to make a match of card suits or numbers. Make it more challenging by laying the cards out in a messier arrangement, which makes it harder to remember where the cards were.5. Online Games for MemorySeveral websites, such asLumosity, offer games that can help you improve your memory. Other sites offer online versions of traditional games, such asAARPs daily crossword puzzle, memory matching games similar to Concentration fromMemozor, andWebsudokos sudoku.Exercises and Outdoor Activities Can Help Improve Memory for SeniorsPhysical activities especially those outdoors can help boost your memory power.Research shows that regular aerobic exercise that gets your heart pumping can actually increase the size of your hippocampus, which is the part of your brain responsible for verbal memory and learning. Exercising outdoors, even in the cold, can also improve your memory and attention.Outdoor activities and exercises beneficial for memory include:Walking research shows walking outdoors can improve short-term memory by as much as 20 percentGardening any gardening activity with low-to-moderate intensity, such as growing a vegetable garden, improves levels of memory-related proteins in the brainDay trips going for a drive strengthens your memory by enticing you to recollect details of the last time you traveled, challenges you to chart your course, and stimulates your senses

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!