Country Meadows of Hershey

Dont Fear the Forecast: Making the Winter Wonderland a Safe Community for Seniors By Chris Krichten, Executive Director of Risk and Life Safety There is something magical about winter weather, and a special kind of excitement and anticipation that comes with an impending snowstorm. These weather events trigger the mind to go back to snow days, sledding hills and ski trips all the fun stuff! However, as we age, the priorities around snow days shift. The conversation takes a turn to snow removal, reorganizing travel or rescheduling appointments. The colder temperatures and icy conditions call for extra care and preparations, especially when we are trying to create a safe community for seniors. Lets not fear the forecast! Winter is meant to be enjoyed. Here are some tips for staying active, comfortable and confident as possible before, during and after the storm. Pull out the Winter Wardrobe With our campuses in Pennsylvania and Maryland, season after season, our community for seniors has seen the weather be unpredictable. However, we are prepared for whatever temperatures come our way. We have to be when recently weve seen it be 50 degrees one weekend and 15 degrees the next. The key to staying warm and your first winter safety defense is in your closet! Dress in layers and select coats, hats, gloves and scarves that insulate the heat. Watch Your Step If you must go outside, wear non-slip shoes and boots that improve traction. Snow and ice can make walking more challenging. Be mindful and take smaller steps and use handrails, if available, when walking on slippery surfaces. Assistive devices such as a cane or walking stick could also provide reassurance and help the senior feel more stable and confident getting to where they need to be. Build a Winter Weather Kit of the Real Essentials Everyone makes a run to the store for bread, milk and eggs. While these groceries are helpful, think about other essentials you use and need on a daily basis and build your own winter emergency kit. This includes prescription medications and pet supplies, for example. Also consider thinking through what would happen if you lost power. Essentials then include extra blankets, flashlights with batteries and gallons of water. In this kit, add a list of family and important contacts just in case cell phone batteries run low. You just never know! Make the Indoors Safe and Cozy It is equally important to keep homes and apartments safe in the winter. A common culprit that can create unsafe conditions inside is the space heater. Following manufacturing instructions and keeping the area around the space heater clean and uncluttered are good first steps to limit the risk of this helpful. A Winter-Safe Community for Seniors takes a Team Effort Now is the time to take care of each other. If you are senior, reach out to a trusted neighbor, friend or family member and let them know your winter weather plans and ask them to check in or help with snow removal or what you might need. If you are family member worried about your loved one, help them plan and encourage them to take the necessary steps to put their safety first. In our campus community for seniors, we place the health and safety of residents above all else and we want everyone to enjoy the beauty of the winter wonderland without worries. For additional resources and tips for winter storm preparedness, visit the American Red Cross Winter Storm Safety guide, the National Weather Services Winter Preparation Check List or the FEMA winter preparedness site  #WinterReady | Ready.gov. If this winter season has been a wakeup call and it may be time to move into a community for seniors that takes care of most, if not all, of the winter safety concerns, I encourage you to reach out to our local advisors to start the conversation of how we may be able to help you or your loved one. Stay safe out there!

The feelings that an older adult experiences at the onset of dementia and memory lossnamely frustration, anxiety, and fearare also felt by family members. And just as the person with dementia depends on sources of comfort, security and consolation, that individuals family often requires support, as well. Families need to understand what their loved ones are going through and how to add quality to their lives and cope with these changes. And, if families feel they cant care for them on their own, this is understandable and acceptable. Thats when they may need guidance in selecting a memory support program.Though the rate of progression varies, widely, those with Alzheimers disease on average live eight to 10 years after their diagnosis, but some survive 20 years or more. The Mayo Clinic advises, It is best to have a support plan. Country Meadows Retirement Communities has developed a free 16-page guide, Understanding Dementias Effects on Your Loved One and Family to assist with discussing and deciding what is best for your family and situation. The topics include the following:Understanding the different levels of memory lossSetting expectations as a caregiver and tips for supporting your loved oneEnjoying successful visits with a loved one with dementia Helping children understand and cope with the change Limiting or stopping drivingPlanning for legal and financial implicationsDetermining if and when it is time for a memory support program and if so, evaluating your options  To get our free guide, stop by one of our communities or visit us online at CountryMeadows.com/Dementia. And you can always just give us a call to ask a question. Were here to help.

By: Joel Kroft, Executive Director of Memory Support Services Joel has worked Country Meadows Retirement Community for more than 20 years, specializing in dementia care. Today he oversees programming in the Connections Memory Support Services neighborhoods at all 9 campuses and our non-profit sister campus, Ecumenical Retirement Community. His education and professional background focuses on developmental psychology, adult development and aging. The Five Love Languages have integrated their way into popular culture and are tools in helping us answer the question: How do we love people well? As established in the New York Times best seller The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman, the ways people express and receive love include: Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts and Physical Touch. Age, gender and health do not seem to impact these five guides, as you can reference the principles outlined in the book when raising children or even starting a relationship. What about when you are trying to connect with a spouse or understanding the behavior of a family member who is requiring memory care support? How do you love well when a world is feeling like it has flipped upside down after receiving news of a dementia diagnosis? What should you do when memory care and doctors appointments are all-consuming? Why are the unpredictable moods and behaviors of the disease making things so hard? Remember: Love languages evolve. Memory care can change communication and connection, but that love you have for your spouse, partner or family member doesnt disappear. Regardless of the progression of a loved ones memory loss, the love and friendship that brought you together in the first place is there it may just look a little different now. Ill share an example of a husband who attended one of our Dementia Live events: an activity we host at Country Meadows Retirement Communities that simulates the sensory experience of someone living with memory loss for staff training and family education. During these sessions, we walk participants through scenarios and offer tools and solutions so they can better understand the disease that is affecting their loved one. This gentleman was discouraged because his wife, who was receiving memory care services in our community, was no longer recognizing him. We offered an idea: during his next visit, bring a photograph of himself as a young man, from when they were early married. Lead with that photo when entering her apartment and see what happens. To the husbands great joy, his wife recognized him, and they had a special moment of connection together. When one spouse is not experiencing memory loss, that can be incredibly difficult to relate so its all about understanding your partner and being creative to make the most out of each interaction. The example I just described tapped into the emotional response. It can be draining on spouses who are always re-introducing themselves when their partner forgets them. By coming forward with the image of his younger self, he let the photo do the talking. As memory care needs evolve, the residents verbal expressions tend to decrease. What this spouse did was make the effort to understand where his wife was now and what she needed. It wasnt easy and that moment of recognition may have been short-lived but in that moment, love won. Rather than focusing on what has been lost or needs to change, this example also demonstrates that love can show up in new and meaningful ways when translating the Five Love Languages to loved ones with memory loss. Words of Affirmation Words have a different effect on an individual receiving memory care-but words still matter! According to the Alzheimers Society, depending on the type and stage of the disease, the part of the brain that controls language is damaged, meaning the processing of spoken words can be delayed or impossible because words are jumbled. This is a hard part of the progression for spouses, because the resident cant say the words back or the sentiment is seemingly not returned. This should not discourage you from saying sincere words and greetings because the feelings are felt. Words of affirmation and love provide reassurance. They may need to be repeated often, but with a compassionate tone and delivery, words can actually translate into comfort and safety. Quality Time Visits going from doing things together to simply being together can be an adjustment for spouses and family members as they learn the evolved preferences of their loved one. For example, if the family is accustomed to shopping trips and game nights, now, those activities could be too stimulating or just not feasible due to the physical and emotional toll this may have on a loved one. Now, the main activity could be sharing a cup of coffee or bopping along to a favorite song. This shifts the expectation to being fully present-also an expression of love. If you need more ideas, check out these suggestions for successful visits with a loved one in a memory care neighborhood. Acts of Service When memory care responsibilities take over, the dynamic often turns from being a spouse to being a caretaker. This tends to be the primary love language given and received as dementia progresses. Between managing medication, supporting daily routines and preparing meals, caregiving days can feel like Groundhogs Day. That is when it is critical to remember that these tasks are acts of love and devotion. Even hiring a professional caregiver to assist you or moving into a retirement community to share in the care are still ways you are honoring your loved one and your caregiver role. Physical Touch Holding hands or embracing in a gentle hug are our bodies ways of grounding and reassuring safety and comfort. When words tend to fail, a simple touch communicates presence. Being mindful of comfort level on a particular day and boundaries is important in making the most out of this interaction. Remember the example I shared about the husband who was not being recognized. Imagine if he walked in beaming with physical affection and went in for a kiss. His wife could spiral into confusion and become agitated because this stranger is making advances. In his example, having him extend a handshake first or go in for a kind hand-hold is an appropriate touch that demonstrates his affections and intentions at a slow and comfortable pace for the resident. Gift-Giving Consider gifts that spark reminiscing or familiarity. As the progression of the disease advances, surprises are much less welcome. A family photo album, cozy sweater or blanket make for thoughtful and useful gifts that bring a sense of calm or comfort. Another element of memory care is that it is important to remember that cognitively your loved ones may not be interested in the things they once were. For example, someone who previously appreciated fancy handbags may be in the stage of the disease where they are benefiting from Nurture Therapy activities such as caring for a baby doll or stuffed animal. Another thoughtful gift for someone in this stage could be a stuffed animal that resembles the family dog or accessories for the baby doll. This can be a difficult aspect of the disease for loved ones and family members, but what we hope family members recognize is that the resident is drawing back to a time of her life filled great purpose and love. Need some gift ideas: Good Housekeeping outlined helpful gifts for people for every stage of dementia. Love that Adapts is Still Love The expressions may look different, but in the end, its still love. A steadfast, loyal and comforting companion is no match for this diagnosis! By meeting the spouse where he or she is at along the memory care journey, you are just reshaping and reconnecting the foundational elements that has built your beautiful love story this far. Want to know something else thats specialthere is still so much to know and learn from each other! Caregivers Deserve Care, Too Being a caregiver of a spouse with a dementia diagnosis can be challenging in its own way as you are mixed with your own unmet needs, experiencing grief of things that seem lost or even feeling lonely. Seeking support, taking breaks and managing your own mindset and expectations can provide important moments care for the caregiver. Please know that taking a breath for you and making space for your emotions are not a sign of weakness or not loving or appreciating your loved one! Country Meadows offers a variety of support groups for family caregivers and even specific to spouses with our Still Us network, and even the Dementia Live trainings to encourage caregivers and foster a sense of community. Contact a campus community near you for a full schedule of upcoming caregiver support activities.

Youve got a Dementia Friend in Me: How to Create a Safe and Supportive Memory Care Community Suzanne Hoffman has worked at Country Meadows for five years and has been involved with the senior population for more than 10 years. She holds a degree in Healthcare Administration, earned a Personal Home Care Administrator license and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, a Dementia Friends Champion and Dementia Live instructor. Suzanne uses her career experience and professional certifications to educate, empower and support families, residents and members of the community by giving them the tools and knowledge they need to help loved ones be successful on their dementia journey. One of the most critical supports in dementia care is the memory care community of family members and friends who stand by their loved one, advocate for their needs, develop the ability to understand their new cues and walk with the resident every step of their journey. This is not an easy role to play and the road can be long and difficult, but it makes a world of difference in the quality of life and experiences of the individual with the dementia diagnosis. Why? Dementia is a journey that affects their entire world. Not only does it impact memory, but also perception and the ability to process information. Things that once came easy may now be confusing and overwhelming, or maybe even dangerous. You dont have to be related to someone receiving dementia care to have empathy and provide a safe memory care community. Everyone can do their part to ensure public spaces, such as restaurants, parks, shops and homes promote independence and physical and emotional wellbeing. Dementia Friends is a global network that supports caregivers with a goal of increasing knowledge and decreasing the stigma of dementia. Their mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of people living with dementia and change the way people think, act and talk about dementia. In my role, I work with seniors and show the world how they are more than just their diagnosis. That is what dementia care means to me-genuinely caring about the person and his or her wellbeing. When I get to know my residents likes, dislikes, backgrounds and personalities, they let me into their world and allow me to be their friend, their advocate and their confidant. I encourage residents family members and friends as their loved one proceeds on their dementia journey. I love to share ways their relationships can continue despite the physical and mental changes or challenges they may be facing. Through my training and involvement in Dementia Friends, I have become a Dementia Champion. Meaning, I am certified to train organizations and community members on ways to increase knowledge and support about dementia, in hopes we can decrease the negativity and stigma that currently surrounds the diagnosis and the memory care community. Small actions make a big impact when it comes to creating a memory care community that is dementia friendly. Consider these tips when evaluating ways to make your home, business and community more inclusive for those receiving dementia care: Tips for the Home Home should feel like a warm and safe space. Whether your loved one lives with family or resides in a memory care community, there should be comfort and familiarity in the areas that are called home. Keep furniture, decorations and frequently used personal items and objects in the same place to help trigger memory cues. Fill rooms with bright or natural lights, especially in hallways and staircases. At night, utilize night lights to prevent confusion. Be cognizant of safety hazards and try to declutter when able to avoid fall risks. Consider putting the main decorations on walls and hiding extension cords behind and under furniture. In bathrooms, install safety grab bars or non-slip mats. For kitchens, consider automatic shut-off appliances and securing sharp objects. Add visual cues and labels to frequently accessed areas such as drawers, cabinets and doors to help with navigation and easier completion of tasks. For example, place a picture of a shirt and pants on the closet door. Support routines. Just like most people, individuals requiring dementia care thrive in structure and routine. Installing large font clocks or posting an outline of daily schedules helps with consistency. Tips for Restaurants Train staff to speak clearly and demonstrate a higher level of patience when serving a guest with dementia. If a party discloses the circumstances of a patron, consider placing their table in a less crowded part of the restaurant. Making an accessible menu available that includes photos of entrees. Educate staff on where first aid kits or other emergency essentials would be. Become a Dementia Friendly Business. For families planning a dinner-out with a loved one receiving dementia care, check out these tips to make the experience enjoyable for all. Tips for Parks/Outdoor Experiences Install large font or photos on signage. Consider designating a sensory-friendly area that may be quieter option. Focus on accessibility in the form of smooth walking paths, guard rails for support or fences that clearly define boundaries. Install benches around paths to encourage breaks and relaxation. How to be a Good Memory Care Community Neighbor When you become a Dementia Friend, you are also committing to being a good neighbor. This can include checking on individuals you think might be struggling with dementia, offering support to their family and helping your neighbor with simple tasks, like cleaning or mowing. Some individuals living with dementia might be higher functioning, while others may need extra help all of the time. If you are in a grocery store, retail establishment, restaurant or other public place, keep an eye out for some of these common signs and symptoms so you can lend a helping hand or simply offer patience and respect. Confusion or restlessness Agitation or inappropriate behaviors or action Getting lost in a familiar neighborhood Loss or difficulty doing day-to-day activities Wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather or appearing disheveled Language or communications issues For more early signs and symptoms, visit the Alzheimers Associations website. Dementia Care Support Learning Opportunities at Country Meadows For members of the community and families interested in learning more on how they can best offer dementia care support to their friends, loved ones or even strangers, there are many resources available. There are Dementia Friends organizations in both Pennsylvania and Frederick, Maryland that also share on how you can help strengthen your local memory care community. At Country Meadows, we have certified Dementia Champions who can help you become a Dementia Friend. We offer a program called Dementia Live, an immersive session putting you in the shoes of an individual with dementia. During a Dementia Live session, you get to experience sensory and environmental factors that someone with dementia might struggle with daily. We have had many participants leave the trainings with their eyes opened to the nuanced ways that memory loss seemingly affects everyday abilities. This experience can leave an impact and hopefully assist you in preparing for the future. If you would be interested in participating in a Dementia Live event, please contact an advisor at a campus near you to discuss the next session. Thank you for taking the time to read this post and for supporting your memory care community neighbors. Thats what friends are for, right?!

Lets face it, the holiday season can be hard for many reasons, especially for caregivers of loved ones needing dementia care. A season that is supposed to be filled with happiness and togetherness is often met with hustle and bustle, adjusted routines, change in weather patterns and overall unpredictability that can impact the mood and health of individuals with dementia. That is why during the upcoming holiday seasons more than ever, maintaining holiday traditions matters-no matter how big or small, they can lead to peace, joy, comfort, gratitude and support. Peace Many individuals receiving dementia care struggle with short-term memory, but the long-term emotional memories stay strong. Whether its going outside to watch the falling leaves, hearing a favorite hymn or Christmas carol or smelling the sweet treats baking in the kitchen-these sensory experiences trigger memories, bring peace and allow for recall of details that family members thought were forgotten. Loved ones may not remember an event or how to do something but how they feel will stick with them. Joy The holidays are special. Its that waking up on Christmas morning and knowing that meal thats only served once a meal will be served kind of feeling. These and many other highly anticipated and appreciated holiday happenings are things you never age out of. That is why seasonal activities like handing candy out to trick-or-treaters, decorating a tree, and celebrating spiritual traditions are highlights for residents receiving dementia care in our Connections Memory Support Services neighborhood. These moments spark joy and bring out nearly every residents playful energy that is unique to the season. Comfort While familiarity brings comfort, comfort may also mean having to adapt. Understanding that the loved one receiving dementia care may have different abilities or mobilities doesnt mean the tradition has to fall by the wayside. They may just need to be adjusted to celebrate in the here and now. Meeting residents or family members where they are along their dementia care journey can bring a lot of comfort. Maybe mom used to make the family meal. Now, instead of not making it at all could mom help mash the potatoes or fold the napkins to stay involved? Consider other smaller rituals such as lighting the menorah or saying the prayer before the meal to allow everyone an opportunity to contribute. The elements of these traditions may seem simple but are very meaningful. Gratitude Its easy to focus on what has changed or has been lost as a result of dementia care. What if we focused on connection over perfection? Healing can come in all forms when there is room for flexibility and a renewed sense of gratitude by just being present. The stuff that comes with the holidays will be forgotten, what will stick is the memory of singing songs together, sharing meals, lifting spirits with hugs and laughter. Support Going into the holiday season with a plan can help manage the expectations for the caregiver and their loved one. Eliminating the elements of surprise can reduce behaviors and allow the time and space to fully enjoy each others company. Consider these and other ideas seniors for managing the holidays: Keeping it simple Focus on recreating one or two meaningful activities rather than a full- or multi-day experience. Follow the loved ones lead Plan time for rest and relaxation and schedule happenings around times of day that are often better for your loved one. Encourage participation but also be okay with your loved one wanting to watch the family enjoy the activity. Keep gatherings small To avoid feelings of overwhelm for the your loved one and the caregiver, consider keeping gatherings small and intimate in nature. Preparing guests for how to best interact with their loved one such as explaining they may have to identify themselves a few times can also help in comfortability. Roll with the emotions All the emotions that come with caregiving are normal and will likely be heightened during the holiday season. Ride the emotional waves and seek support. Remember you are not alone. This holiday season, we invite you to embrace the celebrations no matter what form they take this year. Take the opportunity to connect, reflect, reminisce and enjoy all these intangible joys that come with the holidays. Because, as Linus famously said Isnt that what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown Additional Dementia Care and Family and Caregiver Resources At Country Meadows Retirement Communities, we know that a dementia diagnosis or even just a transition into memory care at a retirement community opens a lot of questions, were here to help. Check out our Resource Center for tools to support every family member and every stage of the dementia care journey. Our advisors are another great resource. Contact an advisor at a campus near you to learn how Country Meadows may be able to support your family.

You have probably seen advertisements for senior care referral services promising to find the best retirement community care for you or a loved one at no cost to you. Some of these services even utilize paid celebrity spokespersons to pitch their senior living placement services. However, these services do have a high cost in the form of missed opportunities. It is important for you to understand how these retirement community referral services such as A Place for Mom, Caring.com and SeniorAdvisor work.Some retirement communities pay to playMany retirement community referral services tout their services as free to the consumer, implying the assistance they provide is done as part of a not-for-profit model. This couldnt be further from the case. These retirement community referral services require senior living providers to pay high fees for inclusion on the services list of preferred communities. Many consumers assume, incorrectly, that a services preferred communities are evaluated or rated based on the quality of care provided. Unfortunately, the only reason a senior living facility earns this preferred status is simply that the retirement community has opted to pay a fee. A high fee. If a free service recommends a particular retirement community to you, be sure to do your own research to confirm it truly is the right fit for you or your loved one.Retirement community advisors paid by commissionMany retirement community referral services employ advisors who assist consumers by calling a toll-free phone number seeking help and advice in finding senior care.  According to one referral services website, The advisor will conduct an assessment to gather information on you or your loved ones lifestyle, care needs and budget. The website omits an important piece of information: Advisors are often paid commissions when a caller moves into a recommended retirement community. This encourages advisors to recommend more expensive locations as the cost paid by participating retirement communities is typically one months rent, which may be equivalent to several thousand dollars.It is important to know the qualifications of the person advising you in such an important life decision. Ask the advisor about his/her professional qualifications to truly understand you or your loved ones needs and why he/she recommends a particular retirement community. If the advisor cannot list specific qualifications, you are most likely interacting with a subcontractor whose top concern may not be in your best interest. In fact, these individuals may do more harm than good since the senior living facility suggested might not always be based on your or your loved ones needs, rather driven by the prospective commission fee to be earned. Find out for yourself and ask the advisor how he/she is paid and ask for the individuals qualifications to make recommendations.Quality care in each featured retirement community is not guaranteedWhile the retirement community referral service advisor may seem to care deeply about your personal situation, it is critical to know that this person is doing his/her job. Once the advisor makes retirement community recommendations, arranges tours and assists you in making your final decision, this is where the relationship ends. Most times a free service will not monitor the care received by you or your loved one at the senior living facility. You can take things a step further by asking your advisor if the retirement community referral service carries liability insurance. If he/she asks you to sign a document stating that the retirement community referral service is not liable for the quality of care received at the recommended location, DO NOT use the service.Honesty is more than not lyingWhile conducting research for this article, we called a retirement community referral service for a first-hand experience. When inquiring specifically about a Country Meadows Retirement Communities location, the advisor said, You dont want to go there. They are too expensive. In truth, the three retirement communities the advisor recommended cost more or were the same monthly cost as Country Meadows.