Copper Creek Senior Living

Winter Safety Tips for SeniorsAs the country gets deeper into winter, the risk of health problems and injuries becomes more prevalent, especially in seniors. The following tips will help you avoid hypothermia, frostbite and falls in ice and snow. Should you show signs of hypothermia, frostbite or experience a fall-related injury, call your healthcare provider immediately.Dress smart!All parts of your body should be covered when you go outside in cold weather. Layers insulate your body better than a single article of thick clothing. Consider wearing thermals under your regular clothes. Cover your extremities with a hat, gloves/mittens, and a mask.Winterize your homeYour home should stay above 65 degrees year-round. Ensure external heat sources, such as fireplaces and space heaters, are evaluated for safety annually prior to use. Call an inspector to clean your chimney and check your flue. Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors at the beginning of each winter. Place space heaters at least 3 feet away from objects that could catch fire, such as curtains, bedding and furniture. A gas stove should never be used to heat a home.Keep your feet under youSnow and ice make it easy to slip and fall in the winter. Shoveling snow can pose risk to your back and heart. When its cold outside, your heart works twice as hard to keep you warm. If your healthcare provider has deemed shoveling safe for you, clear the snow around your home to provide easy access. Consider asking for or hiring help to clear and salt your walkways. Wear boots with non-skid soles and consider increasing traction on your cane with a new rubber tip or even an ice pick attachment.Winterize your carPrepare your car before the weather hits by changing antifreeze, tires and windshield wipers, if necessary. Avoid driving on icy roads, and remember to modify your driving habits to include slower speeds and larger stopping distances. Stock your car with emergency supplies, such as a first aid kit, blankets and shovel. Bring your cell phone each time you drive to ensure you can get in contact with someone in case of an emergency!Ask for helpWinter activities, such as putting up holiday decorations, shoveling snow and driving, can put you at serious risk. Consider asking friends, family members or neighbors for help completing tasks around your home.At Anthology Senior Living, your home is maintained by a team of professionals. You are free to relax while a trained team of professional manages your personal safety. Request your personal tour today.

Food brings people together. It creates community, according to Christian Schultz, Regional Director of Operations at Morrison, culinary partner to Anthology Senior Living.Food has the power to heal, Schultz said. Anthology Senior Living communities are harnessing that healing power by providing creative preparations of delicious and nutritious traditional foods this Holiday season. The freshest local produce, meats and seafood are on the menu as Anthology Senior Living communities across the U.S. look to the power of food to connect and nourish residents during this unprecedented Holiday season.On the Holiday menu at Anthology Senior Living, residents will savor a variety of nutritious vegetables including Brussels sprouts, local rainbow carrots, local mushrooms, root vegetables, and fingerling potatoes."We have seen a major trend toward healthy eating this year and I believe this will continue into the future, Schultz said. Schultz predicts an increased awareness of the health benefits of immunity-boosting foods and ingredients. Local rainbow carrots one of the featured vegetables at Anthology Senior Living this season contain vitamins, minerals and fiber, along with a variety of nutrients that differ with each hue.Holiday preparations at Anthology Senior Living are infused with the signature style of stealth health the recipes are as good for you as they are delicious. Included in the diverse menu options are a root vegetable ratatouille and honey and maple glazed salmon with a citrus and garlic reduction. Executive Chefs select foods that are naturally high in vitamins, minerals, or antioxidants while tailoring menus to the individual dietary needs of residents.From a COVID-19 safety perspective, every precaution is taken to protect residents and staff at Anthology Senior Living communities. The kitchens are constantly sanitized, said Schultz. We adhere to a strict protocol of infection control and proper PPE for all workers involving usage of gloves and face masks, and in a lot of states they are wearing shields. Were disinfecting every time the servers return to the kitchen; servers also wash their hands and change their gloves.To delight and inspire residents, Executive Chefs at Anthology Senior Living communities add creative twists to familiar Holiday dishes. For Christmas Dinner, Anthology Senior Living residents enjoy classic favorites such as whole roasted beef tenderloin and roasted potatoes, with preparation reflecting the Executive Chefs unique, gourmet flair. Beef tenderloin is served with rosemary, thyme, garlic, shallot and merlot. The roasted potatoes might be fingerlings, served with garlic confit, parmesan and parsley. Residents at Anthology of Simsbury, in Connecticut, for example, will choose between appetizers of roasted beet carpaccio, sliced thin and topped with fennel and red onion; creamy mushroom barley soup; or bacon-wrapped figs. Desserts include a variety of Holiday sweets including chocolate cake with peppermint buttercream, raspberry-filled Linzer cookies, and strawberry Swiss rolls.To provide this nourishing Holiday experience safely, COVID-19 protocols are maintained with socially distanced dining. Residents also have the option of dining in their private apartments.To promote well-being and connection with family members who do not live in the same household, Anthology Senior Living collaborates with Morrison on a Take & Table program. Anthology Senior Living communities package meals Holiday dinners, appetizers, sides and desserts for family members who want to share the same experience with loved ones who do not live in their household.Meal-time is the most cherished time for our residents, said Schultz. Many residents have been master cooks at some point in their lives and now we have the power to bring that back to them, even in the midst of an unprecedented holiday season."

50 million people worldwide live with dementia, a condition marked by an impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interferes with everyday activities1. Age is the strongest known risk factor for dementia. Anthology Senior Living communities offer residents exclusive access to an evidence-based cognitive stimulation program called Fit Minds.Anthology Senior Living and Fit Minds offer these six tips to help anyone commit to brain H.E.A.L.T.H. in the New Year.Brain health begins with commitment, and New Years Resolutions are borne out of commitment, says Janet Knupp, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Fit Minds, We encourage you to make a New Years commitment to your brain health alongside Anthology Senior Living and Fit Minds.H- Healthy DietAccording to Knupp, one of the top reasons seniors are admitted to hospitals is for dehydration. When you have dementia you often forget to drink, says Knupp. As we age, the amount of fluid in our bodies begins to decrease, resulting in fewer available water resources available in our bodies. Knupp advises making drinking water part of the daily routine, particularly for seniors. Not only is drinking water an important part of supporting brain health, Knupp adds, when a person has a diagnosis of dementia, structure and routine are essential.Healthy eating may help protect your body and your brain. Harvard researchers recommend limiting sugar and saturated fats while increasing your intake of healthy fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fatty fish, berries, plant oils, nuts and coffee (limited to two cups a day) contain omega-3 fatty acids or antioxidants that boost brain health. The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and the Mediterranean diet reduces inflammation, potentially lowering the risk of Alzheimers.E-Exercise Your BodyExercising for as little as 30 minutes a day can benefit brain health. Specifically, regular physical exercise may help lower the risk of Alzheimer's and vascular dementia, a type of dementia caused by diseased blood vessels that reduce blood supply to the brain. Exercise increases the heart rate, which increases blood and oxygen flow to the brain. A medically-approved exercise program such as the group classes offered at Anthology Senior Living communities are designed to safely improve cardiovascular fitness while also benefiting brain health.A- Attitude of Mutual RespectCreating an environment of mutual respect is important for the brain health of the caregiver as well as the senior, according to Knupp. Take time for your own self-care as a caregiver. Self-care matters because our seniors need us to be in our best state, Knupp said. It is important to treat a person with dementia with kindness and dignity. Theyre not children. Knock before you enter their room and ask, May I please come in? At the end of each session, Fit Minds professionals are trained to empower participants. Knupp advises finding small ways to grant individuals with dementia decision making power and ability to exert control, such as deciding which activity to participate in on a Monday morning. According to Knupp, People with dementia know who is treating them with respect.L- Learn Every DayExposure to new ideas is one of the cornerstones of the Fit Minds program. This includes engaging with novel and complex content beyond crossword puzzles, trivia and bingo. While people like trivia and crossword puzzles, they pull from your long-term memory, says Knupp. Its even more important to help develop and strengthen connections. Learn new material versus looking backward, Knupp adds.Christine Baker implements the Fit Minds program in her role as Director of Elements at Anthology of Clayton View. Im a huge believer in learning as you age and continuing to engage in educational activities, Baker said. Baker pairs the FIT Minds program with an editorial club in which residents read an article sometimes a controversial article over the weekend and engage in discussion the following Monday. I like to use a white board with markers to make it interactive. We also use the iN2L, a giant, immersive touch screen, or we stream visual content from an iPad to our movie theatre, Baker said. Baker earned her undergraduate degree in art therapy and enjoys infusing art and creativity into cognitive stimulation programming.Learning a new language or the history behind a piece of classical music are other ideas for introducing novel content.T- Train Your BrainEven if you dont have access to a program such as Fit Minds, Knupp recommends finding diverse ways to exercise the brain based on the five dimensions of the program: language and music; visual and spatial orientation; memory; critical thinking; and computation. Some activities will resonate more than others, so its important to employ variety. Jigsaw puzzles and maps are popular tools to explore; these activities activate visual and spatial orientation located in the hippocampus and surrounding medial temporal lobes. At Anthology Senior Living communities, team members vary activities to suit the needs and interests of residents. A typical session of FIT Minds focuses on building cognitive resilience through question-answer sessions, worksheets, and manipulatives that have been adapted for safe engagement during COVID-19.H- Higher PurposeA sense of purpose in life believing what you do matters may also help to protect the brain against the damage of Alzheimers according to a study from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, where researchers studied more than 1,500 seniors since 1997. A sense of purpose matters a lot, both for the caregiver and the person with diagnosis, says Knupp. She points to the benefits of exploring personal purpose, passion and spirituality.Weve stayed on our toes during COVID to encourage cognitive therapy, according to Mallory Disbrow who serves as Director of Elements at Anthology of Louisville. Disbrow, who earned her undergraduate degree in sociology and philosophy, says Fit Minds allows her to utilize her academic background for the benefit of residents. Having that scholarly background really pays off because I never know who will move into our community. Disbrow says she enjoys tailoring cognitive therapy programming to inspire and engage individual residents.Christine Baker of Anthology of Anthology of Clayton View adds, Our cognitive stimulation program gives residents a sense of purpose, in helping themselves. Baker and Disbrow say residents families enjoy hearing of their loved ones success in the program. The Fit Minds program and so many programs Anthology offers help our residents keep their brains sharp, Baker said.Described as a personal trainer for the mind, the Fit Minds program is designed to activate the brain in five key areas. Residents at Anthology Senior Living assisted living and memory care communities nationwide experience twice-weekly Fit Minds activities designed to maintain their cognitive resilience, defined as the ability of the brain to recover from disease trauma.At Anthology Senior Living, Fit Minds provides an opportunity to connect with community and engage the brain, a clear benefit during a time of social isolation due to COVID-19.To learn more about Fit Minds, visitFitMinds.netCommit to your brain health and schedule a tour to learn more about cognitive stimulation therapy at your local Anthology Senior Living community.

Do you know the name of every medication youre taking and why it was prescribed?Forty percent of older adults take five or more prescription drugs each day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The clinical term to describe the issue is polypharmacy defined as the concurrent use of multiple medications, common among seniors. Administering multiple medications can feel like a juggling act for many seniors, and Anthology Senior Living is dedicated to improving seniors quality of life through medication management.Medications are generally safe when following the label and while under the care of a qualified physician, says Peggy Brekke, Vice President of Clinical Services at Anthology Senior Living, but the regular use of multiple prescription drugs must be closely monitored for any redundancies or potentially harmful drug interactions.Medication management is one of the first steps Anthology Senior Living clinicians take when a new resident joins the community.When residents arrive at our community, theyll typically bring with them a large number of medications, and it is not uncommon to learn that the medications were not being administered correctly, says Brekke.Improper use of medications can lead to multiple symptoms and negative outcomes. A negative outcome can occur when one specialist isn't aware of what another specialist has prescribed, and as a result a senior may take two medications that do the same thing. In some instances, a senior, family member or caregiver is not clear about the full list of prescriptions or the purpose of the medications and may fail to pick them up or refill them on time.When taking multiple drugs at the same time, there may be contraindications, which are conditions that make a particular treatment or procedure potentially inadvisable. Contraindications can cause a senior to feel sick, dizzy or tired. In turn, this can lead to another medication being prescribed for that "symptom," possibly causing further complications. Another potential risk occurs when combining over-the-counter medications and supplements. Many people arent aware that these can cause harmful side effects or interactions.For each resident, Anthology Senior Living creates a customized care plan, including a review of all medications and their potential interactions. At the community level, clinicians maintain a quality-assurance program around safety practices, auditing, and the verification of new medication orders. Information gets centralized in an electronic record which is shared with the primary care physician and reviewed by one of Anthology Senior Livings national pharmacy providers every 90 days.For roughly 14 million seniors living at home, here are Anthology Senior Livings top five tips to help improve medication management for yourself or a loved one.1. Take Medications as PrescribedIt may sound simple, but it is important to take medications as prescribed. Some eye-opening statistics from the CDC: Medication is not taken as prescribed 50 per cent of the time, and 20 to 30 percent of new prescriptions are never even filled. Yet taking medications as prescribed is essential in treating both chronic and short term conditions. You can reduce the risk of complications by carefully following the instructions on your medications and by asking questions of your healthcare provider if you need clarity on any aspect of taking your medicines, such as dose, time(s) of day, how long to continue taking the medication, and whether or not a refill will be needed once the prescribed number of pills have been taken. At the same time, do let your physician know if you are experiencing undesired side effects, and discuss if adjustments to the prescription could help.2. Organize Prescription and Over-the-Counter DrugsSort your medications. Some may be prescription medications while others may be over-the-counter (OTC) medicines or supplements. Prescription medications are prescribed by a doctor whereas over-the-counter medicines can be obtained without a prescription. Over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and supplements could have adverse effects or harmful interactions when combined with prescription medications, so it is important to have an accurate account of every medicine you are taking. Keep a list of all medications you are taking, and consider investing in a pill organizer so you can stay on top of your medication regime.3. Understand the Label and Ask QuestionsWhenever you use a medication, reading the label is an important step in taking care of yourself and your loved ones. If the information on the drug label is unclear or you have questions, consult your healthcare provider. According toConsumer Reports, more than half a million Americans misinterpret prescription drug labels each year. Both prescription and over the counter drug labels include safety information, directions for use, warnings, medication guides, and other information. Before you start taking a new medication, review the drug label with your health care provider and let them know of any health conditions you have, and any medications and supplements you take.4. Review Medications with Your Primary Care Doctor on a Regular BasisBring a complete list of your prescription medications, vitamins and supplements to your next primary care physician visit. If you havent created your list of medications, bring in your pill bottles and labels.Review the medications and dosages that have been prescribed to you, and whether you are actually taking these medications regularly. Discuss any known allergies youve had to medications and let your doctor know any specialists. Prepare to ask your doctor these questions: are there drugs on your list that you should no longer be taking? Could two or more of your medications cause harm if taken together? It is best to talk with a single health provider, ideally your primary care physician, about all of your prescription and OTC medicines. At Anthology Senior Living, we complete a medication review process every 90 days for all members of our community. Mark a date on your calendar every 90 days to review your medications.5. Review Your DietCertain medications cannot be taken with certain foods or drinks. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) grapefruit can affect the rate at which your liver processes drugs, potentially causing adverse effects when taking certain medications. Some green, leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach and broccoli can counteract the effectiveness of blood thinners used to prevent strokes. We advise consulting your doctor and reviewing your diet for any potentially dangerous interactions caused by food or drink. It is also important to be aware if you should take medications on an empty stomach or with meals.

At Anthology Senior Living, were always searching for better, smarter ways to care for our residents. Our highly certified, passionate caregivers deliver proactive, personalized care with a focus on getting to know you and your family. From virtual care plans to specialized, state-of-the-art programs, our high-tech, high-touch approach to care ensures that residents receive seamless care from every team member. Were always here for you, no matter what your needs are or how they might change.With that in mind, why do we find it so difficult to consider senior living?It can be challenging for seniors to choose between receiving care at home or moving to a senior living community. Many times, this feeling is driven by the fear of losing control or independence. Lets explore the benefits of moving to a senior living community and how that decision can support your independence.Peace of MindFirst and foremost, living in a senior living community allows seniors to live their lives to the fullest without worrying about daily tasks. In a senior living community, tedious or difficult tasks such as cooking, cleaning and home maintenance are managed by a professional team, leaving seniors free to spend their time doing the things they love. Here, you can decide what you want to do and leave the burden of what you HAVE TO DO behind.Holistic WellnessLiving in a senior living community offers residents many options for wellness. Because the care one needs is always close by, there are no limitations to what seniors can or cannot dofrom exercise classes and fitness programs to many other enjoyable activities. Senior living communities offer an abundance of amenities, services and experiences that challenge residents to keep active and enjoy physical, social, spiritual, intellectual, emotional and environmental wellness. You can choose the experiences you want to be involved in for a fulfilled lifestyle.Stress-Free Family and FriendsFamily and friends often do all they can to assist loved ones when health issues make daily responsibilities difficult to manage; however, they are not always properly equipped or qualified to provide sufficient caregiving. Sometimes, the best decision for both loved ones and family members involves moving your loved one to a senior living community. Family and friends are encouraged to visit in a leisurely way, and residents no longer have to worry about burdening others or asking for caregiving.Built-In SocializationSeniors who remain home alone often feel isolated. In a senior living community, seniors have the opportunity to make new friends and spend time with them through an abundance of activities and social programming, including exercise classes, learning opportunities and daily meal times.Serious Safety MeasuresSeniors are often prone to accidents, which can be serious and require long, difficult recoveries. At a senior living community, residents have access to professional care 24/7, so team members are available to help with potential injuries and, more importantly, support the prevention of incidents.Cost ControlOften, home care requires significant investment in terms of retrofitting the home, paying for home care and purchasing resources that help a senior to be safe and have access to prompt help if needed. Senior living communities, however, have become much more affordable and can be a far better financial choice than remaining at home. You have more control over your expenses at a senior living community, often making it a smarter financial decision for you and your family.

Winter Safety Tips for SeniorsAs the country gets deeper into winter, the risk of health problems and injuries becomes more prevalent, especially in seniors. The following tips will help you avoid hypothermia, frostbite and falls in ice and snow. Should you show signs of hypothermia, frostbite or experience a fall-related injury, call your healthcare provider immediately.Dress smart!All parts of your body should be covered when you go outside in cold weather. Layers insulate your body better than a single article of thick clothing. Consider wearing thermals under your regular clothes. Cover your extremities with a hat, gloves/mittens, and a mask.Winterize your homeYour home should stay above 65 degrees year-round. Ensure external heat sources, such as fireplaces and space heaters, are evaluated for safety annually prior to use. Call an inspector to clean your chimney and check your flue. Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors at the beginning of each winter. Place space heaters at least 3 feet away from objects that could catch fire, such as curtains, bedding and furniture. A gas stove should never be used to heat a home.Keep your feet under youSnow and ice make it easy to slip and fall in the winter. Shoveling snow can pose risk to your back and heart. When its cold outside, your heart works twice as hard to keep you warm. If your healthcare provider has deemed shoveling safe for you, clear the snow around your home to provide easy access. Consider asking for or hiring help to clear and salt your walkways. Wear boots with non-skid soles and consider increasing traction on your cane with a new rubber tip or even an ice pick attachment.Winterize your carPrepare your car before the weather hits by changing antifreeze, tires and windshield wipers, if necessary. Avoid driving on icy roads, and remember to modify your driving habits to include slower speeds and larger stopping distances. Stock your car with emergency supplies, such as a first aid kit, blankets and shovel. Bring your cell phone each time you drive to ensure you can get in contact with someone in case of an emergency!Ask for helpWinter activities, such as putting up holiday decorations, shoveling snow and driving, can put you at serious risk. Consider asking friends, family members or neighbors for help completing tasks around your home.At Anthology Senior Living, your home is maintained by a team of professionals. You are free to relax while a trained team of professional manages your personal safety. Request your personal tour today.

Food brings people together. It creates community, according to Christian Schultz, Regional Director of Operations at Morrison, culinary partner to Anthology Senior Living.Food has the power to heal, Schultz said. Anthology Senior Living communities are harnessing that healing power by providing creative preparations of delicious and nutritious traditional foods this Holiday season. The freshest local produce, meats and seafood are on the menu as Anthology Senior Living communities across the U.S. look to the power of food to connect and nourish residents during this unprecedented Holiday season.On the Holiday menu at Anthology Senior Living, residents will savor a variety of nutritious vegetables including Brussels sprouts, local rainbow carrots, local mushrooms, root vegetables, and fingerling potatoes."We have seen a major trend toward healthy eating this year and I believe this will continue into the future, Schultz said. Schultz predicts an increased awareness of the health benefits of immunity-boosting foods and ingredients. Local rainbow carrots one of the featured vegetables at Anthology Senior Living this season contain vitamins, minerals and fiber, along with a variety of nutrients that differ with each hue.Holiday preparations at Anthology Senior Living are infused with the signature style of stealth health the recipes are as good for you as they are delicious. Included in the diverse menu options are a root vegetable ratatouille and honey and maple glazed salmon with a citrus and garlic reduction. Executive Chefs select foods that are naturally high in vitamins, minerals, or antioxidants while tailoring menus to the individual dietary needs of residents.From a COVID-19 safety perspective, every precaution is taken to protect residents and staff at Anthology Senior Living communities. The kitchens are constantly sanitized, said Schultz. We adhere to a strict protocol of infection control and proper PPE for all workers involving usage of gloves and face masks, and in a lot of states they are wearing shields. Were disinfecting every time the servers return to the kitchen; servers also wash their hands and change their gloves.To delight and inspire residents, Executive Chefs at Anthology Senior Living communities add creative twists to familiar Holiday dishes. For Christmas Dinner, Anthology Senior Living residents enjoy classic favorites such as whole roasted beef tenderloin and roasted potatoes, with preparation reflecting the Executive Chefs unique, gourmet flair. Beef tenderloin is served with rosemary, thyme, garlic, shallot and merlot. The roasted potatoes might be fingerlings, served with garlic confit, parmesan and parsley. Residents at Anthology of Simsbury, in Connecticut, for example, will choose between appetizers of roasted beet carpaccio, sliced thin and topped with fennel and red onion; creamy mushroom barley soup; or bacon-wrapped figs. Desserts include a variety of Holiday sweets including chocolate cake with peppermint buttercream, raspberry-filled Linzer cookies, and strawberry Swiss rolls.To provide this nourishing Holiday experience safely, COVID-19 protocols are maintained with socially distanced dining. Residents also have the option of dining in their private apartments.To promote well-being and connection with family members who do not live in the same household, Anthology Senior Living collaborates with Morrison on a Take & Table program. Anthology Senior Living communities package meals Holiday dinners, appetizers, sides and desserts for family members who want to share the same experience with loved ones who do not live in their household.Meal-time is the most cherished time for our residents, said Schultz. Many residents have been master cooks at some point in their lives and now we have the power to bring that back to them, even in the midst of an unprecedented holiday season."