Choice Connections-Northwest/Southwest

There are many types of communities called Senior Housing. What a community is called does not give you a good understanding of what you might need or want. Many communities will combine the housing types below into a single building or campus, thus providing some continuum of care.Our local experts will help you understand the options available, so that you can make an informed decision that meets your needs, both now and as you age.Alzheimers/Memory CareIn this secure setting, unlike Assisted Living you arent behind a closed door but typically engaging in activities outside of your own studio apartment. There are communities focused only on memory care and memory care in more of a continuum of care setting. Care-to-resident ratios are improved over Assisted Living and average 1 to 6-8 typically during the day/evening.Independent LivingThis option is for those who are independent and often still driving. They can care for themselves, have a full kitchen and make their own meals. Here, they have access to services vs. care and perhaps a restaurant for meals and transportation as needed for shopping and outings, etc.Assisted LivingThese senior living rental apartments offer both services and care. An RN is required to complete a health assessment before you move in. You may not need caregivers coming to your apartment, however, if you had a fall, they would assist you as they know your health history. Care levels can be very high in some options and, as an alternative to a nursing home, this can often feel like a homier approach.Nursing HomesAlso called skilled care, this is often the option that comes after a hospital stay. This can be an appropriate, long-term option if needs are medically complex or if resources to pay for care are quite limited and Medicaid will be needed in less than a year.Residential CareThese communities are licensed as in Assisted Living, but the care is provided in a residential home. This option has the best care-to-resident ratio typically with 2 staff for 6 during the day and evening and 1 awake staff overnight. This option carries a higher cost due to the higher staffing ratios.Contact Choice Connections to help find your new home!  You can reach us at 651-261-5379 or visit our website at www.choiceconnectionsmn.com 

I began my career in senior living in 1996.  I had just graduated with my bachelors degree in therapeutic recreation.  My first job was working in a nursing home as an activity assistant in Saint Louis Park, Minnesota.  For the next ten years, I devoted my work week to providing seniors with meaningful activities.  It was a joy to bring smiles to people.  The programming that is now offered in senior housing has evolved. While some assisted living communities still offer bingo and bible study there is so much more to look forward to.Social EventsParties and Themed Get TogethersSocial events serve the purpose of bringing people together for the fun of it.  Birthday parties, monthly themed get-togethers and holiday celebrations are other fun ways to bring people together.  Some senior living communities will plan theme parties and design the menu to include a special meal related to the party.  This gives everyone an opportunity to participate.Music is a MustLive music is one activity that almost everyone enjoys.  You can sing along, clap, dance or just listen to the tunes.  Music feeds the soul.  It also helps to bring forgotten memories forward for people that have dementia.Happy HourHappy hour is not just for people who enjoy adult libations.  Non-alcoholic options are almost always served too.  Many assisted living homes include a generous snack to go along with the beverages.Community TripsShoppping and OutingsSenior living almost always offers transportation for scheduled community outings.  First off, most people like to go out to eat.  Even when the senior living offers meals three times a day, getting out allows for a change of scenery.Secondly, seniors like to go to the store and shop.  In this case, the bus will take you from home and drop you off at the store.  Sometimes, a staff member is available to assist you with shopping.  Seasonal trips to the theater, casino, and other places around town offer entertainment outside of facility.When I was an activity director, the residents of the senior living wanted to go sledding during the winter.  One resident had never done this before, and it was something she always hoped to do.  We loaded up the van and took the residents to Buck Hill in Burnsville.Ill never forget the smile on Claras face as she rode down the hill.  As I helped her out of the inner tube she said to me, you made my dream come true.  It is a highlight of my career.Intellectual ProgramsLifelong LearningKeeping your mind engaged in stimulating programs is important as a person ages. Senior living homes are now offering a wide range of programs to do just that, keep your brain active.Lifelong learning is one of the cornerstones at Ebenezer communities.  They combine educational programs with a collection of coordinated arts to keep the mind active. The Waters Senior Living offers a program called The Great Courses.  This award-winning program allows you to learn from experts and professors from institutions all around the world.Online OptionsTechnology now offers many ways for seniors to stay engaged in educational programming.  Whether its Solitaire or Soduko, games like these help engage the mind.  Online courses are a benefit today.  We can learn about events and history all over the world in the comforts of our own home.Creative ArtsArt gives everyone the opportunity to explore and tap into their creative selves.  Whether it is a guided painting class, drawing or journaling, we all have an artist within us.It is amazing to watch something beautiful emerge from a blank page.  There are some senior living communities that have designated space such as an art studio or a woodworking shop. At times, these classes are taught by the residents living there. This is a great way to share a talent and give leadership opportunities to the people living there.Dementia Specific ProgrammingWhen it comes to serving people with memory loss, senior living communities create targeted programs that are designed to give purpose and meaning for those living in memory care.For several years, I worked in an assisted living community that served as a primary residence to more than 70 people living with dementia.  What made this community special was the programming and the people who carried out the services daily. Great care was taken in planning activities that would be meaningful to the people living there.Music always played a big role in bringing forward memories.  Faith based programming was also incorporated into each month.  Sensory programs like baking and special meals were also intertwined throughout the month.  Reminiscing about the past was incorporated into sing along programs and trivia.In memory care, it is essential to know the interests of each resident to design a program that gives everyone an opportunity to participate.Celebrate Activity ProfessionalsJanuary 24th, 2024 is National Activity Professionals day.  It is a day to recognize and thank the creative teams that bring so much joy to the people they serve in senior housing and beyond. Take a moment to say Thank You or write a note of encouragement.Planning creative programs month after month is challenging.  The professionals that chose this career do it because they love making other people happy.Thank you, activity professionals for making a difference in the lives of seniors!  Call us for more information at 651-261-5379.   Written by Janelle Meyers, CSA (R), LALD