Archive for year: 2021

As winter approaches, many people feel sadness and loss of energy due to the cold weather and lack of vitamin D. The lack of sunshine can cause one’s mood to grow dark too like irritability, difficulty concentrating, change in appetite, and tendency to oversleep. People in areas with fewer hours of daylight suffer seasonal affective disorder. For those suffering from depression due to weather changes and living in facilities for Alzheimer’s Ashland NE,  treatment is critical.

Whilst it is normal to experience mood changes during the long winter months, many overlook that senior adults are more prone to this seasonal disorder. Caregivers in memory care facilities must report any signs of depression to the facility physician or primary care provider so screening for SAD can be facilitated.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD is a type of recurrent depression that occurs during the same season every year. People diagnosed with SAD show signs or symptoms within the fall and winter months with episodes declining during spring and warmer months.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is affecting 10 million Americans. The disorder influences your day-to-day living, how you think, and how you feel.

The exact cause of SAD is not yet determined but has been linked to the neurotransmitter serotonin, responsible for manufacturing melatonin, a hormone in the body that makes humans sleepy.

According to research, melatonin concentration drops to the lowest during the winter. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) may be genetic as some studies observe the trait to run in families.

SAD symptoms vary from mild to severe which include:

• Difficulty in concentrating or thinking
• A sudden change of appetite (carbohydrates cravings or overeating)
• Change in sleep pattern (oversleeping)
• Feeling sad, depressed mood
• Lack of motivation
• Suicidal thoughts
• Irritability
• Increased anxiety
• Fatigue
• Weight gain

How is SAD Treated?

For seniors in facilities for Alzheimer’s Ashland NE, seasonal affective disorder can be manageable. So, it is important to report sudden changes that coincide with SAD symptoms.

Treatment may vary from patient to patient, but incorporating medication, traditional therapy, and light therapy can help. In light therapy, people with SAD are exposed to artificial rays for at least two to three hours first thing in the morning.

Other treatments for SAD are the following:

• Staying active like daily walk (weather permitting), indoor activities
• Getting enough sleep during the long dark days of winter
• Eating a healthy and balanced diet, vegetables and bright-colored fruits
• Remain socially engaged
• Listening to music

How can you help a loved one with SAD in Facilities for Alzheimer’s in Ashland NE?

If you notice that your loved one in facilities for Alzheimer’s in Ashland NE is showing signs of seasonal affective disorder or is prone to SAD, it will help to:

• Schedule a regular visit. Seeing familiar faces can bring joy and comfort knowing people love and value them.
• Bring or send useful gifts that will stimulate better sleeping habits like aromatherapy items, oil, diffuser, or lotion.
• Make plans or activities specifically for the season to keep them active and engaged.
• Purchase indoor lighting for your loved one for better exposure

Learn about our Alzheimer’s care programs at Richmont Senior Living by clicking here.

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Richmont Senior Living is proud to serve Ashland, NE and the surrounding cities: Memphis, Springfield, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Waverly, Murdock, Ithaca, and Chalco

You may already know that it can be exciting to be living in senior housing. But going through the long winter months can be a bit much for seniors without something to keep them entertained. That is why it makes perfect sense to keep a collection of winter must-reads.

 

Reading is actually good for you. In fact, it is among the most engaging activities that people of all ages can do. Older adults can benefit from regular reading in terms of the mental as well as the physical aspect.

 

Benefits of reading for seniors in senior housing

Improved decision making

• The negative impact of aging in decision-making can be mitigated with reading as it challenges the brain and improves analytical reasoning.

Reduces stress

• The most common issues for older adults are anxiety and stress. Seniors can deal with stress in a simple way by reading books.

Overcome depression and loneliness

• The elderly can have feelings of anxiety and stress, which can also be caused by being away from their family. Reading can help them unwind and relax, as it helps them overcome depression and loneliness.

Improved sleeping pattern

• Reading a book at night can make falling asleep much easier particularly for older adults suffering from sleep disorders or insomnia.

 

Senior Housing Winter Must Reads

 

Here are winter must-reads that can help you decide which one will suit your current reading mood, interest, and taste.

 

Matching Configurations by Kyle Keyes

• If you love science fiction adventure stories to keep you wanting more, then this book is just for you. This is the third volume of Keyes’ Quantum Roots series. But not that it also packs more humor than science, which is actually quite fun and exciting at the same time.

 

America’s Daughter by Maria Nhambu

• One thing about this story is that it is more of an inspirational memoir. The main character comes from Tanzania and travels to the U.S. while dealing with deep struggles and adjusting to American life and culture until she managed to triumph.

 

Dueling Fates by Stephanie M. Allen

• A story about royal families and magical kingdoms, the book, written by Allen, is full of adventure and action staged on stunning landscapes.

 

Samantha’s Revenge by Andrew R. Williams

• This book is about magic and suspense which is great if you love an escape to a magical world. A science-fiction story perfect for the chilly winter season.

 

Murder On The Orient Express by Agatha Christie

• A good way to spend the winter season is to read this suspense-thriller story that revolves around the mysterious death of a millionaire passenger murdered aboard the Orient Express.

 

The Shining by Stephen King

• You can expect a great horror story only from the undisputed master himself. If you really can’t deny your taste for horror stories, there is a reason why this book became one of the best-sellers of all time.

 

If you are still looking for winter must-reads for the senior housing facility, perhaps this list can suffice as your go-to corner when you don’t want to be left out in the cold months.

 

Are you looking for senior housing in Nebraska? Contact us at Richmont Senior Living today to learn about what we have to offer!

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Richmont Senior Living is proud to serve Ashland, NE and the surrounding cities: Memphis, Springfield, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Waverly, Murdock, Ithaca, and Chalco

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disorder where signs get worse over time. From mild memory loss at the early stage of the illness, social and behavioral skills will continue to decline until one’s ability to function independently is severely affected. The United States has approximately 5.8 million older adults with Alzheimer’s. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s. However, medications, support, and services like facilities for Alzheimer’s are available to help slow progression.

The level of care provided by facilities for Alzheimer’s to their residents starts from programmed routines to lower the stress level with highly trained staff to address issues related to Alzheimer’s.

In addition to continuous care, frequent monitoring to ensure residents are getting to meals and navigate their day; memory care facilities also have alarmed doors, doors that require code, tracking bracelets, and enclosed spaces to keep residents within the facility.

 

What are Facilities for Alzheimer’s?

People with Alzheimer’s can be aggressive, incontinent, or wander during nighttime. Signs like these mean close monitoring which is a big responsibility while squeezing in personal life and career.

 

Not being able to meet your loved one’s needs at home can be frustrating and this is where facilities for Alzheimer’s come in handy. Moving into a memory care facility is the best move for you and your loved one knowing that he/she is safe and getting the best care they need.

 

A loved one that needs more supervision and help than what’s available in assisted living is best suited for memory care facilities. Mostly, people with advanced dementia struggling to perform simple daily activities need the help of memory care facilities. When signs tend to get worse including confusion, disorientation, and aggression, memory care facilities can provide full-time exceptional care.

Who Lives in Facilities for Alzheimer’s?

Seniors with Alzheimer’s live-in facilities for Alzheimer’s to get holistic care and support. Here, residents received customized dementia care plans to unique each unique and special need for improved well-being.

Level of Care Offered in Facilities for Alzheimer’s

Activities and therapies focusing on dementia residents are available depending on the resident’s preferences, past experiences, and care needs.

These personalized approaches help behavioral problems by reducing agitation, stress, or confusion. So, the care therapies below are common in memory care housing in your area:

Music Therapy

• Music therapy is backed by science, for reducing aggression and improving cognition. Listening to relaxing music or singing can provide emotional and behavioral advantages to patients with Alzheimer’s.

Occupational Therapy

• Occupational therapy help senior adults with Alzheimer’s retain motor skills and existing functions as long as possible. Therapists may include activities focused on maintaining the strengths of residents, routine exercises to improve the performance of day-to-day activities.

Pet Therapy

• The presence of pets in facilities for Alzheimer’s (usually cat or dog) can help reduce anxiety, depression, irritability, agitation, and loneliness. The affectionate nature of pets allows Alzheimer’s patients to be more engaging.

Aromatherapy

• The use of essential oils like lavender and lemon aids in decreased psychotic symptoms while suppressing agitation, irritation, anxiety, and depression.

So, for more information on the level of care, Richmont Senior Living provides for adults with Alzheimer’s, contact us today.

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Richmont Senior Living is proud to serve Ashland, NE and the surrounding cities: Memphis, Springfield, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Waverly, Murdock, Ithaca, and Chalco

Old age should not stop you from making new friends. Moving into memory assisted living can be a perfect opportunity to meet new friends since you have more time to socialize.

Friendship can give positive impacts on your health and well-being. Friends can give you moral and emotional support during bad times. Friends are also there to cheer for you in success and happiness.

While moving into memory assisted living can trigger stress, anxiety, and loneliness, it is also an opportunity to build new and meaningful connections.

Benefits of Social Life

The thought of moving into a senior housing facility can be intimidating. Giving away your other belongings and packing only what’s essential for you can be depressing.

Starting in a new place with no acquaintance at all can be intimidating. This may be true, but only for the first few months. Moving to a new place can also be fun and exciting. In the long run, the move can be a meaningful experience once you start making new friends.

• Friendship can reduce stress
• It boosts happiness
• It gives you a sense of belonging
• Support from friends help you recover from personal issues like chronic illnesses, loneliness, depression, divorce, or death of a loved one
• Friends can help you realize the risks of an unhealthy lifestyle. Friends encourage you to try different lifestyle approaches towards a healthier well-being.
• With more support, friendships tend to give you longer and meaningful life, improved physical and mental health.

Forming New Friends in Memory Assisted Living

Attend Events

Most memory and senior living communities have a dynamic calendar of activities and events almost every day for their residents. Look for groups, clubs, or activities that interest you.

Make it a point to be at these events regularly. This way, you will meet new friends of the same interest.

Mingle With New Residents

There may be a new resident every day. So, make it a point to meet new residents or those that moved in after you.

Seeking out new residents like you will help you both in terms of coping in the new environment, learning the ropes in your new home at the same time joining activities together.

Bring a Friend

You can ask for your son or daughter’s time to join you in your chosen activities. Doing so helps you get comfortable while they can help you initiate the conversation with other residents.

Go Out and Socialize

Go out and say hello to other residents in the memory assisted living facility that you are in. Visit the lounge and ask other residents to play board or card games.

Be Patient

Do not stress yourself out in making new friends. It may take time but it will happen eventually. For now, just relax as you adjust to your new environment.

But do not forget to stop and say hello. Greet other residents and smile.  Other residents will recognize and like you in the long run. The simple hellos will then become conversations. Before you know it, you now have new friends.

 

Looking for a welcoming and friendly environment to make your independent living dreams come true? Click here!

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Richmont Senior Living is proud to serve Ashland, NE and the surrounding cities: Memphis, Springfield, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Waverly, Murdock, Ithaca, and Chalco

There’s a lot of questions about independent living for seniors today, especially with the growing elderly population in the country.

Whether it’s a loved one trying to research nursing care options or a family who want to move a loved one to independent living, we answer some of your most asked questions about independent living for seniors:

What is independent living for seniors?

When it comes to choosing housing options for seniors, assisted living, nursing homes, and memory care are the more popular choices. But independent living for seniors is also a smart choice if you or a loved one wishes to live independently while having access to conveniences like dining, housekeeping, and transportation.

If you can do your activities of daily living and you just want to live somewhere safe and convenient, this would be the perfect choice for you.

How do I choose the right community?

Your choice for an independent living community will depend on your needs, preferences, and budget. Before you can decide on the right community, you need to evaluate your needs first. You should also think about the lifestyle that you’d want once you’re in independent living.

Do you want to be in an apartment rental, or do you prefer to be in a typical home setting? Would you want a community with many sports and fitness activities? Will you need a place that will serve you scheduled meals? Make a list of your needs and wants to help you find the right community to choose.

How do I get started with my journey?

We encourage you to visit our facility at Richmont Senior Living first. This will give you a glimpse of our community and we can also explain to you the features that you’ll get to enjoy when you choose to live with us. Book your time for the visit and we’ll be glad to answer your inquiries about our independent living for seniors.

Am I required to participate in all the activities?

No, you’re not. Here at Richmont Senior Living, we give full independence to our residents on whether they will participate in the activities or not.

We respect your preferences and the kind of lifestyle that you want for yourself. We’ll be here to assist you if you need anything. We also offer activities to help keep you active during your stay with us.

What are the activities that you offer for independent living?

Here at Richmont Senior Living, we always give our residents the freedom to choose the activities that they can enjoy. We create personalized activities that cover the five primary areas of wellbeing including physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual aspects.

At Richmont, we’ll make sure you have activities that promote a better lifestyle. We want you to enjoy the best years of your life with us.

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Richmont Senior Living is proud to serve Ashland, NE and the surrounding cities: Memphis, Springfield, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Waverly, Murdock, Ithaca, and Chalco