Memory Assisted Living

Recognizing National Caregivers Day: Celebrating Staff in Assisted Living

National Caregivers Day is an important event that honors and celebrates the tireless dedication of assisted living carers. Caregivers do not only provide daily care and support to senior residents but also companionship, making seniors feel valued and cared for.

Far beyond their professional duties of providing care and administering medication, caregivers also provide emotional and mental support to senior residents through listening to their personal stories, understanding and giving their needs, and offering comfort when things become overwhelming.

National Caregivers Day is a perfect opportunity to show gratitude and appreciation for their commitment and efforts. Founded in 2015 by the Providers Association for Home Health and Hospice Agencies, National Caregivers Day is recognized as a way of giving back for their selflessness and dedication.

Assisted living communities can arrange activities and recognition programs to celebrate this special day. Residents and their families, staff, and the community can participate and show appreciation through cards and gifts to highlight caregivers’ invaluable contributions to assisted living residents’ lives.

Ways to show Appreciation to caregivers in Assisted Living

Caregivers are the core support group in assisted living facilities. Their invaluable contribution cannot be ignored. And what better way to be thankful for their dedication and compassion than by recognizing National Caregivers Day?

Here are some simple yet meaningful ways to acknowledge their patience and hard work.

  • Write a heartfelt thank-you letter expressing your genuine gratitude for their efforts. Residents’ families can also do this by telling them how much they appreciate their selflessness.
  • Send flowers, send cards with handwritten notes, prepare a special meal, or bring treats to the facility or other tokens that would make the caregiver’s day.
  • Management can award certificates of recognition, plaques of appreciation, or post bulletins to highlight their commendable service and applaud their dedication. These may be simple gestures but would greatly impact caregivers, motivating them to do what they do best consistently.
  • Show caregivers that their wellness is essential, too. Give care packages, spa certificates, or gift cards. These would allow them to relax and take a break from the challenging role they face every day.
  • Provide training and professional development programs to help them grow professionally and equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle varying caregiving tasks and challenges.
  • Assisted living management can develop a more flexible work schedule so that caregivers can recharge and maintain a work-life balance.
  • This time, be the one who provides support and a listening ear to your career. They are also humans and need someone to listen to for unbiased advice and support.

Showing gratitude is a simple act that can motivate caregivers. When caregivers know they are appreciated, their work will be easier, and the challenges will be more bearable. Regardless of the situation, caregivers must know the value they bring to your or your loved one’s life. Let them know their positive impact on the entire assisted living community and its residents.

Learn about Richmont Senior Living by clicking here!

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

Assisted Living Ashland NE

New Year Resolutions for Residents in Senior Housing

The New Year is essential to senior residents in senior housing. It’s a special day to celebrate the past year’s accomplishments and set new goals. It provides an opportunity for the elderly to look back and be grateful for the year that was. As we embark on a new year, seniors can set resolutions to enhance overall well-being. From eating healthy and staying active to constantly connecting with family and friends, these achievable goals will help face the new year with optimism and enthusiasm, making life more enriching while in senior housing.

Importance of New Year for Seniors in Senior Housing

But what makes New Year particularly special for seniors? This special season is a reminder of surviving the challenges and celebrating the experiences gained. It provides another opportunity to create strong connections and share experiences with family, friends, fellow residents, carers, and staff, which is crucial for mental and emotional health.

The New Year is also a timely occasion to let go of the negative things, move on, and look forward to new possibilities. The New Year is a time to continue learning, embrace new hobbies, and discover new things to boost self-esteem and provide a sense of purpose. The New Year is the beginning of another year for celebration, growth, and opportunities.

Resident-focused resolutions

Besides showing gratitude for all the blessings received in the past, the New Year is also about identifying realistic goals. A critical goal for seniors is to age gracefully and improve their quality of life, maintain independence, and live fulfilling lives in senior housing.

Family is one of the most critical support groups, a constant source of love and a sense of belonging. This New Year, make it a point to spend more time with your loved ones, especially the young generation. Being around your grandkids can reduce stress and anxiety. Their energy can keep your mind active, while their innocence can bring peace.

Then, support your health and wellness.

  • Aim to get at least 30 minutes of physical exercise every day. Simple walking or chair exercise can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, anxiety, and sleep issues.
  • Eat a balanced diet, primarily whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Senior housing facilities have dieticians who develop dietary plans that fit the needs of their residents.
  • Stay hydrated and drink at least eight glasses of water a day. But avoid sugary drinks.
  • Get enough sleep, and do not skip medication and doctor’s appointments.
  • Connect with loved ones and fellow residents through physical and virtual meet-ups. Participate in activities, learn about hobbies, and attend classes to stimulate cognitive function while fostering connections with the people around you.
  • Spend time outdoors and connect with nature. Sunlight exposure helps the body produce natural Vitamin D, essential for the immune system. Natural sunlight also boosts mood and regulates the sleep cycle. Its calming effect reduces stress and anxiety.

This year, focus on caring for health, building connections, stimulating the brain, and being grateful because every New Year is a new beginning.

Looking for excellent senior care in Nebraska? Click here to learn about Richmont Senior Living!

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

Facilities for Alzheimer’s

How Facilities for Alzheimer’s Can Help Residents Celebrate the Holidays

The holiday season is among the most anticipated times associated with festivities, joy, happiness, and gratitude. But this can be a bittersweet time for seniors in facilities for Alzheimer’s due to the unique challenges that come with the condition. With thoughtful planning, memory care facilities ensure an inclusive environment for residents to make the most of the season. Considering the residents’ challenges and unique needs, make the holiday celebration simple yet meaningful. Keeping it close-knit will make memory care residents comfortable while making the celebration more peaceful and enjoyable.

  • Involving residents and their families in the planning, preparation, and decorating phases would make them feel valued and give them a sense of accomplishment.
  • Consider the timing of the parties. As the sun sets, people experience signs of agitation. It would be best to hold activities and get-togethers during the daytime so that sleeping routines are not affected.
  • Incorporate traditional celebrations, play familiar tunes, display memorabilia to spark memories, evoke strong emotional responses, and reduce anxiety, making them more comfortable.
  • Think about each resident’s preferences. Some would like to be in a group, while others prefer quiet and alone time. Facilities for Alzheimer’s can organize holiday-themed storytelling sessions for cognitive stimulation. Meanwhile, showing holiday-themed films is another option to spark memories and positive emotions.
  • For a change, group exercises like yoga, tai chi, or simple dancing can create a sense of joy while strengthening friendship and family bonds and improving physical and mental health.
  • Ensure an accessible, quiet room or space where residents with dementia can safely retreat when the situation becomes too overwhelming.

Lastly, encourage family and friends to participate in facility-organized holiday events, providing support and joy for senior residents.

Importance of Family Traditions for Residents with Dementia

Family traditions during the holiday play a significant role in everyone’s lives. For residents with dementia, family’s presence can be a source of support, a sense of belonging, and comfort amidst the challenges they experience every day.

Involving family in holiday activities can trigger happy memories and recognition, vital for emotional health. With familiar faces around, senior residents would feel more comfortable and inclined to engage meaningfully, strengthening relationships and feeling valued.

When relived with loved ones, family traditions can foster profound connection, reinforce a sense of stability, and help residents stay connected to their roots amidst the confusion caused by memory loss. Celebrations with family offer a sense of familiarity, creating a safe space for residents in facilities for Alzheimer’s, ultimately reducing anxiety and confusion. Family is a vital tool in nurturing emotional and mental wellness, offering stability and familiarity, and enriching the lives of loved ones.

Dementia can lead to isolation, depression, and loneliness. So, no matter what the occasion or time of the year it is, the family should be their anchor in an inclusive environment with trained staff to care for their unique needs throughout their stay in facilities for Alzheimer’s.

Looking for excellent senior care in Nebraska? Click here to learn about Richmont Senior Living!

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

Senior Housing

Planning a Winter Wellness Week in Senior Housing

Winter can be an exciting time for adventurous souls. The white and pure snow can create a beautiful scenery and backdrop, perfect for the holidays. But this can also be a challenging time, especially for seniors and those living in assisted living Ashland, Nebraska.

The colder temperatures and limited outside activities can lead to isolation and depression. Some restrictions due to the harsh weather can affect mental, emotional, and physical health, affecting overall well-being.

Senior adults must combat these challenges through Winter Wellness Week, which focuses on all aspects of wellness: physical, mental, emotional, and social. In addition to adapting, it is important to stick to your routine to ensure a safe and healthy winter.

Creating a winter planner can help seniors in assisted living Ashland, NE, prepare, identify challenges, and devise remedies to these issues. A winter planner helps schedule activities, serves as a written guide on what to eat, and shows how to stay mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially healthy throughout the winter.

Key activities to include:

Physical Wellness

  • Always start your day with light stretches like arm circles, ankle circles, neck rolls, or torso twists. You can also dedicate a couple of minutes to meditation or yoga. Then, incorporate breathing and relaxation exercises to help reduce blood pressure, improve sleep quality, and alleviate pain.
  • Do the house chores as you always do. Clean and organize your personal space, or clean the common area with fellow residents.
  • If possible, go for a short walk outside with friends. But dress appropriately and be extra careful to avoid slips and winter-related injuries.

Medication, Diet, and Nutrition

  • Eat healthy food. If vegetables and fruits are scarce, look for healthy alternatives. Choose leaner proteins, whole grains, legumes, or fortified foods. Also, choose options with less sodium and sugar.
  • Stay hydrated. Avoid sugary drinks. Instead, drink the required number of glasses of water daily. Drink warm tea, soups, or hot chocolate to promote senior wellness.
  • Take vitamins and supplements like Vitamin C, turmeric, garlic, and Vitamin D.
  • Drink medication on time.
  • Do not miss doctor’s appointments.

Social Activities in Assisted Living Ashland NE

  • Attend activities in assisted living Ashland, NE, such as art classes, cooking events, exercise programs, and movie nights to acquire new skills and foster connections among residents.
  • Join clubs of interest, such as book clubs, singing and dancing, community outreach, and programs. Engaging in activities and games can stimulate the mind and improve cognitive function.
  • Socializing also improves mood and helps reduce stress.
  • Social interaction helps combat feelings of isolation.

Emotional

Healthy habits, such as regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, getting enough rest and sleep, meditation, and socialization, contribute to better emotional health.

Write what you intended to do on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and the whole week. Monday can be for indoor activities and art classes. Tuesday for outdoor activities and so on.

Keep it simple and avoid overscheduling. Always have a contingency plan for unexpected changes. You can use your old-school journal or digital calendar for easy access and convenient notifications.

Have a Happy, Festive Season in Assisted Living Ashland NE

Commit to these suggested wellness activities and strategies to improve mood and immunity. With these simple-to-follow planning examples, seniors are set for a healthier and happier holiday season.

Are you on the hunt for excellent senior care in Nebraska? Click here to learn about Richmont Senior Living!

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