Keeping Fit In Assisted Living

October 28, 2022
, , assisted living

assisted livingWinter is here, which means exercise and staying fit are top of mind. This should also apply to older Americans. While it is common to believe that assisted living limits your freedom, the truth shows the exact opposite. Assistive living’s goal is to give you as much freedom as possible. One way we do this is by making it easy and encouraging residents to exercise regularly. We have some tips for you if you or someone you love is having trouble staying fit in assisted living Myrtle Beach.

1) Know Your Limits

Our bodies age and we may not be able to perform certain exercises as often as we used to. To stay fit, you must first recognize your limitations and stop pushing yourself too hard. This can lead to injury. You can create a workout program that suits you once you have established your limits.

2) Explore Your Options

Many assisted living communities provide exercise facilities and equipment for residents. Ask staff members if they have any information that can help you stay fit. You may be amazed at all the options that are available to you. At Reflections Assisted Living, for example, we offer something new every day! We encourage you to explore our beautiful hallways!

3) Find a Workout Buddy

A great benefit of assisted living is its sense of community. It is a great idea to find a buddy to work out with. You can have someone take your dance class, or go for a walk along with you. Working out with someone makes it much more enjoyable and allows you to make connections with other assisted living residents. You are certain to find a friend in any of our classes.

4) Get Outside

Exercise in nature has been proven to be beneficial for both mental and physical health. Get outside and take in the fresh air and beauty of nature as often as you can. It is also important to keep in mind that winter is often warm. This means that exercising outside may be possible. Try to do your exercise first thing in the morning, before it gets too warm.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest ensures all seniors receive proper care including physical activities to keep them fit.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about assisted living communities.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/

 

Tip To Celebrate Fall in Assisted Living

October 26, 2022
, , assisted living

assisted livingFall is a wonderful time of the year. There are so many things to do even for the residents of assisted living facilities. Fall is a great time to go outside to enjoy the changing leaves, especially since the weather cools down, so we don’t have to worry too much about heat stroke. You can also enjoy the traditional harvest foods.

You are wrong to think that older Americans should be denied the wonderful aspects of fall because they are getting older. These are just a few of the many ways that you can enjoy autumn with your loved ones, regardless of their age.

1) Take a hike

It is great to get outside and walk around. Autumn is a good time of the year. It’s cool enough to not worry about heatstroke and warm enough to not worry about frostbite. It is also the most beautiful season of the year. You can admire the changing leaves and the late-blooming flowers by simply walking around your neighborhood.

These walks can be made into a game with family and friends by having them spot the most autumn colors or taking the best picture.

If your loved one is unable to walk or uses a wheelchair, we are blessed with beautiful sidewalks and stunning scenery in our assisted living community. Stop by to see us!

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3 Ways To Make Assisted Living Easier For Loved Ones This Fall

October 24, 2022
, , assisted living

assisted livingThe Spooky Season is here and you may prefer horror fiction to your everyday life. However, the idea of moving into assisted living is a frightening prospect for many older Americans. But, of all the scary things in life, we don’t believe that moving into assisted housing should be. Having to live in assisted living is one of the worst nightmares.

We have tips for making the transition to assisted living less frightening, whether you are worried about your own move or those of your loved ones.

Find the right assisted living community for you

It can make the transition easier for you and your loved ones by making sure that you are connected to the right assisted living community. When weighing the pros and con’s of assisted living communities, there are many things you should consider:

  • Cost: While money is not the only factor, an assisted living community that can meet all your needs will not be able to help you if your budget doesn’t allow for it. Before you begin looking into assisted living communities, you should first take a hard look at your finances.
  • It’s all about location. They may want to relocate to a warmer area or to be near their family. It can help to come up with a list ahead of time so you can check it against your various assisted living options to see which one meets the greatest number of your requirements/preferences.
  • Reviews are important in every aspect of life, from dating to business. The reputation of the assisted living facility you choose is no exception. We are always supportive of high-quality assisted living communities but the truth is that not all communities can meet our high standards. It is important not to leave your loved ones’ care to chance. Do your research ahead of time so they are in good hands.

Give it time for reality to set in

It is a great way to convince your loved one to move into assisted living immediately. Don’t wait until your loved one is absolutely in need of assisted living. Give them notice months or even years ahead of the time they will be moving into assisted living. Talk to your loved one about the many benefits that assisted living has. Ask them about their dreams for their golden years, and then suggest ways that assisted living could fit in that vision.

Take them on a tour

Fear of the unknown is what we are most afraid of. Even though there is nothing to fear, it can be a frightening image that we create in our heads. You can prevent your loved one from falling for this trap by taking them along on a tour of the assisted living community. They will be able to see it firsthand and begin to imagine what life would be like. They will soon be more comfortable with the idea of moving there.

We can help you with everything, including a tour and general information about what your loved ones can expect when they move to assisted living. To begin your transition to an assisted living community that is better for you, all you need to do it to reach out.

At Reflections Assisted Living, we do our best to make your loved ones feel at home. Call us today to know more about our assisted living services.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about assisted living communities.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/

Assisted Living – Dealing With Dementia Patients

October 21, 2022
, , assisted living

assisted livingThese are some of the ways primary carers and family members can approach the difficult question: “What do you say to someone with dementia who is in assisted living and wants to go home?” A person living with dementia may say that they would like to return home. This could be due to time-shifting and can be distressing.

Here are 5 things to keep in mind when someone with dementia asks for their home:

1. Do not argue about whether they are ‘home’.

A person with dementia may refer to their home as more than just the current place they live. A person with dementia may ask to be taken home if they feel at home. Home could be a place or time where they feel safe and secure, and where they are happy and relaxed. It may also refer to an indefinable location that does not exist physically. Try to not disagree with the person, or to try to reason with them about their desire to return home.

This is a better alternative:

It is important to recognize and understand the emotions behind your desire to return home. It might not have been the last place they lived. It could be the place they used to live before they moved, or it could be a place from their distant past. People with dementia often describe their home as a peaceful, idyllic, or happy place. It might be a good idea to encourage them to share their reasons for being happy in that place. It can help them to see what might be needed to feel better. It will also help to look for a reputable assisted living facility in Myrtle Beach. Dementia patients require special care to help them live out their lives as peacefully as possible.

2. Reassure them about their safety

It is likely that the desire to return home is the same as any other desire if you find yourself in an unfamiliar and unsettling place.

This is a better alternative:

Talk to the person and if necessary, touch their arm or hold them with your hands. Make sure the person knows they are safe. This can help the person feel safe and secure. You may find them living in a different place than they did before and they need to know that they are being cared for. Visiting local assisted living communities in your area will widen your options for elderly care.

3. Divert the conversation

Keep a photo album on hand. Sometimes, looking back at photos from the past can help ease anxiety. You might avoid asking questions about the photo or past. Instead, you can make comments like “That looks just like Uncle Fred.” Granny shared with me the time he…. Alternatively, you might try to divert them with food or music, or any other activity, such as a walk.

4. Determine if they feel lonely or unhappy

An individual with dementia might want to “go home” because they feel anxious, depressed, or afraid. The feeling of being in an unfamiliar place can be unsettling. Dementia patients better cope within a local assisted living community.

Does the person living with dementia feel happy or sad? It may be possible to find out why they are unhappy. If they are unable to tell you why a member or another resident may know.

As with other people, dementia patients may behave out of character when they are in bad moods or have a bad day.

Is the dementia patient still talking about the possibility of going home, even though they aren’t being visited in the home? Is he/she able to settle down? Staff at the home might know.

5. Keep track of the times they ask to return home

Some times might be worse than others. What is the common thread? Are you near meals (and could a snack help?)? Are you experiencing it in noisy environments? Are you experiencing it at night, possibly because of the sundowning effect?

You can reduce or eliminate triggers if you spot a pattern.

November is Alzheimer’s Foundation month and is represented by the color teal. Here in Myrtle Beach, we are Teal Nation for our local college. Let’s support the foundation by wearing teal and be sure to get involved in local activities. Here is one you may want to get involved with https://bndfr.com/fqrl.

Reflections Assisted Living is a memory care facility. Don’t stress over trying to care for a loved one with dementia. Call us today for a consult.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about assisted living communities.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/

Tips to Transition to Assisted Living

October 18, 2022
, , assisted living

assisted livingTransitioning to assisted living communities can be daunting for loved ones who have lived in their home for many years. It’s often one of the most difficult changes seniors will have to make in their later years.

It’s impossible to eliminate the anxiety and worries that accompany this move. There are steps you can take that will help you and your loved ones make the transition easier.

We have compiled a list of tips and tricks for transitioning into assisted living after speaking extensively to our members, their caregivers, and their families.

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How to Help Your Senior Parent Adjust To Assisted Living

October 13, 2022
, , assisted living

assisted livingAlthough change is inevitable, it is also difficult to accept and adapt to changes. Many of us don’t want to accept change. This is especially true for seniors who move from their homes into assisted living communities.

Many seniors over 60 are not open to change because they fear that they will be isolated and are uncertain of the impact on their lives.

Some seniors, on the other hand, are more open to change and adapting to their new surroundings. It is exciting to be able to move into a new place, do social activities, and enjoy hobbies.

Regardless of the reason, senior parents may find it difficult to adjust to the new community for the first few days or even months.

It is important to spend time with your senior loved ones and to offer them support, encouragement, and positive reassurance to help them adjust to their new life.

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What is Palliative Care?

October 11, 2022
, , palliative care

palliative carePalliative care is a specialized medical treatment for people with serious illnesses. This care focuses on relieving the patient’s symptoms and stress. Both the patient and their family will experience an improvement in quality of life.

Palliative care can be provided by specially trained nurses, doctors and other specialists. They work with patients’ other doctors to offer additional support. Palliative care does not depend on the patient’s prognosis. It is tailored to the individual patient’s needs. Palliative care is appropriate for any age or stage of a serious illness and can be provided alongside curative treatment.

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There are different types of assisted living. What is the best arrangement for your senior?

October 6, 2022
, , assisted living

assisted livingHome sweet home is more than a phrase. Many of us see our homes as the safest and most welcoming places to be. We are surrounded by those we love. Many seniors find that aging in place and the familiar comforts of home are not something they want or are able to do safely. So what options do you have? There are many options for assisted living. Each situation is different. We’ll be looking at just a few.

What are some options?

There are many options for senior living. This is a good thing. These include:

Independent Living: Seniors can choose to live independently in assisted living communities or senior housing complexes. These environments offer seniors the opportunity to meet and socialize, as well as help with everyday tasks like cooking and housekeeping. These communities are often smaller and are easier to navigate.

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Assisted Living: Keep Your Senior Loved Ones Happy This Holiday Season

October 3, 2022
, , assisted living

assisted livingThe popular holiday song aptly sums it up: It’s the most beautiful time of year. Kids jingle belling. Marshmallows toasting. Much mistletoe-ing. There is plenty of cheer. For some seniors, however, the most joyous season can also be stressful. The holiday season can be stressful because of the many traditions and memories of a loved one who has passed away. Caregivers have the responsibility to lift seniors’ spirits, help them recall the good times, and create new, joyful memories that can be relived over the years even if they’re living in an assisted living facility.

Senior living communities all across the country are celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah in the same spirit as families around the globe. Our residents are encouraged to participate in holiday activities between now and New Year. Spending time with loved ones, friends, and neighbors is the true reason for the season. It can help you overcome the stress and confusion caused by holidays.

These tips offer caregivers some suggestions on how to deal with the holidays with a senior loved one in an assisted living community.

Decor

To get residents into the holiday spirit, all  Senior Living communities have festive decorations. Encourage seniors to decorate their own living spaces. This is a great way to keep them smiling this holiday season. You can help seniors find family heirlooms and ornaments they treasure that they can display on their own glistening tree. Grandkids can help seniors make their homes more special and warm by helping to organize the project.

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Memory Care: Specialized Support For People With Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia

September 29, 2022
, , memory care

memory careMemory care is a great option if it becomes difficult to care at home for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Memory care is a type of long-term residential care that offers intensive and specialized care to people with memory problems.

Many nursing homes, continuing care retirement communities, and assisted living facilities have memory care “neighborhoods”, which are designed for dementia patients. You can also find standalone memory care facilities.

According to the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (a non-profit that tracks industry trends), memory care is the fastest growing sector in senior housing. As COVID-19 devastated many long-term care facilities, occupancy rates dropped in 2020.

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