In the early stages of dementia it is more difficult to initiate friendships and activities. These are the connections that break down for people in this stage of the disease. In addition to the activities that are regularly offered to the residents, Connections offers small group activities during times when other programming isn’t occurring and when the activity scheduled might not be appealing to the memory impaired. Boredom and frustration are two of the most common causes of distress for those with dementia. If these residents are sharing an activity in a small group setting, it allows them to enjoy an activity that in a larger group might become overwhelming. 

Assisted living communities can offer great value to a family. These facilities serve to bridge the gap between independent living and nursing homes both in their levels of care and in terms of the associated costs. Residents are generally treated as guests rather than patients. These seniors do not require constant care, but may need a hand with normal daily activities such as bathing and dressing. Such day-to-day necessities are easily managed with the help of trained and committed staff.

Home Like Settings

Individual apartments give residents privacy and provide a home-like setting within a community. Personal furniture and effects can be set up, meals may be prepared and visits from friends, family and neighbors are easy to coordinate. On-site amenities generally include dining rooms, fitness facilities, hair salons, general stores, libraries and other communal areas. Caring staff is available at all times, making both seniors and their families feel secure.

Staff members assist with housekeeping and maintenance, but also handle important medication reminders, promote health and fitness, assist with personal care and offer transportation. Cultural, educational and social activities take place regularly to keep individuals stimulated and connected.

Memory Impaired Services

For those with memory disorders such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, some assisted living facilities also offer more specialized attention. These accommodations are created so that residents have the freedom to move around in a familiar contained environment, visiting neighbors and staying busy, while being kept safe and content.

Compassionate and experienced caregivers are well equipped to communicate effectively with these residents. Programs are tailored to each individual and his or her needs. Unique lifestyle plans are created to provide ways for residents to continue utilizing their talents and capabilities, helping to bolster self-esteem. Staff stays as integrally connected with family members as residents, understanding that involving them in the lives of their loved ones is an important responsibility and can offer mutual benefits.

Peace of Mind

Assisted living residential communities can offer great peace of mind. Combining dedicated attention and sensitivity towards independence, these facilities and their staff help seniors maintain a sense of pride in maintaining a personal living space while reassuring their families that assistance is always available.

The science of the past decade has demonstrated that love, companionship and community are woven deeply into our DNA. One study shows that mood in your 20s can predict your risk of being inflicted with Alzheimer’s disease in your 80s.

Your degree of social connection can be an indicator of how well you will avoid age related disease, as well as your odds of living longer. Love, friendship and community aren’t necessarily prescribed by your doctor, but they should be.

All connections matter in this new world. For many elders with families dispersed across the country, or for those who have families spending many hours in the workplace, it is imperative that connections with community are a priority.

Older men and women are recognizing the benefit of the community lifestyle that retirement housing such as assisted livings offer. These types of communal housing options offer opportunities to establish new relationships, share hobbies, or join learning groups. Residents who are living in these communities no longer require a car to take advantage of these opportunities. Very often there is an activity director who will arrange social programs to be held on the premises or will transport the residents in the community van.

You can’t shut emotions off. Like it or not, we are emotional beings. It is as much a part of you as breathing. If we understand this and consider its importance in our decision making process, our life or the life of our elderly parent will be better and maybe even longer. At the very least, it will not be lonely or boring.

Shorter days and reduced sunlight hours cause our internal clocks to get “out of step” with our daily schedules. Mild cases of the “winter blues” can be fought by staying active both physically and mentally. Our directors of activities Patricia Ricketts, Sheila Harrington, and Pauline Rebello have seen the effects of the blues, with some residents. They try to combat these symptoms by keeping residents at The Arbors busy with a variety of programs, games and social events. Their goal is to make sure there are activities that will keep resident’s minds working. Trivia or recalling memories are great ways to stimulate the mind.

Here are three tips most experts suggest:

• Find two or three activities you enjoy and participate in at least one of them each week.
• Avoid eating too much, especially foods with too much sugar, fat and caffeine.
• Make time to exercise. A walk outside in the sunshine is beneficial, weather permitting. Join a senior adult exercise class. Stay active.

It is important to remember that any one experiencing symptoms of concern should discuss this with his or her doctor first.

Regional Director
The Arbors Assisted Living Communities

Despite the losses they experience, most people who suffer from Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia still experience emotions. Because the brain can no longer maintain focus or acquire new information, the patient is left with a feeling of losing control. The result of this overwhelming feeling is anxiety, depression, and sometimes agitation.

The good news is that these patients can still feel joy, and a sense of accomplishment and pride, and most importantly, they recognize love. By reaching the patient through these emotions, it is possible to minimize the negative behaviors that many people with dementia experience.

The goal is to find the best possible supportive environment that will offer the right balance between supervision and opportunities to socialize, pursue hobbies, and maintain physical activity.

Assisting the patient to stay in their own home is ideal only if the environment can be modified to meet their needs. Most often, in the earlier stages of the disease, staying at home is not structured enough and a nursing home is too restrictive. An assisted living community with a specialized environment for memory impairment can offer activities that nurture self esteem and enhance the quality of life. Some assisted living residences are designed within a secure environment that allows the resident to move about safely without the risk of wandering from the facility.

Whatever supportive environment you choose, always inform your physician whenever symptoms of anxiety and depression occur and reassess the present living situation to be sure that the needs of the whole person are being met.