SeniorFacilityFinder.com welcomes new member Eastbrooke Gardens Assisted Living Facility

By Bob Gregory,

This week www.SeniorFacilityFinder.com welcomed new member Eastbrooke Gardens Assisted Living Facility located in Casselberry, Florida.  Below is information on services Eastbrooke Gardens provides for all our readers to consider:

Eastbrooke Gardens is a fully licensed assisted living residence that specializes in the unique needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s or other types of Dementia. We are not just a “wing” in another assisted living facility, our community is 100% focused and dedicated to providing care to those with Alzheimer's and Dementia. All of our staff is specially trained in handling the special challenges that may arise when giving care to a resident with dementia.

We understand the disease. Our deep understanding of Alzheimer’s and dementia has led us to service mark our STAGES℠ program. STAGES℠ is a unique program that focuses on slowing down the progression of the disease through various forms of cognitive stimulation. The Eastbrooke Gardens STAGES℠ program makes us the leaders in providing Alzheimer’s and dementia care. We embrace both the resident and their family by offering an environment of comfort and belonging. As a family owned company, we value the involvement of our residents’ caregivers. All of our staff are available to provide support and understanding to families going through this difficult experience. Eastbrooke Gardens is a warm and friendly home with a family atmosphere. We offer private and semi-private unfurnished suites, allowing each resident to express his or her unique home setting.

Services

·        A community designed to be both secure and relaxing

·        Respite (short term stay)

·        Daycare

·        A wonderful 24 hour professional staff experienced and trained in the care and specific needs of Alzheimer’s and Dementia residents

·        A licensed nurse available 24 hours a day.

·        Nursing care (including medication and blood glucose) monitoring.

o   Visiting Physicians

o   Visiting Podiatrist

o   Visiting Dentistry

·        In-house physical, occupational and speech therapies

·        Pet, music and aroma therapies

·        Nutritious meals and snacks prepared by our wonderful chefs.

·        Beauty and hair styling services in our onsite beauty salon

·        A variety of activities catered towards the Alzheimer’s and dementia resident that promote cognitive stimulation and socialization.

If you find you need an Assisted Living Facility, Nursing Home or any other type of Senior Facility, I hope you will consider www.seniorfacilityfinder.com.  If you would like more information on services provided by SeniorFacilityFinder.com, please email info@seniorfacilityfinder.com.

If you would like to contribute your thoughts and ideas, please leave them in our comment section. We want to hear them. Helping people care for themselves or their loved ones is what we care about. 

We look forward to reading yours.

Bob Gregory is an advocate for Seniors and is one of the founders ofwww.seniorfacilityfinder.com. At SeniorFacilityFinder.com, we are dedicated to helping families get the Elder Care help they need without having to provide their personal information! If find you need an assisted living facility or other type of senior facility, please consider www.seniorfacilityfinder.com

Need a great New Year’s Resolution? Volunteer at a Senior Facility!

By Bob Gregory

I’m sure the Holidays have packed on a few pounds and you are considering the most popular and rarely kept New Year’s Resolution—lose weight and get in shape!  It’s important to take care of yourself but this year I challenge you to make a Resolution to help others.  If you are willing to give of yourself, I think you will find it most rewarding for you and others.  One of the most overlooked groups is our elderly.  This year, consider volunteering in a Senior Facility such as an Assisted Living Facility or a Nursing Home.  These types of Senior Facilities are very well staffed to meet the medical needs of their residents but they sometimes find it a challenge to continuously meet the social needs of their residents.  This provides a great opportunity for you to volunteer!

If you have a family member or friend who is a resident of a Senior Facility, you can begin your volunteering resolution by contacting the Executive Director or Activities Director to offer your time.   If you do not have a relationship with a Senior Facility, search for a facility near you (you can get a list at www.seniorfacilityfinder.com) and contact the Executive Director or Activities Director to coordinate volunteering.  Keep in mind there is a difference between an Assisted Living Facility and a Nursing Home when deciding where to volunteer!  Generally, residents of an Assisted Living Facility are more mobile than residents of a Nursing Home so you may find greater opportunity to volunteer at a Nursing Home.  If you are not sure how to volunteer your time, I have a few suggestions for you that are applicable to either type facility.

Volunteer services anyone can provide:

1. Offer to assist the Activities Directory as needed.  A trained Activities Director will give you tasks that you are comfortable performing and these activities will usually be in a group setting as opposed to a one-on-one basis.  This is great for first-time volunteers at a Senior Facility.

2. Read to the residents.  Seniors often find it difficult to read even with large print books.  You ca

   

   Seniors Playing Cards (Photo credit: Government Press Office (GPO))

   n read to a group who are interested in the book or to an individual resident.

3. Play cards and board games.  This is another great activity that can involve a group or an individual and provides entertainment.

4. Conversation—listening.  Most Seniors have stories they love to tell but need someone to tell them to—that’s you!  You will probably find the stories interesting and entertaining so listen carefully and try not to question the validity of stories that may sound a little unbelievable; the facts may have changed over time due to memory loss.

5. Take walks around the Facility.  Seniors often like to get outdoors and walk around the gardens that most facilities provide.  However, may Seniors are afraid to go out alone in the event of a fall or they need help.  This is a great opportunity to assist and interact on a one-to-one basis.  Check with a Facility Caregiver to make sure there are no special challenges for the resident you help.

6. Gardening.  Many Facilities have areas where their residents can garden.  Provide flowers and vegetables to plant and help with the planting, watering and maintenance.  This is a good project as it is something to provide continuous enjoyment.

Entertaining at The Cottages
of Port Richey,

7. Clean and decorate a resident’s room.  Not all residents have family to bring them decorative items for their room or to help them keep it in order.  You can help decorate or organize drawers and closets.  This type of help will be appreciated by both the resident and the staff!

8. Teach computing and using the internet.  Seniors are one of the fastest growing groups that use the internet.  If you are tech-savvy and the Facility provides a computer and internet connection, you can teach residents to connect online with family and friends!  If the Facility does not provide a computer, you may ask about donating one.

9. Share mealtime with residents who tend to eat alone or in their room.  Some residents have problems eating due to physical limitations or side effects from a stroke and they are not comfortable eating in the dining room with others.  Your patience and company can make mealtime more enjoyable!

10. Entertain with music and song.  If you can play an instrument or sing then you can certainly entertain at a Senior Facility!  You will find your “audience” to be appreciative and nonjudgmental.  Involve as many residents as you can for a sing-along or to play an instrument with you.  Music is a great source of enjoyment in a Senior Facility.

There are many other activities you can do, but this list should give you some ideas and the courage to volunteer.  You will also receive ideas and inspiration from the Activities Director and the residents themselves.  Spend as much time with as many of the residents as possible as everyone enjoys a visitor!  Some Senior Facilities may require certain paper work, such as a background check, to be completed prior to volunteering but please don’t let that get in your way.

If you find you need an Assisted Living Facility, Nursing Home or any other type of Senior Facility, I hope you will consider www.seniorfacilityfinder.com.

If you would like to contribute your thoughts and ideas, please leave them in our comment section. We want to hear them. Helping people care for themselves or their loved ones is what we care about. 

We look forward to reading yours.

Bob Gregory is an advocate for Seniors and is one of the founders of www.seniorfacilityfinder.com. At SeniorFacilityFinder.com, we are dedicated to helping families get the Elder Care help they need without having to provide their personal information! If find you need an assisted living facility or other type of senior facility, please consider www.seniorfacilityfinder.com

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Traveling with an elderly parent—tips and ideas to make it safe and enjoyable.

By Bob Gregory

The Holidays are upon us and it’s time to make those travel arrangements!  It is always exciting to visit friends and family during the Holidays or to simply take a vacation, but traveling with an elderly parent can present its challenges.  If it’s your first time traveling with an elderly parent, then there are a few things you should know that will help make your trip safe and enjoyable for all.

Here are some tips and ideas for your consideration:

Family convergence (Photo credit: Sarah Ross photography)

1. Make sure your parent(s) are up to the trip both physically and mentally.  Elderly parents will often over extend themselves to accommodate the family so as not to be a burden.  Be sure to have an honest discussion with your parent about the trip and make sure they truly want to go.  Discuss options with your parent if they choose not to go and make sure the alternatives do not come off as a punishment for not making the trip.  If they are on board, then get a check up with their physician to be sure there are no health issues that would prevent them from making the trip and to allow you to address any medical needs while on the trip. 

2. Give your parent(s) plenty of time to make the decision whether or not to take the trip.  For many elders, traveling is a bit scary and they need time to get comfortable with the decision to travel or the decision to pass.  Make sure you give them the itinerary so they know what the trip will entail.  Be sure and have frequent discussions but do not pressure them for a decision.  Let them know the deadline for their answer and give them gentle reminders as the deadline to decide approaches.

3. Plan your trip and have a set itinerary so you and your elderly parent(s) know exactly what you will be doing.  If you are considerate, you will make sure the trip is not too fast paced or rigorous so that your parent will be able to keep up and enjoy the trip.  If your parent has issues walking for long periods at a time, you may want to consider having a wheelchair available and discuss this with them in advance so it is not a surprise.  If the trip is an extended trip of a week or more, plan a day or two of rest.

Grandma & Jennifer in Rental Boat (Photo credit: rickpilot_2000)

4. Accommodations are often a big issue and can cause trepidation if your parent is not capable of staying alone in a separate room.  Consider a suite with two rooms so each of you can have your privacy but you can be available to assist your parent when needed.  Keep in mind that even though a room is equipped to handle handicapped guests, not all accommodations are the same and you should consult the hotel directly regarding the type of accommodations your parent will need.  You may also want to check trip advisor sites as well for recommendations of elder-friendly hotels.  Request special services in advance so there are no surprises when you arrive.  Be sure you have access to foods your parent may need if they are on a special diet.  If the hotel cannot handle special diet needs, pack what you need and be sure the hotel room has a refrigerator to store the food and a kitchenette so you can prepare the meals. 

5. Prescriptions should be filled and carefully packed so you can easily access them.  Be sure you have consulted the physician and you know how and when to administer the medication.  Don’t rely on your parent to remember what to take and when to take it as travel can cause exhaustion which can easily lead to confusion.  It is always advisable to travel with the prescription bottles so you do not have issues at security check points and you can assure you will have an ample supply in case your trip gets extended.

6. Pack carefully as you need to expect the unexpected!  Check the weather forecast for the area you are visiting but be prepared for inclement weather.  Try not to over pack as you may find yourself juggling heavy bags and your parent at the same time.  Help your parent unpack when you arrive and do not attempt to let them “live” out of a suit case.  It is advisable to make a schedule of outfits your parent will wear on each day so they feel confident they have proper and adequate clothing without over packing.

Florida Vacation #07 (Photo credit: Lynda Giddens)

7. Transportation to your destination needs special consideration.  If you are traveling by car, plan plenty of rest stops for stretching the legs and bathroom breaks.  Give yourself plenty of travel time so you do not feel pressure to drive long periods of time without a break.  If you are traveling by air, then remember all the security requirements that may be a challenge such as removing all jackets or sweaters, removing shoes, examination of carry-on bags, physical screenings and proper identification.  Discuss these carefully with your parent and make sure they are up to challenge!

8. Security is a concern for all but especially when traveling with an elderly parent.  The elderly seem to be a popular target for pick pockets and robbers so you need to watch your parent carefully.  Make sure they do not carry lots of cash, credit cards or jewelry while out sightseeing.  Offer to carry their wallet or cash on your person so they do not have the risk of pick pockets or purse snatchers.  Also, don’t overlook the possibility of your parent getting separated and lost.  If they do not have a cell phone, you may want to get one for them even if it is a disposable prepaid phone and show them how to use it.  Discuss with your parent what to do in the event they become separated so that you can easily recover them.

Traveling with an elderly parent can be challenging but it can also be very rewarding and enjoyable if you plan carefully.  I hope some of these tips and ideas help make your Holiday trip a little less stressful and a whole lot more enjoyable!  In the event your parent is not up to travel, there are options for them to stay behind without being alone such as using Adult Day Care centers or reserving a short-term room at an Assisted Living Facility. If you would like to obtain a list of Adult Day Care centers or Assisted Living Facilities in your area that meet your needs, please consider www.seniorfacilityfinder.com .

If you would like to contribute your thoughts and ideas, please leave them in our comment section. We want to hear them. Helping people care for themselves or their loved ones is what we care about. 

We look forward to reading yours.

Bob Gregory is an advocate for Seniors and is one of the founders of  www.seniorfacilityfinder.com. At SeniorFacilityFinder.com, we are dedicated to helping families get the Elder Care help they need without having to provide their personal information! If you find you need Adult Day Care, Assisted Living Facility or other type of senior facility, please consider www.seniorfacilityfinder.com.

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Will Adult Day Care be a good alternative to a Nursing Home and is it right for your situation?

By Bob Gregory

Are you the adult child or spouse of a physically or cognitively disabled adult family member?  Are you struggling with providing in-home care while trying to maintain your own household and job?  Don’t despair, there are alternatives to Nursing Homes or Assisted Living Facilities that will allow you to provide the care your loved one needs and you desire to give.

Consider an Adult Day Care center as an alternative!

What is an Adult Day Care Center?  An Adult Day Care Center is a planned program for frail, physically or cognitively disabled seniors who need a safe, supervised environment during the day.  They are intended for older adults who need help managing daily activities or are isolated.

Special Attributes of an Adult Day Care Center:

• Open Monday through Friday during the day

  

  Full Service (Photo credit: acidpix)

• Some provide transportation to and from the facility
• Provide a safe and cheerful environment
• Provide socializing and activities to stimulate mental health
• Nutritious meals and special diet services
• Nursing staff to administer medication
• Low cost way of keeping a family member at home

Adult Day Care centers can be public or private, non-profit or for profit.  They are regulated by the state and each state has different regulations.  The National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA) does provide some overall guidelines, so there are commonalities in the regulations.  Check with your state for specific guidelines.

Brockton Adult Day Care Center (Photo credit: Timothy Valentine)

In addition to giving your loved-one a safe place to socialize and receive care during the day, it will also provide the caregiver a needed respite and reduce the need for nursing home care.  Care giving can be both financially and physically exhausting and a break from the caregiver’s role can do wonders for both of you.

If you need a break or your loved one is isolated while you are at work, please consider the advantages of an Adult Day Care center. If you have any other ideas or comments, please leave them in our comment section. We want to hear them. Helping people care for their loved ones is what we care about. 

We look forward to reading yours.

Bob Gregory is an advocate for Seniors and is one of the founders of  www.seniorfacilityfinder.com. At SeniorFacilityFinder.com, we are dedicated to helping families get the Elder Care help they need without having to provide their personal information! If you find you need an assisted living facility or other type of senior facility, please consider www.seniorfacilityfinder.com.

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