How To Make Your Loved Ones in Assisted Living Feel Special During The Holidays

assisted livingHolidays are a time for family and friends to enjoy. However, when someone is in assisted living, it can be difficult to make the holidays more meaningful.

Plan ahead! For those living in assisted living communities, holidays can be stressful. Having a plan will help you be more organized and decrease anxiety. You will be able to plan your visit according to the facility’s visiting guidelines. Now it’s time for creativity and making the holidays memorable.

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Checklist For Finding a Memory Care Facility

memory careIt can be difficult to choose the right memory care community for your loved one. There are many factors that need to be considered. We created a memory checklist to ensure that your loved one is happy, safe, and well taken care of.

Finding a Memory Care Facility

1. Know your loved ones’ priorities and needs

Finding the right memory care facility for your loved one starts with prioritizing their needs.

Do you think your parent needs assistance with daily activities (ADLs), such as dressing, bathing, and eating? It’s crucial to know how the staff at memory care will help your loved one throughout the day and night if they have a memory impairment.

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Support Ideas for Seniors In Assisted Living During The Holidays

assisted livingFor many seniors, the holidays can be lonely. Although assisted living facilities do their best to maintain the holiday spirit, they are not as enjoyable as spending time with loved ones at home. It is not always possible to bring your loved ones home for the holidays.

This is especially true if they are in skilled nursing facilities. You will need to find other ways to make the holiday enjoyable and stress-free. Although these ideas might not be the best solution, they can help alleviate the holiday stress and remind seniors that you are still thinking of them.

Spending The Holidays In Assisted Living

Keep it Positive

Holidays can be depressing for seniors, and many people find it difficult to enjoy them. It can serve as a reminder of who isn’t there anymore to celebrate and how they cannot attend the gatherings. Keep things positive by only sharing happy memories and not too much about holiday plans. Remind them that they are an important part of your family and life. Be grateful for any gifts they give you.

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How To Celebrate The Holidays With Seniors In Assisted Living

assisted livingWhat to do when you are a senior living in assisted living? Even if you have to create new traditions, holidays in assisted living communities are still fun and festive.

If you bring the holiday spirit to older adults in assisted living in Myrtle Beach, they will feel included and loved. It’s essential to spend quality time with those you love.

We answer three top questions to help you celebrate in new ways.

Is it a good idea to bring a senior in assisted living to your home for a family event?

What can you do if an older adult doesn’t know what holidays are?

What holiday activities are good for assisted living?

1. Do I need to bring my mom home for the celebrations?

Visit the family home if your mom isn’t suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Talk to her before you make a decision. You may worry that she will become too tired or require help with personal care. Be sure to calmly explain how you can meet her needs. Remind her that her family is excited to see her, even if she feels shy or afraid she will be a burden at a party.

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Caring For Seniors With Memory Care Needs During The Holidays

memory careIt’s not unusual for seniors with memory care needs to find the holidays overwhelming. It can be difficult to navigate changes in routines and environments, loud social events, increased emphasis on food and drink, and other factors that may make it more challenging. It is important that loved ones with dementia feel included during holidays. Family is the true heart of holiday celebrations. Seniors often feel lonely or isolated at this time of the year. This is especially true if they are living alone or have lost their closest friends. what you can do is change your plans to best suit your loved ones who have Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Here are 7 ways to make the holidays more enjoyable for a senior with dementia:

Let them stick to a routine

Sudden changes can be upsetting or confusing for seniors needing memory care in Myrtle Beach. Simple considerations such as serving meals at the same time and in a familiar place can help.

Slowly make environmental changes

It’s a good idea for your loved one to spread decorations over several days if you are planning to decorate their living or bedroom. While decorations can bring joy and happiness to those with dementia, it is important to take the time to adjust to their needs. You may also slowly introduce the idea of assisted living to them and discuss their future.

Involve them in simple, but nostalgic activities

Ask them to help you bake holiday cookies and festive cupcakes. Or ask them to decorate a Christmas tree using ornaments passed down from one generation to another. It can be comforting and enjoyable for them to take part in familiar activities.

Prepare for family events

If you are taking your loved ones to a family event or party, make sure they have a place to go if they feel overwhelmed. Also, be clear with guests about your loved ones’ needs if necessary. Your loved one will be happier and more settled if you ask guests to lower the volume or refrain from using crackers or party poppers.

Reminisce on the good times

Many seniors with dementia enjoy the opportunity to relive old memories. It could be as simple as watching a favorite Christmas movie together or singing some of their favorite Christmas songs. This holiday season is a great time to reminisce on family memories. Why not create a digital album with old photos or videos that you can explore together?

Take time to consider their needs during mealtimes

Seniors with dementia often have difficulty eating. There are many reasons for these problems, such as decreased concentration, discomfort, depression, side effects from medication, and physical difficulties like chewing and swallowing. Avoid putting too much food on your loved one’s plate if they are having trouble eating. You may find that they are more comfortable with familiar foods than traditional festive dishes.

Ask them what they would like to do

Communicating with your loved ones is the best way for you to find out what works for you. Everyone is different and everyone has their own unique symptoms. Ask them to describe their ideal holiday celebration if they are able to communicate with you.

The holiday season can be a hectic time for families. It is difficult to think of ways to make your loved one feel included during this busy season. Although small modifications like those mentioned above may be helpful in certain cases. Always remember that every senior is unique. It is best to get professional help from experts at Reflections Assisted Living.

Call Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest now if you’re looking for a memory care facility in Myrtle Beach.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about assisted living and memory care.

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

Memory Care for Alzheimer’s & Dementia: How does it differ from assisted living?

assisted livingLife changes when your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Even people who think they are prepared for it, even those who think they are prepared, aren’t. You are now able to help your loved one plan for the future, advocate for them, and also involve them in finding a memory care facility. This is a huge task for anyone, and you may feel overwhelmed and exhausted without the right support.

There are many reliable and excellent services that can be found online to help keep your loved ones safe and happy.

It can be hard to find the right resources. This is especially true for dementia, which is a progressive condition that may require resources for memory care and assisted living. The immediate needs of your loved one may not be the same as what they will require in the future.

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How To Keep Your Loved Ones Warm In An Assisted Living Facility

assisted livingAlthough placing your loved one in an assisted living facility is not an easy decision to make, it’s possible to do your part and ensure that the staff keeps their word. Regular visits will not only make your parents feel better but also allow you to see their living conditions.

Some seniors have difficulty staying warm in assisted living communities. This can have a negative impact on their comfort and health. You want to make sure that they are comfortable in the new environment as it gets colder.

These are proven ways to keep your loved ones warm in an assisted living facility in Myrtle Beach.

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How To Choose An Assisted Living Facility

assisted livingThere are many assisted living services and amenities. Many communities offer a variety of activities, housekeeping, meals that are healthy, and transportation. Each community is unique in its staff and pricing. This checklist will help you decide which amenities and features are most important to you as you look for the right long-term home. Learn important questions to ask when touring assisted living communities.

Checklist for Assisted Living for Seniors

Consider your personal preferences and your health when you start your search. A smaller Myrtle Beach assisted living community might be the best option if you are unable to walk or use a wheelchair.

Active seniors who love to cook their favorite recipes should ask if the apartment has a kitchen. Ask about the community pet guidelines if you would like to bring your pet.

The ultimate goal of a community is to provide senior citizens with carefree, maintenance-free living. While assisted living amenities and features are intended to make your life easier, it is important to assess how each service can help you. These are the most important assisted living features. Make sure to check out which ones you value the most.

Ask about community engagement or social activities

Most communities share a weekly calendar that includes activities and events for assisted living. Find out which activities are offered and when they happen.

Explore dining options

Assisted living communities in Myrtle Beach typically offer three meals per day that are home-cooked, as well as snacks and beverages. Ask for a sample menu and these questions to find out more about the dining options.

Check out the transportation options available to you

Some seniors want to keep their cars and drive, while others prefer to be free from the burdens of fuel and vehicle maintenance.

Ask about maintenance and housekeeping

Assisted living is all about a maintenance-free lifestyle. Most seniors have had to change lightbulbs for 50 years and shovel snow every year. They are ready for an easy, hands-off lifestyle. Assisted living communities often have scheduled or regular room cleanings. These can include dusting, vacuuming, and providing fresh linens.

Take a look at the community amenities

Are you a gardener or a fitness enthusiast? Do you enjoy playing poker at your weekly game night? Many communities have amenities that cater for all walks of life. Ask about the amenities that are most important to you, whether you’re looking for salon services or swimming laps.

Evaluate essential safety features

Seniors who live independently should be concerned about safety. Ask staff about their plans for different situations such as power outages, natural catastrophes, or medical emergencies.

Assisted living communities do not usually offer medical care. However, they should have safety precautions in place in case of falls or injuries. Standard amenities include walk-in showers and grab bars in the bathrooms. Some assisted living communities might also have motion sensors and fall-detection technology.

Chat with the community staff

Talk to staff during your visit. You’ll likely be in touch with them every day after you move. It is important to understand how leaders and employees work together.

Consider your budget

Three key factors influence the cost of assisted living: location, size, and services. Holiday Retirement, one of the largest assisted living providers in the country, had a monthly average price of $2491 for a senior apartment in 2020. assisted living communities can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000 per month.

Know you have found the right place to call your home

You can live a happy, fulfilled, and stress-free life after you move to senior living. After you have toured the communities, it is time to make an informed decision.

We make sure that every individual is at home and at peace. If you’d like to find an assisted living community that cares for your well-being, come and give us a visit. Call Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest today to know more!

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

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

Assisted Living – Dealing With Aging Parents’ Loneliness

assisted livingModern technology has made it easier than ever to keep in touch with others. The internet, social media apps and smartphones have made it easy to reach anyone at any time, from anywhere. Despite all these advancements, research shows that Americans are lonelier than ever. Seniors experience this loneliness at a higher rate than any other age group.

What are the consequences of being lonely?

Loneliness is something that can be overcome to a certain extent. You can choose to keep your distance or to make an effort to connect with family and friends. It is more difficult to keep in touch with loved ones due to certain factors. Your social circle shrinks as you age. People move away and friends die, while family members become parents, or start their own families. Even if there are family members and friends in the area, mobility issues, illness, and transportation problems can make it difficult for you to leave the house and visit the people you love.

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Celebrate The Holidays With Seniors In Assisted Living

assisted livingWhat to do when your senior loved one is living in an assisted living facility? Holidays in assisted living communities are still fun and festive even if that means creating brand-new traditions.

If you can bring the holiday spirit to older adults living in assisted living in Myrtle Beach, they will feel included and loved. It’s important to spend quality time with those you love.

Answers to questions to help you celebrate with loved ones in an assisted living facility

  • Is it a good idea to bring an older adult with you home for a family event?
  • What can you do if an older adult doesn’t know what holidays are?
  • What holiday activities are good for assisted living?
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