Trail Ridge Newsletter Fall 2016

FALL 2016

AT TRAIL RIDGE

Today’s Senior Living Defying Expectations Memory Care Provides Peace of Mind for Families and Residents Peace Starts In The Community

Today’s Senior Living Defies Expectations The idea of moving into a senior living community can often be daunting. But it doesn’t have to be. In recent years, as the baby boomer generation has begun reaching retirement age, senior living communities have transformed from the once heavily stigmatized “nursing home” model to become places where active, independent seniors thrive, enjoying access to abundant amenities, activities, and social outlets.

To meet the growing demand for amenity-rich senior housing options, Trail Ridge and several other ABHM communities have introduced a number of renovations and new community features that include wellness centers, beauty parlors, bistros, fitness programs, communal gardens, spiritual services, landscaped grounds for walking, theaters, expanded dining options, and more. A good example of this “new senior living community” is Tudor Oaks, an ABHM community located in Muskego, WI. The Community recently unveiled the new Glenn Goethel Sports Complex, which includes Bocce ball, putting greens, and an outdoor seating area with a pergola, all of which was entirely donor funded.

In addition to adding community amenities, many ABHM communities have also completed recent apartment renovations, featuring open floor plans, stainless steel appliances, cable TV, and Wi-Fi. To further serve resident needs, within the last 18

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months five ABHM communities, Trail Ridge included, have opened new memory care centers which offer private memory care suites and expanded support services.

Crystal Ferley, 93, can’t say enough positive things about her independent living apartment at Thorne Crest, an ABHM community located in Albert Lea, MN. “It’s beautiful and well maintained,” she says. “I lived in my house for 50 years and loved it, but it was not hard at all to make the transition because my new apartment was as nice as my house ever was. I love my apartment.”

Even more important than the amenities are the social opportunities that life in a senior living community makes available. Social connections are crucial for our emotional and psychological well-being throughout our lives, but are particularly important as we age. Loneliness and isolation can even have adverse consequences on our physical health, accelerating cognitive decline and increasing the risk of vascular, inflammatory, or heart disease.

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After losing her husband last year and spending a stint in Thorne Crest rehab, Crystal realized a permanent move to the Community was in her best interest. She says that the social, welcoming atmosphere of the community was just what she needed.

“There comes a time when you know you need the help, and I knew I did.” Crystal continues, “I had some doubts about the idea of moving to a senior community, but it feels like one big family here.

It wasn’t hard at all to get acquainted with people. You can be as involved in the community as you want to be and still feel like you always have someone who cares. You never need to be lonesome.”

Many seniors feel apprehensive about making the transition to a senior living community, but Crystal has some wise advice: “It’s all about your attitude. If you have a positive attitude, you’ll have a positive experience.”

The senior living community at Thorne Crest has been transformative for Crystal’s own life. “I can’t tell you how good it is for me to be here,” she says. “I’m really happy.

Talk to Our Wellness Staff to Reduce Your Risk for Falls For seniors, talking about a recent fall can be a difficult. There’s often embarrassment associated with taking a fall, as a result many people keep their tumbles a secret from friends or family unless there’s a telltale injury.

What people often do not understand is the gradual loss of balance is part of the natural aging process and nothing to be embarrassed about. Unfortunately the loss of equilibrium can put you at risk for a fall and injury unless you intervene with preventive measures. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) falls are one of the greatest threats to senior wellbeing, therefore keeping falls a secret can be dangerous.

CDC senior falls facts: • Among people age 65 and older falls are the leading cause of serious even fatal injuries • Approximately 40% of seniors fall on a yearly basis • 10% - 25% of falls result in a fracture, laceration, or the need for hospital care • Half of all older adults hospitalized for hip fracture cannot return home or live independently after their injuries • Among people age 65 and older, unintentional falls account for 87% of all fractures treated in emergency departments The causes of falls can be divided into two categories: • Personal Risk Factors Muscle weakness, balance problems, limited vision, and taking PAGE :: 3

certain medications such as tranquilizers or antidepressants.

• Recognize changes in your equilibrium

• Environmental Risk Factors

• Assess your home and make necessary changes to reduce the risk of falls

Home hazards such as clutter, loose rugs or other tripping hazards, poor lighting (especially on stairs) and not having railings to grab in the bathroom.

The Good News The good news is you can take steps to reduce your risk of a fall by improving your balance, strength, flexibility and environment. By working together, you and your caregiver, can identify your individual risk factors and create a plan to prevent falls and possible injury.

Key Steps: • Don’t keep falls or the fear of falling to yourself • Communicate health changes with family members and caregivers.

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• Assess your needs and start a program to reduce your risk of falling At Trail Ridge our wellness program offers individual assessments and group classes that teach techniques to improve balance and strength. We also provide in-home assessments and make recommendations to reduce the environmental risk of falls.

Please feel free to contact me and we can create a program that works for you and keeps you safe.

Stay Strong!

~Jona Leo, Trail Ridge Wellness Director

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Residents an Finding Peace of

Memory Seniors are living longer and more independently than ever before, however, with longer life comes an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s or dementia. Sufferers of these diseases face a progressive decline in cognitive and physical capabilities, resulting in the gradual loss of independence and eventual need for intensive daily care. To meet the growing need, senior living communities all over the country have been adding additional facilities and services dedicated to memory care, making a clear difference in quality of life for seniors—and their family members.

When Mary Brockington – a resident at Trail Ridge’s sister community in Denver, CO, The Community at Franklin Park – was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, she still lived at home with her husband Fred.

Initially her family took care of her at home, but eventually it became clear that she needed professional care.

According to her daughter, Caralynne, Mary had reached this point before moving to Franklin Park. “She would start packing everything and would start to try to go home—but she was home,” Caralynne describes. “She didn’t want anyone’s help, but we re-

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alized that it might start getting dangerous and we wanted to keep her safe.”

A relative with memory loss can be a constant source of stress for family members, caregivers, and loved ones.

Each day is fraught with communication challenges, difficulties performing routine tasks, and the risks associated with confusion and forgetfulness—such as the tendency to wander away and become lost.

Before settling into Franklin Park, Mary first moved into another facility. However, it soon became clear that she required more advanced services than they could provide. Her family moved Mary to Franklin Park, where she has her own private room and receives one-onone care from nursing staff.

nd Families f Mind Through

y Care The move to Franklin Park has been a wonderful experience for both Mary and her family members. “I try to visit every day,” Caralynne says, “but I call to check in on the days that I can’t go myself. The staff are diligent about keeping us posted on how she’s doing that day and her o v e r a l l progress.

They have all been very personable and seem dedicated to their work.”

Because social interaction plays an important part in managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, Franklin Park and the other ABHM communities provide extensive activities and programs designed to connect and engage with memory care residents. By keeping loved ones involved with favorite hobbies and activities, caregivers and family members can help them improve mood and memory—and possibly even slow the process of cognitive decline.

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Mary, a lifelong social butterfly, is certainly seeing the benefits of staying active at Franklin Park. “During our visits we sit and talk, we sing songs, and we pray,” says Caralynne. “We choose our activities based on her mood, but we have been able to continue many of the activities she used to love. She’s been adjusting well to the community. She seems content.”

The support Franklin Park, Trail Ridge and all ABHM communities provide isn’t limited to residents. Caralynne and her family have been attending a monthly support group at Franklin Park throughout Mary’s time there. “Ever since she was first diagnosed, we have been going to seminars to learn more about the illness,” says Caralynne. “The speakers at Franklin Park have been really helpful in educating us about what has been going on with our mom. It makes our journey a little easier to understand what she’s experiencing.”

For more information about Trail Ridge Memory Care call Jason Honey at 605-339-4847.

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A Mission of Peace Starts in the Community During tough times we often dream of days gone by, “the good ol’ days” when things were simpler, freer, and more peaceful. Especially now, as some of us look in fear to the future as the Presidential election draws near, it can be easy to find ourselves longing for better, more peaceful times in our past. But as tempting as it is to reminisce, living in the past doesn’t change our present. In times such as these, it’s important to find ways to stay grounded in the present.

Many people have found it helpful to look for peace within our own community of Sioux Falls. I recently attended a lunch forum where a young man spoke about community involvement. He and his wife had moved their young family of four to another part of Sioux Falls, where they worked hard to relate to their neighbors in an “at risk” part of town. By making this decision to move he was creating connections within a new part of the city, connections he clearly thought vitally important to overall wellbeing of a his community. The young man from the luncheon reported that the last thing he wanted people to do is look at his family and say,

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“Look what they’ve done,” but rather - in order to serve Jesus Christ, “we must bring peace to our own communities by building relationships with others outside of our comfort zone.”

enjoy a meal once a week with a child?

The mission field is here! Practical ways to give grace and peace to others:

• Donate needed items and visit with family members of a prisoner at Family Connection Homes.

Avoid judging others 1 Cor 4:5 “… Be careful not to jump to conclusions…as to whether or not someone is faithful. When the Lord comes, He will bring our deepest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. And then, God will give everyone whatever praise is due.”

Serving others comes back to you tenfold!

• Think about helping with activities or individuals in assisted living and/or memory care.

• Serve at the Banquet. Did you know they serve breakfast and they are always in need of help!

• Take time to pray in the Spiritual Life room on the third floor for those on the “fringes” of our city.

While we look forward to a day without war, pain, and persecution, remember Jesus’ day is coming.

Rev. 22:7, 12, “…I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”

• Offer to go to lunch with someone who is a visitor at a local church, such as a single parent, a single adult, or a struggling individual.

If you have any spiritual concerns or questions please feel free to speak with either of us, (Rebecca or Randy). If we’re absent from the office on second floor above the great hall, our cell phone numbers are listed in the directory.

• Be an LSS school mentor to a child. We all have to eat, why not

In His Grace and Peace, Chaplains Rebecca and Randy

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A Dementia Diagnosis is Not Without Options According to the Alzheimer’s Association, someone in America develops symptoms of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia every 66 seconds. Dementia is a broad category of brain diseases that cause longterm loss of cognitive ability severe enough to interfere with a person's daily functioning.

As a progressive disease, dementia causes a person’s ability to care for themselves to slowly deteriorate. Spouses and family members can provide a great deal of support, but the task of caring for someone with dementia can become a job that is both physically and emotionally taxing. Typically the progression of the disease and the demands of the individual exceed the capa-

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bilities of family caregivers and they seek full-time care to ensure the safety and well-being of a loved one.

At this point there are several care options that families can explore. One option is to work with a Home Health Agency and hire a nurse/caregiver to come to your loved one’s home and provide daily care. A second option is to consider a move to a senior living community with an appropriate memory care program that meets your needs. At Trail Ridge we have recently built a brand new memory care center with 22 private resident rooms.

The 22 private rooms are divided into two neighborhoods creating small intimate settings enabling residents to become comfort-

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able and familiar with neighbors and staff. This new area of the community also provides residents and families welcoming common spaces for all to enjoy.

If your loved one’s dementia is more advanced, a third option is to look at skilled memory care.

Here, residents receive an intensive level of care provided by nurses who manage and monitor symptoms as the disease progresses. Residents occupy private or semi-private rooms that are secured for their safety and well-being.

If you know someone living with or caring for someone with dementia or related memory care concerns and is looking for care options, please feel free to contact Jason Honey at 605-339-4847.

TrailRidge.net

3408 W. Ralph Rogers Road, Suite 100 Sioux Falls, SD 57108 www.TrailRidge.net

Trail Ridge Senior Living Community is owned and operated by American Baptist Homes of the Midwest, a not-for-profit provider of senior health care since 1930.

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Trail Ridge is a faith-based, not-for-profit senior living community. Our mission is to create healthy Christian communities that empower older adults.

We provide choices for housing, services, and technology that enrich body, mind and spirit.

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Today’s Senior Living Defying Expectations Memory Care Provides Peace of Mind for Families and Residents Peace Starts In The Community

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