The Fieldstone Feed

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We all feel lonely from time to time, but seniors are especially susceptible to chronic loneliness. In fact, it affects 1 in 5 seniors. Isolation and loneliness can cause symptoms such as cognitive decline, depression, increased stress levels, high blood pressure and in some cases an early death. Thankfully, these side effects are entirely preventable by taking measures to ensure a high level of social wellness and regular activity.

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We all know pets make us feel better, but studies show us it is not just a feeling – it is a fact. Having regular exposure to animals is known to improve a variety of different conditions for children, adults, and seniors alike. We have seen the impact firsthand as we’ve welcomed our furry friends into our Fieldstone Communities.

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Fieldstone Memory Care Issaquah is excited to introduce our new Executive Director, Scott Houghton. Scott brings a wealth of healthcare knowledge, with over twenty years of medical and operations experience.

“Scott is a wonderful addition to Cascadia Senior Living and Fieldstone Communities,” says Director of Operations, Thomas Cloutier. “He brings an undeniable passion for senior healthcare and is a dynamic leader. Scott is the perfect person to lead our newest community, Fieldstone Memory Care Issaquah.”

Born in Colorado, Scott grew up in the southwest and received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. He and his family moved to the Seattle area in 2001.

Together with Terri, his wife of 28 years, and their children, Alexis (21), Sydney (18) and Cameron (16), Scott explores the Pacific Northwest by camping, rock climbing, and skiing. He also enjoys working on his house and yard. The yard is more for his dog, Xander, who has been a regular guest at assisted living communities where he brightens the day of seniors and their families.

When asked about his four years in senior living, Scott lights up. “I’ve found my passion” he explains. “My commitment is to ensure that we deliver the best care in a shared environment between our resident, their family, and our staff. Coming to work is like getting to visit and love on my grandparents every day!”

Please welcome Scott to our new community! You can reach him at scotth@fieldstonecommunities.com or 206.445.8274. Fieldstone Memory Care Issaquah is under construction and will be opening mid- 2017.

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Alzheimer's disease affects over 5 million people in the United States, with someone developing the disease every 66 seconds. Alzheimer's is a form of dementia and a neurodegenerative disease that causes a steady decline in not only memory but also thinking and reasoning skills. Because it is such a common disease, researchers are continually studying symptoms, looking for early signs and searching for new treatments.

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February is the month of love! While we hope you spread love and joy all year long, we know February holds an extra special place in all of our hearts. While you are showering your significant other or your kids with Valentine’s goodies, don’t forget the seniors in your life.

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Moving a senior loved one into an assisted living community involves legwork as well as a lot of planning to ensure that all is taken care of, including your loved one. We’ve created a list of things you should consider while preparing for the move to an assisted living facility like Fieldstone Grandridge.

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We all know the December drill – many of us pack up the kids in the ole minivan and head to Grandma and Grandpa’s house for the holidays. Chances are, if you live more than a few hours away, it’s been at least a couple months since you’ve last seen them. If this rings true to what your holiday season looked like, you may have noticed progressive signs of mental decline or physical aging during your visit.

We all want to believe that our parents are invincible – they raised us, right? But this just isn’t the case. Your occasional trips home might amplify the rate at which you realize your parents are having difficulty. Although they may have seemed “all there” and able to get around the house during your trip over Memorial Day weekend, this may not be the case when Christmas rolls around.

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It’s sometimes difficult to find activities to do in the wintertime. The weather can be harsh or dreary and can take a toll on our mental and physical health. One easy-to-do winter activity is indoor gardening!

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It's no secret that wintertime brings happy things like Christmas, holidays and family time – but it also brings a range of health concerns for the elderly. Winters in northern areas of the U.S. are harsh, especially in the state of Washington. Ice, snow and freezing temperatures make life challenging for everyone in the affected areas. Unfortunately, seniors are more susceptible to feeling the effects of winter mentally and physically.

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It doesn't matter how old you are; Christmas time often brings out the kid in all of us. Seniors are no different. While the holidays are not about money or gifts, it's rewarding to see other people's faces light up with joy when they open a gift they love. If you are stuck on what to buy the loved ones in your life, check out our suggestions based on the type of gift you'd like to give.