If you have questions about whether your loved one is ready for memory care, it can be challenging to track symptoms while being sensitive to the relationship. The person suffering from changes in behavior may be feeling a loss of control. Meanwhile, the spouse, partner, adult child, or loved one observing these troubling behaviors often feels a heightened sense of concern and an increasing desire to protect and secure a safe living situation for their loved one.
Senior Living, Activities, Memory Care, Assisted Living, Caregiving, Social Wellness
Finding the Right Fit: A Guide to Life Enrichment
Senior Living, Memory Care, Caregiving, Social Wellness
From a Caregiver's Perspective
In this second installment of our 5-part series viewing life during COVID-19 through the eyes of people it affects in senior living, we turn to the perspective of one of our beloved caregivers, Mary Ahlberg. Mary is the kind of person that when you meet her, you know she is special. As a former Montessori teacher for children 9 months to 4 years of age, she has the keen ability to intuitively hone in on people’s needs. This particular skillset has served her very well as a caregiver focused on life enrichment at our Issaquah Memory Care community. With a zeal for trying new things, Mary engages dynamically and openly with everyone she meets.
Senior Living, Memory Care, Assisted Living, Independent Living, Social Wellness
Bringing Good Cheer
The holidays can be a time of joy, sweet memories, favorite traditions, and togetherness—but as most as most of us know, the holidays can also magnify our feelings of loss or loneliness and leave us feeling blue. Seniors who have lost a spouse, experienced a debilitating illness, had family move away, or struggled with other difficulties can be especially vulnerable to the bluest of Christmases.
Memory Care, Resident Spotlight
Meet Dorothy and Her One-in-a-Million Smile
Celebrating her one-year anniversary at Fieldstone Memory Care Issaquah, Dorothy is easy to pick out as she is always sporting an outfit in her favorite color—purple! Dorothy’s early years were spent on the family cotton farm deep in the heart of Texas, where she and her two siblings would help out with whatever needed to be done. When she was around 10, the family moved to nearby Abilene, where she graduated high school as a two-time State Doubles Tennis Champion.
Aging, Senior Living, Memory Care, Independent Living, Social Wellness
The Protective Power of Connection
Connection is the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship. - Brené Brown
It’s no secret that relationships can sustain us, but what does it really mean for seniors to have social support? It makes sense that being socially engaged with others can help us be our best selves. But it’s more than just a feeling. The science is clear—social support is essential for maintaining good physical and mental health. Positive, high quality social support is linked to stress resilience and better health outcomes. Considering that fact, it might not surprise you to learn that social isolation has been linked to increased cognitive decline.
Senior Living, Memory Care, Assisted Living, Social Wellness
Stay “in the loop” with LifeLoop
Here at Fieldstone Communities, we know that one of the biggest needs in senior living today is finding ways for residents to stay connected and engaged with family members. Studies show that family engagement can have a direct impact on the long-term health of seniors in residential living communities.
Health, Alzheimer's, Memory Care
The Power of Music
Neurologist Oliver Sacks famously said, “In forty years of medical practice, I have found only two types of non-pharmaceutical ‘therapy’ to be vitally important for patients with chronic neurological diseases: music and gardens.”
Aging, Alzheimer's, Senior Living, Memory Care
A Father’s Day Poem
This Father’s Day, we encourage you to spend time with family and friends to celebrate dads together. Though time and age can change each of us, the things that are unshakeable are our ties to one another.
Alzheimer's, Activities, Memory Care
Celebrating Mother’s Day When your Mother has Memory Loss
Celebrating Mother’s Day when your mother is affected by memory loss can be emotional and challenging. It is healthy to acknowledge any loss and the sadness you feel. And it’s important to allow yourself to grieve and be kind to yourself as you learn to accept the changes.