The Fieldstone Feed

December 21, 2020,

Aging, Senior Living, Fieldstone Communities, Social Wellness

The Power of Presence

When do we experience joy? Love? Connection? You may be scanning your memories trying to recall your best moments, but we’ll tell you the shortest answer: in the present moment. We can only live life right now. So, the joys and possibilities of life can only be experienced in the here and now. At Fieldstone Communities, our mission statement is Together we create joyful and vibrant communities. In every community, from independent and assisted living to specialized memory care, we are actively seeking ways to foster connection and enjoyment. When can our residents and staff experience joy and vibrance together? Yes, the present moment—that is where joyful and vibrant living really takes place!

September 23, 2020,

Senior Living, Activities, Memory Care, Assisted Living, Caregiving, Social Wellness

Finding the Right Fit: A Guide to Life Enrichment

July 08, 2020,

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.

April 15, 2020,

Health, Aging, Senior Living, Caregiving

What Does Exceptional Senior Caregiving Look Like?

When it comes to considering a move to a senior living setting, most families want to know that their loved ones are receiving exceptional care for their particular needs. Ensuring your peace of mind is a critical factor to a successful community-resident-family relationship. Teepa Snow, world-renowned educator and trainer of the Positive Approach to Care, asks “Can we experience the person as an amazing gem of great value, and give them the right setting and the right care so they can shine?” Exceptional care embraces this approach and incorporates it into all levels of resident care, staff training and business practices.

April 03, 2020,

Senior Living, Activities, Social Wellness

6 Ways to connect with seniors while social distancing

In order to ensure the well-being of ourselves and our loved ones, social distancing has taken precedence over our usual visits, events and activities. You might be asking yourself what you can do during this challenging time to stay connected to your loved ones. It’s important to follow social distancing instructions to maintain a safe and healthy environment for you and your senior family member, but that doesn’t mean you have to lose touch.

January 07, 2020,

Health, Holidays, Senior Living, Assisted Living, Social Wellness

Notes on Hope: New Year Wishes in Wintertime

When we find ourselves in the darkest days of the year, many of us can find it challenging to harness the hope of the new year. It’s cold and gray and also dark outside, and our spirits can feel a bit dim, too. Many of us, when we think about the idea of “hope” think of a glimmering light, some possibility of good things happening in the future. It can seem like a hard to pin down emotion, slipping through our fingers— here one day, gone the next. When we’re suffering from depression, loneliness, pain, boredom, or just feel like we’re in a funk, what can we do to feel hopeful?

December 03, 2019,

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.

November 05, 2019,

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.

August 21, 2019,

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.

July 02, 2019,

Aging, Senior Living, Activities

Joyful and Vibrant Fitness for Seniors

Staying Fit as You Age

Benefits of Exercise for Seniors

We all know that we need to exercise to stay healthy. And for seniors, the benefits of exercise are particularly significant. You don’t have to be a marathon runner or bodybuilder to exercise—there are many types of exercise that fit all abilities. A little bit of exercise will reward you with results beyond just toned muscles.