Category: News

With the changing of the clocks (one hour forward) this spring, we all plod through the first couple of weeks as our circadian rhythm, the sleep-wake cycle, tries to catch up. For many people living with dementia, this sleep-wake cycle can be interrupted daily in a condition called Sundowning Syndrome. This symptom of dementia causes individuals to face increased confusion, agitation, anxiety and sometimes aggression in late afternoon or early evening.

For families supporting a loved one living with dementia, it can be quite distressing to try and manage this condition, which can manifest in confusion and disorientation, pacing, irritability and mood swings, wandering at night and worse, paranoia.

Doctors say Sundowning is believed to be caused by a combination of factors, including disruptions in the body’s internal clock, fatigue, reduced lighting, sensory overload, changes in brain function, or sometimes the side effects of medicine or dehydration.

How can families help when Sundowning occurs?

To reduce the stress on families and the individual experiencing Sundowning symptoms, families can take several steps to help a loved one. The first step is establishing a consistent routine, such as regular times for waking up, meals and bedtime. If possible, limit naps to encourage more sound night sleep, and plan activities for earlier in the day to reduce evening overstimulation.

Healthy sleeping habits are critical as well. You can support this by exposing your loved one to natural daylight to help regulate the individual’s body clock. You can also limit caffeine, sugar or large late-day meals, and create a calming routine near bedtime. Also, encourage light exercise during the day. A simple walk or a routine of stretching or yoga can reduce restlessness later in the day.

Next, consider adjusting your home environment. You can do this by keeping the home well-lit, especially as night falls. This will help reduce shadows and potential confusion. In addition, reduce noise and distractions, such as loud TV or radio, and limit late-day visitors. Consider blackout curtains as well.

If your loved one experiences Sundowning symptoms, reassure them calmly. You can do this by speaking softly or offering a gentle physical touch if they enjoy this. You can also try to redirect the negative behavior by shifting attention to a relaxing activity like listening to familiar music, folding laundry or doing an easy puzzle.

Keeping a journal on what triggers symptoms – or periods of calm – will help you learn important factors that will benefit your loved one. Monitor for foods, activities, lighting, sounds, and anything else that might provide clues for how you can adjust how you support your loved one.

Finally, if Sundowning symptoms become too much for you to handle at home, consult with your doctor. They can help assess if your loved one is being affected by medications or other conditions such as an infection that might be causing discomfort. If symptoms persist and become too complex to handle at home, they may have recommendations for where you can get help.

Caring for someone with sundowning can be challenging, but by creating a structured, calming environment and providing reassurance, families can help ease symptoms and improve their loved one’s well-being.

As part of its continuum of living options for seniors, Sopris Lodge at Carbondale Senior Living offers specialized memory care in addition to assisted living and independent living. In our memory care neighborhood and Day Retreat at the Lodge, team members have been trained to support residents experiencing Sundowner’s syndrome and other side effects of Alzheimer’s and related dementia conditions. Give us a call at 970-678-0057 if you have any questions. We’re here to help.

The Day Retreat at the Lodge is available from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. MT on weekdays with both full- and half-day options. Call 970-678-0057 to learn more or schedule an assessment.

Caring for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s and related dementia is challenging. Increasingly, families are turning to supportive day retreat programs that support seniors during the weekdays. When a caregiver is busy with work, running errands, or just needing some personal time to relax and focus on their health and well-being, a day program ensures their loved one or patient is safe, well-cared for, and enjoying their time away from home.

Sopris Lodge at Carbondale Senior Living’s Day Retreat at the Lodge program is for individuals who need dementia-care services and support with activities of daily living. Located in our intimate memory care and assisted living community, participants spend time with peers with similar interests and enjoy chef-prepared meals and snacks with access to supportive services and exceptional amenities. Day Retreat members participate in community events, wellness programs, and activities and get to know residents and team members in a safe and engaging environment. The Day Retreat at the Lodge is also a great way for older adults and families to get to know our senior lifestyle community before considering a temporary short-term respite stay or becoming a permanent resident.

Benefits of Sopris Lodge’s Day Retreat at the Lodge Program for Seniors

Socialization

Loneliness and isolation are common issues many seniors struggle with as they cope with memory loss and decreased mobility. Day programs allow older adults to participate in social activities, games, music, and opportunities for growth and learning alongside friends in a safe and supported environment with specially trained caregivers nearby to assist as needed.

Independence

Getting out of the house and having choices when it comes to what activities they are involved in, whom they spend time with, and even what to order for lunch promotes independence and confidence in seniors. The freedom to have more say in their daytime activities can also boost their mental and physical health and overall well-being.

Quality Care

Older adults enrolled in a day program are surrounded by dementia-care professionals who offer supportive services like medication and incontinence management and assistance with activities of daily living. They are also adept at handling unusual or aggressive behaviors that can be associated with memory loss and ensuring that program participants are safe and comfortable at all times.

Benefits of Day Programs for Caregivers

Peace of Mind

When it isn’t possible to be with a loved one, day programs offer caregivers peace of mind knowing their loved one is engaged in fun activities with peers while being looked after by specially trained professionals in a safe and supportive environment.

Better Care

Caregiving for a loved one living with memory loss requires time and energy. That’s why it’s essential for caregivers to learn how to cope with daily challenges and avoid burnout. Utilizing a day program like Sopris Lodge’s Day Retreat at the Lodge can provide a much-needed break for caregivers to focus on their own health, relax, and rejuvenate so they can continue to manage the demands of caregiving.

Seniors living with dementia often require specialized care and ongoing supervision that family caregivers may find challenging to provide. As your loved one’s condition progresses, dementia symptoms and behaviors may worsen, and there may be a fork in the road where you must decide to arrange for care at home or consider a move to a senior living community that offers memory care.

This complex decision requires an understanding of what home care organizations and memory care providers offer for dementia care. And the decision often depends on the individual’s condition, needs, budget, and support system.

What is a memory care community?

At some point, caregivers may find that moving a senior to a memory care community will be beneficial as their dementia progresses. Memory care facilities provide long-term care for seniors living with Alzheimer’s or related dementia. This type of residential community typically offers specialized memory care services that meet the unique needs of its residents. The services in these communities are designed to improve the quality of life for seniors with memory loss by reducing confusion and stimulating cognitive function within a secure setting. That secure setting, and the collective support of a team approach to care, is often a very important factor for families.

Memory care communities can be a part of another senior living community that provides multiple levels of care, or they can be a stand-alone facility. For example, here at Sopris Lodge at Carbondale, we offer memory care as well as assisted living and independent living apartments, respite care and day retreat services.

Memory care often includes many of the same services as assisted living, such as assistance with activities of daily living, meal preparation, and medication management. They also offer unique services, activities, and amenities tailored to seniors with cognitive impairment. Communities that care for seniors with middle- to end-stage dementia may also be better equipped to handle the challenges associated with wandering, aggression, and other dementia-related behaviors.

Memory care communities meet the care needs of those experiencing cognitive decline and memory loss by offering various services:

• Personal care that assists seniors who have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, or medication management
• Safety features, which typically include security cameras, emergency call buttons, and locked doors to prevent wandering
• Full-time supervision by team members trained to attend to the needs of seniors living with dementia
• Behavioral interventions to help with symptoms such as aggression
• Activities, programs, and social events designed to stimulate cognitive function for seniors living with dementia
• Intentionally designed spaces that ease anxiety and agitation, and simplified building layouts for easy navigation

Many memory care communities utilize a “person-centered” approach to providing care. This process focuses on building close relationships between residents and team members while promoting individuality. Person-centered memory care communities emphasize respecting and valuing seniors as individuals, regardless of their cognitive abilities.

What is home care for dementia?

Home care provides services to assist seniors in their homes. Home care may be offered by independent caregivers hired as contractors, or by home care agencies that employ professional caregivers. These caregivers offer companionship, assistance with daily activities, and dementia care, usually for an hourly fee. Levels of care provided can vary from a few hours of weekly housekeeping to 24-hour daily supervision, based on each person’s needs and individual care plan.

Home care may be more appropriate for individuals with early to moderate stages of dementia who can still function with support, which can often be family members to supplement home care staff. This option allows the individual to be in a familiar environment, get one-on-one care, and benefit from flexibility in scheduling. Home modifications may be necessary for safety and security.

Assessing the right dementia care option for your family

Budget can be a major factor for families in timing and selecting which option should be taken. While the price of memory care is typically higher than assisted living, the all-inclusive pricing can be attractive to families who balance this cost against the cost of running a home (food, utilities, insurance, maintenance) and the cost of the home care providers.

Deciding which type of care your loved one living with dementia needs can feel like a daunting task at first. Learning about the differences between memory care communities and home care providers is a good place to start.

If you would like to speak with our memory care team as you explore your options, our experts are a resource here to assist you. Please give them a call at 970-678-0057. Sopris Lodge at Carbondale offers seniors and their families an intimate setting for living in a quaint, Rocky Mountain town.

People living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia may remember their far-off past but might not be able to remember an event that happened yesterday. That’s why building a memory box can be a great way to connect with your loved one as they recall different people and events from their past.

By providing concrete, tangible items that start conversations and spark memories, memory boxes can help family members, friends and care providers to engage individuals living with memory loss in a healthy, meaningful way. Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind before creating your own memory box:

Choose the right container

Find a suitable container to serve as your memory box. It should be sturdy and easy to store and lift. Your container can be as simple as a shoebox or Tupperware container, or more ornate like a basket or a chest. You can also decorate the box with drawings, small glued-on items, or photos to make it even more unique.

Find meaningful objects

Find objects to put in your memory box that have a specific memory attached to them. These can be objects that reflect your loved one’s interests and hobbies, or just ones with personal significance. Some ideas would be family photos, a favorite book, sports memorabilia, CDs or tapes, artwork from grandchildren, vacation souvenirs, a favorite recipe, old newspaper clippings, or a favorite piece of jewelry or clothing.

Pick stimulating and safe items

Senses like touch and smell can help spur memory just as much, or even more so, than sight, so consider choosing items with different textures and fragrances. If you include a CD, be sure to play it with your loved one. And be sure to choose memory-related items that are not sharp, dangerous, or heavy to handle.

Considering including notes and clues

The significance of certain items might not come to your loved one right away. Try labeling items with cues and include a notecard or list in the box detailing all the items with a short description or context clues to suggest why they are meaningful.

Memory boxes are a simple tool for spurring connection and engagement, but the most important part of making a memory box is what happens after you hand it over to a loved one. Both you and your loved one will cherish the process of going through the box, talking about each item, recalling memories, and enjoying the conversations that arise.

At Sopris Lodge at Carbondale, we’re committed to supporting seniors in our community to live well and age well. Call us at 970-678-0057 to learn more about our independent and assisted living and memory care services for those 55+.

Whether you live at home or in a retirement community, we all tend to slow down when the chilly weather moves in for the winter. For seniors, staying active – at any level – is one of life’s best secrets. As many active adults say, “move it or lose it” applies.

For seniors living at home, staying active might present challenges as the effort to navigate the snow and ice – and fear of falling – is very real, and developing a home exercise program can feel daunting. It might be easier for those living in a retirement community as most offer a wide range of activities, including wellness programs. At Sopris Lodge at Carbondale, our wellness team spends extra time in the winter developing programs and activities for our residents that encourage ongoing movement to help enhance flexibility, prevent falls, and boost mental and physical health.

No matter where you live, here are seven great, safe, and enjoyable options to keep moving:

1. Indoor Exercise Classes

• Yoga, Tai Chi, or Pilates: These gentle exercises improve flexibility, balance, and strength. Many community centers offer senior-friendly classes, and online options are widely available as well. Our senior living community has several regular wellness program options and dedicated space for developing an exercise routine to keep the blood pumping and add to overall wellness.
• Indoor Walking Groups: Malls often have dedicated hours for walkers, which is a great option for a flat, climate-controlled environment. And if you live in a retirement community, simply walking the halls or taking the stairs if you can add up.
• Dance Classes: Low-impact dance, like ballroom or line dancing, can be a fun, social way to stay active.

2. Home-Based Workouts

• Exercise DVDs or Online Videos: There are many routines specifically designed for seniors, from seated exercises to standing routines.
• Resistance Bands and Light Weights: Small, portable equipment like resistance bands or light dumbbells can enhance strength training routines at home.

3. Swimming and Water Aerobics

• Indoor pools provide a warm, accessible way for seniors to exercise without stressing their joints. Many pools offer water aerobics classes that are gentle yet effective for fitness. While we do not have an onsite pool, the nearby Carbondale Recreation and Community Center offers a great venue with older adult programs and we can support residents with transportation.

4. Join a Gym or Fitness Center

• Many gyms have low-cost or insurance-subsidized memberships for seniors, providing access to treadmills, stationary bikes, and light resistance machines. Some fitness centers also offer senior-specific classes and wellness programs. Our therapy and fitness spaces also offer great views as a bonus while working out.

5. Balance and Strength Training

• Simple home routines focusing on balance exercises can be beneficial in reducing fall risk. Common options include standing on one leg, heel-to-toe walking, and gentle stretching routines. Study after study indicates that weight training, even light weights, can help bone density significantly.

6. Bundle Up and Go Outdoors When Possible

If it’s not icy, outdoor walks can still be an option. Dress in layers, wear appropriate footwear and choose a safe, flat area. Consider walking with poles for extra stability. Sopris Lodge offers a convenient location with access to the Rio Grande Recreational Trail and is just a short walk from downtown Carbondale.

7. Stay Social with Virtual Fitness Groups

• Staying motivated can be easier with friends. Virtual fitness groups let seniors connect, set fitness goals, and exercise together via video chat, creating an interactive experience even from home.

Encouraging a mix of social and solo activities can keep winter fitness fun and manageable, boosting both physical health and overall well-being.

Sopris Lodge at Carbondale Senior Living, located in Carbondale, Colorado offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care housing and care. The community encourages seniors, whether they live at home or in a retirement community, to maintain a good level of physical activity during the winter, for both mental and physical wellness. For more information about Sopris Lodge at Carbondale, visit soprislodge.com or give us a call at 970-678-0057.

Holidays can be challenging for caregivers and families of individuals living with Alzheimer’s and related dementia. To reduce stress, experts offer some practical advice on how to create a positive and supportive environment during the holidays, ranging from setting realistic expectations to focusing on familiar traditions.

We caught up with Never Alone Consulting Founder Paula Levy, who has worked in geriatrics for more than 30 years, in particular working with family caregivers and individuals living with dementia, on how to cope during the holidays.

Paula reminds us that with the holiday season just around the corner, it’s always nice to pull out the decorations that represent significant remembrances, which stir up fond memories and traditions that have come to mean so much to us and our loved ones.

“But when a family member is diagnosed with dementia, holidays take on a whole new look and dimension and, more often than not, families are not prepared or sometimes even refuse to acknowledge that things need to change,” she says. She suggests many families just try to “push through it,” maintaining the same traditions, and this might cause stress for both you and your loved one living with dementia.

Paula suggests that with some adjustment and forethought, holidays still can mean just as much, if not more, as families learn to adjust to new and simpler traditions. “Scaling down your holiday gatherings will not only make the time less stressful for your loved one, but it will likely be less stressful for you and everyone else involved too,” she says. “The lower the expectation, the better the outcome.”

Some tips for managing expectations for gatherings with loved ones living with dementia over the holidays include:

• Maintain a simple routine. Stick to familiar routines as much as possible to reduce confusion and anxiety, and plan activities during the time of day when the person is most alert.
• Set realistic expectations. Communicate with family members ahead of time about what to expect and how to interact in a patient and supportive manner. Keep family gatherings small or consider having a quiet room where the person with dementia can take breaks if needed.
• Focus on comfort and familiarity. Play familiar music or songs that have special meanings as they can help stimulate memory. Create a calming atmosphere and keep decorations simple and familiar to avoid overstimulation or confusion.
• Include them in simple activities. Encourage participation in activities individuals with cognitive decline can manage, such as looking through photo albums, helping to set the table, or other simple tasks. Watch for signs of fatigue or stress, and shift to a quieter activity if needed.
• Be patient and flexible. Conversations may need to be adapted. Avoid correcting or arguing with the person if they become confused, and if they do, redirect the conversation to something soothing.
• Watch for signs of overload. Pay attention to body language or behavior changes that signal frustration or fatigue and be prepared to shorten the visit or adjust plans for the well-being of the person with dementia.
• Keep meals relaxed. Avoid complex meals that could be challenging for the person to manage, serving food that is easy to eat and familiar to them.
• Encourage family education. Help family members understand that changes in behavior are part of the disease and not intentional. Share tips you might know with others who are less familiar with the disease.
• Celebrate traditions thoughtfully. Reminisce with stories and traditions that they may remember but do so without pressure. Consider adapting your traditions to allow for engagement without too much stimulation.

Caregivers should remember to take care of their well-being too and seek support when needed. Approaching holiday gatherings with flexibility and empathy can make them more enjoyable and meaningful for everyone involved.

Sopris Lodge at Carbondale Senior Living offers a continuum of living options for seniors 55+ in Garfield and Pitkin Counties, including dementia care at its locally owned memory care community. Paula Levy is a frequent guest speaker and roundtable facilitator at WellAge-managed communities like Sopris Lodge. If you would like more information on how to cope with the holidays for an individual living with dementia or to learn about our services or family friendly caregiver support groups, please visit us online at soprislodge.com or call 970-678-0057.