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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.

A handful of residents at Sopris Lodge have pets, and in addition to brightening up the community with their personalities, we now learn there are physical, social and mental benefits to having pets. In fact, studies indicate folks with pets enjoy better mental and physical health, especially later in life, as older adults with animal companionship tend to be more active, more social and have a lower risk of depression. These same studies have found great health benefits too, like lower blood pressure, less anxiety and chemical body changes that lead to increased happiness!

For seniors with dogs, the daily walks, belly rubs and ball-tossing all add up to increased activity. Cats too need attention and cause us to move more often, from head rubs to scratches, even keeping the litter box tidy. In return for these small favors, pets shower their owners with unconditional love and affection while providing constant companionship.

At any stage of life, purpose is essential. And for older adults, caring for a pet can be very satisfying and fulfilling. Pets also need a regular schedule, and many older adults enjoy the structure that brings to their days. Since pets naturally attract people, they often serve as a social bridge between their owners and others in the community where they live. The pets at Sopris Lodge are often a magnet for affection and social engagement between residents and staff as well as fellow residents.

Studies have found when seniors with pets get out in the community, they feel a stronger sense of community. Being that we are in Carbondale, with a relaxed mountain vibe, Sopris Lodge knew from the outset having pets on site would be appropriate. Our resident pet owners have lots of lovely outdoor spaces in the community to spend time with their canine companions. They are also just steps away from the Rio Grande trail where they can interact with other dog owners while getting fresh air and sunshine along with a healthy dose of physical activity.

Pet owners living at Sopris Lodge will find downtown Carbondale to be very pet friendly and only a short walk away. Several restaurants have patios where dogs are welcome to join their owners for a meal. There are plenty of veterinarian services, pet groomers, and locally owned RJ Paddywhacks has all the pet essentials like food, dishes and toys.

Even non-pet owners benefit from living in a pet-friendly community. While a pet may not be part of everyone’s lifestyle just being around them occasionally can boost your mood by lowering stress hormone levels and blood pressure. They are also a source of humor and encourage those around them to live in the moment.

We made the most of the dog days of summer by continuing to support our pet owners and welcome the positive energy their furry companions bring to the community keeping us all a little healthier and happier.

If you’re considering a move to 55+ living, please give us a call at 970-678-0057 or schedule an in-person or virtual tour to learn how you can make our pet-friendly community your new home.

The Cleveland Clinic defines caregiver burnout as a state of “physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion,” which can negatively impact your ability to continue caring for your loved one. When caring for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, it’s essential to learn how to cope with daily challenges, protect your own health and avoid burnout.

Here are five tips from the Alzheimer’s Association to help you manage the demands of caregiving and avoid burnout.

1. Prioritize Your Health

Caregivers often get caught up in monitoring the health of their loved ones, and they neglect their own health. If you get too sick and rundown to care for your spouse or family member, their health could also suffer. See your doctor annually and be attentive to your health. If you have a cough or aches and pains that linger, be sure to tell your physician. Don’t ignore a persistent headache or chronic sleeplessness. Report any unusual symptoms to your doctor and prioritize your health and well-being.

2. Eat Well and Exercise

Making sure your diet is healthy and balanced like you do for your loved one will help you maintain your energy levels and overall strength. Take time for regular physical exercise, and don’t skip meals or resort to the drive-thru. Instead, plan to eat the same healthy meals you serve your loved one and find small breaks in the day when a loved one is napping to get in a few minutes of yoga or stream a workout class. There are also ways you can be active with the person with dementia like going for a walk together, doing seated exercises at home, or dancing in the living room.

3. Manage Stress

You cannot avoid stress entirely, but you don’t have to let it overwhelm you. One of the best stress relievers is to give yourself a break. You are doing the best you can and deserve time for yourself! Constant stress leads to poor mental and physical health and can cause your loved one to feel stressed, too. For both your sakes’ find ways to relax and unwind every day.

4. Accept Things for What They Are

Alzheimer’s and dementia are progressive, and you cannot change or control that. All you can do is your best and not feel guilty that you should be doing more. Your loved one’s needs are going to change, and a day may come when you can no longer care for them at home. Accepting this and planning for when that time comes will give you peace of mind about their future. A memory care community like Sopris Lodge at Carbondale provides families guidance and information to begin their memory care search and holds events to share resources so caregivers realize they are not alone and it’s okay to ask for help and support.

5. Ask for Help

No matter how hard you try, you cannot do everything by yourself. You will need help sometimes. Family members, neighbors, church members, or in-home care providers are people you can, and should, reach out to for help now and then. Another good option to explore is short-term respite care. At Sopris Lodge, we provide a quality respite care solution for caregivers’ temporary needs. Whether you need a few days off for a family vacation, a work trip or just to recharge, our furnished apartments offer a safe, comfortable environment with 24/7 care staff, life-enrichment activities, and all the comforts of home.

Respite care is also an excellent way to prepare yourself and your loved one for the time when their needs may be better served in a memory care community. Becoming aware of local resources and exploring options ahead of time, can help make the transition easier for you and your loved one.

At Sopris Lodge at Carbondale, we help families find the best living situation to meet their loved one’s needs. Call 970-340-4460 or visit soprislodge.com if you have questions about our memory care program or respite care services.