Category: News

When looking for a memory care community that meets the needs of your loved one who is living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, the best possible place for them to be is in a community where they will have the proper support and care necessary to maintain a high quality of life even as their cognitive issues progress.

Research has shown that residents in memory care communities experience a multitude of benefits. They generally take less medication, have a reduced risk of falls and injuries, have improved wellness and nutrition, enjoy more independence and socialization, and visit the hospital less often.

Here are five important factors to consider when searching for the right memory care community and program for your loved one:

1. Staffing

It’s important to ask yourself whether the team at the community you’re evaluating appears to be knowledgeable and caring. Find out their level of training and experience and whether any team members are certified dementia care managers. Another important factor to consider is the staff-to-resident ratio, both during the day and at night. At communities like Sopris Lodge at Carbondale, team members are trained in person-centered care and on-site 24 hours a day.

2. Safety

Six out of 10 people living with Alzheimer’s have the tendency to wander, so it’s a good idea to find out if the memory care community you’re considering has safeguards and electronic safety features against residents leaving the premises. Some communities offer residents a wander-prevention wristband system, while others implement access-controlled, video-monitored entry or emergency call systems and pendants in resident apartments.

3. Services

Think about what level of care your loved one needs, from basic services like meal prep and laundry to specialized medical care and assistance with activities of daily living. Find out a community’s standard procedures for medical emergencies, especially if your loved one has underlying conditions. You may also want to ask what kinds of therapies the community offers, such as pet, music, reminiscence, light, art, or another type of specialized therapy.

4. Levels of Care

Other important information to gather is whether the community’s Resident Services Director and memory care team develop an individual care plan for residents upon moving in, and how residents are engaged by team members with verbal queues and prompting. If necessary, ask whether the community can care for residents who exhibit disruptive behavior. If your loved one is not quite ready for memory care, you can also ask whether they have an assisted living to Alzheimer’s support bridge program for early-stage residents.

5. Amenities

Finally, determine what the living arrangements are in the community you are considering: are there memory care neighborhoods? Are the apartments arranged around shared common areas like a homelike living room or dedicated activities space? At Sopris Lodge, we offer a memory care dining program and outdoor courtyards, walking spaces, and gardens to encourage movement and fresh air. Other amenities include concierge services, weekly housekeeping and laundry services, and an on-site beauty salon.

Before deciding, determine your loved one’s personal needs and then evaluate the memory care program and community as much as possible: schedule a tour, read reviews online, talk to residents, families, and team members, and most importantly, ask questions!

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 memory care or would like to schedule a personalized tour.

Are you or a loved one having difficulty with activities of daily living as you age? Has a spouse or friend’s memory declined to the point you are worried about their safety? Before you begin searching for long-term care, it’s important to know the difference between assisted living and memory care. While some of the services are the same, there are several differences in the level of care provided.

What is Assisted Living?

Seniors in an assisted living community typically need help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, medication management, or mobility, but don’t need around-the-clock help. Seniors who receive this level of care can clearly communicate their needs and their reasoning skills are intact.

What is Memory Care?

Like assisted living, residents in memory care also require assistance with activities of daily living. However, they are often unable to clearly articulate their needs and therefore, require a higher – and more personalized – level of care. Seniors experiencing memory loss may forget how to turn off the stove or oven, or even how to navigate to and from their apartment. Memory care team members have special training to enhance engagement and communication with these residents so they can be successful and still maintain a purpose in a community.

Assisted Living Communities

Safety is always a concern for seniors who are prone to falls and other injuries. In assisted living communities, residents may have an emergency call device like a pendant as well as call buttons in their apartments and daily check-ins from team members to ensure they are generally in good health.

Assisted living communities offer lots of fun activities and opportunities for residents to socialize and engage like painting, playing board games, going to live musical performances, daily exercise, and educational forums.

Memory Care Communities

Safety and security are heightened in a memory care community, which typically includes keypad access for team members and visitors to enter and leave the memory care neighborhood. Memory care communities are often designed to minimize confusion with plenty of open space for walking and movement, ample signage, color-coded walls, and personalized shadow boxes to help residents navigate the building.

Memory care residents have access to most of the same socialization opportunities, but with more personalization to ensure they are meaningful and purposeful. At Sopris Lodge at Carbondale, special activities are scheduled for our memory care residents that are shown to help slow cognitive decline, reduce falls, and decrease the use of some medications, and are done with the support of trained team members.

Your Senior Care Partner

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 contact us online if you have questions about assisted living or memory care or would like to schedule a personalized tour.

Our Memory Care Neighborhood is designed specifically for residents with Alzheimer’s, dementia or other memory loss conditions. We provide a comfortable, secure, home-like environment featuring outdoor courtyards that offer fresh air, walking space and sunshine and tie in with a community room and dedicated dining area. As a community familiar with dementia, Alzheimer’s and other memory care conditions, we talk to families regularly about their options. Our goal is always to be a resource for families as they explore their options in supporting a loved one.

Based on the comments we receive we’ve organized 10 questions you should ask when looking for memory care for your loved one.

1. How large is the community?

Memory care communities range from hundreds of apartments and residents to smaller boutique communities with 100 or less people and every size in between. Be sure to find out:

• How many resident apartments are there?
• What size are the apartments?
• Are there private and/or companion residences?
• What are the indoor spaces like? Is there an activities room, fitness and wellness center and plenty of community gathering places?
• What type of outdoor spaces are there? Are they secure?

2. Who is the leadership team?

The leadership team ensures the community is safe and clean, offers plenty of opportunities for socialization and that residents are well-looked after. Meet with the leadership team and members in the memory care segment of the community you are considering to get a sense of their philosophy of care and how they interact with residents and their family members.

3. What is the staff like?

Memory care communities have specially trained personnel and are often staffed with a Resident Care Director who oversees the care team and residents’ health needs. It is important to know what level of care can be provided to your loved one in the community and how outside care is managed.

4. How do team members interact with residents?

Observe how a community’s team members interact with residents. If possible, speak to family members of a current resident to find out how they interact with the caregivers. You should feel very comfortable with the care team and have a good relationship with them.

5. What kind of training do the caregivers have?

People living with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia require specially trained caregivers who understand the signs and symptoms of both. They should have experience caring for those with dementia and be capable of managing any situation, no matter how unpredictable. People living with dementia often experience extreme anxiety and confusion, may be prone to angry outbursts or try to leave the community alone, and require caregivers who are prepared to calmly redirect that energy and address these issues.

6. What is the dining program like?

Memory care communities typically offer three meals a day with snacks available in between. Ask to see a sample menu. Visit the dining room, inspect the food that is being served and inquire if special diets can be accommodated. Also ask where the food is sourced from and what percentage of it is served from fresh, not frozen.

7. What does a day look like and what activities are offered?

Many studies show people living with dementia or Alzheimer’s greatly benefit from specialized life enrichment activities like creating memory books, taking art or music classes, or attending fitness classes. Ask what kinds of activities are scheduled and who supervises them. And importantly, see how the team will accommodate the interests of your family member into the daily routine.

8. What is included in the monthly cost?

Always find out what is included in the standard monthly fee. All meals, comprehensive resident care, assistance with activities of daily living, medication management, maintenance, housekeeping, laundry services and community activities should be included.

9. What additional costs are there?

Be sure to ask what is not included with the base monthly apartment rates and what are typical extra expenses like community living fees and incontinence programs. This is important for creating a realistic budget for your loved one’s care.

10. Does the community offer care options?

As we age, our needs change. Some communities offer just independent living, others just assisted living, and others just memory care. It’s nice to know when you research a community that it has options for you or your loved ones if health needs change. It’s much less disruptive to get additional support and care in the environment you live in than to move later in life.

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 contact us online if you have questions or would like to schedule a personalized tour.

For many people, the holiday season is a joyful time when loved ones gather to celebrate together. It can be a time of sharing, reconnecting, and often larger groups—and sometimes commotion. However, for families affected by dementia, this time of year can be particularly challenging. It’s essential to adapt your holiday celebrations so they’re enjoyable and comfortable for all. Below, we offer you a few tips to create a festive and inclusive atmosphere for everyone during the holidays.

Create a Festive yet Calm Space

Decorating your home for the holidays is a cherished tradition for most, but for those living with dementia, decorations can be overwhelming and sometimes confusing. Here are a few ideas for creating a calm and comfortable environment.

• Get Your Loved One Involved: Include your family member with dementia in the decorating process as it might bring back fond memories. Keep decorations simple and avoid overwhelming displays.
• Safety First: Be mindful of potential safety hazards. Avoid burning candles and fragile decorations that can easily be reached. 
• Soothing Sounds: Play familiar holiday music at a relaxing volume to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Ask your loved ones which songs they enjoy most. 

Adapt Your Holiday Activities

To ensure an enjoyable holiday season, consider adapting your usual holiday activities to meet your loved one’s needs. 

• Prepare Together: Engage in activities like decorating cookies, opening holiday cards, or creating simple decorations. Focus on the process and be mindful of every moment. 
• Small Gatherings: Host intimate gatherings to maintain a quiet and relaxed atmosphere.
• Timing Matters: Plan holiday events at the best time of day for your loved one as keeping their daily routines intact is very helpful. 
• Quiet Spaces: If hosting guests, provide a quiet area for your loved one to retreat to when needed. Consider one-on-one visits instead of larger groups.
• Meaningful Activities: Engage in meaningful activities like reading a favorite holiday story, reminiscing over photo albums, or watching their favorite holiday movies.
• Short Outings: Keep outings brief, whether attending a gathering or going shopping. Plan for rest breaks if necessary.

Adjusting Travel Plans

If traveling to visit loved ones during the holidays, you can still do so with some preparation and realistic expectations.

• Maintain Routine: Keep your loved one’s daily routine in mind when making travel plans.
• Direct Routes: Plan for the most direct travel route, minimizing layovers if possible, and keeping travel to four hours or less.
• Identification: Ensure your loved one wears an identification bracelet with contact information in case of separation.
• Time Buffer: Allow extra time during your travels to accommodate unexpected situations and minimize stress.

Closing Thoughts

The holiday season can be a joyous time for everyone, including your family member with dementia, especially if you plan ahead. Simplify your celebrations and set boundaries to minimize stress so you can create a pleasant holiday experience for all. 

Sopris Lodge’s Memory Care Program

At Sopris Lodge at Carbondale Senior Living, we understand the unique challenges that dementia can present, especially during the holiday season. Our Day Retreat at the Lodge and Memory Care Community are designed to provide specialized care and support to residents with memory impairments. With a team of dedicated professionals, we create a safe and nurturing environment that fosters well-being and encourages engagement. Our goal is for families and residents to enjoy the holiday season with peace of mind.

If you have questions or need assistance in providing the best possible holiday experience for your loved one, feel free to contact the team at Sopris Lodge or call 970-340-4460. We’re here to help you make this season memorable and full of love and understanding.

When families are navigating life with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other memory loss conditions at home, it can be a challenge. It’s important for caregivers to get the proper resources and education so that everyone is supported in this difficult journey.

At Sopris Lodge, our goal is to always be a resource for families and members of the local community as they explore their options in supporting a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. That’s why we provide programming opportunities and offer a monthly support group to help those searching for the best memory care community. Through ongoing lectures with industry experts, sponsored talks with the Alzheimer’s Association®, and caregiver support groups, our retirement community strives to provide memory care resources to families, partners, and other caregivers.

Caregiver Support Group

To better support families and spouses of a loved one living with progressive dementia, we recently created a monthly Memory Care Support Group. A member of our leadership team recently became a certified facilitator through the Alzheimer’s Association and these groups meet on the second Tuesday of every month.

Events & Sponsorship Opportunities

To further support those with a loved one experiencing memory loss, Sopris Lodge hosts educational presentations led by dementia care experts from various organizations. We regularly partner with Community Educators from the Alzheimer’s Association to offer discussions covering topics about understanding Alzheimer’s and dementia, how to respond to dementia-related behaviors and effective ways of communicating with a loved one experiencing memory loss. These events are always free and open to the public.

And in September, we will assemble the Sopris Lodge Squad team of walkers to participate in the Rocky Mountain Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, which helps raise funds to support research efforts and discover methods of treatment and prevention for Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In fact, we’re hosting a silent auction at our upcoming Seniors Resource Fair benefiting the organization. Sopris Lodge is proud to sponsor this annual event once again.

Sopris Lodge at Carbondale Senior Living offers independent and assisted living, memory support, respite care, and day retreat services. Call 970-340-4460 or contact us online if you have questions about our memory care community or would like to attend one of our upcoming events.

Caring for those living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia requires specialized training to understand how those individuals experience the world. As part of Sopris Lodge at Carbondale Senior Living’s commitment to resident care and employee development, team members across departments completed an interactive dementia training program to help understand the challenges people living with cognitive impairment face.

The Virtual Dementia Tour® (VDT) program was created by P.K. Beville, founder of Second Wind Dreams, a nonprofit organization based in Roswell, Georgia. It is used in memory care communities and organizations worldwide to give caregivers, families, and health providers a better understanding of the physical and mental challenges faced by those living with memory loss. A VDT replicates common issues seniors encounter daily, including discomfort when walking or standing, loss of hand-eye coordination/dexterity, and glaucoma. Not only do older adults living with dementia deal with these age-related issues, but they may also be sensitive to loud noises and experience short and long-term memory loss.

Sopris Lodge at Carbondale team members participating in the dementia sensitivity training program put on headphones that muffle hearing and intermittently play loud distracting noises like sirens or a telephone ringing. They also wore special glasses to distort their vision, large bulky gloves to inhibit their hands, and had a prickly device inserted in their shoes. With their hearing, vision, hands, and feet altered, team members tried to navigate a typical memory care residence and were asked to complete simple tasks like folding a towel or filling a glass with water.

After Sopris Lodge team members completed their virtual dementia tour, they met to discuss their experiences.

“Not seeing or hearing clearly and being startled by loud noises was disorienting and difficult to manage,” said Marie Herr, director of sales and marketing at Sopris Lodge. “Most of us could not remember or complete the simple tasks given,” she added.

According to Herr, loud noises like the alarm set to detect when a resident attempts to leave the memory care neighborhood unaccompanied or the noises of a busy kitchen can cause people with cognitive impairment to feel anxious and fearful. She said the VDT training was especially helpful for team members who may not work in the memory care community to understand how disruptive noise is for people living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

“The virtual dementia tour emphasized how the noise of daily life can be difficult for people living with dementia. It was an important reminder to always use a soothing and calm tone of voice, which can help memory care residents who may become anxious about what’s happening around them,” said Herr.

Our goal at Sopris Lodge is to be a resource for families and the local community as they explore their options in supporting a loved one with memory loss. That’s why our retirement community invests in the latest technology, provides continuing education for employees, and offers programming opportunities with industry experts to help those searching for the best memory support program.

Sopris Lodge at Carbondale Senior Living offers memory care, assisted living and independent living, and respite care services. Call 970-340-4460 or visit soprislodge.com if you have questions about our memory care community or would like to speak with one of our dementia care experts.

What is assisted living? At senior living communities like Sopris Lodge at Carbondale, assisted living offers a variety of housing options and personalized supportive services designed to help seniors thrive independently, along with access to safe, comfortable surroundings, friendly peers and caring team members, healthy, chef-prepared meals, and a schedule of stimulating events and activities.

Seniors who receive this level of care can communicate their needs but typically require help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, medication management, mobility, cooking, or cleaning.

Let’s take some common misconceptions about assisted living and debunk them one by one.

Myth #1: I’ll lose my independence

Assisted living residents don’t typically need around-the-clock help, but at most senior living communities, services and amenities are available, if needed, to ensure residents enjoy a simplified, maintenance-free lifestyle. Sopris Lodge at Carbondale offers 23 private assisted living residences with access to household services for every need, including housekeeping, maintenance, laundry, and concierge services. Residents who prefer a break from the kitchen or need help with cooking have access to three nutritious, gourmet meals daily, served restaurant-style in our dining room. We also offer scheduled transportation to nearby points of interest and medical appointments so residents can venture off campus when desired.

Myth #2: Assisted living = Nursing home

Assisted living services are designed to keep seniors actively engaged for as long as possible while living as independently as possible. Assisted living services help residents—and their loved ones—have peace of mind knowing that professionally trained team members are on hand 24/7 if their health needs change.

Myth #3: I can’t enjoy my favorite hobbies

Assisted living’s hassle-free lifestyle allows seniors more time, energy, and freedom to exercise their independence and pursue the activities and interests they most enjoy. Most senior living communities offer an array of daily activities and opportunities for residents to socialize and engage like painting, playing board games, going to live musical performances, daily exercise, cooking classes, and educational forums. Sopris Lodge at Carbondale has an array of campus amenities, including a fitness room, library, and media center. Residents also enjoy our on-site greenhouse, hot tub, courtyard, patios, and outdoor dining areas.

Myth #4: I’ll be lonely

Assisted living residents have access to communal spaces that encourage socialization and residents are invited to join groups and campus clubs to help them meet people, including peers and local service providers. At Sopris Lodge at Carbondale, we organize scheduled social events and have a robust activities calendar, providing plenty of opportunities for residents to make new connections with friends and neighbors.

Want to learn more about Sopris Lodge at Carbondale’s supportive assisted living services? Give us a call at 970-340-4460 or schedule a tour online.

When it comes time to talk with a loved one about assisted living, the way you go about it will determine if the conversation goes well. Downsizing from a house full of memories, leaving a familiar neighborhood, fearing the loss of autonomy and control of their lives can make many seniors hesitant to even discuss the subject. Allowing them to voice their concerns rather than being dismissive of them and being a good listener when you bring up the topic will help make it a positive conversation.

Getting the Conversation Started

It’s best to broach the subject of assisted living well before your loved ones need it. Try mentioning it in casual conversation by asking if they have thought about it or are considering it for the future. Ask open-ended questions and really listen to what your loved one has to say about how they see their lives in the next two, five, or ten years.

Don’t be surprised if the first attempt at discussing assisted living is rebuffed and even met with resentment. If that is the case, drop the subject and give it time before you bring it up again. An opportunity may prevent itself to restart the conversation if your mom falls and sprains her wrist or your dad complains about the endless chores involved with maintaining the house.

Unless your senior loved one’s situation is urgent, keep in mind the saying, “patience is a virtue” and don’t press them into talking about or making a big life decision like moving into assisted living if it will cause hurt feelings or anger.

Have Some Prepared Responses

When your loved one is ready to talk about assisted living have some prepared responses if they express doubts about their finances, losing their independence, or leaving a familiar place.

Offer to go with them to speak with a financial adviser who specializes in helping seniors prepare for the transition to assisted living. Having a professional lay it out for them will be helpful in their decision-making process.

If they are worried about losing their freedom point out how liberating it will be to not have constant home-upkeep to manage or endless lists of chores for cooking and cleaning. Muse with them about how they can use their free time to pursue their hobbies, try new things, and focus on doing the things they enjoy instead. Remind them they deserve to be unburdened by heavy responsibilities and focus on what they really like to do.

If they are worried about leaving a familiar place offer to join them on a tour of Sopris Lodge at Carbondale so they can see what the living accommodations look like, all that our menu has to offer, and the fun activities we have scheduled like live entertainment, scenic outings, educational lectures, and more. This will give them an opportunity to meet and talk to residents already living and thriving here.

Keep It Positive

Always emphasize the positive when it comes to their decision regarding assisted living. Offer support and be a sympathetic listener as they work through their concerns about it. Keep reminding them it’s their turn to focus on having fun pursuing their hobbies and interests with new friends and experience the things they’ve never had time for.

If you would like to learn more about independent living, assisted living, or memory care, we’re here for you as a resource and glad to answer your questions. For a personalized tour, visit soprislodge.com or call us at 970-340-4460 and let your loved ones see for themselves all our community has to offer.