Downsizing and Decluttering: Moving Out and Moving On

Posted by Janine Fifield

It’s tough to let go of your past, but many older adults find freedom to pursue new passions in transitioning to a retirement community. Here’s our guide to moving out of your home and into a retirement community.

Downsizing and Decluttering: Moving Out and Moving On

For most older adults, the decision to move to a retirement community means selling the family home and making tough decisions about which possessions they wish to keep and what should be sold, stored, or given away. Take a look at our moving tips for seniors and remember that letting go of the past will make room for the future!

Making the transition to a retirement community is a very big lifestyle change for most older adults. No matter how long you have lived within it, your family home is likely filled with precious memories, treasured objects and mementos, and a lot of clothing and furnishings.

Realizing you no longer need many (or most) of these possessions can be a very emotional process. The anxiety around downsizing and decluttering is very real. According to a recent study from Cornell University, clutter triggers the release of cortisol—a stress hormone—which can lead to increased tension, frustration, and unhealthy habits. If you feel your heart or breathing speeding up when you open your closets or pull out old storage boxes, this is a natural reaction to feeling responsible for a whole lot of stuff, particularly for women.

The best way to get back to feeling great about your future is to have less stuff from your past. Letting go of clutter will simplify your life, alleviate your stress, and let you move into this bright new chapter of your life without excess baggage.

Ask for—and Accept—Help With Downsizing and Decluttering
Not sure how to let go of material possessions? Unsure of where to start? Struggling to reach items in out-of-the-way places or to move bulky or heavy things? Ask for help.

Most older adults turn to their children and grandchildren for help packing to move. If your loved ones are also feeling emotional about your transitional planning and sentimental about letting go of the family home, however, it may be harder to make decisions you feel good about and move forward quickly.

Hiring a neutral third party, like a professional organizer, senior moving specialist, or estate liquidator, can make the process less fraught. They are not attached to your home or your belongings and they can have an easier time seeing what will be best for everyone involved. A good professional will spend time getting to know you and your goals for your move to assisted living and create a plan to get you there.



Who better to give advice on how to plan for retirement than seniors themselves? Our welcoming senior community offers their best tips for retirement living.

Posted by Janine Fifield

The Best Retirement Advice (Straight from Our Residents!)

If you or someone you care about is considering retirement, advice from elders can help clarify their choices.The Cedars community is filled with older adults successfully enjoying a simpler, more carefree lifestyle. See if their tips for retirement living can help you decide if you should, too!

How will you know it is the right time to retire? How should you prepare for retirement? Where will you live during this incredible new chapter of your life? And what will you do with all of your newfound free time?

These are big, personal questions with so many possible answers. How do you find the right answer for you?

Retirement advice from retirees is a great place to start. They have lived through the decisions you are struggling with and they have found a way to enjoy a life they love. And they want more older adults to continue to learn, grow, and thrive during retirement, too.

 Our Seniors Advice: Work Less, Live More
For most of your life, you have worked so hard for others. Keeping a home. Raising a family. Working your way up the corporate ladder or building a business of your own. Giving up the daily grind gives you more freedom—and free time—then you can even imagine. For many older adults, retirement is the first time their time is completely their own.

What if all of your meals were prepared from fresh, local ingredients and favorite recipes by a professional chef? (Yes, retirement home food can be restaurant quality!) What if you had housekeeping, grounds keeping, and laundry service? What if you had a personal gym, saltwater pool and jacuzzi, and a day spa right outside your door? Access to concierge and transportation services? And what if you awoke every day to a calendar filled with cultural, recreational, and educational events you couldn’t wait to share with friends?

 

“Here at The Atrium, I can be as busy as I want,” says Beverly, a member of The Atrium. “I can be as busy as I want due to many activity choices among friends. I am enjoying a more stress-free life and doing things I did not have time for in the past.”

 

“Be aware of how much free time you will have in retirement,” advises Chip, another member of The Atrium. “Be patient with yourself as you try volunteering, learning new skills, and new interests. I never had this kind of freedom before—an opportunity to appreciate my life, my children and grandchildren, in a safe, secure living situation.”

 

Our Seniors Advice: Timing is Everything
“I wish I had kept checking items off my bucket list,” says Gabby, a member of The Atrium. “I wish we had done more things we dreamed of doing and not put it off. The future has a way of coming at an inappropriate time.”

 

We have all been warned about what can happen to even the best-laid plans. No matter how carefully or responsibly you have mapped out your future retirement, your life can swerve unexpectedly. If this happens, it can make sense to accelerate your retirement timeline and start your years of rewarding relaxation sooner than you had planned.

 

“Planning is essential but be prepared to be flexible,” advises Charlotte, another member of The Atrium. “After two surgeries in two years, I decided it was time to make my move while I was in reasonable health and could really enjoy the change in lifestyle.”

 

Our Seniors Advice: Experiences Matter More Than Things

Retirement does more than free you from daily chores. It offers you exciting and rewarding experiences.

Senior outings offer older adults an opportunity to enjoy the best restaurants, galleries, golf courses, museums, performances, and scenic or historic sites without any hassle and among good friends. No need to worry about driving or parking a car—a senior community like The Cedars provides complimentary transportation services. You often don’t even need to purchase tickets or make reservations, and many group outings organized by retirement homes offer behind-the-scenes access or special perks. And if you decide to travel further afield, your retirement home takes care of everything in your absence.

Do work responsibilities keep you close to the office or your home? Have you have found yourself avoiding outings because you don’t want to drive at night or in inclement weather? Do you want to meet fun, new people with similar interests? Retirement can reconnect you with the world.

After a couple of their close friends passed away, Marge and Bob started thinking about a senior community in earnest.  “Many of our close friends had died,” Marge recalls. “We moved to The Atrium at age 85 and it was just the right time. I am enjoying the social interaction.”

 

Gabby agrees. “I enjoy so many things, but getting to know interesting and intelligent people and enjoying the cultural aspect of The Atrium—concerts, symphonies, lectures.” 

 Our Seniors Advice: Carefree Retirement Living at The Atrium at The Cedars
Retirement living at The Atrium is relaxed, luxurious, and rewarding. Our members chose to downsize their possessions, move out of their homes, and move forward with other older adults just like them. Days once filled with work, home maintenance, and chores are now filled with fulfilling activities and fun new friends. They can focus on personal wellness and growth. They can give back to the community and causes they care about.

Above all, they feel a strong sense of connection. “I have never regretted moving to The Cedars,” says Charlotte,“With the variety of services and activities available, you are only bored if you want to be. More importantly, I have met many fascinating people I would never otherwise have met and these friends have added a new dimension to my life.”

If you are thinking about retirement, talk to the senior living experts at The Atrium at 207.221.7000 today.

 

 

 

 

Lunder Foundation Donates $500,000 to Memory Care at The Cedars

Posted by Tracy

Paula and Peter Lunder, The Lunder Foundation

Paula and Peter Lunder, The Lunder Foundation

The Cedars is delighted to announce that The Lunder Foundation – Peter and Paula Lunder Family has awarded a $500,000 grant toward The Cedars’ memory support programs serving older adults in Maine.  In recognition of this gift, The Cedars will name the “Lunder Memory Care Household” for assisted living on the first floor of the newly constructed Sam L. Cohen Households, which will officially open in March 2021.   The gift will create a permanent endowment to support the development and operation of the “Lunder Memory Support Programs” serving residents of The Cedars.

Richard Borts, Chair of the Board of Trustees of The Cedars, remarked that “This wonderful investment from Paula and Peter Lunder and The Lunder Foundation is an affirmation of The Cedars’ leadership work in caring for the most vulnerable among us, and a direct result of creating the first Household Model in Maine and Northern New England serving older adults.”

Kathryn Callnan, President & CEO of The Cedars, is ecstatic about this gift. “We are so grateful to the Lunders for their investment in this project that will benefit older adults now and for generations to come. The Lunder Memory Care Household gives The Cedars the opportunity to offer assisted living memory care, a new level of care for our community. The Households will provide a home environment focused on social engagement, innovative programming, and quality care in a warm welcoming environment.”

The organization is also delighted to acknowledge the extraordinary gift of artwork from eight artists that accompany this leadership investment from the Lunder Family and Foundation. These pieces will grace the walls of the Lunder Memory Care Household.  This gift of art from the Lunders’ collection will include works by Deborah Beckwith, Camprio, Eleanor M. Carlson, Richard W. Field. Marion Gilmore, Lobonocho, John A. Neff, and Yomm Vallon.   Kathryn Callnan says, “The Cedars has, over the years, been gifted many important works of art which fill our hallways and delight our residents and guests.  The addition of work from these eight artists, from Maine and beyond, elevates our art collection to one that is truly world-class among care communities in Maine and elsewhere.”

For further information please contact Katharine O’Neill at The Cedars at 207-221-7100 or koneill@thecedarsportland.org

Dining at The Cedars: A Secret Gem in Southern Maine’s Celebrated Dining Scene

Posted by Eugene

Portland, Maine is nationally renowned for its restaurants, bakeries, and breweries. Chefs at The Cedars take full advantage of the region’s seasonal ingredients and fun foodie culture. When you read about our diverse and delicious dining options, you’ll want to reserve your table today!

When you hear the phrase “retirement home food,” do you imagine unappealing cafeteria-style cooking? Think again! The Cedars campus is located in the heart of Portland, Maine, voted “Restaurant City of the Year” by Bon Appetit and topping national lists of foodie destinations everywhere. Our residents have come to expect a very high standard in fine dining, and we always deliver.

The Cedars offers a wide range of dining options across our community, from casual, European-style café cuisine to traditional New England lobster bakes to picnic-style barbecues to formal, multi course meals. Every meal offers so many choices—healthy indulgences, exciting new cuisines, comfort-food favorites—and our menus change with the seasons, to better feature the farm-fresh ingredients so abundant in Maine.

At The Cedars, many meal ideas come from our residents themselves! Often requesting specific dishes and also rating recent menu additions during Resident Dining Committee meetings, where our chefs sit down with residents to plan weekly menus and take their suggestions.

Chef Jarad and his talented team receive rave reviews from our entire community—and even a few lighthearted marriage proposals! So what makes the dining options at The Cedars so distinctive—and so delicious?

Fresh, Seasonal Ingredients
Fresh seafood, drawn from waters a few minutes from our campus. Local meats from area farms.  Fresh-picked fruit and vegetables, including wild Maine blueberries and hearty Maine potatoes. The growing season in New England may be short but it overflows with good ingredients, and our culinary team takes every advantage of nature’s abundance. From farmer’s markets to the working waterfront, our dining staff searches out and buys the best for our residents.

COOK CHEF JARAD’S PUMPKIN WHITE CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES!

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 oz. full-fat cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 2 tbsp. powdered sugar
  • 1/3 c. pumpkin puree
  • 1 3/4 c. graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice(1/8 tsp ginger,1/8 tsp nutmeg,1/8 tsp clove,1/8 tsp sugar)
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 4 oz. white chocolate, coarsely chopped
  • 1 lb of dark or white chocolate for dipping
  1. In a large bowl using a hand mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer using the whisk attachment, beat cream cheese and sugar together until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add pumpkin and beat on high until combined. Add graham cracker crumbs, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and melted chocolate, and beat on medium speed until everything is combined, about 2 minutes. Cover tightly and refrigerate for 1 hour or up to 24 hours. Chilling is mandatory.
  2. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.
  3. Begin rolling chilled mixture into balls (about 1 teaspoon per ball) and place balls on baking sheets. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
  4. Begin melting chocolate when balls are just about finished chilling, using a double boiler or the microwave. If using the microwave: Place chocolate in a medium heat-proof bowl and melt in 30-second increments, stirring after each increment until completely melted and smooth. Let warm chocolate sit for 5 minutes to slightly cool before dipping.
  5. Remove balls from refrigerator and dip them in chocolate. Place balls back onto baking sheet after you dip each one, then top dipped truffles with a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs, cinnamon, or sugar (if desired). Allow chocolate to completely set in the refrigerator.

     

    New Tastes, Old-Time Favorites
    Our chefs draw on traditional New England culinary traditions to create some of our residents’ favorite dishes. Fluffy pancakes in maple syrup or bright blueberry muffins. Buttery baked haddock and creamy clam chowder. Steamed corn served alongside a fresh-picked lobster roll. Molasses-dark baked beans and Yankee pot roasts on cold, crisp days. Cider donuts, blueberry pie, apple crumble, and whoopie pies. If you have come to love the authentic, nostalgic tastes of New England cuisine, you will find those flavors at The Cedars.

    COOK CHEF JARAD’S APPLE STRUDEL

    For the phyllo:

    • 12 sheets phyllo, thawed and at room temperature
    • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
    • 6-7 teaspoons granulated sugar
    • Apple filling:
    • 5 apples (combination gala and granny smith) peeled, cored, and cubed
    • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • ½ cup light brown sugar
    • ¼ cup granulated sugar
    • 3 heaping teaspoons corn starch
    • 1 heaping teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon orange zest
    • ½ cup dried cranberries
    • 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
    • Instructions
    1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (191 degrees Celsius)
    2. Begin by making the apple filling. In a large, shallow saucepan melt butter and add apples. Add the brown sugar, white sugar, cornstarch, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well and cook over high heat for a few minutes while constantly stirring to break up the sugar and combine all of the ingredients. Once the apples release some juices and the sauce begins to thicken it is ready. Do not overcook or the apples will break down and become mushy. Keep in mind that they will continue to cook in the oven.
    3. Remove from heat and add orange zest, cranberries, and pecans. Mix well and set aside.
    4. Line a sheet pan with some parchment paper.
    5. Place 1 phyllo sheet on the parchment paper and drizzle some melted butter over it.
    6. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon or less of the granulated sugar. Repeat this process with the remaining 11 sheets of phyllo.
    7. Arrange the apple filling in the center of the prepared filling (the long way) Brush the edges of phyllo with melted butter to create a seal.
    8. Roll the phyllo over the filling carefully into a log. Keep the seam side down.
    9. Brush with butter all around and bake for 30-35 minutes on the middle rack or until golden and crispy.

        You will also find new favorites drawn from all over the globe! In independent and assisted living Households regular “theme meals” offer a decadent tasting tour of the highlights of world cuisines. Our residents have celebrated Chinese New Year with a wide assortment of spicy-sweet dishes and St. Patrick’s Day with corned beef and soda bread, enjoyed a romantic and decadent French dinner, cozied up to the table for a rollicking Oktoberfest spread, and much more. Even residents who never thought of themselves as having an adventurous palate have discovered they love Indian food, Middle Eastern cuisine, or Sichuan spice. 

        Healthy Indulgences
        Senior meal plans and assisted living menus can do more than spark your palate with tempting new tastes: it can significantly improve the nutritional content of your daily meals and your overall personal health. Our talented chefs excel at imparting rich and decadent flavors into healthy, nutritionally dense, and even plant-based dishes. If you think “healthy food” means “bland food,” step into our independent or assisted living-dining rooms and get ready to be blown away.

        Crisp and crunchy tossed salads. Wraps that are packed with flavor. Colorful and spiced stir-fries and curries. Savory sandwiches, warming soups, yummy green and grain bowls, grilled meats, and vegetables—the list goes on and on.

         

        Cook Chef Jarad’s White Bean Salad

        • ½ Cup Dried white beans
        • 1 bunch curly leaf parsley
        • 1-pint Local Grape tomatoes
        • 3 cloves garlic
        • 3 Tbsp. olive oil
        • 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
        • ¼ Cup Kalamata Olives Chopped
        • 1 OZ fresh Basil rough Chopped
        • ¼ Cup Feta Cheese
        • 1/8 Cup Dijon Mustard
        • 1/8 Cup Red Wine Vinegar
        • Pinch of Sugar
        • Salt and Pepper to Taste

        1. Cook White Beans in Vegetable Broth with 1 Clove of Chopped Garlic and 1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil. Slow Simmer and Add water until Beans are fully cooked. Strain and Cool.

        2. Combine all Other Ingredients into a large mixing bowl and add White Beans. Toss together and add a pinch of Red Pepper Flake(Optional)

        3.Serve as a Side dish or with your Favorite Type of Pan Seared or Grilled Fish on top.

        Food at the Atrium

        Cooking Classes and Interactive Cooking Demonstrations
        Senior independent living with meals set you free from daily cooking, but so many of our residents are passionate home cooks and enjoy the chance to learn new skills or prepare their own dishes now and again, whether in their own kitchenette or in one of our community kitchens. And Chef Jarad’s cooking demonstrations are popular ways to pick up new tips, techniques, and recipes.

        Senior cooking has never been so fun and flavorful! There’s a reason tours of our community always feature the opportunity to try a meal in one of our many dining rooms. Once you’ve had a taste of our chefs’ cooking, you can’t wait to come back for more. Want to sample some of our five-star senior cooking options? 207.221.7000 today.

        What is a Person-Centered Approach and How Does It Help Seniors with Dementia?

        Posted by Eugene

        The Cedars staff take an empathetic, positive approach with our seniors experiencing memory loss. See how this process empowers seniors, preserves independence, and enhances our many other therapeutic treatments.

        What is person-centered care?

        We all want to make decisions about the way we live our lives and this desire does not diminish as we age. In fact, it intensifies! Even older adults who need assistance with the activities of daily living or who are experiencing memory loss want and need to express personal preferences, make real choices, and participate in meaningful activities.

        For many years, care for older adults in community settings has taken an institutional approach, where decisions about schedules and activities are made by staff rather than residents. Even when these decisions are made with good intentions, the institutional model of care makes older adults passive participants in their own lives. If you cannot control when you wake up or what you eat or how you spend your time, it becomes harder to find joy and meaning in your life.

        Institutional care does not work well for patients or for caregivers. Today, person-centered care in nursing homes and communities like The Cedars is replacing the institutional care model across the nation and transforming our experience of aging.

         

        Person-centered care in nursing is a very different approach to care than the institutional model. In the person-centered care model, caregivers understand that their role is not to tell residents what to do but to ask them what they want and help them achieve their goals. The person-centered care model lets the person receiving care lead the way and make meaningful, in-the-moment choices.

        Because person-centered care is based on personal preferences, it encourages caregivers to see their charges as people and get to know them like family. Residents and caregivers form strong, lasting bonds of trust, affection, and respect in the person-centered care model.

        Person-centered care for dementia

        What if a resident cannot express their wants and needs in ways that their caregivers can understand? For people diagnosed with dementia, the gradual loss of language is a common symptom, and many struggle to share their thoughts and wishes with their loved ones. These communication challenges make person-centered care more difficult. They also make the importance of person-centered care even more evident.

        Many of the challenging behaviors sometimes seen in people with memory loss are expressions of confusion, frustration, fear, anger, and depression—all understandable emotional reactions to the unique challenges of their illness. In the institutional care model, caregivers rely on medications to calm agitated residents with dementia. In the person-centered care model, caregivers actively try to understand, work with, and support residents with memory loss and help them find productive and meaningful ways to engage with the world around them.

        Person-Centered Care at The Cedars

        At The Cedars, we take a positive approach to person-centered care for dementia. We understand that people with memory loss are trying to navigate a world that no longer works in ways they expect or understand. We strive not to say “no” and use the latest therapies, technology, and human-centered design innovations to say “yes.”

        In our Sam L. Cohen Memory Care Households, the person-centered approach means creating Households made up of small groups of residents with private living spaces filled with personal possessions and mementos as well as cozy community gathering spaces for group activities.

        Rather than rotating staff around our community on different shifts, caregivers trained in person-centered care are assigned to one Household and truly get to know each resident they work with. Seeing the same trusted caregivers every day and having their needs met in the moment comforts residents and builds trust. Over time, Households become families.

        Person Centered CarePerson-centered care plans at The Cedars are based on each resident’s unique circumstances, needs, and life story—an in-depth narrative documenting the key events in their lives, personal hobbies and pastimes, and their favorite music, movies, books, games, and food. When caregivers offer choices in meals, activities, or entertainment to residents with dementia, they refer to each resident’s own Life Story to help guide their selections.

        The rhythms of daily life at The Cedars are not dictated by staff schedules but by each resident’s own preferences. Residents are not woken by alarms or made to eat at specific times or told when they should go to bed. They choose what they want to do and when they want to do it and they can change their mind at any time—just as we all do in our own homes.

        While attentive, skilled medical care is always available onsite, The Cedars uses a silent call system to avoid disrupting and unsettling residents with frequent alarms and create a peaceful and homey atmosphere.

        Person-centered care at The Cedars is offered within a welcoming and safe physical environments designed to support residents with dementia. Hallways have no dead ends, so residents never find their way blocked by doors or walls and can wander freely and independently. Access to outdoor spaces and sensory gardens encourages mindfulness, connection, and calm. The kitchen is always open for homemade meals and stocked with favorite snacks and beverages.

        Person-centered care therapies prioritize individual expression, social engagement, and personal growth. This means creating frustration-free activities where there are no right or wrong answers or correct ways to do things. Open-ended and expressive activities like Opening Minds Through Art and Music and Memory set a new standard for memory care programming while our occupational, physical, and speech therapists work with residents onsite to preserve cognition and independence.

        The importance of person-centered care cannot be overstated. Person-centered care lets older adults continue to learn and grow and make meaningful contributions to their community in a safe place where they feel comfortable and connected. Call The Cedars 207.221.7000 to see person-centered care in action in Maine’s first Households.

        Caring and Connecting at The Cedars

        Posted by Katharine

        Adapting increased technology and personal connection within The Cedars community

        In these days of social distancing and ‘stay safe at home’ orders, it’s critical to keep our residents and members connected to their loved ones and community, for happiness and overall well being.  As we learn to adapt and navigate our current situation under COVID-19, we want to take a moment to share some of the platforms, personal connections and virtual technology in place, as well as our approach to offering special events and activities. The satisfaction, fulfillment, health, and safety of our community members is our main objective and we look forward to a continued offering of enriching and enhancing programs and experiences.

        Our traditional in-house activity programs have been transformed to virtual visits and programs such as strength training videos of our Lifestyles Manager, yoga class with our long-standing yoga instructor, lectures from Maine Audubon, chef demos, museum trips and live entertainment – all from the comfort of home. With the click of a link, our residents are transported to an activity or with a family member through the facilitation of Facebook, FaceTime, Zoom or YouTube (we have our own channel – The Cedars Portland Maine, make sure to subscribe!).  We are also excited to announce that the Hoffman Center is offering our long-term care residents with ‘window visits’ so they can spend face-to-face time with their family members while safely maintaining the social distance that is so important. When times of outside community needs present themselves to our members at The Atrium, staff provide pharmacy, grocery and medical errands as needed. This provides such peace of mind to our members.

        Our Life Enrichment staff is providing one-on-one visits with our residents and members, maintaining the six-foot rule while providing door-to-door visits with puzzles, newsletters, ice cream sundaes and assorted treats. In return, we’ve received many smiles and much gratitude along the way. At The Atrium, an afternoon snack cart was recently ushered to the apartments with signature drinks and treats, specially prepared by our chef. Friendly notes adorned with chocolates left by our staff on outside apartment shelves assure people they are not alone and that, together we remain a strong and united community.

        Community members are embracing the recent changes and sharing their appreciation –
        “I am so happy I’m here; I can’t imagine being anywhere else during a time like this.”-  Bob R.
        “We are all so appreciative of the meal delivery and grocery shopping, many people have said they feel lucky to be here!” – Helene Q. 
        “I just feel that the staff has been marvelous, you’ve all been so wonderful to us, you’re all the best- I’m very grateful!”- Betty H.

        We will strive to bring the very best to our residents and let the strength of a new day move us forward.

        Virtual tele-health and tele-wellness programming has been generously supported by The Legacy Heritage Fund

         

        Construction Update February 2021

        Posted by Janine Fifield

         

         


        Our construction continues through the winter months and we are on the last elevation of the brick façade. Completing flooring, painting, and finishes on the first floor, and final touches being completed by all trades on the second and third floors this month.         The high ceilings, large windows, spacious apartments, and gathering spaces will be comfortable and cozy. We cannot wait to welcome our new residents to the Memory Care Assisted Living and Long-term, Skilled Nursing Care Households. For more information, contact June O’Neill, Household Representative at 207-221-7192.  

        Memory Care vs. Assisted Living: Make the Right Choice for Your Parent(s)

        Posted by Eugene

        Trying to decide between assisted living and memory care for someone you love? We’ve put together some resources to help you make the best decision for your aging parents.

        The signs that an older adult is struggling to live independently at home can be subtle or they can be sudden and striking. Many seniors do not want to be a burden on their families and may try to hide that it is getting harder and harder for them to keep up with home maintenance, housekeeping, errands, or personal hygiene. Steep declines in health or repeated falls can signal a problem. Social isolation, depression, financial difficulties, forgetfulness, emotional outbursts, and poor personal hygiene, nutrition, or home maintenance are common signs, too. 

         

        There are many reasons older adults may struggle to age in place, ranging from fading eyesight and stiffening joints to the onset of dementia. Understanding why your loved one is not thriving while living independently at home is key to deciding on the type of assisted living care or memory care facility that would suit them best.

        Almost 75% of adults over the age of 65 will need some form of residential care at some point in their lives, so the first thing you and your family should know is that you are not alone—and things are going to get better.

        Assisted living care and memory care seem, on the surface, to offer many of the same services. So how to you choose between them? We know the decision between assisted living vs memory care confuses many families and The Cedars is here to help. Our quick-start guide can help you assess your options and narrow your choices—and choose a wonderful memory care unit or assisted living care residence where your loved one can thrive.

        When to Choose an Assisted Living Community
        If your loved one is facing physical challenges of aging—mobility issues, eyesight or joint problems, chronic medical conditions, or is recovering from a stroke or fall—assisted living care can offer the help they need to make the most of this chapter of their lives.

        Retirement assisted living preserves independence and supports learning and growth by offering a helping hand with the activities of daily living only when needed. These activities typically include bathing, toileting, and dressing, preparing meals and taking medications, running errands and keeping medical appointments, housekeeping, and laundry. Concierge services at assisted living communities also let older adults schedule transportation to and from appointments and errands or request help with grocery or clothes shopping and prescription refills. 

        Meal plans are developed under the guidance of nutritionists and your loved one’s personal physician to support their physical health and wellbeing. Residents typically enjoy a wide range of choices and can decide between communal dining with friends or taking their meals in their own private residence.

        Assisted living communities also provide opportunities to socialize, learn, grow, and connect with the community. Now that the difficulties of living independently are behind them, older adults can revive interests in hobbies and pursue personal passions. Spend time with friends and family. Take fitness classes. Enjoy concerts and art exhibits, clubs, arts and crafts classes, church services, and more. All of these engaging activities are right outside their door!

        Assisted living communities have medical staff on hand to support residents and exceptional residences like The Cedars also employ occupational, physical, and speech therapists to help residents overcome health setbacks or adjust to the realities of aging. High quality assisted living care offers 24/7 access to medical care through a call system but will not include the layers of safety precautions needed in memory care units. 

        When to Choose a Memory Care Residence
        If your loved one is experiencing cognitive challenges and has been diagnosed with dementia, choose a memory care community. Alzheimer’s care facilities are designed from the ground up to maximize independence and address the very specific challenges of cognitive impairment with empathy, compassion, and optimism.

        Memory care offers all of the same assistance with the activities of daily living found in assisted living residences but supplements these services with specialized staff training, physical environments designed to enhance safety and independence, and innovative programming and therapies for cognitive function that contribute to overall health and wellbeing.

        Because wandering and falls are more common in patients with memory loss, safety and security precautions at memory care communities are higher than in assisted living. At The Cedars, our memory care households feature interconnected corridors and fluid layouts so residents can wander at will without encountering the frustration of a closed-door or blank wall. Access to safe, secure outdoor areas provide a calming connection to nature and a sense of freedom and exploration.

        Memory care staff at The Cedars undergo rigorous training in a positive approach to person-centered dementia care. They get to know residents well and work hard to support their needs and wants in the moment, offering open-ended choices and meaningful activities that encourage social connection and preserve cognitive function.

        Our innovative memory care programs include Opening Minds Through Art, Music, and Memory, Timeslips, and more. And our occupational, physical, and speech therapists are always on hand to offer support and guidance, too.

        Can Your Parents Live in a Memory Care Assisted Living Residence?
        Animal TherapyCan you receive assisted living care in a memory care center? At The Cedars, yes. Our brand-new Memory Care Assisted Living Households, part of the Sam L. Cohen Households, combine assisted living options for seniors with state-of-the-art dementia and Alzheimer’s care. This transformative approach to person-centered care creates a true home for older adults where their lives are their own and they have the supports they need to thrive.

        If someone you love needs assistance with the activities of daily living and can no longer live safely in their own home, choosing their next home can feel overwhelming at first. If you need assistance evaluating your options, call our senior living specialists at 207.221.7000 today.

         

         

         

        How Technology Can Help Seniors Age in Place

        Posted by Eugene

        Technology for Seniors Integrating technology into the lives of seniors is a top trend in senior living communities. Why? From social media to helpful gadgets, recent advances in technology can help them stay active, stay safe, and stay in touch with loved ones. Here are seniors and technology tips that can help an older adult in your life take advantage of today’s tech.

        Tech literacy for seniors has never been a more important priority as shutdowns, lockdowns, and social distancing protocols continue to keep us all us spending more time in our homes. From grandparents on Facebook to helpful gadgets for the elderly, today’s technological advances can help older adults stay connected with family and friends, strengthen fitness and cognition, access information and services, and age in place safely for longer periods of time.

        If there is a loved one in your life who has resisted using computers or mobile devices, using email or apps or participating on social networks, they are almost certainly more open to it now that COVID has moved so much of our daily lives into the digital world. Helping seniors with technology is something The Cedars staff do every day, and we have great tips on how to help older adults take advantage of the opportunities in mobile devices, wearable tech, internet-connected appliances, virtual meeting services, social media, and more present for seniors.

        Start with the Smartphone (or Tablet) – Of all the helpful gadgets for the elderly, smartphones and tablets take the top spot. Smartphones for seniors just make so much sense. If you are giving an older adult in your life a new device, give them the best head start possible on how to make the most of it.

        • Import their favorite contacts so that all of their beloved friends and family members as well as their physician are close to hand. Create or connect their email account. If they are unfamiliar with texting, give them a quick tutorial … and don’t forget to add Grandpa or Grandma to the family group chat!
        • Show them how to set alarms and reminders for taking or renewing their prescriptions and setting or attending medical appointments. (Explore the many different apps available for tracking prescriptions.)
        • Help them set font size and brightness settings that work for their vision.
        • Configure “Find My Phone” settings and show them what to do if they think they have lost their device or had it stolen. Buy an extra charging cord in case their current one gets lost.
        • Pull up the Health settings and explain the data the device is collecting. Set a steps goal and encourage them to keep moving, or show them how to track their weight or blood pressure. If they are also using a wearable tech device like a FitBit or Apple Watch, help them install the app and connect both devices.
        • Think about their favorite hobbies and install a couple of carefully chosen apps on their device. Recipe collections, Soduku puzzles, books, fly-tying guides, music streaming services … whatever you think will light up their eyes and enliven their days.

        Social Media: Staying in Touch with Extended Family – The number of grandparents on Facebook increases daily, driven by the social distancing measures in place across the country that keep families from spending time together in person. If you are a family that shares more photos and videos on Instagram, however, your loved ones might miss the latest updates.

        Take a look at the social media channels you and your extended family use most frequently to share jokes, thoughts, and quick snaps of your life. Are your grandparents also active users? Consider setting an appointment to set them up with their own account and show them how to follow your feeds and streams. Encourage them to ask their friends if they are active on senior social networks and join in.

         

         

         

        Remember that older adults are less familiar with these platforms and are therefore more susceptible to online hacks and scams. When you give them the rules of the road, share a few precautions about not clicking strange links, sharing sensitive information, sending money to anyone they don’t know, or installing suspicious software. Let them know if they are confused or concerned, to close out of the app and confer with someone else before taking action.

        Zoom, Facetime, and Google Meet – COVID-19 has raised all of our comfort levels with digital meeting services and this includes seniors. If you haven’t already, install your preferred video conferencing app on your loved one’s devices and show them how to click meeting links, mute and unmute their audio, turn their video feed off and on, and see the chat feature. You may also want to show them how to change gallery views during larger gatherings so they can see all of their favorite faces.

        Wearable Tech (Apple Watch, Fitbit) – Senior living technology like smartwatches and fitness trackers can provide older adults with an extra layer of personal security, especially if they are living with chronic health conditions. They provide up-to-the-moment indicators of blood pressure and heart rate and some can even run an EKG. Because they make it easy to access the weather, the date and time, and provide alerts, they can help older adults with memory loss, too.

        Alexa and Google Home – Alexa might not be the first thing you think of when you think of aging in place technology, but digital assistants like Alexa or Echo can be game-changers for your grandparents—particularly for older adults who are experiencing forms of memory loss. Because they are activated by voice rather than touch, they are easier to use for older adults with vision and mobility issues, too.

        These devices can assist older adults with:

        • Checking the weather to verifying the date and time
        • Managing their calendar of appointments
        • Keeping hard-to-remember lists, like birthdays, grocery lists, packing lists, and more
        • Reminders to take medications or renew prescriptions
        • Playing music or audiobooks
        • Keeping up with the latest news and events
        • Alerting others when you need help
        • Shopping online

        Helping seniors with technology is a great way to show them that you care about their wellbeing and want to keep them as close as possible during these challenging times. To see the many ways The Cedars uses cutting-edge technology to enhance the lives of our residents, talk to our senior living specialists at 207.221.7000 today.

        Healthy Living is Easy at The Atrium

        Posted by Katharine

        We’ve all heard that physical activity and exercise are good for us. In fact, being physically active on a regular basis is one of the best things older adults can do for themselves. According to the National Institute of Health, even moderate exercise can improve the health of people who are frail or who have diseases that accompany aging.

        Being strong and fit can allow us to continue doing the things we enjoy as we age. Making exercise a regular part of our lives helps improve our health and maintain our independence as we age.

        At The Atrium, independent living at The Cedars, our residents can attest to that. Our Wellness Coordinator develops customized wellness plans based on each person’s goals and abilities. After just one year of exercise, our residents have experienced significant gains. Here are some of their gains:

        • 38% more upper body strength
        • 63% more lower body strength
        • 117% more aerobic capacity
        • 1500% better balance

        Wow. With programs and classes such as strength training, Aquacise in our pool, tai chi, yoga, Zumba gold, circuit training, walking, and more – our residents have fun while getting healthy. Combined with delicious, nutritious meals and a calendar full of social, cultural, and educational programs – it’s no wonder so many of our residents wish they made the move sooner. For more information on the healthy lifestyle at The Atrium.