Posts filed under ‘Shepard Park Senior Campus’
Ask the Expert- What is Long Term Care?
According to the NIH (National Institutes of Health), nearly 70% of people over age 65 will need some type of long-term care in their lifetime.
Long-Term Care refers to the services required for an individual’s personal or heath care needs. Long-Term Care can be provided in a home setting, community setting or housing setting (i.e. assisted living or nursing home).
Most Long-Term Care in this country is provided in the home setting by family or volunteer caregivers in the form of personal care. Personal care usually refers to assistance with “Activities of Daily Living,” including eating, bathing, grooming, using the toilet, dressing and mobility.
Home-based care can consist of family or volunteer caregivers, paid caregivers, home health care, companion services and homemaking/housekeeping care. Home Health care can be ordered by a physician following an illness or hospitalization, which provides a Medicare covered episode of care for up to 60 days. Emergency Call Systems can be a useful safety net in the home, consisting of a call button device that can alert family or emergency personnel in case of fall or emergency.
Community-based care refers to resources such as adult day programs, drop in senior centers, transportation services (Metro Mobility) and meal programs (Meals On Wheels).
Facility-based care refers to care provided in a group home, residential care facility, assisted living or nursing home. Levels of care vary widely among the residential care and assisted living communities, from independent living with a daily safety check and a hot meal to enhanced care suites with full assistance for all Activities of Daily Living. Most assisted living communities offer care packages in stepwise fashion that can be tailored as a person’s needs change. Home Health Care services for wound care, catheter care or physical therapy are available in an assisted living just as in the home setting.
Many assisted living communities now have the availability of on-site medical care in the form of routine visits by Physician/Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner teams, providing clinic style care in the comfort of the resident’s assisted living apartment.
Nursing homes provide the most medically focused care for those with high-level needs.
The range of options in long-term care can be overwhelming. Help is available through the Senior LinkAge Line (1-800-333-2433) sponsored by the Minnesota Board on Aging (www.mnaging.org). The Senior LinkAge Line is a free information and assistance service to help connect you with local services. References: www.eldercare.gov, nihseniorhealth.gov, www.mnaging.org
Dr. Matt Logan, M.D. – Bluestone Physician Services – www.bluestonemd.com
For more information about The Wellington, please visit our website or give us a call at 651-699-2664.
For more information about The Alton, please visit our website or give us a call at 651-699-2480.
New Residents and More at our Senior Campus!
This Spring we’re celebrating everything new at our Senior Campus!
Many remodeling projects taking place, new team members, and new residents too.
The Wellington has now expanded to senior living, including independent living, assisted living, and extended care services. Our new sign, new café seating in the lobby, and remodeled aquarium have been welcome additions by our residents who enjoy playing cards, socializing in the lobby, and greeting newcomers. The fireside room and library also received an update with new furniture and paint. The grounds will be updated with additional landscaping this summer as well.
The team at The Wellington has received accolades from residents, owners, and referrals from the medical community. Due to their dedicated level of service and care, the new Care Suites are nearly full, as are our standard living suites and assisted living suites.
Pictured below is the beautifully remodeled lobby.
Many new updates are happening around The Alton as well! The Alton welcomed Mike Lorenz to the team a few shorts months ago, Mike and his dedicated team have developed an extended mission statement to our already award-winning care.
Success for the Memory Impaired in a Loving Environment
We believe…
We provide a home for individuals with dementia/memory impairment that focuses on relationships rather than tasks.
The relationships we encourage consist of our residents, their families and our staff.
We all work together as a team to create a community that promotes growth and development that nurtures the human spirit, therefore each resident can be at the highest level of functioning possible.
We strive to focus on our residents strengths and not their disabilities.
We are all individually responsible to create a sense of “Fun” by being flexible and creative
And an occupancy note, 19 of the 25 homes on our newly added 3rd floor are also full. Kudos to the entire team, we appreciate your dedication!
From Our Experts-Maintaining Balance for the Elderly
Thanks to Interim Healthcare for providing this month’s Expert Article.
Falls are a leading cause of injury and hospitalization for older Americans. Approximately one in three Americans over the age of 65 falls each year. In other words, falls are a serious health risk for older adults.
As we age, our bodies undergo many physiological changes that lead to increased fall risk. For example, vision and hearing decrease, affecting balance. Reaction time is also affected because the messages our brain sends to our muscles don’t travel as efficiently. Therefore, we don’t respond as quickly to losses of balance or obstacles in our path. Additionally, there is natural reduction of muscle strength and flexibility, making simple activities, such as walking and getting out of chairs, more difficult. Although these changes are a normal part of aging, falls don’t have to be. There are many things you can do to stay safe, steady, and most importantly, on your feet.
Most falls occur within the home. A few simple environmental changes can make a big difference in terms of safety. First, remove clutter from walking paths and eliminate tripping hazards, such as loose throw rugs. Keep frequently used items in the easiest to reach places. Step stools can tip easily, so avoid them whenever possible. In general, keep living spaces well lit. We can’t avoid obstacles if we can’t see them. Use night lights, or keep a light by the bed in case you need to get up in the night. Bathrooms are a common place for falls. Non slip mats in and outside of the tub make wet surfaces more safe. Additionally, grab bars along the wall provide extra support while climbing in/out of the shower. Falls often occur when people rush to answer phones or get to the bathroom. Take your time when moving through your home
Staying healthy is also important for reducing fall risk. See your MD regularly. Those with chronic diseases spend more time in bed and are more likely to lose strength. Know your medications. People on 4 or more medications are more likely to experience side effects, such as lightheadedness or confusion, which can lead to falls. Consult your MD if you feel like you might be having these side effects. Our feet get us where we need to go, so take care of them – especially if you are diabetic. Check them regularly and wear good fitting shoes with non-skid soles. If you are supposed to use a device, such as a cane or walker, use it! They provide stability and will improve your stride and confidence while walking. A physical therapist can help determine what device is best for you and train you to use it properly. Finally, stay active. Keep joints mobile and muscles strong. Balance gets better with practice, so be up on your feet everyday to challenge your balance.
Remember, falls don’t have to be a normal part of aging. The best way to prevent falls is to take measures to keep yourself and your home safe.
For more information about our senior campus, please visit The Alton at www.thealton.com and The Wellington and www.wellingtonresidence.com. We look forward to getting connected!
Events Happening This Week At Our Senior Campus!
Upcoming Events at The Alton
Is it Depression or is it Early Alzheimer’s Disease?
Presented by: William B. Orr, PhD, MD
Join us Wednesday, April 18th from 6-7 pm
“Differentiating Early Dementia from Depression in the Elderly”
Telling the difference between depression and early memory problems can be very difficult. Dr. Orr will present ways in which doctors and other professionals try to tell the difference between these two conditions and how to treat them. Refreshments will be served.
Guess Who’s Here?
Join us Thursday, April 19th from 3-5pm
For a wine and chocolate reception to welcome Mike Lorenz, to The Alton as our new Housing Manager. Mike brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in dementia care to The Alton along with his own brand of fun.
RSVP’s to Mary are appreciated
651-695-2384 or mmorrison@stuartco.com
1306 Alton Street, St. Paul, MN 55116
Upcoming Events at The Wellington
Spiritual Care and You
Join us Thursday April 26th from 3-4pm
Location: Large Activity Room at The Wellington
Give yourself an hour to creatively explore the journey of your soul. How do we honor this journey and continue to live on living, laughing, loving and believing?
Presenter: Susan K Adam, Director of Pastoral Care ServicesSt. Mary’s Hospice and Home Health (1CEU Offered)
651 699-2664 or esamsel@stuartco.com
2235 Rockwood Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55116
Outstanding Work From Our Shepard Park Home Care Team Member
I would like to acknowledge Fatuma for all of her outstanding work as an aide at Shepherd Park Home Care. Fatuma has worked here just over two years. She makes sure that everyone at The Wellington is taken care of very well. She has a humble manner and will reassure our residents if they are feeling insecure. She will make kind suggestions if a resident is being unreasonable or needs redirection. She will alert our Nursing staff about any important issues that need to be addressed.
Fatuma is currently going to school to be a Nurse and has a very busy schedule. Fatuma is also busy raising two small children. She will work or fill in when needed and is cooperative and a flexible team worker. She can speak multiple languages, which is sometimes helpful to us.
I always enjoy being at work when I see Fatuma’s smiling face and I know the residents are going to get good care and it will be a good day.
We are glad you are here Fatuma!
–Kay Distad LPN
Thanks for sharing Kay, and thank you Fatuma for your great work!
Ask Our Experts-What is Hospice?
What is hospice?
Hospice is a philosophy of care for persons at the end of their lives. It is an approach to care focusing on the person as a whole being – their physical, emotional and spiritual beings. Everyone has a right to die with dignity in as much comfort as possible. Hospice can enhance a person’s quality of life.
StuartCo Hires Mike Lorenz
MINNEAPOLIS –March 15, 2012– StuartCo, one of Minnesota’s largest apartment management firms, announced that it has hired Mike Lorenz as Housing Director of The Alton in St. Paul, MN. The Alton is a 65 bed memory care community within the StuartCo Shepard Park Senior Housing Campus. Mr. Lorenz will be responsible for managing the daily operations of the asset, the housing and activity needs of the residents, and financial goals of the owners.
Mike Lorenz has been working with people with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders for the past 30 years. His background includes: creator and director of the first dementia specific behavior household in assisted living, family consultation with the MN/ND Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia care coordinator, nurse, adult day care, NAR, support group leader/facilitator and private care.
He most recently served as Regional Director of Housing and Services with Ecumen. Prior to that, he was Housing Counselor with Senior Housing Partners for Presbyterian Homes & Services. Mike is a board member for MGS – Minnesota Gerontological Society and co-chair for the 2012 MGS conference.
Mike specializes in developing successful programs for residents with dementia. He has developed individual programs for home health, adult day care, assisted living and long term care facilities and has started his own company SMILE-Success for the Memory Impaired in a Loving Environment. Mike has given lectures and taught classes throughout the US and has participated in discussion groups in Iceland.
He was the recipient of the MN Health and Home Alliance “Caregiver of the Year” in 1994 and “Commitment to Excellence” award in 2004 for his innovating programs for residents with Alzheimer’s disease.
Welcome to the team, Mike!
Ask Our Experts; Is There A Difference Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia?
“Is there a difference between
Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia?”
The answer to that question is “yes”.
Dementia is defined as the loss of mental ability in the areas of memory, reasoning, planning, and behavior severe enough to interfere with activities of daily living.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for an estimated 50-80% of dementia cases. Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging; however the disease affects 47.5% of all adults over the age of eighty-five. Some other causes of dementia include stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and infections of the brain.
Currently there is not a single test that can confirm a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. A diagnosis is made by a physician or neurologist based on a series of assessments that may include a mental status exam, physical and neurological exams and in some cases brain imaging. The onset of Alzheimer’s disease is gradual and there is currently no cure; however there are medications which have been shown to slow the progression of the disease, thereby improving the quality of life for those affected.
Throughout the United States persons with dementia are receiving care from an estimated 14.9 million family caregivers. The physical and emotional toll associated with providing care to someone with dementia can be overwhelming, but there are resources to help. The Minnesota-North Dakota chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association provides education, support and advocacy to those persons affected by dementia. Caregivers can contact the association to obtain a list of support groups and educational events happening in their area by calling (800) 272-3900 or visiting their website at http://www.alz.org/mnnd/
Submitted by: Mary Morrison
LSW, Social Worker at The Alton Memory Care
The Alton currently has a unique opening for a One Bedroom Couple Suite.
For more information, please contact Mary at 651-699-2480.
A Family of an Alton Resident Shares a Heartfelt Note of Appreciation
Although it’s a hard subject to speak about, we are so very thankful and appreciative of a previous resident’s family from The Alton that included a short note about The Alton and the
community it provides.
The family wishes to express our deep gratitude to the loving and attentive nurses, aides, and staff at the Alton Memory Care and Suites, who attended to her and worked closely with her family to meet her needs. Special thanks to Hyacinth, who went beyond care-giving, and treated our mother as her own. She loved you, and we do as well.
Thank you very much to this wonderful family for sharing their experience.
And thank you to Hyacinth as well, your exceptional service does not go unnoticed!
Ask Our Experts; Falls and Older Adults
Presented by
Many people have a friend or relative who has fallen. The person may have slipped while walking or felt dizzy when standing up from a chair and fallen. Maybe you’ve fallen yourself. If you or an older person you know has fallen, you’re not alone. More than one in three people age 65 years or older falls each year. The risk of falling– and fall-related problems — rises with age.
Each year, more than 1.6 million older U.S. adults go to emergency departments for fall-related injuries. Among older adults, falls are the number one cause of fractures, hospital admissions for trauma, loss of independence, and injury deaths. Fractures caused by falls can lead to hospital stays and disability. Most often, fall-related fractures are in the person’s hip, pelvis, spine, arm, hand, or ankle.
Hip fractures are one of the most serious types of fall injury. They are a leading cause of injury and loss of independence, among older adults. Most healthy, independent older adults who are hospitalized for a broken hip are able to return home or live on their own after treatment and rehabilitation. Most of those who cannot return to independent living after such injuries had physical or mental disabilities before the fracture. Many of them will need long-term care.
Many older adults are afraid of falling. This fear becomes more common as people age, even among those who haven’t fallen. It may lead older people to avoid activities such as walking, shopping, or taking part in social activities.
Tell Your Doctor If You Fall
If you fall, be sure to discuss the fall with your doctor, even if you aren’t hurt. Many underlying causes of falls can be treated or corrected. For example, falls can be a sign of a new medical problem that needs attention, such as diabetes or changes in blood pressure, particularly drops in blood pressure on standing up. They can also be a sign of problems with your medications or eyesight that can be corrected. Falls are not an inevitable part of life, even as a person gets older. You can take action to prevent falls. Your doctor or other health care providers can help you
decide what changes will help.
Submitted by Julia Endres-Spray, RN, MA
Director of Home Care at Shepard Park Home Care
