The Greatest Love Stories May Surprise You

Romance on the big screen may not always have the predictable fairytale ending that one might expect. If you haven’t already watched the movie or read the book, you may want to check out, The Notebook, before you continue reading!

After 20 years, The Notebook has regained major media buzz. One of the key performers in the movie, actress Gena Rowlands, recently passed away at the age of 94.

Rowlands’ character, “Allie,” suffers from Alzheimer’s disease in the story. Sadly, sources report that Rowlands had Alzheimer’s disease before her death, and her mother also suffered from it.

Nick Cassavetes, Rowlands’ son, directed the film. In June 2024, Cassavetes reported to Entertainment Weekly, “I got my mom to play older Allie, and we spent a lot of time talking about Alzheimer’s and wanting to be authentic with it, and now, for the last five years, she’s had Alzheimer’s. She’s in full dementia. And it’s so crazy — we lived it, she acted it, and now it’s on us.”

Twenty years prior, in a 2004 interview with O Magazine, Rowlands explained that her mother’s experience with the disease nearly prevented her from taking the role of Allie: “I’ve acted in a number of projects that Nick has directed. This last one—The Notebook, based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks—was particularly hard because I play a character who has Alzheimer’s. I went through that with my mother, and if Nick hadn’t directed the film, I don’t think I would have gone for it—it’s just too hard. It was a tough but wonderful movie.”

While the film’s captivating love story immediately grabs most people’s attention, it also focuses on the complexities of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s can be an extremely heartbreaking journey.

The actors did an incredible job highlighting what Alzheimer’s symptoms can look like and what families may face. Each person with the disease is different, and their symptoms will vary.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. Currently, more than 55 million people have a form of dementia, according to the WHO. Other dementias include Parkinson’s disease, Lewy body dementia, and vascular dementia.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the key symptom that differentiates Alzheimer’s disease from other forms of dementia is the inability to retain new information because it directly affects the part of the brain that controls learning. Forgetting names or appointments but remembering them later can be part of a typical age-related change, but Alzheimer’s disease causes progressive memory loss that disrupts daily life.

Other symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include:

Although Alzheimer’s is an incredibly sad and difficult disease, there is support available to offer hope. A range of services are available, from in-home caregivers and technology to adult day services and short—or long-term stays in memory care settings. Using a combination of care options can help divide the caregiving needs to help families and those experiencing Alzheimer’s disease maintain their health and safety.

If you’d like more resources on Alzheimer’s disease, check out the Alzheimer’s Association’s webpage: https://www.alz.org. Contact us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com to learn how Edgewood Healthcare can offer peace of mind to families and those with Alzheimer’s.

 

 

 

Don’t Lose Your Sparkle When You Retire

 

Life flies by faster than we ever imagined. One moment, we’re 16, hoping mom says we can take the family car, and the next, we’re watching our grown children begin their lives.

The hustle and bustle of daily life changes considerably during retirement, and it can feel like new territory. While you get adjusted to a slower pace, be cautious not to get caught up in daily habits that will negatively affect your health in the future. Consider building a routine that helps you feel your best so you can keep your sparkle!

 

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Here are five ideas to live your best retirement life:

 

1. Keep On Moving

 

Age is but a number. Don’t let your chronological age trick you into your rocking chair or the sofa for too long. While that’s one way to spend some time, moving around and remaining active is still important. Too much sedentary time can result in losing strength and balance and contribute to falls.

If movement and physical activity are painful or unsafe, check in with your healthcare team to find a helpful solution and plan of care so you can maintain your independence. Thankfully, outpatient therapies can safely get you back on your feet and help you retain your independence for years if you keep up with it.

 

2. Pay Attention to Your Health

 

Healthcare services are expanding in various ways, from offering extended hours to adding new locations providing in-home medical services. With increased availability, we might have fewer reasons to avoid seeing clinicians for answers and solutions to common health issues. Being proactive about health is getting to be more convenient.

Remote patient monitoring is another way healthcare is expanding. It does not require anyone to visit their provider’s office. However, it tracks health and communicates with a patient’s medical team to alert them of movement, sleep, nutrition, and vital changes.

 

3. Know Your Limits

 

Taking on too many commitments can have negative health effects. While it’s tough to say ‘no’ when you’ve been the helper and caregiver for most of your life, this one is huge!

Balancing commitments and expressing your needs is important. Knowing your limits is necessary so you don’t overextend yourself and risk injury or illness. It can also be very beneficial to ask for help if you need it.

Sometimes, a little support, whether around the house with deep cleaning or through home healthcare services, can keep you independent longer. Having helpers and safety measures to reduce your worries about to-do lists piling up may also boost your confidence.

Confidence and independence go hand in hand. You may hold onto your independence longer if you have even a little help with risky tasks like cleaning gutters or doing things that increase your risk of injury.

 

4. Stay Socially Active

 

Did you know that being lonely is as dangerous as smoking? Harvard’s longitudinal study of adult development highlighted that those who lived longest had someone they could trust—typically a spouse with whom they could share their lives.

As time progresses, we may lose loved ones, and it can be easy to self-isolate as years take a toll on us. Local libraries, senior centers, churches, and community clubs are excellent ways to stay active and social, and these organizations provide a great place to meet like-minded friends.

5. Volunteer and Consider Part-Time Work

 

Volunteering or working part-time in a job that fills your cup is a great way to maintain activity levels and social connections. Consider settings where you can provide acts of service for someone who is truly in need. Daycares, nursing homes, senior living communities, or food shelves are great ways to give back to those who need you. These settings can help you find purpose and keep you moving and learning each day.

If you’re interested in learning how to become a volunteer or part-time staff with us at Edgewood, check out our open positions by clicking here. You can also email us with questions at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com.

Life is Better with Your Friends

Life is better when you have someone by your side. Day-to-day routines can begin to feel dull as years catch up with us and loved ones pass—the meals, TV programs, and even morning coffee aren’t the same if we’re alone.

Having close relationships can impact longevity. Harvard’s longitudinal study of adult development explains this well, and the researchers also learned that isolation might be as deadly as smoking!

 

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The discovery that loneliness is deadly is hair-raising, but finding new social connections can be challenging as life’s demands catch up. Perhaps you’re suffering from a chronic disease that makes doing household chores impossible, or your mobility is impacted, keeping you idle more often than you want.

Being alone, coupled with feeling poorly, can take an extreme toll during the aging process. Here are a few tips to create a plan to rejoin the social scene and make trusted new friends!

Identify the Barriers

What’s keeping you home? Is it not feeling well, no longer driving, not knowing the resources, poor sleeping habits, not having clean clothing because doing the laundry has become painful, or perhaps a combination of issues? Once you identify the barriers, it’s best to focus on solving them.

Stay Up to Date with Your Healthcare

Missed and delayed appointments, failing to report all of your medical concerns or health changes, or seeing a provider you feel doesn’t have time can all impact finding the right support. Consider changing providers or reading up on who specializes in serving aging populations. Visiting a primary care provider at your local clinic may help point you to the right specialist. If you’re not feeling your best, socializing might not be enjoyable.

Review Your Community’s Organizations & Resources

Local senior centers and libraries are great for socializing with peers and learning about your area’s public transportation options, book clubs, yoga classes, and continuing education opportunities.  You may also find connections through churches, community clubs, volunteering your time or expertise, or even through support groups for grief, illnesses, caregiving, etc. Your local newspaper’s community section is another great place to look for ideas.

Another excellent way to find community groups and resources is to connect with social services in your county. Depending on where you live, these organizations may have alternative names, such as health and human services, social services, or aging and disability resources centers. Review your city, county, or state website for more information.

Make Life More Convenient by Hiring Services

If you’re feeling bogged down by chores, preparing meals, or being unwell, consider hiring a service or combination of services to help. Hello Fresh, Shipt, and Uber are major brands that bring groceries and provide transport, but there are even more service options that can get you what you need and make leaving home more convenient.

Meals on Wheels can deliver you a nutritious and balanced meal or two each day. Home care agencies might provide personal care, home cleaning, and laundry assistance, while home healthcare providers offer RN visits or specialty care, such as outpatient therapy, right at your front door.

While home care services are likely out of pocket, home health may be covered by your insurance carrier. Any of these services can help free up your time, help you to feel your best, and get you out and about—safely.

Finding Your Team

Consider Edgewood if you’re looking for an easy button to make friends, increase your activities, and improve your health. We also have short-term stay options if you aren’t 100% sold on being ready for assisted living.

Loneliness and isolation can worsen in the winter or when your family is gone for extended periods. If your family or caregivers are out of town in a warmer climate during the winter or like to take regular vacations, we have a short-term stay option that could help you get a real feel for what assisted living is all about. Short-term stays allow residents to join us for a week, a month, a season, or half a year without signing a formal lease agreement.

Edgewood can offer healthcare services on-site, social opportunities, off-site outings, and friendly staff willing to lend a hand with a smile at all hours of the day and night. If you’re feeling isolated, look no further! Check in with us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com to learn more.

5-4-3-2-1 Get Excited for Senior Living!

Although any change requires adjustment, moving to senior living shouldn’t be scary. Senior living should be exciting because it has many benefits, some of which you may not have even considered.

Here are five reasons to get excited about it!

1. The Kindness Abounds

Moving to a new place and getting the hang of a new apartment can be tricky and overwhelming. Staff and current residents enjoy being there for newbies!  We want to ensure that new residents don’t isolate themselves as they get used to their new home. For this reason, we have resident ambassadors who go out of their way to make each new person feel welcome. Our resident ambassadors are excited to help new residents remember when it’s mealtime, show them around the building, and keep them abreast of all the activities available.

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2. You Don’t Have to Eat Alone

Mealtime is just as much about who’s around the table as what’s on the plate. Food hits differently when we’re in good company!

Part of an enjoyable meal is the camaraderie. Our resident ambassadors will “pick residents up” at their doors so they don’t have to walk to the dining table alone.

We all need to eat to survive, but eating meals alone or in front of a television can be unappealing. Conversations at mealtimes to catch up with friends are part of the fun in senior living.

Helpful hint: Schedule a mealtime tour to enjoy the dining experience firsthand! Edgewood’s culinary program is top-notch, and residents can choose what they eat for each meal. Please don’t take our word for it; come and see!

 

3. There are Attentive Staff

We’ve often heard that our staff members treat the residents like family. Each staff member who works at Edgewood takes an interest in the residents. From reception to maintenance and all positions in between, finding a friendly face or listening ear is not hard.

While this helps residents feel welcome, it can also help their health and safety. If a resident suddenly stops attending meals, begins to have personality changes, or does not act like themselves, there are people around who will take note of this change and intervene.

If a resident lived alone and didn’t interact much, they may not be able to receive such quick support or medical check-ins. The best part is that anyone who interacts with them and notices a difference can relay this information, whether they’re nurses or not. It can take a village to keep someone safe as they age!

 

4. There’s Healthcare On-Site

Some days get busy, and taking medications may not be easy to remember. With nursing staff around to offer medication assistance, residents can have one less thing to worry about.

Aging can pose physical and sometimes cognitive challenges, and all the amenities imaginable can’t be enjoyed if senior residents don’t feel like themselves. Senior residents may not want to travel away from home, so we work diligently with as many medical providers as possible to serve their needs. From primary care visits to flu shots to ingrown toenail care, Edgewood brings healthcare right where it counts!

 

5. You’ll Receive the Gift of Time

Did you give up a hobby because you ran out of time and energy to keep at it? With senior living taking care of seasonal chores, grocery shopping, meal prep, housekeeping, and managing the repairs and maintenance around your home, you’ll get time each day to do what you’d like.

From relationships to learning new hobbies, there is no telling what benefits senior living can provide until a resident says yes to the new address! Resident Patty said it best: “Come and visit.”

Taking a tour is the best way to see what senior living has to offer, but a short-term stay is another way to gain even more perspective. Short-term stays are great for residents who are on the fence. They can stay for a day, a week, a month, or a season to get a feel for the senior living experience.

If you’re interested in a tour or short-term stay, contact us. Sometimes, just talking with us before the tour can help to alleviate the fears that accompany a move to senior living. When in doubt, try us out! Contact us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com to learn more.

 

Boxing Up a Lifetime of Memories

 

If we’re lucky enough, our parents will stay around for years to come. That can also mean that you might be helping mom, dad, or both shop for senior living. While finding the perfect senior living that we can trust feels like a tricky process, the next challenge is helping them clean out their homes and downsize their belongings into their new apartment.

Downsizing can be quite an undertaking. If your loved one can help, include them or even let them lead the process if they can. While moving can seem daunting, leaving a long-term home is a major milestone that can create an emotional roller coaster.

Homes are Filled with Emotions

Looking around the house, especially one that’s been lived in for decades, can bring up a lot of feelings. Dad’s bowling ball, trophies, and hand-written scorecards are proudly displayed in his den. As you look at all of them, you can hear the bowling pins being knocked down, the laughs from his buddies, the glasses clicking, and the cheers over strikes and spares. You might even smell a cigar as you stroll down memory lane. It also reminds you of a time when he was stronger and more independent. It makes you wish you could go back in time.

Ahh, memory lane—who can pack boxes with tears streaming down their faces? Again, it’s a blessing to have our elderly loved ones with us as long as possible. However, seeing them change and even decline can bring feelings out of the woodwork.

When fond memories catch up with you while boxing up a lifetime of happiness, stuff can quickly become so much more than stuff. Feelings can pull on our heartstrings and cause us to put everything into the “keep” pile.  Other dilemmas arise if you or your loved one wants to keep too much. Are you really going to rent a storage unit for the stuff that could be dispersed among families or even given to those in need? There must be a better alternative.

Make it a Family Affair

What does your loved one say about the contents of their home? Are they ready to move forward and unload the unnecessary items, or are they trying to bring everything down to the studs to their new apartment?

If they are trying to bring too many items along, it’s a good idea to remind them that the less they bring that they don’t need, the more space and energy they’ll have for new experiences and hobbies. They’re also likely to have a lot of needs covered at their new place, which means they shouldn’t need to bring everything.

Have your folks identified who should receive some of their valuable items or keepsakes, or has a family member asked for something special? Just like growing up and sharing, please remember to do that; at the end of the day, family is everything. Disagreements or strained relationships with loved ones over stuff aren’t worth it. Don’t lose someone because they insisted on keeping a brooch or granny’s gravy boat.

What Do they NEED

Needs versus wants are always tricky, even when we’re not faced with moving. When determining what your loved one needs in their new apartment, find out what’s included. From there, you’ll learn just how much from room to room is ideal.

Senior living communities tend to offer meals and activities, and most all include seasonal chores. With that in mind, you may be able to bring more basics and must-haves, which can reduce the extras.

Sound Familiar?

If you’re facing this situation for your aging loved ones now or will be in the future, preparing in advance is not a terrible idea. A great way to begin is by having a rummage sale or giving unwanted items to charity. While doing that, initiate the conversation with your aging loved ones to gauge their reaction.

There’s no one way to get through this. A helpful way to start is to contact friends and family who may have faced something similar and ask about their experiences. There are also many books available on the subject.

Join us for Our Book Club!

Some Edgewood locations host a book club to discuss Marni Jameson’s Downsizing the Family Home. This book provides an in-depth look into how to help family members make tough decisions about moving out of a long-term home. The club will be informative and a great way to network with others facing similar challenges.

While each family is unique and will have their way of ironing out all of the details when it comes to downsizing, the book or book club experience can be a helpful tool in starting the conversation. It can also offer some helpful validation of what you’re feeling about the process.

If you’re interested in attending a book club or learning more about our senior living services, contact us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com.

Choosing Care You Can Count On!

 

Finding the perfect senior living residence can be complex. If you live in a highly populated area, there may be many choices available to fit your needs. Some people like shiny new buildings, while others prefer a quaint apartment with modest amenities where they can access healthcare quickly. Everyone has a different wish list, but features and aesthetics aside, what about the care that comes with senior living?

We’ve written resources on what different services are available but haven’t touched on the importance of where that care comes from. Who will prepare your meals, clean your floors, help you dress, or maintain the heat and air conditioning systems? Who’s responsible for paying the bills and making sure the lights stay on to enjoy all of the amenities? Who will drive you, lead group activities, and order enough groceries and paper products? Every staff member who brings you comfort and helps you make your house a home matters.

 

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Be sure that when you choose senior living, you don’t just drive by the building to make your decision. Take some tours. During your visit, ask how long the company has been in business. While you’re at it, ask the staff on your tour how long they’ve worked for the company and what they enjoy about it.

“I love my job at Edgewood as I feel the residents are my family!” -Lori K., 10 years

Working with Purpose

In senior living, we need people who understand; more importantly, we need them to share what they know! Textbooks, courses, and education are helpful, but on-the-job training is even more important. Our best trainers are those who have rolled up their sleeves and worked for a few years.

When someone has been in senior living a very long time, it’s generally because they want to be. At Edgewood, our staff talks about their “why” fairly often. There’s usually some history of volunteer work or spending time with their elders when they were young, long before they began their careers.

“This work is very rewarding! My favorite part about it is being able to help seniors during a new chapter of their lives. Each day when I go home, I know I have done my good deeds for the day.” -Morgan B., 7 years

Celebrating Retention:

When staff members choose to stay at Edgewood, we celebrate their success! You can find anniversary celebration posts across all our Facebook pages. In these posts, staff usually talk about why they enjoy working with us—which almost always has to do with the residents!

“My favorite part of working at Edgewood is, by far, the residents! I love giving tours and getting to know their families. I am grateful for my wonderful co-workers. Edgewood is where I will retire.” -Nicole C., 4 years

Here’s a list of some of our staff who will be celebrating big anniversaries this year:

 

29 years: Lori Schiltz, LPN Manager at Grand Forks

26 years: Carma McLaughlin, Executive Director at Minot

25 years: Angela Pesek, CNA/CMA Lead at Grand Forks

23 years: Debra Roller, Housekeeper at Walker

22 years: Stacy Scar, Dining Assistant at Minot

21 years: Martha Gust, Housekeeping Supervisor at Grand Forks

20 years: Fran Valdez, Housekeeper at Spearfish

19 years: Michaela Coufal, Executive Director at Fremont

18 years: David Lindula, Maintenance Director at Virginia

17 years: Rita Tomchuk, Receptionist at Dickinson

15 years: Anne Schriner, Regional Dining Director at  Laramie

14 years: Chad Teske, Maintenance Tech at Bismarck Village

13 years: Guadalupe Gallegos, PCA/CMA at Plantation Place in Boise

12 years: Nancy Christensen, Reimbursement Specialist at Hermantown

11 years: Dennis Eliason, Transporter at Rapid City

10 years: Kathy Williams, CNA/CMA at Kalispell

9 years: Jason Traxinger, Dining Supervisor at Minot

8 years: Dilu Bhattarai, CNA/ CMA Lead at Grand Forks

7 years: Maria Jasman, Cook at Jamestown

6 years: Kerri Noeldner, Life Enrichment Director at Watertown

5 years: Destinee Hicks, RN at Meadow Wind in Casper

4 years: Angel Granados, Life Enrichment Assistant at Spring Creek in Meridian

3 years: Logan Peasley, Maintenance Director at Park Place in Casper

2 years: Modesta Crooks, PCA/CMA at Sisseton

1 year: Halley Gribble, HUC, at Helena

“I’ve really enjoyed working here. It’s the employees and the residents that make it a great place!” -Janel R., 18 years

Our staff are some of the best folks who care for the most important people on Earth: our residents! They’ve stood the test of time and continue to show up each day to make Edgewood a fantastic place to live. If you’d like to explore our open positions, click here. If you’re searching for senior living solutions and want to see the Edgewood difference, contact us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com.

The Right Diagnosis Means the World!

Sales and Public Relations Director at Edgewood in Minot, Shannon Conroy, has helped seniors and their families find peace of mind through senior living services for 25 years. Recently, Shannon faced an eye-opening experience with her own father, Don, which deepened her understanding of the importance of healthcare advocacy.

By sharing her family’s journey, Shannon hopes to inspire others to become strong advocates for their loved ones’ healthcare, regardless of age. Her story highlights the importance of speaking up to ensure the best care and support for those we hold dear.

 

Shannon & Don’s Story

Shannon’s father, Don,  is age 86 and lives at Edgewood in Minot. Before that, he’d lived independently in Arizona. When his health declined, he opted to move closer to his family in North Dakota. By moving, he could have support to maintain his independence.

After a series of falls, significant cognitive changes, and a trip to the ER, Don was diagnosed with a concussion and dementia. However, his symptoms and their quick onset from October 2023 to April 2024 didn’t feel quite right based on Shannon’s previous experience working with those who have dementia.

Shannon felt like her dad’s symptoms came on very quickly. Just last year, he was living independently, and not long before that, he led a very active lifestyle, playing pickleball, golfing, and throwing horseshoes.

Continued Outreach & Advocacy

Shannon and her siblings asked healthcare providers for their dad to have further testing and see a neurologist to obtain an accurate diagnosis once his symptoms escalated. Thank goodness that they did! A CT scan revealed that Don had fluid around his brain. Shannon, her dad, and her siblings consulted with a helpful neurologist, who ordered an MRI to learn more, which led to a spinal tap to drain the fluid.

From there, Don ended up having a shunt placed to drain the fluid from his brain. His diagnosis went from what they thought could be irreversible dementia to Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus or NPH.

Since recovering from his procedure, Don has returned to his old self. He’s living independently at Edgewood Assisted Living in Minot. Shannon shared that he’s gone from being unable to respond in an almost catatonic-like state to socializing and managing his own financial affairs!

Don and his family are unbelievably grateful that he had the proper testing and that the treatment worked to give him his life back. They want more families to know about NPH and the importance of an accurate and timely diagnosis. Shannon explained that finding the root cause matters. Even if the result is a grim prognosis, knowing the cause directs families to find the proper support and treatment plan. She said, “No matter their age, they deserve a good quality of life.”

 

What is Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus/NPH?

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, NPH is a brain disorder that causes excess cerebrospinal fluid to build up inside the brain’s ventricles. The excess fluid presses on the brain’s tissues and causes symptoms like urinary incontinence, memory loss, and difficulty walking.

Unfortunately, those symptoms can be misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, which are irreversible forms of dementia. NPH can also occur along with these forms of dementia, further complicating diagnosis and treatment.

 

About NPH

Diagnosing NPH

 

Tips for Navigating the Doctor’s Office

Remembering what to share during a doctor’s visit can be difficult. Bring notes with you to help support conversations! They could be the missing link to learning the root cause of symptoms and the timeline.

It is important to see the doctor sooner rather than later. Because neurological conditions may have a slower onset, it can be difficult to pinpoint which symptoms started when.

Just like bringing notes, asking the doctor questions is also acceptable. A patient’s age should never prevent them from receiving quality medical care, testing, and an accurate diagnosis. Shannon advised, “Trust your gut and get a second opinion if you need one.”

Although cures may not be available for every disease, quality of life is still possible with the right plan of care. Shannon and her family are incredibly thankful for Don’s neurology team in what feels like a second chance at life for their dad. “I wake up every day feeling like a kid at Christmas,” Shannon remarked.

If you’re looking for services like memory care support or a senior living community with healthcare providers on-site, contact us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com.

 

Honoring the Longest Day 2024

 

Summer sunshine brings us warmth, patio chairs, lake days, golf, picnics, and fond memories. One of the more memorable days is on the summer solstice, The Longest Day, which will be June 20th this year. It’s the day that provides the most sunlight of the entire year and also a day to raise awareness and funds in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.

 

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Alzheimer’s Awareness

Across the globe, there are 55 million people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Many people do not know that Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia and that it’s the most common form. Other examples of dementias include Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Lewy Body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia is an umbrella term that describes a group of symptoms. The most common symptom widely known is memory loss. Those with dementia can also suffer from increasing confusion, difficulty problem-solving or doing routine tasks, misplacing things, difficulty speaking, mood changes, and withdrawal from social settings.

Navigating Alzheimer’s disease is a different process for each person who is diagnosed. Even families with a solid amount of education about the disease can find themselves in denial that their loved one truly has the diagnosis.

Fully understanding the array of challenges that can arise is important so that you can support your loved one safely. An excellent resource for understanding this issue is the Alzheimer’s Association website: https://www.alz.org/. It contains a wide array of helpful information and a 24-hour helpline, 1-800.272.3900, to offer advice and resources to those in need.

While the Alzheimer’s Association is an excellent source of information, it relies on fundraising to help others. It educates families on Alzheimer’s, symptom management, and services available to offer comfort and safety. The association also funds research in the hope that there will be a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.

Celebrating the Longest Day

Staying active and healthy may help prevent a number of health issues, including Alzheimer’s disease. On the Longest Day, you may see many physical events. Consider joining an event such as a walk, golf tournament, pickleball game, or tennis match.

The Longest Day events are a great way to raise awareness and funds and meet others impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. Visit the Alzheimer’s website to find events near you, or consider hosting your own.

In previous years, Edgewood has hosted outdoor yoga classes, music, car washes, raffles, bake sales, car shows, and card games. If you’ve lost a loved one to the disease, consider doing their favorite activity to honor their memory with something they enjoyed.

If you’re a golfer, there’s still time to RSVP to join Edgewood Healthcare in Grand Forks at the King’s Walk Golf Course on Tuesday, June 18, as we hold our annual golf tournament to support the Alzheimer’s Association. Registration begins at 10:30 with an 11:30 am start. You can expect prizes, raffles, and a light lunch on the course, and be sure to join us for awards, dinner, and live music as we enjoy every bit of daylight!

To learn how Edgewood Healthcare can support those with Alzheimer’s disease, please visit our website or email us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com

Edgewood Healthcare to Host Longest Day Event at King’s Walk Golf Course

Edgewood logo on gray background

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

News Release

Contact: Robert J. Ford, Jr.

Title: President Edgewood Healthcare

Phone: 701-738-2000

 

(Grand Forks, N.D.) Edgewood Healthcare announces it will host its annual Longest Day golf tournament on Tuesday, June 18, at the King’s Walk Golf Course in Grand Forks.

 

This year’s event includes a golf scramble with 4-person teams:

 

 

Edgewood Healthcare has partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association for many years to accomplish fundraising and awareness goals that support research and finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.

Mr. Ford explained, “While Alzheimer’s disease is devastating, it’s an honor that each day, we can provide the hope, peace of mind, and comfort our memory care residents and their families need and deserve. We anticipate this year’s Longest Day event will help us bring measurable donations to continue funding research and awareness to support those facing Alzheimer’s.”

About Edgewood Healthcare: Edgewood Healthcare is the leading operator of senior living communities in the Great Plains and Upper Midwest. Since 1992, Edgewood has been committed to helping seniors stay as independent as possible, for as long as possible, with well-trained staff members in communities designed for residents to receive various living and care options. Edgewood owns and/or operates more than 60 independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities with over 4,100 beds in seven states (North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Idaho) and employs nearly 3,300 people. Edgewood Healthcare’s corporate offices are at 402 Demers Avenue, Suite 200, Grand Forks, N.D.

Spring into Senior Living—For Your Health!

3 ladies with party favors

May is here, and while we’re all anxiously awaiting those spring flowers to pop up, it’s also National Stroke Month and Mental Health Awareness Month. What do they have in common, you might ask? According to the American Heart Association, those who have a serious mental illness are at a higher risk of suffering a heart attack or a stroke!

 

When it comes to major health problems like mental illnesses and strokes, having someone around can make a huge difference. Identifying symptoms and signs of either health situation quickly may help reduce the severity.

Common Mental Health Symptoms to be Aware of:

 

 

What To Do About the Symptoms?

 

If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, it’s very important to explore support. Your primary care provider is an excellent first stop for finding all the tools necessary to manage mental health safely.

Primary care providers may be able to diagnose and treat your condition, but they can also make referrals to additional medical providers or mental health therapists for relief. They can also offer local resources for support groups that may be available in your area. Mental health is complex, and treatment is never one-size-fits-all; however, talking about your issues is the first step to receiving help to get back to being you again!

May is Stroke Awareness Month, Too!

 

Strokes have a number of causes based on the following lifestyle choices and medical conditions, according to the Mayo Clinic:

 

Additional Factors that Raise Stroke Risks:

 

Warning Signs of a Stroke:

 

The CDC provides us with an acronym to remember about strokes: Remember to think “FAST.”

Face: Smile to determine if facial drooping is present.

Arms: Can you raise both arms, or is one/both dropping downward?

Speech: Sudden slurred speech is a sign of a stroke.

Time: Call 911 if you notice these above symptoms because time is of the essence with strokes.

 

How to Reduce Your Risk for Strokes & Improve Your Mental Health:

 

 

For those who are at an advanced age and living alone, it may be challenging to recognize several potentially dangerous health conditions and seek help. While most of us want to maintain our independence for as long as possible, waiting too long to have support available as we age can be costly, especially if we’re already facing health issues.

Without someone checking in on us occasionally, symptoms can be missed or compound, making problems more severe to treat. Senior living services like independent living or assisted living can be a great way to help seniors maintain and improve their overall health. From the friendships formed with neighbors and staff to the on-site healthcare services available, senior living can be worth its weight in gold! If you’d like to learn more about what Edgewood has to offer, please get in touch with us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com.