The Sky is the Limit

What began in food and beverage service at Sky’s Fine Dining in Grand Forks (now known as Skies 322) has taken Morgan (Hodgson) Brama to some unexpected and rewarding places! Her story is one of diligence, hard work, and the product of building sustainable relationships. While higher education is a critical part of success, so is the gift of gab.

Connecting with those around you can have an impact for years to come. Care, compassion, and creativity are all vital skills necessary to work in senior living. Morgan emphasizes each of these characteristics, which is what makes her such an integral part of Edgewood Healthcare’s executive team.

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How it Started

Morgan studied at the University of North Dakota (UND) in Grand Forks. She worked several customer service jobs during her time at UND that helped shape her into a career path that she didn’t immediately anticipate.

Through college, she worked as a barista at Urban Stampede, a server at Sky’s Fine Dining, and at the Delta Airlines Counter inside the Grand Forks International Airport. When she wasn’t working in these capacities, she also helped with catering weddings and other events. Each of her jobs helped her develop a comfort level in speaking to clients and learning from everyone she met, including some Edgewood Healthcare executives whom she’d later be working with on a daily basis.

It was one recurring customer that Morgan kept bumping into at each of her jobs who happened to make a significant impact in shaping her professional future. Former Edgewood Healthcare President Russ Kubik frequently visited each of these businesses during his workday. Whether entertaining colleagues, grabbing coffee, or flying to other Edgewood Healthcare locations across the upper Midwest, Morgan said she’d run into Mr. Kubik, who often joked that she was following him all over town.

Charting a Course

 When she graduated from UND, Morgan explained that she didn’t have a strong passion for a specific career. Although she graduated with a degree in communications, she didn’t have her heart set on anything solid until she had a very constructive conversation.

After years of developing a business relationship with Mr. Kubik and learning that he was also a UND Graduate, he encouraged Morgan to consider a career in senior living. More specifically, that relationship helped motivate her toward a leadership role within senior living.

She interviewed with Edgewood and was offered a paid internship at Edgewood’s former Parkwood Assisted Living Community in Grand Forks through the EDIT (Executive Director in Training) program, which would allow her to continue learning the skills she needed to be an efficient leader.

Mr. Kubik introduced the EDIT program to Edgewood, who completed the program himself almost 40 years ago. He still fondly recalls his former mentor in the program, who significantly shaped his skills to become a successful leader in senior living. His mentor was an excellent role model who was never shy about sharing his time with others, picking up the vacuum cleaner, or doing whatever job needed to be done.

Mr. Kubik’s experience with his mentor helped him realize that successful senior living buildings are not managed in a back office. “Senior living is managed from the hallways,” Mr. Kubik explained. He added that successful executive directors know their teams well and are willing to share their time with everyone to achieve success.

The EDIT program was designed to place interns in communities with management needs and then circulate them around the building so they can get a sense of every aspect of daily operations. This program refines the clinical, managerial, and practical skills necessary to carry out executive duties successfully.

Mr. Kubik explained, “I always went out of my way for those in the EDIT program, and Morgan is just delightful! I got to know her as a barista and server and recognized a personality trait in her that makes people successful in this business.”

Morgan worked her way through the EDIT program at Parkwood for a year. During this time, she made many contacts and learned valuable leadership skills. She transitioned from her role at Parkwood to Edgewood in Bismarck, ND, where she worked for about nine months as an assistant executive director, or “AED.” During this time, she was offered an opportunity to change gears into a different community in Minnesota. She accepted an AED position at Sartell, where she worked for several years until she was offered an executive job at Edgewood in Blaine, where she is currently the executive director.

Morgan explained that her internship with Edgewood’s EDIT program was one of her most valuable experiences in gaining the insight and skills she needed to successfully manage a senior living community. Each of the personal connections she’s made through the years with her colleagues has also been an unanticipated benefit.

How it’s Going

It’s been seven years since Morgan joined Edgewood Healthcare. She chalks up much of her success at Edgewood to Mr. Kubik’s encouragement. After leaving college uncertain about where her future would take her, Morgan confidently reports today, “This is exactly what I’m meant to do.”

“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’s success continues to grow. She was recently married and has one stepson, Tommy, and an 11.5-year-old golden retriever, Cora. When she’s not helping others at Edgewood, Morgan and her family enjoy hiking and camping outdoors.

Making a Difference

There are many career paths out there, but there’s something special about serving others that helps to fill your cup. If you’re searching for a meaningful career path with opportunities for growth and networking with some of the most outstanding professionals out there, please consider Edgewood Healthcare.

We have many options available, from dining, life enrichment, maintenance, personal care positions, and clinical/nursing to reception and business office positions across our communities, which span seven states in the upper Midwest. Edgewood offers enormous opportunities for growing your career and skills. The best part that often goes unsaid is developing lasting connections with coworkers and residents.

If you’re interested in applying for a position with Edgewood Healthcare, please click here to review our openings. You’ll be doing something amazing for others, and there’s no telling how Edgewood may help to shape your professional future; the sky is the limit!

9 Common Myths About Assisted Living

What we don’t know seems scary. What we think we know can be even scarier! We’re going to squash 9 common myths so the next time you think of assisted living, you won’t be thinking, “Lions and Tigers and Bears Oh My!”

1. You Can’t Eat What You Want

Assisted living is designed to be a non-restrictive living environment, and that starts in the kitchen. Imagine being told that you can’t have something you want to eat. How would that make you feel? We’ve got great news about this myth; you won’t hear us say, “You can’t eat that.” We offer healthy food and snack choices, but deciding what to eat is your call.

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2. You Can’t Come and Go

Residents in assisted living can leave for family vacations, shopping trips, medical appointments, or any other reason they want, as long as they’re safe. When you move into assisted living, you’re not stuck in one place unless you want to be—Edgewood brings a lot of activities and amenities right to you!

3. You’ll Lose Your Independence and Privacy

In assisted living, your space is yours. As long as your décor doesn’t pose a safety risk, you can decorate any way you’d like. Regardless of the apartment style, each resident has privacy. We don’t enter your home without knocking—unless we suspect an emergency. We get to know your preferences, respect your individuality, and encourage you to maintain your independence.

4. There Are White Walls and Unpleasant Odors

We offer a very cozy and comfortable environment. You won’t see bare white walls or boring décor or be met with unpleasant odors. Our teams decorate each building and provide cleaning services to make the spaces feel good for all—we aim for homey instead of sterile.

5. Assisted Living Is Appropriate for Everyone

While we love to help as many folks as possible, assisted living isn’t for everyone. When we meet each potential new resident, our clinical staff evaluates their abilities, health, and preferences. We learn what someone can do on their own and what activities of daily living they might need help completing. Sometimes, assisted living is explored too late after health problems have piled up. While we offer many on-site health services, sometimes skilled nursing facilities can be a safer residential option for those with significant medical conditions or those requiring mechanical lifts.

6. Falls Don’t Happen in Assisted Living

Safety is paramount in assisted living, but unfortunately, we can’t stop every fall. What we can do is offer peace of mind. We have staff on-site 24 hours daily to help, and most assisted living communities feature an emergency pendant system to offer urgent support. Our staff can often respond quicker than an in-home pendant that calls 911 because they can be there within minutes of a fall to help evaluate the next steps. If a resident cannot push an emergency pendant, there is always the added benefit of scheduled care and activities throughout the day that serve as additional check-in opportunities.

Through individualized care planning, we can assess residents more frequently and find the root causes of falls. Once we know which tasks increase someone’s risk of falling, we can complete those to help reduce their odds of another fall. Each resident can have their medications and health history evaluated and monitored by clinical care providers on-site at Edgewood. They may also complete outpatient physical and occupational therapies on-site to regain strength and abilities and further reduce their risk of falling in the future.

7. Your Family Can’t Visit You

There’s nothing more important than family! Not only do we welcome your family in for meals, events, and visits, but we also get to know you and your family. When you become an Edgewood resident, you become family, and so do we!

8. Assisted Living Is Boring and Lonely

Assisted living is anything but boring or lonely! While everyone might have a day of the blahs where they feel lonely or bored, assisted living is designed to combat those feelings. We offer diverse activities by learning what you want to do. From our maintenance staff to those in reception, there’s always someone to talk to—you’re never alone if you don’t want to be!

9. The Social Media Reviews About Assisted Living Are Always True

In the digital age, venting your feelings is easier than ever. Unfortunately, feelings can speak a whole lot louder than facts. Consider online remarks with a grain of salt, and do your homework by taking a tour of the senior living communities that spark your interest. Just like when you read Yelp reviews to pick a hotel or restaurant, one or two bad reviews amongst a sea of 5-star ratings probably mean you don’t have to be too concerned. Remember to look for patterns online and articles from publications you recognize. Talk to people you already know and trust for the real scoop!

Consider taking a tour of an Edgewood Healthcare assisted living community. Schedule your visit during mealtime, for an activity, or both. If you’re still unconvinced, many of our communities offer a short-term stay option.

Short-term stays can help you see what assisted living is all about. Some residents stay with us while their caregivers are away, some stay while their families are snow-birding, or some stay with us to recover after surgery or illness. Stay a week, a month, or a season. Reach out to us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com to learn more today.

Helping a Loved One Transition to Assisted Living

After a long talk over the holidays, you’ve been helping your mom shop for an assisted living community. She has lived in the home where you grew up for 45 years. Your dad passed away a few years ago, and she’s beginning to struggle, which is why you’re in the market.

Having been a teacher for most of her life, your mom was always a social butterfly. She stayed active after retirement, but the COVID-19 pandemic took away her card games and trivia nights. Living alone, she worries that there’s no one available to help her in an emergency, overnight, or when severe weather strikes, which is a fear you both share.

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You took what you thought to be the last tour in a community she loved. It’s the one where you could see your mom enjoying her life again. The place knocked it out of the park with the friendly staff, the apartment layout, the amenities, the on-site healthcare services, and the transportation. Even more importantly, your mom can afford it!

As you began writing the check, she said, “Wait, I am not ready.” This is difficult for you to accept for many reasons, especially health-wise, as you feel she can’t afford to move.

Second Thoughts

Your mom’s resistance goes far beyond affordability, advantages, or even what’s truly best for her. She worries she’ll lose the connection to your dad if she leaves their shared home. She feels connected to him at home in his recliner—as if he’s still there. She finds great solace at home even though she’s lost weight, she’s having falls (more than she’s admitting), and she’s not taking her medications as prescribed.

Rather than letting you know that his memory is why she wants to stay at home, your mom goes down a list of concerns, from having too much stuff that won’t fit into an apartment to minimizing her need for help. While you feel defeated by this, it’s an all-too-familiar story.

Accepting Change

Part of accepting change means recognizing that there may be anxieties. Sometimes, it takes multiple tours or even a short-term stay to acclimate. A pushed move or an unwanted change may not be the best. Sometimes, if we’re genuinely not ready for something, we think of more barriers than benefits.

If your loved one feels unique connections to furniture or other items from their home, ask the prospective new residence how you can work together to bring the comforts of home into their new setting. This will help to make the transition more comfortable. Sometimes, it’s not the whole bedroom set, but perhaps they want a comfy afghan or cute bedside table.

If your dad’s recliner will seal the deal so your mom has everything she needs in her new home, try to work it in. Just remember, many assisted living communities offer a lot of conveniences, so you shouldn’t need to pack the whole house.

It is important to allow time to acknowledge your loved one’s fears about moving into an assisted living community. If uncertainties are causing a significant delay in moving and safety becomes an issue, check with your loved one’s prospective community to help alleviate their fears.

At Edgewood, we offer unique features to help new residents acclimate seamlessly:

Moving can be scary, but senior living doesn’t have to be. Reach out to us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com to learn how we can help your loved ones enjoy their retirement chapters!

Are You Ready for Assisted Living?

That question raises another: Who’s ever 100% ready to make a major life change? Think back to all of the beginning stages of your life’s work. There was probably both excitement and uncertainty, all in one, when you started something new. This is absolutely no different from the assisted living chapters of our stories.

One of the first things we need to realize when we think of assisted living is that the environment has changed. For that, we’re all grateful!

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Peace of mind that someone is always there helps residents keep moving and keep doing the very things that make them who they are. Assisted living is designed for people to keep their independence and identity.

It’s rare in assisted living that you’ll find a “cold” feeling with white walls, unpleasant odors, or sad faces. We all work diligently every day to keep that stereotype a thing of the past. When considering assisted living, it’s best to begin thinking of all the benefits!

Here’s What Assisted Living Offers:

Resisting Change is Common

Moving to assisted living can open up an emotional can of worms for prospective residents and their families. In some cases, families face the tough emotions that come with change, as their relative or loved one sells a home they’ve known for a lifetime.

Change takes time, but waiting too long can be even worse than the fear of change itself. Making a transition to assisted living sooner may help seniors avoid unnecessary dangers and health complications that can arise from trying to make ends meet on their own for too long.

Signs it May be Time for Assisted Living:

With holiday events on the horizon, perhaps now is a good time for us to observe our loved ones for changes. If your gathering is not the best time to discuss a move to assisted living, perhaps a follow-up conversation soon after could be useful. If you’re worried about your loved one’s safety or you’re observing significant changes to their abilities, please don’t wait too long to talk with them about the benefits of moving to assisted living.

If you could use some support in talking through fears or uncertainties, please contact us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com. We’d love to show you how we can help and how we can make the move less scary. One of our most helpful options to guide seniors through this big decision is a short-term stay. Under no obligation to commit to a long-term move, seniors can try assisted living with the comfort of knowing that their home is still an option when they choose Edgewood.

4 Best Questions to Ask When Touring Assisted Living

 

Shopping can be overwhelming. Much like shopping for a house, each assisted living community comes with its own special and unique charm—and sometimes its own surprise costs. Knowing which questions to ask before your tour can help you to identify what services and amenities are highest on your priority list. Depending on your individual needs, the following four questions can be a helpful start:

1. Can I Afford Assisted Living?

Knowing which services are included and which forms of payment are accepted is critical. Be sure your chosen community reviews all payment and service pricing options with you. Knowing this information up front will prevent you from paying for what you don’t need and help you avoid surprises. Having this insight will also help you decide which assisted living options are the most cost-efficient—even if two cost the same amount, be sure they come with the same services as well.

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Transparency is key. Make sure that all services and costs are presented up-front. If you use your call light, will it cost you added monthly fees?  Is housekeeping included and how often? Are services time-based or per visit? If you spill coffee twice in your apartment and need help cleaning up, will that increase your costs for the month? Will your monthly rent vary based on the season when you need more heat or air conditioning?

Edgewoodhealthcare.com provides a convenient cost calculator. Our rate cards, which include room and board rates and service package rates for each of our 64 communities, are also available on our website.

To simplify pricing structures, we offer three service-level packages. Services may include medication management, assistance with dressing, bathing, grooming, monitoring blood pressure, blood sugar, weight, and other daily vitals, and assistance getting to and from meals. Services are grouped based on the number and type of services needed and/or acuity. Upon meeting with a registered nurse following your tour, we review what help you need (and what help you do not need) to establish which service tier suits you. By establishing this, we eliminate surprise fees.

Assisted living can be purchased through private pay, long-term care insurance, military benefits, and sometimes Medicaid. At Edgewood, we’re happy to accept these payment methods, but please contact us to discuss these further.

2. What Does your on-site Healthcare Support Look Like?

Knowing if medical professionals are on-site or available for consultation is equally important as knowing the staffing ratios. Before you move, it’s essential to know that you have what you need when you need it.

Ask about the healthcare staff-to-resident ratios and what overnight staffing looks like.

Some assisted living communities offer on-site medical support. Do they allow you to keep your off-site doctor, or must you make a switch?

Edgewood communities offer 24-hour RN support either on-site or via phone consultation. Our health network offers a holistic team of medical providers who partner with us to offer you the right care and support in the comfort of your home. We offer a team of healthcare experts who are dedicated to specialized health services, providing education and hands-on training to residents, families, and the greater community.

3. What Does Your Dining and Life Enrichment Program Look Like?

Are all meals served in the dining room? Is there more than just BINGO at activity time? Do you take off-site trips, or is transportation available?

Ask for a copy of the community’s menu and activity calendar to get a feel for what a day at assisted living looks like. Try scheduling your tour during a social activity or meal to see if what the current residents are doing looks appealing to you. Does the community you’re touring have a dining philosophy? What do the table settings look like? Is the food something you will like? Can you sample a lunch during your tour?

Edgewood Healthcare offers a unique culinary experience. All of our community menus are specially planned by a registered dietician and our dining services staff to offer choices in meeting senior nutritional needs. We have beautiful dining rooms and tasteful table settings to make each meal special. If you want your family to join you for a meal, that’s okay—family meals are available for a minimal fee.

Edgewood offers life enrichment activities to keep residents social, strong, and sharp. We don’t focus on what you can’t do, but we focus on and celebrate the activities you can do. Our life enrichment staff spends time getting to know each resident, so activities are offered based on your interests. Activities are specially designed to focus on the whole person: spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically, and socially. We enjoy coffee clubs, community outings, bingo, bunco, board games, card games, brain games, music, church services on-site, movies, and range of motion exercises—just to name a few activities.

4. Can I stay at Assisted Living Forever?

It’s important to ask how much care and preventative support is available, so that you can feel confident in your move to assisted living. Asking about service packages and additional help on-site is important to gauge whether the community you’re researching is the right fit for your needs

Edgewood’s “continuum of care” network allows our residents to live their golden years fully. We offer increased support from various health professionals, such as nurse practitioners and physical, occupational, and speech therapists. We also offer hospice and home health services. These additional healthcare supports help minimize the severity of illnesses that could result in hospital or emergency room visits. By providing convenient access to healthcare services, we help residents maintain the independence they need to live in their homes longer.

While these four tips are a nice starting point for asking questions on your tour, please feel free to review a more exhaustive list of tour questions by clicking on the hyperlink below:

Tour questions courtesy of Edgewood Healthcare

We hope you find exactly what you’re looking for in your search for a senior living community. If you have questions, or you’d like to schedule a tour, please e-mail us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com.

The Top 5 Benefits of Assisted Living

Edgewood Healthcare’s assisted living communities are an excellent choice for those who want a place to thrive and grow while receiving individualized healthcare services.

Assisted living communities have evolved over the past several years. Honestly, they resemble more of a maintenance-free, “all-inclusive” lifestyle for you or your loved one, providing amenities and health services all under one roof. These benefits can help you and your loved ones look forward to and bring ease to this new chapter of life!

September 12-18 is a special week, and we’re taking the opportunity to recognize the roles of compassion, community, and caring for seniors residing in assisted living and other long-term care communities like ours. In celebration of National Assisted Living Week, let’s recognize a handful of benefits that allow us to age beautifully physically, emotionally, and socially!

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1. Assisted Living Prevents Social Isolation

After spending so much of our lives working and looking after our families, it can be hard to fill each day with quality YOU time and social experiences after retirement. These hours alone can feel endless, which is why we always encourage seniors to keep active and involved in their local community. Seniors are at a much higher risk of loneliness and depression, but assisted living can help to overcome these issues. You’ll find a diverse activity calendar that allows you to meet other residents and find new hobbies during this time in your life. As long as you are willing to try and get involved, we promise you’ll have no issue making new friends when you move into our assisted living community.

2. Professional & Compassionate Care Around the Clock

Whether you need help with dressing, hygiene, taking medication, or a hand with some of your basic daily chores, we are here to help you all day and night. Our team strives to offer you privacy and protect your dignity while giving you the customized help you need to enjoy a good quality of life. The great thing about assisted living is that you will have a personalized care plan, which can be adjusted at any time. These care plans are reviewed on a regular basis, so we can ensure that you are receiving an appropriate level of care.

3. High-Quality Meals

Say goodbye to the dreaded meal planning and grocery shopping, and say hello to a variety of meals offered by our chefs! One of the keys to a healthy and happy community is offering residents fresh and delicious meals each day. We know how much of a pain cooking for yourself can be, so our team of chefs will create tasty yet healthy meals for you daily. In addition to it being healthy and tasty, our dining experience is one of the best ways to make new friends, and it gives you the fuel you need for a busy day ahead. Every day is a celebration in our local community, and we welcome you to arrange a special meal with your family and friends whenever they visit.

4. Peace of Mind for Family Members

As we grow older, our family members often take on more responsibility for us. If you don’t have any family or close friends in the local area, it can worry everyone as you grow older. Assisted living will offer both you and your family the piece of mind that you both need. They can take comfort in the fact that you’re in good hands. If anything were to happen, our team will always have contact details for your family members, so they will be immediately updated about your health and wellbeing. Your family is encouraged to visit as often as possible, so you can keep in touch with your family and friends from your previous community. Our assisted living communities focus on safety and security, with little touches throughout your living accommodations to help you avoid slips and trips.

5. Enjoy More Free Time

Forget filling your time with those daily chores, shoveling, and mowing the grass, and take advantage of friendships, entertainment, and free time! We believe that your retirement should be enjoyed, not endured. You’ll no longer have to waste endless hours tidying your home and garden, instead, you can just enjoy the finer things in life. Assisted living offers a safe, secure, and hassle-free living solution, and you won’t ever have to do some of those dreaded chores again. You’ll finally be able to get around to all those fun activities on your wish list, such as reading a new series of books, going on vacation to Hawaii, or for the very adventurous, bungee jumping! Assisted living is the best of both worlds, providing you with a home-like experience that leaves you with maintenance-free upkeep yet independent and part of an active, social community.

These are just a few of the key benefits of assisted living, all of which you’ll experience here at Edgewood Healthcare. You and your family will enjoy peace of mind when you opt for assisted living, and you’ll receive compassionate care and assistance that’s tailored to your needs and current situation. What more can you ask for!?

For more information about assisted living, find a community near you or contact us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com.

Moving to Assisted Living During COVID-19: Wyoming Family Shares Experience

Shellee Reynolds of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was understandably hesitant about moving her father, Dave Bryant, into assisted living during a pandemic.

The self-proclaimed daddy’s girl was determined that she, her sister, and her brother could continue taking care of Dave while juggling their jobs, relationships, children, and the obstacles of COVID-19 in their own lives.

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But soon Dave’s dementia started to advance. He was getting more confused in his home and taking either too much medication or not enough. He ate a lot of jellybeans every day and frequently asked for Oreos and bananas for breakfast.

“He’d always ask us when we were going to take him home when he was already home,” Shellee shared in a phone interview.

Shellee’s sister Beth Martin, a nurse at a local hospital, gently suggested that it was time to consider senior living for their father. Shellee resisted—largely because of coronavirus concerns—but after Dave took a memory test that suggested he needed more assistance in his daily life sooner than his daughters thought, deep down, Shellee knew her sister was right.

“I lead with my emotions and Beth leads with logic,” Shellee says. “I had good intentions but there’s only so much a family member can do. I would have let my dad down by not being able to care for him in the way he deserves to be cared for. It took me a while to realize that.”

Dave’s daughters explored senior living options in Cheyenne and came across Edgewood Sierra Hills. Although Shellee admits she was cynical about moving her father into senior living at the time, she was impressed with Executive Director Amy Brinley, who went “above and beyond” to ease their concerns and answer their questions during the tour, she says.

Dave moved into the Edgewood Sierra Hills community on April 13, 2020, five days after his 73rd birthday.A 14-day quarantine and a few more weeks of acclimation later, Dave was thriving in his new home – much to Shellee’s relief.

“He’s adjusting better than I anticipated,” Shellee says. “Now he gets breakfast, lunch, and dinner and has met a bunch of good people.”

Shellee adds that meeting new friends has been especially good for Dave, as he had been living by himself since his wife, Ellan Bryant, passed away three years ago. He is also receiving physical therapy right in the comfort of his home community, which is making him “so much stronger,” she says.

“He has structure now, and that seems to help,” Shelley adds. “He still has days where he gets confused, but I do believe it’s what is best for him.”Shellee adds that the quality of care from the Edgewood Sierra Hills staff makes her feel better about the decision, though she still feels a lot of emotions – like any loving daughter or son would in a time of so much change.

She calls her father every day and maintains an open line of communication with the nurses, who do whatever they can to make sure Shellee gets to safely visit her father.

“The nurses love my dad,” she says. “Amy arranged it so that every day, seven days a week (when there were no visitors allowed in the building), the staff took my dad down to the activity room so he could sit in front of the window and talk on the phone with me. That way I still got to see him and make sure that he was doing well.”Once Edgewood Sierra Hills allowed family members to visit outdoors from a safe distance, Shellee was able to catch up with her father in person while wearing a mask. She’s also able to meet him for his doctor appointments when they take place outside the Edgewood community, which comforts her to know that although her father is living in a new home, she and her siblings remain his primary support system.

When asked what advice she would give to other families who are going through the difficult decision of moving their family member into assisted senior living during a pandemic, Shellee recommends that they “truly think about what’s best” for their loved one, she says.

“If you can’t give them the care they need (on your own), you need to put their needs ahead of your own feelings,” she says. “I still go back and forth, but I do believe that the staff genuinely care for my dad.”Our team at Edgewood Healthcare understands that COVID-19 has created many challenges for seniors and their families. If you are exploring senior living options for yourself or for a loved one but are concerned about doing so during COVID-19, we are here to help in any way we can.

To learn more about our mitigated move-in processes during COVID-19, click here or contact your nearest Edgewood Healthcare community today.

“There’s something for everybody”: Resident Harold Weidler’s journey to Edgewood Healthcare

 

When Harold Weidler stepped into the Edgewood Healthcare community in Minot years ago to explore memory care options for his wife, Lois, he didn’t know he’d later become a resident.

Despite being in his 80s then, the farmer was still active on his homestead near Minot – even if his days consisted more of “ice cream meetings” with loved ones than farming duties. Harold was content with his life and didn’t think a move was necessary.

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However, after Lois passed away three years ago, Harold’s health changed. He experienced several falls in his home due to knee pain, and his family began to think about options that would help him gain back physical strength and allow him to continue living independently.As the Regional Vice President of CaringEdge, Edgewood’s Health Services division, in North Dakota and Minnesota, Harold’s grandson Brendan Weidler became a go-to resource for his family. He thought Harold would be a good candidate for Edgewood’s Short-Term Stay service, as he could receive physical therapy with Edgewood’s in-home providers without moving in permanently.

Brendan and his family agreed to propose the option to Harold, but they wanted to ensure the conversation came from a place of love without putting pressure on him. It was, after all, his decision.

Brendan approached his grandfather with a proposal of eight weeks in Edgewood’s Short-Term Stay program. To this day, over a year later, Brendan remembers feeling “the most nervous I’ve ever felt talking to my grandpa,” he recalls.

“I didn’t want to push the idea to live at Edgewood, especially since I was an employee,” Brendan says. “But I had seen some of the success stories that we’ve had with other people with similar experiences. I saw an opportunity and approached it from more of an informational aspect to see if he wanted to give it a shot.”

That was on a Thursday back in October 2018. Harold moved in the following Monday.

“Brendan was the one that got me to come. He’s always picking on me quite a bit,” the 91-year-old quips with a twinkle in his eye.

Small Steps, Great Progress

Harold showed progress After working with Edgewood’s physical and occupational therapists for a couple of months. A lack of confidence, largely attributed to fear of his knee giving out, was now replaced by Harold walking on his own all the way across the building with less pain and more stability. As his endurance improved, it reinvigorated his confidence and sense of independence.“The staff had to buy new tennis shoes to keep up with him,” Brendan laughs.Once he finished outpatient therapy a few months later – equipped with a new knee brace – Harold was cleared to return to his farmstead. However, after getting to know the Edgewood staff and residents and participating in the many activities going on in the community, he felt like he was already home.“He came to my office one day and said, ‘Well, they’re transitioning me out of outpatient therapy. You don’t think they’re going to kick me out, do ya?’” Brendan recalls as Harold chuckles next to him. “I told him he could stay as long as he wanted.”From that day forward, Harold was a permanent resident at Edgewood in Minot, and it was “just like home as far as I was concerned,” he says.“It’s a great place to be. When you’ve got something hurting, they’ll help you. And you meet a lot of friends,” Harold adds. “Every time you walk out (into the common areas), you’ve got to say hi to everybody.”

“He’s always running into people he didn’t know lived here (in the Minot Edgewood community) that he knew earlier in life, too,” Brendan adds. “Every time I see him, he has a smile on his face and seems to get along with the residents and staff.”

“Something for Everybody”

Harold continues to advocate for Edgewood Healthcare and encourages fellow seniors who are experiencing a healthcare story like his to look into their options and get the help they need.

“It’s all about your attitude,” he says. “Don’t be afraid, and come on in. There’s something for everybody.”

To explore home and healthcare options at an Edgewood Healthcare location near you, visit our Find Community page or contact us today to learn more.

Please note: Photos and interviews in this story were taken and conducted before COVID-19. Edgewood Healthcare still has visitation restrictions in place to keep our residents safe. Visit our Find Community page to learn the specific precautions in the community near you.

5 Ways to Recognize Your Senior Parent Needs Help

 

Daughter and father looking at house.

Age creeps up on people quickly, and with age come changes. Your mom or dad may not seem quite like themselves, and this is usually due to a natural decline in physical or mental health. It’s important for you to be aware of and ready for the signs indicating that your parents may need an extra hand at home or to recognize the more serious signs that indicate your parent requires some form of complete care, such as home health or assisted living.

Know that there are indicators that go beyond this list, that every person ages in their own unique way, and that aging occurs at different rates for everyone. It can be a difficult subject for some, but ultimately, stepping in will help to promote and preserve your parents’ quality of life and well-being.

 

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These five indicators are some of the most common ways to identify if your parent needs assistance.

 

Physical Clues

There are several physical clues that your parent needs assistance at home. Noticeable weight loss can occur and can indicate that they are having trouble eating, cooking, or shopping for food. A difference in appearance or poor hygiene may show that they are having difficulty bathing, dressing, and grooming, while bruises on the body may indicate that they have fallen.

It is up to you and your parent to discuss the extent of their difficulties. They may need someone to grocery shop for them or an extra hand to keep up with laundry. The frequency of falls or difficulty moving from place to place can indicate the level of care they need. If you have trouble determining the necessary care type, contact your primary physician, geriatric specialist, or other medical professional. 

Young woman cooking with senior woman at home.

Household Chores

If your parent seems to be having difficulty completing regular tasks around their home, like maintaining their yard or the interior of their home, they may need some assistance. Other signs like automobile dents and scratches, carpet stains, unopened/unpaid bills, and unfilled prescriptions are key indicators that help is necessary.

If it’s a matter of avoiding tasks that involve heavier physical activity, like mowing the lawn or vacuuming, 55+ Living Options may be the answer. Your parents could enjoy the same privacy and home-feel without the hassle of owning a home, while more serious issues may indicate more care is required.

Man in scrubs vacuuming senior woman’s rug while she sits on couch and smiles.

Behavior Changes

Noticeable changes in behavior, like lack of motivation or depressive behavior, may indicate that your parent isn’t adjusting to this new stage of their life as well as they could. At this point, talking openly and seeing a professional will help uncover the cause of these behavioral changes and can provide you with solutions.

There are other changes in behavior that can indicate your parent may be developing dementia, Alzheimer’s, or some other cognitive impairment, such as consistent memory lapses, confusion, loss of reasoning skills, difficulty performing familiar tasks, mood swings, and changes in personality.

If you notice that your parent displays any of these signs, it’s necessary to seek out a professional to develop an action plan. You can help your parent while still preserving their independence by moving them to a safe and secure place with memory care.

Senior woman looks into the distance.

Strained Relationships

It’s typical for caregivers to want to keep their parents in their home for as long as possible, and it’s often what the parent wants as well. However, there can come a point where the relationship between the parent and caregiver, or the relationship between the caregiver and others, becomes extremely strained depending on the emotional and physical effort the caregiver is expending.

Although caregiving has many rewards, it can have negative health effects like feeling overwhelmed or worried, being mentally and physically exhausted, or experiencing other stressors. Along with being physically draining, it can also endanger you or your parent if you are improperly lifting and moving them, resulting in injuries. If your loved one needs more help than you can give without compromising your health, it’s a key indication that an assisted living situation is necessary for the well-being of both of you.

Distressed woman sits in chair looking at another woman.

Professional Recommendation

No one, including a professional, can force your parent into an assisted community, so long as your parent has been deemed to have the capacity to make their own medical decisions. However, if a professional is recommending it, it’s a telltale sign that it is what’s best for your parent’s overall health. Working with your parent by doing research to find the right type of care and place will be important in making the right decision.

If your parent refuses to move and you are deeply concerned for their health and safety, as well as others, it may be necessary for them to have a clinical capacity assessment, where their capabilities will be evaluated, typically by a psychologist. If your parent is deemed incapable of making their own medical decisions, a power of attorney or a transfer of guardianship to you or their caregiver will be the only way to move them and ensure their wellbeing.  

Such lengths are sometimes necessary but usually avoided if possible; working with your parent to reach a mutual agreement will be the easiest path to take. Remember to respect and reassure your parent that although this change may seem scary, it will ultimately relieve the pains of aging and make way for a healthier and happier life.

To see if our communities or services may be right for you and your parent, visit us at one of our many locations or by calling 701.738.2000.

Group of senior women smiling and posing for a photograph.