The Senior Living Scaries

Ever heard of the “Sunday Scaries”? On Sunday nights, anticipating the busy week ahead at work and returning to the grind can bring about anxiety for some. It can even cause insomnia.

What about the “Senior Living Scaries”? If you’ve never heard of that, it’s an even bigger case of the willies and involves, you guessed it, moving into assisted living!

 

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People often wait as long as possible because moving to assisted living is a big decision. Everyone is different, so while waiting is okay for some, it depends on how things are going at home. One fall or injury can change someone’s entire life, including where they can live the rest of it.

Edgewood has created a pathway for seniors to try assisted living before making a full commitment. Our short-term stay option allows residents to see what assisted living is like before they sign a lease.

Short-Term Stays

Short-term stays allow residents to stay for a week, a month, or the winter season to get a better sense of what the community is like. Sometimes, seniors return later, and some choose to stay because they find assisted living very convenient.

It is important to have what you need and people around, especially during the cold, isolating winter season. Think of how the weather can delay a trip to the doctor, the grocery store, the post office, or other important places.

Assisted living at Edgewood provides everything you need and healthcare onsite, too. It not only allows you to have support with daily necessities, but it helps foster friendships.

We offer amenities and furnishings to make things easy for those doing a short-term stay, so there’s no need to move everything out of your home if you’re not truly ready! Here’s what’s included with a short-term stay:

Services:

Furnishings

The unspoken amenities include making life-long friends with other residents and getting to know the staff, who can become just like family too! You build a whole new social network, while your family and friends can still visit you in your home like they always have.

We bring a bunch of services onsite to make your home even more enjoyable!

Check out the list of amenities

Short-term stays are not always for those on the fence about a long-term move to assisted living. Here are a few additional reasons for short-term stays:If you are interested in exploring the convenience of a short-term stay for yourself or a loved one, please reach out to us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com.

Some Things Get Easier with Age…Except for Big Decisions!

The summer is beginning to wind down. Before you know it, January will return. The seasons change quickly. For some, this brings on dreaded loneliness and even seasonal depressive symptoms. Danger may also be present for those forced to bear another chilling fall and an impending winter alone.

Optimal weather and road conditions can simplify life when we need a hand or wish to lend one to someone in need. For those facing mobility challenges or age-related decline, the icy chill of winter can feel dreadful. Isolation and anxiety can set in hard.

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Preparation

In a perfect world, our helpers would be thrilled to continue being there so we can thrive at home, but winter’s challenges are tough for the helpers, too. Are you feeling anxious about winter? Do you think that you have everything you need to be safe? If you don’t feel safe, are you considering a move to senior living?

That is a HARD question to ponder. It’s such a gigantic decision that some put it off until assisted living is no longer practical. Injuries or illnesses may lead to a move from a forever home into a skilled nursing setting.

When decisions are too big and seem overwhelming, it’s easy to procrastinate. Fear of the unknown, compounded with myths swirling through one’s mind about senior living, can prevent timely decision-making. So, how does one make such a tough choice? Start small.

Weigh the Outcomes

Maybe you’ve seen the following quote online, but it highlights that accepting a decision will still be hard regardless of the choice. But what is the easier “hard” to live with?

“Choose Your Hard:
Marriage is hard. Divorce is hard. Choose your hard.
Obesity is hard. Being fit is hard. Choose your hard.
Being in debt is hard. Being financially disciplined is hard. Choose your hard.
Communication is hard. Not communicating is hard. Choose your hard.
Life will never be easy. It will always be hard. But we can choose our hard.
Pick wisely.” — Unknown.

We could add scenario after scenario to this little riff, but even so, we know that deciding whether to move to senior living or stay home is an astronomical decision! For many, this will be the last move. How could that be easy?

There’s no uncomplicated way to admit that you need help. There’s no simple way to tell loved ones that the house where they grew up is too much to manage, and there’s just no easy way to decide it’s time to move to senior living. But, considering the “Choose Your Hard” thought, which decision is more complicated in the long run? Which decision can improve your quality of life? Which decision will ease the anxiety about being alone? Which decision will offer social opportunities and nutritious food without having to leave home? Which decision will make you happy?

Consider Quality of Life

The “Choose Your Hard” option for moving to senior living seems immensely tricky, which is in part, why people wait so long. Fear is a great motivator for making a decision or continuing not to. When considering the hard decision to move into senior living, be sure you play out all of your cards before you land firmly on a choice.

What’s right for you? Where will you be happiest and safest? Which setting will allow you to get by each day, and which will help you enjoy your golden years? Which option will allow easy access to medical care and other amenities to offer comfort as you age?

Everyone’s answers to these questions will be different. Give yourself grace as you make this decision, and if you’re supporting a loved one in the thick of things, please show them some grace, too.

Senior living isn’t for everyone, but if you feel it might be for you, we’d love to help. Reach out to us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com. Putting your toe in the water to see what’s around before you’ve decided is entirely okay. We welcome tours and questions to help you decide what’s in your heart.

Senior Living vs. Skilled Nursing: What’s What?

When it’s time to review senior living opportunities, the options can be confusing. This uncertainty can often paint an inaccurate picture of senior living. While we always recommend a tour to see these for yourself, let’s review what each service can offer so you can decide where to begin:

Independent Living Communities

Independent living settings are designed for those 55+ who are independent and don’t require much support with medical or personal care. These settings offer a smaller, more manageable home setting with many benefits.

Independent living apartments can help residents with the following:

 

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At Edgewood, you can experience peace of mind and enjoy carefree living. In most of our independent living communities, we offer a daily noon meal with the option to purchase additional meal plans. You’ll receive an activities calendar filled with opportunities to socialize and enjoy a myriad of avenues to keep your mind and body sharp. Also included are light housekeeping and basic utilities (phone services are excluded).

Assisted Living Communities

Assisted living is designed to support health and safety needs while also encouraging continued independence and socialization. The peace of mind that there’s always someone there for assistance tends to help residents establish more autonomy than they may have had living alone.

Assisted living can help residents to:

Those who choose Edgewood assisted living receive a continuum of care on-site to maintain their health, wellness, and abilities. We bring medical staff and services right to where residents need them: at home. While our nurses are not physically on-site all 24 hours of the day, staff has access to on-call nurses overnight and on the weekends to triage resident needs. This availability for medical oversight can help residents avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency room. The primary difference between assisted living and a skilled nursing facility is that skilled nursing facilities are required to have an RN on-site physically at all times.

Memory Care Communities

At Edgewood’s memory care communities, we offer similar support to that which is provided by assisted living. In memory care, however, staff are specially trained to support the complexities of memory loss caused by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We offer 24-hour assistance and supervision in a safe and secure setting. Our activities are customized to help those with memory loss experience joy.

Memory care communities feature:

Life stations are a unique feature in our Edgewood memory care communities, and they consist of items and activities that residents may have used during a typical day. The common themes are coffee in the morning, getting the mail, going to church each Sunday, caring for young children, and using tools to make repairs. The items in our life stations are interactive, allowing residents the opportunity to pick up, touch, and feel each of them, sparking fond memories and comfort.

Skilled Nursing Facilities

Also known as nursing homes, these facilities are designed for seniors who are unable to complete self-care due to physical or cognitive decline or disabilities. Typically, those residing in nursing homes require 24-hour oversight by a registered nurse to address their complex medical needs. Residence in a nursing home can be short-term for those who require daily therapy as part of a rehabilitation program, or long-term if their needs are unable to be safely managed by themselves, or an alternative senior living care option.

Because senior living has evolved, options are available to meet various needs, preferences, and budgets. If you’re interested in what Edgewood Healthcare can offer, please reach out today at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com.

“I Wish I Would Have Moved Sooner!”

Home is where the heart is, and it’s also where you make it! Many of our Edgewood residents settle into our communities and tell us, “I wish I would have moved sooner.” Once they move, they realize how difficult it was to enjoy themselves while trying to manage their big family homes. They start socializing more, have improved nutrition, reduced falls, and overall, fewer worries. Sometimes, with all the help around, they do more than they could when they were in their former homes.

Deciding the right time to downsize and move out of your long-term home into a senior living community is one of our most challenging decisions. But waiting too long to move can allow the complexities of aging to settle in. Seniors may risk a long-term decline in their physical and cognitive abilities without adequate support. Without good health and independence, sometimes seniors find that their only choice for support is to move into a costly skilled nursing facility.

Choosing a senior living community sooner can help you enjoy the gift of your golden years!

Senior Living Encourages Independence and Creates Social Connections

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Making the move doesn’t mean you can’t do things anymore. Instead, it means help is there when you need it. Once you’re free from managing some common daily tasks, you’ll have room for more socializing and doing more of what speaks to your soul. You may also find that you’re more active than you were at home, because all of your energy is not being spent on operating a household, or worse yet, worrying about who can help. There are also no more meals alone! Every activity is a social event. Residents find lasting friendships at Edgewood in their neighbors and in the staff who help them. From live bands to card games to social events that include families, senior living keeps people shining!

At Edgewood, we provide many amenities, like game rooms, beautiful chapels, coffee shops, libraries, gardens, beauty salons, movie theaters, and pubs. These on-site options create opportunities to meet new friends with similar interests. Socializing and staying active is far more than just passing the time; it may even help people to live longer. With group exercise, social events, and outings, you can enjoy yourself while you stay active and healthy.

Assisted living is designed to help you keep your independence. Residents can live as independently as they choose and still receive the care they deserve when they need it. Our team members are dedicated to your well-being and can provide a range of support. At Edgewood, we’re here to help with what you need, but we encourage you to keep being you!

Edgewood also offers 55+ independent living apartments that have some of the same perks as assisted living. These options allow you to downsize some from your big family home into a private residence with less to manage. Meals, laundry services, some chore services, and activities are included. Independent living can make it easier to travel, visit family, or try new hobbies!

Senior Living is Cost-Effective

Seniors wish to stay home as long as possible for many reasons, and one is always the cost. While staying home seems less expensive for people who own their homes and the land beneath them, what about unanticipated costs? If your furnace goes out, you need a new roof or install a new air conditioning system that can create large bills. What can make staying in your family home more costly is paying for home care to address what you need help with. When you consider all that comes to your door at senior living, it’s far less costly than remaining in your own home with 24-hour care, and it’s significantly less than the cost of a skilled nursing facility.

Edgewood is Revolutionizing Senior Living

Skilled nursing facilities and senior living communities typically differ the most because of the available healthcare services. At Edgewood, we’re changing that! Edgewood offers access to several medical services on-site. We do this because we want to help seniors have an improved quality of life. Through the help of proactive healthcare like therapies, nurse visits, and some on-site medical services, we’re helping seniors to thrive. Beautiful buildings, amenities, and great food are perks, but without good health, too, it’s tough to enjoy all that senior living can offer.

Interested?

Check out our webpage at EdgewoodHealthcare.com to learn more. The “find community” menu option on our website can help you to choose a community near you. We’re also happy to answer questions by email; you can write to us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com.

6 Tips for Getting Family Members on Board with Senior Living

Change—what a loaded word! For most of us, making big changes is rarely something we want to do, but when we have to, those important changes tend to take time. What you feel good about may not feel good to your loved ones. Trying to get an entire family on board with a big decision, like moving into an assisted living community, can often feel like herding cats!

Many emotions engulf families when a loved one is considering leaving their long-time family home to explore an alternative living setting. Often, families can get so caught up in their own emotions and how they feel that they forget the purpose of the conversation. It’s important to remember the “why” and steer the conversation back to how your loved one can benefit from exploring an assisted living community.

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Here are six tips and tricks to bring families together in discussing this important life change.

  1. Start Small. Initiate a conversation with your family that introduces the idea of considering senior living for mom or dad (or another senior loved one). Starting small can gauge someone’s initial reaction to the idea of making a change—and leads nicely into the next tip.
  1. Wait a Bit. Depending on how the dust settles after the first conversation, start another dialogue with your family and loved ones in a couple of days or weeks. You know them best, so judge what timing seems right to convey the importance of the issue without seeming too pushy (no one likes that). Also, remember to change your approach if the first go-round was less than successful.
  1. Tell a Story. Come armed with real-life examples—or personal anecdotes—that help illustrate ways your loved one will benefit. You may want to start by highlighting the personalized care and support or even additional healthcare services (like physical therapy or home health) that are available in assisted living. For example:

Did you know so-and-so moved into Edgewood Assisted Living? They take care of his apartment, provide all his meals, help with his care and other personal services and even offer a bunch of social activities and exercise classes to keep him active. He’s busier than ever and loves it!

  1. Make it a Family Affair. If your senior loved one is interested in making the move but maybe other family members are still on the fence, you might carefully work in some ways your whole family can benefit. For example, listing some of the specific tasks they might be able to permanently cross off their to-do lists if mom or dad makes the move. Planting the seed of how a move could mutually benefit all parties may be enticing enough to get everyone on board with the decision.
  2. Phone a Friend. Find a trusted friend, or perhaps an extended family member, who’s either moved to or helped someone move to an assisted living community, then pick his or her brain. What was important to them when choosing a community? What barriers did they experience with their family or loved ones? After all, we tend to value the opinions of those we know. And if you don’t know anyone who’s been through a similar move, our Edgewood residents are often happy to share their experiences. Visit Edgewood’s Find a Community page to get in contact with your local community and set up a time to come chat with our staff and residents.
  1. Take a Tour. If your loved one agrees, schedule a visit and tour; it’s an excellent way to see what an assisted living or memory care community can offer. A guided tour with community staff can help address all of your questions and concerns, providing a meaningful way to add depth to continued conversations with your family. When calling to request a tour, ask if it can be scheduled during a life enrichment activity or meal, so you’re able to see the opportunities for engagement and socialization that are provided inside the walls of an assisted living community. Plus, you’ll likely get a free meal, and we all know how important good food is!

Moving into an assisted living community is an important change. In all honesty, there’s no magic wand when it comes to trying to convince all parties that it’s time for mom or dad to move. The best way to focus on this type of life change is to bring it back to why your loved one needs and will benefit from an alternative living arrangement. Focusing on the individual instead of how the change will impact us helps make an important and life-changing decision even easier for our loved ones.

Change brings opportunity—Nido Qubein

 For more information on what senior living options your local Edgewood offers, please visit our Find a Community page or call us at 701.738.2000.

“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.

4 Important Senior Living Costs to Consider During and After COVID-19

 

 

At Edgewood, our number one priority has always been and will continue to be the health and safety of our residents and staff. While the COVID-19 outbreak has created the need for many enhanced safety measures and restrictions, we’ve finally reached a point at which we can slowly relax restrictions and are working diligently to safely reopen our communities to normal, pre-COVID activities. Yes, this includes move-ins!

At this time, most of our communities are also allowing outdoor visitation as well as being able to now (or very soon) allow in-community tours again. To find out if your local Edgewood community is currently allowing visits or tours, please visit our Find Community page to contact the Edgewood team in your city.

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Over the past few months, the world seems to have experienced a shift in how we view and live our lives. We’ve been ‘apart,’ yet often seem closer in many ways. In most cases, we’ve spent more time at home with our loved ones as our normal daily routines have changed to fit the circumstances.

For many families with senior loved ones, this has been an eye-opening experience. But what do the next steps look like? Is this the right time to make a move? If you or your family have reached a point where you’re discussing this topic and weighing your options, please read on to learn more about how Edgewood Healthcare can help!When exploring senior living options, seniors and their family members have an array of questions on their minds, but usually their first inquiry is “How much does senior living cost?”

The answer to this question varies by company, type of care, and services provided, or even what each family’s interpretation of “what’s it going to cost me?” is. This can make the shopping process feel overwhelming or frustrating – especially when important information is difficult to find.

Edgewood Healthcare strives to be a helpful resource for family members considering senior living, so we list the type of services available and our rates at the bottom of each web page for all 64 Edgewood communities. This information is easy to find under “Levels of Care” and “Rates and Floorplans” when you search a community near you on our Find Community page. Plus, we also provide an array of tour questions to ask any senior living community to ensure you’re getting all the essential information you need to make an informed decision because we understand price isn’t the sole consideration.

How Does Senior Living Compare?

In our industry, “senior living” is an umbrella term for any community that provides housing, meals, and different levels of care to seniors. Philosophies and quality of care vary among companies, but at Edgewood Healthcare, we ensure that everything we do for our residents is comfortable, convenient, and of the highest possible quality.

At Edgewood, we offer various services and amenities that replace most of the common monthly costs seniors accrue. Some examples of expenses our Edgewood residents no longer have to worry about are:

When it comes to shopping for senior living, at first glance, most people experience a bit of sticker-shock. However, once they can dive into everything that’s included and make a true apples-to-apples comparison, the value of senior living is easy to recognize. But you don’t just have to take our word for it; check out this handy affordability calculator to help you compare your current costs to the cost of senior living.

What are the Costs of NOT Moving to Senior Living?

When researching and making a big purchase, like moving a loved one into a senior living community, many factors are taken into account. Most often, those are associated with monetary costs: the bottom line. However, many families don’t always consider the costs associated with NOT making the move or choosing to make the move too late when a senior living community may not be an option anymore.

As we age, we often slowly become more and more reliant on others. Family, friends, or neighbors are often turned to to help fill in some of the steps that seniors cannot safely manage on their own any longer. At Edgewood, we often encourage families to take inventory of all the things that are potentially taking time away from their own schedules or could negatively affect their lives while supporting a senior loved one, including things like:

Every family’s list is likely a little different, but the one common denominator is that there are usually a lot more “costs” associated with caring for someone else, besides the standard monetary costs.

What’s the Bottom Line?

It’s obvious that there are a lot of factors and weighing options that go into making the move to senior living. However, with all of those considered, at Edgewood, we understand that cost is still cost and that monetary resources aren’t infinite. In order to ensure we can help as many seniors as possible, Edgewood is proud to offer a variety of services to accommodate seniors at almost any stage of their healthcare journey, including:

55+ Living apartments & patio homes $1,000 – $2,500/month
Independent Living $1,500 – $3,200/month
Assisted Living $2,100 – $5,100/month
Memory Care $3,900 – $7,800/month
Short-Term Stay Services $125 – $250/night
Adult Day Services $15 – $25/hour
Outpatient Therapy Medicare part B eligible service
Home Health Medicare part B eligible service
Hospice Medicare part B eligible service

Independent and Assisted Living rate ranges represent Edgewood’s average monthly cost for room and board per product line; cost does not include separate service level packages for care. Memory Care rate range includes both room and board, plus a service level package for care. Short Term Stay rates are per 24-hour period and include room, board, and services. Adult Day Services charges are per hour; half-day or full-day rates are also available and include meals and/or snacks and care.

How is the Cost of Senior Living Broken Down?

There are several different ways for senior living communities to break down their monthly charges and what’s included. At Edgewood, the cost of senior living includes a base rate plus a level of care, also known as service level or service level package. Each resident’s service level depends on his or her unique needs. Some residents want to downsize to a smaller home, reduce their responsibility for cooking and cleaning, or get help with medication management. Others need a little more support in their daily living due to changes in their physical or cognitive abilities.

Pricing is organized into three separate service-level packages based on how much care a resident needs to thrive. To determine this level, every resident receives a comprehensive consultation and nursing evaluation before moving into one of our communities, and then follow-up evaluations are conducted at least once a year or more often as needed.

Edgewood’s service-level packages build on one another. Level one includes basic daily needs and guidance, while level two incorporates more assistance with daily tasks. Level three is the most comprehensive service package for seniors who need more advanced care.

“I think our service packages are one of the many things that set us apart from our competitors,” says Edgewood Senior Living Division President Robert Ford. “Whether you use one service or all of the services in the price level you qualify for, you’re on the same payment platform, which helps alleviate some of the financial stress for families by knowing what the monthly cost of care will be.”When families are comparing prices between competitors, costs in the service package model may seem higher than other senior living companies. However, this is because many senior living companies use an à la carte system that charges residents for every service the staff provides daily, no matter how small. This makes advertised prices seem low, but costs can add up quickly, explains Alan Silletto, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the Edgewood Senior Living Division.

“The bill (for seniors) can vary greatly with an à la carte format. You can have a variability of services for a certain month. For example, if a resident needs six baths, they’re charged for each bath separately,” Silletto says. “If there’s a fall or other unexpected care need, now all of a sudden, the resident has a high medical bill that comes in. Our service packages are simple: you’ll see a single line item for housing and another for the service level. This makes it much easier from a month-to-month standpoint and for families to a long-term plan.”

Another misconception in our industry is that senior living communities cost the same as nursing homes. However, according to Genworth Financial, the average cost for senior care services like home health, adult day service, and assisted living are only a fraction of the cost compared to nursing homes ($7,500 – $12,000+/month), which specialize primarily in skilled medical services for seniors and tend to have a more clinical environment.

When comparing prices between senior living communities and nursing homes, we want to emphasize that Edgewood Healthcare’s pricing includes access to skilled nursing services and other healthcare professionals through our growing Edgewood Health Network. This ensures our residents receive affordable, quality care when needed in the comfort of their homes.

If you have additional questions about the cost of senior living or want to learn more about financing options, contact Edgewood Healthcare today.

4 Tips for Seniors to Stay Active During Winter

Senior man and woman sitting on exercise balls while lifting weights

Staying active is important for a healthy senior lifestyle, but the winter weather may put a hold on your exercise routine. Cold temperatures, icy sidewalks, and blustery wind make it difficult to take a stroll around the block or ride a bike. However, there are many different ways for seniors to stay fit in the winter. Spring will be here before we know it, but until then, check out some alternative workout ideas below.

Walk Around the Mall

Walking around the mall to squeeze in a workout has become popular. After all, the location provides plenty of space to walk, the temperature is controlled, and it’s free – if you can resist purchasing anything.

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While power strolling from store to store is certainly safer than walking on ice-covered pavement, you should still use certain precautions when walking around the mall. Other shoppers may have tracked in slush, making the floor slippery. Wear non-slip shoes and look for any puddles to stay safe. Additionally, you don’t want to exercise in a building when you’re dressed for the outdoors. Walking in scarves and heavy jackets will make you uncomfortably hot, and seniors are more prone to becoming overheated, according to Everyday Health. See if your shopping center has lockers or a coat check to store your gear.

A group of senior women holding resistance bands interact with a female fitness instructor

Join an Exercise Class

If you reside in an assisted living community like Edgewood Healthcare, you can participate in group exercise classes this winter. All 64 Edgewood Healthcare communities offer some sort of fitness classes led by volunteer instructors or life enrichment staff, which differ by location. Senior living staff members adjust the workouts to fit seniors’ needs and capabilities, so you never have to worry about overexerting yourself. Plus, these classes are held indoors to keep participants out of the cold.

Group exercise classes may work out both the body and the brain, since the program gives seniors a chance to talk and spend time together. According to Very Well Health, socializing later in life can reduce one’s risk for depression and Alzheimer’s.

Set up a Home Gym

A woman performing yoga in her homeLittle equipment is needed to turn your living room into a home gym. Most of the time, you may only need a TV and a workout DVD. Senior-friendly fitness videos are available online and in stores, guiding participants through the exercises. This way, you can get a professionally-led workout while staying safe and indoors.

If you do decide to work out in your home, be sure to follow these tips:

Take Advantage of Winter Activities

You don’t have to complete all winter workouts indoors. The snow provides a fun opportunity to enjoy the season – make sure everyone dresses appropriately for the weather. Consider inviting your grandchildren or other family members to build a snowman or referee a snowball fight. The extra effort it takes to trudge through the piles of snow is a workout in and of itself!

With a little creative thought and actions that follow, it’s possible to stay fit during the winter. Visit your local Edgewood community’s Facebook page for a list of regular exercise classes and other activities!

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.

Edgewood Healthcare Announces Edgewood Village

Edgewood Healthcare recently announced plans to develop a residential senior housing and health campus within a 40-acre tract it owns in south Grand Forks, located between 40th Avenue S and 47th Avenue S. The property is located to the north of South Middle School and adjacent to the Scheels Baseball Field and city park.

Plans for the development include twin homes and patio homes for rent or sale, along with independent and assisted living apartments. Edgewood plans to develop over 200 units on the site over the next several years. Altru Health System will operate on-site medical services, including a clinic with extended walk-in hours to serve residents within the development and also to the general public, along with other medical services such as pharmacy and therapy services. Amenities will include a clubhouse, bistro, coffee shop, attached heated garages, rooftop patio, fitness center, chapel, theater and on-campus ponds and walking paths.


“Edgewood Village in south Grand Forks is an example of our efforts to improve access and coordination of care for seniors that live in our communities,” said Philip Gisi, owner and CEO of Edgewood. “We look forward to partnering with Altru to improve access to these vital resources and health services, and help enhance the quality of life for our area seniors,” continued Gisi.

Edgewood plans to break ground in mid-to-late summer 2019. The new community will be Edgewood’s third Grand Forks-area senior living community. Edgewood also owns and operates Edgewood Parkwood, 749 South 30th Street, Grand Forks and Edgewood Memory Care, 608 5th Avenue NW, East Grand Forks.


“The opportunity to offer care at Edgewood Village aligns with Altru’s mission and vision. With our expanded focus on providing access to primary care, a convenient south-end location provides an excellent access point for both the seniors in the community, those with more complex care healthcare needs, and families living in south Grand Forks,” shared Brad Wehe, Altru’s CEO.


About Edgewood Healthcare

Edgewood Healthcare is the leading operator of senior living communities in the 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 enjoy various living and care options. Edgewood also owns the CaringEdge Health Network, which is responsible for coordinating care with physicians, therapists, home health and hospice providers in the communities it serves. Currently, Edgewood owns and/or operates 63 independent living, assisted living and memory care communities with over 4,000 beds in seven states (North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Wyoming and Idaho). Edgewood also owns and operates home health and hospice agencies across the upper Midwest, and employs nearly 3,000 people. Edgewood’s corporate offices are located at 322 Demers Avenue, Suite 500, Grand Forks, N.D.