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Simple Thoughts for Celebrating Easter with Your Loved One

13 March 2024

Simple Thoughts for Celebrating Easter with Your Loved One - Winder, GA

Many of you are already thinking of ways to make this Easter special for your loved one here within our Gateway Gardens senior living or memory care community. We’re here today to comfort you by suggesting that you don’t overthink this. Spending time with your loved ones is far and away the best gift that you can offer. the best part of celebrating the holidays and everyone appreciates feeling loved. Read on to learn more about how to celebrate this Easter with your senior assisted living or memory care loved one.

Easter is a holiday celebrated by many in various ways. People of all ages spend time with their families, engaging in festive activities such as having feasts, going on egg hunts, or making crafts. However, some of these activities are not suitable for certain family members – our aging parents. When planning such activities, we should always be mindful of their health and physical conditions, but this does not mean we have to compromise on the fun of the activities.

With Easter around the corner, we have put together this list of ideas for an enjoyable Easter celebration with aging parents.

Paint Easter Eggs

What is Easter without decorated eggs? A common craft activity during the season, it is easy to do and older adults are sure to enjoy painting them. Prepare some hard-boiled eggs and art supplies such as watercolor paint, markers, stickers. You can even throw in a challenge and make it a competition amongst the family for the best design!

Make Easter Cards

Let your loved one get creative by designing their own Easter cards. It may also give them a sense of purpose by bringing joy to friends and family through gifting their handmade cards this festive season. They will need colored paper, colored pencils, glitter, scissors, and other relevant materials. Once the cards are done, you can help mail them out to their recipients. Else, if your family is having an Easter family event, your loved one can pass it to the recipients personally.

Easter Bingo

Many older adults love playing bingo. Give it a twist with Easter or spring-themed bingo for your loved one. You can find such themed bingo boards online. Alternatively, you can let your loved one decorate plain bingo cards with Easter stickers and drawings as well as spring colors.

Family Brunch

As people grow older, they tend to value and enjoy time with their loved ones more. Holidays are an excellent opportunity to get the family together. Organize a small Easter brunch or afternoon tea where family and friends can get together and bond over food and games. Your parents will enjoy the laughter and company.

Attend Church Service

If your parents are Christian, you can celebrate the occasion by going to church together with them. Easter Sunday and Good Friday services are usually offered several times throughout the day. Some seniors enjoy listening and singing to hymns and hearing the sermons. Sharing a spiritual moment with your parents is a good way to bond with them as well.

Safety Considerations

As many older adults suffer from a range of health conditions such as poor eyesight, shaky hands, or stiff joints, we are recommending the above activities that are deemed safe for people in that age group. However, as every person’s condition differs, it is imperative that for the craft activities, you monitor the situation closely or alter the activities accordingly as you deem fit. We hope that your loved ones will enjoy the activities and have a great Easter!

Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care is a world-class living and care experience. You and your cherished family member will superb living, medical, and social opportunities. Rest assured your loved one will enjoy our community’s special focus on the Easter Holiday. But it’s not just Easter when our cherished residents wake up feeling excited for the new day. They take part in a full schedule of fun activities daily, whether it is Easter, St Patty’s Day, or just another Wednesday to celebrate life. Feel free to contact us for more information.


Medication Management Tips for At-Home Caregivers

28 February 2024

Medication Management Tips for At-Home Caregivers - Winder, GA

Welcome back to our Gateway Gardens assisted living and memory care blog where we strive to pass along our love and professional knowledge to all of you caring for special needs loved ones at home whether you provide senior assisted living services or memory care services to your loved one.

We all know the importance of medication management. Here are a few medication management tips seniors should keep in mind to avoid any serious complications:

1) Create a list of all current medications. Keep an ongoing list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications that are taken daily. The list should include both the reason the medication is taken, along with the correct dosage, time of day to take it, and any other instructions, like taking it on a full stomach or with water. This list can then be discussed regularly with a doctor and updated accordingly.

2) Learn about possible medication side effects. Knowing common medication side effects can help you stay aware of any changes to your current health, especially when adding a new drug into the mix. If adverse side effects appear, they should be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist right away.

3) Set a medication schedule. If necessary, set reminders so you remember to take your medications at the right time of day every day. A medication dispenser can help keep your pills organized throughout the day. If you miss a medication, be aware of how to proceed- should you wait and take it at the next scheduled time, or take it as soon as you remember? Your doctor or pharmacist can help answer these questions.

4) Order refills in advance. Don’t wait until you’re down to one pill to order a refill of your prescription. Cutting it too close can cause you to miss medications, and in some cases, even skipping just one pill can cause problems in your treatment program.

5) Use the same pharmacy for all prescriptions. Pharmacists are extremely helpful in keeping tabs on your medications and can help eliminate any adverse side effects or reactions to new drugs. Plus, you can streamline the process for refills and pick up all your prescriptions at the same time each month.

6) Properly store all medications. While it might seem easiest to store medications in the bathroom, this is not the best location for many drugs. Bathrooms get warm and damp, which can cause medications to break down faster. Some meds may even need to be refrigerated. Read all the labels carefully to ensure you’re storing medication in the right place.

If your senior loved one is an existing member of our Gateway Gardens assisted living community or our Gateway Gardens memory care community, then you can rest assured that your loved one’s medication safety is meticulously managed. If your senior loved one is under your care at home, then it is never too early to take renewed detailed focus upon medication management, to ask questions of your loved one and the care providers subscribing their medications. Medication management adjustments are routinely driven via at-home care giver’s testimonials to their loved one’s care teams. We are trained and experienced at this. It is our sincere wish that you at-home care providers prioritize skill development in this arena as well.


Debunking Dementia Myths: High Sugar Diet Causes Dementia

21 February 2024

Debunking Dementia Myths: High Sugar Diet Causes Dementia - Winder, GA

Greetings once again to all our Gateway Gardens assisted living, Gateway Gardens memory care community, and Gateway Gardens respite care residents, family, neighbors, and friends. There are plenty of myths and non-truths out there regarding dementia, its causes, effects, and expectations. Today we’re going to discuss a common belief that sugar alone can be a principal cause of memory challenges. So, let’s get right to it.

A high sugar diet is not a cause of dementia, but it can increase the risk of developing this disease. Our conclusions here are largely guided by an informational resource that you should check out: Alzheimer’s UK.

While eating sugar doesn’t mean someone is guaranteed to develop dementia, too much sugar can increase the risk of developing this disease. Sugar increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, a risk factor for dementia. Research suggests that cutting down on fizzy drinks, sweets, cakes, and other sugars can help lower the risk of dementia. Additionally, eating a balanced and healthy diet can help reduce your risk. Other research suggests that excessive sugar can lead to poor cognitive function later in life. Another study found that adults with high sugar intake were 1.84 times more likely to develop dementia.

So, again, lots of sugar isn’t a cause of dementia, but it can increase the risk of developing this disease. Rest assured your loved ones here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care in Winder, GA enjoy a healthy, highly enjoyable, and highly regimented as guided by resident family and medical teams.


Wondering Why You or A Senior Loved One Always Feel Cold?

14 February 2024

Wondering Why You or A Senior Loved One Always Feel Cold? - Winder, GA

As you get older, you might notice you’re reaching for sweaters more often, shivering even when you think you should be warm, or maybe turning up the thermostat often. Is it really getting that much colder every year, or is it something else?

As we get older, we often feel colder at temperatures we were once comfortable with. There are a few causes of this, including thinning skin, slower blood circulation, or even side effects of medication. Age isn’t the only cause of feeling colder, though; it can also be related to several medical conditions such as anemia or even diabetes. It can even be your own residence, contributing to the problem. With the rising costs of heating and other bills, many seniors find they’d rather wear a sweater and be a little cold rather than turn the heat to a comfortable temperature. But this can risk hypothermia or other temperature-related issues and lead to other problems.

Assisted living is an option to consider if any of this sounds familiar. Being in a community like Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care here in Winder, GA gives you the option of being surrounded by a caring team that can help with medical concerns and daily needs. And, you get to avoid most utility fees, so you can dial up that heat and be as comfortable as possible!

Why Do Seniors Always Feel Cold?

There are several common reasons that can make you feel cold as you get older. As we age, our skin naturally thins, along with the layer of fat underneath it, and we even lose muscle mass. By having less of a natural barrier against the air, it’s no surprise you might be feeling more of a chill.

Along with this natural thinning, our metabolism naturally changes as well. Metabolism breaks down nutrients from the food and drink we consume and breaks them down into energy, which helps the body regulate its own temperature. As the metabolism slows, your body receives less of the energy it needs to maintain its heat, which can contribute to the cold you might be feeling.

Another common cause of feeling cold so often is related to blood circulation. Problems with blood pressure and blood circulation are common as we age, and a decrease in either can lead to you feeling colder in your extremities as blood works harder to get to them.

If you’ve recently noticed you’re less physically active than before, this can be a contributing factor to feeling cold all the time. As we get older, it’s common to stop doing some of the more physical things we’ve done for most of our lives. But if you’ve recently slowed down your physical activities, this could be directly related. Since daily physical exercise helps build and maintain muscle mass and helps with blood circulation and blood pressure problems, it could take something as simple as moving around more often to help.

Can Medical Issues Cause You to Feel Cold?

There are many medical conditions that can cause you to feel cold all the time. Some of the more common conditions known to cause this include:

  • Anemia

  • Diabetes

  • Thyroid disease

  • Kidney disease

  • Vitamin deficiency

While these aren’t the only causes, they are some of the more common ones. If you’ve recently noticed that you feel cold more often, or you’re struggling with any symptoms caused by this, it’s extremely important to speak with a doctor. If you’re on any medication to treat one of these conditions, it could be causing the unfortunate side effect of making you feel colder.

Accepting New Applications and Calls for Information of Any Kind

We are currently accepting new residents, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need excellent care at our memory care or our assisted living community. We also manage this blog for a reason, and that is to assist you and/or your caregivers to lead a more fulfilling and safe life. Call us today to learn more and to schedule a tour of our Gateway Gardens memory care community and/or our Gateway Gardens assisted living community. Oh, by the way, we provide Respite Care Services here in Gateway Gardens as well!


Elder Self-Neglect: How to Spot the Signs Within Your Senior Loved One

7 February 2024

Elder Self-Neglect: How to Spot the Signs Within Your Senior Loved One - Winder, GA

Welcome back to our Gateway Gardens assisted living community and our Gateway Gardens memory care community’s blog. Most of you know that we manage this blog on behalf of our cherished residents, their families, and of course for all of you homecare heroes taking care of your assisted living and/or memory care loved ones. Today, we’ll discuss a real concern that many of you might not be familiar with: Elder Self-Neglect.

What is Elder Self-Neglect?

Elder self-neglect is a huge concern for many seniors and their loved ones. Our memory care professionals here in Gateway Gardens have some helpful information regarding this topic, as well as some signs you should be aware of.

According to the National Institute of Health, elder self-neglect is best defined as “refusal or failure to provide oneself with care and protection in areas of food, water, clothing, hygiene, medication, living environments, and safety precautions.” This is typically seen as a person getting older and they struggle to complete the necessary, everyday tasks they need to stay healthy and functional. This can look like poor personal hygiene, missing medications, and doctor’s appointments, skipping meals, and even staying isolated in one place.

This is a growing problem, especially after the global pandemic, and individuals who suffer from underlying health conditions are at even higher risk. For example, if they have Alzheimer’s or dementia, or other chronic conditions, such as diabetes, this elevates the cause for concern. Elder self-neglect only serves to exacerbate mental and physical health issues as well.

According to census data, around 25% of adults aged 65 or older live alone. That comes out to around 14.3 million Americans. Each year, this number only increases as well. According to more data, older adults spend at least half of their waking hours alone, if not more.

Unfortunately, this provides plenty of time for health and well-being to deteriorate, even going unnoticed and flying under the radar. This time spent alone can lead to a downward spiral, especially for those with dementia or other memory loss related issues.

What Are the Signs?

Whether you are the primary caregiver, or you simply have a senior in your life you love and are concerned about, we have some signs that you should keep an eye out for. Elder self-neglect may not be as easy to spot as you would initially think. Oftentimes, your senior may even try to brush it off or say that everything is fine, even when it’s not.

Here are some of the signs you be aware of and questions you should ask yourself:

  • Take a look in their fridge or pantry. Do they have good that is going spoiled or rotting? Does it look like they have been missing trips to the grocery store?

  • Check their calendar or date book. Are they missing important appointments, such as doctor visits or dental checkups?

  • Do they have frequent, unexplained bruising on their body?

  • Are they struggling to get up from a seated position?

  • Do they have any difficulties with mobility or walking? Is getting around their home a struggle?

  • Do they appear to be uncertain or have confusion when performing basic or routine tasks?

  • Are they becoming more and more forgetful?

  • Do they have unpleasant body odor? This could mean that they are skipping bathing and not taking care of their personal hygiene.

  • Is there a noticeable decline in grooming habits, such as unruly or unkempt hair? What about an overgrown beard or facial hair that looks unclean?

  • Take a look around their home. Is the laundry piling up? Do they have a lot of dirty dishes? What about mail and other clutter?

  • Keep an eye out for late notices from utility companies, or mail from debt collectors. Check their power and water, is everything still running and functioning?

  • What about their diet? Are they eating properly, or have they gained or lost a significant amount of weight recently?

  • Are they showing less interest in their hobbies or interests lately? Do they just seem overall resigned or checked out?

  • Are they experiencing erratic changes in their mood swings, cycling between one and then the other rapidly?

  • Skipping out on medications or failing to take them at all is another huge red flag to be aware of.

While all of these are not exclusively signs of elder self-neglect, and your senior loved one doesn’t have to check every box, they are still a good baseline as to what to be aware of.

If you determine that your senior loved one may be experiencing elder self-neglect, it may be time to reach out for help. As a primary caregiver, it is normal to want to do everything alone and shoulder the responsibility yourself. However, it’s important to know that you don’t have to, and we are here to help. Contact us here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care in Winder, GA!


Make Your Own (And Wise) Decision to Transition to Assisted Living

31 January 2024

Make Your Own (And Wise) Decision to Transition to Assisted Living - Winder, GA

IF YOU’RE STRUGGLING over the decision to move into an assisted living community to begin the next chapter of your life, we’re here to help. Here are eight great benefits of embracing a loving living environment like ours here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care in Winder, GA.

1. Enjoy a Rich Social Life

Seniors who live alone are at a higher risk for social isolation and feelings of loneliness and depression. In professional assisted living communities, seniors enjoy a community environment with friends and staff encouraging participation in social events. Our community offers a dynamic activity calendar and encourages maximum participation. Residents have opportunities to discover new hobbies, embrace fitness for life, an array of social communal interests, and so much more.

2. Full-Time Compassionate and Professional Care

Some residents in our assisted living community need help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, hygiene, medication assistance, and more. Maybe such things are not part of your personal daily need. But when or if that time comes, we’ll be there for you. Every staff member is well-trained to provide the care residents need in a way that protects privacy and promotes dignity. No matter if it’s managing a complex medication schedule, attending a senior fitness session, your loving staff are excited to help.

3. Fun and Independence

Assisted living isn’t just about care services, it’s also about having the freedom to enjoy life. We make sure residents are doing what they can when they can. Think of our services as professional living care providers as enablers for your quality of life: we enable you to live more carefree, more confidently, and with more fun!

4. Free Time

Many seniors can maintain a home but find it increasingly less desirable to do so. Whether the notion pertains to increasing physical challenges or simply a different view on how best to use time, many seniors no longer want to mow the lawn, sweep, dust, and vacuum. Residents in an assisted living community don’t have to worry about the cleaning, the cooking, the shoveling. It’s our pleasure to work for each of our residents, allowing them to catch up on a reading list, plan an exciting trip, find a new hobby, or invest more time into a lifelong interest. Making the move to assisted living means doing more of what you love.

5. Delicious Meals

Meals here in our Gateway Gardens assisted living community are specifically created to benefit senior health because healthy residents are happy residents. Cooking for yourself by yourself can grow challenging. With nutritious meals prepared by talented culinary experts, our dear residents enjoy delicious meals that are scripted for senior’s dietary needs. Quality dining is important, but equally important is the rewarding social nature of community dining.

6. Safe Transportation at Your Convenience

When driving becomes unsafe or car ownership becomes too much of a hassle, we offer reliable transportation to local shopping, dining, events, and doctor appointments.

7. Invest in Your Future

A move into assisted living is a move into a lifestyle that promotes healthy senior living and opens a variety of options for the future if needs should change over time. Each resident has an individualized, custom care plan that is regularly evaluated by a medical team, ensuring that any change in health is noticed as it happens, resulting in early diagnosis and, inevitably, better treatment options.

8. Gain Peace of Mind

All of these benefits work together to create the ultimate benefit: peace of mind. Friends and family of residents rest easy, knowing their loved one is being well cared for in a home-like environment where their needs are seen. Seniors themselves rest easier too, with the knowledge that they have a family in their community who is there for them, cheering for them, and helping make the most of every day.

We are ready to help you take a great stride in quality of life here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care in Winder, GA. Call us today to learn more and to schedule a tour of our memory care assisted living community.


Tips for Choosing a Loving Assisted Living or Memory Care Community

17 January 2024

Tips for Choosing a Loving Assisted Living or Memory Care Community - Winder, GA

Welcome back to our Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care blog! To start 2024, we began this mini-series addressing the basic difference between assisted living and memory care communities. Last week we covered “Do We Need Assisted Living or Memory Care”. We’re going to finish the series today providing you with tips for choosing your future assisted living or memory care community.

Once you’ve determined which service that most likely meets your needs, you should research assisted living and memory care communities within the Winder area. We strongly believe the more you know about your options, the more attractive you are going to discover us to be.

If you are already familiar with the area or are interested in sticking close to your current residence, it can be helpful to seek out recommendations from local personal physicians, financial planners, social workers, friends, and other relatives who may be familiar with our local communities. Additionally, it can be helpful to reach out to your local state health department for recommendations.

Once you’ve created an initial list of candidates, you can begin to narrow down the field by reviewing the specific services, location and price range that fits into your budget. From there, it’s important to take the first steps to reach out to the community administrators to schedule a tour of each community.

We trust this blog has served useful. Please know that we stand ready to invest all our energies to help you navigate this critically important research. Please contact us anytime here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care in Winder, GA.


Do We Need Assisted Living or Memory Care

10 January 2024

Do We Need Assisted Living or Memory Care - Winder, GA

Welcome back to our Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care blog! Last week we started our mini-series addressing the basic difference between assisted living and memory care communities. The fastest way to decide what type of service would best support you or your loved one is to take an honest assessment of your personal situation.

In general, you’re likely well-suited for our Gateway Gardens assisted living community if:

  • You need or want help with a few daily activities but are otherwise independent

  • You experience only minor or occasional forgetfulness that doesn’t impact your daily life

  • You want to avoid the burden of home maintenance and enjoy additional amenities and services within a loving communal living environment.

You’re likely better suited to Gateway Gardens memory care community if:

  • You’ve been diagnosed with a memory impairment and regularly experience symptoms

  • You’re prone to wandering or consistent forgetfulness about where you are or who you’re with

  • You or your family doesn’t feel safe when you’re left without support

  • Your memory impairment is affecting your physical abilities and you’d like to maximize what you can do with additional support

Understanding that after reading the above that you may discover having more questions than before, know that you are on the right track. We can personally help you navigate this deeply complex and critically important investigation. We are prepared to invest every minute you need to become fully informed.

Up next:

Tips for Choosing a Loving Assisted Living or Memory Care Community. Until then, feel free to contact us anytime here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care in Winders, GA.


Gateway Gardens Mini-Series: Assisted Living vs Memory Care

3 January 2024

Gateway Gardens Mini-Series: Assisted Living vs Memory Care - Winder, GA

Very warm 2024 greetings to you all from Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care in Winder, GA! To start off the new year, we’re going to author a short series of posts here on our Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care blog to address the numerous differences between the two in the attempt to answer common questions. We hope to walk away with a better understanding of the support and services offered in each, as well as providing tips on how to choose the right option for yourself or a family member.

Assisted living and memory care provide similar levels of support by helping residents with daily tasks like getting dressed and eating. However, memory care is different from assisted living because it provides specialized support for individuals with memory impairments such as Alzheimer’s disease.

So, let’s start the new year off with a tutorial summary of the basics: Assisted Living vs Memory Care.

Assisted Living: The Basics

Individuals within our Gateway Gardens assisted living community are largely independent but want or need some help in certain areas of their lives. They are generally healthy and active. Our assisted living service is a strategic comprehensive assortment of long-term wellness programs that include:

  • Housing

  • Meals

  • Daily health support (such as medication management)

  • Personal care services, including help with daily living activities

The most important aspect of assisted living is the help it provides with daily tasks. That might include helping move from one place to another or helping to get dressed in the morning. Assisted living helps in these areas so residents can spend less time on these tasks and instead focus on enjoying their freedom.

Depending on the needs of each resident, our assisted living community provide additional services, such as “housekeeping” support, transportation services, 24-hour safety and security, recreational activities, and other things that make life easier and more rewarding.

Memory Care: The Basics

The biggest difference between our assisted living and our Gateway Gardens memory care community is the people we support. Unlike the residents within assisted living, those within our memory care community have long-term health needs, specifically memory impairments such as dementia, that are best met by a specially trained staff.

To provide adults with the support they need to live full lives, our memory care service strategy encompasses the same base services and amenities as our sister assisted living community. However, memory care services and amenities are tailored to meet the needs of individuals with memory impairments.

For example, our memory care community offers similar housing accommodations to that which our assisted living residents enjoy, however, our memory care resident’s accommodations incorporate additional safety measures to ensure that those prone to wandering are safe and happy. Our memory care residents benefit from a more structured lifestyle designed to facilitate a stress-free lifestyle.

Our memory care residents enjoy specialized programs that are designed to improve cognitive skills and slow the progression of memory loss. These programs, along with access to 24-hour medical care, make for a safe, fun, and interactive living environment.

Up next:

How to know if you or a loved one needs assisted living or memory care. Until then, feel free to contact us anytime here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care in Winder, GA.


Tips for At-Home Providers of Memory Care and Assisted Living Care During the Holidays

11 December 2023

Tips for At-Home Providers of Memory Care and Assisted Living Care During the Holidays - Winder, GA

While the Holiday season is a time for celebration, joy, and time together here at Winder’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care, it can also be a time of added stress for those of you providing at home care. This is true for those of you who deliver memory care support to your Winder loved one or assisted living support to your Winder loved one. As you continue to prepare for and enjoy all that the season has to offer, those of you caring for others often have an additional worry of how to maintain traditions and connectedness while managing the many changes that come with your loved one’s journey through aging and/or disease.

Here are a few simple tips to assist in making the holidays bright!

Be Prepared: Setting expectations and being prepared can help settle stress for both the person, their caregivers and family members.

  • Schedule visits during the best time of day for your loved one. For example, if they experience issues with sundowning, be sure to plan your visit earlier in the day.

  • Prepare family members and visitors for any changes. Many family members/friends who visit during the Holidays may not be aware of changes in their loved one. Prepare everyone for what to expect as it relates to any cognitive, verbal, or physical changes they may not be aware of.

  • Be prepared to manage expectations and adjust to the needs of the individual throughout the visit: *Friendly Reminder – things may not always go as planned.

Maintain Traditions: Maintaining traditions is a wonderful way to invoke positive memories for all! While modifications may need to be made, sharing holiday traditions creates wonderful connections.

  • Traditional Holiday/Religious music, ceremony, events, rituals remain important to connectedness.

  • Keep gatherings simple and small to avoid overstimulation.

  • Bring modified versions to those unable to attend.

  • Involve your loved one in making traditional foods: Christmas cookies, latkes, “first fruits.” Allow them to assist in meal preparation or bring favorite holiday foods to celebrate in the community setting.

  • Use traditional holiday symbols and décor to evoke memories and spark conversation and/or sensory stimulation.

Maybe the most important thing you can do for your loved one is to remember to take care of yourself, manage your own expectations and know that all the time spent with your loved ones is a memory worth making!

All here at Winder’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care wish everyone a wonderful Holiday Season!


You Can Make Today a Good Day for Your Memory Care Loved One

4 December 2023

Welcome back to our blog page for our Winder-area assisted living and our Winder memory care community. Not much introduction to the linked video below is required. What is required is the due credit to the Chevrolet Motor Company for producing a heartwarming Holiday season video reminder that the joy and happiness within your memory care loved ones lies within, and just around the corner as you will soon learn.

This five-minute video depicts how a simple act of love from a family member returns visible joy to their memory care matriarch. If you have already seen this short video, then you know that it’s worth watching again, and likely has moved you to fetch some tissue in advance. For those of you who haven’t seen this video, go grab some. You’re going to need it.

For your assisted living and memory care loved ones, make this Holiday season one to remember. Warm Holiday greetings and wishes to you all from your friends here at Winder’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care.


Winter Tips for Seniors to Stay Fit and Healthy

27 November 2023

Winter Tips for Seniors to Stay Fit and Healthy - Winder, GA

Greetings once again to all our Winder-area assisted living and our Winder memory care community residents, family, neighbors, and friends. Physical activity is important at any age, but it’s essential for seniors. The CDC recommends that people 65 and older devote at least 150 minutes a week to exercise to maintain muscle mass, flexibility, balance, and strength. Staying active also has a positive impact on emotional well-being.

You and your senior loved ones can do plenty of indoor activities and exercises when it’s cold outside! Have a look through some of our suggestions below to get started, but remember that you should have your primary care provider approve any exercise routine before starting it.

Start Small & Work Your Way Up

If you haven’t exercised in a while or if you struggle with mobility, we recommend starting small. A simple activity is to go from sitting to standing and walking around your home. Just ensure your floors are clear of impediments so you don’t trip or fall. If you have stairs and can walk up and down them safely with a railing, this would also be a great addition to your exercise regimen.

Be Gentle, But Keep Moving

Exercise doesn’t have to be grueling! Sporadic movement throughout the day is better than nothing. Be gentle with your body, but make sure you move throughout the day, even if it’s just from one room to another. If you have mobility issues that limit you, turn to your primary care provider for recommendations on exercises you can do while sitting or lying down, such as chair yoga or other gentle exercises. And if you have trouble remembering to move, consider leaving reminders out for yourself. A sticky note on your bedside table, end table, mirror, or refrigerator might do the trick.

Make Movement Fun

You can tailor your exercise to your interests! Make it fun by playing your favorite music or watching an exercise video you enjoy. Better yet, invite a friend or family member to join you, or join an online exercise class. Activities with others can make anything more enjoyable.

Venture Outside on Nice Days

We will enjoy comfortable and sunny days during the winter. If there’s no precipitation and the sidewalks are clear, put on your most supportive and stable footwear and head outside for a walk. Remember to take it slow. And, as always, adjust your plans accordingly if you have mobility issues.

Turn to the Experts

Here at Gateway Gardens, we have a professionally trained staff to help our dear residents stay active while keeping them safe. We also have a full calendar of activities each month tailored to the season and weather. Want to learn more about life at Winder’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care? Schedule a tour and know that we truly look forward to meeting you!


Senior Socialization – Just One Health Advantage of Managed Care

13 November 2023

Senior Socialization – Just One Health Advantage of Managed Care - Winder, GA

Welcome back to our Winder-area assisted living and memory care blog here at Gateway Gardens. There is so much to celebrate as a resident or family member here. Today, we’re going to focus upon a benefit here that our residents and resident family alike don’t truly appreciate until sometime after moving in. We facilitate an active and vibrant social environment worthy of celebration.

An active social life isn’t just for young people. It can be argued that seniors benefit more from active social lives as do younger people.

Human beings are social creatures. Socialization is vital to survival. Life’s demands upon the young adults drive them naturally (willingly or unwillingly) into active social lives. Professional lives and raising children often produce plenty of social integration. But when seniors have moved on from employment and raising children, continued social interaction is key to both physical and mental wellbeing.

As we age, we tend to experience more life changes. One of the biggest is the loss of those around us. Physical limitations can make it difficult to expand our social circle. While loved ones grow older and pass away, many seniors find it challenging to meet new people and remain socially active.

If you or someone you love is a senior, it’s important to be proactive about being social. Find opportunities to meet people and connect with friends. Whether it’s in person or online, interactions can help us live happier, longer lives.

Why is an active social life an essential part of healthy aging? Social Seniors Tend to Be Mentally Healthier.

One of the many benefits of moving into our Winder assisted living community and our Winder memory care community is our committed focus upon encouraging and enabling a robust social environment. We strongly believe that seniors have earned the right to relax and share and celebrate their golden years within a loving community of their peers.

Come visit us here at Winder’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care and personally experience our active and loving social environment.

HIR

Reinder: Veterans Day is This Saturday (Nov 11)

6 November 2023

Reinder: Veterans Day is This Saturday (Nov 11) - Winder, GA

Hello and welcome back to our Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care blog. Today we turn our focus to the upcoming Labor Day weekend and how all of you providing assisted living care and/or memory care support services to a loved one.

While Veterans Day is celebrated every year, many people often mistake its meaning for Memorial Day. Memorial Day is dedicated to remembering those that have died in battle or as a result of their wounds. Veterans Day is a day to think about all veterans, both those living and those that have passed. It is a time to thank them for their service and the sacrifices they have made for our nation. If it were not for the bravery and dedication displayed by the members of our military, we would not be able to enjoy the freedoms that we have. And for that, we say thank you.

Please make every effort to share time, appreciation, and love for every person whose selflessly served our country. Here at Winder’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care we celebrate every veteran’s unique sacrifice and contribution to our country and wish all of you a warm and blessed Veteran’s Day holiday!


The Varying Stages of Dementia

30 October 2023

The Varying Stages of Dementia - Winder, GA

Getting the news that your parent, in-law, spouse, or other loved one has dementia is devastating. There’s no other way to put it. Here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care here in Winder, we will be honored to help you every step along the way. Whether that help to you is direct in the form of you and your loved one joining our memory care community or by simply offering free education via this memory care blog, rest assured our hearts go out to you because very few can directly relate to what you are going through.

So, for those of you researching what construes the dementia journey, we hope to help you out here today. Dementia is a general term for a group of complex diseases that affect memory, thinking, and behavior. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and affects older adults.

Dementia begins with mild changes in mental function and slowly worsens to severe impairments in cognition. If you have a loved one with dementia, knowing these changes can help you plan for their care.

About Dementia

Dementia is more common with age, one-third of people over 85 may have some form of dementia, but it’s not a normal part of aging. There are different types of dementia, many causes of cognitive function, and varying symptoms depending on the type and stage.

Risk factors for dementia include the following:

  • Age: Affecting people 65 and older.

  • Family history of dementia: Parents or siblings with dementia

  • Medical conditions: Diabetes, Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, and sleep apnea.

  • Lifestyle factors: Smoking, heavy alcohol use, poor diet, lack of exercise, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol if not treated.

  • Brain injury: Severe or repeated head injuries.

  • Infection of the brain: Meningitis and syphilis

  • Race: African Americans and Hispanics have higher rates of dementia.

  • Depression

  • Stroke

Stages of Dementia

Dementias are progressive diseases, and changes in functional ability continue to occur. Three stages of dementia include early or mild, middle or moderate, and late or severe. Early onset/mild cognitive impairment refers to Alzheimer’s disease diagnosed at a younger age.

Early or Mild Stages of Dementia

In early or mild dementia, people aren’t always aware they have the disease. However, some people may notice slight changes that something is wrong with their thinking but can still function independently with little help.

Changes can include memory lapses and forgetting things that can affect daily life. Signs and symptoms of early or mild stage dementia include:

  • Forgetfulness and memory loss of recent events

  • Getting lost and misplacing things

  • A shift in personality and mood, such as depression and withdrawing

  • Difficulty with complex tasks such as managing finances

  • Difficulty with learning new things

  • Difficulty following conversations and expressing thoughts

  • Difficulty concentrating or limited attention span

Middle or Moderate Stage of Dementia

In the middle or moderate stage of dementia, people need more help with everyday activities and self-care as memory and thinking ability continue to deteriorate. At this stage, more people are aware of the condition.

Signs and symptoms of middle/moderate stage dementia include:

  • Memory loss of the past

  • Unable to carry out activities of daily living

  • Confusion

  • Poor judgment

  • Personality and behavior changes such as agitation, mood swings

  • Repeating questions

  • Changes in sleep patterns

At this stage, making life easier for a loved one with dementia can include speaking to their doctor about care, treatment options, and support services.

Late or Severe Stage of Dementia

In late or severe dementia, the disease progresses to a point where it affects functioning and physical capabilities. Care needs are high and may require continued support 24 hours/day to ensure the highest quality of life.

Signs and symptoms of late or severe stage dementia include:

  • Severe memory impairment where one cannot remember family and friends.

  • Inability to communicate verbally with unrecognized speech

  • Functional impairment such as incontinence and inability to eat and walk, leading to malnutrition, weakness with loss of muscle control, and susceptibility to pneumonia.

  • Disorientation

Diagnosing Dementia

There is no cure for dementia, but an early diagnosis can help families plan for the future and consider different care options. Doctors can address family history and underlying conditions related to cognitive decline with treatment.

Other methods and tests used to diagnose dementia include:

  • Cognitive and neurological tests

  • Brain scans

  • Psychiatric evaluation

  • Genetic tests

  • Blood tests

Support for all Stages of Dementia

At Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care, we offer premier home environment care in a loving family atmosphere for your loved one. We facilitate the ability of your loved one to continue living with dignity, respect, freedom, and choice. Our home environment enables seniors with Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and other memory impairments to maintain the highest quality of life while providing peace of mind to their family and friends.


Regarding Halloween and Alzheimer’s

16 October 2023

Regarding Halloween and Alzheimer’s - Winder, GA

We have a longstanding tradition here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Winder to celebrate Halloween with both our assisted living and our memory care residents. We do, however, celebrate a bit differently within our two unique care communities. The scary and ghoulish themes of Halloween can serve a detrimental effect on memory care patients. So, for you at-home memory care providers, we have some things for you to consider in advance of the upcoming holiday.

HALLOWEEN AND ALZHEIMER’S

Halloween is one of the most celebrated days in the American calendar. It is a day rich in history that everyone should celebrate. For decades now, it’s been known to be a favorite day for the kids who would feel their pockets or even bags with candy, fully dressed in a ghoulish costume.

Halloween is characterized by scary costumes and decors which can greatly frighten individuals with Alzheimer’s. It is therefore important to organize Halloween parties that suite people with Alzheimer’s for them to feel loved an included. How can we organize Halloween for seniors? Here are few tips to make this Halloween happy and safe for everyone:

MAINTAIN MINIMAL DECORATIONS

Halloween is all about decorations and costumes. Halloween wouldn’t be the same without them. But extreme decorations don’t go well with people who suffer from Alzheimer’s. Keep decorations to a minimum. Even though it may not guarantee that the patient will not get confused or stressed, maintaining the outlook of the house by decorating minimally celebrates the holiday without causing too much confusion or disorientation. To accomplish this, there are some things that one should do or avoid.

  • Avoid scary decors.

  • Avoid scary and abrupt sounds.

  • Avoid using candles or flashlights at night in your house. These can create anxiety for your loved one.

AVOID PUBLIC PLACES

It’s always fun for kids to watch ghosts and goblins at the park during Halloween festival. The same cannot be said about people with Alzheimer’s. This might cause the patient to avoid the place again due to scary memories. The best thing is to take them to a less public and elaborate celebrations.

KEEP THE CANDY IN A SAFE PLACE

There is no Halloween without candy. In the culture of celebrating Halloween, most families, if not all share candy with other kids. It is therefore difficult to keep candy away. Nutritionally, sugary foods have been known to heighten the condition. Many patients won’t control themselves from taking candy. It is therefore important to monitor them or even keep the candy away in a safe place.

PREPARE YOUR LOVED ONE

Although this may prove to be a hard option, it is important to try and explain to your loved one that there will be some commotion around. If you are someone who has stayed with the patient for a long time, you will have a good chance of getting them to understand. Even so, this won’t guarantee you success because patients with Alzheimer’s lose memory very quickly. Therefore, try to create distractions and carefully and patiently explain any questions that they may have.

Halloween can be a fun filled time for everyone. Just as we take safety measures to protect children during the holiday, we can provide the same precautions for our elderly and those who may suffer from memory conditions.

All of us here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care wish you the very best for a joyful Halloween celebration.


A Primer for Signs of Anemia in Senior Adults

9 October 2023

A Primer for Signs of Anemia in Senior Adults - Winder, GA

Welcome back to our Winder-area assisted living and memory care blog where we strive to pass along our love and professional knowledge to all of you caring for special needs loved ones at home whether you provide senior assisted living services or memory care services to your loved one.

One of the things that matters most to you is the health of your senior loved one. Anemia can cause loss of physical abilities, functional deterioration, and hospitalization, so it’s crucial to be alert for its warning signs. There are symptoms you may look out for and ways to help your loved one treat anemia. Here’s an overview of anemia in seniors, and how professional senior living care can help manage their condition.

What Are Some Common Warning Signs of Anemia?

When the red blood cell count drops below normal, anemia can develop. Anemia is frequently brought on by blood loss, a decline in the production of red blood cells, or the destruction of red blood cells. Anemia can have a negative effect on one’s health because hemoglobin in red blood cells plays an important role in transporting oxygen to human tissues.

Anemia can have a negative effect on one’s health because hemoglobin in red blood cells plays an important role in transporting oxygen to human tissues. Some common symptoms of anemia include:

  • Fatigue

  • Weakness

  • Dizziness

  • Irritability

  • Pale skin

  • Breathing difficulty

Any of these symptoms should be taken seriously, even if they only “seem like what happens as you age.” If a member of your family displays these signs, call their doctor right away because anemia is treatable.

If your senior loved one is receiving care in our assisted living community, you know that we monitor for these symptoms. Our training has us all on extreme high alert anytime our dear resident’s medications are changed. It’s just one of the countless benefits of professional managed care.


Questions that Help Define the Need for Professional Assisted Living

25 September 2023

Questions that Help Define the Need for Professional Assisted Living - Winder, GA

Hello to all our blog fans here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Winder. Today we return to the daily subject of inquiry from seniors and their caregivers alike: What are the critical indicators that it is time to pursue professional assisted living services? We answer many frequently asked questions that orbit around defining the turning point when a loved one no longer is best served by loved one’s at home. The bottom-line truth is everyone is different and warning signs are rarely absolute or all-encompassing.

Here are a few more behaviors and habits that can suggest it’s time to explore assisted living. Here are seven things to consider:

  1. Does your loved one regularly incur minor injuries? Have falls become a frequent occurrence?

  2. Have they grown increasingly forgetful? Do they forget to show up for appointments or other plans? Do they need constant reminders to take medication or eat (this can manifest itself in weight loss)?

  3. What does their social life look like? Are they in regular contact with friends or involved in activities that take them outside of the home?

  4. Does their house seem neglected? Is the living room full of clutter, and the kitchen full of dishes, expired food, and lingering smells?

  5. Have you noticed changes in their appearance or grooming? Are they able to shower and get ready for the day without fear of falling?

  6. Do they have a chronic illness or injury that has escalated in recent months?

  7. Are you comfortable driving in the car with them? Are they alert and aware when on the road? Have they been involved in several fender benders or accidents?

While there are certainly other considerations to weigh, the sum of these factors can be indicative. If you are observing patterns of injury, forgetfulness, negligence, or isolation, it’s wise to seek out professional counsel. Talk to your loved one’s primary care doctor to get at the root of these patterns and how you should respond.

Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care is Winder’s most celebrated community that serves both the assisted living and memory care needs of area residents. Stop in anytime as we’ll be glad to show you why.


If You Find It Difficult to Talk with Someone with Dementia

18 September 2023

If You Find It Difficult to Talk with Someone with Dementia - Winder, GA

Most of you are aware that our team of professional memory care and assisted living care providers here at Winder’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care are there for all of you, young and seasoned alike. Whether you are a cherished resident, a family member, or someone caring for a loved one suffering for dementia, we hope you find our blogging efforts informative, a source of actionable ideas for you to provide better care, and a source for peace in your own lives.

Today’s blog post is intended to help you advise others who want to communicate with your loved one but might be intimidated to do that. This is a very common concern and maybe you yourself might be somewhat at a loss to offer them consultation. We find that how a person interacts and understands someone who has Dementia is so important. Recognizing different ways you can connect and communicate may help the relationship.

Consider these suggestions on different ways and opportunities to interact.

Respect. We all want respect and those with Alzheimer’s or Dementia are no different. They want and deserve respect so be thoughtful of how you speak and try to avoid phrases that could be patronizing, demeaning and/or condescending.

Speak clear and calm. Remember to refer to people by their names and refrain from using “he”, “she” or “they” as that can be hard.

It is okay to use touch. A reassuring hug or hand on someone’s shoulder can show affection without using words. Often some of our seniors with dementia miss the physical attention and can really benefit from feeling “loved”.

Keep the conversation simple. Try to talk about one thing at a time. If the conversation has multiple subjects, it can be confusing. Also, try to ask more simple questions that have the opportunity for one or two answers. This can make the conversation feel less frustrating.

Listen. Be sure to spend time listening and not always being the one to talk. If you do not understand something, it is okay to ask them to repeat it or say, “I am sorry, I do not understand”.

Talk about something they are interested in or about their past. Someone with Dementia may be able to remember his or her childhood but have a hard time remembering something that happened earlier that day.

Patience is so important. Give them some time to explain and talk. Try not to interrupt and if you ask a question, just pause and give them time to respond.

We pride ourselves for being readily available to all of you and to apply our vast array of skill sets to help in any way we can. If you are considering a senior living community for yourself or a loved here in Winder, we invite you to come visit and see the thriving senior assisted living community here at Gateway Gardens in Winder and/or our loving memory care community here in Winder as well!


Age-Related Memory Loss is NOT (Necessarily) a Factor of Dementia

4 September 2023

Age-Related Memory Loss is NOT (Necessarily) a Factor of Dementia - Winder, GA

Greetings once again from your Winder-area assisted living and Winder memory care community here at Gateway Gardens. Today’s blog post is for all of you at-home memory care support providers who might be stressing about periodically (or maybe even often) misplacing your keys, your cell phone, your TV remote, or other commonly used items. Maybe some of you are even moving beyond stress and into fear that you, yourself, are beginning to suffer the same disease as the cherished loved one that you care for. Well friends, while only a professional can diagnose your concern with certainty, what we (non-clinical professionals) can tell you is that the frustrations listed above are more often simply commonalities of normal, fully functional aging adults.

Aging is a natural process, and as we grow older, parts of our brain and body are gradually altered. Some of the changes affect our physical abilities, and others affect us mentally. Everyone ages differently. We all experience changes eventually, and there’s no exact timeline for when these changes will occur.

We can all expect to experience some memory loss at some point, but how do we know the difference between normal aging and a condition that affects cognitive functions, like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease? When is it time to speak to our family doctor about additional support services or memory care?

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DEMENTIA & MEMORY LOSS

Dementia and memory loss have similar symptoms but are significantly different from each other. How do we distinguish between forgetfulness and a need for memory care? Memory loss occurs as part of the normal aging process, resulting from a natural decline or slowing of the body. Although the brain begins to slow, a person’s intelligence continues to function as usual.

Natural memory loss will not:

  • Disrupt your day-to-day life

  • Affect your ability to complete tasks

  • Affect your ability to learn new things

Dementia is a progressive condition resulting from a breakdown of cognitive function. This condition can cause frequently disruptive mental and physical symptoms that gradually worsen.

Symptoms of dementia effect:

  • Your daily life

  • Your daily routines

  • Your ability to learn new things

  • Your ability to complete familiar tasks

  • Your relationships

If you are losing sleep or constantly worry about your memory issues possibly being related to early dementia, speak to a medical professional. More likely than not, your mind will be put at ease making you more happy, positive, and a better care provider for your loved one. Of course, when it becomes time to put your loved one into the loving care of memory care professionals here in Winder, contact us anytime.


Vascular Dementia – About the Heart and Brain Connection

28 August 2023

Vascular Dementia – About the Heart and Brain Connection - Winder, GA

Welcome back to our Winder-area assisted living and memory care blog! A healthy heart is conducive to brain health which helps mitigate the chances of cognitive decline and impairment. While the exact risk factors for dementia are not set in stone, certain lifestyle changes do seem to have a significant impact on the body and brain and reduce the chances of certain types of dementia, like Vascular Dementia.

What’s Good for the Heart is Good for the Brain

Studies show that heart health is linked to brain health. This might be cited as the fact that your heart pumps blood to different parts of the body, including the brain. Therefore, any damage to the vessels through which blood is supplied will lead to a host of serious health conditions like heart disease as well as dementia.

Vascular dementia is commonly caused by a stroke, which is a kind of brain attack. This happens when plaque or a clot blocks a blood vessel, limiting the supply of blood to the brain. It also happens when a blood vessel bursts in the brain. Due to this, the brain tissue dies, increasing the chances of memory loss.

Vascular Dementia is caused by a string of these strokes, which lead to impaired memory and other problems. Therefore, it is safe to say that brain health is related to and, at times, dependent on heart health.

How to Take Care of Heart Health for Brain Health

Taking care of your heart can significantly reduce the chances of heart disease as well as memory loss. This guide will talk about some of the ways you can take care of your heart to avoid losing memory at an early age.

Control and Monitor Your Blood Pressure for Brain Health

High blood pressure or hypertension is a precursor to heart disease. During high blood pressure, too much pressure is exerted on the blood vessels, which incurs the risk of heart disease. High blood pressure is often called a silent killer as its symptoms tend to go ignored.

High blood pressure also increases the chances of dementia later in life. To prevent this, monitor your blood pressure and work closely with a doctor to avoid experiencing dementia.

Eat Healthy Foods

To ensure heart health, you need to take care of what you feed your body. There are certain foods that are conducive to sound heart health. You should try to incorporate fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids into your diet. If you have a history of heart disease in your family, you should limit your intake of alcohol and foods that have high sugar content and saturated fats.

Exercise for Your Brain as Well as Your Body

Staying active is another way to ensure your heart is healthy and reduce the chance of vascular dementia. A sedentary lifestyle increases the chances of high blood pressure and obesity, another contributing factor to heart disease. Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise a week.

Final Word

Sound heart health is imperative for brain health, which in turn helps to prevent cognitive impairment conditions like dementia. Follow the tips above to enjoy a healthy heart and brain and do your part in keeping dementia at bay.

We Are Here to Help

At Winder’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care, we are here to help. We want families to make the best decision for their situation. Furthermore, the staff at both our Winder memory care community and our Winder senior assisted living community are proactive. That means we are not waiting for a problem to arise. Instead, we are actively engaged with every resident. We warmly extend our invitation to come see it all for yourself. We are confident you’ll find it to be a warm experience!


Music Therapy for Dementia

21 August 2023

Music Therapy for Dementia - Winder, GA

Welcome back to our Winder-area assisted living community and our Winder memory care community’s blog. We manage this blog on behalf of our cherished residents, their families, and of course for you Winder-area homecare heroes taking care of your assisted living and/or memory care loved ones. Today, we hope you might benefit from learning how music can be used as therapy for your memory care loved one.

Music is a powerful art form. Melodies and rhythms can resonate with us on profound levels. That’s because music operates on a subconscious level, gently stroking our emotions as we listen.

Because certain tunes and beats can have an undeniable influence on our feelings, music therapy can be used to help us connect with our emotions and engage with the world around us.

Music therapy can be particularly beneficial for older adults living with dementia.

How does music therapy help dementia?

The magic of music lies in the way it boosts our brain’s neuroplasticity, which is what allows it to change and grow.

The benefits of music therapy and dementia are well researched. Experts tell us that music is processed in several areas of the brain — and by using different pathways to transfer and store information, the memories it conjures are vivid and clear. This positive experience can help ease worry, calm anxiety, and even improve communication.

How does music influence memory?

Memory is like a file cabinet where information is organized and stored for later reference or use. That information includes sights, sounds, tastes, and smells, and those senses play a significant role in our ability to recall specific memories.

Within that ‘file cabinet’, music stimulates the brain’s reward system, releasing healthy doses of “feel-good” chemicals such as dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. This can make the retrieval of older memories an easier task for someone with Dementia by stimulating the mind in ways that improve cognitive function, including memory recall.

Consistent stimulation like this means that the benefits can extend beyond the confines of treatment plans and become ingrained in daily life.

How is music therapy used in memory care?

Music therapy is all about jumpstarting the brain. For example, rousing music that features fast-paced, immersive beats engages the mind in a way that increases awareness.

But not everyone responds to music the exact same way, and there are different ways to kick the mind into high gear. Some are participatory while others are passive — it’s all about finding what works best for each individual.

Here are three types of music therapy for dementia that work well within a memory care community.

Group Singing

Singing — or Vocal Intonation Therapy (VIT) — uses the power of language and speech to foster orientation. It grounds the participant and gives them a sense of stability in a world that can often feel off-kilter. In addition, group singing (or circle choir) challenges the mind to recall words, phrases, and rhythms in a way that also encourages community and collaboration.

Ensemble Instrumentation

Playing a musical instrument can release stress, and each instrument seems to have its own unique additional benefits. Some are soothing, while others energize the musician. Drumming, in particular, can help patients release anger and frustration in a way that’s healthy and safe for others.

Live Musical Performances

Research shows that musical activities of all varieties (including listening) can influence older adults’ perceptions about the quality of their lives. Simply sitting back and listening to music engages the brain and can reduce anxiety, blood pressure, and pain — as well as improve sleep quality, mood, mental alertness, and memory.

Some of the most effective therapies are simple to accomplish. Give music therapy a try because you both will be rewarded by so doing. As always, remember that when it comes time to enjoy the life changing benefits of professional assisted living services or professional memory care services, we’re here for you.


We’ll Help You Build Your Social Circle in Our Assisted Living Community

14 August 2023

We’ll Help You Build Your Social Circle in Our Assisted Living Community - Winder, GA

Welcome back to our Winder senior assisted living and memory care blog!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), loneliness and isolation are connected to serious health problems. A national Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report found that nearly one-fourth of people over age 65 are socially isolated.

The risk increases the older we get because elderly people are more likely to experience chronic health conditions, hearing loss, and the loss of loved ones. All these factors impact socialization.

Seniors who are isolated or lonely have a significantly increased risk of premature death. They are also more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. Suicide rates are higher in this demographic as well.

Heart failure patients who are experiencing loneliness are nearly four times more likely to pass away and have a 68% increased risk of hospitalization. They are also 57% more likely to need to visit the emergency room.

The best way to combat these concerning issues is to build a thriving social circle and stay active. Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care here in Winder welcomes new residents with many opportunities to meet new people. What can a senior who just moved into assisted living do to start building their social circle?

Be Friendly and Approachable

If you want to welcome new people into your life, you must give them an open door to enter through. That means being friendly and approachable.

Moving into assisted living can lift many of the burdens that come with aging and independent living. Some seniors have been dealing with their own struggles for a long time, so it can be difficult to adopt a more positive mindset.

If you struggle with this, it may be helpful to schedule time with a therapist. They can help you adapt to assisted living and find ways to be more approachable. Not only will it help you connect with more people, but it can also guide you toward a happier, more fulfilling lifestyle.

Get to Know the Staff

Getting to know the staff will make it easier to go to them when you need help or have questions. The staff may also be able to direct you to social opportunities or introduce you to other residents who share your interests or experiences.

Mingle in Common Areas

Our residents enjoy numerous common areas where fellow resident friends share fellowship. Join in a game of cards, watch a movie, enjoy the sunshine and wildlife, or simply breathe the fresh air.

Check Out the Events Calendar

Our community publishes a calendar of events. Find something that you enjoy and join in. Our Winder assisted living community provides many opportunities for fun and engagement among residents.

Try Something New or Learn a Skill

New things seem scary sometimes, but they can push us to learn more about ourselves. Being open to new experiences also helps us reach out to more people. Try a new activity or learn a new skill to enrich yourself and extend your social circle. Many colleges offer perks for senior citizens. In some cases, you could get free tuition. Check out local schools or look for online classes.

Even if you attend class remotely, learning something new could help you connect with the people you see in person. You may convince a neighbor to enroll in a class with you, so you can learn together.

Eat Meals with Your Neighbors

Human beings have used meals as a reason to socialize for thousands of years – and it still works well today! That’s why you should make a point to join your neighbors for mealtimes as often as you can. Being able to eat together is one of the social benefits of living here in our assisted living community.

Plan a Housewarming Party

Organize a gathering in your new home. This is also one way loved ones can help seniors build their social circle. Plan a housewarming party and invite your closest neighbors. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate affair. Create a place where you and your fellow residents can gather and get to know one another.

You can also look for icebreaker games that will help you ease into conversation and find common interests.

Connect with Other New Residents

Find other new residents and get to know them. You will already have some common ground being new arrivals. You can learn and explore our community together, and possibly bond over these shared experiences. As you become more acquainted with your community, your staff, and amenities, you can use this knowledge to help seniors who move in after you. You may not be the newest person anymore, but you can help support others and make new friends in the process. This can also help you feel a sense of purpose, which is an essential component of good mental health.

Be Patient with Yourself and Others

Remember to be patient with yourself and others. Building a strong social circle isn’t something that happens overnight. It takes time to find compatible people and form a bond of friendship. Moving into assisted living may seem overwhelming at first, so be patient with yourself. Give yourself time to adapt and be open to making friends, but don’t rush it.

Socialization is the key to preventing isolation and loneliness in senior citizens. Here at Winder’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care, we encourage all our dear residents to actively socialize. It warms us all to witness how active our residents’ families are in helping their loved ones adapt and meet new people. We’d love to meet you. Stop in anytime!


Key Indicators of the Need for Professional Assisted Living Services

7 August 2023

Key Indicators of the Need for Professional Assisted Living Services - Winder, GA

Greetings and welcome back to our Winder senior living and memory care blog. When an elderly parent or family member is living independently, there will come a day when you can’t escape the reality that their well-being is at risk. As time goes on, your loved one may require additional help for their health and safety. However, trying to decide whether it is time to transition to assisted living is not always easy.

As a trusted provider of assisted living in Winder, today we will discuss three of the most common signs indicating the need for assisted living:

Declining Health

According to the National Council on Aging, about 80% of older adults have at least one chronic condition, with nearly 70% of them having two or more. The presence of a chronic illness can cause your loved one’s health to deteriorate as they get older. Instead of trying to manage your loved one’s condition on your own, it may be time to escalate their needs with an elderly care provider.

Changes in Personal Hygiene

A decline in hygiene could be due to self-neglect but may also be caused by the inability to perform essential self-care tasks. Signs of poor hygiene include unkempt hair, stains on clothes, or unpleasant body odor. Additionally, other signs of self-neglect include unsanitary living conditions, weight loss, and poor medication management.

Social Isolation

Social isolation in seniors poses serious health risks. This includes heart diseases, high blood pressure, and cognitive decline. With assisted living, seniors gain regular opportunities for social interaction to enrich their lives.

Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care is the place to go for those who need high-quality support from compassionate, qualified specialists. To provide comprehensive support, we offer personalized care that includes memory care services here in Winder as well.

Stop by and let’s talk about your concerns for your loved one and how professional assisted living services can serve both you AND your loved one. It very likely will give you peace.


Just Some of the Blessings of Professional Alzheimer’s Care

31 July 2023

Just Some of the Blessings of Professional Alzheimer’s Care - Winder, GA

It is never easy to make the decision to transition a loved one into an Alzheimer's care community. You'll be forced to grapple with tough questions like, "Is it the best decision for my loved one?" and "Will the quality of care be worth the cost?" Once you have a clearer idea of the broader picture, you'll be able to make a more informed decision on Alzheimer's care.

To help you make the wisest decision for your loved one's future, we've rounded up some of the top benefits you and your loved one gain from a Winder memory care community like ours.

How Your Loved One Benefits from Residential Alzheimer's Care

Here are a few of the top ways that your loved one benefits from residential memory care services.

Improved Quality of Life

You know exactly the kind of toll that Alzheimer's has had on your loved one. You've witnessed the decline of their cognitive abilities and how their life has changed. Fortunately, a memory care home can significantly improve their quality of life.

Within their community, your loved one will receive personalized care services to benefit their everyday life. Not only will they receive the nurturing benefit of one-on-one care, but they'll also experience fewer injuries, participate in more engaging activities, and feel more connected with the community around them.

Independence In a Safe Environment

Our memory care community goes to great lengths to achieve a delicate balance between resident safety and independence. Your loved one deserves to have the freedom to go about their days how they see fit without sacrificing their own security.

For that reason, our community leverages innovative security features to monitor resident safety while simultaneously allowing them plenty of freedom. For instance, here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care in Winder, our community is outfitted with monitored exits and a secure backyard. Our residents are also free to go about their days at their own pace. Throughout any given day, residents can bake some goodies in the kitchen, relax in the living room with their favorite film.

Greater Socialization

One of the biggest concerns for older adults experiencing Alzheimer's or dementia is increased isolation. Loneliness may worsen their disease and contribute to the development of other serious conditions, such as depression. Fortunately, that's not the case in our memory care community!

Within these communities, there are plenty of opportunities for social interaction. These may include:

  • Organized social activities and communal games

  • Group excursions to local attractions and events

  • Daily meals hosted in the family-style dining area

  • And much, much more

That daily socialization can make a significant difference for your loved one.

Specialized Support for Behavioral Issues

As experts at the Alzheimer's Association note, Alzheimer's disease and dementia can lead to a number of behavioral issues. These may include behaviors like:

  • Increased irritability and anger

  • Sundowning

  • Mood swings

  • Wandering behaviors

  • Hallucinations or delusions

We understand these are difficult and frightening subjects to consider. With that said, here at Winder’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care, we are highly trained and skilled subject matter experts on the two subjects. And we can help you whether you are a resident, resident family member, or a non-associated care giver simply doing their best to serve another. We salute you and want you to know that we are always open and ready to talk.


Brain Games: Cognitive Exercises for Healthy Minds

24 July 2023

Brain Games: Cognitive Exercises for Healthy Minds - Winder, GA

Greetings once again to all our Winder-area assisted living and our Winder memory care community residents, family, neighbors, and friends. Today we’re going to share with you a few fun ways to stimulate cognitive health and have a lot of fun while doing it. Cognitive decline is a natural part of aging, but you can likely stave off and reduce some of the effects. Staying as sharp as a tack may be as simple as enjoying some games. Whether you play with fellow community residents, family, or online, brain games hold many benefits.

Chess

Since its invention, chess has been associated with brilliance and quick thinking, so it’s no surprise playing it helps support cognitive function. To win at a strategy game like chess, you have to compute many scenarios and recognize patterns in the gameplay. It’s likely that forcing your brain to practice in-depth computations and memory tasks like pattern recognition help stave off cognitive decline. Some studies even appear to show a correlation between playing chess and dementia prevention, but more research is needed to prove that connection.

With mobile chess apps, you can find opponents from around the world. You’re automatically paired with people of a similar skill level, so you’ll get the perfect balance of challenging but fun games.

Sudoku

Sudoku is all about analyzing. Trying to find the next number is like trying to find a four-leaf clover, and that concentration practice is generally considered good for mental function. Doing a sudoku puzzle is very similar to meditation. You sit quietly and focus on one thing for a duration, which is almost the definition of meditation. So analytical games like sudoku have many of the mental benefits of meditation.

There’s more and more scientific evidence being found that shows a correlation between the meditative state and slowing down the aging process in the brain. Specifically, meditators tend to have less grey matter loss than non-meditators. This could mean that solving meditation-inducing puzzles helps keep your brain sharper and younger.

Crossword Puzzles

Crossword puzzles generally deal with the cognitive function of recall. Since most crosswords have answers from many different categories, you must recall a large variety of information and experiences to solve them. This can help support memory and recall because it helps make new associations and pathways. And since crosswords require a limited answer that must fit into the puzzle, you don’t just have to recall an answer to the clue, you must recall all the answers to the clue until you find the one that fits. Crossword puzzles are the inspiration for many modern brain training games.

Rubik's Cubes

Also known as combination cubes, Rubik’s cubes are a fun brain game for people who like something more physical. They’re compact, so they make great traveling puzzles, and you can get a mental workout wherever you go. If you get bored of the classic 3x3, you can always challenge yourself by leveling up to larger cubes.

They likely help support cognitive function by helping your brain practice creating new neural networks. This happens because each time you try a new action to try to solve the puzzle, your brain has to keep track of what that action did. Playing around with these kinds of puzzles generally activates parts of the brain associated with this process, giving them a good workout.

Logic Puzzles

A book of logic puzzles is a good place to stick your nose if you're looking for a mental challenge. Whereas most other brain game activities help support cognitive function by strengthening your brain, logic puzzles are about cultivating a learned way of thinking. These puzzles are usually some kind of riddle that requires you to think of a problem from a different angle. The skill of "thinking outside the box" is called lateral thinking, and learning it can make you feel like a genius. Lateral thinking teaches you to throw out unconventional solutions if they aren’t working and find more elegant ways to solve problems.

Board Games

A study found that dementia was 15% less prevalent in seniors who reported regularly playing board games, but the reason for this might not be what you expect. The researchers think the correlation between playing board games and decreased mental decline is due to the smaller number of depression cases among board game players. So basically, they think board games make you happier and that helps support your cognitive function.

Board games generally aren’t as mentally taxing as games like chess, but they can still benefit your mental wellbeing and brain function. The fun and social experience of a board game connects you with others, which has shown to help decrease the risk of mental illness.

Brain Training Apps

Recently, there has been an influx of brain training apps that generally compile many brain games into one place. They usually incorporate different types of cognitive skills and will "test" your acuity in each. The games they provide are fun and may help increase mental sharpness, but the apps often make a lot of unsubstantiated claims. It’s important to remember that these apps are not necessarily scientific and approach them with skepticism.

About Us and How We Can Help

Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Winder is a vibrant, compassionate, and cheerful assisted living and memory care community. Come see us, anytime!


Addressing the Stigma Related to Alzheimer’s Disease

17 July 2023

Addressing the Stigma Related to Alzheimer’s Disease - Winder, GA

Today five million people in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer’s disease and related memory loss, and as our population ages, that number will increase. Professional memory care support services such as those provided to our cherished residents here at Winder’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care empower them to make the most of their remaining abilities. At the center of our professional caring hearts is the notion that every resident is who they are, and always have been. Like you, us, and all others, they’ve just moved on to another place, another chapter in life. And we cherish being part of their journey.

Studies reveal that people with dementia often feel excluded from everyday life, and this is largely due to the unfortunate stigma associated with the disease. Sadly, some people avoid a friend who’s been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Family, too, can experience the effects of this prejudice. “Friends and even some family members avoided me, and didn’t want to talk about my husband’s condition,” reported one wife. “It was just when we could have most used their support.”

This stigma is based on ignorance. Studies disprove so many myths about Alzheimer’s disease. For example, many people assume that people with dementia are miserable. Yet studies show many people with early-stage Alzheimer’s report having an improved outlook on life! While depression, denial, and despair might come with the diagnosis, many people studied expressed an appreciation and acceptance of life, lessened concern about failure, and strengthened relationships.

It’s important to fight this stigma, as we would any prejudice. Negative attitudes harm the quality of life and even stand in the way of a prompt diagnosis, and the best advance planning.

Change is possible. People with dementia and their allies are working to improve the attitudes of the public. More public programs and resources seek to support and meet the needs of people with dementia, and to create appropriate opportunities for people with and without memory loss to interact in ways that break down barriers.

A group of people in the Alzheimer’s Association National Early-Stage Advisory Group offered these suggestions about how people with memory loss can help combat the stigma:

  • Be open and direct. Engage others in discussions about Alzheimer’s disease and the need for prevention, better treatment, and an eventual cure.

  • Communicate the facts. Sharing accurate information is key to dispelling misconceptions about the disease. Whether a pamphlet or a link to online content, offer information to help people better understand Alzheimer’s disease.

  • Seek support and stay connected. It is important to remain engaged in meaningful relationships and activities. Whether they’re family, friends, or a support group, a network is critical.

  • Don’t be discouraged. Myths about the disease are not a reflection of you. See this as an educational opportunity.

  • Be a part of the solution. Advocate for yourself and millions of others by speaking out and raising awareness.

Family and allies are also vital to fighting this prejudice! They can focus on their loved one’s remaining abilities and advocate for them with information, the best way to dispel prejudice. Here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care, we attest that each resident is a unique individual. The goal of our community is to allow each resident to feel valued, safe, successful, peaceful, cared for, healthy, energetic, and loved.


Alzheimer’s Care Is All About Family

10 July 2023

Alzheimer’s Care Is All About Family - Winder, GA

What makes our memory care team at Winder’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care so good at their beloved profession is a both an innate and learned powerful shift in perspective. Our staff is innate in their perspective because this profession draws a loving and kind heart for our challenged seniors. Our staff also is empowered by a learned perspective where we work hard to see our resident from a different perspective than some family’s.

Some family perspectives are both predictable and understandable. Some see their cherished loved one as someone who is less than they once were. We view every single resident as a whole person with much to offer. It takes patience and compassion, but if you meet them on their level, and listen to what they are telling you, and accept them in that moment, then you will get so much more from them in return.

We Help Memory Care Families Live in the Moment

It can be very frustrating for family members, because they want so badly for their loved one to remember and to be like they were. We show family members how to let go of that kind of thinking, how to meet the person where they are today, which reduces anxiety and helps the person be all that they can be, today.

Helping families in their struggle with Alzheimer’s is a component of providing care to those living with dementia and related forms of the disease. Showing family members how to successfully redirect their loved one is another valuable tool shared by Isaac and her team.

For instance, if a resident tells us, ‘I need to go home, my husband or children are waiting for me,’ our staff is trained to never correct their perceived reality. Our loving approach is to reply in some form of, “Oh, I’d love to hear about your husband or your children, tell me about them”.

Another successful tactic is to get the person engaged in their favorite pastime, craft, or job-related skill that they performed fluently at some point in their life. Asking a man who worked as a contractor in his professional life for help with a simple mechanical task affords a sense of accomplishment and importance.

Of course, ours is a complicated profession. But it is simple at its core. We familiarize ourselves in depth regarding who our residents were. We accept and celebrate the person as they are now. And we seek to bridge their two worlds into a reality that inspires happiness.

Our mutual love and admiration for our seniors here at Winder’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care binds you and us as a team.


The Importance of Keeping Seniors Properly Hydrated

26 June 2023

The Importance of Keeping Seniors Properly Hydrated - Winder, GA

We’re glad to have you here on our assisted living and memory care blog and hope you find it useful. Through the kind feedback from you, our blog readers, we know we’re making a difference with our efforts. We received feedback about a blog post we did way back when regarding the importance of hydration, especially for seniors. We were asked by a kind lady if we might re-post it because she firmly believes that her newfound focus upon keeping Mom hydrated made a lasting difference in her energy and overall mental outlook. So, here’s a re-look at the important considerations regarding hydration.

With steadily rising outdoor temperatures, we thought it smart to cover the VERY important topic of hydration. Every bit of advice listed below should be considered advice for both you and your senior loved one. So here you go, seven tips to stay hydrated this summer:

  • Drink a large glass of water first thing in the morning.

  • Keep a water bottle with you during the day– the more accessible it is, the more you'll drink it. Suggested areas: in your car and your living room chair or couch.

  • Add some cucumber, mint leaves, or lemon slices to your water to keep it interesting.

  • Plan for water breaks when doing an activity. It's a good habit to build in breaks to your day to stay hydrated.

  • Have a "Hydration contest". Make it a game with your partner, coworkers, or family to hit your target water consumption each day.

  • Eat your water: You don't have to just drink your water. Some fruits and vegetables have high water content and will help keep you hydrated throughout the day. Here's a short list of foods with lots of water: watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, cucumbers, spinach, and celery.

  • Sip before you snack. Oftentimes, when we feel hungry, we're actually thirsty. True hunger will not be curbed by drinking water. Before grabbing a snack, drink some water. You may notice your snacking habits change!

Bonus for parents of young children out there

  • Cranky kids? Dehydration is a major contributor to irritable kiddos. Keep a water bottle nearby for them and hopefully their frowns will turn upside-down!

Why is water so important?

Our bodies are comprised of nearly 60% of water and kids are an even greater percentage. Every cell, tissue and organ in our body relies on water. For example, our bodies rely on water to regulate temperature, remove toxins, and keep our joints lubricated. When we talk about hydration, it means keeping the water levels in our bodies in a healthy range so we can function at our best.

Are you drinking enough water?

You should drink half your body weight in ounces of water each day. (Ex: If you weigh 120lbs, you should drink 60 ounces of water each day.). One of the simplest ways to know if you’re drinking enough water is the color of your urine. In most cases, a well-hydrated person will have colorless or light-yellow urine. If it is dark yellow or amber, it may be a sign of dehydration. Another telltale sign you’re dehydrated. You’re thirsty. If you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated, and you need to pick it up!

Here at Winder’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care, we take great pride in our holistic approach to managed care. We invest heartfelt time and energy managing this senior care blog for the purpose of assisting those of you at-home senior care providers to help you deliver the best care possible. We want all of you to consider us a ready resource for information and advice that is intended to help improve your quality of life as well.

We’re glad to have you here on our assisted living and memory care blog and hope you find it useful.


Senior Assisted Living and Memory Care Protects Against Social Isolation

19 June 2023

Senior Assisted Living and Memory Care Protects Against Social Isolation - Winder, GA

Transitioning into an assisted living community like ours here in Winder can (and should) be a welcome and exciting chapter in life. Your new community will be filled with newfound freedom and the luxury of time. But for some, this transition can also bring an unexpected sense of loneliness and isolation, especially for those living alone. Thankfully, a retirement community can be the antidote, offering an engaging social environment, meaningful connections, and a host of activities to keep your days filled with joy and camaraderie during retirement.

Building a Strong Sense of Community

One of the greatest benefits of living in either our Winder senior assisted living community or our Winder memory care community is the sense of just that, the community it fosters. Here, you are part of a family of like-minded individuals who share similar life experiences. From friendly neighbors to compassionate team members, you’ll be surrounded by people who genuinely care about your well-being.

Regular community gatherings, such as seasonal celebrations, local heritage celebrations, holiday celebrations, and birthday parties offer plenty of opportunities to mingle and form lasting friendships. This sense of belonging can significantly alleviate feelings of loneliness and contribute to your overall happiness.

Engaging Activities to Stay Connected

Boredom can often lead to feelings of isolation, but in a vibrant assisted living community there’s always something exciting happening! We understand that everyone has unique interests and hobbies, which is why we offer a diverse array of senior living activities to cater to different tastes.

Whether it’s joining a book club, taking up a painting class, or participating in fitness activities, you’ll find plenty of options to engage both your mind and body. These activities not only keep you active but also provide a great platform to interact and connect with others.

Technology for Staying in Touch

While nothing can replace the warmth of a face-to-face conversation, technology can bridge the gap when physical presence is not possible. We offer tech-support to help residents stay connected with their loved ones. This could be through teaching you how to use video calling apps, or arranging virtual family meet-ups. Through technology, you can share your experiences with family and friends, no matter the distance.

Support When You Need It

Perhaps one of the most comforting aspects of living in an assisted living community is the availability of support when you need it. Whether you need help with a health issue or just need someone to talk to, the community team members are there to assist. We offer counseling and mental health support, understanding the importance of emotional wellbeing in preventing social isolation.

Freedom to Be Yourself

Finally, a senior assisted living community offers the freedom to be yourself. Here, you can pursue your passions, engage in your favorite pastimes, and enjoy your retirement exactly as you see fit. By providing an environment that encourages individuality and personal growth, a retirement community can ensure that your golden years are truly fulfilling and far from lonely.

Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care here in Winder delivers a profound positive living and quality of life enhancing experience. Come see it for yourself!


Neat Ideas to Help Celebrate Dad this Father’s Day

12 June 2023

Neat Ideas to Help Celebrate Dad this Father’s Day - Winder, GA

We pride ourselves here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care (Winder) for helping more than our residents and their families. We take great pride in helping you, our neighbors here in Winder who lovingly provide at-home assisted living care and/or memory care support to your loved ones. Today we’re going to discuss ways to celebrate our fathers in advance of the Father’s Day weekend. Some families have traditions on this day. Others love variety from year to year. No matter what you do to celebrate Father’s Day, the most important aspects for most are to honor your dad and spend quality time with him.

Here are some innovative ways to connect with your father this year.

Bring Dad on a Special Outing

  • Visit a Local Museum: Whether your dad is a history buff or an art enthusiast, Father’s Day gives you a fabulous reason to explore a museum or art exhibit.

  • Spend Time in Nature: Getting outside is a great mood booster, and there are many outdoor activities to choose from. You could hike a beautiful trail, go fishing, plan a picnic, or even fly a kite with the grandkids.

  • Visit a Favorite Restaurant: You could share a meal you enjoy with Dad, go somewhere they love, or check out a popular restaurant you’ve been meaning to visit.

  • Go See a Show: Whether it be a movie, a car show, a play, or a ball game, some entertainment could really make your dad’s day!

Honor Your Dad at Your Home (If Possible)

  • Organize a Meal: A fun way to get everyone involved in a Father’s Day celebration is to host a potluck. Create a sign-up list, have everyone make one of Dad’s favorites, and fill your plates with a variety of delicious food. You could also cater for a meal or have a barbeque.

  • Plan a Fun Project: Is your dad a handy guy who likes a challenge? Maybe suggest a fun group project like building a LEGO set or attending an arts or crafts class. If your dad lives in a senior living community, they may even offer something you could do alongside him.

  • Reminisce: More than anything, Father’s Day is about showing gratitude to your dad. A powerful way to do this is to recall the ways he’s been a positive influence for you. Whether you flip through a photo book or just tell each other stories from the past, this is a great way to connect on this special day.

  • Play Games: Lawn games, card games, board games, or word games can be fun ways to involve family members from different generations. Engaging in friendly competition can also keep your dad’s mind sharp.

Unique Gift Ideas for Senior Dads

  • Sign Up for a Subscription: For audiobook lovers, consider Audible. For the dapper dad, investigate Sock Fancy. For the meat-loving griller, try ButcherBox.

  • Set Up a Digital Photo Frame: With this gift, you can share new photos of kids and grandkids from afar.

  • Make a Homemade Craft: Handmade gifts from grandkids are especially cherished. Check out some Father’s Day projects on Pinterest.

  • Bake Him a Treat: Dust off a famous family recipe for a surprise treat to show your dad you love him.

Above all else, if at all possible, just physically be there with him. For the vast majority, you really need not worry about any of the things suggested above. He’ll be happy to simply “wing it” with you. Happy Father’s Day, to all our dear dad’s here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living community and our Gateway Gardens Memory Care community!


Your Stories Make Us Better Care Givers

5 June 2023

Your Stories Make Us Better Care Givers - Winder, GA

One of the truly rewarding aspects of serving our senior assisted living community and our memory care community is chatting with visiting family, friends, clergy, and all other kind souls that visit us on a daily basis. Those engagements are rewarding to us personally, but more importantly, they are teaching moments about what might be top-of-mind thoughts within the minds of our cherished residents. Those insights help us to connect with your loved ones in a deep and more meaningful way.

So, on behalf of our entire staff and your loved one under our care here at Winder’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care, thank you for spending time with us and sharing our stories.


Intimidated About Visiting Your Friend with Dementia? Don’t Be.

29 May 2023

Intimidated About Visiting Your Friend with Dementia?  Don’t Be. - Winder, GA

Our focus for today’s senior assisted living and memory blog post is for you, the friends and relatives of our cherished memory care residents here at Winder’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care.

If you are hesitant to visit a friend or relative with significant memory care issues because you’re intimidated about what to say or how to act, listen, you are more the norm than the exception. We routinely address these concerns with our visitors here and thought to put the recurring suggestions down on paper as food-for-thought prior to your visit. If you read no further than this paragraph, our advice is simply walk in and take earned reward for prioritizing time for those you love.

Some things will come easy and naturally. Possibly, things could get uncomfortable. Whatever happens, consider the following in advance:

Burry the urge to correct

Understand that you likely will not be able to have the same kind of conversations with the person as you did in the past. If they forget something you just told them, avoid correcting them or saying things like, “We talked about that just a few minutes ago. Don’t you remember?” Chances are they genuinely don’t.

A better response is to acknowledge what they’ve said and then casually change the topic. Let go of the desire to correct them. It’s not going to help them, and it’s likely only going to frustrate you. The sooner you recognize that expecting them to behave “normally” is an unproductive exercise, the more likely you’ll have a successful visit.

Realize that fibbing is okay

OK, if you disagree with this outright, we totally get it. But these are the rare circumstances where, in our opinion, that it’s perfectly okay not to tell the truth, particularly when the truth is destined to be upsetting. It’s best to say things that comfort rather than distress the person, even if it means telling little white lies.

A common question you might be asked relates to when their deceased spouse is “coming home”. Expect hard questions like that in advance and develop a philosophy about how you will react. “He went out for lunch. I’m not sure when he’ll be back”. Now your friend is picturing her husband at a restaurant and not in a casket. Isn’t the former a more productive and loving approach?

Consider visiting early in the day

People with dementia are often at their best from mid-morning to early or mid-afternoon. After that, they may be prone to restlessness and confusion, a phenomenon known as sundowning. Not everyone follows the same pattern, though. Keep in mind that most individuals with dementia tend to get tired later in the day, so dropping in for supper may not be the best option.

Use objects and activities

If your experience confirms that sitting and talking is difficult, spend time doing an activity together when you visit. Bring a book, pictures, or music you know that she enjoyed once upon a time. All of these things can be triggers for happy and rewarding experience.

Never give up

If your visit doesn’t go well, don’t be discouraged. Just because the person gets agitated or restless does not mean the visit is counterproductive. Take it as a learning lesson regarding what not to say or do. Simultaneously, take note of what words and behaviors triggered positivity. Over time, the positive and rewarding minutes will far outpace the uncomfortable minutes.

Here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care, we provide support for people with dementia and their families every day. We embrace the days (for us, always good) with our residents. Like you, we take notes, we learn, and our memory care residents’ days get consistently better. Even if they don’t recognize it.


Proximity is Key When Choosing Assisted Living & Memory Care

22 May 2023

Proximity is Key When Choosing Assisted Living & Memory Care - Winder, GA

Are you or a loved one considering professional assisted living services or professional memory care services here in Winder? While there are many factors to consider when making this decision, one that can't be overlooked is the proximity of family and friends. Being close to loved ones can provide emotional support, socialization, and a sense of familiarity with the local community. Plus, it makes visits and outings much easier and more convenient. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of being close to family and friends who reside within managed care communities.

Benefits of being close to family and friends in our assisted living or memory care community here in Winder NC:

  • Emotional support
    Seniors who move into assisted living facilities may experience a wide range of emotions, including anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Having loved ones nearby can provide emotional support and help residents feel more connected to the world around them. Regular visits from family and friends can also help residents maintain important relationships and feel less isolated, which is especially important for those who may not be able to leave the facility frequently.

  • Socialization and companionship
    Socialization is an important aspect of mental and emotional wellbeing, and having family and friends nearby can help seniors stay connected with their social networks. Regular visits from loved ones provide opportunities for conversation, laughter, and companionship, which can help residents feel more engaged and fulfilled. Being close to family and friends can also make it easier for residents to participate in social activities and events outside the facility.

  • Familiarity with the local community
    Moving into a new living environment can be stressful and disorienting, especially for seniors who may have lived in their previous homes for many years. Being close to family and friends can help residents feel more at ease in their new surroundings and give them a sense of familiarity with the local community. This can help residents feel more connected to the world around them and less isolated, which is especially important for those who may have limited mobility or other health issues.

  • Ease of visitation
    Visits from family and friends are an important part of life in assisted living as they provide opportunities for socialization, companionship, and emotional support. Being close to family and friends can make it more convenient for loved ones to visit and stay involved in the resident's life. This can help residents feel more supported and connected, which can have a positive impact on their mental and emotional wellbeing.

Choosing an assisted living facility near family and friends is a smart choice for seniors. It offers emotional support, socialization, and familiarity with the local community, which can lead to a happier and healthier life. Moreover, the proximity of the facility to medical centers and emergency services, as well as the affordability and cost of living in the area, are also important factors to consider. Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care is excellent option for seniors who require specialized care for memory impairments. Our community provides a safe and comfortable environment, with personalized care plans and round-the-clock assistance from trained staff. Its convenient location and accessibility to medical facilities and transportation options make it an ideal choice for families seeking quality care for their loved ones.

Contact us today!


Remembering Those Who Served and Sacrificed All on Memorial Day

15 May 2023

Remembering Those Who Served and Sacrificed All on Memorial Day - Winder, GA

Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner. While Memorial Day signifies the start of summer to many, to those who have served our country or have a loved one that fought and did not come home, Memorial Day is a sacred day of remembrance.

Here at Gateway Gardens Senior Assisted Living and Memory Care, we have accomplished veterans living among us who have fought heroically for the freedom we enjoy and often take for granted. Individuals from the Greatest Generation and those that followed, who have endured many hardships with astonishing resilience.

Please remember to take time to honor and remember those who have faced the ravages of war and sacrificed their own lives for our country. Realize that the living senior veterans within your life and those around you very likely suffered the combat loss of good friends and fellow combatants. Remember that Memorial Day is tough for so many of those that served. Memorial Day can (and should) be a day when we are there for them. They certainly were for us.

With heartfelt thanks, our Gateway Gardens senior assisted living staff and our memory care community staff here in Winder remembers all the men and women who have bravely served our country.


Senior Assisted Living or Memory Care Could Very Well Be the Best Option for Your Parent Today

8 May 2023

Senior Assisted Living or Memory Care Could Very Well Be the Best Option for Your Parent Today - Winder, GA

Many older adults plan to age independently but are ultimately forced to make decisions about their care as their health and physical independence decline. According to the Pew Research Center, nearly 12 million Americans over the age of 65 live alone. At some point, together with their aging parents, adult children must decide whether to bring in outside care, rely on a family member or investigate assisted living. Our senior assisted living community is designed for older adults who need additional support in their day-to-day lives. This often includes bathing, housekeeping, preparing meals, managing medications, and assistance with transportation and medical appointments. For many adult children, assisted living placement can evoke feelings of shame, apprehension, and guilt. However, these feelings are common and can be dealt with in positive ways.

Dealing with Guilt Over Assisted Living Placement

Choosing to move your loved one into an assisted living community can be one of the hardest decisions to make for your parents. Whether you’re a caregiver who needs additional support, lives long-distance, or is an adult child managing your own life, choosing an assisted living community does not equate to failure. Many family members may experience feelings of guilt and sadness, but also a relief. Working through these feelings can help you feel more confident about the decision and focus on your loved one’s care without feeling guilty. Here are a few ways to cope with this unfounded guilt:

Understand you did not cause the illness. If your loved one is dealing with a progressive condition such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s or is declining physically, they would still have to deal with their declining health even if you were able to care for them at home. Moving your loved one into our memory care community doesn’t mean you’ve failed to take care of them. It means they’re getting the care they need to live a life of dignity while receiving high-quality health care in a safe environment.

Acknowledge your efforts. Being a primary caregiver for a parent is a huge undertaking. Making decisions in situations you’ve never encountered before can make you feel like every decision made is a bad one. However, it’s important to acknowledge your efforts and understand you’re doing the best you can in a difficult and emotional situation.

Assess your options. Most older adults are resistant to the idea of transitioning into assisted living communities. However, assisted living offers high-quality support to both older adults and their family members. Doing your research, touring facilities, and asking important questions can leave you feeling more confident about the facility you’ve chosen. This is important and we point this out in confidence that the more you learn about your options, the more you’ll come to value our service offerings here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care.


Managing The Stress of Moving and/or Downsizing

17 April 2023

Managing The Stress of Moving and/or Downsizing - Winder, GA

Welcome back to our blog page for our Winder-area assisted living and our Winder memory care community. Most older adults know the day will come when it’s time to downsize. But no matter how realistic you are about the necessity of downsizing — or rightsizing, as it’s sometimes called — you probably also realize that the process will be an emotional one. To help you get through the transition without feeling overwhelmed, here are some suggestions for dealing with the emotions of downsizing:

Make Space for Your Feelings

Moving out of your home is stressful — and daunting. But it will be even more overwhelming if you don’t acknowledge the emotional toll the process can take. Give yourself time to pause and experience the emotions that come up. Cry if you feel like it. And allow time to reflect on any memories that arise as you sort through your belongings. Consider reaching out to friends and loved ones to reminisce or talk about some of the memories that are surfacing.

Think Positive

Just as you need to acknowledge your feelings of grief and nostalgia, it’s also important to keep in mind the good reasons you have for downsizing. Your next home may be smaller, but it will be better suited to your lifestyle and future needs. The vast majority of older adults who move to a senior living community like ours are happy they made the transition. Our dear residents have none of the responsibilities of homeownership but enjoy countless opportunities to make new friends, explore new activities and enjoy fresh adventures.

Create a Schedule

You’ll have a greater sense of control — and less anxiety — if you have a plan. Make a list of tasks you need to accomplish and then grab your calendar and start working out a plan of action. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time. It’s best to start months ahead of your move date to avoid the stress of having to rush through the project. As your plan takes shape, include goals for each day so you can keep the project moving forward. Also let friends and family know when you’ll be needing their help, so they can arrange to be available.

Begin with an Easy Task

It can be tempting to dive into the most challenging rooms first, but you’ll gain confidence and momentum if you start with an easy space like the laundry room or linen closet. As you progress, you’ll develop a system of sorting and packing, so you’ll be more prepared for the rooms that are filled with old memories or sentimental favorites.

Reward Yourself Frequently

Self-discipline is necessary and admirable, but when you’re tackling emotionally difficult tasks it’s important to be kind to yourself, too. Give yourself treats — a cup of tea or a phone call with a friend — after you’ve finished a particularly onerous duty. Invite friends and family to participate in the project. You’ll benefit from the companionship. Plus, sharing stories as you sort through belongings can help you process your feelings and remind you that you have support when you need it.

Limit Your Sorting Options to Yes or No (No Maybe)

As you consider which items to bring with you, give yourself only two options: yes or no. If you allow yourself to set items aside with a “maybe,” you’re only postponing the decision. To help you decide, ask yourself if the item is necessary or if it makes you happy. Your bowling trophies, for example, probably aren’t necessary, and they may stir feelings of nostalgia without making you joyful. In such cases, taking a photo can make it easier to rehome once-cherished items.

Keep Your Goals in Mind

In dealing with the emotions of downsizing, it can be helpful to remind yourself why you’re making this change. Downsizing your home is a way to right size your life. Here you’ll have the comforts of home, a community of new friends, and the services and amenities that support a flourishing lifestyle. Contact us to find out more about senior assisted living services and memory care services here at Gateway Gardens.


Legal Documents Every Senior Should Have

12 April 2023

Legal Documents Every Senior Should Have - Winder, GA

Our senior living and memory care blog team considered changing the title of this blog post to: “Legal Documents Every Adult Should Have”. The focus of this blog clearly is not limited to our beloved Winder senior living community and our Winder memory care community, however, on average, the urgency for senior and their families to heed the advice here is heightened. So, let’s get right to it.

One of the most challenging times for a family is when a loved one transitions from this life. Heightened emotions from grief can often bring the best and the worst out in others close to you. Knowing in advance what your loved one wants regarding funeral arrangements, finances, medical wishes, and how to distribute any assets and personal or sentimental items is a blessing and gift to those you love. There are legal documents that can help make wishes known and every senior should have in place. Having them in order will help give your loved one the confidence that their wishes will be honored, help alleviate stress and unnecessary family arguments, and ultimately save time and money.

We list five documents below that every senior should have. One of the highest value services you might enjoy (if you haven’t already) is to secure the services of an elder care lawyer who will work to protect both the senior and their family from legal perils. Whereas we don’t promote any lawyer or lawyer group, online search for such services should produce several resources for you to consider.

Here are the basic documents you should familiarize with and strongly consider establishing:

  • Durable Power of Attorney

  • Health Care Power of Attorney/Health Care Proxy

  • Living Will

  • Will and/or Trust

  • Advance Directives

So, to be clear, we offer this with the goal to get you thinking about important elder legal care responsibilities. Please, if ever there was a need to seek the consult of knowledgeable professionals, in our professional opinion, senior legal consultation ranks right up there.

For more information, we openly invite you to contact us anytime here at Winder’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care.


Celebrating the Easter Holiday Here at Gateway Gardens

3 April 2023

Celebrating the Easter Holiday Here at Manor Lake - Winder, GA

With the sun out shining bright and winter starting to loosen its grip, it’s the best time to celebrate spring and Easter! Just like any other special occasion and holiday, it is possible to keep up your favorite Easter traditions here in our Winder senior living and memory care community. If you have a loved one who lives in a retirement community, remember to extend the special traditions to include them as well. Spending time with your loved ones is the best part of celebrating the holidays and everyone appreciates feeling loved. Read on to learn more about how to celebrate this Easter with your senior assisted living or memory care loved one.

Join in Community Activities

Our community does a fantastic job of planning holiday events and activities for our residents. Check with our activity director to see what activities are available. Invite your family or friends to share in the event or have a meal together.

Continue An Old Tradition

Maybe you used to color Easter eggs, bake cookies, or volunteer at a local charity every year. There is no reason why you can’t continue these old traditions. Keep up the treasured tradition so you can feel at home.

Create A New Tradition

A new living situation is a perfect opportunity to create new Easter traditions with your neighbors, friends, and loved ones. You can come up with some easy and fun activities to do together such as dyeing Easter eggs or decorating Easter baskets. Gather to share memories while making new ones.

Get Outside

Take the opportunity to get outdoors for a nice walk. Go for a stroll with a family member or friend and enjoy the beautiful weather and promise of the new season.

Focus on Faith

For many people of faith, Easter is one of the most important holidays of the year. Take your senior loved on with you to Easter service. This can in fact be a huge gesture to them.

Experience Manor Lake First-Hand

Manor Lake Assisted Living and Memory Care is a world-class living and care experience. You and your cherished family member will superb living, medical, and social opportunities. Our residents wake up feeling excited for the new day. They can take part in a full schedule of fun activities, and they also get to use the excellent amenities. Here is where you can live a fulfilling lifestyle. Feel free to contact us for more information.


Your Dependent Parents Won’t Listen to You – What Next?

27 March 2023

Your Dependent Parents Won’t Listen to You – What Next? - Winder, GA

Hello everyone from your friends and neighbors here at Winder’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care. If you’re struggling with aging parents who refuse your best efforts to help, you’re far from alone: A whopping 77% of adult children believe their parents are stubborn about taking their advice or getting help with daily tasks.

None of the things we offer here will be viewed as earth-shattering new discovery, but sometimes we all need a gentle reminder of smart habits that can get clouded in the storm of frustration.

  • Seek first to listen and understand

  • Try to understand the motivation behind their behavior

  • Accept the situation

  • Choose your battles

  • Don’t beat yourself up

  • Treat your aging parents like adults

  • Ask them to do it for the kids (or grandkids)

  • Find an outlet for your feelings

  • Plan ahead- and talk about those plans

As providers of professional assisted living services or professional memory care services, we are your biggest fans. We know your challenges, your frustrations, and of course the comfort and rewards for the loving care that you provide. May strength, patience, and happiness find you all!


FAQ: When to Admit It’s Time to Move to Senior Assisted Living?

20 March 2023

FAQ: When to Admit It’s Time to Move to Senior Assisted Living? - Winder, GA

Hello to all our blog fans here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Winder. Today we return to a FAQ, a subject that we’ve covered before, and a topic that is understandably stressful for both our seniors and their families. Transitioning to managed care means saying goodbye to a home that’s comfortable, familiar, but may no longer be safe. A high percentage of new residents and their family members here within our senior assisted living community contemplated moving for months. They did this for good reasons. Transitioning from independent living is without doubt one of the most difficult decisions anyone will ever make.

Our advice is to acknowledge these feelings but to also focus on the positive aspects of moving. It’s also important to seriously evaluate and consider your current and future needs. Some reasons why considering a move might be the right choice include:

  • A desire to live closer to friends or family. If loved ones and family members live far away, you may want to move closer to have a support system nearby.

  • Managing a medical condition that will require an increasing amount of care. It’s common for older adults to need more care as they age, especially if they’re managing a medical condition. If you have any medical concerns that may require more long-term support, it’s important to consider those needs and make a plan before a real need arises.

  • Loss of a spouse or loved one. The death of a spouse or other close loved one may leave a void that can be difficult to navigate, especially if new tasks and responsibilities that were once taken care of are suddenly introduced. A loss can also lead to feelings of disconnection and loneliness. If this is the case, the social connections offered by communal living offers a great leap in quality of life.

  • Craving more social interaction. The loss of a loved one is not the only reason an older adult may feel lonely or isolated. If communal living with built-in social support sounds appealing, and it should, contact us today. We are certain there is a list of benefits that you have never even thought about.


St. Patty’s Day Senior Fun Ideas

15 March 2023

St. Patty’s Day Senior Fun Ideas - Winder, GA

Welcome back to our blog page associated with our Winder-area assisted living and our Winder memory care community. We’re also here for you Winder-area homecare heroes taking care of your assisted living and/or memory care loved ones. If you looking for ideas on how to celebrate St. Patty’s day with your loved one, we have some ideas for you!

St. Patrick’s Day is the traditional holiday that we will celebrate on Friday, March 17, in honor of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. While it’s an Irish celebration, it’s a huge occasion in many cities and towns all over the world. While some of these parties tend to get a bit rowdy, there are lots of ways for seniors to get involved in the festivities and have fun with friends and family.

5 FUN WAYS TO CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK’S DAY WITH SENIORS

Have an Irish Themed Meal

One of the best ways to celebrate the day in a family-friendly way is to enjoy some classic Irish cuisine. Gather a small group of friends and family or organize a big potluck-style dinner and have everyone prepare an Irish-themed dish. Make the party extra festive and decorate with lots of green – napkins, placemats, and centerpieces. (It wouldn’t hurt to add some gold in there too!)

Create a menu with Irish themed appetizers, drinks, and dinner. Need some ideas? A few classic Irish dishes to try include soda bread, corned beef, Irish stew, and colcannon. (Or you can also just stick to food with lots of green!) Be sure to include some green drinks and desserts for an extra festive touch!

Get Crafty

Whether you decide to have a few friends over or throw a big dinner party, some fun St. Patrick’s Day decorations are always a good call. (This is a great way to get kids involved too!) Get in the spirit by creating some fun Irish themed decorations. Keep it simple and cut out some paper shamrocks to place around the room or make green paper shamrock crowns for everyone to wear. If you plan on having a party, you can create centerpieces for a snack table, or some cute shamrock pins for just a touch of green. Check out these St. Paddy’s craft ideas from Martha Stewart for some inspiration.

Attend a Parade

Some St. Patrick’s Day parades are known for getting a little wild, but there are plenty of family friendly celebrations around. Many communities have a traditional parade, which is a great way to immerse yourself in the fun of the day. There’s always something fun to watch, including plenty of music and dancing! Really get in the spirit and wear a fun, green-themed outfit to the festivities. (This is a good idea if you want to avoid a friendly pinch for not wearing green!)

Learn Some Irish Dance Moves

Irish traditional dance is a big part of most St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The lively and energetic steps are always exciting to watch, but they’re even more fun when you do them yourself! If you happen to know a skilled Irish dancer who can teach you some steps, that’s always a bonus. However, you don’t really need lessons in order to do a jig. Simply put on some traditional Irish music and get moving. Dancing is a proven mood booster, and it’s a great way to get some exercise while having a blast.

Play Some Irish-Themed Games

Add a fun twist and change up your regular game night. For large groups, Lucky Bingo is a great way to add some St. Patrick’s Day fun into the mix. It’s easy – take a classic bingo card and replace the top letters with L-U-C-K-Y. Use green bingo dabbers for an extra festive touch and decorate the cards with stickers. It’s sure to be an exciting game with the luck O’ the Irish on your side.

Celebrating St. Patty’s Day with your senior loved one need not be complicated or stressful. There’s real simplicity in all the ideas presented above. As always, remember that when it comes time to enjoy the life changing benefits of professional assisted living services or professional memory care services, we’re here for you.


Why Do Seniors Often Feel Physically Cold?

8 March 2023

Why Do Seniors Often Feel Physically Cold? - Winder, GA

Welcome back to our assisted living and memory care blog here at Gateway Gardens. As we get older, we start reaching for sweaters more often, shivering (even when you think you should be warm), or maybe turning up the thermostat more often than not. Is it really getting that much colder every year, or is it something else?

As we get older, we often feel colder at temperatures we were once comfortable. There are a few causes of this, including thinning skin, slower blood circulation, or even side effects of medication. Age isn’t the only cause of feeling colder. It can also be related to several medical conditions such as anemia or even diabetes.

It can even be your own residence contributing to the problem. With the rising costs of heating and other bills, many seniors find they’d rather wear a sweater and be a little cold rather than turn up the heat to a comfortable temperature. But this can risk hypothermia or other temperature-related issues and lead to other problems.

Professional assisted living services is an option to consider if any of this sounds familiar. Being in a community like ours here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care here in Winder gives you the option of being surrounded by a caring team that can help with medical concerns and daily needs. And, you get to avoid most utility fees, so you can dial up that heat and be as comfortable as desired! And we want you to feel comfortable calling us anytime for advice!


Make It One Day at a Time as a Home Memory Care Provider

6 March 2023

Make It One Day at a Time as a Home Memory Care Provider - Winder, GA

Greetings once again from your Winder-area assisted living and Winder memory care community here at Gateway Gardens. Dementia changes lives and introduces new challenges seemingly on a daily basis. Dementia changes the way a person thinks and feels, and it changes the way a person makes even the smallest decision. Dementia has a major impact on how one lives, and can make many mundane activities surprisingly difficult. The same can be true for caregivers. If you are a caregiver for someone with dementia, just take it one day at a time.

Here are a few tips to make those daily tasks easier:

Scheduling

Sometimes a sensible schedule helps to minimize anxiety for a person with dementia. A schedule helps most people feel comfortable because there are certain things they can count on at certain times. You don’t have to schedule every little thing but learn what specific daily tasks are most important to schedule and try to do those tasks with your loved one at a time that works for them as well as for you. This could include bathing and other grooming activities as well as eating or going for walks.

Speak Clearly and Listen

A person with dementia may not be able to communicate with you the way they used to, but when you are spending time with your loved one, pay attention, offer them support, and patiently explain what you are doing and why. It will help eliminate anxiety for them and will also help you become a better caregiver.

Don’t Over-Rely on Television

Many caregivers make the mistake of depending too much on television or other distractions but people with dementia may benefit more from focusing their attention on you and the daily tasks you are doing together. Similarly, it might help to remove clutter from your house to make it a safer place for your loved one and to reduce the possibility of their getting anxious.

Seek Help

You have access to quality senior care communities like us here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care. Send questions into us anytime!


Senior Financial Scams - To Make You Aware, Not to Scare

27 February 2023

Senior Financial Scams - To Make You Aware, Not to Scare - Winder, GA

We hear horrible stories from at-home care providers concerning an elderly loved one who was short-changed or downright scammed, financially or otherwise. Our caring professionals here at Winder’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care feel it is important to remind you that con-artists and scammers lurk, and you must be on guard. So, let's cover the basics of protecting your senior loved one from scams.

Con artists will charm elderly victims by phone with an affable “nice guy” approach. Deceptive and dishonest, this tele-trickster is the last person you would want to invite into your home! You’re right if you guessed… he’s a con artist! Americans lose an estimated $40 billion each year due to the unethical activities of fraudulent “salespeople.” Advise your senior, if they are called, emailed, or text for subjects they have not actively requested information on, then hang up on that caller.

Encourage your senior loved one, as a standard practice, do not reply to any email, voicemail, or text offers. Their standard practice should be to share those things with you first. If it is a voice call, their standard practice should be to either hang up or to direct them to call back when you (my daughter, son, etc) is going to be with you. Scammers won't make that call. Legitimate agencies will.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding how to provide fraud free loving and safe care for your senior loved one, contact Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care here in Winder.


The Link Between Loneliness to Dementia

22 February 2023

The Link Between Loneliness to Dementia - Winder, GA

Welcome back to our assisted living and memory care blog here at Gateway Gardens. As your parent or other loved one ages, you almost certainly have worries about their health and wellness. For many, conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other memory issues are a top concern because of how common they are in older adults. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a new case of dementia is diagnosed every three seconds.

Dementia is a broad term that can include many changes to memory or the way the brain works. And, while we don’t know all causes of dementia, studies continue in an effort to find risk factors and ways to prevent it. These studies help show areas where your parent could reduce his or her chances of getting the disease.

Your parent can’t control some risk factors – such as age, another related condition, or genetics. However, you may find areas where you can help your aging parent make changes for the better. For example, a study recently showed loneliness linked to risk of dementia.

Research on the Effects of Feeling Lonely

In the study, researchers surveyed 12,000 people about their loneliness, social isolation, behavior, and genetics. They defined loneliness as “a feeling that you do not fit in or do not belong with the people around you.” After collecting this initial data, they followed each person over 10 years for signs of dementia.

In 2018, The Journals of Gerontology published results from the study. Over the 10-year period, those who reported their current status made them feel socially isolated were much more likely to have developed the condition. Overall, the study concluded that loneliness increased the risk of dementia by as much as 40 percent.

This recent study isn’t the only one to find a link between dementia and feeling lonely. In 2015, another study published in Ageing Research Reviews found a link between dementia and factors like low social participation or less frequent social contact.

Is Your Aging Parent Lonely?

If you’ve noticed signs that your mom or dad is more socially isolated, don’t be afraid to offer support. By talking about feelings of loneliness, you can help avoid its health effects.

When it comes to fighting loneliness, consider how your aging parent’s location affects social interaction. How far is mom or dad from others at a similar life stage? Are there activities nearby for seniors? If you’re aging parent can’t drive, does this cause a problem?

Often, when your parent lives in a location that provides ample social events, it helps to reduce isolation. Our assisted living community and our memory care community offer a wide array of activities for our residents. Research and our entire team of professional care providers here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care can’t emphasize enough the importance of daily contact with peers.


Make Your Senior Loved One’s Valentine’s Day Truly Special

13 February 2023

Make Your Senior Loved One’s Valentine’s Day Truly Special - Winder, GA

Well, it’s “all hands on deck” time for your Winder senior assisted living blog team as well as your Winder memory care blog team here at Gateway Gardens. We’ve left our computers and are now busying about to brighten our communities in preparation for Valentine’s Day. Our beloved seniors and memory care are going to be pampered and enjoy the special love that defines what Valentine’s Day is all about.

You may associate Valentine's Day with young love - after all, most films and books are full of stories about young couples finding their happily ever after. However, there's a whole lot to be said for spending Valentine's Day with seniors! A day spent with your grandparents or elderly friends can do wonders for both the heart and soul. It's important to involve seniors in the celebration and show them that they are still important and loved.

So, if you are traveling here to spend Valentine’s Day with your loved one(s) here at Winder’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care, we can’t wait to see you! If you are celebrating the holiday at home, then we celebrate the special time, thought, and energy that you plan to deliver to the seniors of your life. They certainly deserve it.


The Benefits of Senior Stretching Exercises

8 February 2023

The Benefits of Senior Stretching Exercises - Winder, GA

Greetings once again from your Winder-area assisted living and Winder memory care community here at Gateway Gardens. As we age, our joints lose fluid and our muscles lose elasticity, leading to a natural decrease in flexibility. Seniors who lose flexibility find it hard to complete normal daily tasks like getting up from chairs or walking up and down stairs, let alone more complicated chores like cooking and cleaning.

The CDC recommends that adults 65 and older get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week to help with strength and balance. More specifically, routine range of motion exercises can strengthen muscles and maintain flexibility. At Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care, we work with residents to ensure they remain flexible to avoid issues with tight muscles and injuries.

Reasons for Range of Motion Exercises

Our cherished residents here at Gateway Gardens thrive with help from our experienced nursing staff whose care services involve encouraging strength, balance, and range of motion exercises. We understand how these exercises can benefit our aging community members. Consider a few of the benefits:

  • Decreased Risk of Injury

  • Improved Blood Circulation

  • Better Balance

  • Improved Flexibility

  • Less Arthritic Pain

  • Increased Muscle Strength

  • Good Posture

Personalized Senior Care

Our assisted living services and our memory care services here at Gateway Gardens assess and address physical and cognitive limitations. We help our residents to thrive with research-proven care services as well as events to stimulate residents on an intellectual and emotional level. Our routine exercise programs give our residents the physical strength and dexterity they need to enjoy the many other programs we have to offer.

Join Our Community

The residents of Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care enjoy all that this beautiful location has to offer along with everything they need to live a safe, independent life, including chef-prepared meals, comfortable accommodations, entertainment and activities, and compassionate nursing staff.

We are currently accepting new residents, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need excellent care at our memory care or our assisted living community. Call us today to learn more and to schedule a tour of our memory care assisted living community.


Professional Senior Living and Memory Care Keep Your Loved Ones Safe

6 February 2023

Professional Senior Living and Memory Care Keep Your Loved Ones Safe - Winder, GA

Greetings once again from your Winder-area assisted living and Winder memory care community here at Gateway Gardens. Everyone ages differently and will have a specific set of physical and emotional needs. For many, mobility issues make it difficult to do things like pick up groceries and attend medical appointments, or they may have trouble with cooking and cleaning or basic tasks like bathing and taking medications. Even if a senior is physically healthy, memory issues like dementia or Alzheimer’s can create another set of challenges.

Whether your aging loved one needs a little bit of help to live with dignity or they’re struggling with everyday tasks due to memory loss, assisted living may be the answer. Take a look below at some of the main reasons people turn to our assisted living community and memory care community for the support they need to keep their loved ones safe.

A Stable Environment

Professional assisted living and memory care services provide a stable environment where your loved one can relax in familiar surroundings with a soothing routine. Routines are essential when it comes to Alzheimer’s care and dementia care in general, and we provide the memory care services needed to keep seniors with these conditions at peace. Furthermore, assisted living facilities are designed to allow seniors to be as mobile as possible while remaining safe, with single floor living and wide doorways. Features like handrails and accessible bathrooms help seniors avoid dangerous falls while allowing them to maintain as much independence as possible.

Compassionate, Professional Care

Our memory care assisted living community provides 24/7 care. Compassionate and experienced, our staff members can respond to emergencies at a moment’s notice.

Internal & External Security

Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our residents. We utilize internal and external safety protocols including a secure building access system, video surveillance, patient monitoring, and more.

Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory care here in Winder is dedicated to providing a memory care assisted living community where residents and their families feel safe. Learn more about our commitment to safety and our advanced memory care services. Contact us today.


You Inspire US – Thank You!

30 January 2023

You Inspire US – Thank You! - Winder, GA

Welcome back to our blog page for our Winder-area assisted living and our Winder memory care community. We take great reward in the form of personal feedback from our blog readers that we inspire you with our efforts here. But we humbly submit that it is YOU who inspire us! In today’s blog post, together, let’s briefly ponder the benefits of our online relationship with each other.

Today’s senior has evolved away from the one-size-fits-all model. Savvy older adults are wanting more control over their lives and are demanding convenience and choice. That’s why the Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care philosophy is to create a lifestyle completely customized to each individual’s needs.

It starts by asking a lot of questions when residents first move to one of our communities. We then aim to suit each individual’s style and needs and encourage aspirations. Resident needs are at the heart of whatever we do.

TELL US YOUR STORY. WE’LL MEET YOUR NEEDS.

Once you move into one of our communities, we’ll ask plenty of questions to get to know you so we can make your life right for you in every way.

Think of it as a senior needs assessment – only more personal. It’s customized with details that pertain only to you. This collection of facts, preferences and stories about your life will form both the basis of our friendship with you and your lifestyle plan. This information is then used to create a uniquely relevant experience for you, where your needs are met in a style that suits you.

You want to eat lunch in your room instead of the dining room? Done. Would you like to invite a friend for tea and cookies in the lobby? Will that be hot tea or iced? Do you want your haircut appointment to be every other Wednesday or every single Thursday?

Our staff within both our assisted living community and our memory care community is skilled at learning what you like and then creating a lifestyle customized to your needs.

WHAT DO OLDER PEOPLE NEED?

What are some of the desires we hear from residents? Seniors want to feel connected to others and experience social engagement. A survey from the National Council on Aging supports this need. The survey discovered that seniors have a real need for connectedness. More than half of seniors nationally – 53 % – indicate that being close to friends and family is important. Only 15 % felt occasional feelings of isolation. Relationships with friends and family even outweighed financial concerns for older adults.

FEELING GOOD ABOUT YOUR LIFE.

Research about happiness and aging may surprise you. According to an AARP survey, although many younger Americans have a negative perception about aging, most older Americans feel good about their lives. The national study surveyed 2,601 American adults. It reported 67% of people age 60-plus are “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their lives versus 61% of people age 18-39 and 60% of those respondents age 40-59. While about half of the survey respondents age 18-39 believe it’s “normal to be depressed when you are old,” just 10% of those over age 60 feel old age is a depressing life stage.

WE EMPOWER CONTINUED GROWTH AND PERSONAL EXPRESSION.

What can you look forward to every day with the lifestyles we’ve meticulously designed? You can look forward to something uniquely different – something inspired by you. For certain there will be the same smiles and friendly conversations that everyone in our communities shares. But there will also be the opportunities for you to take off for your morning walk while your neighbor settles in to put together a puzzle. You can come back for coffee (with cream, please) and your book club while the choir strikes up in an adjoining room. You get the picture. Your lifestyle will be anything but cookie cutter.

So very simply stated, thank you for your feedback and to our cherished residents and resident family, thank you for enriching our professional lives with the privilege of both caring and growing with you!


Health Initiatives Here at Gateway Gardens

25 January 2023

Health Initiatives Here at Gateway Gardens - Winder, GA

Heart disease is a significant threat to our cherished seniors, and we need you to understand that we take senior heart health seriously. The following items are primary goals of our assisted living community and our memory care community in an effort to reduce the risk of our senior residents developing heart illnesses.

Provide Fitness and Relaxation

Keeping seniors active and relaxed improves heart health. Workout programs that range from low to moderate impact exercises are managed based on fitness levels and health status. Regular exercise helps lower stress levels and improve quality of sleep. When these two vital factors are achieved and stabilized, a healthier heart is guaranteed.

Promote Nutrition and Healthy Diet

Assisted living communities pay close attention to the nutrition and diet of their senior residents. They make sure that the food served to senior residents are both appetizing and healthy to improve food intake and facilitates consumption of important nutrients that can strengthen the heart. Also, taking note of food that must be taken moderately. Low-salt, low-fat, low-sugar diet are usually the dietary recommendation for these people.

Provide Smoke-Free Environment

We know for a fact that a smoker has a higher risk of developing chronic heart disorders including atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care offers a designated outdoor area for smokers separated from non-smokers so that non-smokers will not be exposed to smoke-filled air. This is also a way to encourage current smokers to break the habit. Medical advises are also given to those smokers to support them to give up smoking.

For more information about assisted living and memory care services in and around Winder, contact Gateway Gardens today!


Transitioning Your Memory Care Loved One to Managed Care

18 January 2023

Transitioning Your Memory Care Loved One to Managed Care - Winder, GA

Welcome back to our blog page for our Winder-area assisted living and our Winder memory care community.

In our previous blog post, we presented some facts about Alzheimer’s disease that hopefully helped you feel a bit better about your ongoing journey as a home care provider. Today, we offer some tips on transitioning your Alzheimer’s loved one to professional memory care like ours here at Winder’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care.

The transition period can be difficult for everyone, especially an Alzheimer’s patient. Even though every situation is unique, these tips can provide some guidance on how to transition an Alzheimer’s patient to memory care:

Address Their Concerns

A loved one with Alzheimer’s may feel confused, sad, or apprehensive. Address their fears, questions, or concerns with understanding and be sensitive to their emotions.

If they are still able to communicate, involve them in the conversation. Assure your loved one that the memory care community is a safe place where they will be cared for while doing the things they love.

Visit Our Memory Care Community

Take a tour of our memory care community and see for yourself the loving professionalism and care being provided here. Feel free to visit as many times as you like before moving so your loved one can get familiar with the new environment, staff, and amenities.

Pack for Them

To avoid stressing and overwhelming your loved one, pack their belongings. Take care of donating or selling unwanted items and arrange to have their belongings in their new place of residence.

Having their most valued possessions, such as photos or a favorite piece of furniture, will create familiarity and feelings of home, comfort, and safety.

Don’t Rush the Move

Take the day off on moving day and have someone with you for support. Schedule the move at a time that your loved one is most comfortable.

Speak to staff in advance to share information about your loved one’s needs and preferences and maybe even coping strategies. Avoid rushing the process. Allow your loved one time to settle.

Visit Often

Despite all your efforts to make the transition easy, there can still be challenges. Speak to the memory support staff about your loved one’s progress and what you can do to help.

Your loved one may complain and ask to go home. It’s natural to feel anger, frustration, or sadness in the first few weeks when adjusting. Reassure them how much you care.

Visit often and try to understand some of their concerns. When they become agitated, redirect them to something positive and partake in activities with them.

Sometimes visits can trigger negative emotions. In this case, you can ask the staff for advice on how often to visit. Visits and calls from other family members or friends can help in these instances, keep them connected, and not feel forgotten.

We hope you benefit, are encouraged, educated, and enjoy our blogging efforts. When the time comes for you to seek a consult regarding caring for your loved one’s professional assisted living or professional memory care services, please know that Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care in Winder stands ready to improve the quality of both you and your loved one’s lives. Call us!


Alzheimer’s Facts to Help You Understand and Feel Better

16 January 2023

Alzheimer’s Facts to Help You Understand and Feel Better - Winder, GA

Welcome back to our blog page for our Winder-area assisted living and our Winder memory care community.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that can seriously affect a person’s ability to carry out daily activities. And at the later stages of the disease, an Alzheimer’s patient will require more care than what is available at home.

Mild memory loss is typically the first sign of this disease. As a caregiver, deciding whether a loved one with Alzheimer’s should go to a memory care facility can be difficult. While there are some benefits to keeping them at home, professional memory care support providers are highly trained and highly effective in delivering quality of life support to people living with dementia.

Consider the following that represents just a sub-set of the amenities that we offer:

  • Residential setting

  • Fully furnished apartments

  • Meals

  • Wellness programs

  • Cognitive stimulation and support

  • Meaningful activities

  • Strengthening activities for walking and balance

  • Medication management & assistance

  • Non-pharmaceutical interventions to reduce medication reliance

In our next blog post, we’ll discuss exactly why transitioning to professionally managed Alzheimer’s care need not be a daunting task. Until then, know that if caring for your senior loved one at home feels overwhelming, whether you are an at-home senior assisted living support provider or an at-home memory care support provider, we can help. Our mutual love and admiration for our seniors binds you and us as a team.


Try Music Therapy for Your Memory Care Loved One

11 January 2023

Try Music Therapy for Your Memory Care Loved One - Winder, GA

Welcome back to our Winder-area assisted living and memory care blog where we strive to pass along our love and professional knowledge to all of you caring for special needs loved ones at home. In last week’s blog post we covered “Ways to Make Your Assisted Living or Dementia Loved One Smile”. To our great reward, a reader reached out and shared her story about how she employs the magic of music in the daily care of her Alzheimer’s mom. She suggested we follow last week’s post with one focused on how music can be a tremendous therapy for our assisted living and memory care loved ones. We will do just that.

The following are the scientifically-proven ways that music can improve the quality of life for those dealing with Alzheimer’s.

Enhances Memory

People of all ages and stages of life can relate to hearing a song from a different time in life and being taken right back in time. Songs can ignite a sense of nostalgia unlike any other mechanism.

Additionally, music (whether new or familiar) evokes emotion. Listening to a particular song can bring up memories of a spouse, children, grandchildren, or even a well-loved hobby or career.

When coupled with activities of daily living (ADLs), music can help to trigger memories associated with each activity. After some time, listening to the same song during the same activity can help bolster your loved one’s cognitive abilities throughout each activity.

Improves Mood

Agitation, anger, and delusions can become a daily occurrence for those dealing with Alzheimer’s. Listening to music or playing a musical instrument has been shown to increase levels of endorphins that help elevate overall mood and even improve sleep. Music can become a powerful tool for calming your loved one and turning around a foul mood quickly.

Lowers Stress Levels

Seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease can experience ever-increasing stress levels, which can cause isolation, boredom, and depression. Stress is also a strong contributor to agitation and anger. Turning on your loved one’s favorite tunes has been proven to lower stress levels and brighten moods while helping them feel more relaxed and at ease.

Optimizes Sleep

One of the common side effects of Alzheimer’s is the inability to sleep for longer periods of time, leading to interrupted sleep patterns and a disrupted circadian rhythm. Due to music’s calming effect, it has been proven to improve sleep for seniors living with Alzheimer’s. Thanks to the release of endorphins that are released when your loved one listens to their favorite songs, their body will produce more melatonin and help them get a better night’s rest.

It’s important to note that many other complications can arise for seniors that aren’t getting enough sleep, so prioritizing rest is very important.

Stimulates The Mind

Seniors with Alzheimer’s should be engaging their brain in stimulating activity on a daily basis. Studies show that listening to music activates a large portion of the brain, surprisingly, not just the area responsible for music and singing. In fact, listening to music seems to activate the right side of the brain and even spark activity in the left side of the brain, as well.

With this added stimulation, many seniors with Alzheimer’s find that they can think more clearly than usual while listening to music.

We said it last week and we’ll say it again. All of us at Winder’s assisted living community and our Winder Memory Care community are your biggest fans and wish you nothing but happiness and true reward for your selfless support of others.


Ways to Make Your Assisted Living or Dementia Loved One Smile

9 January 2023

Ways to Make Your Assisted Living or Dementia Loved One Smile - Winder, GA

Welcome back to our blog page for our Winder-area assisted living and our Winder memory care community. Last week’s assisted living and memory care blog post focused upon ideas how you can engage your support group for strength, insight, and reward for your journey as a assisted living or memory caregiver. Today’s focus returns to the loved ones you care for. We offer simple ways to make your assisted living or memory loved one smile. When you do that, of course, you smile along with them.

OK, here’s the big secret: Engage in activities they enjoy! Everyone has different hobbies and interests. If you know what the individual with dementia enjoys, try doing that activity with them. For example, if they enjoy music, try singing or listening to music together.

Share old memories: Reminiscing about past experiences and memories can be a great way to bring joy and connection to individuals with dementia.

Play with pets: Many people find interacting with animals to be calming and uplifting. Consider bringing in a therapy animal or showing the individual pictures of pets.

Use humor: Humor can be a powerful way to bring joy and connection to any situation. Try telling jokes, sharing funny stories, or playing word games.

Offer physical touch: Sometimes, a simple hug or holding hands can bring comfort and joy.

It's important to remember that each assisted living or person with dementia is unique and may respond differently to different activities. It may be helpful to try a variety of approaches and see what brings the most joy and connection.

As always, all of us at Winder’s assisted living community and our Winder Memory Care community are your biggest fans and wish you nothing but happiness and true reward for your selfless support of others.


Share Your 2022 Holiday Most Memorable Moments with Your Support Group

4 January 2023

Share Your 2022 Holiday Most Memorable Moments with Your Support Group - Winder, GA

Happy New Year and welcome back to our Winder-area assisted living and our Winder memory care community blog. Today’s message is very simple and something we hope each of your will act upon.

There is no doubt that all you special caregivers out there, selflessly tending to your assisted living and memory care loved ones, compiled an inventory of special warm moments over the Holidays with those you lovingly labor for. Our advice and hope are that you share the stories with your support group(s). When the labors of your love seemingly become daunting, purposeful reflection and sharing stories of those special moments is therapeutic. Therapeutic for not just you, but for all those on the receiving end of your message.

From all of us at Winder’s assisted living community and our Winder Memory Care community, we wish you renewed strength, patience, perseverance, and reward for all that you do for your loved ones in need.


Four Worst Habits for Good Cognitive Health

12 December 2022

Four Worst Habits for Good Cognitive Health - Winder, GA

Welcome back to our blog page for our Winder-area assisted living and our Winder memory care community. A common discussion during the Holiday season is: “During the happiest time of the year, why do I sometimes feel down”? Well, sometimes it’s explainable because a particular Holiday, month, or day of the year triggers meaningful and reflective memories. But maybe it has nothing to do with the Holiday.

Today, we want to share with you the “Four Worst Habits for Good Cognitive Health”. These conclusions emerged out of the Mayo clinic, one of the most highly respective research institutes in America. Here are the main controllable threats to good cognitive health:

  • Sedentary Lifestyle
  • Poor Sleep
  • Mystery Cause (Sorry, you must watch the video to learn this one)
  • Negative Thinking

Sedentary Lifestyle. Having a sedentary lifestyle has been linked to mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, and chronic stress. So, sitting for more than eight hours a day can lead to decrease in motivation, contribute to fatigue and make it difficult to manage stress and anxiety. For those of us who move via wheelchair, then Mayo advises us to simply roll more.

Poor Sleep. Insufficient sleep can slow down your thinking, impairs your memory, concentration, judgement and decrease in your decision-making skills. This can also impede learning as well. Studies show that between 7-8 hours a day can be essential for stimulating brain growth.

Time in the Dark. Don’t spend too much time in the dark. A decrease in sunlight exposure can lead to problems like seasonal affective disorder, and even depression, so make sure you're opening those blinds, getting some sunlight every day and go outside from time to time.

Thinking Negatively. Don’t think negatively. When you're constantly stressed and anxious, it takes a toll on your mental health. This can lead to problems like depression, anxiety, and even dementia. Keep your brain healthy, make sure you're thinking positive thoughts.

From all of us at Winder’s assisted living community and our Winder Memory Care community, we wish you peace, happiness, and the blessing of the best cognitive health possible.


Looking Forward to Meeting You Again…For the First Time

5 December 2022

Looking Forward to Meeting You Again…For the First Time - Winder, GA

Hello dear residents, resident’s family, and the entire local community who are soldiering through the dedicated and blessed love in providing in-home assisted living services or memory care services. Today we share a story from one of your fellow Winder-area Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care blog readers about an interaction at church on Sunday with a memory-challenged person she’d never met before.

I sat next to this nice man who introduced me to his wife and aged mother. I am relatively new to the church and shortly after our introduction, service started. I made it a point after service to communicate how nice it was to meet them. I made a special effort to grab that senior’s hand, (shame on me for forgetting their names), bending down, looking into her eyes, and saying, “It was very nice to meet you”. Her response caught me off guard.

She responded, “It was very nice meeting you too, but I am sorry that I likely won’t remember you come next Sunday”. Momentarily at a loss for words, I simply offered this: “Well, I look forward to meeting you again next Sunday, for the first time”. She smiled an honest smile and offered: “Yes, I look forward to that”.

What a special moment and a special life-lesson from such a beautiful soul who knows exactly where she is….and where she isn’t. We remind you all that the blessings of your care to others is neither buried nor hard to find. There right there on the surface and we simply need to acknowledge them and celebrate them.


Five Things I Wish I knew When My Wife was Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s

30 November 2022

Five Things I Wish I knew When My Wife was Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s - Winder, GA

Welcome back to our blog page for our Winder-area assisted living and our Winder memory care community. This blog is adapted from Martin J. Schreiber’s "My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver". Full credit is offered here to Mr. Schreiber as the author and owner of the content that you are about to read.

If you are a caregiver, here are five things that I learned the hard way and share in my book My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping and Surviving as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver" to help other caregivers know they are not alone.

1. You are a hero, but you won’t be perfect.

As a caregiver, you will do heroic work. You may be thinking, Me? A hero? I say, "Yes! A hero!" Even though your efforts won’t be enough to stop the disease from stealing your loved one, the deeds you will perform as you continue to care for and love your partner are heroic.

You can’t expect yourself to be perfect. Looking back at the past 18 years, I should have forgiven myself for not being perfect. I was doing the best I could in a difficult situation and so are you.

2. Chronic stress experienced by Alzheimer’s caregivers may shorten caregivers’ lives by as much as four to eight years.

No matter how much you love your partner, you can’t take good care of him or her if you don’t first take good care of yourself. I didn’t realize how important that was until it was almost too late. I don’t want that to happen to you.

I should have started earlier to find an adult day care so that I could reclaim part of the day for myself, including time for exercise.

3. Your family and friends may not understand what you need.

When your partner has Alzheimer’s, you can feel like that lone wolf, isolated from anyone who cares about your well-being. People don’t usually think of offering rides or meals or help with the yard work to an Alzheimer’s caregiver. They still love you, but they simply don’t know how to respond.

Feeling so lonesome was something I didn’t anticipate. Like other negative aspects of caregiving, it silently creeps in on you. Caregivers, here is your warning: loneliness is coming your way. You can’t just put on a brave face day after day. You need to reach out to others and teach them about Alzheimer’s. To survive, you can’t worry that you’re being a burden.

4. I wish I would not have let my ego get in the way of what was best for Elaine.

The toughest question a caregiver faces is moving their loved-one to a facility. Moving to a facility was never going to cure Elaine. I knew that. But I also recognized that Marty’s One-Man Nursing Home was no longer good enough either. That realization made it somewhat easier for me to accept the inevitable: Elaine should move.

You can’t expect yourself to be perfect. Looking back at the past 18 years, I should have forgiven myself for not being perfect. I was doing the best I could in a difficult situation and so are you.

Home, I’ve learned, isn’t a building. It’s a place inside you where you feel secure.

Even as I adjusted to the emptiness in my home and in my heart, there were two emotions dominating my thinking: relief that Elaine would be safe and hope that now I could focus on being a better father and grandfather.

5. By wishing for the past, I had deprived my wife of happiness in the moment.

Even though it broke my heart, I should have let go of my First Elaine sooner so I could love my Second Elaine where she is now.

I had lived such an active life with my First Elaine. With my Second Elaine, that was no more. Unfortunately, it took me too long a time to realize that I must choose to let go, to accept that hard truth.

I needed to meet my Elaine where she was and enter her world, something I call therapeutic fibbing. One time she asked about her parents, and I told her they were dead. After seeing the look of pain on her face, I vowed never to cause that pain again. Whenever she would ask about her parents, I would say they were great, and they loved her.

That’s my way of slaying the dragon of Alzheimer’s: choosing to see my wife as the person she was then. Helping her enjoy the person she was at that moment. Helping her sense that I was happy to be with her. You can slay the dragon as well, but you can’t do it alone.

Adapted from "My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver," by Martin J. Schreiber and Cathy Breitenbucher. Copyright © 2022 by Martin J Schreiber.


Early Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah Greetings To You All

28 November 2022

Early Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah Greetings To You All - Winder, GA

With Thanksgiving in the rear-view, early Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and other warm greetings assigned by your faith this Holiday season. Just so you know, we unapologetically say, “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Hanukkah” here at Winder's Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care. We’ll offer “season’s greetings” as well, but just so you know, we unapologetically offer faith-based greetings. Allow us to tell you why.

Our dear assisted living residents and memory care residents here at Gateway Gardens span the gamut of religious faiths. We’ve queried our non-Christian residents about how some people today consider the term “Merry Christmas” as exclusive, and therefore offensive. Without exception, our dear residents, and staff (again, some of which are not Christian) are warmed (NOT offended) by people exchanging “Merry Christmas” in the heartfelt nature being offered.

We learn from you, our dear residents, every day. Maturity comes with age. So Merry Christmas, everyone, from all of us here at Manor Lake!


A Thanksgiving Tribute to Our Support Network

16 November 2022

A Thanksgiving Tribute to Our Support Network - Winder, GA

Most of you are aware that our team of professional memory care and assisted living care providers here at Winder's Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care are there for all of you, young and seasoned alike. Allow us to deviate here to pay tribute to all of you who help us deliver a celebrated standard of care excellence, something our dear residents so rightfully deserve.

Our path to personal and professional success is paved by (and with) the quality souls that we surround ourselves with. Since you’re reading this, consider yourself a member of our extremely valued fraternity of customers, venders, service providers, mentors, and other vital relationships. We know many of you feel the same toward us and we are humbled by it.

Today, we send this Thanksgiving note to communicate our heartfelt appreciation for all the things that you do to inspire continual process improvement, service quality, and passion for our business. We endeavor to only strengthening our bond throughout the rest of 2022 and well beyond.

With our blog team taking next week off for a well-earned Thanksgiving holiday, we extend our warmest Thanksgiving wishes to all of you, from all of us here at Gateway Gardens!


We’re Here to Help You Make Thanksgiving 2022 Truly Special

14 November 2022

We’re Here to Help You Make Thanksgiving 2022 Truly Special - Winder, GA

Thanksgiving, 2022 is just a little more than a week away. We thought it would be appreciated to craft a Thanksgiving-focused blog reasonably in advance of the holiday to give all our readers time to reflect and hopefully act upon some of our notions.

The Thanksgiving holiday conjures an assortment of emotions within all of us. For some, this is a time to reflect on loved ones, living and passed. And, yet, regardless of where Thanksgiving finds each of us this year, it brings an opportunity to pause and give thanks for the simple things we often take for granted. Things like the love of family, food on the table, and even for life itself.

At both our assisted living community and within our memory care community here at Gateway Gardens, throughout the month of November we have been celebrating Thanksgiving with delicious dinners and special activities and events. We understand that it has been challenging for family members and for residents who, for whatever reasons, may not have been able to get together as often as they would like. Be warmed by the fact that, inside our doors, there is no shortage of celebration, laughter, and love. Our residents and staff members have been sharing special personal feelings of gratitude all month.

So, what are you thankful for this year? Have you shared your thankful thoughts with your loved ones? This is a wonderful time of year to express gratitude to those people in your life who make it so special.

Here at Winder's Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care, we are thankful for the wonderful individuals who walk through the halls of our communities every day. Our residents and their families are a blessing as well as our dedicated, caring staff.

From all of us at Gateway Gardens, we offer you and your families a very special Thanksgiving. We hope to see you soon. If life prevents you from being here in person, know that we stand ready to assist you in any way possible to communicate your love and appreciation to your beloved family member, and our beloved resident.


Act This Week to Honor a Veteran on THEIR Day!

9 November 2022

Act This Week to Honor a Veteran on THEIR Day! - Winder, GA

Very warm Veteran’s Day greetings from all of us at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Winder. To all of our dear Veteran residents within both our senior assisted living community and our memory care community, we trust you’re feeling our love, admiration, and respect. For those non-resident veterans reading this today, we offer you the same notion of love admiration and respect.

Today we offer a brief Veteran’s Day history lesson as well as a couple of simple ways you can take proactive measure to honor veterans during this very special holiday.

A Bit About Veteran’s Day History and the Holiday

On November 11th 1918, the armistice was signed signally an end to the Great War or what would later become known as World War I. This was a monumental day in history and one that has been recognized every year since. The day was originally referred to by President Wilson as Armistice Day, and was created as a way to recognize and remember both those that survived the war and those that perished. In 1971, the day was officially renamed to Veterans Day.

While Veterans Day is celebrated every year, many people often mistake it’s meaning for Memorial Day. Memorial Day is dedicated to remembering those that have died in battle or as a result of their wounds. Veterans Day is a day to think about all veterans, both those living and those that have passed. It is a time to thank them for their service and the sacrifices they have made for our nation. If it were not for the bravery and dedication displayed by the members of our military, we would not be able to enjoy the freedoms that we do. And for that, we say thank you.

Simple Ways to Honor Our Vets

This year, we want to help give back by providing you with different ways you can say thanks to the veterans in your life. Whether it is directly or indirectly, everyone is connected in some way or another to a member of the military. By taking part in one of the activities listed below, you are not only recognizing military personnel for the sacrifices they make, but also saying thanks for everything that they do.

Wear a Poppy and Attend an Event

On November 11th communities across the country hold events to recognize and celebrate Veterans Day. By showing up and participating in these events, you are not only showing your support and saying thanks, you’re celebrating military personnel for the heroes that they are.

Sit Down and Talk with a Veteran

In order to truly appreciate the sacrifices a veteran makes, take some time to sit down and talk with one. Doing so will help you get a better understanding of what life in the military is like and it will allow you to better understand why we celebrate Veterans Day. Try to stay clear of questions about combat as this might be uncomfortable for them to talk about. Instead ask things like what motivated them to join the military. What is their proudest moment? What were some of their duties?

Visit The Grave of a Veteran You Have Lost

If there is a veteran in your life that has passed away, make sure to visit their grave and pay your respects. Lay some flowers, say a prayer, and pay your respects by visiting them and spending some time at their resting place.

Sharing laughter, joy, and praise of our veterans during this holiday is what it’s all about. Here at Winder's Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care we celebrate every veteran’s unique sacrifice and contribution to our country and wish all of you a warm and blessed Veteran’s Day holiday!


A Holiday Checklist for At-Home Assisted Living and Memory Care Support Providers

7 November 2022

A Holiday Checklist for At-Home Assisted Living and Memory Care Support Providers - Winder, GA

The holiday season is here, and we all look forward to spending quality time with our loved ones. While we will enjoy special meals and special events here at Winder's Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care, for at-home caregivers the holidays can be stressful. For you loved ones, the holidays can heighten the feeling of isolation and sadness. Let’s address all this head-on.

Below are a few tips that should be on your holiday to-do list to check on the loved ones under your care and ensure they are all set for the holiday season:

Keep a Check on Their Well-Being

One of the most essential things is assessing your seniors’ health. Ensure they are taking their pills or medications regularly and on-time. Check if there is a need to refill their medicines. It will also be a good opportunity to talk to their doctors in person or over the phone.

Ask them how well they are doing and if there is anything that needs to be done soon. If you are going out for a while, leaving your old ones at home, you must obtain a full list of every prescription they take.

The list should also include their doctors' names and numbers, addresses, and email addresses. You must also have a plan in mind for any untoward event that may occur, and you must rush back to them.

Make a Pre-Vacation Checklist

If your elderly relatives are accompanying you on a trip, make sure you get their doctors' approval before leaving. Since it is mandatory to get country-specific vaccines if you are traveling abroad, check the country’s travel guidelines well in advance so you have enough time to get timely appointments for the inoculations.

Over and above that, carry their medication along with you in case of an emergency. Ensure that all their prescribed medicines and first-aid drugs, recommended for health conditions such as diarrhea, malaria, altitude sickness, etc., are part of your travel kit. It is also recommended to carry slightly more than the required dose to avoid running out if your trip gets extended for unforeseen reasons.

In addition to this, it is advisable to book assistance at the airport. Contact the airline and airport authorities to get assistant-manned wheelchairs and ride-on carts for your parents. Always remember to avail of these services wherever and whenever necessary to avoid over-exhaustion while traveling.

Look Closely

As your parents will always want you to believe that all is well, you do not always realize whether they need any extra care or not. Therefore, it is important to look deeper to truly see how well they are living and if something is missing, that needs to be done. For instance, it is recommended to inspect their bathrooms.

Are they clean? Do they have soap, shampoo, disinfectant, and clean towels? Check the refrigerator. Do they have a variety of foods and vegetables to provide them with enough nutrients? Is there any outdated food? See if they are taking out the garbage regularly or not.

Prepare the House for Eventful Days

As there are many festivals lined up back-to-back this holiday season, if your parents are planning to host a gathering or out-of-town guests, it will be very helpful if you take the initiative to clean and decorate the house and do everything that comes with preparing a house for hosting guests. Ensure they have everything they need to make these events joyful and stress-free.

Grocery Shopping and Meal Preparation

Grocery shopping and meal preparation during the holidays can be challenging for your loved ones, especially without any transport facility or if they have trouble lifting heavy items. Depending on mobility and agility, your parents may struggle to lift heavy pans in and out of the oven or prepare holiday dishes as quickly as they used to. Therefore, make sure they have everything they need in place.

Also, ensure they have a care provider who can assist your parents with tasks such as chopping vegetables, cleaning kitchen equipment and appliances, etc. so that their special family recipes and holiday meals for guests turn out just the way they want.

Ensure Home Safety

Your parents need to live in a safe home that prevents injuries, reduces fall risks, and ensures independence as they age. Therefore, without further ado, incorporate home safety tips into the house and follow a home safety checklist this holiday season.

Remove trip hazards, install non-slip flooring, cover all cords and wires, and install bathroom grab bars to ensure safety for your parents. Ensure a senior-friendly home by adding accessible seating as well. For instance, install a bench near the house's front door for putting on shoes, and put a stool in the bathroom and kitchen for your parents to perform the activities of daily living with ease.

Encourage Exercise

Physical activity is essential for your aged parents. But as soon as the holiday season kicks in, many of their daily routines go for a toss. With several other things in mind, your parents’ daily exercise routine may also take a back seat. Therefore, they should ensure they are keeping themselves physically active.

It will keep them fit, reduce their stress and tension, and help them burn off the extra calories they consume during the holidays. In addition, advise them to stay hydrated for their bodies to function at their best throughout the winter. Staying hydrated will help them feel more energized, boost their immune system, and increase their ability to deal with fatigue. It will also help them stay healthier and more active in all the planned holiday festivities.

Prevent Infections

Because the holiday season coincides with the arrival of winter, your parents are more susceptible to colds, flu, and other illnesses. Therefore, opting for influenza and pneumonia vaccinations is recommended to keep them safe. Also, as we have just come out of a deadly COVID-19 pandemic, ensure your aging parents are fully vaccinated, along with the booster shot.

In addition, you must help them follow healthy hygiene habits such as washing their hands, sanitizing surfaces, etc., to keep them from contracting infections. While getting immersed in the chaos and shuffle of family gatherings is good, make sure your loved ones are staying healthy and enjoying every planned holiday event by following a healthy lifestyle.

Encourage a Sleep Schedule

The holiday season is undoubtedly the time of the year when we all skip some of our essential needs, such as sleep. And your parents are no different. While it is fun to spend time celebrating and catching up with friends and relatives, a lack of sleep can harm your parents’ health. It may also affect their memory, communication ability, and overall health. Therefore, please encourage them to stick to a healthy sleep schedule as much as possible.

Provide Emotional Support & Companionship

You must provide emotional support and companionship for your parents as the holidays approach. It is common for seniors to experience loneliness and isolation. With age, they may not be able to get around on their own anymore, may have also lost their close ones, and therefore, spend a lot of time alone, which is not good. If you stay away from them, plan weekly or bimonthly visits.

Even if you don’t do much and just simply sit and have a cup of tea, it will be something for your aging parents to look forward to and cherish. Once in a while, you can take them to community functions or church services. Feeling like a part of a group positively affects overall mental well-being.

Conclusion

All in all, while you may have been able to gauge your senior loved ones' safety and well-being, it is sometimes necessary to personally look at their conditions. Make sure you engage with them more often. The absence of family or even someone to talk to impacts everyone, regardless of age. Moreover, as your parents’ needs are rapidly changing, it’s essential to talk with them, including other family members and caregivers.

If caring for your senior loved one at home feels overwhelming, whether you are an at-home senior assisted living support provider or an at-home memory care support provider, we can help. Our mutual love and admiration for our seniors binds you and us as a team.


Send Your Pastor a Warm “Happy Pastor Appreciation Day”

31 October 2022

Send Your Pastor a Warm “Happy Pastor Appreciation Day” - Winder, GA

Greetings once again from your Winder-area assisted living and Winder memory care community here at Manor Lake. With apology in advance for being late serving notice here, but did you know that October is “Pastor Appreciation Month”? Even if you’re reading this blog post early in November, strongly consider reaching out to your pastor (assistant pastors, or whatever title you bestow upon your spiritual leaders) and wishing them a very happy Pastor Appreciation Month. Blame being a day late (or two) on us, but we promise that the communication will be rewarding to you both.

As always, all the best to you and your loved ones from all of us at Winder's Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care!


Celebrate Halloween with Your Loved Ones Here at Gateway Gardens

24 October 2022

Celebrate Halloween with Your Loved Ones Here at Manor Lake - Winder, GA

Welcome back to our blog page for our Winder-area assisted living and our Winder memory care community. One of the most common frequently asked questions this time of year is “what ideas do you have to make this Halloween holiday special for my memory care loved one”? Well, we thought we’d simply refer you back to the ideas we presented in last year’s blog post, “Halloween Home Care Considerations for Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s”.

We hope you all are enjoying this Fall season and are looking forward to one of the most fun holidays of the year. Of course, you all are invited to come celebrate your loved one’s Halloween celebration here at both our Winder assisted living community and our Winder Memory Care community. If we don’t see you here, have a great time celebrating at home!


Three Part Mini-Series on “Caregiver Stress” – Episode #3

19 October 2022

Three Part Mini-Series on “Caregiver Stress” – Episode #3 - Winder, GA

Welcome back to the third (and final) episode of our three-part blog mini-series covering the subject of “Caregiver Stress”. We looked back on the calendar year 2022 to date and discovered that issues related to caregiver stress was a regular and recurring subject that those self-managing assisted living services at home and also memory care services at home.

Below we link to the prior two blog posts on this subject. Here are the three different topics that we are covering:

If you are new here to our Gateway Gardens (Winder) Assisted Living and Memory Care Blog, you’ll soon discover our blog to be a fantastic free resource on ways to learn about assisted living care and memory care and help you both provide your loved one with quality care while helping maximize your quality of life along your loving journey.

So now, onto the ways to manage caregiver stress.

Tips for Managing Caregiver Stress

The feelings of tension you may feel as a caregiver can frustrate and exhaust you. Fortunately, there are plenty of helpful techniques you can use to manage your stress. We took to social media and got feedback from real caregivers on how they manage the pressure. Here are our favorite tips from fellow caregivers and thought leaders on how to deal with caregiver stress:

Complete Small Tasks to Regain Control

When dealing with another person’s fluctuating health, it’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed and out of control. If this describes you, try this caregiver’s simple, helpful tip.

1. Eat Right

What we put into our bodies is what we get out of them. Proper nutrition is crucial self-care that can be left to the wayside when under a lot of stress. However, stressful times are when your body needs healthy fuel the most. Avoid skipping meals, snacks or overindulging in alcohol. Instead, set aside regular times each day to enjoy a balanced breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner.

2. Get Enough Sleep

When your mind is racing around a track with a million things to do on it, it’s only natural that your sleep may suffer. But you can’t avoid it: your body and brain unquestionably need time to recharge. Amazing things happen when you sleep, like muscle relaxation, tissue growth and repair and energy restoration. How well you sleep affects nearly every aspect of what happens in your waking hours, so make sure to get those quality ZZZs. Aim for 7-9 hours each night, preferably at consistent times.

3. Exercise

If you are physically capable, getting your body moving and your blood pumping is an almost guaranteed way to relieve tension. Physical activity pumps up your “feel-good” endorphins and refocuses your mind on your body’s movements, releasing stress and improving your mood. Physically, exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and can even regulate your sleep cycle by making it easier to fall (and stay) asleep.

Virtually any physical activity works: walking, jogging, gardening, housecleaning, biking, swimming or anything else that gets you moving. Find time, even if it means asking someone else to provide care while you take a break.

4. Try Meditation

Meditation creates a sense of calm, peace and balance that benefits both mind and body, and it encourages the use of breathing to get through stress. You’ll focus your attention on the sensations you experience, squeezing out anxious thoughts. The best part? You can meditate almost anywhere, from a doctor’s office to a bus ride.

5. Do a Little Coloring (Really!)

Think coloring books are just for kids? Think again. Adult coloring books have become an increasingly popular way to decrease stress through mindfulness, the act of focusing on being in the present moment.

6. Have a Healthy Dose of Laughter

Did you know that laughter lightens your emotional load and actually causes physical changes in your body? Laughter enhances your oxygen intake, relieves mental stress and soothes physical tension. Try switching up the nightly news with a favorite comedian’s stand-up or a classic rom-com or call your funniest friend. And speaking of friends…

7. Get Social

Spending quality time with friends and family has long been a stress relief tactic used across many cultures and time periods. When you spend time with your social circle, you experience better mental health, a stronger immune system and can even lower your risk of dementia!

If you don’t have much time to meet up out of the house, or your friends and family are long-distance, don’t worry: video chatting and phone calls can provide many of the same positive effects as face-to-face socializing.

8. Start Journaling

Putting your thoughts and feelings into written words can be a good release for pent-up emotions. Writing often provides perspective that thinking, or even talking, cannot always give. In addition to venting out your worries, journaling is also a good place to list out all the positives in your life that you’re grateful for.

9. Don’t Go Through Your Health Journey Alone

You can stay connected to friends and family, plan and coordinate meals, and experience love from any distance.

10. Get a Pet

Therapy animals are around for a reason. Our favorite furry friends provide many stress-relieving benefits when they cuddle us, learn a new trick or simply just look adorable. Whether you prefer a dog, cat, parakeet or fish, owning and loving a pet can be enormously beneficial. And if you’re thinking that you can’t take care of yet another thing, not to fear: these low-maintenance pets might change your mind.

11. Just Say ‘No’

Yep, you read that right. You are more than allowed to turn requests down if you feel that you’re getting overwhelmed with responsibilities and places you just have to be. When you say ‘no’ to adding another “to-do” on your list, you’re opening up an opportunity to have very important time for yourself. You are a priority, too!

12. Reclaim Your Identity

Spending time on your passions will help remind you that you are more than a caregiver. Try to take time at least once a day to engage in an activity that makes you feel most like yourself outside of your caregiving role. It can feel like you don’t even have time to wash your face at the end of a long day, much less take 30 minutes to yourself. But there are opportunities to carve out you-time every single day. If you leave for work, use your lunch hour to go outside and read a book or magazine. If you stay home, take time to play your favorite music or make dinnertime exciting by cooking a fun, new recipe. It’s the little things that make us who we are and it’s important not to forget about them.

13. Prioritize Your Own Medical Needs

Caregivers still have regular checkups and dentist appointments, just like anyone else. It can be easy to get so caught up in the medical treatment of your loved one that you forget that you actually share some of the same needs. Take note of any appointments you’ve missed or may need in the next few months, and if necessary, start enlisting help so that you can make your appointments without a hitch.

Also, don’t forget about therapy. It might not be for everyone, but therapy is a tool that’s definitely worth considering. Many therapists specialize in the managing and relieving of stress through means such as Progressive Relaxation Training, mindfulness-based techniques and more. To find out about the different types of therapy and which one might be right for you, talk to your doctor about your symptoms and discuss getting a referral.

14. Ask for (and Accept) Help

It’s ironic that the people who spend so much of their time and energy helping others often find it incredibly difficult to accept help themselves. Here’s what a couple caregivers said helped them with this:

Some other ideas on this: Make a to-do list and recruit others to pitch in to help with meal planning, trips to the pharmacy, walking the dog, watering plants… everything that goes with your caregiver role.

Home care providers, we hope this mini-series proved to be helpful. Until next time, know that we are your biggest fans and stand ready to assist in any way we can. Very warm best wishes from all of us here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care!


Three Part Mini-Series on “Caregiver Stress” – Episode #2

12 October 2022

Three Part Mini-Series on “Caregiver Stress” – Episode #2 - Winder, GA

Welcome back to the second of our three-part blog mini-series covering the subject of “Caregiver Stress”. We looked back on the calendar year 2022 to date and discovered that issues related to caregiver stress was a regular and recurring subject that those self-managing assisted living services at home and also memory care services at home.

Below we link to the first blog post on the subject. Here are the three different topics that we are covering:

If you are new here to our Gateway Gardens (Winder) Assisted Living and Memory Care Blog, you’ll soon discover our blog to be a fantastic free resource on ways to learn about assisted living care and memory care and help you both provide your loved one with quality care while helping maximize your quality of life along your loving journey.

So now, onto the causes of caregiver stress.

Causes of Caregiver Stress

Common causes of stress include financial strain, relationship role changes and lack of rest for the caregiver.

The financial aspect of caring for your loved one can be one of the most troubling for caregivers. But we can help you manage that. Caregivers often spend less money on leisure activities as a result with nearly half reporting a decrease in going out to eat or taking vacations due to the costs of caregiving.

Another cause of stress is the emotional impact that comes from a reversal of caregiving roles. If caring for a parent or an older sibling it can be quite disorienting to start taking responsibility for someone who was previously responsible for you.

Finally, many caregivers neglect to give themselves the additional rest necessary for good health, since their primary focus is often on their loved one. Providing frequent support for another human is essentially doubling the work our bodies are designed to do. We all have a finite amount of energy – both mental and physical – and when we refrain from taking regular breaks, we run on fumes and aren’t giving our own bodies what we need.

Remember: giving your own body and mind the care they need is one of the most important components of being a good caregiver.

Next up, we’ll conclude the mini-series with a discussion about managing caregiver stress. Until then, our very warm best wishes from all of us here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care!


Three Part Mini-Series on “Caregiver Stress” – Episode #1

10 October 2022

Three Part Mini-Series on “Caregiver Stress” – Episode #1 - Winder, GA

Welcome to the first edition of a three-part blog mini-series that will cover the subject of “Caregiver Stress”. We looked back on the calendar year 2022 to date and discovered that issues related to caregiver stress was a regular and recurring subject that those self-managing assisted living services at home and also memory care services at home.

Here are the three different topics that we will cover over the next three posts:

  • What is Caregiver Stress

  • What are the Causes of Caregiver Stress

  • What can you do to manage Caregiver Stress

If you are new here to our Gateway Gardens (Winder) Assisted Living and Memory Care Blog, you’ll soon discover our blog to be a fantastic free resource on ways to learn about assisted living care and memory care and help you both provide your loved one with quality care while helping maximize your quality of life along your loving journey.

What Exactly is Caregiver Stress?

Caregiver stress is the physical and emotional strain that results from providing continuous care for another person. When this stress is prolonged, it can cause serious physical and mental health problems for those providing the care.

Caregiver stress may be the precursor to the more severe caregiver burnout, though many of the symptoms overlap.

Symptoms of Caregiver Stress

As a family caregiver, it’s important to keep an eye out for any negative physical or emotional symptoms you experience, as these can lead to long-term damage. Physical signs that you might be experiencing caregiver stress include:

  • Frequent headaches or body aches

  • Always feeling tired

  • Sleeping too much or too little

  • Rapid weight gain or weight loss

  • Abusing alcohol, recreational drugs, or prescription medications

Emotional signs of caregiver stress include:

  • Moodiness – easily angered or irritated

  • Persistent sadness or hopelessness

  • Lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities

  • Feelings of loneliness or isolation from other people

It’s known that the long-term effects of stress can be detrimental to health. Long-term symptoms can include:

  • Serious mental health issues such as anxiety and depression

  • Weakened immune system

  • Digestive issues

  • Alcoholism or drug addiction

  • Increased risk for chronic diseases

  • Short-term memory loss and issues paying attention

If you or a loved one are exhibiting signs of caregiver stress, it’s important that you first talk to your doctor about ways to ease your symptoms. There are medications, holistic remedies, therapies and more that are designed to help.

Next up, we’ll discuss the causes of caregiver stress. Until then, our very warm best wishes from all of us here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care!


About Seniors and Knee Pain

3 October 2022

About Seniors and Knee Pain - Winder, GA

Our team of professional memory care and assisted living care providers here at Gateway Gardens in Winder are there for all of you, young and seasoned alike. Today’s blog offers “food for thought” pertaining to senior knee pain. Knee pain is so very common within the senior community. So, let’s talk about it.

There are a variety of activities that can contribute to knee pain as you get older. A lifetime of sports, injuries, running or arthritis are common culprits. Seniors with knee pain, in particular, know the years of wear and tear can take a toll and make mobility and flexibility more challenging.

Several conditions can also contribute to knee and joint issues for seniors:

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Injuries

  • Excess body weight

  • Lack of muscle strength

  • Limited flexibility

While many of these ailments are relatively common, there isn’t always an easy solution. If you’re wondering how to take care of your knees as you age, there are ways to work your leg muscles to minimize knee and joint pain without surgery or medication.

It’s always important to meet with your medical provider before starting a new exercise plan, primarily because, in some cases, surgery is an essential option. If your physician clears you for exercise, you can begin working toward healthier habits by using the following tips for how to take care of your knees:

  • Strengthen your leg muscles – Focus on exercises that target your hamstrings, quadriceps, hip flexors and gluteal muscles to help strengthen your upper and lower leg.

  • Work toward a healthier weight – Losing weight is one of the best ways to mitigate knee pain and help you live an overall healthier lifestyle. Even just a few pounds can make a significant difference.

  • Start with low-impact options – When starting an exercise routine as a senior, choose low-impact exercises. Select cardiovascular exercises like swimming or cycling that reduce strain on your knees to prevent any additional damage.

  • Aim for 30 minutes of exercise a day – Staying active can help you reduce knee stiffness and help encourage weight loss. Be sure to stretch before any workout to help prevent future injuries.

  • Change up your routine – Repetitive movements can put unnecessary pressure on your leg muscles and knee cartilage. When it comes to how to take care of your knees, keep trying new low-impact workouts.

We pride ourselves for being readily available to all of you and to apply our vast array of skill sets to help in any way we can. If you are considering a senior living community for yourself or a loved here in Winder, we invite you to come visit and see the thriving senior assisted living community here at Gateway Gardens in Winder and/or our loving memory care community here in Winder as well!


Helping Seniors Manage Rising Costs

28 September 2022

Helping Seniors Manage Rising Costs - Winder, GA

Welcome back to our blog page for our Winder-area assisted living and our Winder memory care community. We’re all feeling the pinch of rising costs due to inflation, but seniors are even more likely to worry about rising costs. Saving for retirement and closely managing your expenses are wise choices, but how do you ensure your money goes further when costs are at a 40-year high?

Make Smart Investments

Experts recommend adjusting your budget, cutting back on unnecessary spending, and making changes to your investment strategy. Small changes can make a big difference. Consider driving less to save on gas, postponing a vacation, and making lifestyle changes to stretch your retirement dollar.

Does your current home need costly repairs or maintenance? Are food, gas, and health care costs becoming too much to manage?

You may also be thinking about the costs associated with updating your home to make it more accessible. As you age, it may be more challenging to get up and down those flights of stairs or get in and out of your existing tub or shower.

HomeAdvisor reports that you could expect to spend $10,000 – $15,000 on average to update a bathroom and up to $50,000 to update a large master bathroom. Now could be a great time to consider the value that senior living offers.

Consider the Value of Senior Living

Forget about the costs of maintaining a home, updating it to fit your lifestyle, or making costly repairs. With stylish assisted living and memory care apartments, you pay one monthly rate—and your living expenses are included. From meals to housekeeping, activities, and even scheduled transportation, it’s all taken care of. Your senior living and memory care community comes complete with:

  • Passionate care staff to cater to your needs

  • Chef-quality dining

  • Housekeeping and personal laundry service

  • Clubs and activities to fill your calendar

  • Landscaped grounds and inviting common areas

  • Community events and excursions

  • Amenities that make life feel like a permanent vacation

Fighting rising costs doesn’t have to be daunting for seniors. Making wise investments in your care and lifestyle can have huge benefits now and in the future. Choosing assisted living at Gateway Gardens or Memory Care living here at Gateway Gardens means putting your health, wellness, and lifestyle preferences first. It’s also a great way to save on home costs with one affordable monthly rate.


The Benefits of Assisted Living and Memory Care

26 September 2022

The Benefits of Assisted Living and Memory Care - Winder, GA

Retirement can be a difficult time in life. You may find that you’re not as active or have health concerns, which means living on your own becomes harder. Daily tasks like cooking meals and doing laundry can become unwelcomed. Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care (Winder) offers senior care and helps make the transition into older age less daunting.

Eliminate Loneliness

As we age, it’s increasingly important to stay social and active. Unfortunately, nearly 25 percent of people over 65 experience loneliness and social isolation. This problem can lead to physical and mental issues like:

  • Chronic illness

  • Hearing loss

  • Depression and anxiety

  • A 50 percent increased risk of dementia

  • An increased chance of heart disease and stroke

Even seniors receiving home care services or companion care may not receive as much socialization as they need. Twenty-four percent of seniors said they would have liked to participate in more social, recreational, or group activities. These findings emphasize the importance of frequent social participation in maintaining the quality of life.

We understand that staying active in retirement isn’t always easy.

Older adults can enjoy their golden years to the fullest by staying connected.

Reduce Your Risk of Needing Nursing Home Care

We manage accessible living spaces and amenities that reduce the risk of falls and accidents. Comforting features such as walk-in showers, grab bars, and maintenance service aid this benefit.

Premier Assisted Living and Memory Care Awaits You

Assisted living apartments are perfect if you want the feel of community with the benefit of privacy and independence. Our assisted living community features beautiful outdoor spaces where our residents can enjoy time outside. Our memory care community is celebrated with our staff well trained in caring for Alzheimer’s and other memory impairment disorders. Our staff understand that the needs of each resident are as unique as the individual themselves.

The teams at our Winder Assisted Living Community and our Winder Memory Care community work with passion. We view our residents more as family than anything else. Come see for yourself what true senior and memory care compassion is about.


The Therapeutic Effect of Napping

21 September 2022

The Therapeutic Effect of Napping - Winder, GA

We’d like to share some keen insight regarding the subject of napping and how some scientists conclude that napping can help boost cognition. It is a professional obligation for the staff here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care (Winder) to exercise continuing education on the subjects of professional assisted living care services and professional memory care services, and continuing education for you at-home caregivers as well!

If you think naptime is for toddlers, think again. One study performed on a group of approximately 3,000 people ages 65 and older indicated that 60% of participants take a midday nap after lunch time. While in the past some scientists have advised against sleeping during the day, new research suggests napping can help boost our cognition. It turns out that a quick cat nap can benefit the brain, helping to improve learning and memory formation, regulate emotions and, finally, reduce grogginess.

But before you hit the hay during the day, there are a few things to consider. Not all naps are created equal, but there are ways you can help optimize your naptime.

Give In to the Nap

A typical circadian rhythm is programmed to help us stay wakeful during the daylight hours and gradually become sleepy at night. But feeling tired during the day doesn’t necessarily mean that your circadian rhythm is off. In fact, it’s common to have a bout of sleepiness in the mid-afternoon.

How to conquer that midday hump? One study gave participants three options for soothing their daytime sleepiness: getting more sleep at night, using caffeine or taking a nap. The most effective solution was the nap.

How to Nap Effectively

A nap may help to reduce sleepiness and increase your brain function, but only if you do it right. You can help maximize your naptime by following these tips:

Keep Naps Brief

In one study, researchers found that older adults who napped for 30 to 90 minutes demonstrated more signs of good cognition, from better word recall to improved figure drawing. However, those who napped for longer than 90 minutes didn’t show the same benefits.

Sleeping for too long during the day can backfire, increasing grogginess rather than making you feel more rested. According to the Sleep Foundation, the optimum nap time is 10 to 20 minutes, although some scientists suggest that naps up to 40 minutes can be restorative. While everybody’s sleep needs are different, the principle remains the same: the ideal nap lasts just long enough for your brain to get quality rest, but is short enough to avoid deep sleep cycles that can make you feel more tired.

Nap Early

While a nap can be refreshing, it can also make it harder to fall asleep at night if taken too late in the day. According to the Mayo Clinic, napping before 3 p.m. may help prevent interference with your nighttime snooze.

Of course, everyone’s sleep schedules are different, and older adults in particular may go to bed earlier in the evening (that’s because our circadian rhythms change as we age). With that in mind, 3 p.m. may not be the ideal time for you. The Sleep Foundation recommends timing your nap around the halfway point between the time you wake up and the time you go to sleep.

Keep Your Nighttime Sleep Regular

Your nighttime sleep quality is an important factor in daytime naps. A regular sleep schedule at night can be balanced with short, refreshing naps during the day. But if you’re struggling with lengthy bouts of sleep during waking hours, naps may not be the best solution.

Consider why you’re napping. Is it because you’re not getting enough rest at night? Lengthy daytime naps may be an indicator of poor nighttime sleep, and in older adults, long naps have been linked with an increased risk for diabetes, heart disease and depression.

If difficulty sleeping through the night is the cause of your midday snooze, it may help to follow tips to get better nighttime sleep. And if you’re like many older adults who struggle with insomnia, you may want to avoid naps altogether, as they can interfere with nighttime sleep.

All of us share common goals here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care. One of those goals is to continually educate the general public about a wide range of topics designed to enhance the quality of care provided to our local seniors. We hope today’s blog post on napping contributed to that.


Why Osteoporosis Can Be Dangerous for Older Adults

19 September 2022

Why Osteoporosis Can Be Dangerous for Older Adults - Winder, GA

Today’s blog post is targeted for our entire assisted living and memory care blog-reading community. Whether you are a beloved senior assisted living resident here at Gateway Gardens, a loving family member of a memory care service resident, or one of the many providing loving care of a senior loved one within your own home, continuing public education on senior health care issues is a passion. Our love for our seniors is why we get out of bed every morning. We hope today’s topic regarding Osteoporosis resonates to the benefit of your senior loved ones!

About Osteoporosis

There's more hope on the horizon for managing osteoporosis, a disease that can stop seniors in their tracks if they fracture a bone after falling. We’ve even heard of some extreme cases where seniors have broken their bones by sneezing or bumping into furniture!

Until recently, osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue, was considered an inevitable part of the aging process. Thankfully, there are now some innovative therapies, some of which may further increase bone mass, thereby cutting down the fracture risk in older adults.

Current medications for osteoporosis either slow the loss of bone breakdown or increase the rate of new bone formation. But these treatments can have serious side effects, so it's worth putting effort into prevention of the disease.

Who's at risk?

More than 53 million Americans over age 50 in the United States have been diagnosed with osteoporosis or have low bone mass. It’s often called the “silent disease” because some people don’t know they have it until they break a bone. Even those who haven’t suffered a fracture may live in constant fear of breaking a bone because the consequences can be life altering—typically, half the patients who fracture their hip do not fully recover their independence.

Osteoporosis hits women harder than men. For women, the risk of breaking a hip due to osteoporosis is equal to their risk of breast cancer, uterine cancer and ovarian cancer combined. Women are in greater danger because they generally have a smaller bone mass than men—women with small frames are particularly at risk, as are older women given that bone loss occurs rapidly during menopause.

Older men too have a greater chance of developing osteoporosis than younger ones. In addition to age and sex, race plays a role, with Caucasians, Asians, and Latinos more at risk than other racial groups. As well, those with a family history of osteoporosis stand a greater likelihood of developing this disease, and those who have been taking steroid medication for a long time are at risk of developing rapid and severe bone loss.

Lifestyle can also make a difference. For instance, those who do not consume enough calcium through food or supplements increase their chance of developing osteoporosis. Inactivity can also increase the likelihood of developing this condition, as bones build up in response to weight bearing and strength training exercises.

Other lifestyle factors that put people at risk include smoking and drinking more than one alcoholic drink per day for women or two for men.

How to help prevent osteoporosis

Although this may seem to paint a grim picture, please don’t waste time worrying about this disease—act instead. For starters, learn how you can prevent falls. If you're a woman over 65 or a man over 70, ask your doctor for a bone density test.

We also suggest that you look at improving your diet and upping your physical activity. Some factors, like your sex, age, or race—are not within your control. But your lifestyle choices certainly are.

As always, if you have any questions regarding professional senior assisted living or memory care services, contact us anytime.


Six Festive Fall Activities for Seniors

12 September 2022

Six Festive Fall Activities for Seniors - Winder, GA

By now, most of you know that we manage our Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care blog for the benefit of all of you at home in the Winder area caring for your loved one with senior assisted living needs and/or memory care challenges. We do this because you are neighbors and friends, but most importantly, because we view you as heroes. As professional care givers, we know the challenges that you face. And we want to do our part to help. Today we’re going to discuss how to welcome the changing of the season from Summer to Fall. We’ll give you all some Fall-season themed ideas to engage upon with your loved ones. We offer this while crediting dailycaring.com as the source for these ideas.

Enjoy fall-themed coloring pages

Coloring is an activity that everyone can enjoy, from the very young to the very old, as a solo activity or with others.

As an added bonus, psychologists say that coloring has stress-busting abilities similar to meditating.

There are hundreds of free, fall-themed coloring pages available online, here are some of our favorites:

  • Autumn scenes with people, trees/leaves, pumpkins, scarecrows, and squirrels

  • A variety of fun fall scenes including fall scenes and animals, trees/leaves, pumpkins/squash, and Halloween-themed pages

  • 24 fun Halloween designs including a few classic Disney characters

Work on a fall-themed jigsaw puzzle

Sitting at the table with a warm beverage and a festive puzzle is a great way to celebrate the season.

Here are some of our favorites:

  • Wildbird Gathering – beautiful birds in nature, a 35-piece sequenced puzzle with color coding to designed for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia

  • Good Companions – 100-piece puzzle, a group of cute and friendly pets

  • Lighthouse Park – 300-piece puzzle, a beautiful lighthouse surrounded by the sea and autumn trees

  • Central Park Paradise – 500-piece puzzle, a fall scene in New York’s Central Park with a stone bridge over a pond, horse and carriage, and trees with changing leaves

Prepare festive (and easy!) homemade treats

Baking, mixing, and assembly are fun activities that many older adults will enjoy.

Mmmm! Try these delicious and easy-to-make treats:

Enjoy the natural scenery and fresh air

Fall is a wonderful time to enjoy nature with your older adult.

Bundle up and breathe the fresh air, admire the beautiful colors on display, and hear the crunch of fallen leaves as you walk.

Be sure to wear face masks (unless it’s not safe for your older adult’s health conditions) and keep a safe distance from other people.

Adapt activities to suit different mobility levels:

  • Open a window to smell the fresh air and take in the scenery

  • Relax in the backyard or on the porch

  • Walk to the mailbox and back

  • Stroll a block or two in the neighborhood

  • Walk through a local park

Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Winder offers a wide range of care options that can help alleviate some of the stress, anxiety, and fatigue that come with caregiving on one’s own. We understand that taking care of aging loved ones can progress from slightly challenging to completely overwhelming in a matter of days, but we are here to support your family every step of the way. We offer senior assisted living and professional memory care services here in Winder and we will work with you to determine what is right for you and your loved ones. Now may be the time to have that discussion. Contact us today.


September is National Alzheimer’s Month and National Shake Month (Among Others)

7 September 2022

September is National Alzheimer’s Month and National Shake Month (Among Others) - Winder, GA

Hello everyone from your friends and neighbors here at Winder's Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care. Some of you might recall that in early August we produced an assisted living and memory care blog post focused on identifying the “national days” of August. We discussed the fact that many of you struggle to come up with new ideas on what to discuss and do with your assisted living loved ones or your memory care loved ones. We offered you a path to August’s “national days” for inspiration regarding how to plan quality time with your loved ones. We encourage you to revisit that post for new ideas this month.

Today we simply wish to refer you to “eventguide.com” where you can review the list of monthlong September observances. Take note that September 21 is “World Alzheimer’s Day” for those of you dealing with a loved one’s memory care struggles. Just so you know, our entire staff is fired up to learn that September is “National Shake Month”. Time to spend some precious moments with your loved ones at the local ice cream shop!

As always, if you ever have questions regarding professional assisted living services or professional memory care services, contact us anytime!


It’s Officially Senior “Fall” Season

6 September 2022

It’s Officially Senior “Fall” Season - Winder, GA

Labor Day is behind us. That means that the “fall season” is in full swing. We’re not referring to one of the four calendar seasons of the year (the Fall season officially starts on Sept 22), we’re talking about senior fall risk. We’re talking today about the risk of falls to your senior loved one under your care at home. Before we go on, realize that for any senior care question that you might have, we offer senior assisted living services and memory care support services and are ready to take your call anytime. OK, now on to senior fall risks and how to prevent them.

A fall can be life-changing, especially for seniors. We think it won’t happen, but falls remain the leading cause of injury and death among adults over 65. Whether it’s broken bones or a fractured skull, seniors are at high risk for orthopedic injury.

For the elderly, a fall can be much more serious than when it happens to a younger person. A senior can break a hip or develop a brain bleed with one fall. In fact, falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury. Older adults are five times more likely to be hospitalized with a fall.

Falls More Serious as We Age

As we age, our skeletons change. Our bone quality and density begin to decrease. Starting as early as 24 years old, our reaction times also start to lengthen, meaning we can’t correct ourselves as quickly as we used to. Our sense of balance also fades with aging.

These changes caused by normal aging set up the perfect storm for injury.

How can one ensure the golden years remain golden when the risk for falling is high? If you or your loved ones are over 65, it’s time to consider “senior proofing” your home and theirs. Whether you are caring for a parent or trying to maintain your own independence, prevention is the key to keeping seniors safe. A few simple steps can help keep you and your loved ones safe.

How To Prevent Falls

  • Remove hazards. During the day, take a good look at your walkways and clear the pathway. Because we are familiar with our homes, we tend to be less observant. Strive for wide-open walkways, free of clutter.

  • Install safety devices. Bathrooms can be dangerous when wet. A simple non-slip mat can create a more accessible surface for our feet to grip. Grab bars and handrails should also be considered in high-risk areas.

  • Light the way. Add a nightlight in dark areas such as bathrooms and hallways and keep a lamp within reach of your bed. A little extra light can make a big difference at night.

  • Work on balance. High-intensity exercise days are likely over, but seniors can benefit from group balance work such as yoga or tai chi classes. These also have the added benefit of socialization and community.

  • Talk to your doctor. Ask your doctor to evaluate your risk and help you develop a plan. Also, discuss your current medications to determine side effects and possible drug interactions.

  • Check your eyes. Like everything else, our eyesight changes with aging. Because other health issues can seem more pressing, it is easy for seniors to overlook an annual eye exam. Good eyesight is essential for maintaining balance.

  • Use an assistance device. You might not want to use a walker, but it beats not being able to get around independently. Find one that works for your lifestyle and situation if you need a device.

  • Use it or lose it. The tendency as we age is to become fearful of falling, so we tend to stop being active. Instead of preventing falls, this can hasten them and even make falls more serious than they would be otherwise. Remain active to maintain body muscle and balance which prevent falls.

Even with reasonable preventive measures, accidents can happen. If you are living at home alone or your partner can’t get to you quickly in an emergency, consider how you will be able to call 911 if you fall. Keeping a phone in your pocket or wearing an alarm device can be lifesaving.

If you fall, you will likely need to work with an orthopedic doctor and possibly a physical therapist. Together, they can help treat the injury and help you restore mobility.

At Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Winder, we know caring for an older adult brings joys and challenges. Our mission is to change the way the world ages. We provide seniors with quality care that enables them to live happier and healthier lives. Our services are distinguished by the caliber of our caregivers, the responsiveness of our staff and our expertise in Live-In care. We embrace a positive, balanced approach to aging centered on the evolving needs of older adults. For more information, contact us here at Gateway Gardens anytime!


Use Labor Day for A Self-Care Day

31 August 2022

Use Labor Day for A Self-Care Day - Winder, GA

Hello and welcome back to our Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care blog. Today we turn our focus to the upcoming Labor Day weekend and how all of you providing assisted living care and/or memory care support services to a loved one.

Labor Day is more than just an annual holiday that marks the end of summer. The original intent behind creating this federal holiday was to honor "the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, laws, and well-being of the country." And who are the often-overlooked workers that need to be included in the celebrations this year? Caregivers of aging parents.

Family caregivers are typically underappreciated and underpaid. In fact, according to data collected by the Family Caregiver Alliance, there are approximately 34.2 million people in America currently providing unpaid care to aging parents. The economic value of these services was found to total nearly $470 billion in 2013, and that number is expected to rise in coming years.

As someone caring for elderly parents, you can’t ever really take a day off...or can you? Here are some reasons why you should consider taking a break this Labor Day:

Caregiver Burnout Is Real

When you are caring for elderly parents on a regular basis, you run the risk of developing caregiver burnout if you don’t take time to recharge your batteries from time to time. Burnout can manifest itself in different ways, according to WebMd, including:

  • Withdrawal from friends and family

  • Increased irritability and anxiety

  • Feelings of hopelessness, sadness

  • Changes in sleep patterns

  • Lowered immune system, getting sick more often

  • Emotional and physical exhaustion

Caregiver burnout affects both your physical and emotional health, and can even lead to strained relationships with a spouse or close friends. But there is hope: caregiver burnout can be prevented by creating boundaries and carving out more time for yourself.

Practicing Self Care Can Help You Recharge

Self-care for caregivers is so important for your ability to care for aging parents over an extended period of time. Indulging in some “me-time,” whether that’s a long weekend at a bed and breakfast, a quiet hour to read a book, a commitment to exercising regularly or even just a warm bath at the end of a long day can help preserve your mental and emotional health when caring for elderly parents.

WebMd sums it up nicely, by reminding caregivers that “taking care of yourself is not a luxury; it is an absolute necessity if you're going to be an effective caregiver.”

All of us here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Winder do everything we can to make sure all seniors and their families feel comfortable, happy, and at ease as a cherished member of our community.


Learn the Warning Signs of Stroke

29 August 2022

Learn the Warning Signs of Stroke - Winder, GA

Hello dear residents, resident’s family, and the entire local community who are struggling through providing in-home assisted living or memory care services. This goes out to you whether you are or are not actively searching for professional assisted living or memory care services in and around Winder. Those of you who follow our assisted living and memory care blog know that we invest in all of you by offering the lessons learned of our entire highly trained, skilled, and loving staff.

Everyone needs to be aware of the signs of stroke and know exactly what to do when these signs appear. Americans suffer strokes at a rate of one every 40 seconds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nearly 75 percent of strokes occur in people aged 65 or older. However, age-related risk begins around age 55, and a stroke can happen at any age.

Strokes are categorized by their causes:

  • Nearly 87% of strokes are ischemic strokes, which are caused by blood clots or plaques that block blood vessels to the brain.

  • When a blood vessel in the brain bursts, damaging surrounding tissues, this is called a hemorrhagic stroke.

  • A mini-stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a stroke that lasts fewer than five minutes but still blocks blood flow to the brain. Such mini-strokes may also be a warning sign for future strokes.

During a stroke, brain cells can quickly become damaged. This is due to a lack of oxygen. Symptoms may first develop in parts of the body which are controlled by those damaged areas.

Understanding Stroke Risks

One’s lifestyle choices, health conditions, and family history can increase a person’s risk of stroke. Although some of these risk factors may be outside of your control, the CDC estimates that up to 80 percent of strokes may be prevented through lifestyle changes alone.

Health Conditions

Conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes may increase one’s risk of stroke. The chances of having a stroke are also higher for those who have already experienced a stroke or TIA.

Lifestyle Factors and Behaviors

Lifestyle and behavior factors that increase the risk of stroke are similar to those that increase one’s risk for heart disease. This includes physical inactivity, smoking tobacco, and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Nutritional factors are also a concern, as eating a diet high in cholesterol, sodium, and saturated fats can also increase a person’s risk of stroke.

Family History and Genetics

A stroke can occur at any age. However, after age 55, a person’s chance of stroke doubles nearly every decade. Strokes occur more frequently in women than men, and race or ethnicity — especially for Black, Hispanic, American Indian, and Alaska Native individuals — may heighten stroke risk as well. One’s family stroke history and certain genetic disorders such as sickle cell disease may also increase risk. Knowing your family’s history of stroke may help you take preventative actions earlier on.

5 Common Indicators of Stroke

Become more familiar with these five common stroke indicators and empower yourself to save your own life – or the life of someone near you.

  1. Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg. The sensation may be contained to only one side of your body.

  2. Difficult speaking or trouble understanding speech. One may also experience a sudden sense of confusion or disorientation.

  3. Vision loss which comes on unexpectedly. This may occur in one or both eyes.

  4. Trouble walking, unexplained dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination. This symptom, too, can manifest quite quickly.

  5. Severe headache or brief loss of consciousness.

If you or someone near you experiences any of these signs, call 911 immediately. Medical professionals will need to make an assessment and begin treatment as needed.

Remember that fast, professional treatment is key for ensuring the best outcomes in the event of a stroke. Do not drive yourself or someone else to the hospital who may be experiencing a stroke. Your best course of action to treat yourself or the person with you is to dial 911 and request an ambulance.

Act “F.A.S.T.” to Assess a Stroke

Every minute counts when it comes to a stroke. This easy to remember assessment from the American Stroke Association can help you determine if you (or a person near you) is experiencing a stroke. Most successful stroke treatment occurs within the first three hours after symptom onset. Commit the stroke acronym F.A.S.T. to your memory. It could help save a life.

  • F — Face Drooping
    Do you notice a drooping in the person’s face? Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face feel numb or droopy or does the smile appear lopsided?

  • A — Arm Weakness
    Ask the person to lift both arms up. When they do, do they indicate that one arm feels numb? Does the arm drift downward?

  • S — Speech Difficulty
    Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence such as stating their name and address. Do they have difficulty repeating this sentence? Is their speech slurred?

  • T — Time to Call 911
    If the person displays any of these symptoms, call 911 to get them professional treatment immediately.

We hope you benefit, are encouraged, educated, and enjoy our blogging efforts. When the time comes for you to seek a consult regarding caring for your loved one’s professional assisted living or professional memory care services, please know that Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care in Winders stands ready to improve the quality of both you and your loved one’s lives. Call us!


Changing the Stigma of Alzheimer’s Disease

24 August 2022

Changing the Stigma of Alzheimer’s Disease - Winder, GA

Today five million people in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer’s disease and related memory loss. As our population ages, that number will increase. Appropriate support services and environments such as those that residents of Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care here in Winder enjoy, help them make the most of their remaining abilities. We ensure each unique person participates in the community and thrive upon social interaction and engagement even as the disease progresses. “I’m still me!” we hear many people with memory loss say, even as their needs and abilities change.

Yet studies show that people with dementia often feel excluded from everyday life, and this is largely due to the unfortunate stigma associated with the disease. Sadly, some people avoid a friend who’s been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Family, too, can experience the effects of this prejudice. Friends and even some family members sometime avoided you and don’t want to talk about your loved one’s condition.

This stigma is based on ignorance. Studies disprove so many myths about Alzheimer’s disease. For example, many people assume that people with dementia are miserable. Yet studies show many people with early-stage Alzheimer’s report having an improved outlook on life! University of Kentucky researcher Dr. Gregory Jicha noted that while depression, denial, and despair might come with the diagnosis, many people he studied expressed an appreciation and acceptance of life, lessened concern about failure, and strengthened relationships.

It’s important to fight this stigma, as we would any prejudice. Negative attitudes harm the quality of life and even stand in the way of a prompt diagnosis, and the best advance planning.

Change is possible. People with dementia and their allies are working to improve the attitudes of the public. More public programs and resources seek to support and meet the needs of people with dementia, and to create appropriate opportunities for people with and without memory loss to interact in ways that break down barriers.

A group of people in the Alzheimer’s Association National Early-Stage Advisory Group offered these suggestions about how people with memory loss can help combat the stigma:

  • Be open and direct. Engage others in discussions about Alzheimer’s disease and the need for prevention, better treatment, and an eventual cure.

  • Communicate the facts. Sharing accurate information is key to dispelling misconceptions about the disease. Whether a pamphlet or a link to online content, offer information to help people better understand Alzheimer’s disease.

  • Seek support and stay connected. It is important to remain engaged in meaningful relationships and activities. Whether they’re family, friends, or a support group, a network is critical.

  • Don’t be discouraged. Myths about the disease are not a reflection of you. See this as an educational opportunity.

  • Be a part of the solution. Advocate for yourself and millions of others by speaking out and raising awareness.

Family and allies are also vital to fighting this prejudice! They can focus on their loved one’s remaining abilities and advocate for them with information, the best way to dispel prejudice. At Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care, we can attest that each resident is a unique individual. The goal of our community is to allow each resident to feel valued, successful, peaceful, cared for, and loved.


How to Qualify a Care Team for Your Senior or Memory Care Loved One

22 August 2022

How to Qualify a Care Team for Your Senior or Memory Care Loved One - Winder, GA

As always, welcome back to our senior living & memory care blog where it is our passion to assist our assisted living residents and family, our memory care residents and family, and of course to all of you at-home caregivers as well.

Some of you at-home care givers simply need a break from caregiving and have a hard time both finding and building trust with prospective temporary care givers. While this blog post is primarily focused upon how to qualify professional care providers like us here at Winder's Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care, many of the same considerations apply to you at-home care providers, and we hope this helps you as well.

How do I qualify a care team to take care of my loved one?

“How do I qualify a professional care team to take care of my loved one?” This is a question we hear often when a person is searching for the best situation for their senior loved one’s care needs but are struggling with guilt and uncertainty.

When considering a move to assisted living or memory care, it is important to get to know the people caring for your loved one. Ask about team culture. Take the time to share a bit of yourself with the care team. You may find they become a valued friend to you and your family.

The caregivers who care for your loved one spend a lot of quality time with them, quickly becoming a care partner with them. However, for family members who do not have that same quality time, there are still ways to connect with care teams so that you can feel secure in the care decisions for your loved one.

ON THE TOUR

The first part of feeling comfortable with making a care decision is in the tour process. You will have time to see how care teams engage with current residents. The following ideas may help you in your decision process as to whether the community you are touring is the right fit for your loved one:

How are the caregivers engaging with the residents? Do you see a friendly familiarity? Are they respectful?

Say hello to a caregiver and ask a question of them! When touring, if you see an opportune time, introduce yourself to a care team member, housekeeper, or server. Ask them about ways that they get to know their residents and how they personalize their care.

Discuss with the administrator what the company culture is like there at the community. A happy team is often a sign of an engaging community.

AS YOU VISIT

Once you have made the decision for a care community, you have several opportunities to connect with your loved one’s care partner. Some suggestions:

When you visit, check in to see which care members are caring for your loved one. Get to know them by name, talk to them about your loved one’s care, and take a little time to get to know them (as they are able, of course.)

Go to events! Join caregivers, residents, family members, and the rest of the staff at community activities and events. It is a great way to see the engagement and to get to know those who care for your loved one.

Take part in care meetings. Care meetings are your opportunity to truly create a partnership with the care team and overall care plan for your loved on.

We are so proud that our team of professionals at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Winder goes the extra mile to make sure our seniors and memory care residents are safe, comfortable, and happy. Come see for yourself!


Ways to Stay Connected with Your Loved One Here at Gateway Gardens

17 August 2022

Ways to Stay Connected with Your Loved One Here at Gateway Gardens - Winder, GA

When a parent or older loved one moves into an Assisted Living or Memory Care Community like ours here at Gateway Gardens, it is very important that family members and friends maintain the same level of connection with them that existed previously. Both our assisted living community and our memory care community are very supportive of this, as it plays a huge role in the overall well-being of their residents.

Let’s look at five great ways to stay physically and emotionally connected with your loved one here at Gateway Gardens.

  • Sharing Memories
    Reminiscing over special family memories, such as weddings, birthdays, vacations, and other joyful experiences is a great way to keep the family bond strong. When you visit your loved one, bring in photo albums, videos from your phone or other mementos that will bring happiness to everyone involved.

  • Utilize Technology
    In today’s digital age, technologies such as FaceTime are a fantastic way to visit with loved ones, even if a family member is out of state. In addition to speaking to someone over the phone, being able to see them on live video makes the experience even more special. Showing your loved one videos on your phone of other family members, sporting events or other special occasions is a simple but very powerful way to keep everyone connected.

  • Take Advantage of Local Attractions
    If your parent or older loved one is capable of it, take them out for lunch or dinner at a local restaurant. Also, visiting a local park and enjoying the outdoors can do wonders for the mind and spirit. Events don’t have to be complicated or far away for family members to enjoy spending time together.

  • Enjoy a Meal Together at Their/Our Community
    While dining out is always an enjoyable experience, here at Gateway Gardens, we encourage friends and family members to visit their loved ones to enjoy a meal together on property. We offer delicious food in a relaxed and comfortable setting and there is plenty of room for everyone.

  • Going for a Drive
    Taking a drive together in the car is another great way to enjoy lively conversation as you take in beautiful scenery. It will give your loved one the chance to see something new and catch up on the latest news about everyone in the family.

To discuss this topic further or to discuss any question concern regarding assisted living or memory care services, contact us here at Gateway Gardens.


Early Onset Alzheimer’s Can Happen in Your 40’s?

15 August 2022

Early Onset Alzheimer’s Can Happen in Your 40’s? - Winder, GA

Greetings once again to our faithful blog readers, cherished assisted living residents, memory care residents, and family members all! Over the past few weeks, we’ve had the privilege to consult a couple of callers concerned about their relatively young spouse exhibiting concerning cognizant behavior. One spouse was in his mid-40’s, the other mid 50’s. They both assumed away even a remote notion of Alzheimer’s setting in. They were completely uninformed about the subject of early onset Alzheimer’s. So today, we hope to get you all informed on this very subject.

Before diving into details regarding the later stages of early onset Alzheimer’s, let’s get clear on what the disease is. Early onset Alzheimer’s, also referred to as younger onset Alzheimer’s, affects individuals under age 65. Typically, these individuals are in their 40s and 50s. They often have careers, they may have children, and they may potentially be caregivers themselves.

Less common than late onset Alzheimer’s, early onset Alzheimer’s, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, currently affects 200,000 people in the United States.

As the Alzheimer’s Society describes, the earliest symptoms of early onset Alzheimer’s are linked to:

  • Problems with vision.
  • Difficulties with speech.
  • Challenges in planning and decision-making.
  • Changes in behavior.

Although dementia is a progressive disease and worsens over time, the time it takes to progress varies depending on the individual. For some people, Alzheimer’s progresses rapidly, while it takes years to reach an advanced stage for others.

Now that you know, if you or a relatively young loved one displays such symptoms, talk to your doctor. Know that all of us here at Winder's Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care are here for you.


Who is a Good Candidate for Assisted Living?

10 August 2022

Who is a Good Candidate for Assisted Living? - Winder, GA

From all of us here at Winder's Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care, we appreciate the positive feedback from our assisted living and memory care blog readers regarding the practical utility of our blog messaging. Many of our readers are at home taking care of their loved one’s Assisted Living support needs and/or their Memory Care support requirements. We are honored and humbled to lend a hand via our weekly blog posts. Today, let’s define for you who is a good candidate for professional assisted living support services.

Determining if assisted living is right for your loved ones can be an overwhelming decision, but we’re here to help make it as easy and clear as we can. A few questions you can ask are:

  1. Can the potential assisted living resident walk around on their own without much help?
  2. Does the potential assisted living resident have a chronic condition or require insulin?
  3. Does the potential assisted living resident require medical attention on an on-going basis?
  4. Does the potential assisted living resident require rehabilitation for post-surgical procedures?
  5. Does the potential assisted living resident have early signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s?

Depending on level of care needed, each assisted living resident has the ability to select specific services to help them day-to-day. When considering the future of long-term care for you or your loved one, our assisted living community here at Winder's Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care is a great place to start. We deliver a solid foundation of care for assisted living residents allowing them to maintain maximum independence.


Why Lighting Strategies Inside Your Home are Critically Important to Your Memory Care Loved One

8 August 2022

Why Lighting Strategies Inside Your Home are Critically Important to Your Memory Care Loved One - Winder, GA

We appreciate the positive feedback from all of us here at Winder's Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care regarding the practical utility of our blog. It is now August, and the increasing heat index can be deadly for the young and senior alike. But summer danger is not restricted to the outside. While long days of sunlight are generally welcomed, there are reasons for at-home caregivers to be vigilant about summer safety for memory care loved ones inside the home.

The safety of our cherished residents in our top concern, and it should be for all of you at-home care givers as well. We feel a heartfelt responsibility to freely share our professional knowledge regarding professional assisted living and memory care support. So today, we’ll talk about the critical importance of proper lighting inside your home during both day and night.

There are several common problems experienced by those with dementia. We will discuss two:

  • Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep at night as well as difficulty staying awake during the day.
  • Sundowning, characterized by increased agitation, restlessness or confusion in the afternoons and early evenings.

Humans have a circadian rhythm, controlling when we sleep and when we are awake. This is mainly regulated by environmental factors such as the level of light that reaches the back of the eye, as well the times of mealtimes and level of activity during the day. Studies have shown a decrease of activity in the part of the brain that controls this rhythm in the elderly. As a result, they are less reactive to this process.

It has been found that persons with dementia spend as much as 40% of the night awake and a large portion of the day asleep. One of the negative results of this change of sleep patterns is the increased risk of falling, as these persons may get up during the night in low light conditions. It also leads to a reduced participation in physical, social and cognitive activities during waking hours.

There are many different theories as to why sundowning occurs. One of the reasons may be that less light reaches the back of the eye due to changes in the brain associated with dementia, causing the person to have a misinterpretation of shadows and objects around the home. This, coupled with the fact that many people with dementia develop tunnel vision, is a recipe for confusion. The changes in the brain can cause the person to interpret the change in light levels in the afternoon and early evening as a very sudden change in light levels. In rare cases, sundowning may also lead to aggression.

Proper light levels in the home help to address both of these conditions. Bright light exposure during the day has been shown to increase daytime wakefulness, improve night-time sleep and reduce evening agitation.

The general guidelines state that bright light (approximately 1000 lux, but no less than 600 lux) during the day stimulates the circadian rhythm. Natural light can contribute to orientate a person to the time of day.

It is especially important to ensure that corridors/hallways have proper lighting to reduce the risk of falls and to prevent shadows or dark spots that may be misinterpreted.

At night, it is recommended that night lights (if used) should not exceed 60 lux, as this can interrupt sleep. White light from screens or bright lights should be avoided at bedtime, as this disrupts the secretion of melatonin, the hormone that aides in sleep.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding how to provide both loving and safe care for your memory care loved one, contact Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care here in Winder.


Happy August: Do You Know What Today’s “National Day” Is?

3 August 2022

Happy August: Do You Know What Today’s “National Day” Is? - Winder, GA

Hello everyone from your friends and neighbors here at Winder's Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care. We know that many of you struggle to come up with new ideas on what to discuss with your assisted living loved ones or your memory care loved ones. And we get it. Such “roadblocks” are not unique to our relationships with our elders. So, we have an idea for you to consider.

Visit and bookmark this link to NationalDayCalendar.com. Did you know that “National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day” is in this first week of August? Grab Mom, take here to the store, buy the necessary ingredients for the cookies (don’t forget the milk!), take her home, and make cookies together. If you are geographically separated from her, just call and say “Happy Chocolate Chip Cookie Day”. Let your lovely conversation with her go from there.

In the second week of August, we celebrate “National Family Day”. While we all may not need a reminder to focus on our family, sometimes we get caught up in the business of life. Perhaps there’s never time for the whole family to be together. Occasionally, we realize one family member, or another needs more attention. Time slips by, and we need to check in on a parent or an elderly relative.

There you go. Thirty-one days and countless ways to celebrate life with your loved ones. As always, if you ever have questions regarding professional assisted living services or professional memory care services, contact us anytime!


Addressing Grief Associated with Memory Impairment Diagnosis

1 August 2022

Addressing Grief Associated with Memory Impairment Diagnosis - Winder, GA

If you have been diagnosed with memory impairment, stop and realize that you are not alone and that you are loved. Consider all of us here at Winder's Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care to be a ready, empathetic, loving, and professionally experienced resource for you.

The level of grief associated with memory loss, both for the person with the impairment and for the caregivers, can be unexpected. These complicated feelings are valid and should be acknowledged to heal. Here are four strategies for coping with the grief associated with a memory impairment diagnosis:

Communicate With Your Loved Ones

The five stages of grief are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Consider that you and your loved ones may be at different points in your grief journey and that acceptance may never fully happen. To ease the process, keep communication open and transparent with everyone involved. Compartmentalizing your emotions may also help you focus on the positive moments while you’re together, while carving out time for processing the loss after your visit.

Acknowledge the Stress and Sadness

When memory impairment begins to take its toll, grief and loss can feel overwhelming. Everyone copes with sadness in different ways, so it’s important to find the coping mechanisms that work best for caregivers and for a loved one experiencing memory loss. Acknowledge the stress and sadness that might be weighing you down, and focus on moving forward to enjoy time together. Start with identifying triggers that produce discomfort and implement habits to reduce stress levels.

Be Patient with Yourself and Your Loved Ones

Memory impairment can drastically change the parameters of a relationship, reversing the roles of who takes care of whom. Acclimating to a transition of power like this may take some time for everyone involved. Memory issues can also make you feel a loss of connection with your loved ones. Make time to vocalize the re-framing of your relationship and remain patient while you discover new connections.

Do Some Research and Find a Community

There is a wealth of knowledge on the internet and in print material about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Our assisted living and memory care blog is a perfect example. People who experience memory impairment may process their grief and cope with their situation in different ways. Researching the science and psychology behind memory impairment will help caregivers understand and empathize with their loved one’s emotional reactions.

If you’re looking for professional assistance, our caregivers and staff are always happy to talk about the challenges you or your loved one are facing. Learning successful methods from experienced caregivers may provide families with the methods they need to keep loved ones comfortable.

We Are Here to Help

Memory impairment brings with it a sea of new emotions and experiences for both caregivers and loved ones suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Communicating and acknowledging your feelings of loss, being patient with yourself, and learning from a community of supporters are just four small ways to reduce stress as you move through the grief cycle.

If you are ready to speak to a professional, Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care can help answer your questions and provide the resources you’re looking for.


Helping Your Memory Care Loved One Via Single-Minded Tasks

27 July 2022

Helping Your Memory Care Loved One Via Single-Minded Tasks - Winder, GA

If you follow our blog, you know that we take great pride in helping you, our neighbors here in Winder who lovingly provide at-home assisted living care and/or memory care support to your loved ones. We know that along with your deep love for your memory care loved one, comes frustration in your unwavering commitment to their health and happiness. Today we’re going to focus on “single-minded tasks”, a process that you might try to help him or her achieve heightened levels of happiness.

Single-minded tasks are a great way to assist your loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease as they tackle day-to-day activities. Though the tasks may take longer to complete, your loved one may respond positively to having a sense of control in familiar situations. Take some time to adapt the activities they previously enjoyed, alone or with others, to their individual level of capacity.

Paying Attention

You may have noticed your loved one now needs help with tasks that once were second nature to them. There is a lot that changes with Alzheimer’s or dementia, including memory loss, mood swings, social withdrawal, and more. It may be tempting to jump in and take over in the areas they are struggling with, but it is more important to maximize their independence, both for your relationship and for their self-esteem.

Establish Routines

The repetitive nature of a routine provides a predictability that can be especially satisfying for people experiencing memory or cognitive issues. Single-minded, familiar tasks are easier to complete, bringing a sense of accomplishment and helping them connect with who they were before experiencing the challenges of memory loss.

Explore activities from your loved one’s past that they can accomplish on their own – washing dishes, organizing the mail, watering the plants – and establish a routine that allows them to have personal autonomy in those areas. When starting a new routine, utilize notes or lists to passively help your loved one remember what comes next.

Avoid Multitasking Activities

Did you know multitasking makes your brain work harder, regardless of memory difficulties?

People with Alzheimer’s disease need more time to focus deeply on one thing without distraction before moving on to a second task. Asking them to complete two things at once can create confusion and agitation.

For example, if you ask your loved one to put on their coat, grab an umbrella, and turn off the light, they may get stuck on one request and forget the rest. Instead, ask them to put on their coat, wait for them to complete it, and then move on to the next request. Though it may take longer to get out the door, each task they complete is an exercise for their mind and body, and allows them to operate independently with minimal assistance.

Find a Supportive Environment

Choosing the right environment for your loved one can make all the difference. Our memory care community is specially designed with residents’ safety in mind, while also promoting an appropriate level of independence. With the assistance of medical staff, memory care and assisted living facilities can provide your family with peace of mind and your loved one with the support they need.

We are Here to Help

If you are ready to speak to a professional, Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care here in Winder can help answer your questions and provide the resources you’re looking for. Contact us anytime.


Resident Lifestyles Inspired From Within

25 July 2022

Resident Lifestyles Inspired From Within - Winder, GA

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from professionally serving seniors, it’s that they are all unique. Here at Winder's Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care, time has taught us to never underestimate the power of the individual.

Today’s senior has evolved away from the one-size-fits-all model. Savvy older adults are wanting more control over their lives and are demanding convenience and choice. That’s why the Manor Lake philosophy is to create a lifestyle completely customized to each individual’s needs.

It starts by asking a lot of questions when residents first move to one of our communities. We then aim to suit each individual’s style and needs and encourage aspirations. Resident needs are at the heart of whatever we do. We’re united for you – the individual – and your best interests.

TELL US YOUR STORY. WE’LL MEET YOUR NEEDS.

Once you move into our community, we’ll ask plenty of questions to get to know you so we can make your life right for you in every way.

Think of it as a senior needs assessment – only more personal. It’s customized with details that pertain only to you. This collection of facts, preferences and stories about your life will form both the basis of our friendship with you and your lifestyle plan. This information is then used to create a uniquely relevant experience for you, where your needs are met in a style that suits you.

You want to eat lunch in your room instead of the dining room? Done. Would you like to invite a friend for tea and cookies in the lobby? Will that be hot tea or iced? Do you want your haircut appointment to be every other Wednesday or every single Thursday?

WHAT DO OLDER PEOPLE NEED?

Learning more about your history, priorities and unmet needs helps us identify the programs, amenities and services that will best support your lifestyle. It also helps us enhance our assisted living active lifestyle offerings for every member of our community.

Whether your focus is upon assisted living support services or memory care support services, know that we are, and will always be, just a phone call away. Contact us anytime.


Caregiver Tips

18 July 2022

Caregiver Tips - Winder, GA

Hello and welcome back to our Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care blog. Today we turn our focus to all of you at-home care givers who looking for inspiration and strength to carry on in your assisted living care and/or your memory care support services. We’re here for you.

One of the most important things you can do as you walk this path is take care of YOU. Believe me, it’s easier said than done, but it really is important to stay healthy, that is mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. As you watch your parent sink into the depths of dementia, it will consume you. You are fighting with the devil, and you will not enjoy many victories along the way. That said, what you can do, is stay alert, stay strong, stay healthy. Here are some at-home caregiver suggestions to keep you going:

  • Meditate daily for at least 15 minutes.
  • Take a vacation when/if you can. Do not feel bad about leaving your parent (just make sure you leave them in the care of a responsible caregiver).
  • Take a day trip. Again, same rules as above apply in terms of finding a responsible parent-sitter, etc.
  • Find a hobby. Join a book, hiking, running/walking, or photo club, that is anything that’s social and lets you mingle with others (remember, there is life beyond dementia).
  • Find a support group. The Alzheimer’s Association in your area can help you with this.
  • Take long walks whenever you can (I would take my mom with me and it seemed to help mellow her out, too).
  • Join a gym or hit up the YMCA.
  • Go for a run.
  • Try to eat healthy foods.
  • Look for an adult daycare center for your parent. Contact the Alzheimer’s Association for information. They should be able to help you out.
  • Find out if you and/or your parent qualify for Medicaid. If you do qualify, this can help off-set future costs. An eldercare lawyer can point you in the right direction.
  • Talk to your spiritual leader. Sometimes, you just need to wrap your head around WHY.
  • Seek out respite care. Check out the National Alliance for Caregiving. They should be able to point you in the right direction.
  • Become an advocate with the Alzheimer’s Association. There isn’t much you can do to change your circumstances, but by becoming an advocate, your voice will be heard.

All of us here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Winder do everything we can to make sure seniors and their families feel comfortable, happy, and at ease as a cherished member of our community. Give our team of senior care and memory care professionals a call today or schedule a tour anytime!


Foods and Activities that Contribute to Forgetfulness

13 July 2022

Foods and Activities that Contribute to Forgetfulness - Winder, GA

Whether you are a faithful subscriber to our senior assisted living and memory care blog or have arrived us for the very first time, we are guessing your age is somewhere in your forties or older. People in their teens are locked down in their Twitter and Tic Toc accounts. People in their thirties and raising families and have relatively young parents. People in their forties have aging parents and they themselves might be starting to question their very own level of forgetfulness. Now, we don’t want to be Debbie Downers here today with you, but we do have some news that won’t settle well with any of you (and that includes yours truly, the author of this blog post). Some foods are particularly bad as they can contribute to forgetfulness regardless of your age. It’s all about Oxygen.

Foods that Deplete Oxygen

There are things that people put in their bodies that limit the amount of oxygen getting to the brain, causing it to operate at less than full capacity. Smoking has this effect and so does eating certain foods. Human body cells naturally lose their ability to carry oxygen as people age, which is why it’s important to choose foods that do not contribute to oxygen depletion.

So, here it is folks. The following foods use more oxygen than they provide:

  • Hamburgers
  • Processed sugar
  • White flour
  • Pizza
  • French fries

To be clear, you senior assisted living care team and your memory care support team here at Gateway Gardens are not “outlawing” these food favorites. However, if you and/or your loved ones at home eat these foods regularly, should offset the ill effects by increasing your vegetable and fresh fruit daily. By default, if you do this, you’ll eat fewer hamburgers and pizza.


Senior Dietary Deficiencies Home Care Providers Must Know About

11 July 2022

Senior Dietary Deficiencies Home Care Providers Must Know About - Winder, GA

If you are a subscriber or frequent viewer of our assisted living and memory care blog, you know that here at Winder's Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care, we take great pride in our holistic approach to managed care. We invest heartfelt time and energy managing this senior care blog for the purpose of assisting those of you at-home senior care providers to help you deliver the best care possible. We want all of you to consider us a ready resource for information and advice that is intended to help improve your quality of life as well.

So, today let’s talk about the most common dietary deficiencies effecting today’s seniors who are not serviced by professional senior assisting living or memory care community living support. As our loved ones grow older, they start to expend less energy and require fewer calories as compared to the past. This means that eating foods that are healthy and nutritious are very important for the elderly as every calorie counts. However, it may be challenging to get enough nutrients to prevent dietary deficiencies like mineral or vitamin deficiencies. Read on to find out more about the most common dietary deficiencies!

Why do Mature Adults Have Mineral and Vitamin Deficiency?

There are several reasons to why mature adults are more prone to vitamin and mineral deficiency. Firstly, as people age, their bodies do not absorb nutrients as well as before, thus putting them at risk of nutrient deficiency. Furthermore, some medications that they are required to take end up interfering with the body’s capability to absorb vitamins and minerals.

With age, their teeth also become weaker, and some even lose their teeth. This makes it difficult for them to consume certain types of foods that are rich in nutrients, such as vegetables and fruits. Furthermore, as their mobility decreases, it may be hard for them to make grocery runs frequently to stock up on nutrient-dense foods.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient in our body and is needed for the body to construct the DNA in our cells. However, with age, vitamin B12 is absorbed less efficiently into the body. A deficiency of vitamin B12 in the body can lead to pernicious anemia. Some symptoms to look out for include vision that is blurred, breathlessness or dizziness, fatigue or weakness, issues with walking, an inflamed tongue, tingling sensations in the feet and the hands, mood swings, or changes in memory.

Calcium Deficiency

Calcium is another important nutrient in the body that is in charge of keeping the teeth and bones healthy and strong. Men over 70 years old and women over 50 years old are more prone to calcium deficiency as the body is less able to absorb calcium properly with age. This could also be linked to a lack of vitamin D. If the body is deficient in calcium, it will start absorbing calcium from the teeth and bones and could lead to osteoporosis and weak bones in the future.

Vitamin D Deficiency

To maintain a strong immune system, the body will need sufficient vitamin D to help the nerves and muscles in the body do their jobs. Vitamin D can also help the body have a more efficient absorption of calcium. A vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common vitamin deficiencies in America.

As people age, it is important to ensure the body remains healthy and strong by giving it the nutrients it needs. Feel free to contact us to find out more about our senior living and memory care communities!


Summertime Safety Tips for Home Senior and Memory Care Support Providers

6 July 2022

Summertime Safety Tips for Home Senior and Memory Care Support Providers - Winder, GA

In our continuing effort to support those of you who lovingly support your senior loved ones, our team of Winder-area assisted living and Winder-area memory care professionals thought it would be wise to again share eight facts you should know about summer and senior care. We want all of you at-home care providers to fully understand that older adults are especially susceptible to heat-related injuries and heat stroke.

So, senior caregivers, please consider and take heed knowing that:

  • Older adults may experience sunburn quicker because of changes in skin texture. Sunburn makes it more difficult to stay cool. Use sunblock (SPF 30 or greater) when outdoors for prolonged periods of time, even on cloudy days.
  • Asphalt and concrete can reach up to 40 degrees hotter than the air temperature, and remains hotter than the air well into the night. Avoid prolonged exposure to the city's streets and sidewalks. Also, sometimes seniors don’t realize the threat that super-heated concrete has upon their beloved pets.
  • It may be more difficult for older adults to sense elevations in temperature and for their bodies to cool down. Anticipate change by turning on air conditioning systems or other ventilators when entering a room and taking off extra layers of clothing when going outside. This is especially important for older adults with memory disorders.
  • Medications for chronic conditions can contribute to heat-related injuries. Make sure you ask your physician if any of your medications might put you at increased summertime risk.
  • Headaches, nausea and weakness are all signs of heat exhaustion. Everyone should stay hydrated by drinking water or sports drinks. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you.
  • Heat stroke can be fatal. Heat waves kill more Americans than any other type of natural disaster. Older adults should always have a family member friend, neighbor or home health aide who can check up on them regularly.
  • High blood pressure, diabetes, obesity memory disorders and psychiatric illness all increase the risk of heat stroke. Encourage your senior loved one to drink plenty of fluids even if they do not feel thirsty. If you have a heart condition, consult your physician regarding your fluid intake.
  • Muscle cramps, dizziness, clammy skin and rapid heartbeat may be heat-related conditions. When temperatures begin to reach extreme highs, slow down, stay in the coolest place available and reduce or eliminate all strenuous activities.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding how to provide both loving and safe care for your senior loved one, contact Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care here in Winder.


Helping Assisted Living and Memory Care Loved Ones Celebrate the 4th of July

29 June 2022

Helping Assisted Living and Memory Care Loved Ones Celebrate the 4th of July - Winder, GA

The 4th of July is a very special day on the American calendar. As such, there is no reason that anyone who wants to celebrate it should be prevented from doing so. Here at Winder's Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care, we work hard to make sure that this extends to all our cherished residents. For you caregivers at home, sometimes figuring out how to make it fun for your assisted living or memory care loved one can be hard. Here we look at some ways of facilitating that.

There are two categories for holiday activities: a) those that take place outdoors and b) those that take place indoors.

Outdoor activities

For those who enjoy the outdoors, remember the following:

  • Make sure there is always enough shade and a comfortable place to sit.
  • Keep everybody, especially the elderly, always hydrated, and encourage frequent bathroom breaks.
  • Keep the time at any activity to a minimum, especially for those with degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, as agitation is common.

Indoor activities

For those who would rather stay indoors, consider these activities:

  • Karaoke is always a good time, especially with oldies songs that they really love. Karaoke is really something in which all generations can participate, and if you have some patriotic American songs available, then it can be very appropriate for the day.
  • Watch an old American movie. Bonus points for a movie that is popular with the elderly.
  • If they are still able to help in the kitchen, make American-themed family favorites together.
  • Play board games, card games, and other low-key games.

We hope you enjoy a safe and fulfilling 4th of July celebration with your entire family. Seniors need and deserve your special attention, especially around holidays. By giving them special attention during this year’s fourth of July celebrations, you will be rewarded immensely as well. To learn about our approach to professional assisted living and professional memory care services, call us anytime!


Thank You for The Positive Feedback on our Five-Part Blog Series

27 June 2022

Thank You for The Positive Feedback on our Five-Part Blog Series - Winder, GA

We wish to express thanks to those of you who provided such warm and welcome feedback on our recent five-part blog series focused on signs that transition to professional memory care is well advised. As you know we manage our Winder-area assisted living and our Winder memory care community blog for people like you doing your best to care for your loved one. Your feedback confirms that our blogging efforts do indeed provide meaningful and actionable guidance and advice. So, thank you.

If you missed any of our five-part series focusing on a single indicator of signs that a transition to professional memory care, for you ease of reference, here are the links to those blog posts:

We understand these are difficult and frightening conditions to consider. This is even more reason why we are warmed by your feedback and trust to turn to us for thoughts and advise on the subjects. As we’re sure that you are aware, here at Winder's Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care, we are highly trained and skilled subject matter experts on the two subjects. And we can help you whether you are a resident, resident family member, or a non-associated care giver simply doing their best to serve another. Our warmest best wishes to you all, and again, thanks for your feedback!


Caregivers: You Must Love Yourself to Love Others

22 June 2022

Caregivers: You Must Love Yourself to Love Others - Winder, GA

If you are one of our blog fans, you know that we pride ourselves here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care (Winder) for helping more than our residents and their families. We take great pride in helping you, our neighbors here in Winder who lovingly provide at-home assisted living care and/or memory care support to your loved ones. Today we’re going to discuss how fundamentally important it is for you to love yourselves first before you can be truly loving to your senior loved one with assisted living or memory care needs.

A necessary part of searching for happiness in life is practicing self-love. But why is self-love so important for everyone, but especially important for those of you providing assisted living or memory care support to a loved one?

Benefits of Self-Love

Some mistakenly believe it is a “good” thing to be hard on yourself. According to STANFORD MEDICINE, self-compassion and self-love have a multitude of benefits.

  • Empowerment: When we self-criticize, we beat ourselves into defeat and fear our competition. If we practice self-love, we can empower ourselves to learn and find inner strength!
  • Resilience: In practicing self-kindness, even in the face of failure, we can teach ourselves humility and mindfulness. Truly understanding that everyone makes mistakes, and actively searching for your best outcomes can help you to become more resilient.
  • Productivity: We can be more productive if we feel good about ourselves, making us more likely to tackle the day!
  • Decreased Stress: During periods of severe self-criticism, we are producing dangerous amounts of stress. When we are patient and compassionate with ourselves, we can create a calm environment with decreased stress.

Other benefits of self-love include feeling optimistic, lowering the risk of anxiety and depression, and healthy behaviors. There are three main components to self-love and with older loved ones, they may need to be gently reminded of one (or all three) of these aspects.

Treat Yourself

The first aspect of “treat yourself” is an inner, emotional response to your own actions and thoughts. Even when you make a mistake, instead of being harsh, try to be patient with yourself. If a friend or family member makes an error, would you yell at them for their mistake? Often, we will reach out to a helping hand to those close to us, but when it comes to self-evaluation, we can be extremely tough on ourselves.

Practice Mindfulness

As we age, it can be easy to become set in our ways. Being mindful is being generally curious and open to new ideas; having a child-like wonder as some may call it. Practicing mindfulness is also related to having a non-judgmental attitude. When you practice mindfulness, with self-love, it can translate into not fixating on negative events or stories about yourself.

We Are Only Human

“To err is human, to forgive divine.” – Alexander Pope

You need to remind yourself every now and then that you are human. You are going to make mistakes, and that’s okay! Accepting that you are not perfect is part of being human. Forgiving yourself when you do make a mistake is an act of self-love, not weakness.

If you are patient with yourself, you can enhance your senior living experience.

At some point, all the love in the world may not be enough to carry the day for severe senior assisted living and/or memory care challenges. Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Winder offers a wide range of care options that can help alleviate some of the stress, anxiety, and fatigue that come with caregiving on one’s own. We offer senior assisted living and professional memory care services here in Winder and we will work with you to determine what is right for you and your loved ones.


Memory Care Candidacy Observation: Declining Confidence and Happiness

20 June 2022

Memory Care Candidacy Observation: Declining Confidence and Happiness - Winder, GA

Welcome back to our blog page for our Winder-area assisted living and our Winder memory care community. This is the fifth and final blog post within our five-part series focusing on a single indicator of signs that a transition to professional memory care will be in the best interest of your loved one.

Here are the links to our prior posts on this subject:

Declining Confidence and Happiness

As dementia progresses, a senior's ability to maintain relationships also changes. They will need people around them who understand dementia and can provide a gentle form of company that does not demand consistent memory continuity. Most seniors in assisted living are not experiencing dementia and are not trained in supporting relationships with a dementia patient.

However, every caregiver within our memory care community is professionally trained in providing memory care, understands dementia, and can help residents maintain relationships with both staff and other residents. Furthermore, memory care staff can help coach family and friends on how to communicate with their loved ones to produce happy and rewarding interactions. If your loved one is having difficulty maintaining relationships or seems to be withdrawing from their friends in assisted living, or even forgetting their friends in assisted living, it may be time to make the transition to memory care.

We understand these are difficult and frightening subjects to consider. With that said, here at Winder's Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care, we are highly trained and skilled subject matter experts on the two subjects. And we can help you whether you are a resident, resident family member, or a non-associated care giver simply doing their best to serve another. We salute you and want you to know that we are always open and ready to talk.


Memory Care Candidacy Observation: Declining Relationships with Caregivers

13 June 2022

Memory Care Candidacy Observation: Declining Relationships with Caregivers - Winder, GA

Welcome back to our blog page for our Winder-area assisted living and our Winder memory care community. This is the fourth blog post within our five-part series with each post focusing on a single indicator of signs that a transition to professional memory care will be in the best interest of your loved on.

Here are the links to our prior posts on this subject:

Declining Positive Relationships with Caregivers, Other Seniors, and Staff

As dementia progresses, a senior's ability to maintain relationships also changes. They will need people around them who understand dementia and can provide a gentle form of company that does not demand consistent memory continuity. Most seniors in assisted living are not experiencing dementia and are not trained in supporting relationships with a dementia patient.

However, every caregiver within our memory care community is professionally trained in providing memory care, understands dementia, and can help residents maintain relationships with both staff and other residents. Furthermore, memory care staff can help coach family and friends on how to communicate with their loved ones to produce happy and rewarding interactions. If your loved one is having difficulty maintaining relationships or seems to be withdrawing from their friends in assisted living, or even forgetting their friends in assisted living, it may be time to make the transition to memory care.

We understand these are difficult and frightening subjects to consider. With that said, here at Winder's Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care, we are highly trained and skilled subject matter experts on the two subjects. And we can help you whether you are a resident, resident family member, or a non-associated care giver simply doing their best to serve another. We salute you and want you to know that we are always open and ready to talk.


Memory Care Candidacy Observation: Regular Confusion and Losing Track

6 June 2022

Memory Care Candidacy Observation: Regular Confusion and Losing Track - Winder, GA

Welcome back to our blog page for our Winder-area assisted living and our Winder memory care community. This is the third blog post within our five-part series with each post focusing on a single indicator of signs that a transition to professional memory care will be in the best interest of your loved on.

Here are the links to our prior posts on this subject:

Regular Confusion and Losing Track of Life Activities

Mental continuity is a serious concern when a loved one has dementia. While you may be used to your loved one being a little confused sometimes or forgetting a few things, these signs can develop into a growing lack of independence. If your loved one is confused often, to the point that they are having trouble keeping track of their personal affairs or community activities, then it may be time to consider moving from home care, or an assisted living community, to memory care.

Signs that dementia care may be necessary include increased confusion, piles of unopened mail, inability to understand their current medications or health care treatment plan, and regularly misplaced items. Extreme forgetfulness, like forgetting your visits or the friends they have made in the assisted living community, is also a sign that memory care might better support your loved one.

We understand these are difficult and frightening subjects to consider. With that said, here at Winder's Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care, we are highly trained and skilled subject matter experts on the two subjects. And we can help you whether you are a resident, resident family member, or a non-associated care giver simply doing their best to serve another. We salute you and want you to know that we are always open and ready to talk.


Memory Care Candidacy Observation: Waning Participation in Assisted Living Lifestyle

1 June 2022

Memory Care Candidacy Observation: Waning Participation in Assisted Living Lifestyle - Winder, GA

Welcome back to our blog page for our Winder-area assisted living and our Winder memory care community. This is the second blog post within our five-part series with each post focusing on a single indicator of signs that a transition to professional memory care will be in the best interest of your loved on.

Here are links to our prior posts as well as topic definitions for future posts on this subject:

  • Assessing Indicators (Topic Introduction Blog Post)
  • Waning Participation in Assisted Living Lifestyle
  • Regular Confusion and Losing Track of Life Activities
  • Declining Positive Relationships with Caregivers, Other Seniors, and Staff
  • Declining Confidence and Happiness

Waning Participation in Assisted Living Lifestyle

One of the early signs that memory care may be necessary is whether your loved one is no longer an active part of the assisted living community. Assisted living is designed to give seniors as much independence as possible, only stepping in to provide care services and support when a senior needs assistance. Restaurant-style dining and housekeeping, for example, remove most of the constant physical strain from one's lifestyle, while community and social activities provide ample opportunity to socialize and stay engaged.

Have you noticed your loved one stop participating in community events? Do they no longer take advantage of meals in the dining room without prompting, or seem disinterested in activities? These changes may be a result of their dementia making these things more challenging. Memory care will help them by providing a more guided experience that ensures they are still finding enjoyment, getting enough to eat, and remaining appropriately stimulated.

If you find yourself providing more special care than you expected, or if your loved one is always in need of familiar companionship, this is another sign that a transition to memory care may be approaching. Assisted living is a living option meant to allow friends and family respite from constant care, yet the freedom to visit and socialize whenever they can. However, families starting to find that assisted living does not provide the care needs or depth of support needed by a loved one due to dementia should consider memory care as the next step. Your loved one may begin calling more frequently, asking you to stay longer, or just needing more during your visits.

Memory care is designed to help seniors not only live comfortably but also experience their senior living in a more guided and supported way. This includes helping them avoid overstimulation and situations that they have come to find upsetting, helping them to feel supported and safe, and helping loved ones to keep their visits more fun.

We understand these are difficult and frightening subjects to consider. With that said, here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care, we are highly trained and skilled subject matter experts on the two subjects. And we can help you whether you are a resident, resident family member, or a non-associated care giver simply doing their best to serve another. We salute you and want you to know that we are always open and ready to talk.


Assessing Indicators that Determine the Need to Transition to Memory Care

30 May 2022

Assessing Indicators that Determine the Need to Transition to Memory Care - Winder, GA

Welcome back to our blog page for our Winder-area assisted living and our Winder memory care community. We hope you had a loving and memorable Memorial Day Holiday. We are certain that those who invested the ultimate sacrifice look down upon us in celebration of the enabling role that they played in securing our freedom. We hope your Holiday weekend was truly rewarding.

This is going to be a very busy week for us here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care because, well, the week after Memorial Day always is. From experience, we know that in the days after an extended Holiday break, families across the nation reflect upon the extended time with their senior loved ones and the new concerning observations about their mental acuity. Our phones will ring all week with voices on the other end asking variations of the same question: “When is the right time to move from assisted living to memory care”?

This question is one that is both foundationally important and very difficult to answer due to the unique personal variables involved. So, given the public’s high focus upon this question, we thought we’d cover the next few blog posts on individual discussion items regarding how to determine when your loved one have become strong candidates for professional memory care.

In our next blog post, we’ll continue upon this same subject but specialize upon a few factors that directly relate to indicators regarding when a transition from assisted living to memory care living should strongly be considered. Just for your reference, here are the future subjects and back-links to them once posted:

  • Assessing Indicators (Topic Introduction Blog Post)
  • Waning Participation in Assisted Living Lifestyle
  • Regular Confusion and Losing Track of Life Activities
  • Declining Positive Relationships with Caregivers, Other Seniors, and Staff
  • Declining Confidence and Happiness

When is the right time to move from assisted living to memory care?

The answer is, it depends. Everyone experiences dementia differently. Some loved ones can fully and comfortably live out their diagnosis in an assisted living community, even as they progress through the early stages of dementia. However, as the stages of Alzheimer's progress, a better quality of life may necessitate moving your loved one from assisted living to a memory care community. That decision can be difficult, especially because you must make it on behalf of your loved one. And it may be even harder if they believe they're doing just fine at home with you or within their existing assisted living community. But transitioning to a memory care community can offer significant benefits and safety that often improve the quality of life for a loved one affected by dementia.

Memory care is a special variation of assisted living designed to provide a greater level of care for seniors living with some form of dementia. Since assisted living and memory care communities are similar, seniors transitioning from independent living to memory care still have the benefit of a senior living community, activities, 24-hour full-time staff members, meals, and assistance with activities of daily living. But the environment, care options, and lifestyle provided are carefully shaped to help seniors living with a memory loss disease, like Alzheimer's disease. These aspects help seniors by reducing confusion, keeping them engaged, and encouraging a life filled with happy moments, all while remaining safe. The transition from assisted living to memory care is generally the easiest when transitioning within communities offering both assisted living and memory care.

We understand these are difficult and frightening subjects to consider. With that said, here at Winder's Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care, we are highly trained and skilled subject matter experts on the two subjects. And we can help you whether you are a resident, resident family member, or a non-associated care giver simply doing their best to serve another. We salute you and want you to know that we are always open and ready to talk.


Seven Tips to Keep Your Senior Loved One Hydrated This Summer

23 May 2022

Seven Tips to Keep Your Senior Loved One Hydrated This Summer - Winder, GA

Here at Winder's Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care, we take great pride in our holistic approach to managed care. We invest heartfelt time and energy managing this senior care blog for the purpose of assisting those of you at-home senior care providers to help you deliver the best care possible. We want all of you to consider us a ready resource for information and advice that is intended to help improve your quality of life as well.

With steadily rising outdoor temperatures, we thought it smart to cover the VERY important topic of hydration. Every bit of advice listed below should be considered advice for both you and your senior loved one. So here you go, seven tips to stay hydrated this summer:

  1. Drink a large glass of water first thing in the morning.

  2. Keep a water bottle with you during the day– the more accessible it is, the more you'll drink it. Suggested areas: in your car and your living room chair or couch.

  3. Add some cucumber, mint leaves, or lemon slices to your water to keep it interesting.

  4. Plan for water breaks when doing an activity. It's a good habit to build in breaks to your day to stay hydrated.

  5. Have a "Hydration contest". Make it a game with your partner, coworkers, or family to hit your target water consumption each day.

  6. Eat your water: You don't have to just drink your water. Some fruits and vegetables have high water content and will help keep you hydrated throughout the day. Here's a short list of foods with lots of water: watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, cucumbers, spinach, and celery.

  7. Sip before you snack. Oftentimes, when we feel hungry, we're actually thirsty. True hunger will not be curbed by drinking water. Before grabbing a snack, drink some water. You may notice your snacking habits change!

  8. [Bonus for you parents out there!]

  9. Cranky kids? Dehydration is a major contributor to irritable kiddos. Keep a water bottle nearby for them and hopefully their frowns turn upside-down!

Why is water so important?

Our bodies are made up nearly 60% of water and kids are an even greater percentage. Every cell, tissue and organ in our body relies on water. For example, our bodies rely on water to regulate temperature, remove toxins, and keep our joints lubricated. When we talk about hydration, it means keeping our water levels in our bodies in a healthy range so we can function at our best.

Are you drinking enough water?

You should drink half your body weight in ounces of water each day. (Ex: If you weigh 120lbs, you should drink 60 ounces of water each day.). One of the simplest ways to know if you’re drinking enough water is the color of your urine. In most cases, a well-hydrated person will have colorless or light yellow urine. If it is dark yellow or amber, it may be a sign of dehydration. Another telltale sign you’re dehydrated? You’re thirsty. If you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated and you need to pick it up!

We’re glad to have you here on our assisted living and memory care blog and hope you find it useful. Refer back to the above links to our four chiropractic clinics and call us anytime you have questions regarding how we can help you manage pain.


The Art of Helping Your Senior Loved One Downsize

16 May 2022

The Art of Helping Your Senior Loved One Downsize - Winder, GA

We pride ourselves here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care (Winder) for helping more than our residents and their families. We take great pride in helping you, our neighbors here in Winder who lovingly provide at-home assisted living care and/or memory care support to your loved ones. Today we’re going to discuss some things that you caregivers can do to take the stress out transitioning to professional care sometime in the future.

What is downsizing for seniors?

Preparing for your future.

Everyone can benefit from a bit of downsizing. Over the years we accumulate so many useful things as well as clutter. Letting go of things we’ve acquired seems like an especially daunting process for seniors, but it can be very simple, therapeutic, and rewarding. A big part of senior living is enjoying peace of mind and having less stuff will give you exactly that.

When should I start downsizing in my home?

Start early and start small.

Downsizing is an easy task if you start chipping away at unwanted things little by little. Don’t start with big projects that may discourage you from continuing.

Getting rid of a few things a week like duplicate kitchen utensils and pans are a great place to start. Consider rooms that you won’t have at your new residence and find creative ways to eliminate their clutter. Turning your home office into one desk’s worth of essentials or organizing tools into one toolbox makes for a smooth transition.

Garages and attics usually require the most attention. Holiday decorations, temporary hobby items and things that just don’t fit anywhere else usually end up here. Make a goal to pack what you need over a few weeks or months from those areas. Whatever’s left over can be sold, donated or discarded. Have a plan for where items will go and avoid “maybe” piles.

  • Make three piles: Keep, donate and garbage
  • Keep an inventory to track your progress
  • Take pictures or notes of how you like things set-up
  • Take your time and reminisce if you need to
  • Organize room by room and don’t overwhelm yourself

What kind of things will I need to bring to my new assisted living community?

We encourage you to bring your hobbies, culture and accomplishments to your new home. The things that will bring you joy and meet basic needs are important to have. At Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care, we accommodate independent living, assisted living, respite care and memory care.

Take into consideration all of the included services like meals, housekeeping and maintenance you’ll receive at a Manor Lake. Factor those into what you won’t need in your new home.

What will I NOT need at a senior living community?

Our community has a lot of things you’ll need. Items that are a part of your hobbies and interests or cherished memories will be important to keep.

We hope you find this useful. As always, thanks for reading and if you have any questions, contact us anytime.


At-Home Senior Care Providers – Put Your Mask on First

9 May 2022

At-Home Senior Care Providers – Put Your Mask on First - Winder, GA

If you’ve ever flown on a commercial flight, you were briefed that “in the event of an emergency, secure your oxygen mask first”. This clearly makes sense because you can’t serve those dependent upon you unless you take care of yourself first. One of the things we take seriously here at Winder's Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care is a commitment to all of you out there providing at-home assisted living services and/or memory care services.

You too, at some point in your life may find yourself taking care of aging parents or elderly members in your family, in the same way, they cared for you. Never forget that it’s not easy for your elders, who were once independent, to become dependent on you or on others for their basic care. You can never say what turn life may take. God forbid if a parent has a sudden accident or slips in the bathroom – would you really be in a state to handle such a situation?

You can’t be a full-time and fully focused at-home senior care provider. You must address your professional obligations, your home, and your family. Add in senior care responsibilities and life can surely become overwhelming. This is the primary reason why people opt for professional assisted living services and professional memory care services. No matter how much we love our parents and elders, at some point our cumulative responsibilities will render us all unable to meet the ever-increasing challenges of senior care.

Until that time arrives, for the sake of your loved ones, take care of yourself first. Maybe that means seeking periodic relief via short term “respite” senior care services. There is a volume of clinical study that reveal that those who take care of elders are at risk for anxiety, depression, stress, and musculoskeletal disorder. We understand and can advise. It’s what we do and here at Winder's Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care, we’re here for you!


Dealing With Arthritis

2 May 2022

Dealing With Arthritis - Winder, GA

Today we look to educate all our Winder-area assisted living and our Winder memory care community residents, family, neighbors, and friends on the subject of arthritis, an ailment common to so many.

Any chronic health condition can impact day-to-day life, and arthritis comes with its own set of challenges. So, what is arthritis? Understanding the nature of the disorder will empower you to make changes to enhance your wellbeing.

The most common form of arthritis – Osteoarthritis – causes deterioration of protective joints over time, and commonly affects the knees, hips, spine, and hands. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that can affect the joints and attack body tissues. The condition can lead to joint deformity and bone erosion. While arthritis can create difficulties, you can take steps to manage pain and improve your quality of life. Be sure to consult with your doctor before considering any of the suggestions that follow.

Home Remedies for Arthritis

While your doctor may prescribe medication as a way to manage arthritis, these home remedies can act as natural treatments to help alleviate pain and inflammation.

Heat and Cold

An electric blanket or hot shower can diminish discomfort and alleviate stiffness. Cold application works best to relieve swelling, joint pain, or inflammation. You can freeze or microwave gel packs to apply cold or heat to your liking.

Lemongrass Essential Oil

Essential oils are known for their soothing scents, and they have other beneficial properties too. A 2017 study found that lemongrass essential oil can reduce pain from rheumatoid arthritis. For safe application, dilute essential oils and test them in a small area to check for sensitivity or allergic reactions.

What Helps Arthritis

The following tips can enhance your overall health and help you manage arthritis.

Weight Management

The degeneration of cartilage can put strain on your joints and carrying around extra weight can put pressure on your feet, knees, and hips. Talk to your doctor about a weight loss plan to prevent future damage and improve your mobility.

Exercise

Staying active is an excellent way to engage and strengthen vital muscles around your joints. Low-impact exercises like walking, water aerobics, or swimming are a great way to build strength. Exercises to improve balance also help combat aches and pains. Getting social is a wonderful way to stay motivated, so check out the engaging activities in your senior living community.

A Healthy Diet

A nutritious diet loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables affects every aspect of your health, from the glow of your skin to the strength of your bones. A diet full of saturated fat and processed foods not only contributes to obesity – thereby accelerating degeneration of the joints – but can also aggravate inflammation. Try the following foods that are rich in antioxidants to remove free radicals from the body:

  • Blueberries
  • Pecans
  • Kale
  • Raspberries
  • Strawberries
  • Dark chocolate
  • Artichokes
  • Beans
  • Spinach

Flare-ups can be par for the course with arthritis. Luckily, there are simple methods you can use to reduce stress and enhance arthritis pain relief.

Incorporate a Morning Stretch

Stretching when you get out of bed is a gentle way to get in tune with your body and can also boost your mobility. A simple knee hug or torso twist can make all the difference during arthritis flare-ups.

Lift Your Mood with Calming Music

If arthritis pain has you feeling low, your favorite upbeat tune can be an instant way to shift your thoughts. Audio therapy can also help if you’re having trouble sleeping, and binaural beats in instruments such as the piano or organ can increase relaxation and lower stress.

If you or your loved one struggle with arthritis, talking with your doctor is most definitely your first place to start. Bring the aforementioned ideas to him/her knowing that our assisted living and memory care community here in Winder is designed to support our senior residents which includes assisting in prescribed arthritis treatment.


It Is Important to Know the Differences Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia

25 April 2022

It Is Important to Know the Differences Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia - Winder, GA

Welcome back to our blog page for our Winder-area assisted living and our Winder memory care community. No matter what stage of care need your elderly loved one is at, you can trust that you have proven professionals right around the corner here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care to deliver genuine quality of life improvement to you both. Today, we feel it is important to educate you on the differences between Alzheimer’s and dementia. They are related but clearly unique subjects.

Many people outside of healthcare mistakenly confuse dementia with Alzheimer’s, yet the two are very different conditions. While both can affect memory, there are clear distinctions. What follows is a look at what these differences can mean for patient symptoms, long-term outlook, and patient memory care need.

Alzheimer’s Versus Dementia

The confusion many people have between Alzheimer’s and dementia is understandable, as Alzheimer’s is both the most common cause of dementia and one (but not the only) form of dementia. Dementia is the name for a group of brain disorders that make it hard to remember, think clearly, make decisions, or control one’s emotions. Dementia is not a normal part of aging. It is caused by damage to brain cells that affects thinking, behavior, and feelings.

While Alzheimer’s makes up an estimated 60 to 80 percent of overall dementia cases, it’s not the only form of dementia. Alzheimer’s is a specific disease, while dementia is not. There are many other forms of dementia with different causes. The symptoms for those forms of dementia may or may not overlap with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. For example, vascular dementia is typically caused by a stroke. While later symptoms often include memory problems, initial symptoms are more likely to include things such as poor judgment and trouble planning. Dementia With Lewy bodies (DWB) occurs when Lewy bodies — microscopic protein deposits in the brain—form and impair cognitive function. Along with the memory loss and decision-making challenges found in Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, DWB can also cause hallucinations, daytime sleepiness, and physical movement issues, such as trembling or slowness. Those suffering from Parkinson’s disease have a 50 to 80 percent chance of developing Parkinson’s disease dementia, which is similar to DWB.

Why are facts about Alzheimer’s AND dementia important? Memory care involves taking steps to mitigate the impacts of dementia in patients as possible. While some forms of dementia have the potential to be reversed if identified early enough, there is currently no cure or reversal available for Alzheimer’s specifically. Memory care therefore often involves cognitive exercises to help slow the progression of dementia or at least help patients better cope with its impacts.

We understand these are difficult and frightening subjects to consider. With that said, here at Winder's Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care, we are highly trained and skilled subject matter experts on the two subjects. And we can help you whether you are a resident, resident family member, or a non-associated care giver simply doing their best to serve another. We salute you and want you to know that we are always open and ready to talk.


Simple Ways to Address At-Home Caregiver Stress

18 April 2022

Simple Ways to Address At-Home Caregiver Stress - Winder, GA

Hello and welcome back to our Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care blog. Today’s focus is fully upon all of you at-home care givers who looking for inspiration and strength to carry on in your assisted living care giving and/or your memory care support services. Family caregivers play a crucial part in keeping our families strong and healthy. More than 30 million Americans have reported caring for an elderly loved one in the past 12 months, and that number is expected to rise as our population grows and ages. We’re here for you and today offer five ways that can help you cope and deliver even higher levels of loving care for a loved one.

Talk to Someone About Your Stress

When we take on the responsibility of caring for a loved one, we may feel confident that our duties are clear and that we can handle it all. As we continue to care for them and the stresses and anxieties build-up, though, we may isolate ourselves from our friends and family and feel trapped, potentially leading to anxiety disorders and depression.

Book a coffee date with someone you trust and take the time to express any anxieties or frustrations you may be feeling. This won’t just help you relieve the stress that’s been building up inside of you but will also let you know that you are not alone in this situation.

Bring in Other Family Members for Aid

It can be hard to ask for help from others when you’re already a caretaker for a loved one, but if you have siblings, cousins, nieces, or nephews, you do have a whole network of family members who can alleviate some of the stress.

Even if it’s just getting a cousin to take your loved one to their appointments, that’s one less task for you to do and a chance to stop and calm your mind.

Take Time to Decompress

If you’re taking care of a loved one, especially if they’re living with you, it can be difficult to find a time in your day to step away from your responsibilities and take care of yourself.

Even if you take a moment to stand outside in the fresh air for 10 minutes and to take little breaks throughout the day to ground yourself and breathe. This will help you put everything in perspective and avoid emotional burnout.

Create a Schedule for Yourself

With all the tasks you might have to handle, including medication, medical appointments, and preparing healthy meals, it can be easy to be overwhelmed by everything around you. This is where a schedule can come in very handy.

Take care of yourself and your health by making time to get a proper amount of sleep every night, enjoy mealtimes to keep yourself fueled, and times when you can step away from your loved one to handle your own errands.

Understand Your Limitations

Many of us think that we must shoulder all the burdens associated with caring for a loved one. It’s never a bad thing to be educated on your loved one’s needs, but it can lead us to feel like we’re not doing enough or, worst of all, failing to take care of our family members or friends.

You are doing a selfless thing by taking care of your loved one and you should be proud of that, but you should also realize that there is only so much you can do. Taking the time to understand this can help you relax and focus on the things you can do for your loved one, instead of the things you struggle with.

Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Winder does everything we can to make sure seniors and their families feel comfortable, happy, and at ease as a cherished member of our community. Give our team of senior care and memory care professionals a call today or schedule a tour anytime!


April is Stress Awareness Month for Seniors, Memory Patients, and Caregivers

11 April 2022

April is Stress Awareness Month for Seniors, Memory Patients, and Caregivers - Winder, GA

For elderly and seniors, the month of April is national “Stress Awareness Month” and a good time to take stock of your mental health. Well, allow us to customize that introduction if you may. For all of us, the month of April is national “Stress Awareness Month”. We talking to you all of you who could use at-home assisted living advice and/or at-home memory care service advice. Care stress is real, unavoidable, but can be successfully managed. Recall that every time you fly, the flight attendant briefs you and tells you to place the oxygen mask on yourself first before assisting others? To maximize the effectiveness of your caring love, you must take care of yourself first.

A person’s mental health centers around their emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Elderly people and seniors are like everyone else whose mental health affects how they feel, act, think, make decisions, and interact with other people. Having good mental health is vital to a person’s good overall health and enjoyment of their life.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 15% of all adults over age 60 have a mental health problem. Those numbers may have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, health experts say. Experts identify several common mental health issues for the elderly and senior population. These include:

Depression: Seniors and elderly who are depressed may feel consistently “low.” This can happen to caregivers as well. Enjoyment in life is hard for them. They may struggle with guilt, anger, shame, emptiness, hopelessness, and other similar feelings. It’s important to recognize chronic depression. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Many people in the senior and elderly population have experienced loss, a dangerous event, and even shock. They may still struggle with their feelings around those events and be triggered by something that helps them recall those moments. Even in the safe and loving environment here at Winder's Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care, your and our loved one’s can struggle with PTSD. We can help you deal with that.

Bipolar disorder: Symptoms include changes in a person’s mood and behavior. They may have manic episodes, which could be felling really good or depressive episodes in which they’re overcome by sadness, helplessness, or a general “down” feeling. They may struggle to do daily activities.

Addiction: It might be hard for you at-home caregivers to diagnose addiction or addictive behaviors. We are trained to identify signs of addiction and how to professionally respond. However, addiction is often overlooked by friends, family, or caregivers.

Anxiety disorders: These are ongoing continuous struggles with anxiety that may grow worse over time. For seniors and the elderly, common forms of anxiety include social anxiety disorder, depression, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Dementia: Forms of dementia can cause memory deterioration and lead to other symptoms. These include personality changes, difficulty communicating, erratic behavior, and personality changes. Dementia can have a detrimental effect on a person’s quality of life. We are highly trained and experienced in serving those with dementia (and their families too).

By getting professional help, seniors and the elderly can treat and manage these conditions. They’re nothing to be ashamed of and none of them are considered to be “normal” parts of aging. Contact us at Winder's Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care anytime!


Easter Activity Ideas for Your Memory Care Loved One

4 April 2022

Easter Activity Ideas for Your Memory Care Loved One - Winder, GA

On Easter, people of all ages spend time with their loved ones and celebrate spring. For many older adults, this holiday brings back wonderful memories of their childhood. It is also a great time to involve seniors with dementia in some exciting activities. If your elderly loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, know that all of us here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Winder send our deepest respect and send our best wishes for strength, wisdom, love, and peace.

One way we do this is by managing this senior living and memory care blog on the behalf of people just like you. All of us have deep passion for caring for our seniors and those requiring memory care. That is the sole reason we choose senior care as our full-time profession.

Easter season is a particularly beautiful period here at Manor Lake for all the same reasons it’s likely one of yours as well. But it is particularly heartwarming because the entire community rallies around our dear memory care residents in thoughtful and selfless ways. When we see our dear senior assisted living residents rallying around their memory care friends, it is truly a site to behold.

So, today we simply offer some ideas for you to chew on and possibly adapt to help make your memory care loved one’s life just a tad bit brighter.

1. Paint Surprise Eggs

The multiple steps involved in dyeing Easter eggs can be difficult for seniors with dementia. However, they can still have fun decorating the eggs with a little prep work from their caregivers. Before starting the activity, use a white crayon to draw fun shapes on eggs, such as bunnies and butterflies. Give your loved one some watercolors and encourage him or her to paint the eggs. The white crayon will resist the paint and the image will be revealed to your loved one.

2. Start A Windowsill Garden

For many seniors, Easter is about the new life that begins in spring, and growing a small garden is a wonderful way to celebrate the season. Help your loved one plant a small windowsill herb garden. This activity can be stimulating for seniors at various levels, beginning with your loved one watering the plants each day and eventually tasting the delicious results of his or her efforts.

3. Create Lavender Sachets

Scents can stimulate memory in seniors with dementia, and lavender can help soothe anxiety. Help your loved one make a lavender sachet by providing small, colorful fabric pouches he or she can fill with lavender seeds. Once your loved one has filled the pouch, help seal it by either sewing or gluing the edges shut. Encourage your loved one to find a special drawer for the sachet so he or she can enjoy a lovely burst of scent while getting dressed.

4. Help With An Egg Hunt

Seniors with dementia can even participate in the main Easter event by stuffing and hiding the eggs. Set out plastic eggs and trinkets, and let your loved one stuff them. Help him or her hide the eggs before the hunt, and keep track of the number of eggs you lay out. Your senior loved one is likely to get a thrill out of watching younger family members searching for the hidden eggs.

Involving your loved one in these activities can enhance his or her physical and emotional wellbeing. However, sometimes family caregivers find it challenging to support their loved ones and involve them in family events, because of other pressing commitments. Caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times, which puts family caregivers at risk for burnout. However, professional senior living and memory care services will empower you to focus not only on them, but to empower you to focus on your own health, maintain a full-time job, care for other needy members of your family, and a host of other reasons.

5. Make Easter Cards

Thinking about loved ones and practicing writing can help bolster a senior’s memory. Set out different colored pieces of paper, markers, and spring-themed stickers, and encourage your loved one to get creative. Once the cards are made, help your loved one mail them to the recipients. He or she can also deliver the cards by hand at an Easter family event. Either way, your loved one may feel a sense of purpose by bringing joy to someone else this spring season.

If you are the primary assisted living or memory care service provider and need ideas and assistance of any kind, know that we’re here for you. Contact us anytime!


Spring Outdoor Activity Ideas for Assisted Living and Memory Care Seniors

21 March 2022

Spring Outdoor Activity Ideas for Assisted Living and Memory Care Seniors - Winder, GA

Spring is in the air! Staff and cherished residents alike here at Winder's Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care are taking moments to smell the roses. Well, roses aren’t in bloom just yet, but you get our drift. Whether your loved one resides within our senior assisted living community or our memory care community, it’s time to think about engaging with your loved one in some form of healthy and fun outdoor activity. We have some ideas for you that fit perfectly with what we try to accomplish here in our senior living and memory care blog. Of course, that is to promote a celebratory quality of life.

These recommendations of course go out to you at-home care givers because few, if anyone, understand and appreciate your labor of love and commitment to our cherished seniors out there across the country. So here goes.

Recommended Outdoor Activities for Seniors

Gardening: Spending time in the garden is an excellent physical exercise and many people find it relaxing and fulfilling. Gardening is a great way to spend time in the natural light, fresh air, and greenery. In addition, recent studies have uncovered the many benefits of getting your hands dirty. According to J E Public Health, “Earthing (or grounding) refers to the discovery of benefits—including better sleep and reduced pain—from walking barefoot [or having your hands in the dirt] outside.”

Walking: Some light walking in the evening or early morning can be refreshing. Walking also keeps the body fit and active in older adults. A leisurely stroll after dinner can help keep your digestive system running smoothly, too. Doctors are quick to recommend walking as an outdoor activity to many seniors because of the many benefits.

Golfing: Now, we’re not necessarily recommending buying new clubs for your senior loved one, but if you golf, consider having senior ride along with you out on the course. The game is played in a beautiful setting with abundant fresh air. Riding along while you and your friends play golf will provide both physical and mental health benefits.

Fishing: This kind of goes along with the notion of “playing” golf as described above. You don’t need to put your Mom or Dad in an off-shore fighting chair, but how about a chair next to you and their grandchildren while you fish for a few perch or two.

Photography: Capturing beautiful photos of nature is a wonderful way to spend time outdoors. Photography can be a relaxing activity for seniors. It is a great way to get outside and enjoy natural sunlight and the serenity of nature. Photography can help you appreciate the smallest details of nature, too. It is said to stimulate the brain and improve cognitive and emotional health.

Picnic: Picnicking with your family or friends is a great way to spend time outdoors. A nice meal and lots of natural Vitamin D are both great health-boosters for people of all ages, but especially seniors. As a bonus, arrange for some games post-meal, such as horseshoes, cornhole, or croquet. And remember, you don’t have to set the playing field up at regulation. Shorten the field for them.

Oh, and while you do these things, don’t forget to smell the roses! And never forget, here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care, we deliver senior assisted living and memory care services in a loving environment as if you all are our own biological family.


Drawing a “Blank” on What to Do While Visiting Your Senior Loved One?

14 March 2022

Drawing a “Blank” on What to Do While Visiting Your Senior Loved One? - Winder, GA

Have you ever “drawn a blank” trying to figure out something fun to do while visiting your loved one within our Senior Assisted Living community here in Winder or within our Memory Care Community also in Winder? Well, rest assured you are not alone.

We all tend to over-complicate things when it comes to spending time with our senior loved ones. They really don’t have high expectations. The fact that you are there for them sends all the message they need. But understanding full well that you’ll still struggle to come up with a new activity, we’ll just throw something as food for thought. Bookmark this website: NationalDayCalendar.com

How easy might it be to simply go there and choose any one from the long list of “National Days”. You don’t have to match the exact National Day event to the calendar day of your visit. Use it to simply give you ideas. For instance, the 15th is “National Pears Helene Day”. Huh? Well, when you and your loved one discover this is the day to combine warm poached pears, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate sauce, you both have something to look forward to. March 19 is “National Certified Nurses Day”, so why not discuss with your loved one how to express your appreciation for the dedicated Manor Lake Assisted Living & Memory Care staff who provide loving support each and every day. Why not add your own personal touch to the day by extending appreciation to every member of the staff, not just those with “RN” on their name tag. There’s a lot of love doled out by the cleaning staff, the culinary staff, maintenance staff, drivers, administrators, and every contributor not mentioned there.

Happy “Whatever day it is today” day! And enjoy your day with your loved ones as we do every day here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care!


Dementia Diagnosis - What Next?

7 March 2022

Dementia Diagnosis - What Next? - Winder, GA

Getting the news that your parent, in-law, or spouse has dementia is devastating. There’s no other way to put it. Hopefully this is the most sobering challenge of your lifetime. Here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care here in Winder, we will be honored to help you every step along the way. Whether that help to you is direct in the form of you and your loved one joining our memory care community or by simply offering free education via this memory care blog, rest assured our hearts go out to you because very few can directly relate to what you are going through.

So, take one long and deep breath and make a commitment to yourself that you are going to remain calm and that you are going to get educated on the subject of memory care to the absolute best of your ability. For some of you reading this, that first deep breath comes now!

What are your loved one’s immediate needs?

First of all, what are your parent’s or relative’s daily needs? If your loved one needs help with activities of daily living (ADL) then you’ll need to find a facility that helps with bathing, dressing, and eating. If this is the case, then you’ll want to talk with memory care communities across your area. Why do we recommend this? First, because you are researching one of the most meaningful investments of your life, that being entrusting others to full-time care of your loved one. Second, we are certain that the more you know about others, the more you will come to appreciate Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care as your future care giver of choice.

Here are some questions to consider that will help determine the level of care your relative needs:

  • Does my relative wander, get lost, head toward exits frequently without telling anyone?
  • Can my relative walk independently or does he or she require a walker or wheelchair?
  • Does my relative require help eating?
  • Does my relative require help using the restroom?
  • Does my relative require help taking a shower?
  • Does my relative require help dressing?
  • Does my relative need 24/7 supervision?
  • Does my relative require treatments including radiation, chemotherapy, dialysis, or daily injections for diabetes or any other regular medical treatment?
  • How is Dementia Affecting Your Relative?

Sometimes seniors diagnosed with dementia can get angry, resist care or display other signs of aggression or distress. You’ll want to ask the memory care communities under consideration how their staff reacts when residents with dementia occasionally get angry, resist care or show other signs of aggression or distress. You’ll want a closer look at memory care communities that say their team redirects residents who show signs of anger or distress. It’s important to find out the staff’s reactions to your relative’s anger or distress. Are they caring and considerate or are they numb or bothered? It’s also key to know whether staff seems interested in getting to know your relative. Do they seem genuinely attentive and sincere? Or are they treating your relative like a number or like he or she doesn’t matter? The type of staff you want around your loved one are those that are pleasant, well-trained, involved and understand that your relative is more than their condition or disease.

What Floorplan, Amenities and Features Can Your Relative Look Forward to?

You’ll want to look for an easy-to-navigate but spacious facility that boasts plenty of common areas, 24×7 care team support, eye-catching courtyards, activity rooms, stunning private suites, attractive semi-private suites, and a gourmet meal plan with snacks in between. Ask about daily activities as there should be a mix of activities, therapeutic sessions that encourage movement, socialization, and healthy behaviors. There’s no doubt you’ll want vibrant memory care home where your loved one will thrive. You’ll want to see a state-of-the-art facility that’s in a league of its own. At Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care, we offer premier home environment care in a loving family atmosphere for your loved one. We facilitate the ability of your loved one to continue living with dignity, respect, freedom, and choice. Our home environment enables seniors with Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and other memory impairments to maintain the highest quality of life while providing peace of mind to their family and friends.


At-Home Senior Care Support Tips – Because We Love You

28 February 2022

At-Home Senior Care Support Tips – Because We Love You - Winder, GA

We realize that the high percentage of our Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care blog know that we invest time and energy as a service to our community. We understand that all of you providing at-home senior assisted living care and/or memory care services to your loved one is a labor of love that most simply can’t begin to understand. To ease your burden in any way refreshes us in knowing that our seniors, the ones who’ve provided for us all through the years, enjoy loving reward for all that they have done.

Today we’re going to focus on just some very simple support tips that we trust will enrich both you and the loved ones that you care for.

According to the United States Census Bureau, seniors are on track to outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history in coming years. As the country’s older population continues to increase in number, the generation coming behind them—their adult children—are often taking on a role as supporter and caregiver.

As your loved one ages, he or she may not always let you know when help is needed. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to signs that his or her level of independence isn’t what it used to be––such as problems completing daily tasks, bills piling up, or changes in behavior.

While at times it can be difficult to know how to best support your aging parent, the good news is there are more resources and care options available than ever before, like us here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care here in Winder. Use these four tips to make sure you’re ready to provide your loved one with the support he or she needs.

Get Everyone at the Table

According to a study by Merrill Lynch and Age Wave, nearly three out of four adult children have not had a detailed conversation with their aging parent about long-term care, living arrangements, or net worth. However, these discussions are invaluable to helping you support your loved one. Find a time to sit down with your parent and siblings so that you’re all on the same page about future needs. By getting everyone involved, it will make transitions smoother when additional long-term care is needed.

Advocate for Your Loved One’s Health

As your parent ages, it’s important for you to be an advocate for his or her health. Support your loved one by keeping up with health conditions, doctor’s appointments, medications, and changes in behavior. Communicate often with family members or others who know your parent well to take note of his or her overall well-being. Be sure your parent has completed a Living Will, Power of Attorney, and Health Care Power of Attorney so there is a clear designee if your loved one becomes unable to make decisions due to dementia, behavioral conditions, or other medical concerns.

Address Financial Concerns Early

Finances are often one of the most difficult topics for adult children to discuss with an aging parent. However, it’s essential to have a full financial picture before making any long-term care decisions. Initially, the only support needed may be smaller tasks like helping make sure the bills are paid on time, reviewing accounts, or going to a meeting with a financial planner. By addressing finances early, you’ll be prepared to support your loved one later and make care decisions that fit his or her financial situation.

Ask How You Can Help

Sometimes supporting your aging parent is as simple as routinely asking how you can help. If you notice your parent has been complaining about a new ache or pain, ask if you can help by taking your loved one to his or her next doctor’s appointment. If your parent is considering an assisted living community, ask if you can help by going along on a tour. If he or she has questions about a financial question, ask if you can help find the answer. By tackling concerns together, you’ll continue to foster a relationship based on open communication and support.

Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Winder offers a wide range of care options that can help alleviate some of the stress, anxiety, and fatigue that come with caregiving on one’s own. We understand that taking care of aging loved ones can progress from slightly challenging to completely overwhelming in a matter of days, but we are here to support your family every step of the way. We offer senior assisted living and professional memory care services here in Winder and we will work with you to determine what is right for you and your loved ones.


Diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease

21 February 2022

Diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease - Winder, GA

As promised, today we follow last week’s blog post with some guidance for those of you who feel some form of formal cognitive evaluation is required for you or a family member. But first, once again warm winter greetings to you, our faithful assisted living and memory care blog readers, cherished assisted living residents, memory care residents, family members. And for the record, we send a special shout-out to all of you angels out there providing at-home care to a senior loved one in need.

Diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease

The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can be done through an entire set of tools that are specifically designed to determine and detect dementia and to figure out whether the cause of it is Alzheimer’s or not.

To start with, it is highly essential to self-assess the symptoms first hand while encountering this disease. These assessments can be specifically noted as well as reported by a close family member as well who deals with the patient daily.

A person can easily perform the basic physical tests at home to see whether the response of their mind towards different tasks is effective or not. Apart from this, there are many tests that doctors opt for to know the exact root of the cause of these signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

If the patient visits a doctor who suspects him/her to have Alzheimer’s disease, the doctor may refer the patient to Geriatricians, Geriatric Psychiatrists, or Neuropsychologists that will further the examination. That likely will include:

Physical Testing

During this testing, the doctor examines your reflexes, coordination between the patient’s mind and body, hearing and sight senses, ability to do simple tasks as walking or reading, and many more. This is the first stage of testing and is generally the foundation of further complex tests.

Neuropsychological Testing

This is where the doctor will assess the patient’s memory and other mental functions. During this test, the doctor can figure out timelines at which the symptoms may progress in the future. These tests provide additional details of the functioning and processing of your brain activities.

Brain imaging

This can be done with the help of MRI scans i.e. magnetic resonance imaging that uses radio waves and magnetic field to produce images of the brain. This method is effectively used to monitor brain shrinkage and to rule out other possibilities. Another way of brain imaging is through a Computerized Tomography or a CT Scan, that uses X-Ray technology to find tumors or any head injuries in the brains.

Of course, if you have questions don’t wait a single moment. Know that the caring professionals at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care here in Winder are ready to address any need or concern.


The Three Major Alzheimer’s Disease Stages with Brief Description

14 February 2022

The Three Major Alzheimer’s Disease Stages with Brief Description - Winder, GA

Warm winter greetings to you, our faithful assisted living and memory care blog readers, cherished assisted living residents, memory care residents, family members, and a special shout-out to all of you angels out there providing at-home care to a senior loved one in need.

A funny thing happened at a memory care resident’s family home while having dinner with their dear friends. They entertain this couple often for dinner and consider them best friends. While telling a story about a funny moment the four of them had in the past, this family member drew a blank and momentarily forgot their dear friends’s first name. “And that’s when, ugh, you know…what’s your name again?” of course drew chuckles from all and the story went on.

The point here is that a perfectly healthy brain routinely hits speed bumps along the way. The fact that this person in the emotion of the moment forgot a dear friends name is nothing other than a source for laughter and some future good-natured ribbing. That is unless it’s not. Which brings us to the purpose of today’s blog. What exactly are the signs that one might be transitioning into some stage of significant cognitive decline? Today we answer that.

Early Stage or Mild Alzheimer

During the early Alzheimer’s disease stages, the patient might experience very mild symptoms broadening it to general forgetfulness. These signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s may include planning troubles, forgetting the placement of daily use items, problems in managing financial decisions, troubles in performing tasks at work, and inability to recollect as well as judge places and distances. The time span of this stage is between 2 years to 4 years.

Before Alzheimer’s disease symptoms appear, there are changes in the brain related to Alzheimer which are noticeable. This begins 10-15 years before the onset of Alzheimer which is referred to the pre-clinical Alzheimer disease. It is important to notice any minor signs of forgetfulness.

Middle Stage or Moderate Alzheimer

During this stage, the patient’s condition might start looking a bit more prominent such as the patient can experience forgetfulness of personal past, unable to remember the address or phone number, personality changes and might not even be able to recall the day it is. The duration of this stage can be anywhere between 2 years to 10 years.

A person’s routine is disrupted, and they are unable to do simple tasks on their own and require assistance. This stage can last many years and goes beyond memory loss and affects the cognition outside the memory including language and calculations. This makes it more problematic to complete daily tasks. This stage would also include them forgetting minute details of who they are married to and who their family members are.

The memory from the distant past tends to be better than recent memory of day-to-day tasks, whom they met and what they spoke about. They could experience restlessness and experience changes in sleeping patterns including sleeping during the day and staying awake at night. They might experience personality changes and act suspicious or feel lost in gatherings amongst familiar people. Read on to know more about Everything You Need to Know about Alzheimer's Disease.

Late Stage or Severe Alzheimer

During this stage, the symptoms are regular and highly significant. The Alzheimer’s symptoms during this stage include apparent and sudden behavior changes, inability to carry a conversation, eating and swallowing can be difficult, inability to control the bladder, Vulnerability to infections, difficulties in sitting, walking as well as swallowing.

The increased dependence on people starts at this stage where performing day to day tasks is an issue, but they forget people who are important to them. they might not know what to do when the doorbell rings, when the phone rings or if there is a fire and a fire alarm goes off.

Leaving them alone becomes dangerous and it is best they have assistance as they are communicating but not in a specific context to have a conversation or are unable to communicate what they are experiencing. The brain cells deteriorate considerably, and motor skills are not properly functional.

So, there you have it. This should put that story-telling family member’s mind at ease because occasional forgetfulness is a common human trait and most often not associated with cognitive decline. But if anything in this blog post raises more questions than answers, stay tuned for next week’s blog post where we’ll talk about diagnosing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Of course, if you have questions don’t wait a single moment. Know that the caring professionals at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care here in Winder are ready to address any need or concern.


What Music Can Do for You and Your Senior Loved Ones

7 February 2022

What Music Can Do for You and Your Senior Loved Ones - Winder, GA

The therapeutic nature of music is something for all of us to consider. Today’s blog post will primarily focus on the therapeutic effect that music can offer your loved one living here in our senior assisted living community or our memory care community. We’ll touch on the scientific evidence of this in a moment, but first a practical testimony from the laymen’s perspective.

We were talking with a resident’s daughter this morning who shared the story about how her son hosted a couple of his college buddies at her house over the weekend. She loves the boys and lovingly welcomes them repeatedly to stay at her house. But their college kids. Loud, fast, funny, and stay up way too late. She loves them and their youthful energy. She does not drink alcohol, but she envisions how she feels this morning to that of a hangover after a long weekend of partying. Her remedy you ask? She reprograms “Alexa” away from the rock and roll channel of the past few days and asks her to play “soft classical”. She sits and listens with eyes closed and decompresses. Better than aspirin she says.

So now we transition away from simple feelings about the benefits of music to the science of it all. We covered this story of scientific research regarding music but feel it is more than worthy of a revisit. Modern researchers have discovered that music soothes those suffering from dementia, and/or Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers at The University of Utah Health recently tested whether they could alleviate anxiety in seniors suffering from dementia by playing familiar music to them using headphones and a hand-held music device. Anxiety and agitation are two of the most disruptive aspects of living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease for both patients and caregivers.

After the researchers helped the patients pick meaningful music, they used a functional MRI to record the changes in the brain while the music played. The brain images showed that music helped the areas of the brain known as the salience network, the visual network, the executive network, and the cerebellar and corticocerebellar networks all work with better connectivity. These areas of the brain activate language and memory, according to the study’s authors.

“When you put headphones on dementia patients and play familiar music, they come alive,” Jace King, lead author of the study, said in a press release. “Music is like an anchor grounding the patient back in reality.”

Music and movement are the last things to go in the brain.

It’s almost miraculous what music can do for Alzheimer’s patients and the research about the benefits is there.

Patients Respond

Health care providers have seen firsthand how much music helps dementia patients. with the clients there.

Play songs from their era that they might recognize. Patriotic songs are also popular.

Music touches people on so many levels.

The reaction by dementia patients to music was also dramatically demonstrated in the 2014 documentary, Alive Inside. Elderly care professionals can set up personalized playlists on iPods for their patients. The music helps the patients access the deep memories not lost to dementia. It also helps them converse and socialize in ways they weren’t doing before the familiar music became a part of their daily life.

For more information on professional senior assisted living services or memory care services here in Winder, contact us here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care .


Getting Started on a Proactive “Self-Care” Routine

24 January 2022

Getting Started on a Proactive “Self-Care” Routine - Winder, GA

Greetings once again to all of our Winder-area assisted living and our Winder memory care community residents, family, neighbors, and friends. Today we’re going to share with you today some insights into an increasingly popular concept called “Self-Care”. This topic can benefit everyone whether you are a member of our staff, a cherished member of our assisted living or memory care community, or if you are an independent living senior or an at-home senior care provider. The benefits associated with focusing on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being each day are numerous. Better overall health, improved mood, and reduced stress have all been linked to a consistent self-care routine. Taking care of yourself is important for everyone, and it doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. Read on to learn more, including how you can start a self-care routine today.

Self-Care Isn't Selfish

Before we dive into learning more about self-care and how you can create your own routine, it is important to take a step back and address why you should. As the pace of life continues to accelerate, with increasing demands being made on your time, it feels selfish to set aside "me" time. However, if you are a primary caregiver – a parent, healthcare worker, first responder, or someone who cares for an elderly loved one – self-care is a must. Simply put, you cannot care for others without seeing to your own needs first. Developing a routine that addresses your physical, mental and emotional health, and leaves you feeling refreshed and recharged, will better prepare you to focus on the needs of others. For more information on the importance of self-care check out the Harvard Health Blog.

Start Simple. Stay Consistent.

Self-care is any activity that impacts your physical, mental or emotional health in a positive way. Since we are all unique, the possibilities are endless – so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what works best for you. Once you do, try your best to be consistent. The benefits of self-care only happen when it is done regularly – either daily, weekly, or monthly. Following are some suggestions for activities that can help improve your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Physical Self-Care

Self-care that focuses on your physical health doesn’t have to involve kale or extended sweat sessions at the gym – unless you want it to. Following are some simple activities that you can include in your self-care regimen. The key is to find an activity that you love and will want to do on a regular basis.

  • Better sleep. Instead of focusing on getting more sleep, which you probably already know you need to do, why not aim for better sleep habits? Sticking to a set schedule, limiting the amount of screen time before bed, using essential oils to help you relax – all are great ways to focus on self-care that will likely help you sleep better.
  • Move your body. From boosting your immune system to improving your mood, regular exercise is good for you. There are plenty of exercise options to choose from – with little to no expense required. Search for an activity that you enjoy and want to do!
  • Massage. There are many positives associated with massage therapy, including pain management and stress reduction. Choose the style of massage – deep tissue, trigger point, Swedish, etc. – that best suits your needs.

Mental Self-Care

A glance at the evening news, or your smart phone’s calendar, will confirm there is no shortage of stressors in today’s world. Self-care strategies that promote relaxation and a calm mind are a great way to improve your mental health. Try adding one of these activities to your self-care routine:

  • Meditation. Developing a daily meditation practice can improve focus, reduce stress, and lead to better sleep. There are numerous online resources, as well as apps, like Calm or Headspace, to help get you started.
  • Reading. Spending time with your favorite characters or learning about a subject that fascinates you – reading daily is a great self-care activity. The benefits associated with reading are many – from an improved ability to empathize helping to prevent age-related cognitive decline.
  • Puzzles. Crossword, jigsaw, sudoku – there are plenty of puzzles to choose from. All offer positive mental health benefits ranging from improving your memory to increasing your vocabulary.

Emotional Self-Care

In an article for Psychology Today, psychiatrist Abigail Brenner, M.D. describes the importance of emotional self-care. “Mastering your emotions is not only your personal responsibility but also is a positive strategy for getting through life in the best possible way you can. When you have a healthy attitude about your feelings and how to express them, you are better equipped to get through events well, rather than feeling each time strong emotion hits that you are overwhelmed and incapable of handling the situation.” Strategies for emotional self-care can include learning to set boundaries or forming a strong support network. Following are some simple ways to begin:

  • Coffee or tea-time. From the smell of the freshly ground beans, to savoring your first sip – your morning java (or tea) can be a wonderful restorative ritual.
  • Journal. Numerous studies have shown a connection between journaling and improved mental health. Not into writing? No problem – you can create a visual journal with sketches or drawings or dictate your entries on your smartphone. Experiment until you find what works best for you.
  • Pets. Teaching mindfulness, relieving stress, providing comfort, and offering a sense of purpose – pups provide numerous mental health benefits. If circumstances prevent you from owning a pet, you can volunteer at a shelter, or spend time with a friend’s dog.

Finding a self-care routine that works best for you requires some work, but the long-term benefits are worth the effort involved. Focus on finding what works best for you and being consistent, so you can offer the best version of yourself to your loved ones!

About Us and How We Can Help

Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Winder offers a wide range of care options that can support self-care program initiation and sustainment. We understand that taking care of aging loved ones can progress from slightly challenging to completely overwhelming in a matter of days, but we are here to support your family every step of the way and that includes us helping you take care of yourself at home. We offer senior assisted living and professional memory care services here in Winder and we will work with you to determine what is right for you and your loved ones.


FAQ: What Exactly is Assisted Living

17 January 2022

FAQ: What Exactly is Assisted Living - Winder, GA

It comes as no surprise to us that our most frequently asked question from those researching professional assisted living options here in Winder is, “What Exactly is Assisted Living”. The reason is simple this question is asked so often. It is because assisted living has no single definition. It differs from community to community, state to state, family to family. So today, we’re going to share with you the way we answer this frequently asked question.

Here’s how we define it. Assisted living is “a combining of housing, personalized supportive services and health care designed to meet the individual needs of persons who need help with the activities of daily living, but do not need the skilled medical care provided in a nursing home.”

This level of care can cover a wide variety of resident needs, including dressing, bathing, using the bathroom, eating, mobility, and getting in and out of bed. While assisted living is a healthcare-type environment, assisted living is different than a nursing home. Typical assisted living residents are able to live independently for some or most daily activities, and simply require help for certain non-medical issues.

Assisted living communities go by many names, including adult congregate living facilities, rest homes, homes for the aging, personal care homes, residential care, retirement homes, retirement communities, adult foster care, and community residences, but they all point to the same type of care provided.

Those residents who require more intensive care or medical supervision (such as our dear residents within our memory care community) are typically not residents of assisted living facilities, but rather find better-suited care in a nursing home or more medically oriented facility.

Choosing an assisted living community for your loved one is never an easy choice, and you should be very comfortable with the level of care provided by the community. At the very least, assisted living facilities should offer the following services:

  • Medication management
  • Daily living assistance (bathing, eating, dressing, etc.)
  • Educational activities
  • Dining
  • Basic health and wellness services and programs
  • Emergency call systems
  • Housekeeping and maintenance
  • Organized recreational and exercise activities
  • Laundry services
  • Religious activities
  • Transportation arrangements
  • 24-hour security

Assisted living is meant to provide your loved one with the care they need to live happy and healthy in a supportive environment. If you have any questions about the services we provide here at Winder's Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to answer your questions and give you a tour of our community.


Alzheimer’s Diagnosis? Now What?

10 January 2022

Alzheimer’s Diagnosis? Now What? - Winder, GA

First and foremost, stop and realize that you are not alone and that you are loved. Consider all of us here at Winder's Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care to be a ready, empathetic, loving, and professionally experienced resource for you.

Being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, no doubt, is a life changing event. For many, it will seem like the end of the world. However, rest assured that is it not. So where are you and where are you going?

You understand something is not quite right. You’ve known for a while because you recognized the gaps in memory. You struggled to remember conversations you just had. People reminded you of things they told you only previously that day, and sometimes you couldn’t put a name to the face, even for a close family member or friend you’ve known most of your life. You see your doctor and she confirms your suspicions. Make no mistake, your doctor should be considered one of your most trusted advisor. Consider your family caregivers and/or special friend(s) right up there as well.

Alzheimer’s is a frightening diagnosis. When you or somebody you love has been diagnosed with this form of dementia, it’s important to not get caught up in what you are still capable of doing right now and ignoring what the future may hold.

You might not want to think about assisted living at this moment, but it is a topic to discuss as early as you can. Keep in mind, though, that whether this is you, a spouse, a parent, or somebody else you love who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it might take a while for them or you to absorb this new diagnosis.

Even though you may have realized something wasn’t quite right and worried that could be Alzheimer’s or something similar, receiving that formal diagnosis can be a shock to your life. Now what?

First, allow this person — or you — time to deal with it.

Don’t rush them through the process. Everyone goes through different stages of grief at different times. When you realize what the future will hold and that there is no cure for Alzheimer’s at this moment, it can feel like a loss already.

Yet, it doesn’t have to be a loss. Not for a long, long time still to come.

Second, discuss long-term care options.

This should include memory care assisted living. When an elderly person who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia looks into memory care assisted living communities like ours, they’re looking into adequate support in the years ahead.

Their spouse, their adult children, their friends, their neighbors, and others might be more than willing to support them so they can remain home, but as the disease progresses it will steal more memory, more mental function, and eventually cause more health issues and limited mobility.

This will place a tremendous amount of pressure on that caregiver support system at home. Plus, a lot of things can and often are missed when people have no prior experience supporting an elderly person through the different stages of Alzheimer’s.

A memory care assisted living facility — will have properly trained and experienced staff ready to support you or that person you love through the advancing stages of Alzheimer’s. They can offer comfort, be the buffer between the memory loss and family members who can get caught up in the verbal or even physical outbursts from the individual. They will understand what comes next, how to remain calm and rational, and how to best support that elderly person as they face this long and difficult road ahead.

If you or an aging loved-one is considering a move to a memory care community in and around Winder, Georgia, please contact our caring staff today!


Senior Assisted Living Often Delivers Improved Health Versus Independent Living

3 January 2022

Senior Assisted Living Often Delivers Improved Health Versus Independent Living - Winder, GA

New Year’s Greetings from all of us here at Winder's Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care! We are now a couple of days into the calendar year 2022. Many of us authored our traditional “New Year’s Resolutions” and are working through the details of strategic self-improvement. But if you provide daily assistance to a senior loved one, then we warmly suggest that you include delivering “improved health” to your senior loved one.

Like so many of you loving family members out there caring for a loved one, you might assume that professional assisted living is a last resort for an aging loved one. But is that really the case? Many people simply have the wrong idea about what assisted living is and what it offers.

It’s easy to overlook just how beneficial assisted living can be, but the more you investigate a quality assisted living community, you will start to understand why seniors tend to actually be healthier (mentally and physically) at assisted living.

We outline just a few of the reasons why this could very well be the case, and why you should sit down and discuss the professional senior assisted living option with an aging parent or other loved one.

Reason #1: Seniors have opportunities to stay engaged.

In life, that is. Being withdrawn, wanting to give up, or hiding out in your room isn’t going to offer a great emotional benefit. But having friends, staff, and others enticing you to get out and connect on a personal level and taking part in various entertainment options or activities is a wonderful way to help someone stay (and feel) more connected. That connection taps into our nature, our human nature. We were designed to be with others and when we have that engagement with others, it can lift us up emotionally, which has a direct impact on our physical wellness, too.

Reason #2: Better dining options.

Not all assisted living communities are the same, so it’s important not to conflate one with others. The average assisted living community will have decent dining options for elderly residents, but here at Manor Lake we offer an outstanding (even celebrated) dining experience!

This is directly linked to high quality healthy food choices which tends to improve overall health. While a senior may not eat healthy at home, especially when living alone, we ensure that they enjoy healthy meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Reason #3: Exercise options.

Again, not all assisted living communities offer the same benefits, but there is somewhere safe that elderly residents can get some much-needed exercise. Just walking down a broad corridor with hand rails or strolling along carefully manicured and maintained grounds can offer wonderful exercise options.

In short, professional assisted living offers many options that can help seniors be healthier, but you and they must take that first step and look into it for yourselves. Contact us here at Winder's Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care to learn more.


Reflecting on the Year & COVID-19

13 December 2021

Reflecting on the Year & COVID-19 - Winder, GA

In the past year, Americans across the nation experienced toilet paper, food, hand sanitizer, and paper towel shortages. Some industries were put at extraordinary risk due to short supply of vital staples. The Assisted Living and Memory Care support providers were arguable at the top of the list for the supply shortages. But our stubbornly dedicated staff here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care here in Winder went above and beyond to prioritize and deliver the level of comfort and safety that our beloved community members deserve.

It was humbling to see the entire staff work steadfast to keep morale high when some residents were feeling isolated from their family and loved ones. We’d like to thank and congratulate our entire heroic team as 2020 revealed far more triumphs than struggles. From creative ideas for programs that kept our resident family socially engaged to our COVID-19 testing protocols and safety strategies, the team deserves a standing ovation for their incredible work over the past year.

Adapted

Throughout the year, Gateway Gardens kept both our Assisted Living activity calendar and our Memory Care activity calendar filled with safe and fun activities that kept our community engaged and content through the difficult (and sometimes isolated) times. They were quick on their feet when it came to implementing the latest safety guidance. They were always one step ahead and making sure the community didn’t run out of critical supplies like masks, toilet paper, and other hard-to-find PPE and supplies. We implemented rigorous testing strategies and screening questions for the team and community that helped keep the virus in check within our walls.

Our amazing team did all of this with a smile while remaining calm, cool, and collected.

Connected

Along with the rest of the world, we became familiar with video conferencing technology. Our activities team was quick to get residents set up to engage with their families and loved ones when visits became impossible to arrange. Additionally, the team kept residents active with fun indoor games and fitness activities.

Protected

As the COVID-19 vaccine became available, our team rolled up their sleeves to make our first clinic happen as quickly and seamlessly as possible. Our resident family and team received their first round in January and the second set in February. We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to add an extra layer of protection for our community and we are hopeful for the future!

As busy as we were here in 2021, we’ve already rolled up our sleeves in anticipation of 2022 and the privilege of finding new and creative ways to deliver a genuine and ever-improving quality of life experience here at Gateway Gardens. Our warmest Holiday greetings to you all!


A Link Between Exercise and Thwarting Alzheimer’s

6 December 2021

A Link Between Exercise and Thwarting Alzheimer’s - Winder, GA

This post cites Alzheimer’s research that publishes some very uplifting findings! Whether you are a beloved senior assisted living resident here at Gateway Gardens (Winder), a loving family member of a memory care service resident, or an at home care provider, the subject of dementia touches almost all of us in some form or fashion. It is our pleasure to bring positive news on the subject as often as we can. Today is one of those days!

Researchers at the University of California have discovered a very strong link to exercise as having a direct effect upon thwarting Alzheimer’s. Here’s the link to the entire story. The UC researchers conclude that exercise positively effects a process called “autophagy”. Autophagy is the body’s process of clearing spent or defective proteins from cells. Defective proteins have long been known contributors to dementia.

This is just one reason why we place such a high emphasis on exercise and active lifestyles here at Winder's Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care. We invite you all to come see it for yourself!


When Life Forces You to Celebrate the Holidays Remotely

29 November 2021

When Life Forces You to Celebrate the Holidays Remotely - Winder, GA

Very warm Christmas season’s greetings from all of us at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Winder. We fully realize that life’s conflicts get in the way of being with family over the Holidays. For all of you with family members serving our country overseas and unable to return home, our most sincere thanks for your sacrifice. So today, we offer a few ideas for celebrating remotely with your loved ones here at Manor Lake.

  • Mail cards and letters. Receiving cards during the holidays is a great way to remind your loved one on a daily basis you are thinking of them. Recruit family members and grandchildren to send them as well. Send them out over the course of several days—even if they’re small, they’ll put a smile on your Mom or Dad’s face. Compose a letter that details a favorite holiday memory and include old photos if you have them.
  • Video Chat. When families are separated, technology can be a true gift for celebrating holidays remotely. Talk to the staff here and ask them to help arrange a Zoom or Facetime call with your loved one. Gather family members together and keep the conversation upbeat. Sing a few carols together. Show them decorations in your home or let them sit in during your tree-decorating tradition.
  • Work on a holiday craft together. Getting a loved one involved is a great way to help them feel included in your holiday activities and can stimulate some cherished memories. Think of a simple craft or ornament you could make together and send them the supplies. Then arrange to have a video call so that you can both assemble it at the same time. This is a great way to involve grandchildren.
  • Send cookies and favorite treats. If you’ve ever received a “care package” from a long-distance parent filled with delicious homemade treats, you know how special it made you feel. You can do the same—bake some favorite treats and put together a box filled with delicious surprises. Your Mom or Dad will appreciate your thoughtfulness and thru sharing, very likely will make lots of new friends!
  • Mail a box of gifts and designate one to open each day. Take a week and tell your loved one you would like them to open one gift a day, and that you will call them first so you can experience the moment together. Again, using Zoom or Facetime will make it even more festive. Or, you can mail a box of gifts and ask them to wait until your family is opening presents—then you can all do it at once.
  • Text and call often. It’s easy to get so busy during the holidays that the days fly by. Be sure to stop and take a moment to call or text Mom or Dad often to let them know you are thinking about them. You can talk about the cards you’ve sent them, or let them know what activities your children are involved in. Also, if you have access to the assisted living activities calendar, you can see what holiday events are available and encourage your Mom or Dad to attend.
  • Talk to caregivers and staff. We encourage you to reach out to both our Assisted Living support team as well as our Memory Care support team to let them know you’ll be celebrating the holidays remotely. Tell them if there’s a favorite holiday meal or tradition that is very important to your loved one and ask if arrangements can be made to help make it happen.

Sharing laughter, joy, and praise is what the holidays are all about. There are lots of ways to reach out and include your loved ones in the celebration. Here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care we celebrate every person’s unique traits and help them maintain as much independence as possible. Have a warm and blessed Holiday season!


Thanksgiving Greetings from All of Us Here at Gateway Gardens

22 November 2021

Thanksgiving Greetings from All of Us Here at Gateway Gardens - Winder, GA

Very warm Thanksgiving greetings from all of us at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Winder. As business owners, clients, prospective clients, friends and family, and suppliers our sense of appreciation for all of you has never been higher.

Like us, each of you have had unique and serious challenges during the last couple of years, most likely both professionally and personally. We are reflecting upon these challenging times with a “glass half-full” perspective and we hope that you all are doing the same. Each and every one of you has delivered a positive and enduring effect on us and our business as well as on those around you. We hope that in some way we’ve done the same for you.

Wishing you sincere peace and joy this Thanksgiving holiday. While surrounded by family and friends, we take time for positive reflection upon all of life’s blessings, we hope that you do as well.

Happy Thanksgiving from everyone here at Gateway Gardens.


Give the Gift of Time to Your Senior Loved Ones This Holiday Season

15 November 2021

Give the Gift of Time to Your Senior Loved Ones This Holiday Season - Winder, GA

Today’s blog post is targeted for our entire blog reading community. Whether you are a beloved senior assisted living resident here at Gateway Gardens, a loving family member of a memory care service resident, or one of the many providing loving care of a senior loved one within your own home, we hope you take this advice to heart. Simply give the gift of focused time this Holiday season to your senior loved one(s).

Backed-up ports and the corresponding lack of goods going through the supply chain could become a real-life "Grinch," making for a disappointing Christmas holiday for millions. Hundreds of huge cargo ships, stacked high with thousands of containers filled with clothing, electronics, toys and staple goods, are circling U.S. ports on both coasts with no slip to dock and unload. The massive gridlock is delaying what is usually at this point in the year a cresting apex for stocking store shelves for the holiday season, a make-or-break time of year for many retailers.

Consider telling your loved ones today, that you simply don’t expect them to stress out trying to find you Holiday gifts. Tell them that your plan, this year, with all things considered, you’re going to replace wrapped gifts for hours and minutes of loving fellowship. So many of you are going to (or already have) order that perfect gift that will not be delivered on time and thus adding to Holiday stress.

Sure, find some simple things commonly found at your local store to wrap and deliver, but communicate to your senior loved one that you look to take an overnight trip somewhere with them or even that you plan to take a simple drive around town. It’s a plan that will surely pay emotional dividends.

As always, if you have any questions regarding professional senior assisted living or memory care services, contact us anytime.


Home Safety Tips for Seniors

1 November 2021

Home Safety Tips for Seniors - Winder, GA

Today’s blog post is authored for all of you at-home care providers providing your loved one with senior assisted living or memory care services. This is our way of giving back to the community so that your beloved senior has the best chance of living a safe and happy life.

Home is meant to be a space where we’re at our most comfortable. There’s a lot that goes into making a comfy home: the right amount of room to move around, decor that reflects your personality, and of course, a space that’s safe and secure. For seniors, safety in the home should be a priority, especially because reports have shown that at-home accidents are among the leading causes of fatalities in the U.S.— and that number only increases with age. Luckily, there are some simple tips that can make a space more senior-safe and friendly. Find some of the best ones and make sure safety is always a priority in your home.

Avoid Potential Trip and Fall Hazards

Falls are the most common accidents for seniors at home. No one can predict when they’re going to have a dizzy spell, but making sure your home is clear of clutter, stray cords and debris is a great place to start when trying to prevent an accidental fall. Look out for rugs with rubberized backing to help avoid tripping up, wear non-slip footwear and make sure all entryways and high-traffic walkways are completely clear. And make sure you’re familiar with tips for falling more safely.

Have Reliable and Accessible Organization

Whether you like to hold onto things or prefer a minimalist space, how you store things can make a world of difference. Items that get daily use should be in an easy-to-access area that doesn’t require uncomfortable lifting or bending. Try to give them designated spaces so you don’t have to tumble around looking for things that you might need on the spot. It’s also wise to have a special spot for important documents, IDs and health records.

Keep Your Bathroom Safe

The most common place for senior accidents in the home is the bathroom. From slipping in the tub to getting burned by hot water, a lot can go wrong in a bathroom. Installing grab bars near the toilet and shower, placing rubber mats in the tub, even including a bathing chair for seated showers can help prevent accidents. A toilet seat with handlebars can also make sitting and standing much easier.

Check for Proper Lighting

A poorly lit space can make accidents more likely, especially for seniors who have a habit of waking in the night to use the bathroom or get a glass of water. Motion-detection lighting or automatic night-lights in the hallway help with nighttime light. In the daytime, incandescent light bulbs are helpful to create a bright space. Having a reading lamp or other lamps near commonly used spaces can help, too.

Fireproof Your Space

Candles can create a nice ambience at home, but it can be easy to forget when you have one lit. Opt for flameless battery candles to achieve the same atmosphere without the fire hazard. For electronics, keep all areas near outlets and cords clutter-free and limit the number or cords plugged into power strips. Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are always working and replace batteries in a timely manner. During colder months, avoid the use of space heaters and heated blankets, as they’re easy to forget about and can be a fire hazard. If you have to use a space heater, keep them far away from curtains, blankets and bedding.

Thanks for reading, and as always, if you have any questions, contact us anytime.


Road Trip Therapy for Both You and Your Senior Loved Ones

25 October 2021

Road Trip Therapy for Both You and Your Senior Loved Ones - Winder, GA

Sometimes the most beautiful moments with your senior loved one starts right outside your front door and in your driveway. Whether you are an at-home care provider or currently trust us with your senior assisted living or memory care services, consider going for a therapeutic drive with the ones you love and care for!

You may not know this, but according to Travel and Leisure, several of the top 15 most beautiful fall drives are very close by in North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee! According to Travel and Leisure, the colors are in full swing by mid-October on the East coast. So, head on out!

Just for your information, here are 15 must-see places to drive through this fall:

  1. Mount Mitchell State Park, North Carolina
  2. Michigan's Gold Coast, Traverse City
  3. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia
  4. Coastal Maine
  5. Olympic Peninsula, Washington
  6. Ozarks, Arkansas
  7. Moosehead Lake Region, Maine
  8. The Green Mountain and Mad River Byways, Vermont
  9. Lake Placid, New York
  10. The Driftless Region, Wisconsin
  11. Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
  12. Cades Cove, The Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
  13. Crested Butte, Colorado
  14. The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, Taos, New Mexico
  15. Eastern Sierras, California

So, what if getting out for a ride is simply not practical or possible. Consider taking a virtual tour of these great places on the internet. Either way, take some pictures of the quality time spent together and consider sharing your stories with us. Enjoy your trip and as always, if you have any questions, contact us anytime.


Addressing At-Home Caregiver Fatigue

18 October 2021

Addressing At-Home Caregiver Fatigue - Winder, GA

By now, most of you know that we manage our Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care blog for the benefit of all of you at home in the Winder area caring for your loved one with senior assisted living needs and/or memory care challenges. We do this because you are neighbors and friends, but most importantly, because we view you as heroes. As professional care givers, we know the challenges that you face. And we want to do our part to help. Today we’re going to focus on the very real challenge of pandemic-related caregiver fatigue.

What is Pandemic Fatigue for Senior Caregivers?

Caring for our loved ones as they age is never easy. There are tons of factors that can make it taxing physically, mentally, financially, and more for both the caregiver and the one receiving care. This has always been the case, but with the emergence of COVID-19, things have only gotten more difficult. Many of us, especially caregivers for older adults, are feeling a real sense of burnout due to Coronavirus, also referred to as pandemic fatigue. Today we will be covering pandemic fatigue in more detail, recommending coping strategies, and discussing care options.

When we began seeing increased COVID-19 rates in the United States, many people stayed home as much as possible to slow the spread and protect those they live with, especially those in vulnerable populations like older adults. Seven months later, it often feels less urgent to stay home, despite higher rates of COVID-19 than ever in the U.S. People are coping with the loss of their loved ones, jobs, or housing, and many live in a constant state of anxiety about getting sick. One group of people that are hit especially hard by Coronavirus spikes are caregivers of older adults, as they risk their lives, and the lives of their aging loved ones, every time they have to leave the home while COVID-19 rages on. Many of these caregivers still have to go to work to support their own kids, and relief has been hard to come by in recent months.

The combination of all of these fears, frustrations, and losses contribute to what we now refer to as pandemic fatigue. Pandemic fatigue can also be thought of as burnout from being pulled in all different directions while also feeling isolated from the outside world. Pandemic fatigue can put our mental and physical health at risk, affecting the quality of our work, caregiving, and lifestyle.

How Can I Cope with Pandemic Fatigue?

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to overcome pandemic fatigue, empowering you to stay as relaxed, calm, and collected as possible.

Stay Connected

Letter writing and virtual hangouts are ways to stay connected with loved ones.
One major reason why pandemic fatigue has grabbed a hold of so many of us is the lingering feeling of isolation and loneliness. We may not be able to host or attend gatherings like many of us used to, but that doesn’t mean we cannot stay connected with friends and family members.

Staying connected not only helps us preserve our mental health, talking to friends and family can help us express built up feelings and work through our struggles. Even if you don’t explicitly talk about your problems, feeling connected and supported is just as important too.

Try the following to get in touch with friends and family during the pandemic:

  • Going for a socially distanced hike or nature walk with a loved one
  • Setting up recurring virtual hangouts or dates
  • Writing letters or sending cards to people to tell them you’re thinking of them
  • Hosting a socially distant outdoor get together, like a bonfire or takeout meal

Take Care of Yourself

Maintain a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
When we put so much time and effort into taking care of others or simply trying to make ends meet, it can feel impossible to take care of ourselves and our needs, too. Setting aside just a few minutes of the day to dedicate to yourself can make a huge difference in your mental state. If you’re feeling burned out, it will only make it harder to provide quality care to your loved one or maintain a household.

Try incorporating more of the following to take care of yourself:

  • Ensuring you get eight hours of sleep whenever possible
  • Exercising regularly or taking small, frequent physical activity breaks throughout the day
  • Consuming a balanced diet with enough fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  • Sitting in intentional silence for a few minutes or utilizing a meditation app
  • Listening to your favorite music while doing chores or when you feel overwhelmed
  • Limiting your social media intake by deleting addictive apps, setting a social media timer, or logging out after each visit

Most caregivers go through their entire days without rest or doing things they enjoy, and this can lead to burnout faster than anything else. Self-care can look a bit different for everyone but doing enough of it pays off when it comes to your physical and mental health, as well as your caregiving ability.

Get Help

Many are feeling stuck and overwhelmed to the point where they feel like they are drowning in their responsibilities as a caregiver, especially with pandemic fatigue thrown in the mix. If you feel this way, see if you can find a local or virtual support group or if you have access to counseling through your workplace or insurance.

How We Can Help

Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Winder offers a wide range of care options that can help alleviate some of the stress, anxiety, and fatigue that come with caregiving on one’s own. We understand that taking care of aging loved ones can progress from slightly challenging to completely overwhelming in a matter of days, but we are here to support your family every step of the way. We offer senior assisted living and professional memory care services here in Winder and we will work with you to determine what is right for you and your loved ones.

Now may be the time to have that discussion. Contact us today.


Halloween Home Care Consideration for Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s

11 October 2021

Halloween Home Care Consideration for Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s - Winder, GA

This blog post if for you angels out there taking care of a loved one at home suffering from Alzheimer’s. Although it’s a longstanding tradition here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Winder to celebrate Halloween with both our assisted living and our memory care residents, we celebrate a bit differently within our two unique care communities. The scary and ghoulish themes of Halloween can serve a detrimental effect on memory care patients. So we have some things for you to consider in advance of the upcoming holiday.

HALLOWEEN AND ALZHEIMER’S

Halloween is one of the most celebrated days in the American calendar. It is a day rich in history that everyone should celebrate. For decades now, it’s been known to be a favorite day for the kids who would feel their pockets or even bags with candy, fully dressed in a ghoulish costume.

Halloween is characterized by scary costumes and decors which can greatly frighten individuals with Alzheimer’s. It is therefore important to organize Halloween parties that suite people with Alzheimer’s for them to feel loved an included. How can we organize Halloween for seniors? Here are few tips to make this Halloween happy and safe for everyone:

MAINTAIN MINIMAL DECORATIONS

Halloween is all about decorations and costumes. Halloween wouldn’t be the same without them. But extreme decorations don’t go well with people who suffer from Alzheimer’s. Keep decorations to the minimum. Even though it may not guarantee that the patient will not get confused or stressed, maintaining the outlook of the house by decorating minimally celebrates the holiday without causing too much confusion or disorientation. In order to accomplish this, there are some things that one should do or avoid.

  • Avoid scary decors.
  • Avoid scary and abrupt sounds.
  • Avoid using candles or flashlights at night in your house. These can create anxiety for your loved one.

AVOID PUBLIC PLACES

It’s always fun for kids to watch ghosts and goblins at the park during Halloween festival. The same cannot be said about people with Alzheimer’s. This might cause the patient to avoid the place again due to scary memories. The best thing is to take them to a less public and elaborate celebrations.

KEEP THE CANDY IN A SAFE PLACE

There is no Halloween without candy. In the culture of celebrating Halloween, most families, if not all share candy with other kids. It is therefore difficult to keep candy away. Nutritionally, sugary foods have been known to heighten the condition. Many patients won’t control themselves from taking candy. It is therefore important to monitor them or even keep the candy away in a safe place.

PREPARE YOUR LOVED ONE

Although this may prove to be a hard option, it is important to try and explain to your loved one that there will be some commotion around. If you are someone who has stayed with the patient for long, you will have a good chance of getting them to understand. Even so, this won’t guarantee you success because patients with Alzheimer’s lose memory very quickly. Therefore, try to create distractions and carefully and patiently explain any questions that they may have.

Halloween can be a fun filled time for everyone. Just as we take safety measures to protect children during the holiday, we can provide the same precautions for our elderly and those who may suffer from memory conditions.

All of us here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care wish you the very best for a joyful Halloween celebration.


Nutritional Concerns Regarding Senior Dietary Care

4 October 2021

Nutritional Concerns Regarding Senior Dietary Care - Winder, GA

Our team of professional memory care and assisted living care providers here at Gateway Gardens Winder are there for all of you, young and seasoned alike. Today’s blog offers “food for thought” pertaining to senior nutrition. Your senior Mom or Dad’s dietary requirement is significantly different than your senior in high school. Across the nation, without even realizing it, well intentioned senior care givers are denying their senior loved one of a healthy diet. Add in the fact that as the coronavirus pandemic persists, researchers continue to say a weakened immune system can increase an older adult’s risk for the virus. A poor diet can often result in decreased immunity. In addition, there are other health issues linked to malnutrition:

  • Chronic fatigue
  • Loss of bone density
  • Slow healing wounds
  • Increased risk for falls

Learning what puts older adults at risk for a poor diet or malnutrition will help you learn how to detect a problem and address it.

Evaluating a Senior’s Risk for Malnutrition

Research from the Mayo Clinic report that physical, social, and psychological factors contribute to poor dietary conditions within our senior community:

  • Physical: As you are exploring potential reasons that an older loved one isn’t eating well, consider physical problems. Poorly fitting dentures, for example, might make chewing painful. Struggling to stand for very long and prepare meals could lead a senior to eat very little. Then there are conditions like Parkinson’s disease and arthritis that make tasks associated with preparing healthy meal, such as slicing and chopping vegetables, difficult and even dangerous.
  • Social: Meals are often a social occasion and a time to connect with friends and family. For seniors who are trying to physically distance from others, eating alone might be necessary. The longer an older adult is isolated, the tougher the situation can become. Cooking for one may seem like too much work after a week or two. A senior can turn to fast foods and convenience items, including frozen dinners, processed foods, and canned foods instead. These tend to be low in nutrients, and high in sodium and trans-fat.
  • Psychology: Other issues that impact nutrition are grief, depression, isolation, and loneliness. A death in the family, a change in personal health, or anxiety about the coronavirus are just a few psychological challenges that can affect a senior’s eating habits. Sometimes people trying to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression may consume too many unhealthy comfort foods or sugary treats. Other times a person in psychological pain can lose their appetite altogether.

Once you pinpoint the cause of a senior loved one’s poor nutrition, it will be easier to address those concerns. Whether it is having groceries delivered or exploring meal delivery services, there are a variety of solutions to consider.

If you are considering a senior living community for yourself or a loved here in Winder, we invite you to come visit and see the thriving senior assisted living community here at Gateway Gardens Winder and/or our loving memory care community here in Winder as well!


Preventative Measures to Take NOW to Defend Against the Flu

27 September 2021

Preventative Measures to Take NOW to Defend Against the Flu - Winder, GA

Greetings once again to all of our Winder-area assisted living and our Winder memory care community residents, family, neighbors, and friends. We had a family member call us and ask if we could repost our recommendations for preparing loved ones for the upcoming flu season. She asked us this because she believes there are instances within her caregiver circle of people forgetting about the very real threat that the flu presents to our senior loved ones. We share the same concern, so, here goes.

As people around the world continue focusing on the COVID-19 crisis, the time of year when the seasonal flu begins to make its rounds is approaching. It’s important not to overlook the safety measures designed to protect us all from the influenza virus. Compared to the severity of the coronavirus, the flu may not seem as serious of a health risk. The reality, however, is that the seasonal flu can still be deadly for seniors. In fact, seniors comprise nearly 85 percent of influenza-related deaths and up to 70 percent of hospitalizations in a typical year.

The annual flu vaccine is considered to be the gold standard when it comes to prevention, but it’s not the only one. Lifestyle also plays a key role in determining who will—and who won’t—get bitten by the flu bug.

How to Guard Against the Seasonal Flu

  • Get your flu shot: Unless you have an allergy to one of the vaccine’s ingredients or you are in another risk group, follow your doctor’s orders and get your flu shot. Most physicians suggest being vaccinated in October to give your immunity time to build. Since outbreaks sometimes occur in mid-to-late-October, don’t wait to see how bad the flu season will be before getting your shot.
  • Make self-care a priority: Keeping your immune system strong and healthy also aids in preventing the flu. Consuming a well-balanced diet and exercising almost every day for at least 30 minutes can build immunity. Getting a good night’s sleep and staying hydrated is also important. Unless your physician has limited your fluid intake, the general guideline is to drink 8 glasses of water a day.

These last few recommendations are likely ones you’ve heard frequently since the COVID-19 pandemic began, but they bear repeating:

  • Keep your distance: Physically distance from people when you are in public. When flu season is peaking, try to avoid crowds as much as possible. Wear a mask to cover your nose and mouth.
  • Wash frequently: Wash your hands thoroughly in warm, soapy water several times throughout the day. If you’ve been exposed to the virus, good handwashing hygiene can help protect you.
  • Avoid touching your face: Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Many of us don’t realize how many times a day we do this. If you have the virus on your hands, it can be ingested into the body if you rub your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Finally, contact your physician at the first sign of the flu. There are prescription antiviral drugs that help lessen the severity of flu symptoms and may even be able to shorten the length of time you are sick. But these medications must be taken before the flu progresses too far.

We exist to add quality of life to both you and your beloved. People turn to us daily for advice and consult. We’re here for you! Contact us today to schedule a tour!


Part 8 of Our Eight-Part Series: When and How to Seek Professional Assisted Living or Memory Care

20 September 2021

Part 8 of Our Eight-Part Series: When and How to Seek Professional Assisted Living or Memory Care - Winder, GA

Welcome back to our assisted living and memory care blog. We’ve covered the first seven of this eight-part series on the subject of “When and How to Seek Professional Assisted Living or Memory Care”. Those seven blog posts are conveniently linked for you in the topic list below:

  1. Open the Communication Channels
  2. Determine your Budget
  3. Understand your Parent’s Needs and Issues
  4. Know your Own Limitation
  5. Research Well
  6. Evaluate the Options
  7. Take a Personal Tour
  8. Prepare for a safe Transition

Congratulations! If you’ve accomplished all of the above, now it is time to make the transition. Yes, there will be stress involved, but take comfort that you are nearing a sharp increase in both your loved ones and your quality of life! So, let’s get moving!

Prepare for a Safe Transition

Now that you’ve finalized the community, it’s time to make a smooth transition. Once you’ve gone through the terms and conditions and proceeded with the payment, you can help set-up rooms, get involved in activities, and help your parents settle in. It’s recommended to meet the care and administrative staff to build a bond with the caregivers who play an important role in the wellbeing of residents.

Display patience towards your aging parents as they settle in a new environment. If possible, show a genuine interest in the activities and you can even participate in one of the activities to make parents feel at home. It’s important to stay connected with staff and parents during this phase. Once the parents settle in, they will soon start to enjoy all the benefits being offered by assisted living and like their new home.

Important Points for Moving a Person with Dementia into an Assisted Living Community.

  1. Begin the conversation (In case of an early stage of dementia)
  2. Always choose a provider specialized in memory care
  3. Display empathy, care
  4. Fill the room with their favorite personal belongings
  5. Give them space
  6. Visit frequently

At times, it may take one to three months for your parents to adjust to this new environment and lifestyle. Your patience and support is vital in making this move successful.

We sincerely hope that you’ve discovered this eight-part blog series to be both useful and actionable. When the time comes for you to seek a consult regarding professional assisted living or professional memory care services, please know that Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care Winder is here for you. We’re ready to discuss some or all the topics listed above. Call us!


Part 7 of Our Eight-Part Series: When and How to Seek Professional Assisted Living or Memory Care

13 September 2021

Part 7 of Our Eight-Part Series: When and How to Seek Professional Assisted Living or Memory Care - Winder, GA

Welcome back to our assisted living and memory care blog. We’ve covered the first six of this eight-part series on the subject of “When and How to Seek Professional Assisted Living or Memory Care”. Those six blog posts are conveniently linked for you in the topic list below:

  1. Open the Communication Channels
  2. Determine your Budget
  3. Understand your Parent’s Needs and Issues
  4. Know your Own Limitation
  5. Research Well
  6. Evaluate the Options
  7. Take a Personal Tour
  8. Prepare for a safe Transition

In today’s seventh blog post of the series, we encourage you to take personal tours of every community under consideration.

Take a Personal Tour

Now that your basic research is completed, it’s time to pay a visit to shortlisted communities. But start with us though. I think you all understand by now that through this blog and other support services, our intent is to serve the entire general public not just our dear residents and family members. The more you know, the more you will come to appreciate us here at Manor Lake! Schedule a trip to the community to understand their environment. If possible, plan the visit along with your parents. It’s recommended to understand the community culture, know the meal preparations being offered, and take a tour of the premises.

Ask about:

  • Meal options
  • Terms and conditions
  • Staff experience and qualification
  • Facilities offered
  • Wellness activities
  • Social outings
  • Emergency numbers
  • Number of residents

When Visiting Communities, Here Are Few Items To Look For:

  • Physical layout and cleanliness in common areas
  • Number of daytime and night staff and their qualifications
  • Meal plans and types
  • Regular activities schedule
  • New resident assessment process

Discuss with family members about available options. Narrow down your choice once you have a general feel of the place, and know what to expect once your parents start living there. You can check on assisted living’s violations and citations with your state licensing records website. Most family members can also visit their loved ones anytime, but it is best to check with the service provider. During these trying Covid times, regulatory agencies can and do downward direct changing visitation management policy.

Once all the tours are done, all the questions answered, you gut will tell you that there is something special about our Gateway Gardens assisted living community and our memory care community. We’re ready to discuss some or all the topics listed above. Call us!


Part 6 of Our Eight-Part Series: When and How to Seek Professional Assisted Living or Memory Care

6 September 2021

Part 6 of Our Eight-Part Series: When and How to Seek Professional Assisted Living or Memory Care - Winder, GA

Welcome back to our assisted living and memory care blog. We’ve covered the first five of this eight-part series on the subject of “When and How to Seek Professional Assisted Living or Memory Care”. Those five blog posts are conveniently linked for you in the topic list below:

  1. Open the Communication Channels
  2. Determine your Budget
  3. Understand your Parent’s Needs and Issues
  4. Know your Own Limitation
  5. Research Well
  6. Evaluate the Options
  7. Take a Personal Tour
  8. Prepare for a safe Transition

In today’s sixth blog post of the series, our intent is to encourage you to do the obvious. You need to evaluate your options.

Evaluate Your Options

You may wonder why we recommend that you evaluate options. We are confident that the more you know about other local assisted living and memory care providers the more that you will appreciate and value us here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care! Now that you’ve conducted due diligence regarding your needs, finances, requirements, and other considerations, it’s now time to investigate what’s out there for you.

Assisted Living communities come in various formats. Every community has its own look and feel. One of your most valuable resource resides right there inside you…you very own gut! We will never disparage any of your other options out there, but we do know this. Once all the tours are done, all the questions answered, you gut will tell you that there is something special about our Gateway Gardens assisted living community and our memory care community. We’re ready to discuss some or all the topics listed above. Call us!


Part 5 of Our Eight-Part Series: When and How to Seek Professional Assisted Living or Memory Care

30 August 2021

Part 5 of Our Eight-Part Series: When and How to Seek Professional Assisted Living or Memory Care - Winder, GA

Welcome back to our assisted living and memory care blog. We’ve covered the first four of this eight-part series on the subject of “When and How to Seek Professional Assisted Living or Memory Care”. Those four blog posts are conveniently linked for you in the topic list below:

  1. Open the Communication Channels
  2. Determine your Budget
  3. Understand your Parent’s Needs and Issues
  4. Know your Own Limitation
  5. Research Well
  6. Evaluate the Options
  7. Take a Personal Tour
  8. Prepare for a safe Transition

In today’s fifth blog post of the series, our intent is to help you learn how to research well. We are confident that the more you research, the more you will come to learn that we stand alone as your professional assisted living and memory care consultants and care providers. While every situation is unique, and each and every one of you have unique expectations, we are confident that we stand ready and more than able to address each and every one of your needs and concerns. So, let’s get started with how to research well.

Research Well

Make a checklist of all your requirements based on the points mentioned above. Use these checklists to understand the offerings. A checklist helps you drill down to your requirements to pick the right community. If your parents need specialized memory care, then ensure your service provider has the right set of professionals. Assisted living communities that offer dementia care trained staff on the premises also have their residential areas catering to the needs of such residents. For example, facilities include doors with alarms or outdoor spaces that are enclosed with walking pathways.

We’ll help you add to your checklist of requirements. There are things you should expect from your care providers that you haven’t even thought of. The more you know, the more that, together, your loved one will enjoy the quality of care and quality of life that they deserve. So, we trust that it is becoming clear to you that when the time comes for you to seek a consult regarding professional assisted living or professional memory care services, please know that Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care Winder is here for you. We’re ready to discuss some or all the topics listed above. Call us!


Part 4 of Our Eight-Part Series: When and How to Seek Professional Assisted Living or Memory Care

23 August 2021

Part 4 of Our Eight-Part Series: When and How to Seek Professional Assisted Living or Memory Care - Winder, GA

Welcome back to our assisted living and memory care blog. We’re here for you dear residents, resident’s family, and the entire local community. We’ve covered the first three of this eight-part series on the subject of “When and How to Seek Professional Assisted Living or Memory Care”. Those three blog posts are conveniently linked for you in the topic list below:

  1. Open the Communication Channels
  2. Determine your Budget
  3. Understand your Parent’s Needs and Issues
  4. Know your Own Limitation
  5. Research Well
  6. Evaluate the Options
  7. Take a Personal Tour
  8. Prepare for a safe Transition

In today’s fourth blog post of the series, our intent is to help you define and understand your own limitations as it pertains to providing assisted living support. Simply to remind you all, as professional assisted living and memory care providers, we field calls every week regarding the financial considerations regarding professional health care. While every situation is unique, there are recurring considerations common for all of you. So, let’s get started with helping you know your own limitations.

Know Your Own Limitations

When parents need assisted living, it’s often adult children that may also be in denial. However, you, as a primary caregiver for your aging parents, need to be aware of your own limitations in terms of time and physical presence you can offer. Those adults who commute frequently will be unavailable for their aging parents’ needs. Most importantly, aging parents also need fun and recreation - both of which are difficult to handle daily. It’s important for you to:

  • Review your finances
  • Know how much time and presence you can offer
  • Understand the limitations and take adequate steps
  • Find out if your parents are ready to make the move

There comes a time when professional assisted living or memory care services are a safer and better choice compared to keeping your aging parents at home and alone. Dear friends, when that time comes it is not a comfortable period in anyone’s life. Even more difficult for most is the act of admitting to themselves that the time has actually come. We can’t determine that for you, but what we can do is help you through the analytical process that will aid you in making your own decisions. So, we hope you understand that when the time comes for you to seek a consult regarding professional assisted living or professional memory care services, please know that Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care Winder is here for you. We’re ready to discuss some or all the topics listed above. Call us!


Part 3 of Our Eight-Part Series: When and How to Seek Professional Assisted Living or Memory Care

16 August 2021

Part 3 of Our Eight-Part Series: When and How to Seek Professional Assisted Living or Memory Care - Winder, GA

Welcome back to our assisted living and memory care blog. We’re here for you dear residents, resident’s family, and the entire local community. We’ve covered the first two of this eight-part series on the subject of “When and How to Seek Professional Assisted Living or Memory Care”. Those two blog posts are conveniently linked for you in the topic list below:

  1. Open the Communication Channels
  2. Determine your Budget
  3. Understand your Parent’s Needs and Issues
  4. Know your Own Limitation
  5. Research Well
  6. Evaluate the Options
  7. Take a Personal Tour
  8. Prepare for a safe Transition

In today’s third blog post of the series, our intent is to help you understand your parent’s (or any other loved one’s) needs and issues. Simply to remind you all, as professional assisted living and memory care providers, we field calls every week regarding the financial considerations regarding professional health care. While every situation is unique, there are recurring considerations common for all of you. So, let’s get started with helping you understand your loved one’s needs and issues.

Understand your Parent’s Needs and Issues

Determining your parent’s or other loved one’s needs empowers you with a better understanding of how moving in to assisted living community supports them in having a higher quality of life:

  • How active they are. Do they like to be around people?
  • What is their current health situation? Are they experiencing chronic medical issues or undergoing long term treatment?
  • Do they need specialized services for memory care (showing signs of dementia)
  • What type of accommodation do they prefer private or shared?

But what if the questions above leave you with more questions than answers? OK, stop for a moment and understand this. There are more people out there just like you who stress when addressing what only appear to be rather straight forward questions. These questions are in fact complicated and multifaceted questions that often require a professional support provider to help you break the challenge down into manageable parts.

We can help break all this down for you. We don’t promise to have all the answers, but what we can promise you is that we’ve guided people like you through this process countless times over the years. People describe our conversations as being a “refreshing breath of fresh air”. That warms our hearts and we welcome those conversations. So, when the time comes for you to seek a consult regarding professional assisted living or professional memory care services, please know that Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care Winder is here for you. We’re ready to discuss some or all the topics listed above. Call us!


Part 2 of Our Eight-Part Series: When and How to Seek Professional Assisted Living or Memory Care

8 August 2021

Part 2 of Our Eight-Part Series: When and How to Seek Professional Assisted Living or Memory Care - Winder, GA

Welcome back to our assisted living and memory care blog. We’re here for you dear residents, resident’s family, and the entire local community. Last week we posted the first of an eight-part series on the subject of “When and How to Seek Professional Assisted Living or Memory Care”. That blog post is conveniently linked for you in the topic list below:

  1. Open the Communication Channels
  2. Determine your Budget
  3. Understand your Parent’s Needs and Issues
  4. Know your Own Limitation
  5. Research Well
  6. Evaluate the Options
  7. Take a Personal Tour
  8. Prepare for a safe Transition

In this second of eight posts, our intent is to help you address how to determine your budget when the time comes. As we pointed out last week, as professional assisted living and memory care providers, we field calls every week regarding the financial considerations regarding professional health care. While every situation is unique, there are recurring considerations common for all of you. So, let’s get started on determining your budget.

Arriving at a reasonable monthly budget is often one of key criteria in the decision-making process. The cost of assisted living varies for each community. Some assisted living communities have an all-inclusive rate while others may have a base rate plus level of care charge.

Assisted living expenditures often fall under bracket of “private pay”. Some long-term care insurance plans may include support for this category. However, an individual can opt for an assisted living waiver if the beneficiary meets the clinical eligibility for the said waiver.

One cannot solely depend on Social Security benefits to pay for assisted living. While it is an important source of income for senior members, the fee for assisted living may go higher than the amount received through Social Security.

Veteran’s Administration (VA) also offers support for assisted living provided the eligibility criteria are met. Enrollment at the VA assisted living centers is as per availability and eligibility.

Depending upon your health insurance plan, Medicare may offer certain services not covered by assisted living. In recent times, state government offers support for assisted living through Medicaid programs. But, it may not cover the entire cost of the program. You will need a deep understanding to know if your parents are eligible to apply for certain Medicare or Medicaid benefits. We can help you with this!

When the time comes for you to seek a consult regarding professional assisted living or professional memory care services, please know that Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care Winder is here for you. We’re ready to discuss some or all the topics listed above. Call us!


Introducing Our Eight-Part Series Covering When and How to Seek Professional Assisted Living or Memory Care

2 August 2021

Introducing Our Eight-Part Series Covering When and How to Seek Professional Assisted Living or Memory Care - Winder, GA

Hello dear residents, resident’s family, and the entire local community who are struggling through providing in-home assisted living or memory care services. This goes out to you whether you are or are not actively searching for professional care services in and around Winder. As professional assisted living and memory care providers, we field countless calls every week from people just like you who sometimes find it overwhelming to care for a loved one in need. Know that you are not alone! Those of you who follow our assisted living and memory care blog know that we invest in all of you by offering the lessons learned of our entire highly trained, skilled, and loving staff.

One of THE most common concerns we hear from people just like you is the comment, “This is all so overwhelming. I’m not sure what to do”. We’ve decided to not overload you here via a lengthy dissertation, rather, we’re going to begin today with the start of a short eight-part series to help you determine your future life care path for your aging parents. The eight-part series will consist of the following topics:

  1. Open the Communication Channels
  2. Determine your Budget
  3. Understand your Parent’s Needs and Issues
  4. Know your Own Limitation
  5. Research Well
  6. Evaluate the Options
  7. Take a Personal Tour
  8. Prepare for a safe Transition

So, let’s get started by “Opening the Communication Channels”.

Open the Communication Channels

Your aging parents may consider themselves to be independent so you may face resistance to the suggestion of an assisted living community. You need to understand their needs and convey the situation in the best way possible.

  • Communication is of utmost importance to help aging parents understand
  • Assisted Living is not isolation
  • Assisted Living is a combination of being independent as well as having skilled medical workforces
  • They have complete independence with support
  • Assisted living offers a wonderful peace of mind
  • You can always meet each other anytime at the assisted living facility. When aging parents realize that assisted living is not like being in a nursing home, and their freedom would not be impaired, it brings a massive change in perspective. Personal conversations help in assuring parents assisted living is the right step towards maintaining their health and social activities. Assisted living is a wonderful choice you can make for aging parents who are not capable of living on their own and managing a healthy lifestyle without constant support. Early planning is necessary to begin finding assisted living for parents.

We hope you benefit, are encouraged, educated, and enjoy our blogging efforts. When the time comes for you to seek a consult regarding caring for your loved one’s professional assisted living or professional memory care services, please know that Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care Winder stands ready to improve the quality of both you and your loved one’s lives. Call us!


A Direct Link Between Professional Assisted Living Care and Reduced Heart Disease

26 July 2021

A Direct Link Between Professional Assisted Living Care and Reduced Heart Disease - Winder / Bethlehem, GA

In our last blog post, we discussed five benefits of chiropractic care for the elderly. That blog post hopefully got you thinking about a different way to manage pain. Today, we’re going to talk about something equally (or more) important than managing pain. We’re going to talk about managing heart disease.

Did you know that according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, seniors supported by professional assisted living professionals realize a statistically significant decrease in hospitalization for heart disease? This positive report is attributed to the professional support provided by assisted living and memory care communities such as ours at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Winder, GA that deliver quality of life support programs as well as regular and reassuring professional health consultation.

What We Do?

The following items are primary goals of our assisted living and memory care community and our memory care community in an effort to reduce the rate of senior patients developing heart illnesses.

Provide Fitness and Relaxation

Keeping seniors active and relaxed improves heart health. Workout programs that range from low to moderate impact exercises are managed based on fitness levels and health status. Regular exercise helps lower stress levels and improve quality of sleep. When these two vital factors are achieved and stabilized, a healthier heart is guaranteed.

Promote Nutrition and Healthy Diet

Assisted living communities pay close attention to the nutrition and diet of their senior residents. They make sure that the food served to senior residents are both appetizing and healthy to improve food intake and facilitates consumption of important nutrients that can strengthen the heart. Also, taking note of food that must be taken moderately. Low-salt, low-fat, low-sugar diet are usually the dietary recommendation for these people.

Provide Smoke-Free Environment

We know for a fact that a smoker has a higher risk of developing chronic heart disorders including atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care offers a designated outdoor area for smokers separated from non-smokers so that non-smokers will not be exposed to smoke-filled air. This is also a way to encourage current smokers to break the habit. Medical advises are also given to those smokers to support them to give up smoking.

For more information about assisted living and memory care services in and around Winder, contact Gateway Gardens today!


How Chiropractic Care Can Help Seniors

12 July 2021

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Seniors - Bethlehem, GA

Summer greetings to you, our faithful blog readers, cherished assisted living residents, memory care residents, and family members all! A common goal within our entire care team is to leave work each day and reflect that “I made someone smile today”. It is the goal of this blog post to educate you all regarding how chiropractic care can help increase mobility and decrease pain within our senior community. Less pain equals more smiles.

Before we get to it, we remind everyone to consult your primary care provider before implementing any of the ideas here. While it is true that American medical doctors increasingly embrace the drug-free and non-invasive nature of chiropractic care, each and every individual has unique challenges and concerns. So run all this through your doctor and together you two can make an educated decision. OK, so off we go!

Did you know that by 2030, it is estimated that approximately 20% of the US population will be 65 or older. As we age, we are more prone to aches and pains as well as balance and mobility issues that can result in falls. According to the CDC, falls are one of the 10 leading causes of nonfatal emergency department visits in the United States. Adults aged 65 and older have the highest incidence of unintentional falls with 3,143,536 falls in 2018.

As healthcare costs continue to rise (since 1999 it has more than doubled), many people are growing concerned about how they will be able to afford their medical care when they are older. Currently, annual healthcare costs are $11,300 per person in the U.S. This leaves many people wondering what they will do, how they will get the care they need during their golden years.

A Case for Chiropractic for Seniors

What is extraordinary is that chiropractic care has been shown to decrease healthcare spending in the over 65 segments of the population. More than 16% of a person’s healthcare spending occurs in the last year of life. Healthcare spending in those over 65 is 5 times more than children and 3 times more than adults (under 65). Regular chiropractic care has a significant impact on those expenses.

So, the answer, at least in part, is to get regular chiropractic care. Right?

Well, we have a way to go there. Only about 14% of older adults currently use chiropractic even though it has been shown to reduce the risk of arthritis, improve balance and mobility, reduce the likelihood of requiring the care of a nursing home, and even decrease the incidences of hospital stays.

Chiropractic for the elderly can be a great asset to their existing medical care.

5 Benefits of Chiropractic for the Elderly

Many people think of chiropractic care and think of a treatment for their aching back. The truth is, it has numerous applications and is a great treatment for many conditions. Even healthy people, seniors included, can benefit from regular chiropractic care.

Prevent Falls

Chiropractic care helps improve coordination and balance which helps to prevent falls. It makes the communication pathways throughout the spine more effective so that you have a better sense of where and how your body moves through space. This cuts down on falls as well as bumping into things.

Manage Pain

There have been many studies on how chiropractic is an effective pain management treatment – and not just for your back. It is a very effective treatment for several age-related conditions such as spinal compression fractions and osteoarthritis. Regular chiropractic care eases the pressure off of the joints which decreases pain or in some cases eliminates it.

Improve Balance

There are small receptors at the base of your neck (your cervical spine). These receptors give your brain messages that help it understand where your body and limbs are functioning in the space you are in. Aging decreases these receptors’ ability to function properly, and many older people begin to have balance problems as a result. Chiropractic care helps improve the communication between the spine and brain by stimulating the receptors and making them function more effectively.

Increase Range of Motion

Several studies, including an Australian study in 2001, have provided powerful evidence that chiropractic care greatly improves a person’s flexibility and range of motion. By bringing the spine back into alignment and the body back into balance, patients experience a greater range of motions and can move with much more ease.

Boost Immunity

A properly aligned spine allows for proper circulation which helps to move toxins through and out of the body. At the same time, the brain is better able to communicate with all parts of your body and organs. This allows it to better monitor the body, identify problems, and provide more efficient repairs. In one study, adults who received regular chiropractic care over a five-year period experienced a 200% increase in immune system function.

The evidence speaks for itself. Chiropractic care works and it is a great treatment for seniors. You don’t have to give in to age-related conditions! Chiropractic care can help to improve many so you can enjoy a better, richer quality of life.

So that’s it for today. Go out and make someone smile today. And for information on assisted living or memory care services here in Bethlehem, contact Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care anytime.


Happy 4th of July Facts

2 July 2021

Happy 4th of July Facts - Bethlehem, GA

The 4th of July is a favorite summer holiday for Americans across the country. Whether you’re enjoying a barbecue with your dear loved ones here at Bethlehem’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care, or with them at home with you, we all relish the opportunity to celebrate freedom with those that we love and to welcome in the summer season.

Independence Day is considered one of our most important national holidays and a symbol of patriotism. The tradition of celebrating the 4th of July dates all the way back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. However, Independence Day didn’t actually become a federal holiday until 1941.

Fun Facts and History of 4th of July

  • The Declaration of Independence was adopted by Congress on July 2, 1776. We celebrate on July 4th because it was the actual date shown on the final version of the Declaration of Independence.
  • The Declaration of Independence was signed by 56 men who represented the 13 colonies, marking the beginning of an all-out war against Britain. John Hancock was the first signer.
  • In July 1776, there was an estimated 2.5 million people living in our newly independent country. By 2013, that number had grown to 316.2 million people. (www.census.gov)
  • There are 59 places in the United States that contain the word “Liberty” in the name. Pennsylvania has 11 places, more than any other state.
  • Two presidents died within hours of each other on July 4, 1826 – John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, both signers of the Declaration of Independence. Five years later, another president, James Monroe, died on July 4th, too- the third president to die on Independence Day.
  • The patriotic song “Yankee Doodle” was originally sung prior to the American Revolution by British military officers as a mockery to the unorganized, buckskin-wearing “Yankees” they fought during the French and Indian War.
  • Our national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” was written by poet Francis Scott Key after the war of 1812. It wasn’t put to music and declared our national anthem until 1931.
  • It’s estimated that consumers will spend over $600 million dollars on fireworks for the 4th of July, with two-thirds of that going to backyard barbecues.

From all of us here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Bethlehem, we wish you a safe and happy 4th of July!


Celebrate YOUR Independence This July 4th

21 June 2021

Celebrate YOUR Independence This July 4th - Bethlehem, GA

At Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care here in Bethlehem, we celebrate our residents and their spirit of independence not only on July 4th, but every day of the year. Our dedicated and loving staff is here to accommodate the unique lifestyle our residents choose so that they can enjoy the freedom to do what makes them happy. The flexibility afforded by this lifestyle option often has our dear assisted living residents wondering why they didn’t make the decision to move sooner!

We believe the key to a positive independent living experience lies in having a well-trained and dedicated service staff to anticipate the wants and needs of our residents. One of our top priorities here at Gateway Gardens is to empower our team of professionals to deliver the highest standards in hospitality services. We support your loved one’s independent streak! When wants and needs change, we help our senior residents navigate the senior living journey by having open conversations with senior family members that focus on long-term needs and maintaining a level of independence that fits those needs. When changes need to happen, family members can also focus on the positive aspects of those changes.

Our senior living options are designed to promote optimum levels of independence for our residents along with the freedom to enjoy the lifestyle they deserve! To learn more about our senior assisted living services and the quality of life you and your loved ones can enjoy here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Bethlehem, contact us.


Summer Health Tips for Your Senior Family Members and Senior Friends

7 June 2021

Summer Health Tips for Your Senior Family Members and Senior Friends - Bethlehem, GA

We pride ourselves here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care (Bethlehem) for helping more than our residents and their families. We take great pride in helping you, our neighbors here in Bethlehem who lovingly provide at-home assisted living and/or memory care services to your loved ones. Trust us, we know your challenges and consider you all heroes for your selfless and loving investment to family. Since we’ve officially entered the summer season, let’s address senior safety during periods of high heat.

Seniors are especially at risk in high heat situations. Large stretches of the USA are experiencing extreme temperatures at the moment. Caregivers need to check on the elderly. If you live in another city, lovingly devise a plan for a relative or other local person to check on your loved one.

Does an elderly person live in your neighborhood? Go knock on the door and ask how things are going. Do NOT accept the first answer. We all want to say, “OH, I’m ok, don’t worry.” The person may not realize they are suffering from heat exhaustion. Invite them into air conditioning, offer to take them to some air-conditioned setting. Sit in a hospital waiting room. Anything to get out of the heat for a while. Ask a senior to become an overnight guest.

Top Ten Tips on Keeping Seniors Safe in Summer Heat

  1. Drink plenty of liquids — eight or more 8-ounce glasses per day and or fruit juices — every day to stay hydrated.
  2. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.
  3. Dress appropriately. Wear loose-fitting clothes in natural fabrics like cotton and dress in light colors that will reflect the sun and heat instead of darker colors that will attract them.
  4. Sunblock. When outdoors, protect your skin from damage by wearing hats, sunglasses and a sunscreen of 30 SPF or more.
  5. Stay indoors during extreme heat.
  6. Air Conditioning. If you do not have air conditioning in your apartment, go somewhere that does. A movie theater, the mall, a friend or relative’s home or a community senior center are all good options.
  7. Avoid Extreme Outdoor Heat. If you need to get out of the house and don’t drive a car, call a taxi, a friend or a transportation service. Do NOT wait outside for the bus in extreme heat.
  8. Cool Shower or Bath. If you are absolutely unable to leave the house and do not have air conditioning, take a cool bath or shower to lower your body temperature on extremely hot days.
  9. Keep Home Cool. Temperatures inside the home should not exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit for prolonged periods of time.
  10. Signs of Heat Stroke. Know the signs of heat stroke (e.g flushed face, high body temperature, headache, nausea, rapid pulse, dizziness and confusion) and take immediate action if you feel them coming on.

Seniors need and deserve your special attention. We pride ourselves in pampering our dear residents with the special care and love they so rightfully deserve. To learn more about our approach to professional assisted living and professional memory care services, call us anytime!


Summer Vacation Planning with Your Senior Living or Memory Care Loved One

24 May 2021

Summer Vacation Planning with Your Senior Living or Memory Care Loved One - Bethlehem, GA

With raising spirits all around, we send our greetings to you, our faithful blog readers, cherished assisted living residents, memory care residents, and family members all! We are celebrating a degree of return to normalcy from pandemic-related lock downs. Family members are enjoying safely and personally celebrating life with all of our cherished residents. Families across our community are once again are prioritizing their summer vacation around their senior family member(s) under our assisted living care or memory care support services.

We’ve covered this subject before, but feel it is so important to revisit some considerations for your upcoming visits to your loved ones here at Gateway Gardens. Some of the things offered here might seem intuitive, others we bet you’ll find insightful and actionable.

So here you go, some things to consider when planning your summer vacation with your loved one:

1. Treasure and be present with the person before you

First, it is always good to stop and remember those things that cannot be changed: aging, the effects of some illnesses, the progress of dementia, and other factors. “Old age,” as Betty Davis said, “is not for sissies.” Sometimes we see families whose holidays would improve if they paused briefly to realize that a parent will never again have the health and energy of past times. However, treasured memories can still be created with person before you. Honor that person; try to make him or her comfortable; ask to hear a story, or tell one yourself. Even in advanced stages of illness, holiday experiences can be joyous if accepted for what they are. It is good advice for life in general, and especially with aging loved ones.

2. Assign someone the task to be sure your elder is not over-stimulated

Especially for elders who are not used to being active and have their own hopes for a vacation experience “like old times”, the temptation to try to keep too fast a pace during a holiday can lead to exhaustion. Be sure that every day someone is prepared to stay at home or leave an event early; your elder will be happier not trying to keep up with the most energetic members of the family. Try to rotate this responsibility so no one misses too much. It can be an adult child, a younger family member, family friend, or regular caregiver. This is simple, but easy to forget.

3. If the elder is traveling, plan extra time

Whether it is security scans at airports or long car rides, the pace and distractions that many of us take in stride as part of travel can be exhausting, confusing, or frightening for elders. If you are in a rush, the problem is exacerbated. Plan ahead, allow for a slow pace and leisurely pace, and explain what is going on. This can relieve pressure on everyone.

4. If you visit home, be on the lookout for signs that help may be needed

People who visit home after an absence of several months sometimes can see the signs of decline in the condition of the home or the elder. It is important to be on the lookout for these, especially if family is not regularly present. Signs include a poorly- stocked kitchen, plumbing or appliances that do not function and have not been repaired, clutter that may be the initial stages of hoarding, or poor hygiene. Rarely to our elders call and say, “I cannot manage alone and I need help to continue living here.” Far more often, the signs appear without a request for help. If you have concerns about whether someone is safe at home, an assessment by a geriatric care manager or local senior citizens’ service center is called for.

Vacations with aging parents can be bittersweet. But with proper planning and the right attitude, the emphasis can be on the sweet. Do not try to do too much; find ways to enjoy the person as he or she is today, and to help him or her enjoy the day as much as possible. Grieve if it is called for, laugh when you can, ask for help when you need it. It is all part of life.

For information on assisted living or memory care services here in Bethlehem, contact Gateway Gardens anytime.


Three Common Ways to Finance Resident Assisted Living and Memory Care

17 May 2021

Three Common Ways to Finance Resident Assisted Living and Memory Care - Bethlehem, GA

We are warmed by your feedback and appreciation for the fact that our blog contributors here at Bethlehem’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care provide meaningful and educational material. As you might imagine, a frequently discussed topic with phone callers and walk-in visitors centers upon how those on fixed income can cover the expense of senior assisted living professional care and/or professional memory care services. Today’s blog covers three of the financial avenues that are often tapped to cover or assist in covering the cost of professional care.

Live Insurance Policy Proceeds

Many people don’t realize a senior’s life insurance policy — or that of a family member — can be used to pay for assisted living. You can sell a policy to a third party for market value and use the proceeds to fund a long-term care benefit plan while retaining some death benefits. Another option is “surrendering” a life insurance policy to the life insurance company for cash value. In this case, you give up ownership and won’t receive any benefits upon death.

Use of Home Equity

If your loved one owns a home or other property, they may be able to cover assisted living costs with home equity. Some ways to leverage home ownership to pay for assisted living include:

  • Bridge loans. This short-term loan is ideal for urgent situations and can help homeowners gain cash flow quickly. Bridge loans can be used to pay for assisted living while you’re liquidating assets or waiting for the home to sell.
  • Reverse mortgage. This option allows a spouse or adult children to remain in the home. Reverse mortgages tap into home equity, so the borrower can receive money either as a lump sum or as needed to supplement income.
  • Sell or rent your home. Selling a home can free up assets to pay for assisted living or other elder care. However, a spouse or relative may still live in the house or want to keep the property in the family. If the home is vacant, but you aren’t ready to sell, consider renting.

Ex Federal or Railroad Employees

If your loved one served in the military, worked for the government, or was a railroad employee, they may be eligible for a stipend to cover some assisted living costs.

Wartime veterans or spouses may qualify for a pension program through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to offset the cost of senior care. Federal and Postal employees and annuitants, as well as qualified relatives, can apply for Federal Long Term Care Insurance (FLTCI), which helps pay for future long term care expenses. Employees have to apply for FLTCI before retirement, and certain medical conditions may prevent approval.

There are multiple other avenues that we are ready and eagerly welcome the opportunity to discuss with you. When we serve to increase your knowledge of how to best research your options, we are all warmed by so doing. Contact us here at Bethlehem’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care to learn more!


Just One Example of How We Continually Educate on Your Behalf

3 May 2021

Just One Example of How We Continually Educate on Your Behalf - Bethlehem, GA

Greetings to our faithful blog readers, cherished assisted living residents, memory care residents, and family members all! It occurred to us that many of you may not realize the constant dedicated efforts of your support team in continuing education. The quality of all our caregivers is humbling to us and should serve as comfort to you. We’d like to make that point with you today by simply bringing to your attention just one of the countless subjects our staff invests their time and energy upon: Parkinson's and End of Life Care.

We are promoting continuing education regarding Parkinson’s and End of Life Care at no cost to our administrators and nurses. Parkinson's and End of Life Care is a 1-hour continuing education program approved for administrators, and nurses. We will examine clinical characteristics of Parkinson's disease in its later stages as well as special care considerations and issues that might arise. Also discussed are end of life care concerns among individuals with late stage Parkinson's disease and the introduction of hospice services.

Many seniors in residential care are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and many other forms of dementia. Most will receive end of life care. It is important to look at the many care needs of the resident during their final stage of life.

Again, this is just for your information to remind you that those administrators and nurses that you see on a regular basis here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care here in Bethlehem work hard each and every day, both within our care community and within the classroom. We thank them all here, and if you can, maybe you can thank them as well.


Preparing Your Senior Loved One for Memorial Day

26 April 2021

Preparing Your Senior Loved One for Memorial Day - Bethlehem, GA

Celebrating Memorial Day is both a solemn and joyous celebratory American tradition. First and foremost, it is a day of remembrance for those who have died in military service for their country. So, there is an inherent solemn presence throughout the holiday weekend. But it is safe to say that most (if not all) of those we honor on Memorial Day would want us to celebrate their sacrifice and to offer a positive energy to those who survive them. So that’s what we encourage all of you to do.

The big take away in this blog post is to remind all of you who provide senior assisted living care services and or senior memory care support services to a loved one that Memorial Day can be taxing on the heart of our beloved seniors. To some, the holiday is a reminder of a cherished loved one that has passed and who is sorely missed. We caregivers need to be prepared to guide our loved ones toward positivity of memories. You will provide your loved ones with a gift of love by investing some thought on specifically how you are going to deliver positivity to those loved ones who tend to get down during holiday events.

As this day is also seen as the beginning of summer, many people choose to decide to celebrate this day by having BBQ’s, going on vacation to summer destinations, or going camping in the mountains. These things are fun and a great time to get together with family and friends; however, maybe we could each spend a little time remembering those who have lost their lives. Spend time talking about family members you might have lost and the memories you have with them. Talk to your children and explain the significance of this day to them and why we get to take time off from work and school. Visit a cemetery where your loved ones are buried and take time to honor them. Go to Memorial Day events in your community, at schools, or city parks. Remember the families of those who have lost loved ones; find ways to let them know they are also being honored.

Here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care in Bethlehem, we are forever grateful for those that have served our country and their families. We would not be where we are today without each of the men and women who have served. Let’s celebrate them together!


Spring Activity Recommendations for you and Your Senior Loved One

12 April 2021

Spring Activity Recommendations for you and Your Senior Loved One - Bethlehem, GA

Spring is finally here, and that means warmer weather has begun! Let’s hope it’s here to stay! After a cold winter, a spring celebration is almost necessary. Here are some fun ways to welcome the new season with your loved one who requires senior assisted living help or for your loved ones requiring memory care support services.

Arrange fresh flowers in a vase.

It is obvious that flowers are associated with spring – this is the season that flowers start to grow and flourish. At this time, flowers are bountiful and available and therefore less expensive. Why not bring some fresh ones into your home? Not only do flowers bring a wonderful scent (for those of you that like floral smells) into an environment, but a study done at Harvard has also found a few other positive effects: 1) Feelings of compassion and kindness for others are increased for people who have fresh cut flowers in their homes for only a week. 2) Negative feelings, such as anxiety, worrying, and sadness are decreased after being in a home with flowers. 3) Living with fresh cut flowers can increase energy, happiness, and enthusiasm at work. For those who enjoy creating, make pastel drawings or watercolors of the flower arrangement.

Start gardening.

Gardening is a good way to get away from everyday worries for a little bit. It has been shown to be good for your health in a number of ways: 1) Time away from electronic devices by focusing attention on nature can relieve stress. 2) Gardening decreases symptoms of depression. 3) It is a form of exercise that gets the blood moving. 4) The increase in physical activity associated with gardening has been shown to decrease risks for dementia. Start seeds indoors if it is a cold, rainy day.

Hang a bird feeder.

After birds’ migration to warmer weather during the winter months, hanging a bird feeder in the spring is a great way to welcome our feathered friends back for the spring and summer months. Bird feeders can promote education and learning about birds and can also be a way to connect with nature. Early risers can watch the birds feed in the early morning if a bird feeder is near the breakfast table, or you and your older adult are able to venture outside.

Have a picnic outside.

Why not switch up the daily routine and take a meal outside? Picnicking allows you to slow down and enjoy what you’re eating. It can also improve your mood and connect you with your surroundings and the people around you. The fresh air that you get while picnicking can revive your body and clear your mind. If the person you’re caring for is able to walk to the picnic spot, s/he will get a little exercise in, too.

Do some spring cleaning.

While cleaning isn’t always everyone’s favorite thing to do, it is a great way to start a new season, especially spring. Cleaning for the spring, or any time, offers many benefits including having a clean and organized home, ridding your home environment of mold, mildew, dust, and bugs, decreasing clutter, prolonging the life of your appliances, and an overall sense of well-being and accomplishment. Dusting and straightening objects, even folding laundry, can be soothing tasks for people with low focus and restless energy. Everyone needs a sense of purpose and to know they can contribute.

Walk around barefoot!

After being “cooped up” in socks and warm shoes all winter, your feet are probably itching to be free. What might surprise you are the many benefits that walking around barefoot can have. Choosing to forego socks and shoes can give you greater balance, strength, and healthier feet, which decreases the number of foot conditions. It can also give you greater circulation, better posture, decreased blood pressure, and reduced inflammation (shown to be the number one cause of disease in the 21st century). Who would have known our bare feet could be so beneficial!

If the thought of being barefoot seems silly to the senior you’re caring for, or makes them chuckle, encourage them to talk about the time they were barefoot as a child, teenager, or as a young parent raising barefoot children.

These are just a few ways to embrace the warmer weather and the benefits that come with spring, but even simply appreciating the sun and outdoors (even from inside) can be a celebration and bring a new sense of purpose to life.

At Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Bethlehem, we know caring for an older adult brings joys and challenges. Our mission is to change the way the world ages. We provide seniors with quality care that enables them to live happier and healthier lives. Our services are distinguished by the caliber of our caregivers, the responsiveness of our staff and our expertise in Live-In care. We embrace a positive, balanced approach to aging centered on the evolving needs of older adults. For more information, contact us here at Gateway Gardens anytime!


A Few Things to Keep in Mind About the Aging Process

5 April 2021

A Few Things to Keep in Mind About the Aging Process - Bethlehem, GA

Well, Easter 2021 has come and gone. Hopefully, all of you out there shared precious and memorable moments celebrating Easter with your family. Now it is time to celebrate Spring and a systematic return to more pleasant weather. As most of you know, here at Bethlehem’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care we offer regular and recurring advice via this blog to educate our residents, their family, caregivers, and friends.

Over the weekend, a neighbor who cares for her senior father confided that her Dad didn’t celebrate her traditional Easter meal as he normally does. It was just a passing comment and in no way meant to be critical. It gave me pause to share with her a few things to keep in mind about the aging process, one of them being about aging and its effect upon the sense of taste. More on that in a moment.

When you think of the aging process, you may think of wrinkles, diminishing vision, hearing impairment, or muscle loss. These are obvious signs of growing old, and they happen to almost everyone. However, there are effects of aging that many people overlook. These concerns may go undetected for some time, so it is important to know how our bodies are continually changing. The following are four results of growing older that you may not have considered.

  1. Slower Reaction Time: After the age of twenty-four, the brain starts to break down, which leads to slower response times. The descent is usually gradual and is different from person to person. As brain activity slows, response time can decrease enough to put someone at risk of injury. Staying active both mentally and physically can be a promising way to decrease the rate at which the brain breaks down.

  2. Wounds Heal More Slowly: As you age, the body gradually experiences delays in wound healing. There can be many causes of this, such as a delayed inflammatory response or reduced skin elasticity. You may be aware that bruises and cuts heal noticeably slower, but there are ways to enhance the recovery process. By staying active with physical exercise, the healing time for wounds can be increased by 25%. Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care is proud to prioritize and deliver opportunities to keep both our Memory Care residents and our Assisted Living residents happy to provide residents with campus features to increase your loved one's physical activity.

  3. Loss of Bone Density: Osteoporosis is a common disease that develops as you age. Around the age of 50, bone breakdown begins to occur and increases the risk of fractures and breaks. It is important to understand that preventative actions can be taken to lower your chances of developing Osteoporosis. A diet rich in protein, calcium, and magnesium can be effective at preserving bone density. It is always good to talk with your physician about what measures can be taken to avoid bone density loss.

  4. A Decrease in Taste Bud Sensitivity: We are born with nine thousand taste buds. As we age, those taste buds begin to shrink and can lose sensory effectiveness. By the time you reach 60, you may not distinguish different tastes as easily as you could in the past. Sweet, salty, sour, or bitter foods can become difficult to identify, leading to diminished appetites. We celebrate our uninterrupted ability to deliver nutritionally balanced meals!

Growing old is something no one can avoid. Remember to be aware of the ways your body may change so that you will know if or when they happen. At Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Bethlehem it is our privilege to keep your loved one loved, healthy, and cared for.


Advice for When It’s Time to Talk to a Parent About Seeking Professional Care for Their Spouse

22 March 2021

Advice for When It’s Time to Talk to a Parent About Seeking Professional Care for Their Spouse - Bethlehem, GA

It is probably never going to feel like the right time to have “The Talk” about a memory care facility with a parent who is the caregiver of a spouse with dementia. Many adult children avoid bringing it up because it’s such a complicated and sensitive topic. Here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care (Bethlehem), we’ve helped countless people like you prepare for this most difficult conversation whether your need is for professional assisted living care services and professional memory care services. Today, we’re going to focus on those of you facing memory care needs, but much of this advice applies to transitioning to assisted living as well.

When to Get the Conversation Started

But the best time to approach this tough issue is right after the initial diagnosis. As dementia progresses, it’s possible that your parent could have specialized needs that can’t be met at home. Being proactive in having the talk about your parent’s plan of care as the disease progresses ensures a plan is in place that allows your caregiving parent to get the support they need to provide quality care.

If your parent is the caregiver of a spouse with dementia, it may take some time to process and identify where the line is between being able to provide quality care at home versus when the support of trained, specialized care providers should be sought. Through regular conversations where you show that you’re genuinely concerned about both of your parents’ well-being, you can be instrumental in identifying potential future problems and instigating change.

Gather the Facts

Before you bring anything up, do your homework so you problem-solve with your parent, not dictate the solution or convince through arguments. Learn about how the disease will progress and how it could impact your parent’s ability to stay at home.

The Alzheimer's Association website is a great resource for information about how to help your loved one remain as independent as possible, how behaviors change as the disease progresses, strategies caregivers can use to manage stress and how to decide which care options may be the best fit.

Research the memory care facilities in your parents’ community so you can come to the table with some options that are available in your area.

Open the Lines of Communication

Test the waters before you broach the subject. Give your caregiving parent a call to see how they’re doing and to get a sense for how they might react when you bring up the topic of a memory care facility. Caring for a loved one with dementia can take its toll, so say something like, “How's your health? The doctor say anything new?" If your parent responds openly, show that you’re ready to be a helpful resource by saying something like, “Is there some way I can be helpful?"

Stop by for Coffee

Avoid the temptation to plan a family meeting. Family meetings can feel threatening and overbearing and more like an “intervention” than family support. Instead, have the conversation in a more natural way, such as at the kitchen table over a cup of coffee. After relaxing and enjoying each other’s company for a little while, look for an opening when you can move into a more serious conversation.

Depending on your relationship with your parent, you might want to take the more direct approach by saying something like, “I noticed that you’ve been more tired than normal and that you were so busy last week that you forgot your own doctor’s appointment. Are you getting enough time to take care of yourself?”

If your parent is more self-conscious or private, consider taking a more indirect approach by saying something like: “I read in the paper about a husband who was taking care of his wife with dementia. He got so worn out that he had a heart attack, even though he had no history of heart disease. It made me think about you taking care of Dad and how hard that can be for one person to do.”

No matter which approach you take, be gentle. Talk in a calm tone of voice, offer a reassuring touch and follow your parent’s cues.

Practice Your Listening Skills

Adult children can be eager to solve their parents’ problems, but your parents are just as committed to maintaining a sense of control. Additionally, caregiver grief and guilt are common reactions to moving a spouse to a memory care facility. Yes, you want your parents to be safe and secure, but your parents need to feel heard, respected and valued, too.

If there is resistance or conflict, pay close attention to the feelings being expressed, and recognize and respond to the things that matter to your parent. Make sure they feel supported and understood by using reflective listening. Say something like, “I hear you saying ... but it's also worth thinking about this … ”

Remind them that they won’t always be able to safely take care of their spouse with dementia at home alone and that they can be a better partner if they aren’t totally exhausted by all of their care needs. Find ways to be reassuring, and frame the discussion as a place where everyone’s opinions can be heard.

Have Regular Conversations

It’s important to understand that “The Talk” really isn’t a one-time conversation. It’s simply the first in a series of discussions over time. After some time passes and your parent has had a chance to think about it, look for other opportunities to raise the issue again.

If your parent shows signs of warming up to the topic, show them that you are trying to be their advocate, and offer to go with them for a tour of memory care facilities. If they say something negative, be patient, but don’t give up. Connect them with a caregiver support group, which might help them come to terms with the idea that sometimes the best decision for the health and happiness of everyone is to consider moving the spouse with dementia into a memory care facility.

Remember that, ultimately, this is your parent’s decision. The best thing you can do is remain positive and supportive throughout the ongoing discussions about a potential move. And remember, whether you need guidance related to senior assisted living or memory care support services, we’re here for you. Let’s talk.


New Covid-19 Guidelines Now Allows Visitors!

15 March 2021

New Covid-19 Guidelines Now Allows Visitors! - Bethlehem, GA

Our blog posts are syndicated to various social media sites in the interest of educating and keeping our residents and their family informed. GOOD NEWS! The visitation policy update is posted on our home page, but we feel important to place it here in our blog to facilitate maximum exposure.

Update 3.12.2021

We are pleased to announce that the in accordance with the Executive Order for Long Term Care the community is allowing Family Visitations. The recent decline in Covid-19 cases in the County allows us to safely have visitors in the community. Each of our properties has specific guidelines for the families to follow and currently visitation is by appointment. Please feel free to contact the community directly for hours and schedule. Additionally, communities are open for Dining and Activity Programing. We are also pursing or have opened our Hair Salons depending on each community’s specific plan for reopening.


Your Social Media Savvy Senior: Cause for Celebration and Caution

8 March 2021

Your Social Media Savvy Senior: Cause for Celebration and Caution - Bethlehem, GA

Today we dedicate our discussion to those of you wondering if the senior loved ones under you care are safely served by being online and active in social media circles. For reasons you can likely conclude on your own, your concerns for your loved one who requires memory care support is much greater than those receiving senior assisted living support. Regardless of the type of care you provide, all of us here who deliver professional assisted living and memory care support services understand, respect, and value the quality of life enhancing results that healthy online living delivers. So let’s get to it.

Ten years ago, few people would have predicted that seniors would become some of social media’s most passionate users. But a study last year by Pew Research Center found that 62% of online seniors are on Facebook. Other studies show that social media use among seniors is rising at a rapid rate. As more and more seniors use social media, there are growing concerns. With that said, most research indicates that social media improves quality of life for elderly adults. But some senior care professionals are increasingly worried about the dangers that social media could pose to seniors’ well-being.

Is Social Media Good or Bad for Seniors?

On the whole, social media seems to have a positive effect on seniors’ well-being. Internet use has been shown to reduce seniors’ risk of depression by as much as 33%. One study found that seniors who use Facebook show marked improvements in cognitive function. Another study found similar results when seniors were trained to use email, Skype, and Facebook.

Social media also opens new avenues for seniors separated from children and grandchildren by long distances. Facebook makes it easy to keep in touch with family members. Video-calling is particularly popular with seniors, who use services like Skype to connect with their grandchildren.

So why are some people concerned about the dangers of social media for elderly well-being?

Social Media and Depression in Seniors

One common concern is that social media could, over time, make seniors more depressed. When researchers have surveyed social media users of all ages, they’ve found instances where social media use is linked with higher risk of depression. However, this concern might be overblown among the elderly — after all, research has found that online seniors are less depressed than others.

A study out of the University of Missouri might explain why. In that study, researchers found that the risk of depression only rose in social media users who were using sites like Facebook to compare themselves to others. Depression was tied to an increase of jealous feelings and lower self-esteem. If users were using social media primarily to keep in contact with others, their risk of depression did not increase. Since most seniors use social media for keeping in contact with family and friends, it makes sense that most seniors aren’t at high risk of depression due to social media use.

Social Media and Senior Isolation

A much bigger concern is how social media affects seniors’ in-person interactions. Senior isolation is a serious problem among the elderly, one with devastating health effects. Social media use can alleviate some of these effects, but it’s not enough. Seniors need to regularly spend time in the physical presence of others to avoid the emotional, mental, and physical effects of senior isolation.

If seniors and their families start to treat social media as a replacement for in-person interaction, that could put a greater percentage of seniors at risk for feelings of isolation and loneliness. “There are obvious benefits to social media use among seniors,” says Larry Meigs, CEO and President of Visiting Angels. “If social media is used to augment in-person contact, that’s fantastic. But there’s a real concern that seniors and their family members might have less of these interactions the more they rely on social media.”

Senior Care Tips for Social Media

Ultimately, social media is a positive tool for seniors, families, and senior care providers. But it’s something that should be approached with a degree of caution. If social media is your loved one’s main avenue for social interaction, or if you’ve noticed they’re spending less time with others now that they’re on Facebook, it may be time to consider a change.

Spending more time with your loved one is always a welcome solution. But it might not be enough. If you live far away or have a busy schedule, frequent visits aren’t always practical. When it’s time for you to seek help from a team of proven senior living or memory care professionals in and around Bethlehem, we’re there for you. Always.


How to Find The Humor in Caregiving

1 March 2021

How to Find The Humor in Caregiving - Bethlehem, GA

From all of us here at Bethlehem’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care, we appreciate the positive feedback from our blog readers regarding the practical utility of our blog posts. Many of our readers are at home taking care of their loved one’s Assisted Living support needs and/or their Memory Care support requirements. We are honored and humbled to lend a hand via our weekly blog posts. Today, let’s try to find a laugh in it all with some help from our friends at DailyCaring.com.

Caregiving offers funny moments

“I was kneeling beside Mom’s bed last night when she was saying her bedtime prayer. This night she prayed, ‘Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the LORD my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray he takes me like an earthquake.’ Instead of …my soul to take. I said ‘what?’ Mom laughed and said, ‘well, I couldn’t remember the rest and …well, it rhymed!’ ~ Amen!”

Funny moments happen while you’re caring for an older adult. Look to recognize and celebrate them. Of course, chronic illnesses or diseases like Alzheimer’s are certainly no laughing matter. But even in the middle of the worst day, there’s still room for laughter.

Let’s talk about why it’s good for both you and your senior to find humor in caregiving and why you shouldn’t feel guilty about it.

With a positive attitude, life will not be focused on doom and gloom

Even if you’re caring for an older adult with a debilitating illness or in declining health, the world doesn’t have to be dark, gray, and depressing all the time. It might sound counter-intuitive, but these are the times when a dose of humor is most needed.

Besides, being angry, miserable, and tense won’t change a bad situation or make your senior’s life more pleasant. So why not try to look at the funny or positive side of things whenever possible? Like we do here at Bethlehem’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care, look for ways to engage the creative spirt! Your certain to find reward and humor in it all.

Laughing helps cope with difficult emotions

It turns out that humor is a very effective way of coping with the difficult emotions that come with caregiving and aging.

In research studies, over 75% of recurrent cancer patients and those facing terminal illness said that maintaining a sense of humor was very important. It was right up there with being pain-free. That’s a pretty big endorsement.

It’s not mean or disrespectful

A common reason why caregivers resist looking for humor is that they feel guilty about seeming mean or disrespectful of their senior. In truth, part of being a wonderful caregiver is to let yourself laugh and to encourage laughter in your older adult.

After all, you’re not laughing at the person you love and care for. You’re laughing at a funny, ridiculous, or ironic situation. Best of all are the times when your older adult laughs even harder than you do.

“I came home yesterday from work and Mom came out to the kitchen to greet me. I said, ‘Mom, you have on my sweat pants!’ We each have a pair of soft, comfy pea green sweats. Hers are a size 14 and mine are a few sizes bigger! She says, ‘I thought I had lost a lot of weight!’ Then she pulls up her shirt to show me she had them pinned to her bra to keep them up! We had a good laugh!”

No caregiver and no older adult will feel like laughing all the time. But giving yourself permission to notice when funny things do happen and encouraging your senior to laugh eases the burden and makes life more positive for both you.

Are you at home providing assisted living and/or memory care services of a loved one. Know that you are never alone. Contact Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care anytime. We know your challenges and can help!


After the Move to a Senior Assisted Living Community – What’s Next?

22 February 2021

After the Move to a Senior Assisted Living Community – What’s Next? - Bethlehem, GA

This is the third of a three-part blog series designed to help those of you considering a transition to professional senior assisted living care here in Bethlehem. So far, we’ve covered when is the right time to move and how to prepare for a move. Today, we’ll cover what to expect after the move.

It’s important to remember that it can take a while to adjust to your new environment after any move. After a move is complete, everything will be new: new place, new people, and new routines. Here are our recommendations for making your move as smooth as possible:

  • Get set up for success. Take time to get properly settled. Decorate your new space and make it as comforting and familiar as possible, which will make it feel like home much more quickly. This will also make the transition less disorienting and confusing.
  • Call or visit often. Familiar faces and voices can make a stressful transition much easier to handle. We encourage family and friends to call or visit often. And seniors are encouraged to reach out and connect whenever they feel the need for some familiar company.
  • Be patient with yourself. Keep in mind that adjusting to a significant change like a move takes time.

The bottom line

The right moves for seniors are often made with ample research and planning. We recommend evaluating your situation carefully. Maybe the simplest advice is to lean on us here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care every step of the way. We are honored and confident in our ability to help you achieve the smoothest transition possible. Contact us!


How To Prepare For Your Transition to Assisted Living

15 February 2021

How To Prepare For Your Transition to Assisted Living - Bethlehem, GA

Last week we discussed when is the right time to move into a managed senior living community. This blog post is targeted for those of you who have decided that now is the right time to transition to assisted living care here in Bethlehem. Today, we’ll discuss how to prepare for you or your loved one’s move.

Moving can be challenging for seniors and their families both emotionally and logistically, even if the move is ultimately the right decision. In order to make helping seniors move as easy as possible, here are our top tips to help make sure you’re prepared:

  • Start planning now. The best way to prepare for a move is to start planning now. It’s better to start researching your options now before there’s any urgency. That way, once you know the time is right to make a move, you’ll have a community already picked out, and you’ll know where you’re headed. We value the opportunity to earn your trust regarding our celebrated senior assisted living care services here at Gateway Gardens. We can help you develop your transition plan which will significantly simplify this most important time in your life.
  • Research places that are a good fit. A key part of planning involves researching the different types of houses, apartments, retirement communities, and assisted living communities available and selecting one that meets your needs. Research floor plans, care options, amenities and services, and plan on visiting several different properties to get a feel for the environment and to ask questions. You’ll also want to factor the costs of living at each option, since one may be a better fit than another depending on your finances.
  • Downsize where possible. Moving from a large home to a smaller house or apartment means some downsizing will be necessary. Start by donating furniture, clothes, or possessions that are no longer needed, and setting aside must-have items or those that have sentimental value. Keep in mind that downsizing senior living doesn’t mean getting rid of things you love — it just means paring down your possessions to just those that are useful or meaningful.
  • Focus on the benefits of a move. Moving can be stressful and overwhelming, particularly if you’ve lived in the same place for a long time or have a lot of positive associations built up around your home. However, a move can also be an opportunity for positive change, including cultivating a new space for yourself, meeting new people, and maintaining a balance between independence and care. It’s a good idea to keep a positive attitude about a move and remember the many benefits of such a transition.

When the time comes for you to seek a consult regarding caring for your loved one’s senior assisted living care needs, please know that Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Bethlehem stands ready to help you every step of the way! Contact Us anytime to learn how we do this!


When Is It The Right Time to Move to Senior Assisted Living?

8 February 2021

When Is It The Right Time to Move to Senior Assisted Living? - Bethlehem, GA

While there are countless benefits that come with managed senior care, all of us here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Bethlehem understand that it can be a stressful topic for individuals and families. Transitioning to managed care means saying goodbye to a home that’s comfortable, familiar, but may no longer be safe. A high percentage of new residents and their family members here within our senior assisted living community contemplated moving for months. They did this for good reasons. Transitioning from independent living is without doubt one of the most difficult decisions anyone will ever make.

Our advice is to acknowledge these feelings but to also focus on the positive aspects of moving. It’s also important to seriously evaluate and consider your current and future needs. Some reasons why considering a move might be the right choice include:

  • A desire to live closer to friends or family. If loved ones and family members live far away, you may want to move closer to have a support system nearby.
  • Managing a medical condition that will require an increasing amount of care. It’s common for older adults to need more care as they age, especially if they’re managing a medical condition. If you have any medical concerns that may require more long-term support, it’s important to consider those needs and make a plan before a real need arises.
  • Loss of a spouse or loved one. The death of a spouse or other close loved one may leave a void that can be difficult to navigate, especially if new tasks and responsibilities that were once taken care of are suddenly introduced. A loss can also lead to feelings of disconnection and loneliness. If this is the case, the social connections offered by communal living offers a great leap in quality of life.
  • Craving more social interaction. The loss of a loved one is not the only reason an older adult may feel lonely or isolated. If communal living with built-in social support sounds appealing, and it should, contact us today. We are certain there is a list of benefits that you have never even thought about.

Quality of Life Threats Regarding Delayed (But Necessary) Professional Memory Care Support

1 February 2021

Quality of Life Threats Regarding Delayed (But Necessary) Professional Memory Care Support - Bethlehem, GA

We’d like to share some keen insight with you from Dr. Elizabeth Galik (Phd, CRNP) and Dr. Richard Stefanacci (MD, DO) regarding their views on improving care for patients with dementia. It is a professional obligation for the staff here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care (Bethlehem) to exercise continuing education on the subjects of professional assisted living care services and professional memory care services. The big takeaway here is the need for those of you caring for a loved one with any form of dementia to be honest and proactive to position both you and your loved one from suffering avoidable (and sometimes unrecoverable) quality of life crisis.

With over 5.8 million individuals living with dementia, and after failures of all the recent attempts for treatment or cure, there is no better time to get back to basics in the geriatric management of dementia. As in most geriatrics care, providing quality dementia care requires a caring collaborative for the best clinical, psychosocial, and financial outcomes.

Most think of dementia care in the long-term care (LTC) setting as occurring in the late stages of the disease within the confines of the LTC units of a skilled nursing facility. However, an increasingly large number of early-stage dementia patients are coursing through the subacute units of skilled memory care communities. So in addition to addressing acute medical comorbidities and rehabilitative goals of traumatic injuries, these subacute stays often signal a major change in cognition, function, or behavior for individuals with dementia.

These changes in condition will require a reassessment of the plan of care for these patients, regardless of whether they return home, move in with their family, or transition to professional memory care on a permanent basis. The subacute stay provides an excellent opportunity to modify the plan of care for patients with dementia and their families.

Proactive Planning

Dementia — a chronic or persistent disorder of cognitive processes and functional impairment — is predominately progressive in nature. With a known trajectory of decline in cognition, language, motor function, and perceptual abilities, proactive planning for future care is important to minimize negative outcomes and optimize person-centered care approaches. All too often, this planning is put off for far too long.

In most situations, advance planning for eventualities such as the inability to drive or take medications safely or the need for increasing support to maintain activities of daily living is not addressed until a crisis occurs. As clinicians, we can all play a role in addressing these issues sooner rather than later. One benefit in addressing care and safety needs sooner is that it may be easier for the patient to adjust to a change in routine, a new caregiver, or a new supportive environment early in the course of dementia.

Moving to a more supportive and supervised environment early, when the symptoms are less severe, can actually improve the individual’s and caregiver’s health and well-being. If the move to a new setting occurs later, after the patient’s dementia has progressed to the moderate to severe stages, an accelerated decline may occur afterward.

Often there is a small window for the change to be beneficial. Once that window closes — and if the individual’s needs for increased supervision, assistance, and care, potentially with LTC services, have not been addressed — both caregivers and clinicians must prepare for a rescue mission. They may be confronted by an impending crisis that arrives in the form of a traumatic fall, motor vehicle accident, getting lost, or other major catastrophic event.

The post-acute and long-term care (PALTC) interdisciplinary team frequently works together with individuals with dementia and their families to address realistic care and rehabilitative goals. They may deprescribe unnecessary or inappropriate medications, optimize quality of life, and assess and manage the complicating medical comorbidities and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.

If you live in or around the Bethlehem area and ever have questions about the challenges of creating a 24/7 safe and loving atmosphere for your senior loved on, we’re here to help. We want to develop a relationship with you based on trust and a common love for our ageing loved ones. We trust that when the time comes, you’ll team with us for your professional senior assisted living or memory care support services. Together, we’ll provide the best loving care possible. Give us a call. Let’s talk.


Does My Loved One Need Specialized Memory Care?

25 January 2021

Does My Loved One Need Specialized Memory Care? - Bethlehem, GA

Deciding on how to best care for your loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be overwhelming. As professional assisted living and memory care service providers here in Bethlehem, we know this all too well. Whether you’re here with us now, or struggling at home to care for a loved one, education, relief, and comfort are just a phone call away.

In the early stages, many people prefer to try to keep their loved one at home, either with the help of family or part-time caregivers. However, caring for someone in the advanced stages of dementia can be a full-time job. Most family caregivers are simply not able to dedicate 100% of their time. Also, in the long run, the family home is often not the most suitable environment, mostly due to safety concerns.

Professional Memory Care communities like ours here at Gateway Gardens are designed with Alzheimer’s and dementia care residents in mind. From the physical structure of our building, our grounds, specially trained staff, personal attention, and carefully planned activities, all aspects of Gateway Gardens living is tailor-made to meet the particular needs of residents in all stages of dementia with a variety of other health issues.

Safety & Security: Injuries are the single biggest risk to folks with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Wandering is a common behavior and can be a source of many problems. Residents are lovingly monitored 24 hours a day.

Personalized Care: Each resident has a customized care plan based on his/her particular needs. Our low staff to resident ratio allows for each resident to receive the best possible care and frequent contact with staff.

Staying Engaged & Socializing: Isolation can be very detrimental to the health and wellbeing of folks with dementia. We strive to help residents stay engaged and socially active. Residents are encouraged to spend much of their time with other residents in the dining and common areas.

Staying Active: The programs and staff are focused on helping residents stay as physically active as possible throughout the day. While residents have their own apartment, the communities are designed to encourage residents to move about the community. There are also secure outdoor walking paths for residents to enjoy.

Maintaining Independence: Although memory care residents often need help and care with many basic daily activities, we encourage residents to maintain a healthy level of independence, allowing them to age in place with dignity and grace.

Having Fun: Throughout each day, there are a variety of programs that offer residents the opportunity to have fun and enjoy themselves. Some of these enriching activities include games, gardening, field trips and outings, music and art therapy, and spiritual programs.

We hope you benefit, are encouraged, educated, and enjoy our blogging efforts. When the time comes for you to seek a consult regarding caring for your loved one’s memory care needs, please know that Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care Bethlehem stands ready to improve the quality of both you and your loved one’s lives. Call us!


Distinguishing Normal Forgetfulness from Dementia

11 January 2021

Distinguishing Normal Forgetfulness from Dementia - Bethlehem, GA

The difference between simple entrepreneurial and genuinely loving professional senior assisted living care and truly loving professional memory care services is volunteer investment in our residents, their families, and the local community. This blog here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care here in Bethlehem is a perfect example. We publish topics that we know benefits a much wider community than our Manor Lake family and we take great professional reward in so doing. Today’s blog is duly credited to our friends at Elmcroft who earn our respect as like-minded community servants.

Everyone is forgetful sometimes. Forgetting an item while grocery shopping, misplacing your keys, missing your exit while driving or not remembering an appointment every so often are no real causes for concern. Forgetfulness can seem to get worse when you’re experiencing stress, are especially busy, have taken on a new challenge, or haven’t been getting enough sleep. Occasional memory lapses are apart of the normal aging process, and there is probably no cause for alarm if forgetfulness or absentmindedness are not getting significantly worse or accompanied by other problems like personality changes, disorientation, frequent struggles to find the right words or difficulty completing familiar tasks.

The difference between normal forgetfulness and dementia is that dementia causes memory loss and other issues that disrupt daily life and become disabling.

Is Dementia a Normal Part of Aging?

Unlike normal age-related changes in memory and thinking, which may be occasionally bothersome or frustrating but don’t significantly disrupt a person’s life, dementia is not part of the normal aging process. Dementia is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as the impaired ability to remember, think or make decisions that interferes with doing everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, but there are several other forms of the disease.

Signs and Symptoms of Dementia

According to the CDC, symptoms of dementia can vary widely from person to person. People with dementia often have problems with memory, attention, communication, reasoning, judgment, task completion, problem-solving, mood, behavior, and spatial and visual perception.

Early signs a loved one may be developing dementia include:

  • Frequently forgetting important dates and events
  • Having trouble remembering names of friends and loved ones
  • Asking for the same information over and over
  • Trouble completing and staying focused on familiar tasks (like following a recipe or balancing a checkbook)
  • Significant difficulty concentrating
  • Getting lost driving to or walking around a familiar location
  • Forgetting how to play a favorite game or participate in a favorite hobby
  • Losing track of dates and seasons
  • Not knowing where they are or how they got there
  • Difficulty reading (not due to vision problems)
  • Trouble judging distances or color/contrast
  • Problems following a conversation or frequent trouble finding the right words
  • Constantly losing items and being unable to find them
  • Poor financial judgment
  • A decline in personal hygiene
  • Withdrawal from hobbies and social activities
  • Increased irritability and personality changes

These signs do not necessarily mean someone is developing dementia. Many of these symptoms can also stem from emotional stress or grief, mental health issues like anxiety or depression, reactions to a new medication, and medical problems like head injuries, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, infections, stroke and tumors. That’s why it’s important to consult a medical professional if your loved one has several of these symptoms, or if the symptoms seem to linger after a stressful event.

According to the National Institute on Aging, some seniors can also develop a condition known as mild cognitive impairment, or MCI. This means they have more memory or other thinking problems than other people their age, but they can usually care for themselves and participate in normal daily activities. MCI can be a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, but not everyone diagnosed with MCI will progress to the more severe diagnosis. The Mayo Clinic says that while about 1% to 3% of older adults develop dementia every year, studies suggest that around 10% to 15% of individuals with MCI go on to develop dementia each year.

When to Seek Medical Help

If you or your loved one is having trouble remembering, thinking, concentrating or participating in familiar activities and everyday tasks, it’s important to see a doctor. A thorough examination will include blood tests (and other diagnostic tests, as needed), a review of prescription medications, cognitive and mental health evaluations, and discussions about recent stressors and lifestyle choices. The results of that examination may help a doctor uncover a treatable and even reversible cause of the symptoms.

Dementia-like symptoms caused by depression, pharmaceutical side effects, drug or alcohol abuse, tumors and other structural problems in the brain, metabolic or endocrine conditions, and nutritional deficiencies can be reversible.

If the doctor suspects dementia after the examination, a course of management and treatment can be recommended. Neurodegenerative dementias, like Alzheimer’s disease, have no cure, but medications are available that can help slow their progression or reduce symptoms like disorientation, anxiety, delusions or behavioral changes. Research is underway for more effective treatments.

Slowing the Progression of Dementia

A healthy diet, active lifestyle, memory/brain games, strong social support and community involvement can offer some protection from memory loss and may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease or related forms of dementia. Environmental modifications and breaking down tasks into simpler steps can help increase independence and safety and reduce frustration and confusion. Non-medical treatments may also help lessen symptoms and improve the quality of life for people with dementia. These include:

  • Cognitive stimulation therapy: This therapy typically involves group activities designed to improve memory, problem-solving and communication.
  • Cognitive rehabilitation: In this type of rehabilitation, the individual works with an occupational therapist or other trained professional to learn new tasks or cognitive strategies that can help improve everyday function.
  • Reminiscence therapy: This treatment uses the senses of sight, touch, taste, smell and sound to help people with dementia remember events, people and places.

If you or your loved one struggle with sleep issues, talking with your doctor is a good place to start. Our assisted living and memory care community here in Bethlehem is designed to support our senior residents by providing a safe, secure environment where their everyday needs are met. We not only offer comfortable housing accommodations but also indoor and outdoor amenities, events, and fitness programs to keep you physically and mentally active during your senior years. We are proud to deliver professional assisted living and memory care services that measurably improve quality of life.

We welcome your call and/or visit to learn more. Contact us today!


Four Signs Your Loved One Might be Suffering Hearing Loss

4 January 2021

Four Signs Your Loved One Might be Suffering Hearing Loss - Bethlehem, GA

Here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care, our team of professional memory care and assisted living care providers constantly seek ways to improve the quality of life of our residents, their family, and their friends. Today’s blog addresses one of the most prolific thieves of quality of life, untreated hearing loss. There are many different causes of hearing loss, and in many cases, hearing loss is something that happens steadily over time. This can make it difficult to notice. For many of us, the idea of getting our hearing checked can be frightening.

If you think a loved one might be suffering from hearing loss, however, it is important to get it checked out, as being hard of hearing without seeking help can be quite isolating. Here are four signs to look out for in your loved ones that you suspect might be hard of hearing.

1. They often complain that other people are mumbling.

If your loved one is suffering some hearing loss, to them, it does sound like others are mumbling. Try speaking a little slower, making sure to clearly enunciate your words, and see if that helps them. Louder is not always better — be sure you are looking at them so they can also see your mouth and lips moving as you speak. If your family member is still struggling to understand what you are saying, the problem likely is their hearing, not your speaking style.

2. They have a difficult time hearing women’s or children’s voices.

The pitch range of most women and children’s voices is a higher frequency than that of most men, and women and children tend to speak more softly than men, as well. High-frequency hearing loss is the most common type of hearing loss. If your loved one is having trouble hearing women and children when speaking, it might be time to suggest an appointment with a specialist.

3. They answer inappropriately to questions or seem to be answering another question.

If such odd answers are an increasingly common occurrence, try asking the same question again, looking your loved one directly in the eye and speaking a little more slowly. If they can understand and answer the right question when you take extra steps, it might be time to consider a checkup.

4. They avoid social situations or frequently miss phone calls or a ringing doorbell.

It is common for people experiencing hearing loss to withdraw because they are worried about not being able to hear conversations, whether in person or on the phone. Talk to your loved one, either in person in a quieter setting or even via email if they use that and see if there might be other reasons for their isolation. If not, it could be time to talk to them about hearing loss options.

If you have any questions regarding your loved one’s real or suspected hearing loss here at Gateway Gardens, contact us anytime. We will be glad to consult you regarding how to address the subject with your loved one and the local options that you have for professional hearing treatment services.


Covid-19 Vaccination Plan from the Georgia Department of Public Health

21 December 2020

Covid-19 Vaccination Plan from the Georgia Department of Public Health - Bethlehem, GA

Manor Lake Assisted Living Communities are Considered 1-A Long Term Care Facilities by the Georgia Department of Public Health. With the 1-A status our residents and Staffs will be among the first to be offered the Vaccine. We have already contacted the two approved providers for the Vaccine Walgreens and CVS pharmacies to ensure our staff and residents are scheduled for Vaccination Clinic dates as soon as possible.

Get more information from Gateway Gardens here.

The Phases for Vaccine Release and Distribution Published by the GA Department of Public Health are as follows (Updated 12/11/2020):

  1. Phase 1-A will include paid and unpaid persons serving in a healthcare setting who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials. Hospital staff, public health clinical staff, EMS, and other first responders, long term care facility (LTCF) staff, and urgent care facility staff are examples of people who will be included in this Phase. Additional examples include: a. Staff in clinical settings (e.g. physicians, nurses, pharmacists, EMS, laboratory staff, environmental services, LTCF staff, etc.) b. LTCF Residents
  2. Phase 1-B will include other essential workers and people at higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness. Examples of people that will be included in this Phase are listed below: a. Police and fire personnel not covered under Phase 1a b. Critical workforce employees (e.g. pharmacy staff, educational faculty and staff, court employees, food processors, grocery store workers, transportation staff, nuclear power plant employees, air traffic controllers, etc.) c. Adults 65 and older with comorbidities and their caregivers
  3. Phase 1-C will include people at higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness, not vaccinated during Phase 1-A or Phase 1-B. Examples of this population include: a. Adults 65 and older and their caregivers b. Adults below age 65 with comorbidities

To learn more about the Covid-19 Vaccine Distribution plan from the Georgia Department of Community Health follow the link below to the Plan Document.

COVID-19 Vaccination Plan

Link to Safety and Frequently asked Question regarding Covid-19 Vaccination:

Manor Lake Assisted Living & Memory Care is Accepting New Residents. For many of our seniors Assisted Living or Memory Care at Manor Lake is currently the best option. Considering the enhanced safety measures that Manor Lake is taking, moving into a senior community may make more sense than living isolated alone at home and not getting adequate care.

Enhanced Safety Measures

  • Restriction of non-essential visitors from entry in order to keep our residents safe.
  • Screening daily staff and third party professionals.
  • Staff are being instructed to stay home if they have symptoms of any type of illness.
  • Enhanced cleaning procedures above and beyond our normal cleaning procedures.
  • Manor Lake is doing daily screening of residents for any symptoms of coronavirus.

Our Main Priority is Your Health & Safety

Maintaining the health, wellness, and safety of our residents is our number one priority. Due to the COVID-19 situation, effective immediately we are restricting visitors to our community. This is in cooperation with federal mandates regarding this situation. Letters regarding specific details are being sent to the responsible parties for our residents to provide them with more detailed information. In addition to restricting visits, our staff will be screened prior to the starting of their shifts and have been trained on the symptoms of COVID-19 as well as infection prevention techniques. This is a fluid situation and we will keep you informed as the situation changes. We appreciate your cooperation and patience. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.


Now That Today’s Physical Fitness is Done, Let’s Get Started on Brain Exercise

14 December 2020

Now That Today’s Physical Fitness is Done, Let’s Get Started on Brain Exercise in Bethlehem, GA

Our team of professional memory care and assisted living care providers here at Gateway Gardens in Bethlehem are there for all of you, young and seasoned alike. Today’s blog offers numerous “brain exercises” that we all can to do improve memory and focus. Again, these exercises are not directed at our assisted living and our memory care residents, but to their families and indeed, all members and family members of the staff here at Gateway Gardens here in Bethlehem. We send due credit to “Healthline”, who authored these superb ideas.

The brain is involved in everything we do and, like any other part of the body, it needs to be cared for too.

Exercising the brain to improve memory, focus, or daily functionality is a top priority for many people, especially as they get older. That said, people of all ages can benefit from incorporating a few simple brain exercises into their daily life, which we’ll explore in more detail in this article.

Brain exercises

Research has shown that there are many ways you can hone your mental sharpness and help your brain stay healthy, no matter what age you are. Doing certain brain exercises to help boost your memory, concentration, and focus can make daily tasks quicker and easier to do, and keep your brain sharp as you get older.

Let’s take a deeper dive into 13 evidence-based exercises that offer the best brain-boosting benefits.

1. Have fun with a jigsaw puzzle

Whether you’re putting together a 1,000-piece image of the Eiffel Tower or joining 100 pieces to make Mickey Mouse, working on a jigsaw puzzle is an excellent way to strengthen your brain.

Research has shown that doing jigsaw puzzles recruits multiple cognitive abilities and is a protective factor for visuospatial cognitive aging. In other words, when putting together a jigsaw puzzle, you have to look at different pieces and figure out where they fit within the larger picture. This can be a great way to challenge and exercise your brain.

2. Try your hand at cards

When’s the last time you played a game of cards? Researchers who conducted a study in 2015Trusted Source on mentally stimulating activities for adults, say a quick card game can lead to greater brain volume in several regions of the brain. The same study also found that a game of cards could improve memory and thinking skills.

Try learning one of these tried-and-true card games:

  • solitaire
  • bridge
  • gin rummy
  • poker
  • hearts
  • crazy eights

3. Build your vocabulary

A rich vocabulary has a way of making you sound smart. But did you know you can also turn a quick vocab lesson into a stimulating brain game?

Research shows that many more regions of the brain are involved in vocabulary tasks, particularly in areas that are important for visual and auditory processing. To test this theory, try this cognitive-boosting activity:

  • Keep a notebook with you when you read.
  • Write down one unfamiliar word, then look up the definition.
  • Try to use that word five times the next day.

4. Dance your heart out

The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control notes that learning new dance moves can increase your brain’s processing speed and memory. In other words, bust a move on the dance floor and your brain will thank you.

Want to test it out? Give one of these dance activities a try:

  • Take a salsa, tap, hip-hop, or contemporary dance class.
  • Try a Zumba or jazz exercise class.
  • Watch an online video with fun dance moves you’ve always wanted to learn.
  • Grab a partner and learn to ballroom dance.
  • Gather your friends and go line dancing.

5. Use all your senses

A 2015 research report suggests that using all your senses may help strengthen your brain.

To give your senses and your brain a workout, try doing activities that simultaneously engage all five of your senses. You could try baking a batch of cookies, visiting a farmer’s market, or trying a new restaurant while you focus on smelling, touching, tasting, seeing, and hearing all at the same time.

6. Learn a new skill

Learning a new skill is not only fun and interesting, but it may also help strengthen the connections in your brain.

Research from 2014 also shows that learning a new skill can help improve memory function in older adults.

Is there something you’ve always wanted to learn how to do? Perhaps you’d like to know how to repair your car, use a particular software program, or ride a horse? You now have one more good reason to learn that new skill.

7. Teach a new skill to someone else

One of the best ways to expand your learning is to teach a skill to another person.

After you learn a new skill, you need to practice it. Teaching it to someone else requires you to explain the concept and correct any mistakes you make. For example, learn to swing a golf club, then teach the steps to a friend.

8. Listen to or play music

Do you want an easy way to increase your creative brain power? The answer may lie in turning on some music.

Listening to happy tunes helps generate more innovative solutions compared to being in silence. Which means, cranking up some feel-good music can help boost your creative thinking and brain power.

And if you want to learn how to play music, now is a great time to start because your brain is capable of learning new skills at any point in your life. That’s why you’re never too old to start playing an instrument like the piano, guitar, or even the drums.

9. Take a new route

Don’t get stuck in a rut when it comes to your daily tasks. Instead, be willing to try new ways to do the same things.

Choose a different route to get to work each week or try a different mode of transport, like biking or using public transport instead of driving. Your brain can benefit from this simple change, and you might be surprised by how easy it is to change your thinking.

10. Meditate

Daily meditation can calm your body, slow your breathing, and reduce stress and anxiety.

But did you know that it may also help fine-tune your memory and increase your brain’s ability to process information? Find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and spend five minutes meditating each day.

11. Learn a new language

A 2012 review of research has overwhelmingly proven the many cognitive benefits of being able to speak more than one language.

According to numerous studies, bilingualism can contribute to better memory, improved visual-spatial skills, and higher levels of creativity. Being fluent in more than one language may also help you switch more easily between different tasks, and delay the onset of age-related mental decline.

The good news is that it’s never too late to reap the rewards of learning a new language. According to researchers, you can boost your memory and improve other mental functions by becoming a student of a new language at any time in your life.

12. Take up tai chi

It’s no secret that tai chi can benefit your health in many ways, including your mental health. Plus, it can also help center you when life seems out of balance.

Taking up a regular practice of tai chi can help reduce stress, enhance sleep quality, and improve memory. A 2013 study found that long-term tai chi practice could induce structural changes in the brain, resulting in an increase in brain volume.

Beginners do best by taking a class to learn the different movements. But once you know the basics, you can practice tai chi anywhere, anytime.

13. Focus on another person

The next time you interact with someone, take note of four things about them. Maybe you observe the color of their shirt or pants. Are they wearing glasses? Do they have a hat on, and if so, what kind of hat? What color is their hair?

Once you decide on four things to remember, make a mental note, and come back to it later in the day. Write down what you remember about those four details.

The bottom line

Focusing on your brain health is one of the best things you can do to improve your concentration, focus, memory, and mental agility, no matter what age you are.

By incorporating brain exercises into your everyday life, you’ll get to challenge your mind, sharpen your cognitive skills, and possibly learn something new and enriching along the way, too.

If you have any questions regarding professional, safe, and loving assisted living care or professional memory care services here in Bethlehem, contact Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care today.


Music Activates Regions of the Brain Spared by Alzheimer’s

7 December 2020

Music Activates Regions of the Brain Spared by Alzheimer’s in Bethlehem, GA

We found the following educational and uplifting story from the University of Utah and feel compelled to share it with you. As professional senior assisted living, memory care, and respite care support providers, we know that music has always been a therapeutical tool to enrich our dear resident’s lives. The month of December is comparatively the most music intensive month for residents and staff alike. So, we’d like to share this story with you and encourage all of you to involve music in the loving care of your family. So, now off to the wisdom of the fine folks at the Univ of Utah.

Ever get chills listening to a particularly moving piece of music? You can thank the salience network of the brain for that emotional joint. Surprisingly, this region also remains an island of remembrance that is spared from the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers at the University of Utah Health are looking to this region of the brain to develop music-based treatments to help alleviate anxiety in patients with dementia.

“People with dementia are confronted by a world that is unfamiliar to them, which causes disorientation and anxiety,” said Jeff Anderson, MD, PhD, associate professor in Radiology at U of U Health and contributing author on the study. “We believe music will tap into the salience network of the brain that is still relatively functioning.”

Previous work demonstrated the effect of a personalized music program on mood for dementia patients. This study set out to examine a mechanism that activates the attentional network in the salience region of the brain. The results offer a new way to approach anxiety, depression, and agitation in patients with dementia. Activation of neighboring regions of the brain may also offer opportunities to delay the continued decline caused by the disease. For three weeks, the researchers helped participants select meaningful songs and trained the patient and caregiver on how to use a portable media player loaded with the self-selected collection of music.

“When you put headphones on dementia patients and play familiar music, they come alive,” said Jace King, a graduate student in the Brain Network Lab and first author on the paper. “Music is like an anchor, grounding the patient back in reality.”

Using a functional MRI, the researchers scanned the patients to image the regions of the brain that lit up when they listened to 20-second clips of music versus silence. The researchers played eight clips of music from the patient’s music collection, eight clips of the same music played in reverse and eight blocks of silence. The researchers compared the images from each scan.

The researchers found that music activates the brain, causing whole regions to communicate. By listening to the personal soundtrack, the visual network, the salience network, the executive network and the cerebellar and corticocerebellar network pairs all showed significantly higher functional connectivity.

“This is objective evidence from brain imaging that shows personally meaningful music is an alternative route for communicating with patients who have Alzheimer’s disease,” said Norman Foster, MD, Director of the Center for Alzheimer's Care and Imaging Research at U of U Health and senior author on the paper. “Language and visual memory pathways are damaged early as the disease progresses, but personalized music programs can activate the brain, especially for patients who are losing contact with their environment.”

However, these results are by no means conclusive. The researchers note the small sample size (17 participants) for this study. In addition, the study only included a single imaging session for each patient. It is remains unclear whether the effects identified in this study persist beyond a brief period of stimulation or whether other areas of memory or mood are enhanced by changes in neural activation and connectivity for the long term.

“In our society, the diagnoses of dementia are snowballing and are taxing resources to the max,” Anderson said. “No one says playing music will be a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but it might make the symptoms more manageable, decrease the cost of care and improve a patient’s quality of life.”

As always, we remind you that for anyone out there with questions regarding professional senior assisted living care here in Bethlehem, memory care services, or respite care services here in Bethlehem, reach out to us anytime!

Credit for this work goes to: The University of Utah’s K.G. Jones, M. Rollins, K. Macnamee, C. Moffit, S.R. Naidu, E. Garcia-Leavitt, R.K. Gurgel, J. Amaro and K.R. Breitenbach at U of U Health and University of Utah, E. Goldberg from the Jewish Family Services of Utah, J.M. Watson from University of Colorado and M.A. Ferguson from Massachusetts General Hospital also contributed to this project. This work received support from A. Scott Anderson and the American Ontological Society.


Stuck Inside This Winter? Here Are 5 Fun And Easy Ways To Stay Active!

30 November 2020

Stuck Inside This Winter? Here Are 5 Fun And Easy Ways To Stay Active in Bethlehem, GA

Whether you’re a cherished resident at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Bethlehem, a family member, or a valued fan of our blog, we trust you had a great Thanksgiving Holiday and are looking forward to the magic of the entire Christmas Holiday season. But it is winter, and winter can be a challenging time to remain physically active. We’re going to address this challenge in today’s blog post.

In winter, staying active becomes increasingly hard to do. Between preparing for the Holidays and the higher likelihood of severe weather, our walking groups tend to part ways until the next spring season. As the opportunities to get outside grow limited, unless you are an avid fan of the cold, the amount of exercise you get can plummet. However, there are several easy and fun ways we can remain active during the upcoming colder months!

Chair Yoga

Chair yoga is a fun and easy way to stay active indoors. Never tried yoga? No problem! Chair Yoga adapts many of the more complex positions into accessible movements for beginners. Yoga has many health benefits, such as improved balance, mindfulness, and agility. As we are gearing up for winter, chair yoga is the perfect routine to help stay warm in the cold months ahead.

Throw a Dance Party

Exercise doesn’t always have to be accomplished in workout clothes. Dancing is an excellent form of exercise as it builds muscle strength, balance and coordination as well as heart health! The best part is that dancing can be done on your own or with a group of friends. All you need are a few of your favorite tunes and some dancing shoes. Did you know that in addition to being a great form of cardio, dancing can even improve your memory? A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine cited that dancing could prevent the development of dementia as we age.

With so many great reasons it’s hard not to want to move those couches to the wall and hang up the disco ball!

Don’t Forget to Stretch and Hydrate

Before you head outdoors this winter, remember to do a few quick arm and leg stretches. Snow and ice can obviously be slippery but warming up your muscles before you head out in the elements can do wonders for your balance as you walk across the icy bits. You should also take water with you. Unpredictable weather and increased exertion against wind and snow increase the likelihood that you are outside for longer than expected.

The extra layers we put on to keep warm make us sweat, which means we need to up the intake of water we drink in the day. Drinking cold water in cold weather isn’t enticing, so keep a few water bottles out until they become room temperature!

Stay Warm and Have Fun!

No matter what kind of activity you choose, it is important to remember that safety should always come first. Staying hydrated during the winter is particularly essential since all the extra layers can make your body sweat more than usual. Also, stretching before heading outdoors will decrease your likelihood of falling on the icy sidewalks.

Managed healthy and safe activities within our assisted living community here in Bethlehem, our memory care community, and within our respite care services is a source of great pride for us here at Gateway Gardens. Come see it for yourself. Contact us anytime!


Our Senior Residents Thrive with Age

9 November 2020

Our Senior Residents Thrive with Age in Bethlehem, GA

When it comes to happiness later in life, there is one factor that countless studies show is key for most people: Social connection. More important than money or one’s past career success, research from around the world shows people need social activity to genuinely enjoy their “golden years.”

Keeping active and engaged is important at any age, but for seniors, it is vital. When it is time to think about living arrangements for the latter part of one’s life, it’s so important to consider how various communities do or don’t foster those social connections. We’re certain you’ll find that Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Bethlehem will pass all your tests.

Happiness and connection are tied to physical health as well. For example, one study looked at 1,110 seniors without dementia. Their social activity levels and cognitive functioning were measured over 12 years, and the results were amazing. Those seniors with a higher level of social activity had a rate of cognitive decline that was 70% lower than those with less social activity. Studies also show that happier senior citizens live longer.

Finding connections later in life

The problem is that many seniors find themselves without those social connections. Over the years, family and friends move away and pass away, and opportunities for connection dwindle as people retire from jobs and their children leave home. Lives that once bustled with business and social activity can become quiet and lonely.

Fortunately, there are senior assisted living communities like ours that foster social connections and help keep seniors engaged, connected and happy. Whether you or a loved one seek professional assisted living services here in Bethlehem, professional memory care services for a loved one in or around Bethlehem, or professional respite care services here in Bethlehem, Gateway Gardens is here for you.

We provide living arrangements that give seniors both the level of autonomy they want and the support they may need. Amenities like chef-quality meals served three times a day and weekly housekeeping services mean there is more time to engage in activities, develop new friendships and spend time with family. An array of activities and opportunities promotes an active lifestyle and lets seniors pursue their passions and explore new interests.

For more information, please browse our Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care website.


Streaming TV Series Our Residents Will Enjoy

2 November 2020

Streaming TV Series Our Residents Will Enjoy in Bethlehem, GA

Getting swept up on a great television series can make us laugh, provide a shared interest with others, or simply forget our worries for a little while. Streaming services, like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon and Disney+, offer an enormous variety of options for television (as well as movies) but it might seem like these services target only younger people. In fact, seniors are likely to find many shows they enjoy. We’re here to help by recommending a few streaming TV shows for older adults.

Note that some of these shows air on network television or cable, but can be watched using streaming services for more choice and flexibility.

Why Streaming TV Shows is a Great Form of Entertainment in a Senior Community

For our assisted living community residents here in Bethlehem, the need for readily accessible entertainment, like a streaming service, is important, especially when:

  • Their mobility is limited, either temporarily or long term
  • There’s a need to maintain physical distance from others
  • The weather limits enjoyment of the outdoors

Unlike “regular” television, streaming services allow someone to watch an episode or two whenever it’s convenient. Many seniors like the ability to pause for short breaks or rewind if they miss something. They can even make plans to watch a show at the same time as a friend or family member, to share the experience.

There’s also evidence that our memory care residents here at Gateway Gardens Bethlehem can benefit from the social context of watching TV with people who are close to them.

Scripted Shows Featuring Complex Senior Characters

The term “scripted television” came into fashion to differentiate shows that tell stories from reality shows. Scripted shows include comedies or dramas or, increasingly, a mix of the two. Comedies are an especially good choice for when it’s time to unwind. A 2014 research study even concluded that “laughter therapy” improves the general health of seniors.

One of the biggest changes streaming television has brought to the industry is diversification of stories and characters. There is more representation than ever of different ages, abilities, ethnicities, gender identities and other traits. Gone are the days when most senior citizens on television were caricatures — the overbearing mother-in-law or the cranky next-door neighbor, for example. Senior adults are more often portrayed on TV as having rich inner lives with hopes and dreams as well as flaws. The following are just a few examples.

  • Grace and Frankie (Netflix) — Comedy starring Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda
  • The Kominsky Method (Netflix) — Comedy starring Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin
  • Hot in Cleveland (Amazon) — Comedy starring Wendy Malick, Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves, and Betty White
  • Homeland (Hulu) — Drama starring Mandy Patinkin and Clare Danes
  • Trust (Hulu) — Drama starring Donald Southerland

Period Dramas and Comedies

Many popular streaming series are set during different time periods, often with no expense spared with regard to sets, costumes and music.

  • The Crown (Netflix) — Drama set in 1947 to present-day United Kingdom
  • Downton Abbey (Amazon) — Drama set in early 20t-century United Kingdom, starring Maggie Smith
  • The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon) — Comedy set in 1950s New York, featuring Tony Shaloub
  • Turn: Washington’s Spies (Netflix) — Drama set during the American Revolutionary War
  • The Great (Hulu) — Satirical drama set in 18th century Russia

Game and Reality Shows

Game shows and reality competition shows can provide excitement, humor and insight into different hobbies and interests. These are some popular ones.

  • Betty White’s Off Their Rockers (Hulu) — Celebrity-fueled prank show
  • The Great British Baking Show (Netflix) — Hugely popular reality baking competition
  • The Big Flower Fight (Netflix) — Competition among florists
  • Forged in Fire (Amazon) — Competition to make swords and other weapons
  • Jeopardy! (Hulu) — Every episode since 1965

Documentaries

  • Planet Earth and Planet Earth II (Amazon) — Stunning video narrated by Sir David Attenborough
  • Five Came Back (Netflix) — Stories of U.S. film directors working on the front lines of WWII
  • The Imagineering Story (Disney+) — Behind-the-scenes looks at all the Disney theme parks
  • Bobby Kennedy for President (Netflix) — Four-part series about his candidacy
  • The Story of Film: An Odyssey (Hulu) — 15-part series about the history of film

Classic TV

Sometimes the “best” television shows are the ones from our youth. From I Love Lucy (Hulu) to Star Trek (Netflix), any classic show you ever loved probably lives on a streaming service now. Watch it again in its entirety or just your favorite episodes.

You can always talk to friends and family for additional show recommendations, but we think some of these will give you a starting point to find your new favorite streaming TV series. Here at Gateway Gardens, our goal is to meet the needs of all our residents, from their medical care to the little things they enjoy doing each day. Get in touch to learn more about life here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care here in Bethlehem.


Identifying and Addressing Common Sleep Problems in Seniors

26 October 2020

Identifying and Addressing Common Sleep Problems in Seniors in Bethlehem, GA

Today we hope to educate all our Bethlehem-area assisted living and our Bethlehem memory care community residents, family, neighbors, and friends on the subject of healthy sleep. Sleep disorders affect people of all ages, but they become more prevalent during your senior years, putting you at risk for a range of other mental and physical health issues. Today’s blog is intended to educate and provide some things to consider, but with that said, we need to make something clear. As it pertains to any and all health-related topics, your medical team is (and always should be) your final source for guidance.

While occasional sleep problems are common, insomnia or other abnormal sleep behaviors are a cause for concern. You can help combat them by identifying the root cause and implementing various natural remedies and routine changes.

Negative Impacts of Senior Sleep Disorders

It is common knowledge that a chronic lack of quality sleep can negatively affect your physical, mental, and emotional health. During sleep, the body has a chance to repair cell damage and refresh the immune system, subsequently building up your defense against disease and sickness.

For older adults, insufficient sleep puts them at higher risk of depression, anxiety, and memory problems. Additionally, you or your loved one may become more susceptible to daytime sleepiness and nighttime falls. Other more serious conditions that may result from insomnia and other sleep disorders include an increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and breast cancer.

In order to improve your quality of life, it’s important to get a good night’s rest on a consistent basis. If you are struggling to get a good night’s sleep, then consult your doctor. You, your doctor, and your family should team together to identify the underlying problem and then applying the appropriate treatment.

What Causes Insomnia in Older Adults?

In general, adults function best when they get an average of seven to eight hours of sleep each night. It is normal for your body’s internal clock to evolve as you age, causing you to feel sleepy earlier in the evening or to wake up earlier in the morning. Additionally, lower levels of growth hormone production lead to a decrease of slow-wave or deep sleep, resulting in less melatonin and more fragmented sleep.

However, there are a variety of more severe sleep disorders that can negatively impact your ability to feel truly rested. Insomnia, or difficult falling and staying asleep, is the most common, but seniors can also suffer from other sleep-related issues. Some of the main causes of sleep disturbances or insomnia in older adults include:

  • A decrease in physical activity
  • Simulants, such as caffeine and nicotine
  • Frequent need to urinate throughout the night
  • Pain and discomfort caused by health conditions, such as arthritis, asthma, osteoporosis, and nighttime heartburn
  • Depression and severe stress
  • Conditions affecting the brain and nervous system
  • Alzheimer’s disease and other chronic diseases, such as heart failure
  • Undergoing a traumatic experience
  • Certain medications

What Helps Seniors Sleep Better?

If you want to improve the amount and/or quality of sleep you are getting, you must treat the underlying problem. For certain root causes—such as pain, medical conditions, or your medications—you should speak to your physician about making changes to your treatment plan. They may also recommend specific solutions to your sleep disorder.

In general, however, there are several preventative measures and routine changes that may help counteract the common causes of insomnia or sleep impairment in seniors:

  • 1. Creating the Right Environment
    The sleep environment you create and your pre-bedtime rituals can affect your rest at night. Make sure the bedroom is set up to be dark, quiet and comfortable. Install blackout shades or dark curtains if need be. Set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature or turn on a fan, which can also produce helpful white noise. Try to avoid watching television or being on your computer at least 30 minutes or so before bed.

  • 2. Mitigating Stress
    If you constantly feel sad, anxious, or stressed out before bed, incorporate a few habits to help you relax. For some seniors, yoga or meditation is a useful tool. It might also help to write in a journal to clear your head, or jot down notes for the next day if you are worried about forgetting an appointment or important event. If you frequently feel lonely or isolated, schedule phone conversations and virtual get-togethers with loved ones for the early evening or plan to socialize with other residents on campus. Even just reading a chapter of a book, taking a bath, or listening to a calming song can create a soothing routine that prepares your body and mind for sleep.

  • 3. Staying Active
    Getting enough physical activity throughout the day is a common challenge for seniors. If you’re not exercising on a regular basis, you may struggle either with chronic lethargy or not feeling very sleepy at night. Physical activity also improves mental and emotional health and can counteract the negative effects of certain conditions. Based on your interests and abilities, find a low-stress activity or exercise program you can do on a daily basis. Senior living communities frequently offer fitness classes and other activities to help you avoid a sedentary lifestyle.

  • 4. Getting Proper Nutrition
    The food and beverages you consume also influence your sleep patterns. Make sure you are full, but not uncomfortably stuffed, before bedtime. Avoid alcohol and caffeine in the late evening, as well as foods that might cause heartburn or indigestion. Dining on campus at your assisted living community helps ensure you are consuming meals and snacks with nutritional content tailored for older adults.

  • 5. Limiting Sleep Aids and Sleeping Pills
    When it comes to treating insomnia in the elderly, you should avoid sleeping pills and other sleeping aids, unless prescribed by your doctor. They usually have numerous side effects and don’t actually address the root causes of insomnia. Additionally, they are not meant for long-term use.

How We Improve the Quality of Life of our Senior Residents

If you or your loved one struggle with sleep issues, talking with your doctor is a good place to start. Our assisted living and memory care community here in Bethlehem is designed to support our senior residents by providing a safe, secure environment where their everyday needs are met. We not only offer comfortable housing accommodations but also indoor and outdoor amenities, events, and fitness programs to keep you physically and mentally active during your senior years. We are proud to deliver professional assisted living and memory care services that measurably improve quality of life.

We welcome your call and/or visit to learn more. Contact us today!


Flu Season Preparation Guide

12 October 2020

Flu Season Preparation Guide in Bethlehem, GA

Greetings once again to all of our Bethlehem-area assisted living and our Bethlehem memory care community residents, family, neighbors, and friends. We’re entering flu season here in Bethlehem, and while most focus today is rightfully centered on COVID, you simply must address the dangers of flu season and what you need to do now!

As people around the world continue focusing on the COVID-19 crisis, the time of year when the seasonal flu begins to make its rounds is approaching. It’s important not to overlook the safety measures designed to protect us all from the influenza virus. Compared to the severity of the coronavirus, the flu may not seem as serious of a health risk. The reality, however, is that the seasonal flu can still be deadly for seniors. In fact, seniors comprise nearly 85 percent of influenza-related deaths and up to 70 percent of hospitalizations in a typical year.

The annual flu vaccine is considered to be the gold standard when it comes to prevention, but it’s not the only one. Lifestyle also plays a key role in determining who will—and who won’t—get bitten by the flu bug.

How to Guard Against the Seasonal Flu

  • Get your flu shot: Unless you have an allergy to one of the vaccine’s ingredients or you are in another risk group, follow your doctor’s orders and get your flu shot. Most physicians suggest being vaccinated in October to give your immunity time to build. Since outbreaks sometimes occur in mid-to-late-October, don’t wait to see how bad the flu season will be before getting your shot.
  • Make self-care a priority: Keeping your immune system strong and healthy also aids in preventing the flu. Consuming a well-balanced diet and exercising almost every day for at least 30 minutes can build immunity. Getting a good night’s sleep and staying hydrated is also important. Unless your physician has limited your fluid intake, the general guideline is to drink 8 glasses of water a day.

These last few recommendations are likely ones you’ve heard frequently since the COVID-19 pandemic began, but they bear repeating:

  • Keep your distance: Physically distance from people when you are in public. When flu season is peaking, try to avoid crowds as much as possible. Wear a mask to cover your nose and mouth.
  • Wash frequently: Wash your hands thoroughly in warm, soapy water several times throughout the day. If you’ve been exposed to the virus, good handwashing hygiene can help protect you.
  • Avoid touching your face: Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Many of us don’t realize how many times a day we do this. If you have the virus on your hands, it can be ingested into the body if you rub your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Finally, contact your physician at the first sign of the flu. There are prescription antiviral drugs that help lessen the severity of flu symptoms and may even be able to shorten the length of time you are sick. But these medications must be taken before the flu progresses too far.

We exist to add quality of life to both you and your beloved. People turn to us daily for advice and consult. We’re here for you! Contact us today to schedule a tour!


How Important is Heart Health?

28 September 2020

Heart Health in Bethlehem, GA

Welcome back to our blog page for our Bethlehem-area assisted living and our Bethlehem memory care community. No matter what stage of care need your elderly loved one is at, you can trust that you have proven professionals right around the corner here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care to deliver genuine quality of life improvement to you both. Today, let’s visit the subject of heart health.

The heart is obviously a foundational muscle and the moment its integrity is compromised, or it starts to fail in some way, our bodies react. Just like with the brain, there are so many smart ways that we can go about keeping our hearts healthier as we age. We’re going to look at proactive heart health, why it’s important, and the best ways to keep our tickers going strong.

The Value Of Heart Health

According to the heart foundation, heart disease is the number-one killer of Americans and each year, it claims more lives than every form of cancer combined. Heart disease, including all forms of strokes and cardiovascular diseases, kills hundreds of thousands of people every year. With so many deaths annually, it’s important to note the most common reasons our hearts give out on us.

Bad Heart Habits

When it comes to the health of our hearts, some habits are better than others. According to Harvard Medical School, there are five habits that can be extremely destructive to the heart. They are:

  • Smoking
  • Inactivity
  • Overweight
  • Poor diet
  • Excessive drinking

If any of these things apply to you, you could be doing your heart a huge disservice, but it’s never too late to make valuable changes to your health! Reach out to us to learn more about our proactively managed heart health activities!

In the meantime, check out our community’s accommodations and reach out to us if you’d like to learn more about assisted living and/or memory care services here in Bethlehem. We exist to make your life easier, your elderly loved one’s existence better, and your family’s quality of life the best it’s ever been. Contact us today to schedule a tour!


Transitioning to Assisted Living – Five Essential Tips To Consider

21 September 2020

Transitioning to Assisted Living – Five Essential Tips To Consider in Bethlehem, GA

Helping your parent or a loved one make the move to professional assisted living care here in Bethlehem or professional memory care here in Bethlehem can be overwhelming for all involved. However, there are steps you can take to make the transition as easy and comfortable as possible. The key is thinking ahead and taking a little extra time to plan. Here are five essential tips to keep in mind as you prepare.

1. Plan Ahead

Once a community is selected, it’s time to create a road map for the move itself, including what items will be stored or sold and identifying logistics and costs for moving day. Gather important personal information such as Social Security and Medicare information and legal and financial records, so that all critical information is at your fingertips. If you have time, it’s also a good idea to schedule visits to the community with your loved one in advance of the move so that their new home starts to become familiar and comfortable even before they move in. Schedule a lunch or check out the community’s daily calendar for special programs or events to help break the ice and get to know residents and staff members.

2. Communicate Thoughtfully

During all that has to be done, keep in mind that this is a big change for your parent or loved one. Approach the discussion with dignity and respect, and with the understanding that your loved one will be a primary decision maker during this transition. Read the signs and ask thoughtful questions to explore concerns or fears that may lead to a larger and more honest discussion. If your loved one is asking pointed questions, then find out what the underlying concern may be. Gently enter the discussion so that you can discover how best to provide support in a way that is comfortable for them.

3. Identify What’s Essential

Sorting through treasured items can be a serious undertaking. As you go through a lifetime of belongings, we recommend familiarizing yourself with their new accommodations. You’ll want to pack the essentials, but also look for ways to make their new space feel like home. Help your loved one identify some key items that are emotionally significant to them, like a favorite art piece, family photos, or a treasured keepsake. Carefully consider which rooms your family member regularly occupies and the items they touch most to gauge what their needs will be in their new place. For example, if they are no longer entertaining regularly in their home, then they can probably leave the china cabinet behind, but may want to bring a favorite teapot or coffee mugs for cozier encounters. Most importantly, include your loved one during each step of the process – choosing things for the new place will help them feel more at home when they arrive.

4. Make it a Family Affair

Any move can be difficult, especially if you are managing it by yourself. Gather a support team of family and friends. If someone offers to help, let them! Identify a team leader and key decision maker, then delegate tasks such as canceling utilities, scheduling movers and packing boxes. If you find yourself in a bind, don’t hesitate to talk with the staff at the community – they’ve helped lots of families in the same situation and can offer advice and support, along with helpful resources for the big move.

5. Give Them Space

Although it is important to support your loved one through this significant transition, it is equally important to give them time and space to adjust to their lifestyle change. Independent living can offer seniors more opportunities to remain self-sufficient by providing services like transportation, an on-site fitness center and salon, daily social activities and delicious dining options. Assisted living provides the added security of licensed nurses and a well-trained staff around the clock, while also helping your loved one to be more socially active by offering activities and outings that may not have been available to them at home. Here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care (Bethlehem), we ask families to provide a life story upon move-in so that we can get to know new residents and their interests more quickly and introduce them to activities and people they might enjoy. Our team can offer guidance to help you find the right balance of support and independence for your loved one at their new community.

If you have specific questions or need help in planning your loved one’s move, get in touch with a member of our highly trained staff for more information on how to prepare your loved one for their new home.


Is a Joint Bank Account Between Dependent Elderly and Family Right for You?

14 September 2020

Joint Bank Account Between Dependent Elderly and Family in Bethlehem, GA

We routinely receive finance-related questions while providing professional assisted living services here in Bethlehem and loving memory care services in Bethlehem as well. A commonly asked question pertains to whether or not establishing joint bank accounts between seniors and their family. We want to recognize “A Place For Mom” who authored great guidance on this subject that we share with you today.

So, are you considering opening a joint bank account with an aging parent? While it may seem like a convenient way to pay the bills, a joint account has drawbacks that could be financially damaging to you both. Weigh the pros and cons here before heading to the bank.

Advantages of a joint bank account

A joint bank account is an easy way to assist your aging parent with managing day-to-day finances. Having a joint checking account can help you:

  • Ensure bills are paid on time
    You can easily pay your parent’s bills with automatic payments or checks from the joint account.
  • Monitor your mom or dad’s finances
    Seniors are often targets of fraud. Regularly checking their account statements makes it easier to spot. If you’re worried your parent may be suffering cognitive decline, you can also keep track of their purchases to make sure they aren’t overspending.
  • Pay caregivers and aides
    Regular caregiving expenses, including housekeeping and home care, can be paid from the joint account.
  • Pay for emergency medical care
    If your elderly parent requires immediate payment for medical care, you can draw from the joint account.
  • Access funds after your parent dies
    With a joint checking account, you have immediate access to funds without having to go through probate. This can help with funeral expenses and hospital or hospice bills.

Risks of a joint bank account with an elderly parent

Depending on your financial situation, the decision to combine accounts could be detrimental to both you and your parent. Here are some risks to consider before opening a joint account with your elderly loved one:

  • Rights of ownership
    “The money in that joint account is now owned equally by the parent and the child,” writes Timothy L. Takacs, a certified elder law attorney in Hendersonville, Tennessee. “This means the child can take out money at any time without the parent’s consent.” In other words, the money isn’t split 50/50. Either person can withdraw the entire account without penalty.
  • Financial qualification
    The funds in the account can affect your ability to qualify for financial assistance. For example, sharing a bank account could put an elderly parent above the income threshold for Medicaid. It could also affect financial aid for prospective college students.
  • Risk of damage or debt
    Joint bank accounts are subject to liens, debt collection, divorces, and bankruptcy. This can put either party in financial danger due to the other’s circumstances.
    • If the adult child on the bank account gets divorced, their parent’s contributions can be considered part of their assets to be split in the separation.
    • If either party declares bankruptcy, the entire account is considered an asset.
    • Creditors can pursue the funds if either party owes money for medical bills, child support, etc.

Accessing an elderly parent’s bank account with siblings

Money is the main reason adult siblings fight over their parent’s care, and joint bank accounts can lead to disputes. If one sibling is a primary caregiver, or helps their aging loved one pay bills, it may seem sensible for them to take over an elderly parent’s finances or to set up a joint account.

But siblings could question how and why money is being spent, says Mike Travers, a certified financial planner in Ontario, Canada. They may accuse the joint account holder of financial abuse, especially if the funds appear to be misappropriated. “Parents need to be mindful of what they may set their children up for,” says Travers.

In families with multiple children, a joint checking account with one child has consequences regarding inheritance. “In most states, upon the parent’s death, the money in the account automatically goes to the child whose name is on the account, thereby disinheriting the other children,” writes Takacs. This is because joint accounts are usually held with rights of survivorship, which means ownership passes automatically from the deceased to their survivor.

A joint account can preclude a will in the case of your loved one’s death, no matter when the account was established. This means the child on the shared account would receive all the money in the account.

The FDIC guide to joint bank accounts provides a potential solution: “While most joint accounts are held with rights of survivorship, in rare instances joint account owners are ‘tenants in common,’ which means ownership does not necessarily pass from decedent to survivor. Instead, each co-owner can bequeath his or her share of the account to whomever he or she chooses.” With this provision, the aging parent could assign their share of the account to a separate child, ensuring it’s split evenly. Consult a financial advisor to see if this provision could apply to your family.

Alternatives to a joint bank account

If the risks of a joint bank account outweigh the benefits in your family’s circumstances, consider these alternatives:

  • Signature authority on accounts
    The IRS suggests signature authority, which allows an adult child access to their aging parent’s bank account. They can use it to pay bills and make purchases as long as they’re in the loved one’s interest. Your local bank branch can set this up easily with both signatures.
  • Power of attorney
    With power of attorney, an adult child can handle financial matters on their aging parent’s behalf. This means they can deposit social security checks, pay bills, or manage investments. With financial power of attorney, a child can also maintain or sell assets and access bank accounts. A durable financial power of attorney is recommended, since it remains in effect even if the parent is incapacitated.
  • Payable on death provision
    An aging parent can add a “payable on death” provision to bank accounts, according to Legacy Assurance. This ensures their money will bypass probate and be paid directly to beneficiaries. If they have a will, it’s important to be sure the two don’t contradict each other.
  • Revocable living trust
    Aging parents can put money for relatives into a revocable living trust (“revocable” means parents can alter the trust as long as they’re mentally competent — after that, it becomes an “irrevocable” trust), according to the American Bar Association. There are three parties involved: the creator, the co-trustee who manages assets (which could be an adult child), and the beneficiaries. This is only a viable option if the elderly parent has sufficient finances to set up a trust.
  • Direct deposit
    An adult child can open a checking account in their own name to manage their parent’s funds. Even though it won’t accrue interest, the balance can be altered with regular deposits. For instance, if a child generally spends $1,000 a month on their parent’s care, the parent’s individual savings account or trust could automatically deposit that amount on a monthly basis.

How to find an expert to help with senior finances

Every family’s financial situation is different. Consider consulting a certified financial advisor to understand how to best help your elderly parents. Visit the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards to search for one by city, state, or ZIP code. Certified elder law attorneys are often also experts in financial issues related to aging. Visit the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys to find one in your area.

Before selecting an advisor, ask about their experience with elderly finances. Registered financial gerontologists have extra training in providing financial advice to aging adults and their families. In addition, some geriatric care managers offer financial advising or can link you with an advisor who specializes in elder-care finance.

Please know that our professional expertise is in providing assisted living and memory care services. We are not financial advisors, however, we view this as prudent guidance that helps your formulate questions and concerns that you can direct to a qualified financial consultant. As always, we stand ready to answer any and all questions you might have regarding the benefits of professional care services. Call anytime!


Making Your Doctor Visit Better

31 August 2020

We witness and understand that there are certain stresses involved in visiting the doctor and the dentist. We discovered some very practical advice provided by Dr. John Voytas, M.D., a Doctor of Geriatric Medicine. He focuses on preparation for the visit and how it can make things go so much more comfortable and effective for the patient, family, and providers alike. All of us here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care (Bethlehem) thank Dr. Voytas and the great folks at Graceful Aging for putting together this short presentation that we trust you will find useful.

Please know that we manage this blog as a free service to help all of you, like us, who provide loving assisted living and/or memory care services for a loved one. Also know that we stand ready to answer any and all questions you might have regarding the benefits of professional care services. Call anytime!


Defining Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care

24 August 2020

Defining Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care in Bethlehem, GA

Our team of professional memory care and assisted living care providers here at Gateway Gardens here in Bethlehem are there for all of you at home care providers. Much of our blog is dedicated to works designed to assist you in your selfless commitment to your senior loved ones. Unfortunately, there will come a day when solo home care or professionally assisted home care is no longer enough. For those of you who have arrived that moment, please know that your friends here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care are ready with open arms to provide the loving care necessary to deliver the quality of life that both you and your challenged loved one(s) deserve. So let’s start with the basics.

Everyone ages differently. While some age-related changes are inevitable, such as slower reflexes and vision challenges, other issues can vary greatly from person to person. Lifestyle and to a lessor degree, genetics, are key determinants in how healthy you are at every age.

This is important information to keep in mind as you search for a senior living community, whether for yourself, a spouse or aging parents. It might be that a senior is active and independent at the time of a move, but what happens when needs change?

Understanding Care Options in a Senior Living Community

Moving is tough at every age, but more so for older adults. This is why making a second move during the retirement years is something to avoid if possible. Understanding what types of care a senior community offers and what happens if care needs change over time are important issues to address before making a decision to relocate. This includes if one parent needs more or different care than another.

If you aren’t familiar with different types of senior care, this quick overview might be helpful:

  • Independent living: This type of senior living, also referred to as a retirement community, is designed for the active older adult. Because meals and home maintenance are provided, residents are free to pursue favorite pastimes. On-site activities and events are another attraction that lead many to choose independent living.
  • Assisted living: Some older adults and their families find assisted living to be the best of two worlds. Residents appreciate the independence of having their own private living space, but do so knowing that services are available 24/7. They can receive assistance with personal care, housekeeping, medication management, toileting, and more. That’s in addition to meals and wellness programs.
  • Memory care: Designed to allow adults with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia to enjoy their best quality of life, memory care programs are typically a part of an assisted living community. Specialized caregivers, dedicated dining services, and a safe, supportive environment are standard. Memory-focused daily activities allow residents to remain engaged.

At each community you visit, ask the staff about how they handle changes in needs after a senior becomes a resident. Are different types of care available on the same campus? Can residents move from one to another seamlessly?

When you are weighing options for yourself or your parents, choosing a community that offers multiple levels of care is something to consider. If one person develops different care needs, a couple can still remain a part of the same senior community. Even if these changes require separate living arrangements, they will still be in an environment that is familiar to them surrounded by team members they know.

Now is the time for you to seek a consult regarding how Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Bethlehem can improve the quality of both you and your loved one’s lives. Call us!


Protect Your Senior Loved Ones from These Scams

17 August 2020

Protect Your Senior Loved Ones from These Scams in Bethlehem, GA

We often hear horrible stories from families concerning an elderly loved one who was short-changed or downright scammed, financially or otherwise. Our caring professionals here at Bethlehem’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care focus this blog post on the topic of con-artists and scammers of all stripes. While this blog post is geared towards the senior community, it is certainly germane and relevant to folks of all ages. It certainly applies to all of our faithful blog readers whether your providing assisted living and/or memory care support. So let’s discuss the very real risks out there.

Con Artists

Safeguarding your money, your assets and your identity from theft and fraud.

Con-artists come in different shapes and disguises, but the objective is always the same!

This clever actor charms elderly victims by phone with an affable “nice guy” approach. Deceptive and dishonest, this tele-trickster is the last person you would want to invite into your home! You’re right if you guessed… he’s a con artist!

According to the U.S. Congress, Americans lose an estimated $40 billion each year due to the unethical activities of fraudulent “salespeople.” Con artists will try to take money as well as property and other valuable assets. Sweepstakes tend to be the most prevalent of all con artist scams but they might also be disguised as home improvement deals, real estate investments, inventions, or even false charities. Knowing how to spot these scams will help you identify a con artist and may someday save you from heartache and financial disaster.

What’s the deal?

Most people are not likely to fall for a scam if it actually sounds like one, so these phony deals are usually disguised as something else:

  • Something for nothing
  • A legitimate sweepstakes
  • A free gift
  • A free gift
  • A new you (youth and/or beauty)
  • A sure cure
  • High profits at a low risk
  • A chance to make a quick buck

Watch the pitch

Most con artists use key words and phrases to make you feel important or to pressure you to act quickly. For example:

“You have been selected as one of ten finalists for our sweepstakes offer.”

“As a senior citizen, you have already been pre-approved.”

“This is not for every one, so keep it a secret.”

“Cash or credit card only, no checks.”

“You must decide now. If you hang up, you will lose this opportunity.”

Common scams and frauds

The object of any con game is to get you to part with your money. Most of these scams are initiated by people who approach you on the street or call you at home. Be suspicious of ANY plan, idea, scheme, or so-called business deal that requires you to give money – or access to your money – to a stranger. Here are some of the more common scams:

The Bank Examiner

Someone calls you claiming to be a bank examiner or police investigator who needs your help to catch a “dishonest” bank employee. He usually asks for your account number and account balance. He may tell you that the bank records show a much smaller balance and that he suspects a teller must be stealing the money. He asks you to withdraw a large sum of money from your account and give it to him so he can do an audit or check serial numbers, after which the money will be re-deposited. Of course, you never see him or your money again.

Door-To-Door Sales

Often times con artists will try to get you to subscribe to a magazine or offer a cure for a medical condition. They may also offer a free inspection of your home for problems with your furnace, hot water tank, appliance, or garage door. Whatever the con artist has to offer, simply say no and report them to your local police. More than likely they need to have a solicitor or business license of some type from your local city hall in order to conduct such door-to-door business. The con may even have an I.D. that appears to have been issued by your local government office. Check it carefully.

The Fake Lottery Ticket

Someone with a foreign accent approaches you on the street and tells you he has a winning lottery ticket, worth $100,000 or more, but he cannot cash it in because he is not a U.S. citizen. He even verifies the winning numbers by calling a number and letting you listen to a phony recording of winning lottery numbers. He offers to sell you the ticket for just a few thousand dollars. You jump at the chance to make such easy money and help someone out at the same time. Of course the lottery ticket is worthless and you have lost your money. (Someone close to me actually fell prey to a similar scheme.)

Home Improvement Scheme

A man drives up to your house in a commercial van or pickup truck, dressed in workman’s clothing. He tells you he has just finished a large roofing job (or driveway resurfacing, etc.) and has some materials left over. He tells you he will use the leftover materials to repair your roof, driveway, or other repair work, at a large discount. If you agree, he will do a quick, shoddy job with cheap material.

The Phony C.O.D. Scam

The con artist will scout a neighborhood to find an unoccupied home, then check a city directory to find out the homeowner’s name. Armed with this information, he will fill out a phony shipping label and apply it to a box of rocks or other junk. Returning to the house dressed as a delivery man, he will knock or ring the bell, properly setting the stage for his next act. Getting no answer, he will go to a neighbor, you, and ask that you accept the package and pay the C.O.D. fee.

Credit Card Fraud and Stolen Identities

These days you have to be especially diligent in safeguarding not just your credit cards, but your identity as well. It is very easy for a criminal to steal your good name and then proceed to destroy it, leaving you with a pile of debts and scores of angry creditors. Identity thieves often search through people’s garbage to find what they need to assume your identity. Even something as innocent as old discarded phone or utility bills can put you at risk. Con artists use these documents to obtain a phony ID with your name and their picture. Then, they can go all over town applying for credit cards in your name and running up big bills. Thieves also steal from mailboxes. New checks and credit cards are favorite targets. Also, if you leave bill payments out for the mailman to pick up, this mail can be stolen and your checks “washed” to remove dollar amounts and payee information. Your signature is left untouched. The crook then makes the check out to a phony name for a much higher amount and cashes it.

The Funeral Chaser

Shortly after a relative dies, someone delivers a product to your door that the deceased allegedly ordered before his or her death. You may even get a bill for an expensive item along with a request to make the final few payments. This scam artist uses newspaper obituaries to prey on bereaved families. Please understand that you are not responsible for anyone else’s purchases. If a claim is legitimate, the estate will settle the matter.

Medicare Number Theft

Since many seniors rely on their Medicare health insurance, it’s no surprise that many elder fraud scams originate from that source. Often, fraudulent medical equipment companies offer free supplies to unsuspecting seniors in return for their Medicare numbers. However, the patient’s doctor is required to order and sign for all equipment and products before Medicare will pay for them. The most important tips when it comes to spotting health insurance fraud include:

  • Never sign a blank insurance claim form
  • Never provide unchecked medical authorization for billing purposes
  • Always thoroughly review Medicare’s terms of payment
  • Never give out your Medicare number to a person you don’t trust
  • Confirm with your physician if you’re unsure of a product that’s been ordered

You do have choices

If the sweepstakes offer, deal or business opportunity sounds too good to be true, your instincts are probably correct. If you’re not interested, hang up the phone! However, if you believe an offer is legitimate, take steps to protect yourself and those close to you:

  • Be careful of all sweepstakes that attempt to lure you with words like “finalist” and “grand-prize.”
  • Don’t be swayed by a free gift or offer and make sure to always check references.
  • Take notes, including date and time of calls, callers’ names and any peculiar statements or conditions.
  • Don’t give out your credit card information unless you made the call.
  • Don’t give out checking account numbers or send money by messenger or overnight delivery.
  • Talk to someone – your lawyer, accountant or banker – before making a financial commitment.
  • Read before you sign. Do not sign anything you have not read and understood.
  • Before agreeing to buy the latest healthcare cure, call your doctor or local medical society to check out the salesman and product.
  • Save all documentation, including letters, postcards, telephone bills, canceled checks, ATM cards, credit card statements and mailing envelopes. Should you discard anything, make sure to shred it first.
  • Avoid answering machine greetings like “We’re on vacation” or “We’re not home” and if you live alone, don’t volunteer the information. An ideal recorded greeting is “We are sorry we can’t get to the phone right now…”

If you have any questions or concerns regarding how to provide fraud free loving and safe care for your senior loved one, contact Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care here in Bethlehem.


Summer Hydration Care Advise for Seniors

3 August 2020

Summer Hydration Care Advise for Seniors in Bethlehem, GA

We appreciate the positive feedback from all of us here at Bethlehem’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care regarding the practical utility of our blog. It is now August and the increasing heat index can be deadly for the young and senior alike. The safety of our cherished residents in our top concern, and it should be for all of you at-home care givers as well. We feel a heartfelt responsibility to freely share our professional knowledge regarding professional assisted living , memory care, and respite care services. So today, we’ll talk about the uber-importance of senior hydration and leave you with some ideas of how to keep your loved one safe.

Summer provides opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. After a long winter stuck inside, a lot of people look forward to it. From picnics and barbecues to outdoor concerts and beach trips, many people spend summer largely outside. For older adults, however, summer presents unique health risks. One is dehydration. While heat and humidity can be a dehydration or heat stroke threat to people of all ages, older adults are especially vulnerable.

Sometimes the increased risk is caused by a medical condition that weakens a senior’s sense of thirst. Other older adults have problems adjusting to temperature changes. Their bodies don’t produce the sweat they need to cool down. Taking extra steps to stay hydrated during the summer is important.

How Much Liquid Do You Need During the Summer?

The Centers for Disease Control recommends adults consume 48–64 ounces of fluid each day. If you are outdoors in the heat, you should consume even more. Fluid can come in the form of fruit and vegetable juices, soup, water, and milk. While sodas and coffee are liquids, many health professionals say they shouldn’t be counted in your daily total. If they contain caffeine, which is a diuretic, they can increase the risk for dehydration.

Tips for Improving Hydration

These tips can help seniors stay hydrated:

  • Drink a few glasses of water or juice with every meal.
  • Instead of taking a few sips of water with medication, drink a full glass.
  • Make water more appealing by adding lemon, lime, berries, or sprigs of mint or rosemary.
  • Invest in several stainless steel water bottles or small thermoses to refill and reuse throughout the day.
  • Keep handy a list of water-rich fruits and vegetables to incorporate into meals and snacks. Melon, berries, cucumber, celery, bell peppers, oranges, spinach, and romaine all pump up hydration.
  • Drink a bottle or glass of water before and while you exercise.
  • Wear a hat that shields the face to keep your body temperature lower, reducing the risk for dehydration.

Our final tip is to limit consumption of alcohol on hot days or when spending time outdoors. Like caffeine, it can cause fluid loss that increases the chance for dehydration.

Warning Signs of Dehydration

It’s also important to learn warning signs that could indicate the early stages of dehydration. They include:

  • confusion
  • dry mouth
  • fatigue
  • headache
  • dizziness
  • muscle weakness

If a senior you are the caregiver for is exhibiting these symptoms, call the doctor or seek treatment at an urgent care center or a hospital emergency room. The older adult might need IV therapy to restore fluid levels.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding how to provide both loving and safe care for your senior loved one, contact Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care here in Bethlehem.


An Insight into Twenty Inspirational Women Over 60

13 July 2020

An Insight into Twenty Inspirational Women Over 60 in Bethlehem, GA

Hello once again from our team of Bethlehem-area assisted living and Bethlehem-area memory care professionals. Since it is dangerously hot outside these days, you all are probably looking for things to do inside to have some fun and beat the heat. Today we thought it might be inspiring to consider our list of “Inspiration Women over 60” to introduce to you some uplifting introductions and to inspire you to research further about any of these inspirational women that you find particularly interesting.

So, here you go. Twenty inspirational women over 60:

Inspirational Women Over 60

Many of these women have been pioneers in their careers. Some are less well known, while some have made it into the history books. Some of them are no longer with us, while others continue to make incredible strides. All of them, however, inspire us to live our best lives.

1. Iris Apfel, 97

She’s been called unique, iconoclastic and a “rare bird.” The subject of a brand-new documentary entitled “Iris,” Iris Apfel has spent the last 60-odd years as a legendary designer of jewelry and clothing, as well as an interior designer who has consulted for nine presidents at the White House. At age 84, she and her designs were the subject of an exhibition at the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and at age 90 — just a few years ago — she inspired a line of MAC cosmetics.

2. Ruth Bader Ginsburg, 85

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was, of course, only the second female justice in United States history, nominated in 1993 at the age of 60. She continues to serve on the Supreme Court and influence key decisions furthering the rights of women, and she has been on the Forbes list of “100 Most Powerful Women” as well as the subject of the popular Tumblr blog Notorious RBG celebrating her judicial accomplishments as well as her status as an inspirational part of women’s history.

3. Debbie Allen, 68

Debbie Allen will be a familiar face to anyone versed in the world of dance and choreography over the past several decades. Though this former Broadway star and member of the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities is best known for her work on Fame — not only the original film but the TV series and 2009 remake — she’s also been a TV and stage producer, a judge since 2007 for So You Think You Can Dance, and founder of the Debbie Allen Dance Academy for youth in Los Angeles, California.

4. Joan Rivers, 1933-2014

This sharp-tongued icon of comedy was the first woman to host a late-night talk show on network TV, “The Late Show with Joan Rivers,” which debuted in 1986 when she was already 53 years old. In 1989, she went on to host a daytime talk show, which would run for four more years, and appeared on a number of other cable TV shows on fashion and entertainment. She wrote 12 books, received a Grammy nomination, and contributed to a number of philanthropic causes. By the time she died in 2014, she was known as one of the greatest trailblazers for female comedians.

5. Joan Ganz Cooney, 88

Joan Ganz Cooney might not be a household name, but her accomplishments have definitely reached countless households: as the founder of Children’s Television Workshop, which produced “Sesame Street” and “The Electric Company,” Cooney has received numerous Emmy Awards, including the Emmy for Lifetime Achievement in 1989. She has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, she’s been inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame, and in recent years, her innovations in children’s programming have inspired various literacy and learning programs named in her honor.

6. Georgia O’Keeffe, 1887-1986

Georgia O’Keeffe is one of the 20th century’s best-known painters, famous for her lush close-up depictions of plants and flowers as well as her images of Southwestern landscapes. The wife of pioneering photographer Alfred Stieglitz, O’Keeffe continued producing art in various media, including drawing, painting, and later, sculpture, until two years before her death at age 98.

7. Tao Porchon-Lynch, 100

Tao Porchon-Lynch has been an actress, a model, a dancer, a wine expert and she’s set a Guinness World Record for the oldest yoga instructor. Born in India, this sometime winner of the title “Best Legs in Europe” has traveled the world, meeting luminaries like Mahatma Gandhi, Charles de Gaulle, and Martin Luther King, Jr. She became a full-time professional yogi in 1967, and has continued to do yoga (and dance) throughout her life, releasing a yoga DVD as recently as 2013. In “The Imperfect Environmentalist” by Sara Gilbert, Porchon-Lynch was quoted as saying, “I’m going to teach yoga until I can’t breathe anymore.”

8. Dr. Ruth Westheimer, 90

Although Dr. Ruth Westheimer has long been an advocate for safe, healthy and enjoyable sex, it wasn’t until she reached her mid-50s that she became known for her frank, down-to-earth advice via her radio show: “Sexually Speaking.” Since then, she has continued to educate the public through television, magazine and newspaper columns, books, teaching college classes, and providing advice on her website — and she continues to operate a private practice in sex therapy. She has won countless awards, including Honorary President of the Council on Sexuality and Aging.

9. Jacquie “Tajah” Murdock, 87

This former Apollo Theater dancer and Harlem native is not only smart and educated (she holds a master’s degree from NYU), she continues to be a fashion icon well into her 80s. She’s always had a love of fashion, and the glamour of movie stars like Marlena Dietrich and Lena Horne inspired her to create a unique style of her own. She was recently featured in the documentary Advanced Style, about older New York City women who still rock the fashion world. In a recent interview with Soul Train, she said, “I want older women to know that there is life after the ages of 50 and 60. I want them to know that you must be active — you cannot just sit there and twiddle your thumbs. They should keep active, do something they like and get involved because life is for the living.”

10. Aung San Suu Kyi, 73

Suu Kyi is Burma’s best known opposition politician, and the chair of the National League for Democracy, working tirelessly over the last 25 plus years on behalf of non-violence, peace, human rights and democratic rule in Burma, despite spending almost 15 of those years under house arrest by the existing government. She has received numerous international accolades for her efforts, including the Nobel Peace Prize and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and as of 2014 was listed by Forbes as the 61st most powerful woman in the world.

11. Beatrice Wood, 1893-1998

Wood, a ceramic sculptor and sometime actress, died at the astonishing age of 105 after becoming known as the “Mama of Dada” and a compatriot of many of the key figures of modernist art. Anais Nin, Man Ray and Marcel Duchamp are just a few of the avant-garde artists in her circle of friends. At the age of 90, she added “writer” to her list of artistic accomplishments, publishing her autobiography entitled: “I Shock Myself,” in 1985. Regarding her longevity, she said, “I owe it all to chocolate and young men.”

12. Alice Waters, 74

Alice Waters is the founder of one of America’s most renowned restaurants, Chez Panisse, and is credited for inspiring California cuisine as well as being the first woman to win the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef in America award. After pioneering the use of fresh, organic, and local ingredients in her Berkeley, California, restaurant (founded in 1971), Waters went on to write several cookbooks, consult on school lunch reform, and train many younger chefs to celebrate healthy food ideals.

13. Annie Leibovitz, 68

This well-known entertainment photographer has taken many of the last century’s — and the current century’s — most iconic pictures of celebrities, including the famous photograph of John Lennon and Yoko Ono in a bed, taken on the day Lennon was murdered in 1981. She’s photographed everyone from Lady Gaga to Queen Elizabeth II to Benedict Cumberbatch.

14. Bernadette Peters, 70

Another showbiz great, Bernadette Peters has starred in musicals, films, and television shows since the 1960s, and is still going strong — just one of her recent accomplishments was a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album in 2004. While my own generation might know her best as Lily St. Regis from the 1982 movie Annie, it was her role in 1974’s musical Mack and Mabel that catapulted her into the spotlight. Most recently, in addition to continuing her performances on stage and screen, she’s also begun writing children’s books, and contributes to many charitable causes.

15. Jane Goodall, 84

After 55 years of studying chimpanzees in the Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania, Jane Goodall is considered to be the world’s leading chimpanzee expert. She’s been the subject of films and books for both children and adults, the recipient of dozens of awards, and in her later years, continues to be an activist on behalf of animals and the environment. Oh — and she’s even been the grand marshal of the Tournament of Roses Parade, in 2013.

16. Katharine Graham, 1917-2001

A pioneering journalist who President George W. Bush called “the beloved first lady of Washington and American journalism,” Graham led the Washington Post newspaper to prominence during the publication of the Pentagon Papers in 1971 and the Watergate scandal in 1974. She took over the company in 1963 at the age of 46 and didn’t leave until 1993; during that time, she became the first woman to lead a Fortune 500 company and to serve as director of the Associated Press. Her memoir, written in 1997, went on to win a Pulitzer Prize for biography.

17. Sister Madonna, 88

It isn’t surprising to hear that someone who has earned the moniker “the Iron Nun” wouldn’t show any signs of slowing down even at age 84. Spokane nun Sister Madonna Buder competed in her first triathlon at age 52 and since then, has competed in nearly 50 Ironman events and over 325 triathlons worldwide. Just this past month, she was dubbed the Ironman All World Athlete Champion for her age group — of course, because of her age, the Ironman organization keeps having to create new age brackets for her to compete in!

18. Olga Kotelko, 1919-2014

Another star runner, Canadian athlete Olga Kotelko‘s real athletic career began after her retirement from a 30-year teaching career. A baseball player in her youth, she took up slow-pitch softball and, in her 70s, started training in track and field, eventually earning the distinction of oldest female high jumper in history. She’s broken world records and won dozens of awards. Scientists have even studied her amazing physical fitness levels, the results of which inspired the 2014 book: “What Makes Olga Run?: The Mystery of the 90-Something Track Star and What She Can Teach Us About Living Longer, Happier Lives.”

19. Vivienne Westwood, 77

English fashion designer Vivienne Westwood is perhaps most famous as the co-creator (along with Malcolm McLaren) of the punk and new wave style, including all those safety pins, spiked collars, and bike chains. She continues to design clothing for the catwalk and for notable entertainment clients including Pharrell Williams, whose iconic hat was in one of her 1980s collections. She is also an activist for a number of civil rights and environmental causes.

20. Maya Angelou, 1928-2014

A prolific, influential writer and the author of internationally recognized autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Maya Angelou has been known and respected as a spokesperson for women and people of color throughout her life, giving lectures and readings well into her 80s. She published poetry, essays, and an impressive seven autobiographies, the most recent of which was published in 2013. In 1993, she recited a poem at Bill Clinton’s presidential inauguration, and during the later 1990s and 2000s, she continued to be active by collaborating with R&B artists, creating a line of Hallmark cards, and campaigning for the Democratic party.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns regarding how to provide both loving and safe care for your senior loved one, contact Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care here in Bethlehem.


Eight Facts You Should Know about Summer and Senior Citizens

6 July 2020

Eight Facts You Should Know about Summer and Senior Citizens in Bethlehem, GA

In our continuing effort to support those of you who lovingly support your senior loved ones, our team of Bethlehem-area assisted living and Bethlehem-area memory care professionals thought it would be wise to share eight facts you should know about summer and senior care. We want all of you at-home care providers to fully understand that older adults are especially susceptible to heat-related injuries and heat stroke.

So, please consider and take heed knowing that:

  • Older adults may experience sunburn quicker because of changes in skin texture. Sunburn makes it more difficult to stay cool. Use sunblock (SPF 30 or greater) when outdoors for prolonged periods of time, even on cloudy days.

  • Asphalt and concrete can reach up to 40 degrees hotter than the air temperature, and remains hotter than the air well into the night. Avoid prolonged exposure to the city's streets and sidewalks.

  • It may be more difficult for older adults to sense elevations in temperature and for their bodies to cool down. Anticipate change by turning on air conditioning systems or other ventilators when entering a room and taking off extra layers of clothing when going outside. This is especially important for older adults with memory disorders.

  • Medications for chronic conditions can contribute to heat-related injuries Make sure you ask your physician if any of your medications might put you at increased risk.

  • Headaches, nausea and weakness are all signs of heat exhaustion. Everyone should stay hydrated by drinking water or sports drinks. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you.

  • Heat stroke can be fatal. Heat waves kill more Americans than any other type of natural disaster. Older adults should always have a family member friend, neighbor or home health aide who can check up on them regularly.

  • High blood pressure, diabetes, obesity memory disorders and psychiatric illness all increase the risk of heat stroke. Drink plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. If you have a heart condition, consult your physician regarding your fluid intake.

  • Muscle cramps, dizziness, clammy skin and rapid heartbeat may be heat-related conditions. When temperatures begin to reach extreme highs, slow down, stay in the coolest place available and reduce or eliminate all strenuous activities.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding how to provide both loving and safe care for your senior loved one, contact Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care here in Bethlehem.


Follow Father's Day with These Great Tributes that Dad Will Enjoy

22 June 2020

Follow Father’s Day with These Great Tributes that Dad Will Enjoy in Bethlehem, GA

Whether you spent Father’s Day with Dad here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care (here in Bethlehem) or not, start thinking about your next tribute to remind him of how special he is to you and your family. If life got in the way and you could not be with Dad this past weekend, it’s not too late to make next weekend something very special.

It is our pleasure to share our professional experiences and lessons learned regarding assisted living, memory care, and respite care support services. One lesson learned is that paying tribute to your aging Dad should not be a Father’s Day only affair. Look deep into your creative self and do something more from the heart than the wallet.

Here are four particularly rewarding tributes that Dads of all ages will enjoy:

1. A Handmade Family Tree

Even if you think your father isn’t nostalgic about the past, people do change as they get older. Some discover, in their senior years, a sudden passion for genealogy. Others simply want to talk about the past more often than they ever used to do.

Either way, a thoughtful gift might be a handmade family tree from you.

There are templates you can use which merely require you to fill in the names of the generations by hand. Then, you can take your finished product to a copy store and have it printed out for framing.

Choose good quality paper and you’ve created a real family heirloom.

2. Top-of-the-Line Gourmet Food

Some seniors become picky eaters as they age. What used to taste great may now be undesirable. It could be because dietary needs change as we get older. Sometimes it is the side effect of a medication.

One way to jump-start an older father or grandfather’s appetite is to offer up something irresistible.

  • Does your father love Mexican food? Have gourmet tamales shipped in from someplace where they specialize in authentic, homemade tamales.
  • Is he a cheese hound? Research the best-of-the-best cheeses and assemble an assortment from around the world.

3. A Photo Printer

Fathers these days tend to have a lot of digital pictures stored away on hard drives. Whether its pictures of grandchildren or places they’ve traveled to, the images are stored digitally and therefore viewable only on a device.

If your father is like most in his generation, he may yearn for the days when photos were printed and easily accessible in a shoebox. One thoughtful present would be to give him a photo printer.

That way, he can print out the photos he loves and have them in the format he’s used to.

4. A Digital Transformation of His Old Slides & Movies

This one is the opposite of the idea above. Seniors also tend to have lots of slides and movies tucked away, too. Just think: their child-rearing days coincided with the first home movie cameras. Going back even further, they may also have slides of their early days before you were even around.

The trouble is slide projectors and old reel-to-reel projectors have a funny way of failing after several decades of lying around in storage in a closet. That means all those great memories are locked away on outdated media formats.

There are companies who specialize in this. You give them your old slides or reel tapes. The company returns them along with a CD that contains everything in digital format.

The best part about this special gift is that you get to share it together. In fact, viewing the old memories can become a family event. One that is truly a memorable and meaningful gift that is sure to warm the hearts of everyone. Prepare for tears!

To learn more about our approach to professional assisted living, professional memory care, and/or professional respite care services, call us anytime!


How To Communicate With Your Older Parents So They Hear You

8 June 2020

How To Communicate With Your Older Parents So They Hear You in Bethlehem, GA

We hope you realize by now that we pride ourselves here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care (here in Bethlehem) for helping more than our residents and their families. We take great pride in helping you, our neighbors here in Bethlehem who lovingly provide at-home assisted living and/or memory care services to your loved ones. Trust us, we know your challenges and consider you all heroes for your selfless and loving investment to family.

An at-home care giver communicated that her mother is 81, her arthritis is painful, but she gets around with a walker. Her mind is okay for now, though she is sometimes forgetful. She feels lonely. Her care giver is worried about her safety and has been telling her for several years that she needs help. She hates the thought of her falling and not having help, There is a fantastic assisted living close by, but will she listen? No! She just stubbornly says that she’s fine so I should leave her alone.”

Well, she’s likely right that her mom would be safer if she had someone checking on her regularly. Also, depending on her mom’s personality, her mom might be happier with the easy availability of companionship that assisted living offers. Why the resistance?

Some possibilities:

  • One is that on some level her mom knows this to be true, but she doesn’t want to give up her right to make her own decisions and she feels pressured to do so.
  • Another might be that she just can’t imagine making the move because it’s too overwhelming. Change is generally a challenge for us at any age, but it becomes harder for most people as they grow older.
  • One more reason could be that she knows someone who has been forced to move to a facility and that person is unhappy.

It’s a process

We often forget that our parents are adults who have lived long, and in most cases, responsible lives. They may have been poor parents, ordinary parents, or stellar parents, but the fact that we are trying to help them at this stage implies that they most likely did raise us. While occasionally you’ll meet an elder who willingly turns over all decisions to others, most will continue to want their autonomy. They want to make the decisions that rule their lives.

So, when they need help, what do you do? You take a step back and then try a different approach.

When possible talk with your parents about all kinds of things, not just their health and impending frailty. In other words, have real conversations.

Within those conversations, you’ll likely see opportunities to discuss their ideal wishes. Even if they are already at a stage where they probably should make adjustments in how they are living, approach it by asking how they see their future. Let your parent or parents know that you want to follow their wishes if you can, and you will always do your best to care for them, but that you need information in order to do that.

What if help is needed asap?

Try this: Rather than “Mom, you aren’t safe alone and you need help,” say, “Mom, I’m wondering if you could benefit from some help around the house?”

Suggesting some housekeeping help could open the door to the idea. From there, you could move to help with showering, medications, and other daily needs.

If she says she doesn’t want people in her home (she probably will), you could bring up assisted living. Again, mention that she might be able to benefit from this arrangement.

Make it about them, not you

Why does it matter how you present the issues? My mantra is put yourself in their place.

Sometimes it’s about fear. Other times it’s simply about saving face. Whatever the reason, ask yourself how you’d feel if someone decades younger than you suddenly started telling what you needed to do to “stay safe.”

Remember, YOU want them safe. They want to live their lives. Think about where they are rather than your fear for them.

To learn more about our approach to professional assisted living, professional memory care services, or professional respite services, call us anytime!


Gateway Gardens Covid-19 Community Update

25 May 2020

For more information and/or for any concern, contact us anytime!


What's Next After a Loved One Moves to Assisted Living?

11 May 2020

What's Next After a Loved One Moves to Assisted Living in Bethlehem, GA

In the months leading up to a senior loved one’s transition to an assisted living community like ours here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care Bethlehem, family members are busy (often overwhelmed) juggling all of the details of the move. From helping your loved one to downsize and sell their home to figuring out a floor plan for their new suite or villa, the busy days often leave little time for much else.

Once your family elder has made the move, you may find yourself coping with a range of emotions. Guilt, worry, and sadness are common. Your role has changed in your family member’s life and that will be an adjustment. You might also be asking yourself what comes next. How can you stay connected to your loved one, while also giving them the space needed to get involved at the assisted living community?

Today we offer three simple suggestions that you we’re certain will help you with the transition.

1. Create a visitor’s calendar: After your relative is unpacked and settled, work with them to set up a schedule for visitors. Having people drop in during the first month or so following the move enables your loved one to have company on a consistent basis. Setting up a calendar can help to avoid prolonged periods of time where no one stops by. Planning visits can also give the older adult something to look forward to as they adjust to their new surroundings. Be sure to include extended family members and people your loved one is close to in these plans. Encourage visitors to ask the senior to show them around and introduce them to fellow residents and staff they’ve met.

2. Participate in resident activities: We take a holistic approach to wellness by offering residents an opportunity to participate in activities that nurture the mind, body, and spirit. There are events and activities designed to appeal to every hobby and interest. Sit down and review the current month’s calendar together. If your loved one is reluctant to take part in activities on their own, it may help to have you and other family members participate, too. At least until they’ve met some new friends and are comfortable attending alone.

3. Get to know the staff and some of our residents here at Manor Lake Assisted Living & Memory Care: When you’ve been intimately involved in an elder’s care, it can be tough to turn those tasks over to someone else after they move. You may worry if the senior will get the attention they need. It will likely give you peace of mind if you get to know your assisted living team here in Hiram. We’re here to care for you as well with a wealth of knowledge that is certain to give you peace.

Call us anytime as we're here for you!


Managing Your Loved One’s Finances

4 May 2020

Managing Your Loved One’s Finances in Bethlehem, GA

We pride ourselves here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care (here in Bethlehem) for helping more than our residents and their families. We take great pride in helping you, our neighbors here in Bethlehem who lovingly provide at-home assisted living and/or memory care services to your loved ones. Trust us, we know your challenges and consider you all heroes for your selfless and loving investment to family.

Today we give full credit to the professionals at “Caring.com” for a wonderful work regarding smart things to do regarding managing the finances of your loved one. More than four in 10 family caregivers spend $5,000 or more annually on caregiving, according to a new Caring.com survey of 2,767 family caregivers. Close to half rely on family funds to cover costs. And with nearly 40% of respondents also spending more than 30 hours per week on caregiving, caring for a loved one has become a full-time, unpaid job for many — one that leaves little time for a caregiver to plan for their own financial future.

“Quite often caregivers find themselves dipping into their own pockets to pay for caregiving expenses,” said Tim Sullivan, Vice President at Caring.com. “Without a plan in place, savings can be depleted, and retirement delayed. It’s so important to make the time to speak with your loved ones about finances, eldercare and planning for the future,” Sullivan added.

Caregivers who seek to educate themselves about their options can avoid the unnecessary stress of common financial mistakes. This guide can help you discover the tax advantages, professional services and investment strategies that can lessen caregiving-related financial strain.

Financial Questions to Ask your Aging Loved Ones

Managing your own money isn’t easy under the best of circumstances, so it’s not surprising that most people feel overwhelmed when it’s time to step in and take over the management of their parents’ finances. The first step is to accept that you won’t know what kind of shape their finances are in until you ask. Money is always a sticky topic, especially for adults who are beginning to lose their independence, so it is best to approach the discussion fully prepared to ask the right questions.

Finding answers to the following questions will put you on the path to becoming a more confident, and more capable guardian of your loved ones’ financial future.

1. “Do you have a durable power of attorney?”

The durable power of attorney (DPOA) is considered one of the most important personal legal documents for any older adult to have. Along with a healthcare proxy, it will give whomever your parent designates — whether it be you, one of your siblings or someone else — the power to make financial and legal decisions (or, in the case of a healthcare proxy, to make medical decisions) if your parent is incapacitated.

Without a durable power of attorney in place, you’ll have to go to court to get appointed as your parent’s guardian. That’s the last thing you’ll want to have to think about in a time of crisis, and it’s a notoriously complicated and messy legal process. With a durable power of attorney and healthcare proxy in place, you can seamlessly make decisions and access accounts on your parent’s behalf without getting the courts involved.

2. “Have you updated your will, insurance and retirement account information recently?”

Many people never take another look at their insurance policies or investment account beneficiary designations after they sign the initial papers, but both should be reviewed every year. Beneficiary designations — of who will receive the proceeds from an account if the policy or account holder dies — can be affected by any change in family circumstance, like the birth of a new child, a death or a divorce.

A yearly financial and insurance review also provides a good moment for your parent to review his asset allocation and evaluate whether he has enough, or too much life insurance. If, for example, his children are grown and his spouse has other funds on which to live after he’s gone, your parent could think about cutting back on the amount of life insurance he carries to save money on annual premiums.

3. “Do you have plans or insurance in place to pay for long-term care if it’s needed?”

Even if your parent is in good health today, eventually, he’ll likely need some type of long-term care — and the costs are staggering. A year in a nursing home costs more than $50,000 on average, and much more in some states. Usually, neither health insurance nor Medicare cover any of these expenses, so your parent should have some type of plan in place to pay for such care should it be needed. Long-term care insurance is a good option and can be added to existing life insurance policies, possibly at a discounted rate.

Medicaid also covers some nursing home costs, but your parent should consult an elder-law attorney now to find out if he qualifies for Medicaid. If not, the attorney may advise spending down assets – literally, the process of spending money without gifting or transferring assets until your parent meets the strict income requirements necessary to qualify for Medicaid. Without a plan in place to pay for long-term care, you and your siblings will be on the hook to pick up the cost unless your parent has very deep pockets.

4. “Who’s advising you?”

Although most adults are fiercely private about their finances and want to maintain their independence, it’s important in case of an emergency that you know how to contact your parent’s attorney, financial advisor, accountant and insurance agent. At the same time, as your parent ages, you can keep an eye on whether his financial and legal advisers are scrupulous, objective and well-versed in elder financial issues, with no vested interest in selling specific products. Getting the details on exactly who is advising your parent is a good way to protect him from scams, as well as to ensure that he has funds in case of an emergency.

5. “Where is all this stuff?”

If your parent has a stroke or heart attack, the last thing you’re going to want to worry about is what his Social Security number is, what health insurance he has or whether the mortgage has been paid. That’s why it’s important to sit down with him before a crisis hits and find out what kind of bill-paying system he has in place, what insurance he has and where all his important papers are located.

Although some may balk at sharing this kind of personal information, reassure him that you don’t have to see any of his private papers now; you only need to know where they are to ensure his financial well-being in the event that he’s not able to take care of it himself.

To learn more about our approach to professional assisted living, professional memory care services, or professional respite services, call us anytime!


Recognizing and Helping Residents with Hearing Problems

20 April 2020

Recognizing and Helping Residents with Hearing Problems in Bethlehem, GA

If you ever watched a comedic sitcom or movie on television, you likely seen this common scene. An elderly person loses their hearing aid, causing them to mishear certain lines from another character. As a result, a comedic situation is played out. However, it’s only a satirization of a subject that we take very seriously here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Bethlehem. Approximately 10,000 Americans become sixty-five every day, so the need for recognizing, understanding, and treating hearing loss is increasingly important.

Understanding Hearing Loss for Seniors

Due to misconceptions of hearing loss, most people don’t know the truth and facts about the subject. The reality is that we will all experience some form of hearing loss at some point of our life. It will also be in varying degrees. The reason why is because of the biological change a person experiences as they grow older. However, because of public perception, people don’t realize the facts about this ongoing health issue for seniors. Here’s what people should know about hearing loss.

  • Hearing loss is a serious concern among all seniors. After arthritis and heart disease, the loss of hearing is the most common public health issues among the elderly population.
  • The loss of hearing is considered an “invisible condition”, meaning we can only see its effects, not its physical form. Because of its invisibility, this causes seniors to experience confusion, changes in personality, and other emotional/mental issues. As a result, people tend to confuse hearing loss with dementia.
  • For most adults and seniors, the most common causes for hearing loss is exposure to amounts of noise and changes in the body (due to aging).
  • The most common noises that lead to progressive hearing loss vary. It can come from exposure due to work (like using lawn mowers, heavy machinery, etc.), exposure from civic duty (such as experiencing explosions while serving in the military), or from everyday leisure activities (like listening to loud music).
  • Other reasons for hearing losses among seniors (especially those in elderly assisted living care) can be due to improper ear cleaning. Hearing loss can be caused by earwax buildup, obstructed objects in the ear, ruptured eardrums, or other conditions in the middle/inner ear.

Aside for the medical issues that hearing loss can bring, it can also bring on several emotional problems for seniors. Due to most seniors feeling embarrassed by their conditions, they tend to resort to defensive mechanisms and deny their conditions publicly. For example, an assisted living resident here at Gateway Gardens might begin to avoid social gatherings because of their hearing loss. But our caring assisted living professionals are trained and attentive to both the tell-tale signs of diminished hearing and related behavioral changes like new tendencies to isolate themselves from others.

It’s powerfully rewarding providing loving assistance to our cherished residents. Helping residents and their families recognize the need for initial or recurring hearing treatment is an important aspect of enriching the quality of life of those we serve. To learn more about our approach to professional assisted living, professional memory care services, or professional respite services, call us anytime!


Physical and Mental Care Tips for At-Home Senior and Memory Care Loved Ones

13 April 2020

Physical and Mental Care Tips for At-Home Senior and Memory Care Loved Ones in Bethlehem, GA

Greetings all. Your caring staff here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Bethlehem are fully aware that this is the third pandemic-related blog post in a row. Rest assured we’ll move on soon enough to more uplifting messaging, but we can’t turn our head to the fact that defending against this pandemic is our number one priority.

Below, we offer a number of insights for you at-home care givers, some of which most of us by now are fully aware of and implementing, other things that maybe you haven’t given thought to do. Rest assured that these are things being implemented within both our assisted living and memory care communities. Regardless whether you’re a Manor Lake resident, family member, or neither, you’re all precious members of our community and we will always do our part to help out in any way we can. So here you go:

Caring for a Senior at Home During a Pandemic

1. Frequent handwashing: One of the best ways to prevent getting sick is to wash your hands in hot, soapy water throughout the day. This guide from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outlines a 5-step process for proper handwashing.

2. Use hand sanitizer: While hot water and soap will always be the best option, hand sanitizer can help when you are out in public and don’t have access to a restroom. Choose one that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.

3. Don’t touch your face: Most people don’t realize how many times an hour they touch their face until they try not to do so. A quick rub of the eye or a scratch on the nose happens more often than you think. If you’ve been exposed to a virus and have it on your hands, touching your face can easily transfer the bug.

4. Take good care: A healthy diet combined with exercise and a good night’s sleep help keep your immune system strong. That’s vital for fighting off viruses of all kinds.

5. Limit public activity: Social distancing is another important step in protecting a senior family member from COVID-19 and other viruses. To the extent that you can, avoid going out in public while viruses are spreading. Utilize services like home delivered meals, drive-through pharmacies, and online shopping wherever possible.

6. Screen all visitors: Be vigilant about limiting who can visit your home or the home of your loved one during this time. People who are out in public may be carrying the virus and not showing any symptoms. By allowing others into your home, you are placing yourself and your loved one at risk.

7. Explore virtual physician visits: If a senior has a routine medical appointment scheduled, call the physician’s office. Many doctors are moving to virtual visits until the pandemic is under control.

Supporting a Loved One When You Can’t Be There

If your aging parent or another senior loved one resides in an assisted living community, you may not be able to visit during an outbreak of the flu or a pandemic emergency. This can be stressful for all involved. Finding ways to stay connected can help keep everyone’s spirits up.

Here are a few suggestions for doing so:

  • Use technology: Have virtual face-to-face conversations with your senior family member using a video chat platform like Skype or FaceTime. While phone calls are always nice, being able to see one another can help decrease anxiety and a sense of isolation for everyone. If your loved one doesn’t own a device or isn’t comfortable with technology, call the community to ask for help. Someone on the staff will be willing and able to aid.
  • Write letters and cards: Organize a letter-writing campaign to ensure your family member knows they aren’t forgotten. Ask friends and family members to send cards and letters as much as possible. Another nice gesture would be to call the activities staff at the community and see if there are residents who don’t have family. The staff might be able to arrange for you to be pen pals with them during this time of forced isolation.
  • Send care packages: Unless the community has restricted deliveries, take advantage of online shopping. Send the senior books, daily devotionals, journals, and even craft kits. Activities they can enjoy with fellow residents, such as games, puzzles, and movies, will also be appreciated.
  • Make family videos: Round up loved ones and ask them to email or text your family member with family videos. Make them lighthearted and fun! For example, have the kids or grandkids read jokes or perform dance moves. Anything that makes you laugh will likely make them laugh, too.

Dementia and COVID-19

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, having dementia doesn’t increase a person’s risk for contracting COVID-19. However, some behavior-related issues linked to dementia might. Also, because people with dementia are typically older, their odds of getting the virus are higher.

One risk for those who experience memory loss is that they may forget to wash their hands or refrain from touching their face. Both are known risk factors for viruses of all types.

Another complicating factor is if a senior with dementia has lost or impaired verbal skills. They may be unable to communicate that they have a headache or are experiencing chest pain, two symptoms of COVID-19.

Here are a few suggestions that may help you lower your family members risk for the illness:

  • Model good behavior: Cough into your elbow. Rinse your hands often and encourage your senior loved one to do the same.
  • Be on guard for symptoms: Watch for signs of a fever, such as sweating or a flushed face. Also, pay attention to a cough or if the senior is breathing differently or struggling for breath. Increased confusion may also be a warning sign.
  • Disinfect the environment: Wipe the senior’s environment down with bleach wipes on a frequent basis. It’s better to overreact to the situation than to underreact.

Stay Updated on the COVID-19 Pandemic

Finally, learning more about COVID-19 and staying informed about changes in the state of the pandemic is important. While it’s not necessary to watch the news stations around the clock, staying updated on new information is a method of self-protection.

Here are two resources you can turn to for novel coronavirus education and updates:

Most states and local governments also share frequent updates on the pandemic. Call your local officials to learn more.

If you or a family member is a resident of Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care here in Bethlehem, please know that we actively welcome your calls so that we can personally reassure you of the steps we are taking to keep residents and team members safe.


Seven Ways to Boost Your Loved One's Morale During the Coronavirus Epidemic

6 April 2020

Seven Ways to Boost Your Loved One's Morale During the Coronavirus Epidemic in Bethlehem, GA

Today we offer you an outstanding article written by Linda Dono, a featured writer with AARP. We believe all readers can take something away from this. To protect the most vulnerable residents against COVID-19, assisted living, memory care, and respite care communities (like ours here at Gateway Gardens here in Bethlehem) are raising the bar for casual visits — following federal and health care industry recommendations as coronavirus infections spread across the country.

So, what can you do to keep a loved one engaged and not socially isolated? Here are ideas to show you are still there in spirit and still care.

1. Send snail mail

Handwritten cards and letters are more special than ever, perhaps because electronic communication is increasingly supplanting them. Recipients can display the cards and re-read correspondence to remind themselves that you care.

2. Share a virtual meal

Plan a long-distance date. Order what your loved one likes — and pay for it — via a meal delivery service such as DoorDash or Grubhub and make sure the meal gets there at the appropriate time. Then call to talk during the meal, making sure that your resident knows how to use a speakerphone feature on her cellphone or landline phone.

3. Use other delivery services

You know the snacks your loved likes. Since you can't bring a few packages of treats during a visit, arrange for a bulk delivery.

For those in assisted living or independent living who still like to cook, you can get their grocery lists and do the shopping for them or use a shopping service such as Instacart. Deliver the food as close in as you're allowed and make sure to put the name and address or room number of the recipient on the boxes or bags.

4. Create your own FaceTime book club

If your kids are at an age where they love being read to, make sure Grandma or Grandpa has some kids’ books they can read aloud — if they don't, order some online — using the video-calling feature on their digital device.

Among the most popular video calling apps is Apple's FaceTime, but that's for iPhones, iPads and Macintosh computers only. Amazon Alexa, Facebook Messenger, Google Duo, IMO, Skype, Viber and WhatsApp also work on Google Android, Microsoft Windows and other devices.

Be sure to coordinate so that everybody is on the same platform. This way, grandkids of different siblings can be on the same story time call.

Older kids can make the call more like adults’ book clubs. Both grandparent and grandchild can read a couple of chapters of the same book and talk about their impressions or what they learned.

Watching the same TV show, such as a documentary on Netflix or Amazon Prime, also can help spark discussion that spans generations.

And if reading a book or watching a documentary isn't an option, perhaps because of your loved one's memory loss, help the kids in a sing-along. Singing old, familiar songs — “Happy Birthday,” classic hymns if they're religious — can bring back memories and is a skill that often remains even if speech is difficult.

5. Order a jigsaw puzzle — of your family

Mail-order companies specialize in custom puzzles from photographs or perhaps your child's artwork.

If your care recipient is a puzzle lover, you can have a puzzle delivered that contains 2,000 or more pieces. But also available are those with as few as 15 pieces, which might work well for people with dementia or less dexterity.

While you're at it, order a coffee mug with the favorite family photo, too.

6. Play a board game

Think about the games your family loved growing up, such as Clue, Monopoly, Life, Scrabble or Sorry, or if you have young kids, children's classics such as Candyland or Chutes and Ladders. Familiarity with the rules is important.

Backgammon, bingo and chess also will work if you've played those in the past and both sides know the lingo of the game. Make sure identical game boards are set up at your house and your loved one's home. You and your family then can play the game over the telephone, talking about how the dice landed and what moves your game piece is making.

A cellphone set on speaker will work well for this because games sometimes take hours. A video call also will add dimension but isn't necessary if everyone commits to narrating their actions.

7. Assemble a hobby box

This is the time to find a nice box at a craft store, perhaps decorate it and fill it with items that your loved ones can come back to again and again.

Put in items that will work with their existing hobbies or ask what they've always wanted to try. Think crossword puzzle books for those who like a brain challenge, paints and suitable paper for those who have been artistic in the craft room, squishy balls and miniature Slinkys or other toys for those with a silly streak, yarn and hooks for crocheters.

You can rest assured that maintaining the health, wellness, and safety of our residents remains our uninterrupted number one priority. We want you to know that we are here to help. Contact Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care in Bethlehem anytime with questions and/or concerns.


Helping our Senior Loved One’s Stay Active During the Coronavirus Pandemic

31 March 2020

Helping our Senior Loved One’s Stay Active During the Coronavirus Pandemic in Bethlehem, GA

All of us here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care here in Bethlehem are adjusting dialing to the unprecedented challenges to providing professional assisted living and memory care services. One of the most rewarding services that we conduct is group exercise classes which of course are both disallowed and unadvised during the COVID-19 outbreak. But it is important to encourage older adults to stay active and maintain gains in strength, balance, and flexibility that reduce fall risk, strengthen the immune system, and improve quality of life.

Older adults may be concerned about their safety as they prepare to exercise within their personal space, but research has shown that the risks of solo exercise is no greater than exercising in a group setting. Use these tips and resources when communicating with older adults about the importance of staying active during this time.

  • Encourage activity! If older adults are already engaging in outbreak-appropriate physical activity, tell them to keep it up! Exercise is key to healthy aging. It’s important to keep exercising to strengthen their immune systems and maintain their fitness. The National Physical Activity Guidelines recommends engaging in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week.

  • Sit Less. Move More. Use this infographic to help older adults identify ways to move more and sit less during the day. For example, get up during every commercial on TV and do an active chore or march in place. If possible, taking a walk outside is a great way to stay active and enjoy the benefits of fresh air and sunshine.

  • Move Your Way. If older adults are too busy for exercise, they can get stuff done and stay physically active at the same time. Physical activity isn’t a chore if you make chores physical activity! Use this infographic and video for tips on how to make everyday tasks more energetic.

  • Practice all 4 types of exercise: Remind older adults to practice all 4 types of exercise for the most benefits. Offer examples of each type of exercise for endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility.

  • Stay Safe during exercise: Exercising at home, with appropriate exercises and guidance, is generally safe and healthy. Offer reminders to help older adults to stay safe such as:
    • Listen to your body. Always warm up before exercising and cool down afterward. Gauge your level of effort with the “talk test”. You should be exercising at a level that allows you to talk, but not sing.
    • Be aware of your environment. Make sure you are in reach of a counter, back of a couch, or a sturdy chair that is pushed up against a wall in case you lose your balance and need to hold on to something. It may also be helpful to put a chair/couch behind you in case you need to sit or lose your balance.
    • Hydrate. Drink water before, during, and after exercising, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
    • Wear appropriate shoes and clothing. Choose shoes that are made for the type of activity you want to do and choose clothes that work with your activity and the temperature of your environment.

  • Stay Motivated! Exercise is good for almost everyone, yet it is hard to fit exercise into our daily life. These tips can help older adults overcome common barriers to exercise and get moving to improve your health.

Rest assured that maintaining the health, wellness, and safety of our residents and staff is our number one priority. We want you to know that we are here to help. Contact Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care in Bethlehem anytime with questions and/or concerns.

Credit: Jennifer Tripken, EdD, ncoa.org


COVID-19 – What We are Doing About It

17 March 2020

COVID-19 – What We are Doing About It in Bethlehem, GA

Maintaining the health, wellness, and safety of our residents is our number one priority. Due to the COVID-19 situation, effective immediately we are restricting visitors to our community. This is in cooperation with federal mandates regarding this situation. Letters regarding specific details are being sent to the responsible parties for our residents to provide them with more detailed information. In addition to restricting visits, our staff will be screened prior to the starting of their shifts and have been trained on the symptoms of COVID-19 as well as infection prevention techniques. This is a fluid situation and we will keep you informed as the situation changes.

Again, maintaining the health, wellness, and safety of our residents and staff is our number one priority. We want you to know that we are here to help. Contact Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care in Bethlehem today with any questions and/or concerns.


A Loss of Appetite in the Elderly

2 March 2020

A Loss of Appetite in the Elderly in Bethlehem, GA

We have a lot in common with those of you out there providing at-home assisted living services or memory care services in and around Bethlehem. For instance, the challenges related to loss of appetite within our aging loved ones is common to both professional and at-home care givers alike. We believe you’ll find this blog post both educational and actionable in addressing the loss of appetite within the loved one under your care.

A Loss of Appetite in a Parent or Senior Loved One

A loss and changes in appetite are a natural part of aging. Although poor appetite doesn’t necessarily indicate a serious health problem such as dementia in the elderly, it is still critical to make sure seniors get enough nutrients. Along with some warning signs to be mindful of, there are some easy ways you can help your senior loved ones get the right nutrition.

Although it’s normal for our appetites to change with age, several different factors can also cause a loss of appetite in the elderly:

  • Lack of energy to cook and tiredness from lack of sleep
  • Lack of interest in food due to changing taste buds, depression or loneliness
  • Loss of appetite due to health conditions and dementia symptoms
  • Depression
  • Medication side effects

“I remind my clients often that a loss of appetite (and thirst) is a normal part of aging and doesn’t always mean something is wrong,” says Heather Schwartz, RD, at Stanford Hospital and Clinics. “However, minimizing the detrimental effects of poor nutrient intake is always important, no matter from where the low appetite stems.”

It is also critical to rule out any underlying health problems or symptoms. If your loved ones aren’t eating well, a good first step is always to consult a physician.

What Should I Be Concerned About?

The aging process brings with it many perceptual, physiological and other changes that can lead to decreased appetite in the elderly patient, including:

  1. A lower metabolic rate and lessened physical activity mean seniors need fewer calories.
  2. Changes to the sense of smell and taste can affect the enjoyment of food.
  3. Dental problems or gastrointestinal changes (like lactose intolerance) that go along with age can affect the appetite.

However, if your parents or senior loved ones are making poor food choices because of their changing tastes, or if they aren’t getting enough to eat, then that’s cause for concern. Seniors must get the right nutrition for their changing dietary needs. Vitamin or nutrient deficiencies can cause significant health problems for vulnerable groups, especially the elderly. Changes to taste or appetite also occur in conjunction with some serious illnesses, including:

  • Alzheimer’s disease and dementia or Parkinson’s disease
  • Head and neck cancers
  • Mouth and throat infections or periodontal disease
  • Salivary gland dysfunction
  • Thyroid disorders

Any unexplained changes to your loved ones’ dietary health, including unexpected weight gain, loss or general malaise, should be checked out with a physician so you can rule out or confirm symptoms of dementia.

How Can I Stimulate an Appetite in the Elderly?

If you’re concerned about a lack of appetite in your elderly loved ones, whether dementia is a concern or not, there are a few practical things you can do to help them get enough nutrition:

Be aware of medication side effects.

If the problem is dry mouth, Schwartz says, “Chewing sugarless gum, brushing often or using an oral rinse before meals can improve taste sensation, and ultimately nutrient intake.” If meat is tasting “off” — and a common complaint is that some medications make foods taste metallic — then try other sources of protein like dairy or beans. If water doesn’t taste right, try adding herbs, or sliced fruits or veggies like lemon or cucumber.

Consider using an appetite stimulant.

Some seniors have had success with prescription appetite stimulants. A healthcare provider must be consulted to inform the patient and caregiver of the side effects of the stimulant and to also make sure it is appropriate for your loved one.

Encourage social meals.

People of all ages may experience a reduced appetite when the thought of eating alone comes to mind. For seniors, accessibility and availability of social contact can be even more of a problem, especially if they suffer from dementia. Schwartz suggests checking out the meal options at senior centers, temples or churches, and community centers. Additionally, meal “dates” with friends, family or caregivers and even meal delivery services can help.

Increase nutrient density, not portion size.

“I ask caregivers not to increase the volume of food they serve to seniors who may have low appetites,” says Schwartz. “Rather, increase the nutrient density of the foods they serve.” In other words, don’t intimidate them with a huge helping. Alternatively, add healthy extra calories in the form of avocado, olive oil or a little peanut butter.

Set a regular eating schedule.

“Our bodies tend to thrive off regularity, as do our hunger and thirst signals, so when we stray from our usual patterns, so does our appetite,” says Schwartz. She suggests starting slowly by adding a small beverage and/or snack during a normal mealtime. This can help stimulate the body’s hunger signals.

Eating to Encourage a Good Night’s Sleep

In addition to experiencing serious changes in appetite, older adults and individuals with dementia often experience changes in their sleeping patterns. Such changes may be as a result of sleep disorders, such as insomnia or sleep apnea.3 They may also be related to pain or discomfort. It is not uncommon for people to be uncertain when addressing their elderly loved ones’ lack of eating and sleeping. However, both adequate sleep and nutrient consumption are critical for promoting optimal health.

Not eating during the day and feeling hungry at night can make sleeping even more difficult. Such unhealthy patterns increase the frequency of night awakenings. If dementia is involved, this can be very disorienting. Alternatively, chronic fatigue can make elderly adults less likely to finish meals. Consistent sleep deprivation can contribute to feelings of depression and a lack of physical activity, which can also negatively impact the senior’s appetite.

Foods To Eat for Better Sleep

In addition to getting enough to eat throughout the day, it is important that caregivers pay special attention to what is on a senior’s plate during the hours directly preceding bedtime. Try encouraging the following items for dinner and nighttime snacks:

  • Moderate Amounts of Lean Protein: While consuming too much protein can be hard on the digestive system late at night, adding some protein to a late-night snack can help promote sleep due to high levels of tryptophan.
  • Warm Drinks: Drinking a glass of warm milk or a caffeine-free herbal tea at night can help relax seniors and boost the production of melatonin. Stay away from drinks with caffeine and avoid putting too much sugar in drinks right before bed. It’s also a good idea to finish drinking approximately 90 minutes before going to sleep to limit middle-of-the-night bathroom trips.
  • Healthy, Complex Carbs: Carbohydrates paired with tryptophan-containing protein sources can help tryptophan make it into the brain where it is converted into serotonin. However, it’s a good idea to grab whole wheat toast or sweet potatoes over white bread, cookies, or other unhealthy carbs.
  • Fruit: Some fruits such as cherries, kiwis, bananas, and pineapples contain melatonin, which can help seniors get to sleep sooner and stay that way longer.

Make sure to limit meal sizes late at night and avoid overly greasy or spicy foods. Such foods may irritate the stomach and cause difficulty falling asleep. As a result, the patient might avoid future evening meals. Also, older adults should avoid alcohol before bed since it affects normal sleeping patterns.

We want you to know that we are here to help. Contact Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care in Bethlehem today.

Credit: Heather Schwartz, RD


Ten Things Not to Say as a Senior Living or Memory Caregiver – And Why

24 February 2020

Ten Things Not to Say as a Senior Living or Memory Caregiver – And Why in Bethlehem, GA

As professional assisted living and memory care support providers here in Bethlehem, we know it is often times intimidating when providing care for senior living, assisted living, memory care, or respite care loved ones. Today we’re asking all of you in this loving struggle to take a moment and reflect if you might unknowingly make some simple mistakes that make it harder on both you and the loved one under your care. The keyword there is “unknowingly” and if we connect with just one of you out there and motivate some new degree of peace and happiness, well, we celebrate mission accomplished.

Today’s due credit is provided to Health Central, an award-winning non-profit dedicated to improving the mental and physical health of both the young and old.

Please realize that this list is only a start. While reading, when/if you discover “that’s me”, then consider avoiding or rewording these questions and statements may improve your caregiving partnership. Also, realize this blog post really is a call for you to take a moment to dedicate a few moments of your time to honest reflection. You can be your own best asset regarding constructive criticism, and when you are and you react accordingly, both you and your loved ones can enter a happier space. So, off we go.

1. “Do you remember?”

It seems natural to ask your dad who is living with Alzheimer’s (or simply the very natural memory recall decay associated with aging) about events from his past. However, doing so directly can be a problem. Why? Because he may not remember the event, but the expectation that he should remember could make him anxious. Instead, when you want to engage him in conversation about the past, leave the topic open. You can say, “Dad, I’d love to hear about what your favorite thing to do was when you were growing up.” He can then take you along on any adventure that comes to mind.

2. Don’t argue.

If your wife says that she used to live in a house that you’ve never heard of or seen, you can say “Really? I’d forgotten that.” Being right doesn’t matter and correcting or arguing will get you nowhere good. Go along for the ride. You might learn something interesting. If not, no harm done.

3. “You’re embarrassing me!”

A reminder for us all is that people living with dementia (or non-dementia memory decay) aren’t giving us a hard time – they are having a hard time. If you are at the store with your husband and he becomes anxious which causes him to become belligerent, soothe him by holding his arm in a comforting manner, use a calm voice and put the “blame” on yourself. Tell him that you forgot something and really need him to help you by going back home. Do not tell him that his behavior embarrasses you. He can’t help it.

4. “Why are you doing that?”

If your husband is pulling on the fringe around a couch cushion, he isn’t being purposefully destructive. People living with Alzheimer’s often have a need for tactile feedback. Additionally, they may have a compulsion for their fingers to be doing something. Some people will pick at their skin and cause sores. Others will spend hours tearing up pieces of paper or tissues. Your husband won’t know why he is doing this, but you can help him by buying him a lap pad or “fiddle pad.” These products, now widely available, provide both tactile stimulation and keep fingers busy.

5. “What shirt do you want to wear?”

People living with dementia have a hard-enough time navigating this confusing world without being asked open-ended questions. Preserve dignity by offering choices, which is a vital part of care, but simplify the choices by holding up two shirts and asking which she’d like to wear. He may mention the color of one shirt, but point at another, so go with the one he points to and say, “This one?” Then he’ll say yes or no, or else nod. You can say, “Great choice! Let’s put that on,” and then help him dress.

6. “That’s an orange, not an apple!”

It doesn’t matter, it doesn’t matter, it doesn’t matter. It’s up to you to remember that the person living with dementia may have a hard time with words. Don’t make your mom feel worse by criticizing her words. If you ask her if she’d like an orange and she says yes but digs for an apple, let it go. If she has what she wants, then everyone should be happy.

7. “You are home!”

No one approach will work every time, but what is consistent is that your loved one is looking for a feeling of safety and comfort when she asks this question. If you can distract her by asking her to snuggle on the couch under a blanket and watch a DVD, that may work. Or you may ask her if she misses home a lot. If she says yes, ask what she misses about it. Engage her in a conversation and, eventually, the anxiety that causes her to want to ‘go home’ should subside. There are many guides for dealing with this common issue.

8. “You just ate!”

People living with dementia often don’t remember if they ate so they may want to eat again. Often, keeping snack foods around can help. Instead of scolding your dad for asking to eat again when he just ate, when he wants to eat again you can suggest some treat that he likes and then offer a small amount. That snack may be enough to satisfy without arguing about the fact that he just had supper.

9. “We need to hurry!”

Your dad has an appointment to see the doctor and you’ve waited a month for this, but he is stuck in a fearful mode and becomes angry and throws things rather than getting dressed. Obviously, he is stressed and trying to hurry him won’t help. Calm yourself down first and offer support by agreeing that this is a stressful situation. Take time to sit and comfort him. If you began preparing early, this may work. If not, you may have to cancel the appointment. Sometimes you must just let it go and hope for a better day.

10. “Here, let me do that!”

Your husband who is living with dementia will become easily confused, and stress just makes the confusion worse. Trying to get a button in a buttonhole can be a massive frustration, yet he may not want help. Sometimes, you can distract him from the task at hand and later do it yourself, but when possible, have patience and let him finish. Note: When it comes to getting dressed, adaptive clothing can be helpful. An ingenious shirt with magnets instead of buttons can look dressy yet be easy to put on. With some digging, you may find shortcuts for other tasks, as well. The idea is that your patience is gold. Allow room for slowness and mistakes. None of this is worth a blowup on your part. Your anger or anxiety only accelerates his anxiety and can ruin what could be an otherwise decent day.

When interacting with a person living with any type of dementia it's generally better to use statements rather than questions unless you are offering a simple, obvious choice. Say, “It’s cold so we need jackets,” rather than “Do you think you need a jacket?” As your loved one’s disease progresses, words will become increasingly hard to process and decisions can be impossible to make. Watch for this progression and adjust your speech so that you have a slower cadence. Use short sentences but speak with a smile. Sometimes your body language can say it all.

You’ll never stop learning in your journey of loving care. If we helped you learn one thing here today, then we both win! When the time comes for you to seek a consult regarding how Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care Bethlehem can improve the quality of both you and your loved one’s lives, call us!


The Benefits of In-Home Care for Dementia Patients

17 February 2020

The Benefits of In-Home Care for Dementia Patients in Bethlehem, GA

Prologue: All professional memory care and assisted living care providers like us here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Bethlehem understand and respect those of you who so lovingly carry the burden of care for your loved ones. Part of our community service campaign is to educate via this blog so that you can enjoy the maximum time at home with your loved ones. However, statistics show that unfortunately there will come a day when solo home care or professionally assisted home care is no longer enough. To every extent possible, we’ll be here for you via this assisted living and memory care blog, week in, and week out with insights that hopefully helps ease your loving burden. When that burden becomes too heavy to bear, know that your friends here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care are ready with open arms to provide the loving care necessary to deliver the quality of life that both you and your challenged loved one(s) deserve.

(Due credit for this blog post and its insights is provided to Ms. Carol Bursack, of agingcare.com. We think you’ll value her work and insight as much as we do.)

Family caregivers are now better able to take advantage of services offered by home care companies. I certainly took advantage of these services throughout my time caring for multiple seniors, including my parents and an elderly neighbor.

The biggest challenge I faced, though, was when I hired professional caregivers for loved ones who had dementia. The caregivers were not always sure how to handle unusual behaviors associated with Alzheimer’s or the tricky situations they created. Thankfully, due to increased awareness of the unique challenges that Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia present, reputable home care companies across the country are providing their employees with proper training in dementia care. Experienced and informed caregivers can provide benefits to both seniors and their family members that make in-home care well worth considering.

Dementia Care in a Familiar Environment

The biggest value that home care offers is that it allows elders to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. This option is far less disorienting for a dementia patient than a move to an assisted living facility, a memory care unit or a nursing home. Familiar environments offer a great deal of security and peace of mind for individuals with dementia. If a company’s caregivers are well versed in dementia care, in-home care can be the ideal starting point for families who need extra help with their loved ones but want to prevent or delay placement in a long-term care facility.

Dementia Patients Benefit from Routines

Just as familiar surroundings are safe and soothing, the same can be said for daily routines. Maintaining a schedule like the one a senior followed pre-dementia can help reduce anxiety and confusion. For example, an elder who watched the nightly news after dinner each evening for years may feel a sense of normalcy when it’s switched on, even if they don’t completely understand what they are seeing and hearing.

A fundamental aspect of home care is that services are provided for all clients (with and without dementia) according to personalized scheduling tools called care plans. This organizational technique easily translates into a set routine for dementia patients who thrive on familiarity and repetition. Professional caregivers are trained to facilitate daily activities, including chores and personal care tasks, at the appropriate times and provide assistance as needed. Humans are creatures of habit and preserving these very personal and deeply ingrained routines can help elders retain a sense of control and understanding of what is going on around them.

Specialized Training in Dementia Care

Home care companies aid with activities of daily living (ADLs), companionship and many other core services. In addition, many companies offer professional training in dementia care for their employees. Common aspects of this training include methods for staying engaged with the senior, managing often unpredictable behaviors through validation and redirection, communicating effectively, and breaking down activities into smaller steps that are easier to manage. There are several training programs and schools of thought when it comes to dementia care, so be sure to inquire about the particular education a home care company provides to or requires of its caregivers.

Safety training is also part of professional caregivers’ initial and ongoing education, since seniors with dementia may be prone to wandering and other risky behaviors. A 2013 study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that 90 percent of community-residing persons with dementia had unmet safety needs, particularly for fall risk and wander risk management and home safety evaluations. Increased supervision and assistance from both informal and formal caregivers are crucial components in helping elders reduce safety risks while they continue living in their own homes.

Meaningful Activities for Dementia Patients

Knowledge of the clinical aspects of dementia allows professionals to better serve their clients and enrich their lives with social interactions and activities. Perceptive caregivers can provide a positive environment for dementia patients by learning about a senior’s interests before they developed the disease and adapting the way they engage in these meaningful hobbies both in the home and in the community. For example, if golf is something an elder enjoyed, they may visit a golf course for a walk or to watch others play the game.

Sensory stimulation is another crucial component of dementia care, especially in the later stages of cognitive impairment. Studies show that participating in music therapy, dance or other creative outlets has a positive effect on mental health, physical health and social functioning in older adults. An experienced caregiver will work to engage clients in activities even as their interests and abilities change.

Care That Evolves with the Client

In-home care can be customized to provide as much or as little assistance as a family requires, and changes can be made as often as necessary. Services can be unskilled (companion care and homemaker services) or skilled (personal care and nursing care) in nature and can be provided occasionally for respite, on an around-the-clock basis or anywhere in between. This flexibility is a significant advantage for caregivers and seniors who are dealing with progressive diseases such as dementia. As a loved one’s condition declines, professional caregivers offer the adaptability necessary in caring for an individual with Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

When Home Care Is No Longer Enough

In-home services can help dementia patients delay the move to long-term care, but their growing needs will eventually necessitate higher levels of care and around-the-clock supervision. Without a robust team of informal caregivers to share the burden, it becomes necessary to look elsewhere for assistance. While it is possible to receive these services in the home, the cost of 24/7 home care is often too much for the average family to pay for privately over the long term.

The time for thinking about a move to assisted living, a memory care unit or a nursing home is different for everyone. The decision depends on whether family members and hired caregivers can continue to cope with changes in a senior’s condition at home. A competent home care company will closely monitor their ability to provide the best care for their patients. Should a client’s needs surpass what is noted in their current care plan, the company will let the family know that additional services or a change in setting is needed.

We hope you enjoyed, are encouraged, educated, and benefit from this and all our blogging efforts. When the time comes for you to seek a consult regarding how Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Bethlehem can improve the quality of both you and your loved one’s lives, call us!


Make Valentine’s Day Special for Your Assisted Living Loved One

10 February 2020

Make Valentine’s Day Special for Your Assisted Living Loved One in Bethlehem, GA

Valentine’s Day reserves special space in the hearts of many of the assisted living and/or memory care loved one’s that we support. Professional assisted living caregivers such as us here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care in Bethlehem have long recognized that this Holiday can become a solemn one for many of our loved ones if the Holiday is ignored by caregivers. The reason is completely understandable when cherished Valentine’s Day memories of a deceased spouse often turn to solemn reflection.

Valentine’s Day is a perfect occasion to show the special people in your life just how much you care. Whether your Valentine’s Day plans include celebrating Valentine’s Day there at home or while visiting your aging parent or loved one residing within a professional assisted living community like Bethlehem’s Gateway Gardens, try out some of these ideas to celebrate the holiday:

Research a Special Valentine’s Day Memory

Search your photo archives of Valentine’s Day memories of both your loved one and their loving spouse who has passed. Your time and effort will bring joy to them and to you as well. Do this early in the day so that you both can move on to other activities that are likely to bring smiles to their face. The goal is to maximize positive moments at the expense of solemn reflection.

Spread the love

The “day of love” gives us all an excuse to spoil our loved ones and spread some cheer with a thoughtful gift. While the traditional Valentine’s Day presents of flowers and chocolates are always a hit, some other gift ideas for the senior in your life include things like cozy socks, a no-fuss houseplant, framed photographs or even a gift card to their favorite restaurant. At the end of the day, the best gift you can give your loved one is the gift of your time and presence.

Create DIY Valentines

Crafting is a fun activity that people of all ages enjoy. For senior adults, arts and crafts can be particularly helpful in improving hand-eye coordination and keeping their cognitive skills sharp. When you visit your older loved one in assisted living, bring along supplies to make handmade Valentine’s Day cards for friends, family members, and the caregivers at the assisted living community. Making a craft together is also a great way to keep grandchildren involved and ensure they have a lasting memory of the visit.

Take a trip down memory lane

Valentine’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to share fond memories and stories with our older loved ones. Learning about an older family member’s life and experiences firsthand is not only a powerful way to connect, but it also helps us understand who we are and where we came from. Once again, try looking at favorite family photos and letters or listening to familiar music to spark memories and prompt meaningful conversations about the past.

Here at Gateway Gardens, we encourage you to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your aging parent or loved one, whether they still live at home or within a professional assisted living community. Simply visiting your loved one and spending quality time with them is the best way to demonstrate your appreciation and make the holiday one to remember. Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us here at Bethlehem’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care!


2nd Annual Valentine's Ball 2020

5 February 2020

Come and Join us! Fun and More! Feat. Elvis, dancing, raffle, and treats for your sweets!

Valentine's Ball 2020

Addressing Paranoia Within Your Memory Care Loved One

3 February 2020

Addressing Paranoia Within Your Memory Care Loved One in Bethlehem, GA

In our continued support of you angels out there engaged in the loving sacrifice in providing senior assisted living or memory care support, today we’re going to share a fantastic discussion of one of the single most frustrating conditions that caregivers like you often deal with, your loved one’s paranoia. While most of this article deals with dementia-related paranoia, this article is very relevant to you senior living care providers as you will learn that paranoia is common within non-dementia inflicted seniors. So for all of you who provide assisted living or memory care support to loved ones in and around Bethlehem, know that you can lean on us here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care.

Brain changes from dementia can cause hallucinations, delusions or paranoia. According to Heathman, MD, a Houston psychiatrist, “paranoia, or having false beliefs, is a common trait of later stage dementia. However, it can occur in all stages of dementia.”

What Do We Mean By Paranoia?

Sometimes our loved one living with dementia will believe something we do not. When this results in undesirable emotions such as fear, jealousy or anger, we call it paranoia. It is generally the secondary emotions we are upset by. With the term, paranoia, comes an implicit judgment and the implications that, “My reality is real, your reality and your feelings are not.”

The best thing we can do to alleviate ‘paranoia’ is to discard this judgment. Start from a place of “our realities are real and different.” For the person experiencing paranoia, their reality is as real to them as yours is to you and mine is to me. For the sake of understanding in this article, I will use the term ‘paranoia’. My hope is that after reading it you, like me, will not find a use for the word anymore.

How to Help Soothe Paranoia in Dementia

We can provide reassurance and support so those experiencing paranoia feel safe and loved. Do not fall into the trap of detailed explanations or logical arguments. Try these behavioral techniques to calm someone living with dementia, who is experiencing paranoia.

What we call paranoia in dementia feels very real for the person living with it. It is their reality. Susan London, LMSW, Director of Social Work at Shore View Nursing and Rehabilitation says that, “There is often no evidence that will convince them otherwise.” Try the following in response to your loved one:

  1. Rule out non-dementia causes of paranoia.

    Heathman stresses that, “to understand paranoia in dementia, you need to understand its cause. Paranoia can result from urinary tract infections, liver disease, systemic infections, and anxiety disorders. In many instances, treating those may put an end to the paranoia.” Rule out possible causes outside of dementia. Schedule an appointment with a physician to rule out treatable conditions.

  2. Validate their reality.

    Do not attempt to present “proof” a belief is false. Nor should you deny that the evidence is real. Both approaches could create an intense unfavorable emotional reaction from your loved one.

    Imagine I told you it is October 2nd, 2087 and you do not live in your home, it is gone. How do you feel? Is there anything I can say to convince you your reality isn’t real? No, trying to do so will only cause upset. This is the same for people living with dementia.

    “Take the example of a woman looking for her deceased husband. She is certain that he is in the house. Telling her that he died a long time ago, or showing his death certificate, will make matters worse.” says London. The best thing you can do is to honor her reality. Lying can lead to more confusion and upset.

    Acknowledge what your loved one is feeling. Then work to meet the need they are expressing. In the case above, you could start by saying, “You’re looking for your husband.” Then, try to uncover the unmet need looking for her husband is expressing. Does she need help with something her husband usually did? You could ask, “Is there anything I can help you with?” Does she miss her husband? You could say, “Tell me about your husband.” Get curious and uncover the ‘why’ behind looking for the deceased husband. Once you know the ‘why’ you can try to meet that need another way.

  3. Avoid proving them wrong.

    The best way to defuse paranoia is to acknowledge the person’s reality. From there you can explore what is needed and meet that need. Imagine telling this woman her husband is deceased. She may not acknowledge his death to be true and could be very hurt by that thought. The news could also cause her to re-experience the trauma of his loss or she may strike out in anger, accusing this person of “killing her husband.”

  4. Stay honest.

    This is a fine line to tow. You want to validate the other’s experience, but you do not want to make-up or add to their reality. In this example, imagine saying “your husband will be home later.” While at the moment this seems kind, it is not the best option. By fibbing you start a third reality. Now there is her reality, your reality and the made-up reality. This can lead to more confusion. She might wait for her husband now. Then what do you say later in the day when she expects him to be home and you have told her he would be? You will have to keep fibbing. Each one will take you further away from the unmet need ‘looking for her husband’ is expressing.

  5. Remain calm.

    “Remember that you are not to blame for what your loved one is experiencing,” says Heathman. “Although witnessing a hallucination can be scary, it’s important to stay calm. Remember that arguing ‘something is not real’ is not helpful.”

    Stay calm by:

    • Research and practice meditation techniques to develop your own skillfulness at remaining calm.
    • Taking three deep breaths before responding.
    • Having a plan in place to prevent violence or call for help. If the situation escalates, act on your plan.

  6. Be cautious before responding.

    Assess the situation before responding to the person’s delusions. Is anyone at risk of harm?

    If not, it’s often best to ignore the behavior stemming from a false belief. “As long as the behavior does not become dangerous, you might not need to intervene,” Heathman says.

    For example, your loved one is walking around repositioning the placemats on the table and refolding the napkins. You ask them what they are doing and they say “my boss is coming back soon and I need to have all of the tables in the restaurant set or I will get fired.” Refolding napkins does not harm anyone. The unmet need here may be one of purpose or they may be anxious. In both cases, offering help would meet the need and allow you to connect with them.

  7. Offer reassurance.

    What if your loved one is upset, or wants your help? Get curious about what they are upset about and see if there is anything you can do to help.

    For example, imagine your loved one is walking quickly yelling, “Help, I have to get out of here!” When you ask them what is wrong they tell you, “I am a prisoner here and I need to escape.” Ask if they would like to leave. If they say yes, go for a walk or a car ride.

    Oftentimes, upset can also be calmed through reassuring physical touch combined with reflecting their reality. For example, if your loved one says, “I’m scared, I don’t know why I am here,” you could hold their hand or rub their back. Then you could say, “You are scared and don’t know why you are here. It will be okay. I am here with you.”

  8. Shift attention.

    “In some instances, it’s possible to put an end to a delusion or for it to drastically subside if the person’s attention is shifted. You can even try turning on lights or opening blinds. Frightening hallucinations often subside in well-lit areas and if others are present,” says Heathman.

    Try talking about a favorite topic. Turn on their favorite song. Suggest you both work on a puzzle together. Try this once and if it does not work, try another technique that uses more validation. Trying this repeatedly if it is not working can lead, understandably, to even more upset. Imagine if you were trying to tell someone about something bad that was about to happen, and they kept asking you about sports. Frustrating.

  9. Ask open-ended questions.

    “Avoid being judgmental. Asking questions that are open-ended is very healing for everyone involved,” says Becky Siden, LMSW, CDWF a licensed psychotherapist in Birmingham, Michigan.

    When communicating with a loved one with dementia, Siden suggests focusing on being understanding. She says some helpful things to say or ask include:

    • How can I help you to feel safe?
    • Let’s look at this together and see how we can come up with a plan.
    • I know the feeling of being scared and I am here to help.
    • Tell me more about what this is like for you.

  10. Modify the environment.

    “It’s very important to assess the reality of the situation,” stresses Heathman. For example:

    • Glare from a window may look like snow to a person with dementia. Close the curtains to remove the glare.
    • A dark area rug may look like a gaping hole your loved one believes she will fall into. Remove the rug to remove the black hole.
    • Your mother may see a scary stranger in her reflection in the mirror. Cover the mirror with a sheet.
    • Turn on more lights to reduce shadows that could look frightening.

    One elder I worked with believed he was imprisoned and being experimented on. When I explored this further his evidence included:

    • The doors were locked with codes only some people knew
    • People took notes on his activity such as eating, bathing and going to the bathroom
    • He overheard people lying to other ‘prisoners’
    • Every time he asked to leave, the person changed the subject
    • There were cameras all over.

    He lived in a memory care facility. All of this evidence was true in both of our realities. Our conclusions are what differed. Modifying the environment to feel less clinical would have helped him to not feel he was imprisoned and experimented on.

  11. Yes, and...

    The tenants of improv and dementia can go hand-in-hand. They can be very helpful in forming meaningful interactions. The first step is ‘yes, and’. Whatever the other person says, say yes first. Acknowledge their reality. Then build on what they said to keep the connection going.

    Imagine someone says, “They are out to get me, I have to hide.” You could respond with, “You feel they are out to get you and hiding will help. Where should we hide?” From this place of co-conspirators, the conversation could continue. From here you could get more information about why they feel they need to hide. You can then change the environment or meet the unmet need another way. Using improv helps you keep the interaction going so you can learn more.

    Imagine if instead, you had responded, “No one is out to get you, just sit down it’s dinner time.” This would likely have lead to frustration and upset for both of you.

Summary – Do’s and Don’ts for Paranoia in Dementia

Do:

  • See a doctor to check for other causes of paranoia.
  • Try to avoid using the word paranoia and look for the underlying emotion.
  • Acknowledge that you know that they are seeing or experiencing something.
  • Acknowledge their feelings, fear, anger, frustration etc.
  • Search for the unmet need they are expressing.
  • Share that you are there to help.
  • Remain calm.
  • Ask open-ended questions.
  • Modify the home environment to eliminate the source of scary objects.
  • Have a plan in place and someone to call if things become harmful to you or them.

Don’t:

  • Don’t be judgmental.
  • Don’t show “proof” that the paranoia is unwarranted.
  • Don’t make-up explanations you know to not be true.
  • Don’t respond with “logical” explanations.
  • Don’t deny the evidence is real.
  • Don’t say you see something which, in your reality, you don’t.

When it’s time for you to seek help from a team of proven memory care professionals in and around Bethlehem, contact us. Anytime.

Source: Homecareassistance.com


Lessons Learned from Three At-Home Memory Care Support Providers

28 January 2020

Lessons Learned from Three At-Home Memory Care Support Providers in Bethlehem, GA

Regular readers of our Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care blog know that we provide loving care to their assisted living or memory care dependent loved one. Today, we offer due credit to “BrightFocus Foundation” as the primary source for this blog post and for their genuine professionalism in funding research related to Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.

Today we chronicle the experiences of three caregivers of Alzheimer’s and dementia loved ones. They were asked what “best lessons” they could share with a friend who is new to Alzheimer’s or dementia caregiving. Below are their responses. But before reading further, all the professional assisted living and memory care staff here at Bethlehem’s Gateway Gardens stand ready to share our experiences and lessons learned as well.

Eileen - Years of Grieving. Then Respite. Then Clarity.

Eileen’s husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s four years ago. Their adult children and young grandchildren live out of state. While the children are very supportive from a distance, the daily caregiving role is all on Eileen. Through these four years, she has continued to work full time, at a job she loves.

Her husband remains mostly lucid, but increasingly there have been frustrating and scary moments, threatening behavior, and showering and bathing battles. With these episodes, and with her children’s encouragement, Eileen identified a memory care facility in her area, and reluctantly moved him there. The facility instructed her to not visit for two weeks so that he could acclimate. At the end of the two weeks, she went to see him. He was so mad at her, at first, he couldn’t even speak. But that lasted only briefly.

Marie - A Newer Caregiver Learning to Accept

Marie is newer to being an Alzheimer’s caregiver as her father was diagnosed with mid-stage Alzheimer’s just within the last year. He and Marie’s mother live with Marie, her husband and their school-age daughter. Marie and her husband both work fulltime – her workday starts at 6 am, his at 2 pm and Marie’s mother works part time. These schedules allow one of them to always be with her father, which became necessary following his recent wandering incident.

Through tears, Marie expressed her overwhelming feelings of guilt - guilt for being angry with him for having this disease, guilt for being angry that his behavior makes their life more difficult, and guilt when she wishes things were the way they used to be. She has taken classes to better understand the disease, and says she sometimes reads online caregiver comments, identifying with the guilty feelings people express. So far though, she has not been able to resolve these feelings of guilt. She remains frustrated, angry and tired, and feels bad about not yet being able to accept things as they are. She was not sure she had a “lesson” to offer. I reminded her that guilt is normal, and by doing what she is doing—taking classes and reading the online forums, she is doing all she can right now to accept it.

Edgar - Protecting His Wife

Edgar has been his wife’s primary caregiver for ten years. She has dementia, and when I asked him his best lesson as a caregiver, he was not sure he had one. “I am still learning,” he said, adding “I don’t know if I have adapted.” Then, he told me the story of his wife’s fall several years ago. She broke her femur, and then a few weeks later, fell again, and was hospitalized with three broken vertebrae. She had tremendous sciatica pain. She was prescribed pain medication that changed her behavior. From the hospital she went to rehab. Her personality remained changed as a result of the opioid medication. Because of this, Edgar then learned all about the side effects of opioids, and feels strongly that before accepting the use of these drugs, patients and/or families should consult with a second physician. Also, be diligent in weaning someone from them as soon as possible and, ideally, limiting their use to no more than 7 days.

Having said that, Edgar was quick to say that he sees many situations, in his wife’s memory care facility, with different degrees of difficulty. He cannot say his approach would be the right answer for others. His primary message, though, is to send a big caution on the use of medications in this population. He has been successful in minimizing his wife’s use of any drugs, and she has remained stable for several years during the years since recovering from the falls. If she ever has the need for more medication, he will definitely question her physicians about side effects and possible alternatives.

There is Hope and There is Help for all of You

Whether you provide your loved one assisted living support or memory care services, no matter where you are in the caregiving journey, as these stories show, there are struggles and lessons. But through research, we are learning more, and through education and awareness, caregivers can better manage the questions and stresses of caregiving. With more and more resources for caregivers, local community services, and education and sharing, each and every time someone shares a tip or a resource, someone else benefits. And that’s why we offer this story and manage this blog.

When it’s time for you to seek help from a team of proven memory care professionals in and around Bethlehem, contact us. Anytime.


About Long-Term Care Insurance and Professional Assisted Living Services

21 January 2020

About Long-Term Care Insurance and Professional Assisted Living Services in Bethlehem, GA

Suppose your elderly mother or father is struggling with day-to-day activities like laundry, cleaning and cooking. But he or she is not truly ill and doesn’t need a high level of daily health care. You worry about him or her walking up and down stairs or carrying a bag of groceries. An assisted community like ours here at Bethlehem’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care can serve as the perfect protective measure and path to providing them the very best quality of life possible.

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted Living is perfect for seniors who are mostly independent, yet need help managing medications and meals. But there’s much more to Assisted Living than that. Bethlehem’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care’s assisted living services include housekeeping, laundry, and a host of activities that our residents love. Hot and delicious meals are served three times a day and snacks are available all day. Assisted living is a type of communal living that seniors and their families choose when they are healthy but need a bit of extra help. Assisted living is a great intermediate step on the continuum of elderly care.

Assisted living is commonly paid for by individuals’ long-term care insurance. However, long-term care insurance coverage varies widely, and you need to know the details of your policy. In general, long-term care insurance is flexible along the continuum of care. It can pay for both assisted living and memory care services. Some policies allow you to tap long-term care policies for in-home services, but most are written to cover professional services such as ours.

If you live in or around the Bethlehem area and ever have questions about the challenges of creating a 24/7 safe and loving atmosphere for your senior loved on, we’re here to help. We want to develop a relationship with you based on trust and a common love for our ageing loved ones. We trust that when the time comes, you’ll team with us for your professional senior assisted living support services. Together, we’ll provide the best loving care possible. Give us a call. Let’s talk.


Senior and Memory Care Super Foods

13 January 2020

Senior and Memory Care Super Foods in Bethlehem, GA

We want to thank in advance “Active Beat” who publishes insightful works on healthy lifestyles. They recently offered advice for senior care givers regarding nutritional health. Here at Bethlehem’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care, we gladly share the following with you today whether you’re providing senior assisted living support or any form of memory care support services to your beloved. Afterall, we’re all in this together.

If you provide senior assisted living care for a loved one, you may already include supplements in order to boost their memory and protect against age-related memory decline. If you care for an already diagnosed Alzheimer’s or related dementia condition you likely are administering physician prescribed supplements. Regardless, researchers at Yale University claim that the body doesn’t absorb nutritional supplements quite as effectively as it does natural foods.

Whether you’re preventing a family history of dementia and Alzheimer’s, or just looking to reduce risk in general, researchers recommend following the “MIND” diet which is short for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay. It touts eating a more plant-based diet with limited red meat, saturated fats and sweets, says Mayo Clinic. And when it comes to brain-boosting Alzheimer’s-fighting super foods, these 12 foods should be at the top of your shopping list.

Berries

You likely already know that berries—such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries—are considered superfoods. This is due to the fact that they deliver a boatload of antioxidants in each bite! Antioxidants have long been linked to enhance cognitive function in dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. However, a study published by the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease discovered that high-antioxidant berries were able to reduce plaque in the brain, which is thought to cause Alzheimer’s.

Chatelaine writes that blueberries in particular are among the best. “They contain flavonoids, which activate brain pathways associated with less cellular aging,” writes the source. WebMD also points out that berries have been linked to slowing down the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. We suggest eating about 1/2 cup three times a week.

Super Spices

Do you know what spices like turmeric, cocoa, cinnamon, and nutmeg have in common? According to the journal Central Nervous Systems Agents in Medicinal Chemistry, these spices contain certain polyphenols and compounds with numerous cognitive advantages. The journal research outlines the many gluco-recovery, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties in these spices and theorizes on their Alzheimer’s prevention connection.

MindBodyGreen also explains that “these spices can all help to break up brain plaque and reduce inflammation of the brain which can cause memory issues.” The foods on this list will not only help improve brain function, but fight off illnesses that cause our brains to age prematurely like obesity, heart disease, diabetes and hypertension.

Omega-3’s

Natural foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids—namely nuts, flaxseeds, and certain types of fish—have long been linked to Alzheimer’s prevention. And even though much speculation can be found, more research must be conducted for undeniable scientific proof. However, research in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease as well as the European Journal of Nutrition, details how omega-3-rich foods can help decrease the rate of cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients.

Fatty fish like salmon and trout are particularly good because the iodine and iron “help maintain cognitive function” and they contain “brain boosting omega-3 fatty acids.” You should be eating these types of fish at least two or three times a week.

Coconut Oil

I know, here we go about the coconut oil—yet again! But really, research from the Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants has found evidence of coconut’s oil’s effectiveness in the fight against dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Akin to olive oil, coconut oil is known for it’s rich polyphenol content. The same study credits unique phenols in coconut oil with neuro-protective abilities.

Leafy Greens

Dark, leafy green vegetables are among the best foods for us. No matter what, we should all be eating these veggies. But people who are at a high risk for dementia or Alzheimer’s should definitely be loading up on these. According to findings from the Journal of Nutritional Health and Aging, increasing your consumption of leafy greens will decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia—and they’re just plain good for you!

The best leafy greens are spinach, kale, and romaine. They are loaded with brain-boosting antioxidants and vitamin K, both of which act as brain shields when it comes to warding off age-related cognitive decline. It’s important to note that if you’re taking blood thinners, you should consult with a doctor before loading up on too much vitamin K.

Cruciferous Vegetables

Just like leafy greens, we should all be eating these veggies on a regular basis. They are just as important as leafy greens because like kale and spinach, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussel sprouts are all high in vitamin K. Chatelaine also notes that they are high in glucosinolates which have an antioxidant effect, as well as folate and carotenoids that lower homo-cysteine and fight cognitive impairment, says MindBodyGreen. The source recommends eating at least 1/2 cup every week.

Other vegetables that are important to eat when it comes to improving brain health are pumpkin, squash, asparagus, tomatoes, carrots and beets. MindBodyGreen says when these foods aren’t overcooked they contain lots of vitamin A, folate and iron which can help with cognition.

Beans and Legumes

Foods like beans, chickpeas, and lentils are all good for us, specifically our brain health because they are loaded with antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. MindBodyGreen writes, “these foods contain more folate, iron, magnesium and potassium that can help with general body function and neuron firing.” The source also states that they contain choline, which is a B vitamin that boosts acetylcholine (a neuro transmitter critical for brain function).

We suggest swapping out red meat for 1/2 up of beans or legumes at least twice a week.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts are one of those foods that can be really healthy for us if we eat them properly. Plus they make for a really easy go-to snack! Our first rule is that they need to be unsalted. The other golden rule with nuts and seeds is that they are to be enjoyed in moderation because they contain lots of healthy fats.

Chatelaine says walnuts are among the best nuts because they are high in “omega-3 fatty acid, a brain-protective nutrient” which also makes them great for fighting off Alzheimer’s disease. The source also suggests eating only 1/4 cup or two tablespoons of a nut butter daily.

Chicken

Unless you’re a vegetarian, you probably already eat chicken quite frequently throughout the week. Thankfully, it’s a great option and should be easily substituted for red or processed meat whenever possible. However, we suggest only eating one serving a day.

Of course, it’s important to note that we’re not talking about fried chicken or flash-frozen chicken like the boxed version you probably purchased at the grocery store. We’re talking about a nice lean, grilled piece of chicken.

Whole Grains

Whole grains play an important role in the “MIND” diet. “Choose fibre-rich whole grains like oats, brown rice, and whole-grain wheat to offset your intake of refined grains,” writes Chatelaine.

Olive Oil

Olive oil isn’t a food or snack per se, but it’s a common ingredient used in the kitchen and should be preferred over other popular oils. You should be using it when cooking and can even try it as a salad dressing because unlike other unhealthy options, it contains monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, and antioxidants. WebMD points out that olive oil has “been shown to improve brain function over the long term and protect against dementia.”

Red Wine

You might be wondering what wine is doing on this list, but red wine has actually been shown to improve brain health and protect against Alzheimer’s! WebMD explains that several studies have shown this to be true, however in order for it to work, the wine must be enjoyed in moderation. Women should only drink one glass a day and in the case of men, it can be up to two. It’s important to note, that if you drink too much red wine it could have the opposite affect and make you more likely to get dementia, says the source.

We hope you found this blog post both interesting and insightful as you care for your senior or memory challenged loved one. If you provide assisted living services to a loved one in or around the Bethlehem area, or if you provide memory care services to a loved one, please know that you are not alone in your support challenges. We’re here for you, anytime! Why not give us a call!


Tips For You New Senior Assisted Living Care Givers

6 January 2020

Tips For You New Senior Assisted Living Care Givers in Bethlehem, GA

Well, the new year is upon us. It’s early January and from experience, we here at Bethlehem’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care know that many of you purposely (and understandably) chose to ignore the notion that your senior loved one is now fully dependent. That is something so many of us simply do not want to address during the Holidays. But now you feel you can no longer prolong the fact that you must prepare for a monumental life change, for everyone involved.

When a senior’s health begins to decline, an adult child or other loved one may take on a few tasks to help. Aiding with chores like grocery shopping and mowing the lawn can allow the older adult to remain in their home. As the senior’s needs worsen, loved ones often take on more responsibilities.

For some families, however, it is a crisis of some kind that causes them to assume the role of family caregiver. The senior might have experienced a fall or been diagnosed with a chronic illness. In these situations, a caregiver may find themselves struggling to juggle all their loved one’s needs. It can be an overwhelming transition for people to make.

If you are in this situation, we have some suggestions to help new family caregivers like you manage the role.

5 Tips for New Caregivers

  1. Accept the idea need help

    One belief family caregivers often have is that they should be able to manage their senior loved one’s care on their own. This is rarely possible. Acknowledge that you will need to ask for help and give yourself permission to accept assistance when it is offered.

    Support for caregivers can come in many forms. It could be allowing a friend to stay with your loved one for an hour or two while you relax and take in a movie or spend some time with your spouse. A friend may also be able to help by picking up a few groceries or dropping off dinner.

  2. Get organized

    Caregivers say they feel an extraordinary amount of stress when initially stepping into the caregiving role. Part of that stress comes from worrying they are forgetting crucial appointments or other important tasks. Getting organized can help relieve some of that anxiety.

    First, ask a friend or family member to stay with your loved one for a few hours so you can sort and organize all their important health care paperwork and legal documents. Place these in a binder by topic or date (e.g., test results, medication list, and physician contact information).

    Next, add all the senior’s appointments and follow-up tasks to your personal calendar. This helps to avoid double-booking yourself or missing something crucial. Not having to rely on your memory can alleviate some of your stress.

  3. Establish and stick to a routine

    This step may take some time to implement but having a routine to follow can help caregiving days run more smoothly. Try to cluster errands and appointments on one or two days each week. This allows you to have uninterrupted days at work and at home. It also requires fewer arrangements for a friend or family member to stay with your loved one.

  4. Connect with a caregiver support group

    Caregivers face unique challenges that others may not understand. From offering tips on juggling a busy caregiving schedule to commiserating over how much time is spent waiting for a specialist to see the older adult, having a support network of peers is helpful.

    Support groups also help with the emotional side of caregiving. Peers can empathize when you are feeling guilty, resentful, angry, or sad.

  5. Practice good self-care

    Much like the flight attendant on a plane explaining you should place a mask over your mouth before helping others, a caregiver must make good self-care a priority. You can’t care for your loved one if you are exhausted and sick yourself. Caregivers who don’t take care of themselves often experience a medical crisis of their own.

Our Final Suggestion

Our final suggestion is to become acquainted with us before you need us. We understand what you’re going through and can help you. We want to develop a trust and understanding and when the time comes, we hope that you’ll team with us for your professional senior assisted living support services. Together, we’ll provide the best loving care possible.

Give us a call. Let’s talk.


Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukah to You and Yours this Season

23 December 2019

Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukah to You and Yours this Season

Christmas and Chanukah share a similar spiritual message: that it is possible to bring light and hope into the world. These two holidays occur together this year, which makes this an even more special holiday season.

This is a season to reflect upon how fortunate we are to have you as our customers: our friends and neighbors. During these holidays, we wish you, your family, and your friends a safe, joy-filled, and relaxing season.

Warm wishes for a Happy Hanukkah, a Merry Christmas, and a most Happy New Year! With peace, joy, and love this holiday season and beyond!


How Dementia And Senior Care Supporters Help Themselves and Loved Ones Find Joy during Every Season

9 December 2019

How Dementia And Senior Care Supporters Help Themselves and Loved Ones Find Joy during Every Season in Bethlehem, GA

Well, Thanksgiving has come and gone, and we are smack in the middle of the Christmas/Holiday season. Your loved one who’s now living with dementia or the multiple challenges of senior life have always been the cornerstone of family Holidays and traditions. The challenges increase for all caregivers to continue the tradition with each new passing Holiday season. So, your friends, memory care professionals , assisted living professionals, and respite care professionals here in Bethlehem are back to offer you all some advice as once again you negotiate the Holiday season as a primary care giver.

Shop from home. Shopping, while oftentimes a large part of the season, will most likely bring undue stress to both the person living with dementia and the family caregiver. Avoid the sensory overload, large crowds, and confusing environment by shopping online or through a catalogue with your loved one. They can still choose gifts for the family but will be able to do so in the comfort and safety of their own home.

Create a new take on old traditions. Holiday family outings, such as outdoor ice-skating, caroling, or seeing “The Nutcracker” at a local playhouse, hold fond memories — but may not be feasible in the wake of dementia. Revamp these holiday traditions by taking a snowy day walk, lighting a fire and listening to Christmas music, or finding a version of “The Nutcracker” on DVD for family movie night. Time spent with family is the most important thing during holidays — the ice-skating, caroling and theatre are simply activities.

Remember a few of your favorite things. While it may seem like this year is going to be different than all the rest, it’s important (for both the caregiver and the person with dementia) to reminisce holidays past. Take the time during a holiday family get-together to share photos from previous celebrations, to recall funny family bloopers, and to engage in activities that your loved one is still able to — like decorating the Christmas tree or helping bake holiday treats.

As you’re adjusting to how things will be this holiday season (and those to come) — instead of how things once were — it’s important to remember the good and to hold onto joyful past memories in the wake of holiday stress. Focusing on the positive, rather than becoming overwhelmed by the negative, will not only help you cope and celebrate, but also encourage your loved one to enjoy such a special time, and to be at peace.

For those of you selflessly exercising the labor of love caring for you memory challenged or physically challenged loved ones, all of us at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care in Bethlehem hold you in the highest regard. We wish you and your entire family warmth and peace throughout this holiday season and going forward into 2020.


Thanksgiving Holiday Planning for Our Senior Living and Memory Care Loved Ones

18 November 2019

Assisted Living Memory Care Thanksgiving Holiday Planning in Bethlehem, GA

By now I think all of you realize that here at Bethlehem’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care, we invest in managing this blog as a service to our cherished residents, their families, and to the countless angels out there who lovingly provide self-help at-home senior care services. We feel a heartfelt responsibility to freely share our professional knowledge regarding professional assisted living, professional memory care support, and or respite care services. We are fully aware of the vast weight of the labor of love that all of you bear regardless of the level of professional support that you currently secure.

While this Thanksgiving-related blog post is heavily focused on those of you who care for a loved one with memory care issues, so much of this messaging can be directly applicable to those providing senior assisted living support to someone without memory issues.

Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends to gather to give thanks, catch up and share a special meal together. However, when a family member is diagnosed with a dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, the family dynamic changes dramatically. Nowhere is this more evident than at holiday gatherings. The hustle and bustle of a typical family Thanksgiving can cause extreme levels of anxiety for someone with dementia, turning a wonderful day into a confusing and agonizing ordeal. Consequently, for the family caregiver, it can become a day full of tension as they watch over their loved one with anxious eyes.

It doesn’t have to be that way. With advance planning and preparation, Thanksgiving can still be enjoyed by everyone, even the family member with dementia. To be successful, however, you do need to plan and structure the day for the best possible outcome.

Here are some tips we’ve gathered, contributed by individuals with dementia, families and caregivers:

  • Prepare family and friends. Share your loved one’s diagnosis with those who will be attending your Thanksgiving dinner. Explain the limitations the disease has created. Educate them as to the proper way to approach and communicate with your loved one, and how to include him or her in the conversation as much as possible.
  • Prepare your loved one. Make sure that he or she has had enough rest. Keep to your regular routine as much as possible during the days leading up to Thanksgiving.
  • Ask for help. Ask family members for help with shopping and cooking in advance. Many families enjoy a potluck Thanksgiving to which everyone brings a dish. This can be a lifesaver in a household with a loved one challenged by dementia. You might also consider asking a relative who is close to your loved one to help by keeping an eye on his or her anxiety levels as the day progresses. They can be a big help when you are busy with other guests and duties.
  • Schedule dinner early in the day. Individuals with dementia are particularly sensitive to the hours between daylight and evening. This is called “Sundown Syndrome” and, fortunately, there are ways to reduce its impact. One way is to schedule your dinner well before sunset.
  • Encourage reminiscing about the past. If your loved one still has longer term memory intact, consider bringing out some old photo albums and putting them in convenient places to inspire conversation. This can be a great way for younger family members to engage with your loved one, as well as with other older family members.
  • Provide a quiet place for “down time”. A short nap or some quiet time off in a separate area provides a nice break for someone with Dementia. Ideally, this would be a quiet room off the main area, where he or she can relax out of the center of activity. Often, for those in earlier stages of Dementia, a short refreshing nap is all that is needed to enable them to rejoin the festivities.
  • Plan your own post-Thanksgiving “down time”. This is so important for caregivers. You need time to yourself to unwind and relax. If you are the primary caregiver, consider scheduling some short term “respite” care at a local memory care community for your loved one. That will give you time to tend to your own physical and emotional health and enjoy some time on your own with friends and family members.

If your loved one is one of our cherished memory care residents here at Gateway Gardens, consider bringing some of your Thanksgiving cheer to them, rather than disrupting their routine by transporting them to your gathering.

For more information about senior living or memory care services here in Bethlehem, contact us anytime.


We Invite You to Take a Virtual Tour of our Community

13 November 2019

Assisted Living Memory Respite Care Community in Bethlehem, GA

Today’s blog post is a tribute to our staff who work so hard each day to create the safe, clean, and genuinely attractive living environment that every resident deserves. We invite the followers of our blog to take a walk through our gallery page and see with your own eyes the physical layout of our warm and friendly community. We think you’ll be impressed, and we gladly welcome the opportunity to show it off to you personally.

For those of you who don’t know us well, we specialize in assisted living, memory care, and respite care services to the greater Bethlehem, Ga area and beyond. We freely welcome the opportunity to engage you and your questions regarding the nature and considerations of assisted living, memory care, and respite care services. To do that, contact Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Bethlehem.


Assisted Living or Memory Care for Early Dementia

6 November 2019

Assisted Living and Memory Care in Bethlehem, GA

Today’s blog post is designed to help those of you out there trying to decide the strategic care plan for a loved one suffering from the early stages of Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related disease. It is very common for all of you care providers to be confused regarding exactly what type of professional care is best now, assisted living or memory care. We are proud to inform that we lovingly provide both services here at Manor Lake Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Bethlehem. We thought we’d share the following with you while crediting dementiacarecentral.com for insightful and informative narrative on this subject.

Even with help from community-based services and respite services, providing care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease (A/D) or dementia becomes more difficult with time. In later stages of the disease, many people will require more care and assistance than their family members can provide. Even for people who don’t need intensive hands-on care, safety may be an issue and they may not be able to stay home alone. Residential care options may be able to provide best for the needs of some individuals. However, these options are often considerations that caregivers and their families find difficult to plan for, or to even discuss.

Residential Care Options for Dementia

The natural progression of Alzheimer’s Disease, as well as other forms of dementia, will result in the need for care for loved ones. Depending on one’s stage of Alzheimer’s/dementia, and his/her ability to function, the level of care and supervision that is required varies. For most families, this means some form of residential care. This is where assisted living, “memory care” comes into play.

Assisted Living Communities

Assisted living residences, such as continuing care retirement communities, are especially suited for those individuals in the earlier stages of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia who do not have many medical problems, but who do need more intensive support for Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). Many people with dementia will need help with IADLs. These are activities that we perform from day to day that add to our quality of life, but are not as basic to self-care as Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). ADLs are the basic activities that we must perform every day in order to take care of ourselves. Individuals with dementia may also need help with these tasks.

The following tasks are considered to be IADLs:

  • Managing money (i.e., writing checks, handling cash, keeping a budget)
  • Managing medications (i.e., taking the appropriate dose of medication at the right time)
  • Cooking (i.e., preparing meals or snacks, microwave/stove usage)
  • Housekeeping (i.e., performing light and heavy chores, such as dusting or mowing the lawn)
  • Using appliances (i.e., using the telephone, television, or vacuum appropriately)
  • Shopping (i.e., purchasing, discerning between items)
  • Extracurriculars (i.e., maintaining a hobby or some sort of leisure activities)

Typically, ADLs refers to the following tasks:

  • Bathing (i.e., able to bathe without assistance in cleaning or getting into tub or shower)
  • Toilet Use (i.e., able to use the toilet and clean oneself afterwards)
  • Control or continence of urine and bowels (i.e., able to wait for the right time and the right place)
  • Dressing and grooming (i.e., able to button a shirt, choosing appropriate clothing)
  • Moving about (i.e., able to move in and out of a chair or bed, walking)
  • Eating (i.e., able to eat without having to be fed by another)

Those who are in the middle-stage of dementia require a greater amount of supervision and care than those in early-stage dementia, and for those in middle-stage dementia, assisted living is also a good option. In assisted living facilities, individuals generally live in a private studio, private apartment, or a shared apartment, and have staff available to assist them 24-hours / day. This type of living arrangement is ideal for those who are still able to live with some independence but do require assistance with ADLs. Transportation to and from doctor’s appointments and social activities are also offered at assisted living facilities. In addition, assisted living facilities have dining halls where residents gather to eat meals.

Memory Care

For individuals with dementia who require a higher level of skilled care and supervision, memory care units are an ideal option. These units offer both private and shared living spaces. Sometimes they exist as a wing within an assisted living facility or nursing home or they sometimes operate as stand-alone residences. Supervised care is provided twenty-four hours / day by staff trained to care for the specific needs and demands of dementia patients. Memory care units offer the same services as assisted living facilities, in addition to activities that are intended to stimulate the memory of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and possibly slow the progression of the disease. Activities may involve music, arts and crafts, games, and more.

For more information, contact Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Bethlehem.

Source: dementiacarecentral.com


Is Your Loved One Developing Alzheimer's Disease

28 October 2019

Alzheimer's Disease in Bethlehem, GA

We take great pride here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care here in Bethlehem to share our knowledge and stories to help as many people as possible. For those of you struggling to care for loved ones in need of memory care support, we understand your challenges and the huge labor of love that you bear.

Today we’ll share with you the most common symptoms shared by Alzheimer’s and related dementia disorders. The symptoms include any combination of the following:

  • Memory Loss – People may forget things they’ve learned as well as dates and events. They may also ask for the same information repeatedly.
  • Trouble Planning or Solving Problems – You may notice a loved one taking longer to complete tasks they used to be able to do much quicker. You may also notice they have trouble following directions, even a simple recipe becomes complex.
  • Confusion with Time or Place – People with Alzheimer’s often lose track of time. They also forget where they are and even how they got there.
  • Misplacing Things & Unable to Retrace Steps – As people forget dates and events they may also start to misplace objects. Although they would be able to retrace their steps in the past and find what they were looking for, that is no longer the case. This may lead them to accuse others of stealing because they can no longer find what’s theirs.
  • Mood & Personality Changes – Because of the changes that are going on in their mind, you may notice major shifts in mood and personality. They may become confused, suspicious and even depressed.

Helping People with Alzheimer’s Disease

Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are things you can do to slow its onset and to maximize your loved one’s quality of life. The ability to deliver positive effect is especially enhanced if the disease is still in its early stages.

  • Keep a Daily Routine – This helps to avoid confusion and lets the person know what can be expected. Alzheimer’s patients like routines.
  • Don’t Overstimulate – Keep things simple. Say one thing at a time. Present only one idea so that the person can understand it the best they can.
  • Be Reassuring – Always try to make the person feel safe and comfortable. Sometimes even saying the words, “You are safe with me” is enough to make that person feel at ease.
  • Don’t Yell or Argue – As frustrated as you may get, imagine how the patient feels. They can no longer grasp what is going on inside their own heads. Don’t yell or argue out of frustration. Be the calming voice they need.

While you may be able to care for an Alzheimer’s patient in the early stages of the disease, you need to realize that the challenges will become increasingly difficult. Your loved one can present a danger to themselves by wandering off or forgetting to turn off the stove. If this is the case it may be time to consider professional memory care services like those we provide here at our Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care community. For more information about memory care services here in Bethlehem, contact us anytime.


Get Help with Assisted Living and Memory Care Costs

21 October 2019

 Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care Bethlehem GA

Many people who are in need of assisted living services in and around Bethlehem or memory care services in and around Bethlehem put off looking for care for fear of how they will pay for it. We are fully committed to providing the highest quality and most affordable assisted living services across the Bethlehem Georgia area. We fully realize that assisted living services, for some, can be cost prohibitive. However, we are fully committed to assisting you with potential sources of financial aid so that you and or your loved ones can secure the care that you deserve.

Check the Veteran’s Aid & Attendance Program

Check eligibility for the Veteran’s Aid & Attendance Pension, a program which can provide financial help to those who require assistance with activities of daily living such as eating, bathing, dressing and undressing or taking care of the needs of nature.

It can pay up to $1,830 per month to a veteran, $1,176 per month to a surviving spouse, or $2,170 per month to a couple for veterans and surviving spouses (as of 2017). Certain income and asset limits also apply.

This program allows you to keep more assets than most state aid programs, and it provides a higher level of assistance. You cannot receive benefits from both the Veterans program and a state aid program, so you may want to evaluate both to determine which provides the highest level of assistance for you or your loved one.

Check with your state’s medicaid office

Find your state Medicaid office and check on their available resources. To qualify for Medicaid you'll need to have assets and income that are below the federal poverty levels.

Many state programs offer assistance with assisted living costs for those who have no financial resources. Qualifying for such assistance usually means you have less than $2,000 in assets, although exact program requirements can vary from state-to-state.

Find non-profit resources for assisted living and elderly care

With a little digging you may find a non-profit organization that can help. If they can't help they may direct you to additional sources of assistance. Start with these two organizations:

  • Contact your local Area Agency for Aging. They can help you locate resources such as elder refugee or elder abuse programs, counseling, meals on wheels, volunteers who will visit, adult day care services, and much more.
  • Visit Eldercare.gov to find help in your local community, or call them at 800.677.1116. They will help refer to local resources such as home health services, transportation resources, senior housing options, respite care, find financial assistance if you are eligible for it, and much more.

Ask for family support

One home health company has created a free personalized way to stay in touch with those who need in-home care or assisted living through a feature they call CareTogether. It functions like a customized form of Facebook designed just for a senior who needs care, allowing the family to stay updated on what their needs may be.

You could use a feature like this, or a Facebook page, to explain your or your loved one’s needs to extended family and then ask family members if they would be willing to contribute a small monthly amount to provide in-home or assisted living care for this family member.

We want you to know that we are here to help. Contact Gateway Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care in Bethlehem today.

Source: thebalance.com


Halloween Activities for our Senior Living and Memory Care Loved Ones

18 October 2019

 Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care Bethlehem GA

We’re establishing a tradition here at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Bethlehem to celebrate Halloween with our assisted living residents as well as our memory care residents. Each year we research new and exciting ideas to smile, laugh, and share our love for our treasured residents. This year we found this article from SeniorAdvisor.com with a laundry list of ideas which we are not mulling over. We thought we’d share the same ideas we the followers of our blog in the hope that it navigates all of you to some special moments during Halloween.

Halloween Crafts for Seniors

Halloween crafts can be completed early in October so you can use them as decorations throughout the rest of the month.

  1. Decorate pumpkins.
    One of the best traditional crafts for Halloween time is making jack-o-lanterns. If you’re not sure about handing sharp implements, you can have a pumpkin painting day or give them sharpies to draw designs on the pumpkins.

  2. Make spooky candles.
    The lacy candles recommended by Elder One Stop are easy to make, made of cheap supplies, and won’t be a fire risk (they recommend flameless). They’ll add a nice bit of atmosphere to your facility.

  3. Make decorative spiderwebs.
    You can get together to make simple and cheap spiderwebs to hang around the community out of coffee filters. Throw in a little yarn and your residents will also have the option of creating larger cobweb decorations for the space.

  4. Make spiral ghosts.
    Some white paper, a black sharpie, and scissors are all your group needs to make these spinning ghosts. You can hang them around the shared spaces of the facility.

  5. Decorative Halloween garlands.
    For one more addition to your homemade decorations, you can task any interested seniors with making decorative Halloween garlands for your hallways. Here are some ideas of bat and ghost garlands and glow-in-the-dark ones.

(Mostly) Healthy Halloween Recipes for Seniors

You can find loads of cute Halloween recipes on the web, but most of them are laden with sugar. Since many seniors have health concerns, we tried to pick out a few of the healthier options that still fit the theme.

  1. Shrunken Head Cider
    From the twisted mind of Martha Stewart comes this shrunken head cider. You can skip the booze if you want and stick with the rest of the recipe.

  2. Sweet potato jack-o-lanterns
    Sweet potatoes are just the right mix of healthy and tasty and these jack-o-lanterns will make a fun, theme-appropriate snack that’s easy to make.

  3. Dragon’s blood punch
    Made mostly of juices (although it may still be too sugary for some), this punch is simple to make in large quantities and should make for a tasty treat.

  4. Devilish Eggs
    Adorable deviled eggs made from healthy ingredients are easy for your residents to put together and tasty for everyone to enjoy once finished.

  5. Cheesy Witch’s Brooms
    Cuter than any witch’s implement should be, these witch’s brooms made of cheese and pretzels shouldn’t be too hard to make and will be even easier to devour. (Note: scroll down for the English instructions).

Other Halloween Activities for Seniors

If you want to pack Halloween week with more fun, interactive activities that you might consider include:

  1. Halloween charades
    Brainstorm as many different Halloween-related themes and ideas you can think of for your loved one to act out. You should all have fun watching people mime Dracula or try to figure out how to act like a spider. Here’s a list to get you started.

  2. Share scary stories
    Your cherished senior loved one probably know some good ones, but you can come equipped with a book or some stories from the internet just in case.

  3. Homemade costume contest
    Encourage your senior loved one to come up with homemade mask and costumes ideas. If you can make some materials available for them to work with, that may spark inspiration in a few of them. On Halloween, have everyone vote on which costume came out the best.

  4. Assisted living trick-or-treat
    Most seniors probably feel silly trick-or-treating around the neighborhood, but let’s be honest, most of us loved trick-or-treating and were a little sad when we got too old for it. Why not give it a try!

  5. Classic horror movie marathon
    Your loved one probably have some favorite old classic horror movies. Poll them to pick out a few of the most popular, and give them the option to come together and watch them on Halloween or in the days leading up to it.

Halloween’s not for everybody, so you’ll probably have those uninterested in participating in some of these activities, but those that enjoy the season will be happy to have the opportunity to celebrate it in a variety of ways.

All of us here at Bethlehem’s Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care wish you the very best for a joyful Halloween celebration.


About the Guilt Associated with Seeking Professional Senior Living Care Services

14 October 2019

 Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care Bethlehem GA

Caring for your loved ones that require significant assisted living support here in Bethlehem or memory care support here in Bethlehem is an exhaustive yet fulfilling labor of love. Without doubt it is very stressful as well. At some point this labor of love becomes an unhealthy tax on both the mental and physical state of the caregiver(s). It is at this point where guilt sets in when we recognize our inability to keep pace with the ever-increasing challenge of providing assisted living care support services. This guilt is natural but fortunately it is usually short-lived once we come to accept the realities of life that, at some point, we must turn to assisted living professionals to help us carry the load.

The key word there is “professionals”. We are programmed to believe that no one outside the family can provide the same level of loving care that a family member can. But that is simply not true. When you enlist the support of assisted living or memory care professionals in and around Bethlehem you are empowering you and your family with the power of scientific research and professional expertise that will enhance the quality of life of your loved one in ways that the non-professional family simply cannot. No offense of course.

So take the step to research your transition to professional assisted living care with confidence (not guilt) that you are about to increase the quality of life of both your loved one AND yourself. Conduct thorough research of the assisted living and memory care communities near you to experience the campus, assess the skill and attentive nature of the staff, and to simply get a feel for the memory care community as a whole. Trust your instinct, it will guide you well.

If you think it's time to move your parent or loved one to an assisted living care community, contact the assisted living and memory care professionals at Gateway Gardens here in Bethlehem. Our team is available to help guide you through this difficult process and answer any questions that may arise.


Professional Assisted Living Lowers Resident Heart Disease

11 October 2019

 Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care Bethlehem GA

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, seniors supported by professional assisted living professionals realize a statistically significant decrease in hospitalization for heart disease. This positive report is attributed to the professional support provided by assisted living and memory care communities such as ours at Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care here in Bethlehem GA that deliver quality of life support programs as well as regular and reassuring professional health consultation.

What We Do?

The following items are primary goals of our assisted living and memory care community and our memory care community in an effort to reduce the rate of senior patients developing heart illnesses.

Provide Fitness and Relaxation

Keeping seniors active and relaxed improves heart health. Workout programs that range from low to moderate impact exercises are managed based on fitness levels and health status. Regular exercise helps lower stress levels and improve quality of sleep. When these two vital factors are achieved and stabilized, a healthier heart is guaranteed.

Promote Nutrition and Healthy Diet

Assisted living communities pay close attention to the nutrition and diet of their senior residents. They make sure that the food served to senior residents are both appetizing and healthy to improve food intake and facilitates consumption of important nutrients that can strengthen the heart. Also, taking note of food that must be taken moderately. Low-salt, low-fat, low-sugar diet are usually the dietary recommendation for these people.

Provide Smoke-Free Environment

We know for a fact that a smoker has a higher risk of developing chronic heart disorders including atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care offers a designated outdoor area for smokers separated from non-smokers so that non-smokers will not be exposed to smoke-filled air. This is also a way to encourage current smokers to break the habit. Medical advises are also given to those smokers to support them to give up smoking.

For more information about assisted living and memory care services in and around Bethlehem, contact Gateway Gardens today.


Music Revives Memories in Seniors and Dementia Patients

7 October 2019

 Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care Bethlehem GA

Modern researchers have discovered that music soothes those suffering from advanced age, dementia, and/or Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers at The University of Utah Health recently tested whether they could alleviate anxiety in seniors (with and without dementia) by playing familiar music to them using headphones and a hand-held music device. Anxiety and agitation are two of the most disruptive aspects of living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease for both patients and caregivers.

After the researchers helped the patients pick meaningful music, they used a functional MRI to record the changes in the brain while the music played. The brain images showed that music helped the areas of the brain known as the salience network, the visual network, the executive network, and the cerebellar and corticocerebellar networks all work with better connectivity. These areas of the brain activate language and memory, according to the study’s authors.

“When you put headphones on dementia patients and play familiar music, they come alive,” Jace King, lead author of the study, said in a press release. “Music is like an anchor grounding the patient back in reality.”

Music and movement are the last things to go in the brain.

It’s almost miraculous what music can do for Alzheimer’s patients and the research about the benefits is there.

Patients Respond

Health care providers have seen firsthand how much music helps dementia patients. with the clients there.

Play songs from their era that they might recognize. Patriotic songs are also popular.

Music touches people on so many levels.

The reaction by dementia patients to music was also dramatically demonstrated in the 2014 documentary, Alive Inside. Elderly care professionals can set up personalized playlists on iPods for their patients. The music helps the patients access the deep memories not lost to dementia. It also helps them converse and socialize in ways they weren’t doing before the familiar music became a part of their daily life.

For more information regarding senior assisted living services or memory care services in Bethlehem, contact Gateway Gardens today.


Must-Ask Questions When Choosing Assisted Living & Memory Care Communities

4 October 2019

 Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care Bethlehem GA

When it comes time to begin the most difficult task of choosing a Bethlehem-area senior living or memory care community take a deep breath and accept the fact that you are about to take on very serious responsibility. We want to help you in that endeavor by offering some guidance on how to move forward. Please know that we are here for you to help and expand upon the following advice.

At the very core of best practices to find the perfect senior living or assisted living community in Bethlehem is to speak with as many staff members and current residents as possible.

Questions to ask

Obviously, you can't just rely on facility tours or promotional brochures to make this crucial decision. First, get your ducks in a row. When you're ready to visit in person, turn to administrators, staff members and residents for answers to pivotal questions.

Consider Before You Visit:

Is the location realistic? Lengthy drives, not to mention flights, will affect visits and add barriers to relationships with friends and family members, including spouses still living at home.

Many families face a tough conundrum. Sometimes it's a matter of choosing between top-ranked but distant facilities versus more accessible locations for loved ones to visit regularly and monitor care.

Ask Administrators and Nursing Directors:

What are the staffing ratios? Bolster your question with research.

What is your staff turnover? Stable staffing is a good sign. In addition, consistent assignment – when the same caregivers are assigned to the same residents on a daily basis – is critically important. That way, staff members really get to know residents, anticipate their needs and can recognize and address problems early.

Which services do you offer? If you're undergoing rehab to recover from a hip fracture, you'll need a higher level of care than some nursing homes can offer. With medical conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, residents may need help managing supplemental oxygen.

Do you provide special care for people with dementia? Memory care means much more than just a locked unit to prevent residents from wandering. Staffing ratios should be no more than five residents per caregiver, including nurses and aides, around the clock. Caregivers should have special training in dementia care, and the awareness and sensitivity to best address these needs.

Ask Dietitians:

What kind of food do you serve? Residents rely entirely on nursing homes to meet their nutritional needs. Healthy, tasty food improves everyone's quality of life.

How do you satisfy cultural and individual food preferences? People in nursing homes still want to enjoy meals that evoke family traditions and tastes they've developed over their lives.

Do you accommodate special diets? Residents come in with their own dietary preferences and restrictions. Some also may have medical orders for soft or puréed diets, for example.

Can residents eat when they want? Some people prefer to eat outside routine schedules.

Ask Residents:

After the formal tour, explain that you'd like a chance to speak with several residents. Drop in at the activities room or a lounge, introduce yourself, say you're considering a move there and ask what it's like for them.

Are you happy here? "Do you enjoy living here?" "What do you like best about living here?" and "If you could change one thing, what would that be?" are positive ways to frame your questions and make residents more likely to respond.

Do you have freedom of choice? Does the facility offer resident-centered care? Are you able to get up when you want? Do you go to bed at the time you want?

When you ask for help, how long do you have to wait? If you always have to wait beyond five minutes for help, you're likely to try doing things on your own, which could set you up for falls.

Ask Activity Directors:

What about activities? How do you keep residents engaged? Ask to see monthly activity calendars. Offerings should be varied and appealing.

Does the facility have a resident or family council? These self-determined groups can provide a strong voice for quality care.

Is reliable transportation available? Sometimes nursing homes only provide transportation for certain medical appointments – and they don't provide transportation for social purposes. Is there staff to help residents get to a granddaughter's play?

Can residents easily spend time outdoors? Attractive courtyards are sometimes the first thing visitors notice. But how often can residents, particularly those with mobility issues, actually go outdoors? Does staff encourage and help them to do so?

For more information on senior assisted living services here in Bethlehem or memory care services here in Bethlehem, contact Gateway Gardens anytime!

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