We learn about where the Walks take place in Arizona and when, as well as how anyone can participate on various levels from sponsorship to walking with your dogs and or loved ones to help raise money for the care and support services available for individuals diagnosed with the disease and their caregivers.

These Walks also provide funding for the invaluable research still needed to find a cure for Alzheimer’s. Plus we learn about the different levels of dementia vs. Alzheimer’s and how prevalent the disease is today.  Lesley shares with us about the Alzheimer’s Association and what services are available including the 24/7 helpline where people can speak confidentially with a trained Care Consultant, get help with planning for the future, coaching for family members, and strategies to address safety concerns, and referrals to local resources. These services are offered in over 200 languages.

There are also support groups that provide a forum to share feelings, concerns, and information and learn new skills.  The Desert Southwest Chapter offers over 50 support groups in English and Spanish, across Arizona and southern Nevada.  All of the support groups are facilitated by trained individuals and meet at various locations and times.  Most groups are for family and friends supporting a loved one with dementia but there are also groups designed specifically for individuals with early-stage dementia.  Call 800-272-3900 or visit:  alz.org/dsw/supportgroups to find a group near you.

The Alzheimer’s Association educational programs increase awareness and knowledge about Alzheimer’s and related dementias.  Session topics include an introduction to the disease, addressing behavioral challenges, long-term planning, and much more.  Almost all of their educational presentations are offered in English and Spanish.  Call 800-272-3900 or visit:  alz.org/dsw/education for more information.

Early Stage programs provide a variety of education sessions and activities designed to actively engage, empower, and encourage individuals with Early Stage Alzheimer’s and their care partners.  Call 800-272-3900 for more information.

The Alzheimer’s Association’s Approaching Alzheimer’s:  First Responder training is a free online course to prepare first responders to respond to common calls involving a person with dementia.  For more information, call 800-272-3900 or visit asl.org/firstresponders

Finally, with the onset of the pandemic in 2020, a Virtual Education Program was enacted to assist people in dealing with Alzheimer’s disease, which is not a normal part of aging.  In their virtual program, people can learn about the impact of Alzheimer’s; the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia; stages and risk factors; current research and treatments available for some symptoms; and Alzheimer’s Association resources.  Call 800-272-3900 or visit alz.org/crf to explore all upcoming virtual education programs and support groups.

Today’s guest on Senior Living Arizona is Executive Director, Donna Long, with Aviant Hospice.  Aviant is a regional hospice agency with five branches; three in Arizona, one in Nevada, and one in Colorado.

Today we’ll be learning about what hospice is, how hospice works, what you can expect from a reliable hospice agency, and what the process entails to sign on for hospice, and who pays for it.  We’ll cover some important information including what directives are and how “The Five Wishes” can come into play for you or a loved one in the future.  Plus we’ll learn what it’s like to be in the position of caregiving to those who are transitioning from this world to the next and what effect it’s had on this very special lady working in the field of hospice care.

www.slscommunities.com 

www.avaianthospice.com 

Today’s episode of Senior Living Arizona offers a straightforward conversation with Chef Abraham Williams from Sedona Winds Independent Retirement Community which is located in the incredible red rocks of Northern Arizona.  Chef Abe has been with this company for over a decade and has served thousands of residents who have always given fabulous reviews of the menu at Sedona Winds…especially brunches and holidays which spare no expense and offer items such as lobster, crab legs, salmon, duck, beef tenderloin, bbq ribs, excellent soups, Blintzes, Buttermilk Pancakes, French Omelets and so so much more!

This discussion includes some fun facts about Chef Abe’s background in his 40+ years of culinary experience and specifically what it’s been like as a Chef in the retirement housing industry.  Chef Abe shares what certifications he has gained and why they are important in his role when menu planning for residents, how the menus differ from Independent Living to Assisted Living and why, what a well-run kitchen looks like, and the challenges and rewards of serving the senior community.

Today’s podcast offers a one-on-one conversation with Julie Robins, Activities Director at Sedona Winds Independent Living located in the glorious red rocks of Northern Arizona.  Julie has been in that community through its various ownerships and has been working in the senior living industry for over 30 years.  Her experiences, wisdom, and purpose are very apparent as she shares not only how she ended up working with Seniors but some of the most profound and special relationships she has had in her various roles including what it has been like to watch so many people over the years decline in health and pass away.  We also get her advice on what people should look for when researching a retirement community, what kinds of activities make the biggest impact on residents as they age, the various types of activities and how they differ from Independent Living and Assisted Living, and of course, during the conversation, Julie’s love for people and her level of compassion shine through.  THAT is the best takeaway from this episode as it is a wonderful example of the type of staff member everyone in a senior community deserves.

Sedona is well known for its glorious rock formations and it is also the home of Sedona Winds, which offers not just Independent Living but offers Assisted Living and Memory Care as well.  One of the many benefits of this community is how the model of retirement living works so gracefully in this location.  The Independent building sports a seasonally heated pool, walking paths, library, fitness room, game room, activities galore, a hair salon, a fabulous menu and dining room, and beautiful views of the mountains. Part of their offerings include helping residents who get to a point in their lives where they may need more assistance with daily living or their memory loss turns into advanced dementia or Alzheimer’s, there are many levels of care available to accommodate the residents.

In this episode Terry elaborates on her background leading to the Directorship of Sedona Winds and her tenure there and what motivates her in her role. She discusses the importance of loyal, compassionate staff and what health-related issues she feels are crucial to raising public awareness about and why.  We also expand on the activities and services available at Sedona Winds, what kind of voice the residents have there, why it's important and how the happiness level of the residents is tracked.  We also chat about how she creates a sense of community at her property and the role families play in the lives of the seniors living in a retirement community.  This is a lovely interview with a seasoned professional who is an expert in her field.  We hope you enjoy the conversation and the information offered.

www.sedonawinds.com 

www.slscommunities.com 

In our earlier podcasts, we went over the difference between Independent Living and Assisted Living as well as the difference between Assisted Living and Memory Care.  We also elaborated on what virtues and qualities to look for in those communities from the feeling you get when you walk in the door to the meal offerings, amenities, services, activities, and of course the financial aspects of these retirement options that are essential in a quality community and also vital to aging successfully.

Today’s show will take us one step further.  We’re going to discover the differences between Memory Care, Nursing Homes, and Skilled Nursing Facilities.  If you’re someone considering what your options are as you age or you’re a family member seeking to understand those same options for someone you love, we hope this information will help to guide you on your journey.

A recurring theme we often refer to in our podcasts is the language used when referring to retirement housing including “old folks home” and “nursing home” and when referring to an actual property calling it a “facility”.  These terms can cause confusion with the various types of services available today.  We encourage a more accurate term for the modern age of senior housing calling these Independent, Assisted and Memory Care properties, “Communities”.   Now when it comes to Nursing Homes, and Skilled Nursing services we do refer to these operations as facilities because they have a primary purpose that revolves around the medical care being offered to their residents.  Let’s dive deeper.

In our last episode, we covered some of the history of how senior communities offering support services evolved out of necessity from the early 1900s to today.  Retirement housing for seniors in the US has come a long, long way since then thanks to laws and regulations put into place to enhance the quality and care of the progressive needs of our elders.  The fact that our current population is living well into their 80s and beyond certainly dictates the need for retirement housing but what happens when aging includes poor health or progressive disease?  What are the options if someone faces a sudden health crisis that leaves them unable to live their lives without assistance or medical care on a recurring or constant basis?  Now, this is where we get into today’s subject.

Memory Care services are often present near or within any Independent Living or Assisted Living community and are specifically designed to address dementia and Alzheimer’s conditions by offering services that pertain to the daily needs of medication management, assistance with activities of daily living such as meals, bathing, dressing, and toileting etcetera.

Quality Memory Care also has activities to stimulate one’s physical and mental health.  Activities and therapies that relieve dementia symptoms should be relaxing and brief.  Most notably, routine is super important in Memory Care.  Specialized services are focused on scheduling and structure because folks with debilitating dementia issues function better with routine.  Otherwise, they are easily frustrated by change so the activities offered in other senior environments can be far from fun or entertaining for those with memory issues.

You’ll also find that dementia-specific building designs will often include hallways that run in a circular route so that those who wander never encounter a dead end, which leads to fear and anxiety for a resident.  Amenities that contribute to a soothing and calming atmosphere are vital such as stations that let residents actively do or recreate daily activities from their younger years which can range from office duties to child caregiving.   Even the atmosphere of dining is relevant for the memory care resident.  Intimate dining like what we experience at home is an environment to be cultivated in a Memory Care community.  Cafeteria-style dining would overstimulate and even disorient a person dealing with dementia.  Something that many of us may not anticipate, is that it’s important in Memory Care that the ability to engage all of the senses from smelling food cooking to hearing music playing and seeing nature and most especially VIEWS outside with natural lighting from the outdoors.  Even textile impulses are important along with consistency in patterns and objects.  Let’s say a person in the throes of dementia picks up something that looks like it’s made of wood but then they realize it's made of a different material.  This can be quite alarming for the individual.  For the rest of us, this might sound so basic or even silly but for the loved one experiencing memory loss, these elements that cater to the ease and grace of their daily activities are very important for their peace of mind.

Quality Memory Care will also offer an air-conditioned environment reducing or eliminating areas with hot or cold drafts to make the sensations of space conducive to the soothing element that is so critical for these folks.  And finally, when it comes to Memory Care, well-established security measures put in place to keep residents safe from harming themselves or others are crucial for obvious reasons.  This is why safe indoor and outdoor spaces for active wandering are vital as well as invaluable in a quality community for you or your loved one.

Now, of course, financial responsibilities play a huge role in what kind of community or facility is right for the senior who is facing dementia or already in the throes of it.  Often times it is easier to find a spot in a nursing home more so than in an actual Memory Care unit within an Assisted Living Community due to the red tape that can often accompany memory care decisions.  Generally speaking, it is easier to qualify for nursing home care as long as one’s assets are under a limited amount, which varies from state to state.  There can also be a limited number of beds in a facility if Medicaid or Medicare is in play and then you’ll end up dealing with a long waiting period to get in depending on the place.

This leads us to the subject of Nursing Homes and what they offer in terms of services that are similar to those in a Memory Care setting.  A nursing home can be a good choice for you or your loved one dealing with memory loss but it is important to note everything we’ve mentioned so far.  Many nursing homes are NOT designed for memory care and can be unsafe for dementia residents as they get stressed easily and can wander away without proper services in place to address their needs specifically.  And many times it’s the financial piece that comes into play.  Government assistance is available with programs such as Medicaid that can really help people in need as long as they meet the right criteria for coverage so they can get into a nursing home that DOES cover memory care residents.  Otherwise, for the best Memory Care options, it is truly most beneficial to have long-term care insurance and if available to you or your loved one, other private pay options rather than a nursing home.  There are many elder care specialists and advocates that will walk you through the process so you don’t have to feel overwhelmed by this information.  You’re not alone and that is important to remember.  There are resources available to help you figure it out.

What matters most when it comes to making the right choice of where you or a loved one belongs is to make the decision during the early stages of dementia while there is still the capacity to make informed decisions about a healthy and safe home for the expected, advanced, stages of memory loss.

In today’s climate where we have such a large percentage of folks over the age of 65 it has been reported by the US department of Health and Human Services that nearly 70 percent of those people will require long-term care.  So what does long- term care mean and how does that translate to our seniors of today?  Well, it has many levels to it and we hope to make it a little easier to understand.  In today’s episode we’ll be expanding on the difference between Assisted Living and Memory Care but first lets take a brief look at the history of senior housing to illustrate how these concepts have evolved.

The learn more about Senior Living Communities, please visit slscommunities.com.

In our inaugural episode of Senior Living Arizona, we went over the important facets that are vital to ensuring a happy home and happy life for any senior seeking a retirement community.  This brings many questions to mind including, “What is the difference between Independent Living and Assisted Living?”

Every day people equate these two terms “Independent or Assisted” with an old folks home or a nursing home.  We’re here to bust a few myths around this subject to help our listeners understand that Senior Living in 2022 is a far cry from the images evoked by those terms that no longer apply to our retirement population. First of all, we will offer an evolved version of the language people tend to use around this subject including calling these properties ‘facilities’.  The term that more adequately describes Senior Living is “Community”.  Can you hear the difference?  Facility versus Community.  This is what we promote to our audience and our residents because that’s who we are and that is what people deserve in the elder population today.

Retirement living at its best in today’s world is more like resort living when it comes to maintaining one’s independence.  From housekeeping to fitness programs, dining experiences, and activities, both indoors and outside, there are amenities included but they are also optional or voluntary.  So what constitutes “independence” you may ask.  Well, basically that entails exactly what it sounds like.  Independent living when it comes to retirement housing would be best described as someone who is looking for an environment that hosts people within their age group along with activities and amenities that support a hassle-free and enjoyable lifestyle.  You may want to ask yourself some important questions such as:

• Are you safe at home alone and for a few days at a time?
• Are you healthy or do you have chronic conditions that need attention and will worsen over time?
• Do you rely on other people to help you with everyday activities or errands or do you handle these responsibilities on your own?
• And…Has your doctor expressed concerns over your living arrangements?
• Are you handling your own bills or does someone in your family or a fiduciary assist you?
• Do you need any help with daily activities of living such as dressing, bathing or cooking for yourself?

If your answers are simply, I don’t have any of these issues or you may have some issues associated with aging but they’re not keeping you home-bound or dependent on anyone else to manage them….then you’re an independent senior!  Successful aging is easier to achieve when you’re surrounded by people and things that nurture your independence, health, and longevity.  Sometimes we just need someone else to clean our house and we get tired of managing the maintenance and finances of a home but we otherwise continue to live life the same as always…maybe in slower motion, but the same, nonetheless.

Now one of the most advantageous aspects of a quality retirement community in the modern world is the offering of Assisted Living should a person require help as they advance in years.  What does “help” mean?  What constitutes the NEED for Assisted Living and what is the difference anyway?  Well, that is where those same questions we asked a moment ago come in.

• Are you safe at home alone and for a few days at a time?
• Are you healthy or do you have chronic conditions that need attention and will worsen over time?
• Do you rely on other people to help you with everyday activities or errands or do you handle these responsibilities on your own?
• And…Has your doctor expressed concerns over your living arrangements?
• Are you handling your own bills or does someone in your family or a fiduciary assist you?

Do you need any help with daily activities of living such as dressing, bathing, or cooking for yourself?  Do you do your own laundry, housekeeping, home maintenance, financial planning, and bills or are those duties overwhelming or impossible without someone’s help?  Can you manage your own medications well?  Are you letting things go around the house or are you letting your personal hygiene go by the wayside because it’s too much effort or you just forgot to take a shower for the last week?  If you answer those questions for yourself and are aware of the areas that are falling short then you may want to investigate Assisted Living options.  Or if you have a loved one, a friend, or a family member, that you witness having issues on a daily basis with any of these subjects then it’s time to consider better options for the long term.

When seeking the right senior housing for you or a loved one there are many things to consider that we went over in our first podcast including the first impression you get when entering a community, the location of said community, amenities that are offered, staff relationships with the residents, transportation options, whether or not maintenance and utilities are included in rental packages along with meals and housekeeping and then, of course, the financial aspect of senior living.

Moving to an Independent Living Community is a choice.  People do not have to leave their homes.  Most of us would rather stay put in the place we’ve raised our kids or worked our entire lives to create or we retired into our dream home and are super attached to being there.  Deciding to let that go is a huge process and actually making it happen is a transformative experience that can be riddled with fear and anxiety or it can nurture a sense of wellbeing and freedom.  It is all a matter of perspective and usually, it’s a personal journey supported by loving family and friends.  Either way, it isn’t something forced out of necessity.  It’s a lively step towards ease and grace as one ages, liberating a person from the responsibilities of maintaining a home that feel burdensome.  Oftentimes, admitting that to one’s self is the biggest hurdle to overcome when assessing whether or not one is aging successfully at home.

Oftentimes, when you compare the cost of property taxes, maintenance costs of plumbing to roofing and appliances going bad, trees and landscaping that require attention, or a pool and hot tub that need resurfacing and all that goes with owning a home….you may find that the cost of an Independent Living Community is far less and the burden of responsibility, when removed from your shoulders, allows you to have the time and energy to do the things you love more than maintaining the upkeep of your home.

That being said, Assisted Living is more of a necessity.  Some families believe whole-heartedly in multi-generational living, meaning, that the aged parents live with their adult children and everyone stays together.  For many people, family taking care of family is preferred but for many, it isn’t a healthy choice.   Family dynamics play a huge part in this process.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard an adult child say how much they love their parent but they just can’t live with them.  Or the stressors of being an adult child with health issues that make it impossible to care for an aging parent.  Not to mention the historical episodes in one’s family history that may lend to tension and misunderstanding that are decades old. There are so many layers of guilt and also anxiety that can arise just from the concept of taking care of an aging parent no matter how independent they may be.  Same goes for the elder!  For the parent, it is also a case of feeling like a burden to their adult children or they have...

Did you know that according to Saint Simeon's assisted living facts and statistics, currently around one million Americans live in some type of senior living community and that number is expected to double by the year 2030?  By the year 2040, the 85+ population is expected to triple from the 5.7 million there were in 2011 to 14.1 million.  In addition, by the year 2030, one-fifth of the US population will be over the age of 65.  Many seniors will seek long-term living solutions outside of their homes. Care for seniors isn’t a new concern.  If fact early thoughts on aging and care date back to 44BC.  Marcus Tullius Cicero defined four reasons why old age appears to be unhappy.

1) It withdraws us from active pursuits

2) It makes the body weaker

3) It deprives us of physical pleasures

4) It is not far removed from death

That sounds disturbing and scary, doesn’t it?  So, what does this mean for today’s seniors?  Is the ‘age old’ belief system still accurate for our society today in the 21st century?   How does this translate to current times and people?  People are living longer than ever and one’s quality of life is vitally important.  Here at Senior Living Services, our goal is to demystify the aging process proving that senescence is no longer the only reality.  We have devoted our efforts to the elder community deserving to be honored for their contributions to the world we are inheriting.  The reality today is that senior living is brimming with possibilities.  We believe in aging successfully.

So what does that look like?  First of all, aging isn’t easy.  That is a reality anyone getting older can identify with but it doesn’t mean it can’t be done well.  How we choose to age is up to us as individuals and our families often play a role in that process.  Most people prefer to maintain their independence at home and that is a fabulous thing when we can manage it.  Often as we age, the efforts in dealing with a home, all the maintenance and upkeep along with taxes and the financial burdens can get overwhelming on top of keeping up with maintaining one’s health.  Senior living communities are designed to alleviate the responsibilities and worries that we face as we advance in years.  So it’s important to understand what the qualities are of an efficacious senior retirement community.

Let's start with the MISSION of any community you research.  It’s vitally important to know their standards.  Their mission should yield valuable insights guiding their approach to senior care that align with your personal attitudes and beliefs.  Don’t settle for anything less.

The most important on your list of concerns should be the first impression you get from any community.  How were you greeted?  How long did it take for someone to acknowledge you?  Is the environment warm and welcoming or is it cold and austere?  How you feel in the community when you first visit is crucial.

Definitely, location is a huge factor in deciding what community works best for you.  Are you looking for a peaceful, more remote location as in a small town or would you prefer to be near a more urban, active city setting?  Keeping in mind where your family and friends are close by may be paramount in your search.

How important is entertainment to you whether it’s something outdoors such as hiking or golfing or being close to restaurants, movie theaters, and shopping?  For many people, having these social connections will support their senior lifestyle and their involvement in the movement of life.  Be sure the location of where you anticipate moving is one that offers you access to the activities and things you value most.

There are various levels of service available to people seeking retirement living.  Not all seniors share the same needs.  Senior needs can range from independent living to personal care, to assisted living, to at-home services, memory care or even skilled nursing.  Choosing a community that offers the services related to one’s needs or how one may advance in needs is noteworthy on your search.  That being said, should the need arise, understanding in advance whether access is available to rehabs and skilled nursing facilities either nearby or on the premises is something to consider as well.

Socialization, interaction, and activities are part of the recipe for a beneficial experience in modern senior living.  Long gone are the days of a sedentary lifestyle and/or isolation from interests and hobbies.  In today’s culture, communities offer enrichment programs designed to maintain the process of aging successfully.  A lively activities program is essential to the current needs of our elders.  Not to mention, fitness and moving one’s body.  Activities in an active retirement community should include more than games, arts & crafts, or book clubs for example  But outdoor options like a swimming pool or tennis court or gardens and walking paths are an integral necessity that a responsible community should offer.  If there are activities that are valuable to you, look for those offerings in the communities you research.  They’re available and they’re awesome! You definitely want fun things to do and have the mental stimulation to keep your mind and body fresh and fluid.  You know what they say, if you don’t use it, you lose it.  Senior Living today helps you use it and keep it longer!

One of the greatest aspects of any retirement community is a community that offers events.  Whether it’s holiday celebrations, live entertainment, educational programs, or community projects, aging successfully includes this type of engagement.  Definitely research the events calendar of any community you are interested in.

One of the gifts of retirement is having the time to spend not only with your human loved ones but with your furry loved ones too.  Having a pet is a wonderful way to uplift your spirits and there are many studies that show how the presence of animals in a senior’s life adds joy, companionship, and comfort.  If you have a pet or are considering having one, make sure to know the pet policy, including extra fees or restrictions of any community you are considering.

As we advance in years, we may need some support when it comes to managing our finances, especially in today’s high-tech, fast-paced world.  Knowing not only what to anticipate as far as inflation, rent increases or unexpected health expenses are vital considerations when seeking retirement housing.  Planning who will assist in managing your income and bills as well as anticipating how long your money will last will assist you in determining the costs that will accommodate your budget.  Having this plan in place will make your search that much easier.

Staffing in any industry is key to a healthy environment on every level.  The relationship a resident shares with the staff of a retirement community is absolutely key in the process of aging well and feeling safe in your home.  Pay attention to the staff of any community you visit.  Do the staff members know the residents’ names?  Are they friendly and accommodating, polite and efficient in their communications?  Are they patient, kind, and compassionate to their population?  Take note of the feeling you get from the social climate of any property you investigate.

Resident feedback, reviews, and testimonials are helpful in determining whether a senior community is accomplishing its mission’s goals.  When touri...