“Debbie was a huge light in the senior services community and helped so many by creating the Senior Connection.”
Photo courtesy of Adrienne Reynolds Photography, www.photosby adrienne.com
Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, & Dewey/Humboldt
“Debbie was a huge light in the senior services community and helped so many by creating the Senior Connection.”
Photo courtesy of Adrienne Reynolds Photography, www.photosby adrienne.com
Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others and feel connected?
Let’s have a chit-chat: There is nothing better than a good old-fashioned “talk.” Seriously, who doesn’t like to be heard? Our elders love to be heard. It helps them feel wanted. Start by asking how their day is and, if the opportunity arises, move into talking about their past. A great way to lead into this is by asking where they grew up and/or what they did for a living.
Some of the day’s most meaningful moments begin with a light conversation. You might walk away thinking that was the best conversation of your life. You may even realize you are connected somehow. Maybe you grew up in the same town or you randomly know the same people. You never know where a conversation might end up.
Using our hands: Connecting while creating can be a powerful thing. There is no pressure to make small talk. Some great ideas for this are puzzles, painting and planting. As you begin to create, the barriers are released and before you know it, you are having a nice time!
What game shall we play? Playing games is a great way to break the ice. It doesn’t have to be one on one, you can get a little group together and play cards, Bingo, Yahtzee or board games such as Sorry and Aggravation.
Go on an outing: This doesn’t have to be a big outing, it can be going for a drive to see the beautiful countryside or maybe you have a specific destination in mind such as a museum or Prescott Square. Either way, it’s all about doing it together.
Staying connected is exactly what the Life Enrichment departments do at both the Margaret T. Morris Assisted Living Center and the Susan J. Rheem Adult Day Center. We do all of these things plus so much more. And guess what? We are looking for volunteers. We need all types of humans to help us connect with the people we serve. Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others and feel connected? Visit our website today to see where you can be of service. www.adultcareservices.org. QCBN
By Candace Lea
Candace Lea, MBA, is the community liaison and marketing person for Adult Care Services. She also teaches yoga in the Quad Cities Area. www.adultcareservices.org
As we age, we might need a little help from our friends. In this case, it’s a walker, cane or reacher.
Walking and Exercise: I’m sure you’ve heard this a million times. If you don’t use it, you will lose it. You’ve heard it so often because it’s a fact. Walking is one of the best forms of exercise. It builds strength and stamina in your feet, legs and core. The core is all the muscles deep within our abdomen and spine. They keep us upright. So, walk it out. Any amount of walking is great. The point is, keep moving!
Shoes: Shoes are so very important! You have to make sure they fit well. Not too small, not too big, just right. (Sounds like Goldilocks and the Three Bears!) Shoes that are too small will restrict your feet and cause pain, discomfort and lack of a good base of support. When your shoes are too big, your feet slide around and can lead to toe deformity as well as stumbling from the shoes getting in the way. A big no-no for shoes are the slippers and shoes called Mules that are open in the back. Avoid these, as they can slip off and cause a tumble.
Throw rugs: Yes, they are pretty and they are warm if you have wood floor or tile, but they are dangerous. A trip or fall is not worth it! Only one sentence is required here. Throw out the throw rugs!
Assistive devices: As we age, we might need a little help from our friends. In this case, it’s a walker, cane or reacher. The walkers nowadays are like a fancy new car with all the bells and whistles. They not only give you something to hold on to for stability, but some even have a little compartment to carry things. Your doctor or friendly neighborhood medical supply store can help to get you fitted and set up with the perfect walker or cane. Reachers or grabbers are amazing devices that you use to pick things up from the floor or to reach things from a tall shelf. That is correct, no bending over to pick up that dropped tissue and no climbing on a step stool or chair to reach for that can of green beans.
Moving with intention: As we age, it’s very important to move slowly and not rush from one position to the next. When you are lying in bed, don’t move quickly to standing. Instead, roll to your side, allowing your body to acclimate to the situation. Then, slowly move from lying down to seated. Again, stay seated on the edge of your bed for several minutes while taking some nice deep breaths. Place your walker in front of you. Then, with intention, move to stand. Breathing in and out as you stand and get your bearings. Then, you can begin to safely make your way to wherever you are off to.
Cleaning up your outdoor walkways: This can begin before the snow and ice appear. Making sure your walkways are clear from debris and clutter is so very important. Once the snow and ice do come it will be easier to shovel and sprinkle the de-ice products.
If we had to decide on a moral to this story it would be: always be prepared, move with intention and, of course, ask for help. The fact that you are reading this article is a perfect way to start after all. Knowledge is power. QCBN
By Candace Lea
Candace Lea, MBA, is the community liaison and marketing person for Adult Care Services. She also teaches yoga in the Quad Cities Area. www.adultcareservices.org
The point of all of this is keeping our elders healthy, because that is what hydration is all about.
Back in the 1970s and ‘80s, we didn’t walk around with a water bottle like we do now. This is progress! But where does that leave our elders who did not grow up with the push to stay hydrated? The balance of having our elders enjoy the warm sunshine and stay hydrated at the same time requires some creativity.
Let’s start with getting ahead of the thirst and what that means for our senior populations. The reason we want to stay ahead of the thirst is because once we have reached the point of dry mouth, we are most likely already getting dehydrated.
Encourage fluids, especially water, throughout the day by having water readily available such as the water bottle they carry, or a large water container placed on a nearby counter with little water glasses for easy access. Make water the first thing they ingest when they start the day and the last thing they ingest at the end of day. If it’s a struggle to stay ahead of the hydration train, then maybe set a timer or have them drink a little sip at the start of each hour.
Be cognizant of what our seniors are putting into their bodies that cause dehydration: fried foods, salty foods, alcohol, caffeine, medications, supplements and sugary foods. Educate yourself on what is hydrating and what is not. It’s true, knowledge is power!
Have a snack that is hydrating: watermelon (the name says it all!), cantaloupe, apples, pineapple, celery, watercress and cucumbers. If you know that your elder is not going to drink enough water, try to encourage a few of these water filled treats into their day.
Make water yummy. Who doesn’t like a nice flavor in our water? You can add lemon, lime, orange, strawberry, mint and cucumber to the water to give it a little pick-me-up.
The point of all of this is keeping our elders healthy, because that is what hydration is all about. When you know they are going to be outdoors, help them to dress accordingly and make sure if it gets too warm that they can slip into the shade. We want them to partake in the benefits of the fresh air and sunshine and to be healthy while doing it! QCBN
By Candace Lea
Candace Lea, MBA, is the community liaison for Adult Care Services.
This amazing day center has been the only adult day health program in Northern Arizona supporting caregivers for many of the past 40 years.
In acknowledging the spirit of caregiving on behalf of their late founding Executive Director Susan J. Rheem, Adult Care Services is proud to announce that the SJRC has been awarded the David Besst Award from the Arizona Caregiver Coalition. The award honors the awardees but also David Besst, who untiringly worked to establish resources and respite for family caregivers. Laura Dreibelbis, the director of the Susan J. Rheem Center, along with Yvonne Napolitano, executive director of Adult Care Services, were presented with the award on March 3, at the Family Caregiver Day at the capitol.
This amazing day center has been the only adult day health program in Northern Arizona supporting caregivers for many of the past 40 years. SJRC has been an affordable care option for families to stay together longer instead of premature placement in nursing homes, assisted living facilities or having to rely on in-home care. SJRC has been recognized as a leader across the United States because of its ability to maintain solid adult day programming in a rural area, whereas most adult day health programs are only successful in larger cities.
The center, located in Prescott Valley, serves its participants from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. It is unique in the fact that it has six buses that transport participants from Paulden, Cordes Lakes, Prescott and all the towns in between. The center was built with safety for its participants in mind and is a secure building.
Although the Susan J. Rheem Center specializes in serving those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementias, it does offer services to those 18 years of age and older with an array of illnesses and disabilities. Taking pride in the care they give to each and every person they serve, the center has a full-time in-house chef that prepares a nutritious breakfast, lunch and a snack each day. Being a medical/social model of care, there are two full-time nurses and several life enrichment specialists who create a wonderful program that includes exercise and socialization. The nurses monitor health conditions and conduct care meetings with family members and case managers.
The Susan J. Rheem Center is connected with Arizona Long Term Care, Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG) and the Veterans Administration to help those participants who qualify with the cost of services. QCBN
By Candace Lea
If you are interested in learning more about this day program, please visit their website at www.adultcareservices.org or call for a tour: 928-775-3563.
Candace Lea, MBA, is the community liaison for Adult Care Services.
All in all, the Number One question to ask yourself when looking for an assisted living community is, “Will my loved one like it?”
At 94, grandma was still very independent, but she was also afraid of change and suffered from depression and anxiety. My aunt, cousin and I began to research assisted living communities in our hometown. I was an occupational therapy assistant for many years and had worked primarily with elders. My cousin, who is a speech language pathologist, also had worked with geriatrics in our hometown, which was such a blessing because she knew right away the places to avoid.
What can you do if you do not have the inside scoop of where to start looking? The first thing you can do is begin to research. Here are some things to consider:
Reputation and Longevity
Has the assisted living community been around for a while? What do friends, neighbors and your doctors have to say about them? Is there high turnover among the employees?
Management
Who is managing the assisted living community? Is the facility managed locally or is it managed by a company on the other side of the country? Do they have a local registered nurse and medical director?
Pricing/Cost
Is there a set fee or are there add-ons? What is provided? Are meals, laundry, medication management and housekeeping provided but with added costs?
Food
Is the food delicious? Do they serve foods that are geared toward the aging population? When you schedule your tour, ask if you can have lunch.
Fresh Air and Sunshine
Does the assisted living community have an outdoor area? Is there a place where your loved one can get that much-needed fresh air and sunshine?
Life Enrichment/Activity Programs
Are there meaningful activities? Are they providing yoga, exercise and cognitive activities for brain stimulation?
These are just recommendations. The best thing you can do is schedule a tour and get a feel (and smell) for the assisted living community. You will know when you walk in if it feels (and smells) good. You will also be able to witness the interactions between the caregivers and the residents. This is vitally important because this will be your loved one’s home and the care they receive should be everyone’s Number One priority.
All in all, the Number One question to ask yourself when looking for an assisted living community is, “Will my loved one like it?”
When searching for my grandma, I had to look at it from her perspective, not my own. She was not a social person, she was very independent and she loved good food. We took all these things into consideration plus many other aspects and we found the perfect place for her. She lived there until she was 100 and a half!
Here are a few resources in the Quad Cities area that may be of assistance to you:
Area Agency on Aging – Prescott Office
3003 Centerpoint East. Dr
Prescott, AZ 86301
Toll Free: 1-877-521-3500
Alzheimer’s Association
3111 Clearwater Dr
Prescott, AZ 86305
Local # 928-771-9257
24/7 HELPLINE 800-272-3900
Arizona Department of Health Services
150 N. 18th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
602-542-1025
By Candace Lea
Candace Lea, MBA, is the community liaison for Adult Care Services.
Adult Care Services has been helping families and caregivers for 40 years.
We all know moms do so much. They care for us as babies, they help us to take our first steps and speak our first words, they teach us how to count and recite our ABCs, they encourage us to do the laundry and wash the dishes, they support us when times are tough and they rejoice in our achievements and happiness!
As we grow up, mom becomes a friend and confidant. We rely on her to be there always, no matter what. The relationship begins to shift to be more of a friendship and we think how lucky we are to have grown up with our best friend being right here by our side.
And then as mom ages, there is another shift, it’s subtle at first and you may not even realize it’s occurring. The roles begin to reverse. You are making sure mom is happy and comfortable. You begin to stop by or call to check on her and ask how her day was. You might start to take her to the grocery store or out to dinner so you know she has eaten and has the food she needs. If mom becomes ill, you take her to the doctor, you care for her just like she did for you once upon a time.
How do you, as a caregiver, handle all of these impactful life changes? Again, it can be subtle. You may not even realize you are in the throughs of caring for another adult until one day, you are exhausted. At this point whatever you feel is OK! Maybe you are angry, “I never signed up for this!” or sad and resentful, “why is all of this my responsibility?” Again, it’s OK to have all of these emotions and you must allow yourself time to process these feelings.
The next step is to find a support system for both you and mom. For you, this can mean someone to get advice from and even someone to help you care for your mom. There are so many great services in the Quad Cities area that are ready to help you. All you have to do is go online, pick up the phone and ask for help.
A great place to start is:
Adult Care Services has been helping families and caregivers for 40 years. The Susan J. Rheem Adult Day Center and the Margaret T. Morris Assisted Living Center are both great places to find the much-needed support and respite that you need. Mom can relax, make friends and have fun! You can be assured she is getting the nurturing and medical monitoring that she requires.
Always remember that you cannot take good care of mom if you are not taking care of yourself. Finding your resiliency will help you to get through these big life changes. Maybe you have a friend or neighbor you can reach out to. Having someone to talk to can make all the difference in the world. Eating a well-balanced and healthy diet is also crucial, especially for caregivers. After all, you can’t take care of mom if you are not taking care of yourself! Reach out today and get the help you need. You are not alone.
Happy Mother’s Day! QCBN
By Candace Lea
Candace Lea, MBA, is the community liaison and marketing person for Adult Care Services. She has worked in the human service and healthcare field for more than 30 years. She also is a local yoga teacher. To learn more about these programs, visit adultcareservices.org.
Memory Cafés are held in the community at libraries, day centers, clinics or any place that is interested in starting a café.
When a person is diagnosed with memory loss, it can be a challenging time, not only for them, but also their entire family. All persons involved may go through the stages of grief, including anger, sadness and denial. This can be a trying time for the family and a Memory Café is a perfect way to come together with others who are experiencing the same thing. This support system is such a valuable resource. Isolation that comes along with many illnesses can be one of the most debilitating factors. When you meet others and you observe that you are not alone, a shift in perception occurs. Friendships and confidants may be established and this is a powerful tool when fighting a long-term illness.
Memory Cafés are held in the community at libraries, day centers, clinics or any place that is interested in starting a café. In the past two years, many cafés have become virtual, for those who are not comfortable attending in person. There is usually a snack or meal served, followed by an art/craft, game or an educational moment. This is an opportunity to enjoy quality time with one another and put the diagnosis on the back burner. Smiles, laughter and relaxation are strongly encouraged! One of the important aspects of the cafés is that the space is set up so the person with memory loss and the caregiver are able to enjoy quality time together. This leveled-out playing field breaks down the ongoing stress and demands that both participants have been going through. They are not separated; this is not a respite event. The activity is structured so that both people can partake and enjoy!
The Susan J. Rheem Adult Day Center is so excited to be bringing their Memory Café back to the Quad Cities area. This free café will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m., the second Saturday of each month, beginning April 9. A continental breakfast will be served, followed by a fun-filled game or art project. If you or a friend or family member are suffering with memory loss, dementia or a cognitive impairment, we encourage you to attend. Please RSVP by texting, calling or emailing Candace Lea at 928-441-1039, cl@adultcareservices.org. QCBN
By Candace Lea
If you would like to learn more about the Memory Cafés in the U.S. and other countries, please visit the Memory Café Directory at www.memorycafedirectory.com.
Candace Lea, MBA, is the community liaison and marketing person for Adult Care Services. She has worked in the human service and healthcare field for more than 30 years. She also is a local yoga teacher. To learn more about these programs, visit adultcareservices.org.
So, is love a many-splendored thing? Well, of course it is!
Let’s talk about one of those love stories and how it’s evolved over the years.
Mary and Peter went on a blind date to a Peter, Paul and Mary concert. How cute is that? They fell in love and married in Battle Creek, Michigan on Sept. 17, 1966.
Mary went on to earn a bachelor of science degree in nursing as well as a masters and Ph.D. from Arizona State University (ASU). She worked as a clinical nurse for many years but then went on to serve as the associate dean of undergraduate nursing at her alma mater, ASU. In 2000, Mary created a ceremony for ASU nursing students called Lighting the Lamp: An Affirmation. This ceremony was a tribute to Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.
Peter earned a Ph.D. in psychology and taught at ASU for 40 years. He specialized in studying memory loss. Mary and Peter have two wonderful adult children, Matt and Megan. They raised the kids in the Phoenix area. Matt has given Mary and Peter two grandchildren and Megan has given them three. Ten years ago, Mary and Peter visited Prescott, fell in love with the community, bought a home and began to transition to the north. Then, the unimaginable happened: Mary began to show signs of memory loss. After several tests, she was diagnosed with dementia and white matter disease.
Fast forward to 2021. Mary is now a resident at the Margaret T. Morris Assisted Living Center.
Peter and Mary are still each other’s biggest fans. When Peter walks in the door, Mary rushes in to give him a generous hug. Even though she suffers from severe memory loss, she has not forgotten her love for Peter. You will find them tucked away in a cozy nook looking at pictures or other memorabilia that Peter has brought for the day’s visit. Mary enjoys showing her photos that are in her memory cabinet outside her bedroom door. The neighborhood-style setting within Margaret T. Morris has been beneficial in helping Mary to settle in and make it her home.
You might see the couple enjoying the fresh air and sunshine of the one-acre Strolling Garden. This seems to be the place that rejuvenates Mary. She can be observed reaching down and picking a flower or commenting about the beautiful leaves that have fallen along the path. Nature has such a wonderful way of bringing good feelings. It’s also good for our health and mood.
Mary is not the only one who brightens when they are together. Peter beams when he tells their story and shares about all of Mary’s accomplishments throughout her life. With his strong arm around her shoulder, he includes her in every conversation. Peter shared that he’s ever so grateful for the love he feels that Mary receives from everyone at Margaret T. Morris Center.
So, is love a many-splendored thing? Well, of course it is! When a couple can fall in love, move across the United States, have rewarding careers, raise amazing children and continue their love story despite devastating illness, it is most definitely a many-splendored thing.
Happy Valentine’s Day to Mary and Peter and thank you both for sharing your love with all of us! QCBN
By Candace Lea
Candace Lea, MBA, is the community liaison and marketing person for Adult Care Services. She has worked in the human service and healthcare field for more than 30 years. She also is a local yoga teacher. To learn more about these programs, visit adultcareservices.org.
Not taking life or yourself too seriously is a beautiful quality to have.
You feel it all, and that is actually a part of being resilient: being open and honest about how you are feeling. Let’s talk about a few resiliency traits and how they can increase our well-being as we get older.
Believing that this is only temporary: when we know in our heart and mind that whatever negative event or emotion we are going through is only temporary. The adage, “this too shall pass” is so very important. It is seeing the light at the end of the dark tunnel. You know in your mind that things are going to get better, the darkness will pass. This helps us to have hope and to be able to see that the future will feel better. An example of this is when you change your job or even retire. It feels really strange at first, you might even feel sad or depressed because you are in a new space and you are mourning the loss of that familiarity. But you say to yourself, “It’s OK, I am supposed to feel this way. Things are going to get better.”
Identifying, talking about and feeling our emotions: Feel the feels! You can say, “Oh my gosh, I am so incredibly sad right now!” And then allow yourself to express that emotion no matter what. An example of this would be if you found out your loved one was transitioning to death. You receive the call while at work, in the car with two of your employees. Instead of holding the emotions in, you go straight into ugly crying while one of the employees is driving and the other is sobbing along with you. You are feeling a huge sadness and you are not going to hold that in. Let those feelings out! And this goes for all the emotions mad, sad, glad or scared. Like Madonna sang, “Express yourself!”
Moving our bodies/exercise: This is so important in many ways. First off, we have all heard the theory that exercise increases dopamine and serotonin. The fact of the matter is moving our bodies helps us to feel better. It increases blood and oxygen flow through our body and our brain. Yoga is an excellent way to move and also manage stress. When doing yoga, we are connecting breath with movement AND meditation. Meditation helps us to quiet our minds and decrease stress and anxiety. If you create a habit of moving your body daily, when a stressful situation presents itself, you will be in better shape both mentally and physically to handle it. Keep moving, go for a walk, take a yoga class and create that great habit!
Humor! Yes, laughter is the perfect prescription for snapping into a better mindset. Humor is a funny thing (hey, that was a good one). You can be crying one second and then you realize you are standing in the middle of a grocery store and you begin to laugh. And you know what? It’s OK. Not taking life or yourself too seriously is a beautiful quality to have.
Asking for Help/Support System: We all need help at times. There is never anything wrong with saying, “I need help, I can’t do this on my own.”
This is probably the most important trait because human connection, of any sort, is so very healing.
These are only a few examples of resiliency traits and behaviors. Please do some research and you may find that you are more resilient than you thought.
If you are a caregiver, you can encourage resiliency in the person for whom you are caring. One way they do this at the Margaret T. Morris Assisted Living Center is by doing daily exercises with the Life Enrichment Team. At the Susan J. Rheem Adult Day Center, the participants are constantly laughing and enjoying themselves while participating in games of all kinds. Quality Care, Quality Service, Quality of Life. QCBN
By Candace Lea
Candace Lea, MBA, is the community liaison and marketing person for Adult Care Services. She has worked in the human service and healthcare field for more than 30 years. She also is a local yoga teacher. To learn more about these programs, visit adultcareservices.org.