Category: News

As our parents age, it’s common for roles to reverse. Instead of being supported and assisted by our parents, now it’s our turn to offer support, advice, care, and even some discipline. You might check in several times a week to help with household tasks, attend doctor’s appointments, ensure they’re eating well, or confirm medications are taken as prescribed. Whether you’re stopping by in person or calling to check in, caregiving often becomes a regular part of daily life.

While caring for a parent or elderly loved one can be rewarding, it can also bring challenges, especially when balancing your own budding family or career.

Over the years, your parents’ care needs will likely intensify, and if your parent remains home – often alone – the demands and worries only increase. Without enough support, it’s easy for family caregivers to experience caregiver burnout or fatigue. It’s real. This is one of the most common reasons families begin to shop around for a retirement community like Jackson Creek Senior Living that might offer more daily support, care, and socialization than they can provide.

Avoid Caregiver Burnout

Fatigue, burnout, call it what you want, but when individuals are responsible for caregiving for their parents, older friends, or relatives, there is a strain that mounts that can also affect the caregivers’ well-being. Yes, people who care for seniors—whether they’re family members, friends, or professional caregivers—can, and often do, experience burnout. It’s a well-documented phenomenon.

This fatigue can be caused by watching a loved one decline, especially when facing a condition such as Alzheimer’s or related dementia. Caregiver burnout is also caused by physical demands such as bathing, dressing, or other activities of daily living that can be exhausting. Many caregivers are on their own, which only intensifies the pressure to stay on top of their loved ones’ needs. Caregivers may also face financial stress if they have to cut back on work.

If you know someone caring for a parent, watch for signs of burnout, including constant fatigue, mood swings and irritability, resentment, withdrawing from typical social events, trouble sleeping, or changes in appetite.

So, what can a caregiver do to refresh? Experts say it’s important to take breaks for yourself. If you have siblings who can help, encourage sharing the responsibilities so the duties are more of a team effort. Additionally, consider joining a support group or book club that tackles caregiving topics. Sometimes, it’s helpful to know others are facing similar challenges, and these peers may share information that helps them cope. It’s important to create boundaries, too. In some situations, you should encourage your parent or loved one to get professional help – you can’t do it all. Another tactic many health professionals recommend is tapping into local resources. For example, many regions have area councils on aging or senior centers; these can be a wealth of helpful information.

And finally, experts suggest some self-care. Whether it is taking time to meditate, take a walk, or visit a gym, having a daily and healthy routine that gives you a physical and mental break can help you balance the challenges of caregiving for others.

As we approach the summer season, another potential option is suggesting that your parent try a respite stay in a senior living community. These stays, often lasting a few weeks or a month, provide fully furnished apartments, care services, meals, and social engagement for your loved one, so you can take time off to enjoy a worry-free vacation or attend important events and appointments. Day Retreats may also be available to support families’ weekday caregiving needs.

For more information about local resources, short-term respite stays, or how to avoid caregiver burnout, please give the team at Jackson Creek Senior Living a call at 719-259-1331 or visit jacksoncreekseniorliving.com.

Many caregivers and older adults are concerned about senior living and long-term care costs. These expenses can consume a large portion of a senior’s monthly income, even for those who believed they had saved enough. How individuals pay for senior care depends on their financial situation and the types of services they need. Seniors and their families often rely on a combination of funding sources, such as personal savings, pensions or retirement accounts, investment income, or proceeds from selling a home.

Professional care in assisted living or continuing care retirement communities is typically paid out of pocket.

Each year, our nation celebrates our veterans with numerous observances to keep their service and sacrifice top of mind. But beyond remembrance, the United States is committed to supporting veterans, especially as they age and require care. For the more than 10 million war veterans living in the U.S., and their spouses, a little-known Veterans Affairs benefit called Aid and Attendance can significantly offset the cost of home care, assisted living, or nursing home care.

With many military bases located in Colorado, it’s no surprise that veterans choose to retire in the Centennial State, and as they age, many have successfully accessed this valuable benefit.

Aid and Attendance Benefit Details

The VA Aid and Attendance benefit is a monthly payment added to the regular VA pension for eligible veterans and surviving spouses who need help with daily activities due to disability, illness, or age.

The benefit extends to veterans of the Iraq Gulf War, the Korean and Vietnam wars, World War II, and even members of the American Merchant Marines who served during the 1940s. The benefit often extends to surviving spouses as well.

Monthly benefit amounts vary from approximately $1,500 for a surviving spouse needing care to about $2,800 for a veteran and spouse who require assistance. These funds can greatly help defray the cost of assisted living or home care, which averages more than $5,500 per month, according to SeniorLiving.org.

The supplemental funding of the Aid and Attendance benefit helps cover the cost of assistance with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, eating, and toileting. It can be used for care provided at home, assisted living communities, or skilled nursing facilities.

Veterans or their families can apply for Aid and Attendance by completing VA Form 21-2680, providing the required medical documentation showing a need for assistance, and submitting this to the VA Pension Management Center. Applications can be submitted online through the VA website, in person at a VA office, or with the help of a Veterans Service Officer.

If you think you or a loved one may be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit – just like several of our proud veteran residents who have served our nation – talk to our leasing agents. They can answer questions and help guide you to the El Paso County Veterans Service Office or the Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center in Colorado Springs. To contact the Jackson Creek Senior Living team, call 719-259-1331 or visit jacksoncreekseniorliving.com.

DISCLAIMER: Jackson Creek Senior Living cannot determine eligibility for veterans’ benefits; only the Veterans Administration can determine applicant eligibility.

With the changing of the clocks (one hour forward) this spring, we all plod through the first couple of weeks as our circadian rhythm, the sleep-wake cycle, tries to catch up. For many people living with dementia, this sleep-wake cycle can be interrupted daily in a condition called Sundowning Syndrome. This symptom of dementia causes individuals to face increased confusion, agitation, anxiety and sometimes aggression in late afternoon or early evening.

For families supporting a loved one living with dementia, it can be quite distressing to try and manage this condition, which can manifest in confusion and disorientation, pacing, irritability and mood swings, wandering at night and worse, paranoia.

Doctors say Sundowning is believed to be caused by a combination of factors, including disruptions in the body’s internal clock, fatigue, reduced lighting, sensory overload, changes in brain function, or sometimes the side effects of medicine or dehydration.

How can families help when Sundowning occurs?

To reduce the stress on families and the individual experiencing Sundowning symptoms, families can take several steps to help a loved one. The first step is establishing a consistent routine, such as regular times for waking up, meals and bedtime. If possible, limit naps to encourage more sound night sleep, and plan activities for earlier in the day to reduce evening overstimulation.

Healthy sleeping habits are critical as well. You can support this by exposing your loved one to natural daylight to help regulate the individual’s body clock. You can also limit caffeine, sugar or large late-day meals, and create a calming routine near bedtime. Also, encourage light exercise during the day. A simple walk or a routine of stretching or yoga can reduce restlessness later in the day.

Next, consider adjusting your home environment. You can do this by keeping the home well-lit, especially as night falls. This will help reduce shadows and potential confusion. In addition, reduce noise and distractions, such as loud TV or radio, and limit late-day visitors. Consider blackout curtains as well.

If your loved one experiences Sundowning symptoms, reassure them calmly. You can do this by speaking softly or offering a gentle physical touch if they enjoy this. You can also try to redirect the negative behavior by shifting attention to a relaxing activity like listening to familiar music, folding laundry or doing an easy puzzle.

Keeping a journal on what triggers symptoms – or periods of calm – will help you learn important factors that will benefit your loved one. Monitor for foods, activities, lighting, sounds, and anything else that might provide clues for how you can adjust how you support your loved one.

Finally, if Sundowning symptoms become too much for you to handle at home, consult with your doctor. They can help assess if your loved one is being affected by medications or other conditions such as an infection that might be causing discomfort. If symptoms persist and become too complex to handle at home, they may have recommendations for where you can get help.

Caring for someone with sundowning can be challenging, but by creating a structured, calming environment and providing reassurance, families can help ease symptoms and improve their loved one’s well-being.

As part of its continuum of living options for seniors, Jackson Creek Senior Living offers specialized memory support care in addition to assisted living and independent living. In our memory support neighborhood and Creekside Retreat, team members have been trained to support residents experiencing Sundowner’s syndrome and other side effects of Alzheimer’s and related dementia conditions. Give us a call at 719-259-1331 if you have any questions. We’re here to help.

The Creekside Retreat is available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. MT on weekdays with full- and half-day options. Call 719-259-1331 to learn more or schedule an assessment.

Caring for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s and related dementia is challenging. Increasingly, families are turning to day retreat programs that support seniors during the weekdays. When a caregiver is busy with work, running errands, or just needing some personal time to relax and focus on their health and well-being, a day program ensures their loved one or patient is safe, well-cared for, and enjoying their time away from home.

Jackson Creek Senior Living’s Creekside Retreat Day Program is for individuals who need assisted living or dementia-care services during the day. Located in our Creekside memory support community, participants spend time with peers with similar interests and enjoy chef-prepared meals and snacks with access to supportive services and exceptional amenities. Day Retreat members participate in community events, wellness programs, and activities and get to know residents and team members in a safe and engaging environment. The Creekside Retreat is also a great way for older adults and families to get to know our senior lifestyle community before considering a temporary short-term respite stay or more or becoming a permanent resident.

Benefits of Jackson Creek’s Creekside Retreat Program for Seniors

Socialization

Loneliness and isolation are common issues many seniors struggle with as they cope with memory loss and decreased mobility. Day programs allow older adults to participate in social activities, games, music, and opportunities for growth and learning alongside friends in a safe and supported environment with specially trained caregivers nearby to assist as needed.

Independence

Getting out of the house and having choices when it comes to what activities they are involved in, whom they spend time with, and even what to order for lunch promotes independence and confidence in seniors. The freedom to have more say in their daytime activities can also boost their mental and physical health and overall well-being.

Quality Care

Older adults enrolled in a day program are surrounded by dementia-care professionals who offer supportive services like medication and incontinence management and assistance with activities of daily living. They are also adept at handling unusual or aggressive behaviors that can be associated with memory loss and ensuring that program participants are safe and comfortable at all times.

Benefits of Day Programs for Caregivers

Peace of Mind

When it isn’t possible to be with a loved one, day programs offer caregivers peace of mind knowing their loved one is engaged in fun activities with peers while being looked after by specially trained professionals in a safe and supportive environment.

Better Care

Caregiving for a loved one living with memory loss requires time and energy. That’s why it’s essential for caregivers to learn how to cope with daily challenges and avoid burnout. Utilizing a day program like Jackson Creek’s Creekside Retreat can provide a much-needed break for caregivers to focus on their own health, relax, and rejuvenate so they can continue to manage the demands of caregiving.

Seniors living with dementia often require specialized care and ongoing supervision that family caregivers may find challenging to provide. As your loved one’s condition progresses, dementia symptoms and behaviors may worsen, and there may be a fork in the road where you must decide to arrange for care at home or consider a move to a senior living community that offers memory support.

This complex decision requires an understanding of what home care organizations and memory support providers offer for dementia care. And the decision often depends on the individual’s condition, needs, budget, and support system.

What is a memory support community?

At some point, caregivers may find that moving a senior to a memory support community will be beneficial as their dementia progresses. Memory support facilities provide long-term care for seniors living with Alzheimer’s or related dementia. This type of residential community typically offers specialized memory support services that meet the unique needs of its residents. The services in these communities are designed to improve the quality of life for seniors with memory loss by reducing confusion and stimulating cognitive function within a secure setting. That secure setting, and the collective support of a team approach to care, is often a very important factor for families.

Memory support communities can be a part of another senior living community that provides multiple levels of care, or they can be a stand-alone facility. For example, here at Jackson Creek Senior Living, we offer memory support as well as assisted living and independent living apartments, respite care and day retreat services.

Memory support care often includes many of the same services as assisted living, such as assistance with activities of daily living, meal preparation, and medication management. They also offer unique services, activities, and amenities tailored to seniors with cognitive impairment. Communities that care for seniors with middle- to end-stage dementia may also be better equipped to handle the challenges associated with wandering, aggression, and other dementia-related behaviors.

Memory support communities meet the care needs of those experiencing cognitive decline and memory loss by offering various services:

• Personal care that assists seniors who have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, or medication management
• Safety features, which typically include security cameras, emergency call buttons, and locked doors to prevent wandering
• Full-time supervision by team members trained to attend to the needs of seniors living with dementia
• Behavioral interventions to help with symptoms such as aggression
• Activities, programs, and social events designed to stimulate cognitive function for seniors living with dementia
• Intentionally designed spaces that ease anxiety and agitation, and simplified building layouts for easy navigation

Many memory support communities utilize a “person-centered” approach to providing care. This process focuses on building close relationships between residents and team members while promoting individuality. Person-centered memory support communities emphasize respecting and valuing seniors as individuals, regardless of their cognitive abilities.

What is home care for dementia?

Home care provides services to assist seniors in their homes. Home care may be offered by independent caregivers hired as contractors, or by home care agencies that employ professional caregivers. These caregivers offer companionship, assistance with daily activities, and dementia care, usually for an hourly fee. Levels of care provided can vary from a few hours of weekly housekeeping to 24-hour daily supervision, based on each person’s needs and individual care plan.

Home care may be more appropriate for individuals with early to moderate stages of dementia who can still function with support, which can often be family members to supplement home care staff. This option allows the individual to be in a familiar environment, get one-on-one care, and benefit from flexibility in scheduling. Home modifications may be necessary for safety and security.

Assessing the right dementia care option for your family

Budget can be a major factor for families in timing and selecting which option should be taken. While the price of memory support care is typically higher than assisted living, the all-inclusive pricing can be attractive to families who balance this cost against the cost of running a home (food, utilities, insurance, maintenance) and the cost of the home care providers.

Deciding which type of care your loved one living with dementia needs can feel like a daunting task at first. Learning about the differences between memory support communities and home care providers is a good place to start.

If you would like to speak with our memory support team as you explore your options, our experts are a resource here to assist you. Please give them a call at 719-259-1331. Jackson Creek Senior Living offers a continuum of care options for seniors 62+, including dementia care.

Caring for those living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias requires specialized training to understand how those individuals experience the world. As part of Jackson Creek Senior Living’s commitment to resident care and employee development, team members across departments completed an interactive dementia training program to help understand the challenges those living with cognitive impairment face daily.

The Virtual Dementia Tour^® (VDT) program was created by P.K. Beville, founder of Second Wind Dreams, a nonprofit organization based in Roswell, Georgia. It is used in memory support communities and organizations worldwide to give caregivers, families, and health providers a better understanding of the physical and mental challenges faced by those living with memory loss. A VDT replicates common issues seniors encounter daily, including discomfort when walking or standing, loss of hand-eye coordination/dexterity, and glaucoma. Not only do older adults living with dementia deal with these age-related issues, but they may also be sensitive to loud noises and experience short and long-term memory loss.

Jackson Creek team members participating in the dementia sensitivity training program started by putting on headphones that muffle hearing and intermittently play loud distracting noises like sirens or a telephone ringing. They also wore special glasses to distort their vision, large bulky gloves to inhibit their hands and had a prickly device inserted in their shoes.

With their hearing, vision, hands, and feet altered, team members tried to navigate an apartment space typical of those memory support residents live in and were asked to complete simple tasks like folding a towel or filling a glass with water.

“The noise from the headphones was so disorienting and with the discomfort in my shoes, and the difficulty handling things, I forgot every single task I was given. I was pretty much frozen at first,” said Jackson Creek Move-in Coordinator/Concierge Sarah Smith, who participated in the dementia sensitivity training.

After her VDT ended, Smith met with colleagues to discuss the experience. One team member recounted being unable to put a coat on a hanger, while others said they forgot some tasks and struggled to finish them. The tour facilitators graded each participant’s abilities to complete tasks, and everyone shared something new they learned that would help them better care for residents living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia.

“The experience was very eye-opening! We all had a better understanding of the challenges those living with memory loss and age-related health issues face every day. It made us all more aware of the noise of everyday life, and we all agreed we need to give memory support residents more time to do everything. When you take over and do things for them, they feel like they are losing a part of themselves, and our job is to prevent that and make life easier for them,” said Smith.

“I want to thank you for today’s [Virtual Dementia] Tour. Truly, it was an eye-opener and I hope more people take advantage of the tour to gain insight as to how this condition affects everyone. … Ours was an experience we will not forget.” – Peggy & Bill D.

Jackson Creek Senior Living offers memory support, assisted living and independent living, and respite care services. Call 719-259-1331 or visit jacksoncreekseniorliving.com if you have questions about our memory support community or would like to speak with one of our dementia care experts.