Memory Care America - April 2019

Memory Care America - April 2019

Memory Care Moments

APRIL 2019

1.833.MEM.CARE • 833.636.2273

www.MemoryCareAmerica.com

THE BEGINNING OF MEMORY CARE AMERICA AND YOUR LOVED ONE’S CARE Joining Your Journey As a financial advisor for nearly 40 decades, I know numbers have power, and some speak volumes. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, someone is diagnosed with dementia every 59 seconds. Every day, 10,000 people are turning 65, inching closer to possibly needing additional care. It became clear to me that this was a formula that needed attention, especially when I saw the kind of care my clientele and their families were receiving for dementia. A high-ranking Air Force official brought her family member to Memory Care America. Her loved one was Our Communities

younger, but because his dementia had progressed aggressively, this woman feared leaving him alone. Linda and this woman

Memory Care of Naples 2626 Goodlette Frank Road Naples, FL 34103 239.403.0826 memorycarenaples.com

I was appalled when I witnessed this care firsthand. Facilities would have patients packed in separate wings, drugged into sedation, and the relationships with the families of these clients was almost

just clicked, though Linda says she still can’t explain why to this day. At one point, the woman said to Linda, “I think God sent me to you. I’m not looking anymore.” Her life was stuck in a stalemate, but when she found Linda and Memory Care America, she was able to consider moving on. It was hard for this woman to leave her loved one’s care in our hands at first. She had been the one to support him, feed him, and make sure he was well. We would send her photos of him eating breakfast, participating at the facility’s various activities, or living his daily life, and Linda soon learned this woman was finally learning how to relax again. She got back into painting, took a vacation with her kids and grandchildren, and she became active in her church again. She continued her life knowing her loved one was living his own with the kind of care she would have liked to give him herself. At Memory Care America, we are there for some of the most challenging times you will face in your life, and handing over the care of a loved one to us can be one of the most difficult things to do. Your loved one’s care as they live through dementia is important, and we are honored that you trust us enough to join you on this harrowing journey. Our own journey began with 149 gracious investors, and it’s one that continues with your trust. — JimWalesa Do Not Keep Our Work a Secret! 1

Memory Care of Little Rock

nonexistent. I saw that the opportunity to do well by doing good was in front of me, and I knew we could change how care is delivered.

I t ’ s really about learning who your residents are , who your families are , but the main thing you have to do is join their journey .

2501 Aldersgate Road Little Rock, AR 72205 501.260.7407 memorycarelittlerock.com

Memory Care of Westover Hills

A kindhearted group of 149 investors offered support, and today, Memory Care America has grown to include five facilities with goals of opening more locations across the nation. We strive

10910 Town Center Drive San Antonio, TX 78251 210.802.6653 memorycarewestoverhills.com

Memory Care of Simpsonville 645 Scuffletown Rd. Simpsonville, SC 29681 864.962.3038 memorycaresimpsonville.com Memory Care of New Braunfels 2022 State HWY 46 W New Braunfels, TX 78132 830.420.5882 memorycarenewbraunfels.com

to keep people with dementia moving and help their families find peace of mind. As our operations director, Linda Carrasco, always says, “It’s really about learning who your residents are and who your families are, but the main thing you have to do is join their journey.” We’ve had quite a number of journeys come through our facilities' doors, and each one can be difficult for families and their loved ones. Linda is at the forefront of most of these journeys, and she will often share stories with us. There’s one in particular that sticks out to me as the perfect example of why we are so devout in our level of care for families affected by dementia.

1.833.MEM.CARE • 833.636.2273

THE MCCAFFREY FAMILY SHARES THEIR MEMORY CARE AMERICA STORY Sharing Your Stories

Because fish oil is said to improve everything from heart health to chronic dry eye, it may sound a bit like, well, snake oil. But this brilliant little supplement packs a big punch, especially for older adults. HEART HEALTH BENEFITS The omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) have been shown to support heart health in multiple ways. The Mayo Clinic cites research suggesting that higher levels of EPA are associated with a reduced risk of congestive heart failure in older adults. Studies also report that people with moderate to severe hypertension typically see a positive effect on their blood pressure if they regularly take omega-3s. JOINT AND EYE BENEFITS Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce pain, stiffness, and swelling associated with osteoarthritis and other joint disorders by lubricating the joints and acting as an anti-inflammatory. As we age, our ability to produce tears diminishes. Fish oil’s lubricating and anti-inflammatory properties also make it a great treatment for and defense against chronic dry eye. COGNITIVE FUNCTION BENEFITS Several studies have concluded that regularly consuming omega-3 fatty acids can help maintain cognitive function. While research shows no cognitive recovery in extremely elderly subjects who already suffer from dementia, evidence indicates that taking fish oil on a regular basis may prevent or postpone the onset of cognitive decline. Omega-3 consumption may also improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from depression or anxiety at any age. WHICH OMEGA-3 SUPPLEMENT IS RIGHT FOR ME? If you eat fatty fish several times a week every week, you may already get enough omega-3s, but it can be difficult to get a therapeutic dose of fish oil from food alone on a regular basis. A fish oil supplement can provide additional fatty acids. Look for an ingredient list that specifically shows EPA and DHA; some brands use misleading labeling that only shows the total amount of fish oil rather than the actual omega- 3s. Recommendations vary, but most sources indicate that a dosage of 1,000–2,000 milligrams (1–2 grams) of combined EPA and DHA provides benefits. If the smell or “fish burps” bother you, choose enteric- coated capsules, which dissolve in the small intestine rather than the stomach. Omega-3 caps also come in vegan options sourced from seaweed and algae. THE MANY WONDERS OF OMEGA-3S One Little Pill That Can Do Your Body Good

Ann McCaffrey is an outgoing, creative, and happy person. She has a knack for cooking, and her husband, Terry McCaffrey, described her as “all the things wrapped in one.” The duo met when Terry was hired to work in the art department of a computer firm, and Ann was a secretary and the company photographer. Fifty-three years of marriage, two kids, and five grandkids later, it’s clear something clicked at that computer firm. Eight years ago, the McCaffreys moved to New Braunfels, Texas, to be closer to their newest grandchild, but in August 2015, Ann

was diagnosed with early onset dementia. As the disease progressed, Terry struggled to keep Ann from falling and knew it was time to find her a safer home. “It’s been hard,” Terry says. “I just keep a stiff upper lip and go every day and sit and chat with her, even though she doesn’t respond anymore, just so she knows someone is there and someone cares for her.” THE SEARCH FOR THE RIGHT COMMUNITY When Terry and his children, Christopher McCaffrey and Kelly Pope, began searching for living arrangements for Ann, Terry dug into pages of research to find the perfect new home for his happy, outgoing wife. Memory Care of New Braunfels was the first facility Terry visited. By his estimations, it set the bar high. “I went on to some other [facilities]. I thought these were not holding up, not holding up to the standards of New Braunfels,” Terry remembers. When he and Christopher toured Memory Care of New Braunfels again, his son said, “This is the place, Dad.” Ann has been living at Memory Care of New Braunfels — just over a mile away from the home she shared with Terry — since March 1, 2018. Every day, Terry visits the community to help Ann eat lunch and visit with her. The quality of the food, the resort-like lifestyle, and the entire staff have become some of Terry’s favorite aspects of Ann’s new home. The whole McCaffrey clan has even come to know the other residents like they are family, too. “[Memory Care] seems to have the most knowledge and resources available. Their facilities are the best as far as I can see; overall they're a great group,” Terry says. “I’m just blessed.”

We are proud to offer the McCaffreys a home fit for their happy, outgoing, creative mom and wife.

If you would like to be featured in our newsletter, or if you know of a family who could benefit from our services, please call 1.833.MEM.CARE (833.636.2273). Don’t keep our work a secret; referrals are the best compliment you can give us.

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Caring Communities

Residents and Their Families Enjoy Many Activities

Leprechauns, outlaws, and furry friends were just a few of the visitors hosted by Memory Care America’s five communities. Take a glimpse at several of Memory Care’s events and activities!

March! The Fat Tuesday celebrations were in full swing with king cake, punch, feather

boas, and beads. The smiles on our residents’ mask-adorned faces let us know this was a marvelous Mardi Gras party!

Despite a $10,000 reward out for their capture, attendees of Memory Care of Westover Hills’ cowboy luncheon pose for a fun photo.

Memory Care of Little Rock At Memory Care of Little Rock, our staff arranged a special birthday celebration for Jimmy! Additionally,

Memory Care of Westover Hills Westover Hills became the Wild West during our cowboy

Jimmy celebrated a special birthday at Memory Care of Little Rock.

our feet got to tappin’ with music from the Rackensack Folklore Society Pulaski County. Choir students from Pinnacle View Middle School shared their talents with residents and their families in March. We also snuggled and played with some furry friends from the Humane Society of Pulaski County as part of their Puppy Love program. Memory Care of Simpsonville Each Memory Care America community celebrated Employee Appreciation Day on March 1 with lunches and accolades from leadership and Nurse Nikki (left) and Certified Nursing Assistant Denise (right) pose with Employee Appreciation Day flowers.

luncheon. Our residents and staff members enjoyed posing for photos as cowboy country outlaws in their hats, bandanas, and mustaches.

Memory Care of Naples At Memory Care of Naples, our residents, families, and staff members honored the luckiest day of the year with a wee bit o’ celebration. Our St. Patrick’s Day party included plenty

of green, Irish fare, music, and dancing.

Memory Care staff member Ellen (middle) leans in for a photo at Memory Care of Naples’ St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

At Memory Care America, we value

our residents’ family members. At Memory Care of Simpsonville, our staff members received gorgeous flowers.

active lifestyles for our residents. If you or someone you know would like to learn more about our events and what our care can offer your loved one, refer them to our various communities online at MemoryCareAmerica.com or find us on Facebook!

Memory Care of New Braunfels We brought the best of New Orleans to New Braunfels in

A marvelous Mardi Gras celebration in New Braunfels!

Pasta Primavera

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta, ideally fusilli • 1/2 pound broccoli florets • 2 carrots, shredded • 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, ideally Parmigiano-Reggiano • Kosher salt, for pasta water and to taste

Directions

1. In a large pot, liberally salt water and bring to a boil. Add fusilli and cook according to package directions. Add broccoli, carrots, and bell pepper during the last 2 minutes of cook time. 2. Drain the pasta and veggies, reserving 1/2 cup of cooking liquid. Return pasta and veggies to pot. 3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil to medium heat. Add garlic and cook until translucent and golden, 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook until tomatoes are wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in reserved pasta water.

SPRING STORM SUNSHINE TAURUS

GARDEN GROW RAIN

ARIES BLOSSOM BUTTER- FLY FLOWERS

RAINBOW RAINCOAT

4. Add tomato mixture to pasta pot, stirring to coat evenly. 5. Divide into bowls, top with Parmesan cheese, and serve.

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1 The Beginning of Memory Care America 2 The Many Wonders of Omega-3s 2 From Dementia Diagnosis to Discovering Memory Care, New Braunfels Family Shares Their Journey 3 See What Our Communities Are Up To! 3 Recipe: Pasta Primavera

4 The History of Sleep

Memory Care Wellness

THE HISTORY OF SLEEP

How the Art of Sleep Has Changed Over Time

There are few things in life that feel better than crawling into a comfy bed after a long day. Sleep is an essential part of human health. After a mere 24 hours of sleep deprivation, bodily functions and mental faculties start to go haywire, and 11 days seems to be the longest a person can live without sleep. While people acknowledge that sleep has always been a necessary part of human existence, very few know how drastically nightly routines have changed over time. Sleep Gaps While many modern sleep experts support the consecutive eight-hour sleep regimen, historically, people had completely different sleep schedules. Medieval society actually had two sleep sessions a night — known as biphasic sleep — with a gap of wakefulness in between to eat, pray, talk, read, or write by candlelight. But by the 1920s, this practice of having two sleep sessions each night entirely receded from the social consciousness. Historians attribute this shift to innovations in artificial lighting and work schedules during the Industrial Revolution that required workers to stay up longer and sleep less. Cozy Blankets Most people find it difficult to sleep without some kind of covering, like a blanket, over their bodies. While researchers of the past entertained the idea that blankets offer some kind of

primal protection for sleepers, they now believe the coverings help with temperature

regulation, as maintaining a comfortable body temperature is necessary for good sleep. However, according to a recent study conducted in Sweden, weighted blankets help with much more than just temperature. Due to the added pressure, weighted blankets provide deep pressure touch (DPT), which increases the body’s amount of serotonin — a chemical that helps decrease blood pressure and rapid heart rate. Because of the effects of increased serotonin, weighted blankets are believed to help with anxiety and insomnia. Sleep and Brain Health Present day sleep discussions and research include its affect on brain health. The National Institutes of Health notes that a lack of sleep can lead to an increase in beta-amyloid, a protein in the brain associated with impaired brain function. Some experts believe that we should strive for 8 hours of sleep per night. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders advises that “Quality sleep – and getting enough of it at the right times -- is as essential to survival as food and water. Without sleep you can’t form or maintain the pathways in your brain that let you learn and create new memories, and it’s harder to concentrate and respond quickly.”

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www.MemoryCareAmerica.com