Memory Care America - September 2019

Memory Care America - September 2019

Memory Care Moments

SEPTEMBER 2019

1.833.MEM.CARE • 833.636.2273

www.MemoryCareAmerica.com

LINDA CARRASCO AND VIVIAN WIDEMAN MOVE INTO NEW ROLES AT MEMORY CARE AMERICA A Career of Blessings fter decades in elder and memory care, I’ve seen the big strides our

field has made. Care facilities are no longer places where

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

families simply bring their loved ones to live out the remainder of their days. There’s no fear of what’s behind those “double doors” in many facilities, and instead, organizations like Memory Care America have created communities that focus on care for families and older adults

struggling with the effects of dementia.

I t takes a village to care for someone with memory loss , and at M emory C are A merica , we can offer that village — and then some .

We use evidence-based practices and goals to improve the quality of life for each of our residents and their families.

I’m also proud to announce that my colleague and friend, Vivian Wideman, has accepted the position as our Regional Executive Director. I have known Vivian since her first day with Memory Care America, and I know she is going to bring vast knowledge

Memory Care of Little Rock

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

It’s been tremendous to be at the forefront of this

and experience to her new role. She is just as eager to see our organization grow. Best of all, she is one of our families’ biggest supporters. Anyone who knows Vivian knows she will always do what she can to help our residents and their families thrive. At Memory Care America, we're looking at new advancements and offerings that will provide those we serve with the best care possible, and it’s pretty incredible to see the direction we are continuously going in. Every day, we continue to meet our residents and their families where they are at, and I feel incredibly lucky to be part of this. I’m proud to work for your family, and to be given an opportunity like this is just one more blessing in a career filled with blessings.

Memory Care of Westover Hills

change. Like I’ve said before, I truly believe God put me on this earth to care for older adults, and I

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

feel so blessed to be part of this work. And I don’t plan to stop my work anytime soon.

This August, I accepted a promotion with Memory Care America, and I am now the organization’s Chief Operating Officer. I can feel the growth in our communities, and I’m excited to continue helping this company stay ahead of the game when it comes to working with those who are fighting memory loss. This is done by offering community education programs, providing a safe place for caregivers to seek support, and inviting the community to meet with and even dine with our dementia patients and their families. It takes a village to care for someone with memory loss, and at Memory Care America, we can offer that village — and then some.

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

—Linda Carrasco

1.833.MEM.CARE • 833.636.2273

1

Do Not Keep Our Work a Secret!

Richard Kelly Finds a Home and Family at Memory Care of Simpsonville Sharing Your Stories

In her best-selling lifestyle guide “French Women Don’t Get Fat,” Mireille Guiliano advises women in their 50s to invest in a set of free weights — nothing too heavy, perhaps 3–5 pounds — in order to maintain their toned, youthful appearance and range of motion. She notes that lifting weights isn’t entirely necessary during your 20s and 30s, but it’s essential to maintain muscle tone and bone density in your later years. Though Guiliano’s evidence is anecdotal, the science confirms that lifting weights can be an indispensable aid to healthy aging for both men and women. A study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information recommends strength training 2–3 times per week to lower your risk of health problems and preserve bone density, independence, and vitality. According to WebMD, “Muscle loss is one of the main reasons people feel less energetic as they get older. When you lift weights, work out on machines, use resistance bands, or do exercises with your own body weight (like pushups and situps), you build strength, muscle mass, and flexibility.” You don’t have to join a gym to reap the benefits though; just pick up a set of free weights and a resistance band and research how to safely use them in your own home. Bodybuilding.com recommends designing a workout routine that includes one or two exercises for each of the major muscle groups: legs, back, shoulders, arms, chest, and abs. Try 8–10 repetitions per set, but don’t push yourself to use heavy weights. Even options that are 10 pounds or less should be enough to keep you chasing after your grandchildren for years to come. One public figure who has taken the weightlifting creed to heart is Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The documentary “RBG” shows the 86-year- old judge at the gym, pumping lightweight iron with her personal trainer, and she even walked spring chicken Stephen Colbert through her routine on “The Late Show.” Ginsburg has called her trainer “the most important person” in her life apart from her family, which is a ringing endorsement for lifting weights if ever there was one. STAY TONED BY LIFTING WEIGHTS AT HOME The Anti-Aging Benefits of Free Weights

Frank Kelly didn’t have to tour Memory Care of Simpsonville to know it was the right facility for his father. Richard Kelly’s health had deteriorated so much at the facility he was previously living in that he was hospitalized for dehydration and malnutrition. Frank was at his wits’ end looking for the two employees who had made sure his Vietnam veteran father was happy and healthy. But the employees, Andy Garrison and

Geri Catlaine, had left the facility. When the doctor heard about this quest, they called Memory Care of Simpsonville, where they knew Geri and Andy were working. Geri quickly called Frank, who raced toward Memory Care of Simpsonville to register his father. Headed in the opposite direction, Andy and an ambulance went to pick up Richard and bring him to his new home. “I said, 'Geri, would you put your mother here?' And she said yes. And I said, ‘Give me the paperwork.’ And then we went on the tour of the facility,” Frank recalls. "When Andy came back to the facility … we saw each other and shook hands and gave each other a hug.” After nearly a year in Memory Care of Simpsonville, Richard has found his home. As if Frank needed any more assurance that his father would be taken care of again, Richard was singing karaoke the day after he moved into the community! It was quite the feat for the 11-year Air Force veteran who once taught Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training to military members. Today, Richard swaps war stories with his fellow community members and the staff at Memory Care of Simpsonville. Once an escape artist, Richard no longer feels compelled to slip out the doors, and when he can’t sleep, his favorite nurse gives him projects or chores. Frank trusts the staff to care for his father so much that if he isn’t available, both Geri and Andy have power of attorney over Richard. “He smiles, he gained 20 pounds, he’s not enraged and wanting to hit anyone anymore,” Frank says. “They go the extra mile when no one else will … It’s got to be the greatest facility that I’ve ever seen … I’ve given out about 1,500 of your cards already.” You don’t have to keep our work a secret; referrals are the best compliment you can give us. If you would like to be featured in our newsletter or if you know a family that could benefit from our services, please call 833.MEM.CARE (636.2273) or visit MemoryCareAmerica.com. The family Richard had found for himself was finally reunited.

2

Do Not Keep Our Work a Secret!

www.MemoryCareAmerica.com

Memory Care Celebrations! 100th Birthdays, Nurturing Events, and Beach Parties

Ruth, a Memory Care of New Braunfels resident, celebrates her 100th birthday!

Memory Care of Simpsonville hosted a western-themed event.

Memory Care America couldn’t let summer slip away without a little celebrating! We had plenty of

Memory Care of Westover Hills honored caregivers at their monthly Family Caregiver Luncheon. Family caregivers and their loved ones were invited to enjoy a delicious lunch in a supportive, nurturing environment. Memory Care of Little Rock experienced cuteness overload with a visit from the Puppy Love program through the Humane Society of Pulaski County.

Memory Care of Westover Hills celebrates caregivers this summer.

reasons to party this month, but here are some of the highlights.

Memory Care of Naples gets tropical at their “Aloha” party!

Memory Care of Naples created a tropical vibe at their Aloha summer party, while

And Memory Care of New Braunfels finally hosted a celebration three years in the making. A resident, Ruth, celebrated her 100th birthday in style, including Texas A&M University-themed decorations covering the building. Ruth certainly is 100 and fabulous! There’s always something to celebrate at one of Memory Care America’s five communities. Don’t keep our work and celebrations a secret! If you know a family who could benefit from our services, direct them to MemoryCareAmerica.com or find us on Facebook.

Memory Care of Simpsonville adds a bit of twang with country line dancing to their country western-themed event.

Memory Care of Little Rock residents enjoy a little love from puppies.

Tomato Salad With Horseradish

Savor the end of tomato season with this spicy and healthy salad. Because the horseradish-spiked dressing packs a punch, you only need a little to add a lot of flavor.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise • 1/4 cup buttermilk • 2 tbsp prepared horseradish • Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 1/2 lbs

heirloom and cherry tomatoes, roughly chopped • 2 scallions, thinly sliced

Directions

1. For the dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, and horseradish in a mixing bowl; season to taste. 2. In serving bowls, arrange tomatoes and top with scallions. 3. Lightly drizzle tomatoes and scallions with dressing and serve.

AUTUMN APPLE

FOOTBALL QUARTERBACK TOUCHDOWN HOMECOMING

HARVEST CIDER LEAVES SWEATER

SEPTEMBER LABORDAY

Inspired by Food & Wine Magazine

3

1.833.MEM.CARE • 833.636.2273

Do Not Keep Our Work a Secret!

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

1.833.MEM.CARE www.memorycareamerica.com

2211 NW M ilitary H wy ., S te . 201 S an A ntonio , TX 78213 Inside 1 Helping Memory Care America Grow 2 Stay Toned by Lifting Weights at Home 2 Richard Kelly Reunites With ‘Family’ at Memory Care of Simpsonville 3 Happenings/Events at MCA Communities 3 Word Search 4 Anger May Be Harming Your Heart

833.636.2273

Memory Care Wellness

CHRONIC ANGER, YOUR HEART, AND YOUR HEALTH

Anger is a common emotion. It’s natural, and it’s a part of how you respond to certain circumstances in your environment. It’s how you express extreme displeasure. However, new

stressing the arteries and internal organs. As a person ages, this stress can become more damaging.

One study that appeared in the Psychology and Aging Journal looked into this phenomenon. Researchers found that there is a link between frequently experiencing anger and increased inflammation and chronic illness for people ages 80 and older. This equated to more instances of heart disease and dementia. The study also looked at other emotions, including sadness, which has also been linked to heart disease and other inflammatory diseases. Through a number of tests involving 200 participants ages 59–93, the researchers concluded anger was far more detrimental to a person’s health than sadness. Ultimately, if you regularly experience rage and frustration, properly dealing with your anger is one of the best things you can do for your health. Every person’s situation is different, and it comes down to getting to the bottom of what makes you angry so you can work through it, whether you work through it alone or with a mental health professional. Take the steps to prioritize your mental and physical health, and your efforts will pay off tenfold in the long run.

research suggests chronic anger can be detrimental to your health. Essentially, it comes down to this: If you are stressed, tense, easily irritable, angry, and “snippy” all the time, you may be doing serious harm to your well-being. Studies have already shown a link between anger and the heart. People who showed signs of feeling anger on a regular basis experienced higher rates of heart disease. The first studies on the impact of anger came out in the 1950s and have since been confirmed: Chronic anger physically harms the heart. Why? When you get angry or upset, your brain triggers the release of specific hormones, including cortisol and norepinephrine. These hormones are responsible for triggering the “fight or flight” response. When these hormones enter the bloodstream, your heart rate increases and arteries constrict. This helps to more effectively pump blood to the arms and legs for a fight or a flight.

The problem is that when a person is constantly angry or upset, these hormones course through the body more frequently,

4

Do Not Keep Our Work a Secret!

www.MemoryCareAmerica.com