Person Centered Care

One of the most popular trends in senior adult living is the focus on “person centered care” and “person centered perks.” We know that person centered care is clinical care and is specific and unique to an individual.

While we might think that “person centered perks” is different than care, in reality we can address it the same way. What do we need to do to keep our residents engaged and connected to the world around us? The word “perks” changes the dynamic because we are no longer talking about medicine or therapy. We are talking about “lifestyle.” So now we can ask the question, “What can we do to improve the lifestyle of our residents?”  While we believe that we offer a unique lifestyle at Fellowship Square Mesa we also believe that we need to improve every single day.

1.      Our technology needs to be current and accessible to everyone. We have recently deployed the “Center of Aging Excellence Resident Portal.” This virtual and physical Portal enables our residents to schedule repairs, transportation and even RSVP for a special event, all from the comfort of their apartments. In addition they can view their bill, see an interactive calendar, the weekly menu, TV Guide, and newsletter.

2.      Recreation, exercise, and health and wellness programs need to be robust and include a plethora of options: group classes, individual sessions with a trainer, open gym times, walking programs and health & wellness classes are an example of what we offer.

3.      Lifelong learning classes are available to every resident who lives on our campus: independent living, assisted living, memory care, etc. Classes are presented by our trained staff and include topics that our residents easily relate to: “Anne and Charles Lindbergh,” “Henry Ford,” “Route 66,” “1935, It Was a Big Deal,” and “All that Jazz!” Our residents have an opportunity to engage in conversation and reminisce about their experiences with these topics.

The one size-fits-all approach to lifestyle programs is no longer relevant for our hip residents! Contact us to learn more about our exciting community by visiting our website www.fellowshipsquareseniorliving.org or by calling 1.888.460.2182

Keeping Up With Technology

Keeping Up with Technology

Have you ever asked yourself why technology is so important today? Although your generation may not have been raised on technology you were certainly the genesis for the growth of technology. Today we are surrounded by technology and believe it or not we need technology. Just think it was not that long ago that microwave ovens were invented, they were expensive and not well understood. When I was growing up the term “NUKE IT” meant duck under my desk at school because the Russian’s were coming. But today it means warm up a cup of coffee or a meal.  

As the Executive Director at Fellowship Square-Mesa, it is my responsibility to provide long term road maps for all things related to successful aging experiences for our residents.  From the beginning, nearly 20 years ago, Fellowship Square-Mesa has been a leader in using technology to improve the aging experience for our Residents.  From the day we opened we offered cable TV, in-house resident channels, and emergency alert buttons for each resident.

In 2005, we added individual resident coaxial Internet access with our private broadband system. Today every resident can receive email speed Internet access (1 MB) included at no additional charge in their basic monthly fee. We recently added 8 more HD 720p television stations and our residents now have 32 HD channels available for their viewing pleasure (with an additional 16 being added).  

The technology that we have in place today includes five in-house resident TV channels, cable TV, high definition TV, and Wi-Fi connectivity for every resident who wants it. The resident emergency call system now uses triangulation to locate pendants anywhere on the 10 acre campus, including parking lots.

We recently deployed a new technology we call the “Fellowship Square-Mesa Center of Aging Excellence” or the “Resident Portal.” This Portal has been designed specifically for our residents. By logging on you can view your bill (eventually you will be able to pay your bill from the Portal), schedule a repair or transportation service; read about a popular new book, or learn about an upcoming lifelong learning class.

Technology is very important to our community; now routine tasks, administrative functions and oversight responsibilities can be handled through automation. Technology gives us a way to improve communication with each resident. Whether we use the in-house resident channels or the Resident Portal we want you to always know that you have received up-to-date and meaningful information from Fellowship Square-Mesa.

The last factor related to our use of technology is that it can help the staff do their jobs better. We want all of our staff members to be well trained and quick to respond to any question or issue you may have. We can use technology to give staff access to information, to track job certifications and provide feedback to you, the resident.

If you have any feedback related to the access or use of technology at Fellowship Square-Mesa, please send me an email at JonScott.Williams@christiancare.org. I look forward to hearing from you.

Visit us online @ www.fellowshipsquareseniorliving.org/campus/az/mesa/

Will You Be My Neighbor?

“It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor,” says Mr. Rogers.

You might be interested in learning that at Fellowship Square-Mesa we have a strong felling of community enhanced by a network of individual neighborhoods. How does that work you might ask. Every floor in our multi-story buildings acts and feels like a good old fashioned neighborhood; we abandoned the “nursing care look and feel” over 20 years ago and today our residents live and thrive in a home like atmosphere with friendly neighbors living next door.

Today each floor has a comfortable gathering space, kitchen and meeting room. Residents get to know the people on their floor as if they were the “neighbor next door.” Several of the neighborhoods begin their day with morning coffee, a home-made sweet treat (baked that morning by one of the residents), the newspaper and friendly neighbors.

When asked about the benefits of living in a senior adult community with a neighborhood atmosphere, residents tell us there are three things that stand out for them.

1.       Peaceful living. Our residents find it is far more peaceful to live among neighbors that they know and that like and respect each other. They also tell us that the way that happens is by getting to know everyone on the floor.

2.       Safety first. Good neighbors watch out for each other. Our residents check in on someone they may not have seen during the day. If someone is ill or recovering from an illness then their neighbors will check in to make sure they are doing OK.

3.       Social connections. Some old fashioned neighborhoods thrive on over-the-fence conversations each day. Our neighborhoods are like that. Residents say that having people close by to socialize with creates wonderful and long lasting friendships.

The “neighborhood” concept at Fellowship Square-Mesa is what sets us apart from other communities. We have programs that assist in assimilation and connection with our community but our individual neighborhoods are the glue that holds it all together. As Mr. Rodgers said, “Won’t you be my neighbor?”

Visit us online today @ http://www.fellowshipsquareseniorliving.org/campus/as/mesa/

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Fellowship Square Mesa

We are pleased to announce our new Corporate Sponsor in the 

Phoenix SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & Living Options 

“The Longevity Dividend”

Life expectancy in the United States is at an all-time high. You have probably heard the terms “healthy aging,” or “improved quality-of-life;” our favorite is “Longevity Dividend.”  Advertisers use these terms to entice you to spend money with them and senior adult communities often use these terms to attract new residents. Of course the challenge with these terms is that they are often defined by the marketing department instead of by residents.

At Fellowship Square-Mesa we take these terms very seriously and we strive to be a Center of Aging Excellence. We work every day to make certain that our residents are provided with the opportunity to achieve “healthy aging,” and a high standard of “quality-of-life.”

Nutritious Meals.  Research has shown that eating regular meals that contain protein, fresh vegetables & fruit, and fewer carbohydrates result in a healthier senior population. Alternative meals and special dietary needs can be easily accommodated. Don’t be afraid to ask! When you feel better you have less stress in your life, more energy and are more likely to engage in social interaction, (USDA, Nutrition.gov).  

Social Interaction. Social connections help senior adults stay active and mobile, and can even slow the rate of cognitive decline. At Fellowship Square-Mesa we provide a variety of planned events and activities. We encourage every resident to study the monthly calendar and find the events that appeal to them and make that event a regular occurrence.

Intellectual Stimulation. The idea of keeping our “brains healthy” is way beyond crossword puzzles, computer games, and Bingo. We realized a long time ago that our residents wanted current information about our community and exposure to technology and lifelong learning classes. Learning is a way for us to stay connected to the world around us, learn things that we may not know, engage with our fellow residents and improve our brain fitness.

Fitness or Wellness Programs. Physical activity is important for everyone but especially for senior adults who are concerned with healthy aging, “Stay Strong to Live Long.” Exercise can energize your mood, relieve stress, help you manage symptoms of illness and pain and improve your overall sense of well-being. At Fellowship Square-Mesa we provide many opportunities for our residents on a variety of levels: cardio workouts, fitness classes, and classes for improving posture and balance.

Take the steps necessary to improve or sustain your quality-of-life today. Try something new; don’t make up your mind that you won’t like it before you’ve tried it. Most of all make a commitment to be healthy and happy and you will benefit from the “Longevity Dividend!”

Visit us online @ www.fellowshipsquareseniorliving.org/campus/az/mesa/

5 Tips for Caregivers to Reduce Self-Neglect

Caring for a spouse, parent or other relative no doubt has its rewards. You have the opportunity to build a deep connection with a loved one and care for someone who perhaps once cared for you.  

But caregiving also involves great sacrifices that can range from time to money to your personal health. If you neglect your own physical, mental and financial well-being, you may become unable to continue caring for your loved one. That benefits no one.

So how can you avoid self-neglect or take steps to reduce it? We recently asked members of the CaregiversStress.com® community on the web and on Facebook

to talk about the sacrifices they have made in order to become caregivers.  Their responses about self-neglect provide inspiration for these tips to avoid it.  

1. Make Time for Yourself
"My husband was told he had MS in 2001.  I went to work to support us until he started falling down in 2006.  I became his caretaker.  I have had just 48 hours off in the 10 years since then.
That is it.  What to do?
--Kayo

If you struggle to find time for yourself, try asking other family members and friends for help. Sometimes caregivers hesitate to reach out because they believe others will reject their request for assistance. But you never know until you ask.

Other sources of caregiving help that can provide you with needed respite include professional services like Home Instead Senior Care^®[http://www.homeinstead.com], faith communities and some charitable organizations. 

2. Make Your Own Health a Priority

“Recently I've had to go to two doctors, call EMS once, go to ER in hypertensive crisis, and to chiropractor to adjust the pain in my back and leg.”
– Theresa W.

Many people find they sacrifice their health when they become caregivers. When all of your time goes to tending your loved one’s needs, how can you get to the doctor yourself?

Always remember you cannot serve from an empty well. If you neglect your own health, you might eventually find yourself unable to care for your loved one. Thus, you must make your own well-being a priority as well.

Consider enlisting a family member or a professional caregiver to care for your loved one for a half-day so you can keep your routine medical appointments. You owe it to yourself.

3. Research Financial Resources

“[I gave up] my personal job. We had to give up our home and move into an RV just outside of my mother’s house.”
– Melissa P.

Caregiving can place a substantial financial burden on caregivers. Some find they must shoulder all of the costs of care because their loved one lacks the financial means. Other times, caregiving requires so great a time investment that the family caregiver has no time for a job.

If you find yourself heading toward financial trouble due to your role as a caregiver, investigate available resources and programs. Low-income seniors, veterans and others who require care may qualify for free day programs or direct financial assistance. A good place to begin your search for resources is your local Area Agency on Aging [http://www.n4a.org/].

4. Take Baby Steps to Re-Engage with Life 

“I am having trouble trying to re-engage. I did go to a painting class and can't seem to find the way back.”
– Sandy M.

It can be hard to shift your focus back to self-care and re-integration with life after spending months or years as a caregiver. Try to keep in mind you did not become a caregiver overnight, and getting back to your other life also will take time and require baby steps. Enrolling in a painting class or another activity is a good starting point. Even if the activity doesn’t feel the same as it did before you became a caregiver, give it time and keep trying.

If, after a period of time, you still find yourself struggling to define a personal life for yourself, consider seeking counseling with a mental health professional.

5. Keep an Optimistic Perspective

“At 27 years old I gave up a budding career, a new life in a new home in a new city, and my social life to move to the middle of nowhere and become a full-time caregiver. However, my experience in caregiving for my grandmother who has been paralyzed and lost all speech function due to a stroke has been a blessing I never asked for. I've been able to spend quality time with the people who matter most in my life. My relationships are stronger, both family and personal. It's all about perspective.”
– Erika L.

Maintaining a positive outlook about caregiving can help you avoid burnout and self-neglect. No doubt it can be difficult to find perspective, though, when you’ve been providing full-time care for years, or even decades. If you find you no longer can see anything positive in your caregiving life, it might be a sign you need to seek help.

Consider enlisting friends or professional caregivers to provide respite care on a regular basis so you can indulge in luxuries as small as a long, hot bath or as large as a weekend getaway. And if your caregiving sacrifices make you feel depressed, consider seeking help from a mental health professional.

The caregiving burden can cause isolation and self-neglect for family caregivers, and that doesn’t benefit anybody. Fortunately, you can employ the strategies here to carve out time to tend to your own needs. This may help keep you healthy and able to care for your loved one for a long time to come.

http://www.caregiverstress.com/stress-management/relief-tips/5-tips-for-caregivers-to-reduce-self-neglect/

Visit us online @ http://www.homeinstead.com/eastvalley.com 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Our mission at Ability Center is to provide our clients with professional solutions that enable you to lead more active and independent lifestyles.   We accomplish this through a knowledgeable, understanding and compassionate staff who partner with you to provide a quality, one-stop-shop experience.  As a leader in the mobility industry, we honor our responsibility to actively support and participate in the communities we serve.  We have solutions for your home, vehicle and personal use and offer free in home consultations.

Home Mobility Solutions:

We carry only name brand products to help you be in your help more independently.  Our home solutions allow you to reclaim access to your entire home with products that exude elegance and style.  Our certified and factory trained installers set up the safest and most reliable lifts and ramps that properly fit your home.

*         Indoor stair lifts, both straight and curved

*         Outdoor stair lifts, both straight and curved

*         Vertical Platform Lifts

*         Pool Lifts

*         Environmental Control Units

*         Remote Control Door Openers

*         Portable Ramps

*         And much more...

Vehicle Mobility Solutions:

We know that driving means independence to so many people and we have many products and adaptations to keep you independently driving.  When you and your family are faced with a situation where driving is no longer an option, we also have many products to help you safely transport your loved ones.  We have simple solutions to simply help you get your mobility scooter from place to place and have very complex solutions where people can drive from their wheelchair with the use of electronic driving aids.  Here are some of our vehicle solutions:

*         Wheelchair Accessible Minivans, both used and new

*         Wheelchair Accessible SUV's, both used and new

*         Scooter and Wheelchair lifts, both interior and exterior

*         Hand controls and driving aids

*         Portable Ramps

*         Auto Access Seats

*         Accessible Vans for Rent

*         And much more....

Personal Mobility Solutions:

Independence starts with simply getting around; getting around your home, getting around your community and around town.  From simple transport wheelchairs to electric scooters and wheelchairs, we have a solution for you.  Let us help you find the best personal mobility device for you:

*         Transport Manual Wheelchairs

*         3-Wheel Mobility Scooters

*         4-Wheel Mobility Scooters

*         Electric Wheelchairs

Visit us online @  http://www.AbilityCenter.com or call  (623) 242-0552

4 Tips to Make Showering Safer & Bathing and Hygiene Tips

When a senior needs help with showering or bathing, it’s typically up to family members like you to step in to help out. But you may discover that it’s not necessarily as easy of a process as you might think.

The bathing process can be fraught with danger. Climbing in and out of a bathtub or shower stall presents a major fall risk. Standing, turning and sitting back down during a shower likewise has the potential to end in disaster.

Fortunately, you can take steps to help improve bath time safety. Professional caregivers receive training on how to make showering and bathing as safe as possible, and you might consider adapting these same concepts for your own use.

1. Address the bathing environment

Shower stalls obviously become wet and slippery while in use. Likewise, the curved surfaces of bathtubs make for an unstable place to stand. And a steamy spray can make the bathroom floor slick, too.

Care professionals suggest improving the safety of these environments by installing equipment like grab bars and a large shower mat. In tiled bathrooms, you can consider adding safety treads or a rubber transfer mat to the floor to reduce slipperiness.

2. Address mobility issues

Normal aging can cause weak legs in many adults, and certainly medical conditions like Parkinson’s disease or arthritis can make it difficult for a person to transition from standing to sitting easily. If you are caring for a loved one who has mobility issues, you should be very careful when helping them get into and out of the tub or shower.

Consider using specialized bath items to help make transferring as safe as possible. From a big box store or a specialty online store, you can get rails that fit over the tub wall, shower chairs or even a transfer stool to help reduce fall risk when helping a loved one get into or out of the shower.

3. Organize supplies

Oftentimes, soap and shampoo reside in a basket hanging from the shower head or high up on a shower wall shelf. That might be convenient for a person who can safely stand up in the tub to shower, but it’s out of reach for the seated senior and it poses a potential danger to a family caregiver who must take her attention off the senior relative being bathed in order to reach these supplies.

A better solution might be to gather all of your supplies in a container and place it within easy reach. This way, you can keep one steady hand on your loved one while grasping the soap or shampoo bottle with the other.

4. Adjust your bath time technique

Typically a fully mobile person hops in the shower, washes, and then jumps out to dry off. But in a scenario where the person needs mobility assistance, that sequence can be dangerous because a wet person can easily slip from your hands as you help them out of the shower.

That’s why bathing another person might call for a change of technique. Focus on reducing the number of times (if any) the person must stand or turn while in the wet environment. This means you should think carefully about all the steps involved in the current bathing routine and consider adjusting them as necessary. For instance, you may consider drying your loved one while they remain seated on a stool before exiting the shower.

For family caregivers, bathing or showering a loved one can present a number of safety challenges. But if you focus on these four aspects of safety, you may be able to reduce the risk of a bath time fall.

Of course, if bathing a senior loved one seems too daunting or becomes more than you can safely handle alone, remember you can always hire a professional caregiver through an in-home care company like Home Instead Senior Care^®. These experts understand how to provide safe bathing assistance and help with many other senior care tasks.

5 Tips for Bathing & Hygiene

1. Use daily, no-rinse bathing wipes for the days they do not bathe.
2. Schedule a specific time every day for “bath time,” and treat it like a spa experience.
3. Ask your loved one to help you try out a new soap, shampoo or lotion.
4. Does your loved one have safety concerns that may have scared them? Maybe they need a mat or bathtub bench transfer unit.
5. Are there any messy activities you can get your loved one involved in? Once they’re dirty, they may be more willing to clean up.

 Visit us online @ http://www.caregiverstress.com/