Healthy Resolutions to Insure a Happy New Year's For Seniors

The New Year means new starts, and that typically involves making New Year's resolutions. While the old-faithful standbys still exist, adults over the age of 65 can greatly benefit from making healthy resolutions - especially those that help prevent illness and injury. Here are five New Year's resolutions that will keep you feeling young and vibrant.

Participate in Cognitive Health Activities

Mental health is an important aspect of health that we tend to overlook as we extol the benefits of staying physically fit. Keep your mind engaged and stimulated through a language class, book club or by playing brain games and trivia on the computer.

Exercise or start a new physical activity

Exercise doesn't have to be exhausting, and it certainly doesn't have to feel like work. Older adults are increasingly looking to classes such as yoga and tai chi to not only increase physical health, but to meet people and widen their social circles. Other activities like local walking clubs can be found at many senior organizations and community centers.

Eat More Fresh Foods

Processed foods are easy to throw together for a meal, but they come with a host of health issues and concerns, and frankly; they're not worth the hassle. Make a promise to eat more fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables and you'll see a noticeable difference in the way you look and feel - and it takes very little work on your end.

Make Your Home Safer

According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in three adults over the age of 65 falls each year. Many of these falls are preventable, especially if home safety tips are implemented. Tips like moving cords out of walkways, having good lighting near beds and taping down edges of carpeting and rugs can help tremendously to decrease the number and severity of falls for seniors.

Schedule Regular Checkups

Unfortunately, with age comes increased risk of illness and other complications such as high blood pressure, osteoporosis and other medical conditions. Making sure that you schedule a regular annual checkup can help in early detection and prevention.

Not only will these New Year's resolutions improve your mental and physical healthy, they'll provide social opportunities and benefit your life in multiple ways. What are some of your goals and resolutions for the upcoming year?

Healthy New Year's Resolutions for Seniors published Dec 21, 2011 by NYC Senior Care

New Year's 2012 photo credit: freedigitalphotos.net Jannoon028

Pioneer Place Residents Share Memories of Christmas Past

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred,

and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit,

become a child again at Christmas-time. 

~Laura Ingalls Wilder

Recently, a few of the residents at Pioneer Place shared their Christmas memories. We are privileged to post them here as part of our Christmas celebration and a reminder of how important our family is every day of the year but especially at Christmas.

I remember when I was a kid, we lived on a farm in Custer. We really didn't have much of a celebration for Christmas because my parents were very poor. We had hardly any presents and no Christmas tree. But at my Custer school, we had beautiful Christmas programs and I always had a part in them. I like that very much so now I really appreciate everything I have.
        Submitted by Lorraine


When I was about 9 or 10 years old during the Great Depression, I got a doll about 14 or 15 inches tall. The doll had "real" yellow hair, a dress, sox, and little slippers. Best of all, it had eyes that opened and shut and it cried when I rolled it over on its face! It was also very , very cold when Mom gave it to me. I asked why the doll was so cold and she said that Santa Claus had delivered it by airplane. I found out years later that she had stored our presents in the machine shed or granary so we kids wouldn't find them before Christmas! Recalling it now, I realize that Mom probably wanted that doll as much as I did because over the years she sewed clothes for it with scraps of fabric or good parts from worn out clothes. I still have the doll tucked away in a dresser drawer on a little blanket for her bed!
      Submitted by Catherine


When I was about seven years old, my father and mother gave me a doll for Christmas. It was about half as tall as I was and had blond hair, blue eyes, a blue dress with ribbon decoration, black shoes and white stockings. I loved playing with it and still had it when I was grown up. I was planning to give it to my sister's girls. After my mother died, my dad married a lady with eight children. The three youngest were much younger than I and often played with my doll. Somehow the legs of the doll got broken so I decided to give my nieces some movies instead. I was very glad that they liked the movies very much and watched them over and over again.
      Submitted by Audrey

Every year around Christmas time when I was a little girl, our front parlor was closed off and none of us dared to open that door. Through a crack in the door came the smell of oranges and apples and some evenings we cold hear a lot of activity on the other side of the door. On Christmas morning, we would each get a box. My parents had a large family, and in those depression years there was little money for frills, so all we could expect was some candy and nuts, a large orange, maybe a cap and warm mittens, a warm nightie, and one or two toys.

My sister was four years older than I, and on this Christmas I remember, she had a beautiful doll on the very top of her box. When I opened my box, I had all the practical gifts. I tried to hide my disappointment just knowing I could have been a better girl. When I got to the bottom of the box, I also had a pretty doll but this was an experience I've never forgotten.

          Submitted by Rita

One of my fondest memories of Christmas is when I was a young girl living on a farm. One year I got a brand new coat for Christmas. That was really special because I was used to getting mostly hand-me-downs. We always got new pajamas and slippers which we got to wear Christmas night. What I remember most is that whatever we got, was given with much love.
      Submitted by Pat


When my oldest granddaughter was 8 years old, she was being naughty; and I told her if she wasn't good, Santa would not put gifts in her stocking. When Christmas Eve came, she helped my husband wrap gifts and saw what was to be my gift from Santa. On Christmas morning, with a concerned look on her face and a smug smile she was unable to conceal, she asked me if I knew why Santa is mad at me. I said, "Why do you think Santa is mad at me?" She said, "Because I was so excited I couldn't sleep so I came downstairs during the night to check the stockings and everyone had a present but you. I know Papa must have felt sorry for you when he saw you didn't have a present from Santa because I know he put that present in your stocking."
      Submitted by Judy

How to Help Your Senior Avoid Having a Blue Christmas

Well, it’s “the most wonderful time of the year” according to Mathis, Williams, Sinatra and so many others.  The holiday season is upon us.

For most of us, the holidays are a wonderful time to gather with family and friends sharing memories, laughs, and good cheer.  But for many seniors the holidays can be stressful, confusing, and depressing depending on their mental, physical and emotional needs.  Family members are often very busy with their lives and social obligations that they fail to notice how much their parents or grandparents look forward to spending time with them during the holidays.  Many seniors have outlived friends and family members which can make the holidays painful.  They can get lost in the chaos of happy family gatherings putting them at risk for the ‘Holiday Blues’.

‘Holiday Blues’ are feelings of profound sadness brought on by all the activities of the holiday season.  Seasonal blues can have an impact on all of us particular in the lives of older people.  It can impact your physical health, impair your memory and concentration, and prevent you from enjoying the holidays.

Help your loved one enjoy the holiday season by planning ahead.  If you’re loved one tire easily limit the number and the length of time with activities.  The noise and confusion can lead to exhaustion so designate a ‘quiet room’ where your loved one can take a break or a nap.  Be sure to keep medications at their regular schedule during these frenzy times.

If a holiday get together is held in their home do not rearrange the furniture of a loved one with memory impairment or behavioral problems.  This will cause confusion and anxiety.  If gathering in a place unfamiliar to them remove throw rugs and items that could make it difficult for someone with balance problems or who has difficulty walking.

Seniors whose memories are impaired may have difficulty remembering recent events, but they often are able to share stories and observations from the past. Children enjoy hearing how it was ‘when your parents were your age’.  I suggest using picture albums and watch old Christmas programs on TV to help stimulate memories and encourage older seniors to share their stories and experiences.

Try to avoid making comments that could embarrass your loved one who may be experiencing dementia problems.  They may forget a recent conversation or repeat sentences they have already told you, we need to be careful so we don’t make it worse by saying “Don’t you remember?” or “You already said that!”

A holiday is still a holiday whether it is celebrated at home, senior supportive apartments, or an assisted living home.  So, with all the hustle and bustle of the season, just remember to be sensitive and loving.  And plan ahead.

Lori Schuler is Marketing and Activity Director for Pioneer Place supportive Apartments

and North Haven Assisted Living Homes

Secrets Your Aging Parent May Be Keeping From You

Your aging parent may be keeping secrets from you. Not necessarily lies, but withholding of information that may be important to their health, safety or general well-being.

Often, as people age, they become embarrassed when they have to ask for help, or require assistance in their care. So they cover up bruises, accidents and money trouble in an attempt to maintain their independence.

From falls to spending habits and from abuse to car accidents, there are a range of “secrets” that elders tend to keep, according to Marilyn Sharbach Ladew, MSW, a nationally recognized expert in senior caregiving.


Falls: "It’s easy for an elderly person to cover up a fall, particularly if no bruising or bone breaks was suffered. Your parent may worry that you will try to him/her to a wheelchair or walker,” Ladew says. The preservation of independence is of major importance to older adults, even at the risk of falling.


Pain: "So not to cause you worry, your parent may not tell you about new or increasing pain,” she says. As a caregiver, you need to know about pain so that you can get the proper medical treatment or medication for your loved one.


Dizziness: “Dizziness could be caused by low blood pressure or a medication,” Ladew explains. Although your parents may not want to alarm you, this is a potentially serious and dangerous problem that needs to be addressed.


Money Shortages: “If the parent’s money supply starts to fail, he/she may cut back on buying food and medications,” Ladew says. Clearly, this can be very dangerous. If you, as caregiver, are aware of financial difficulties, you can seek financial assistance from government or community agencies on behalf of your parent.


Frivolous Purchasing: Elders sometimes get into the habit of making unnecessary, even unwise, purchases. They might buy from QVC, catalogs, telemarketers, direct mail pitches, or on the Internet. The parent doesn’t tell the caregiver in fear that their purchases will be restricted and financial independence taken away. As caregiver, keep an eye out for new items, and even strange merchandise. If you suspect your parent is making unwise purchases, check credit card statements and checkbooks. Sound sneaky? Perhaps, but as a caregiver, financial responsibility comes with the territory.


Financial Abuse: “A family member, friend or helper may be raiding your parent’s financial assets, checkbook or credit cards. Your parent might not even be aware this is happening. If the elder is aware, he or she may not tell you for fear that you think they can no longer manage finances.” Similar to elder abuse, financial abuse is a crime. And because most parents withhold the facts from their caregivers, the crooks continue stealing, without penalties or jail terms.


Elder Abuse: “Elder abuse may be caused by family members, neighbors or even paid helpers. Each event is a criminal act, but the parent may be concerned that telling you may cause a major rift in family,” says Ladew. Recent studies report that less than one-in-seven incidents of physical elder abuse are revealed to caregivers; therefore, the abusers walk free and clear.


Auto Accidents or Driving Infractions: “Your parent probably wants the freedom and independence that driving provides. Therefore, if they are in an accident or receive a driving violation, they may withhold that information, for fear that you will take away the car keys,” Ladew says. A driving violation or accident may be indicative of failing health conditions such as vision, mobility or mental awareness.


Alcohol or Drug Abuse: “Your parent may be drinking heavily, using illegal drugs, or abusing prescription medications. This is extremely dangerous, as alcohol or drug use can conflict with other medications as well as quickly become an addiction.” Keep your eye out for changes in mood or personality, empty bottles of wine, or frequent trips to the pharmacy. If you suspect abuse, address the issues with your parent in a non-confrontational way. Or, talk to your parent’s doctor for advice.


Gambling: “Many elders gamble out of boredom, to fill free time,” Ladew says. The casinos know this, and often target elders on television, radio, the Internet and direct mail. The gambling houses offer “senior special” meal prices to draw the parent to the slots and game tables. However, gambling can quickly get out of control and lead to financial troubles.

Dealing with the Secrets

In an ideal world, we’d all have open and honest communication with our elders, and secrets would be out of the question. In truth, this often isn’t the case.  The most important step is to try and develop open communication. Be gentle and supportive, hoping for an honest talk. Don’t judge, don’t preach, don’t accuse and don’t dictate. The goal should be to form a partnership with your parent.

Emphasize that you don’t want to take things away from them, but rather enhance their life and make it easier. Some conversation starters:

• Share an article or magazine story with them about the topic. 
• Ask permission to talk about the topic with them.
• Solicit support from siblings before the meeting.
• Ask, ‘Were you involved in handling your parents’ affairs?” “How did you do it?”

If your parent does not cooperate, you might be forced to do some detective work. Keep a close eye on the checkbook, look for an abundance of new purchases, watch for physical injury such as bruises or limping, track how much medicine is being taken and how often prescriptions are being re-filled.

Another option is to ask the family doctor to speak with your parent. Many people are more comfortable revealing their fears and weaknesses with professional experts than with family members.

In the end, you as a caregiver can be as helpful as your parent will allow; but realize they must take responsibility for their actions.

Marilyn Sharbach Ladew is a nationally renowned expert in senior concerns, health and caregiving. She holds a Masters Degree in Social Work, owned a business that enabled seniors to stay in their homes and has counseled families through Hospice, hospital programs, and senior services. She also produced the Senior Focus nationally-syndicated radio program for four years.

Source: http://www.agingcare.com/

November is Designated as Alzheimer's Awareness Month

Alzheimer’s disease or Alzheimer’s type dementia is a progressive degeneration of brain tissue that primarily strikes people over the age of 65.  People often ask me what the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia is.  I like to explain it as dementia as the category.  A good example would be the category is soda; within that category are Coke, Pepsi, Mountain Dew, and root beer.  The category is Dementia; within that category are Alzheimer’s Disease, Vascular Alzheimer’s, Pick’s Disease, Crutzfeldt – Jakub Disease, Huntington Disease, Parkinson Disease, Lewy Body Disease, to name a few.  Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia and is marked by a devastating mental decline in which intellectual functions such as memory, comprehension, and speech deteriorate.  

Attention tends to stray, simple calculations become impossible, and ordinary daily activities grow increasingly difficult with bewilderment and frustration.  Often, these symptoms tend to worsen at night.  Dramatic mood swings occur – outbursts of anger, bouts of fearfulness, and periods of deep apathy.  The sufferer, increasingly disoriented, may wander off and become lost.  Physical problems such as an odd gait or a loss of coordination gradually develop.  Eventually, the patient may become physically helpless, incontinent, and unable to communicate entirely. 

Alzheimer’s Disease can run its course from onset to death in just a few years, or it may play out over a period of as long as 20 years.  It is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S.  Every 69 seconds, someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s: one person out of eight who are over the age of 65 has the disease.

The gradual loss of brain function that characterizes Alzheimer’s Disease seems to be due to two main forms of nerve damage: nerve cell develop tangles and protein deposits known as plaques that build up in the brain. 

Some forms of dementia can be treated: dementia caused by chronic alcohol or drug abuse, tumors, hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, metabolic disorders, subdural hematoma.  Non-treatable causes of dementia include: Alzheimer’s disease Vascular Alzheimer’s and other dementia’s listed above.

Six months ago I received a call from Mary; she reads my articles and had been searching everywhere for her friend, Shirley, to have a place to go to relate with others in her condition.  I was her last hope.  At the age of 75, Shirley had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and had left the doctor’s office scared, frustrated, and sad.  With the information from her friend Mary, I was able to start a unique and very special Alzheimer’s peer group.  We meet the 1st Tuesday of every month at North Crest Assisted Living for lunch, giving the group a chance to discuss their Alzheimer’s; what they are feeling and going through themselves, and with their loved ones.  We close with a short Dementia/Alzheimer’s education training. 

If you are interested or know someone who would benefit please contact me at northcrest@centralwisconsinseniorliving.org or call 715-343-1288. 

Lori Schuler is the Marketing and Activity Director with Central Wisconsin Senior Living

Thank You For Making Rhythm & Brews Beach Bash a Success

Friday November 11, 2011, a first time event was held in Stevens Point
'Rhythm and Brews Beach Bash' fundraiser for Alzheimer's Association washeld at Players Lounge.  


Thirty different beers were there to taste, along with 7 different wines, and a couple of malt drinks.  We had fabulous food and Cadillac Pete and the Heat featuring Harold 'guitar' Ludtke.

There was an endless table of great silent auction items and a 50/50 raffle.  A great time was had by all.


We are already in the planning stage for 2012's Rhythm and Brews Beach Bash so watch for details, you don't want to miss out on a great time while raising money for an
important cause, 'Alzheimer's'.

Contributed by Lori Schuler; Marketing and Activity Director

for Central Wisconsin 

Halloween Memories of Trick and Treats For Our Residents

Who doesn't love getting dressed up, pretending to be someone - or something - else? Years ago it was called a masquerade but that word isn't used too often anymore. 

Holidays were often an opportunity to memorize poems. One I can still recite:

Five little pumpkins

Sitting on a gate.

The first one says,

"Oh my! It's getting late!"

The second one says,

"There are witches in the air."

The third one says,

"I don't care."

The fourth one says,

"Let's run and run and run."

The fifth one says,

"It's Halloween fun."

Then WOOOOO went the wind

And out went the light.

And the five little pumpkins

Rolled out of sight.

Another Halloween tradition was reciting poems of Edgar Allen Poe. What a fascination with the dark side of human nature. Do you remember:

"Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary,

Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,

While I nodded, nearly nappy, suddenly there came a tapping,

As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

'Tis some visitor,' I muttered, 'tapping at my chamber door -

Only this, and nothing more...'"

Taken from The Raven, first published in 1845.

What are some of your early childhood memories of Halloween?

CWSL Offering Rent Specials for Pioneer Place and Whitetail Run

Reprint From "The Day:" Help for Overwhelmed Dementia Caregivers

After caring for my husband who suffered from dementia/Alzheimer's at a time when little was known about Alzheimer's, I am pleased to see an increasing amount of exposure on television about the disease.

As is common with Alzheimer's, many suffer from additional problems. My husband's were paranoid syndrome, schizophrenia, diabetes, cancer and many other ailments, some equally traumatic.

A book titled "The 24 Hour Day" helped me understand his problems and find a knowledgeable social worker from a neighboring city.

Becausing I know the disease is mind-bending, my prayers go out to today's caregivers.

Author: Kathryn Shroyer Groton

www.theday.com/article/

GTX Corp develops GPS Equipped Shoe for Alzheimer's Patients

GTX Corp. has developed 3,000 pairs which will be sold online and at select retailers by Aetrex Worldwide, theAFP reported. The $300 shoes contain a GPS system in the heel that lets family members track the location of the wearer.

Family members can also establish a safe zone which will set off an alert if a family member steps out of it, Katie Lindendoll, CBS The Early Show's tech expert , said in a segment.

Who can the shoes help?

This shoe could be especially beneficial for people in the earliest stages of Alzheimer's, according to Dr. Andrew Carle, director of the senior housing administration at George Mason University's College of Health and Human Services, who served as an advisor to the project.

"They might be living in their home but they're confused," Carle told the AFP. "They go for a walk and they can get lost for days." Carle said some studies show up to 60 percent of Alzheimer's sufferers will wander and become lost - and half of those who are not found within 24 hours might die.

This isn't the first device to ensure Alzheimer's patients safety. There are bracelets and pendants that contain address information in case a person wanders, and some are equipped with tracking devices. But sometimes sufferers rip those off since the disease triggers paranoia, so they might dislike the unfamiliar object. Shoes on the other hand might not be so unfamiliar.

Nearly 6 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, according to the Alzheimer's Association. By 2050, that number might rise to 21 million.

Source: cbsnews.com

Celebrating Harvest Fest and Honoring American Service Personnel

God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today.

Have you used one to say "thank you?"

~William A. Ward

To commemorate the season, residents along with their family and friends, CWSL volunteers and staff celebrated Harvest Fest on Saturday, October 15th.


A social hour was held prior to lunch with entertainment at North Ridge.


Canned goods were collected for donation to Operation Bootstrap for the benefit of our community neighbors in need.

Harvest Princess

Dancing up a storm at Harvest Fest!

Thanks to everyone for their donations to Operation Bootstrap

Showing their appreciation for our military personnel serving overseas; assembling care packages as part of Assisted Living Week.

Contributed by Lori Schuler; Marketing and Activity Director

for Central Wisconsin Senior Living.

Rhythm & Brew Beach Bash Debuts Players' Lounge in Stevens Point

The Alzheimer’s Association proudly announces the newest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer  care support and research.  It is the 1st Annual Rhythm and Brew Beach Bash with live music, plenty of food, and a beer and wine tasting extravaganza.  The music by Cadillac Pete and Heat, featuring Howard ‘Guitar’ Ludtke, is a local blues band.

The event will take place here in Stevens Point, Friday, November 11, 2011, and will be held at the Players Lounge, 2124 Rice Street, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.  Tickets will be $30.00 in advance and $35.00 at the door. Rhythm and Brews Beach Bash is brand new to the Stevens Point area and we are so pleased to make it an annual event!  A strong team of community volunteers has been working hard at planning, selecting ‘craft’ brews, wine, gathering prizes, lining up music, and selecting a tasty menu for our guests.

We invite you to be a part of this fundraiser and support the efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association of Stevens Point. In addition to monetary sponsorships for this fundraiser, we welcome in-kind donation of services, food prizes, or silent auction items.  All contributions, great or small will help defray the costs of the event, allowing the proceeds from ticket sales and the auction to go directly to the local programs and services provided by the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Your support is needed to help ensure the success of the year’s event.

Alzheimer’s is the nation’s sixth leading cause of death and affects 5.4 million people today.  Currently, more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s and that number is expected to grow to as many as 16 million by 2050.  Our future is at risk unless we can find a way to change the course of this disease. This event brings awareness to this overwhelming disease and raises needed dollars for care, support and research for those in our community. 

When Alzheimer’s touches your life the Alzheimer’s Association is here for you.  Alzheimer’s disease is a frightening diagnosis to face. Wherever you are, Alzheimer’s Associations are nearby with community programs and support services.  Anytime day or night, call them for reliable information and support.  Online guide helping individuals and families find the right care options locating licensed facilities in your area when placement of loved one is needed.  Alzheimer’s Association library provides a variety of research and reference services.

We are determined to end this disease and provide support for those affected now and in the future.  Attend the Rhythm and Brew Beach Bash or support the fundraiser and unite in a movement to reclaim the future for millions.  Together, we can raise awareness and funds to enhance Alzheimer care and support.

To purchase tickets or donate contact us at the following phone numbers:

715-393-3950

715-295-0650

Donation, ticket and event information can be found on the Alzheimer's Association - Great Wisconsin Chapter or Point Players Lounge

Feel free to distribute the poster featured above. After you click on the image you can either download it to your computer and distribute as an email attachment, embed it in an email or print for display in your community.

Area Walk to End Alzheimer's raises more than $17,000

The true charm of pedestrianism does not lie in the walking, or in the scenery, but in the talking.  The walking is good to time the movement of the tongue by, and to keep the blood and the brain stirred up and active; the scenery and the woodsy smells are good to bear in upon a man an unconscious and unobtrusive charm and solace to eye and soul and sense; but the supreme pleasure comes from the talk.

~Mark Twain

Saturday, September 17th: the day we've been looking forward to and training for when area walkers, volunteers and teams gathered for the start of the Alzheimer's Association's Walk to End Alzheimer's. This year's event was a great success and helped raised more than $17,000 for local programs of the Alzheimer's Association.

Central Wisconsin Senior Living was proud to host this year's event with Harmony Living Center. The Walk was led for a community volunteer committee that included CWSL's Kelly Opiola and Lori Schuler.

                                 The Spirit Award was presented to the Sky Club Team.
                                                     Never, Never, Never, Give Up!


"There has never been a greater need for residents to join in the fight against Alzheimer's disease," said Diana Butz, Alzheimer's Association development and marketing director. "As many as 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease and funds raised will provide support services to the residents of this area living with Alzheimer's. The level of support shown by the Stevens Point community for the Alzheimer's Association is truly amazing."


Donations are still being accepted. You can contact Kelly Opiola at Central Wisconsin Senior Living or visit the Alzheimer's Association web site at www.alz.org/gwwi and click on the Stevens Point Walk to End Alzheimer's link or click here.


If you are interested in joining the 2012 Planning Committee contact Kelly Opiola at Central Wisconsin Senior Living.