Immune Response Changes In Seniors Place Them At Risk

Seniors can be affected with a variety of different types of infections that hit hard and hang on. As we get older our immune response changes and one of the most prevalent infections impacting seniors is a urinary tract infection (UTI). Sometimes our loved ones can’t tell us what the problem is, where the pain is or when something doesn’t feel right. UTI’s can be very dangerous when not treated quickly. Symptoms in seniors can be different than in younger people. 

Sometimes the only symptom of a UTI in the elderly is acute confusion. If an older person becomes suddenly confused or have behavioral issues, some people may think that their loved one must be developing Dementia / Alzheimer’s disease. Others may mistakenly assume that confusion is normal for all older people. You may find your loved one feeling restless and anxious.  Some seniors will have overall discomfort and weakness, including falls or unsteady gait. There may be loss of appetite or dizziness. Seniors will be unable to do activities of everyday living they always perform. A person with Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, or other dementia may become temporarily worse. 

Physical UTI symptoms that might present themselves include:  foul, strong smelling urine, more frequent trips to the bathroom especially at night, inability to empty the bladder fully leaving a feeling that your loved one needs to go when they just went, pressure or mild pain when urinating, night sweats, shaking or chills, lower back pain, general discomfort, a feeling of being over-tired, blood in the urine, incontinence, nausea, vomiting, coughing, shortness of breath and abdominal pain. Woman may have pain above the pubic bone. Men sometimes have a feeling of fullness in the rectum. Back and side pain can indicate the infection has reached the kidneys. However, a person would probably not have all these signs; and perhaps none. If left untreated, the infection can spread and develop into far more serious conditions. Seniors will rarely get a fever, but if an older patient has one it is considered an emergency. It should not be taken lightly. UTI’s for instance, are a leading cause of sepsis, a potentially life-threatening infection of the bloodstream.

UTI’s can be prevented by keeping the area clean after using the restroom with front to back wiping and if wearing adult briefs, they should be changed regularly. Take a shower instead of a bath. Making sure your loved one is getting enough fluids especially including cranberry juice. Limit caffeine containing beverages which might irritate your bladder.

If your loved one’s symptoms are consistent with a bladder infection it’s recommended that their healthcare provider be called for an appointment.  The most common treatment for a UTI is antibiotics.

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

and North Haven Assisted Living Homes

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 

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.

National Assisted Living Week September 11-17, 2011: Live Life

National Assisted Living Week begins on, Sunday, September 11, 2011.  Many assisted living residents are the people who made significant contributions to our community; teachers, business people, civic leaders, public officials, parents, and now grandparents. 

Assisted living has emerged as a popular senior living option for those elderly people who need some assistance with activities of daily living, but are able to live and function for the most part on their own.  A typical assisted living home offers 24-hour monitoring of its residents, common cares, including meals, housekeeping, laundry services, bathing, dressing, ambulating, and medication assistance while respecting their dignity and enhancing their quality of life.  There is specialized Alzheimer’s care units designed with safety features for those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

How Can I Tell When My Loved One Needs More Help Than I Can Provide?

The following warning signs may indicate that it’s time for a talk about assisted living: 

• Your loved one needs more help than family and friends are able to provide.
• They feel lonely and isolated in their home.
• Family members are worried for their safety.
• The refrigerator is empty or filled with spoiled food.
• You notice frequent bruises on your loved one.
• Your loved one wears the same clothes over and over again.
• The house and yard isn’t as clean as it used to be.
• Your loved one become increasingly forgetful.
• Your loved one seems depressed.
• You notice strange or inappropriate behavior. 

Choosing an Assisted Living Home

The most important factor when choosing an assisted living home is that it feels friendly, safe, and comfortable for your loved one and family.  Things to consider when choosing an assisted living home; does the staff speak with you and appear genuinely interested in you, do they interact warmly with residents, do residents appear happy, do they appear to be enjoying and interacting with others, does it feel homey to you, is there an activity program, are there home cooked meals that are appealing, nutritious, and appetizing, do they handle health problems, is the facility in compliance with state and local licensing requirements. 

In evaluating assisted living, cost most likely will be a consideration, so take the time to check if you’re loved ones long term insurance, health insurance, or governmental programs will cover any of the costs of assisted living. Don’t assume that expensive means better; make sure you understand how the facility bills or do additional services require additional costs, and understand their rate increases.  Your goal should be to find the right facility where you feel most at home that is best for your loved one and family. 

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

Never Too Old To Have Fun!

‘If I knew I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself!’

George Burns (who lived to be 100).

Senior people still have many intellectual needs.  Just because they are advancing in years does not mean they can no longer grow, learn new things, and enjoy activities.  Not only do the seniors have a major longing for companionship just as anyone of any age, but they need to be around others to continue to stimulate their minds.  Too often the elderly are left alone and in isolation with only a television for company.  Is it really a surprise many may seem to be listless and forgetful when in actually they are bored?

When senior citizens are involved in stimulating activities they keep their minds exercised and growing.  These new skills become very important to seniors who secretly may fear the onset of Depression, or Dementia/Alzheimer’s.  It is far better staying active than to be spending time worrying needlessly.

A winning activity program in Assisted Living Homes or Senior Apartments is an essential part of choosing the right placement for your love one.  Planned activities can enhance the person’s sense of dignity and self-esteem by giving purpose and meaning to their life.  Our motto where I work is ‘We Are Never to Old to Have Fun!’  It is like the movie Field of Dreams, build a field and they will come.  Ours is have activities and they will come.  Most residents want to participate and an enthusiastic activity director will personally invite and encourage residents to engage in the activities.  There are many activities of interest to enhance the social, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of each person promoting self-worth, self expression, growth and development.

Scheduled activities that reflect the personal needs and desires is an important aspect of any activity program; fitness, entertainment, cognitive/creativity, spirituality, outdoor activities, daily routines; personal cares, homemaking tasks, pet therapy, social, spontaneous, person centered activity, dancing, virtual tours.  There are many activities of interest to enhance senior needs to explore new interests even the internet.

After teaching fitness classes for over 16 years I understand the importance of fitness at all ages of life.  As a senior it is crucial to exercise as it keeps seniors strong.  Muscle mass decreases as people age, exercise helps maintain weight, improve flexibility, and it contributes to balance and bone strength.  Exercise has been proven to help cognitive function and improve mood in adults over 55 years old.

Planning the right activity for seniors with or without dementia is best when you consider the person’s likes and dislikes; strengths and abilities, interests, keeping activities flexible, and be ready to make adjustments. 

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

The days of summers' blistering heat are here, and while we cannot control the rising temperatures outside, we can control the heat index of our bodies.  Older adults are at an especially high risk, they are not able to sense elevations in temperature as quickly or be able to cool down as readily.  The effect of the sun on the skin of older adults is heightened because of changes in the skin as we age.  You burn much quicker even with short exposure to the sunlight.

When temperatures rise so does the risk for heat related injuries such as muscle cramps due to loss of water and salt through perspiration, medicines that work against the body’ natural thermometer, dizziness, clammy skin, rapid heart beat, heat exhaustion in the form of headaches, nausea and weakness, and finally heat stroke, which can be fatal.

The human body is very much like a machine.  It’s constantly challenging itself to adapt to its environment and keep up with what’s going on externally. Your body is always working to keep a balance between its heat production and heat loss, with your brain acting as a thermostat.

When the temperatures begin to creep up, take immediate action.

Keep cool. Air conditioning can be a lifesaver, especially if you have heart disease.  If you don’t have air conditioning, head to a cool shopping center, library, movie theater, place of worship, and here in Stevens Point the Lincoln Center/Aging and Disability.

Lightweight, light-colored, loose clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and wear a hat or carry an umbrella to protect your head and neck when outdoors.

Cool baths or showers can provide relief.  Ice bags and wet towels are also helpful.

Beware of dehydration: drink plenty of water even if you’re not thirsty.  Remember fluids can also come in the form of fruits and vegetable.  Avoid drinking an excess of coffee, tea, and alcohol. Caffeine is a dehydrator and alcohol acts as a diuretic, causing your body to lose water.  A good test of hydration is to make sure that your urine is always clear in color.

Limit your salt intake.

Curtail physical activity during extremely hot weather.  Activity adds to heart strain.

Always remember to use sunblock (SPF 15 or greater) when outdoors even on hazy or cloudy days.  A person, who has memory problems, should not be in the sun for any extended period of time.  They may not recognize or be able to tell you that they are uncomfortable.

Take the heat seriously.  Dizziness, rapid heartbeat, diarrhea, nausea, headache, chest pain, mental changes or breathing problems are warning signs that you should seek immediate medical attention.

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

The End of Alzheimer's Starts Here

The Alzheimer’s Association has proudly announced the new name for its annual Memory Walk, the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care support and research.  Now known as the ‘Walk to End Alzheimer’s’, our new name captures the energy and strength of our participants, volunteers and donors, and the momentum of our cause and vision that drives why we participate.  The event will take place here in Stevens Point, September 17, 2011.  

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is held annually in hundreds of communities across the country, this inspiring event calls on volunteers of all ages to become champions in the fight against Alzheimer’s. Thousands will come together to support the work of the Association raising critical funds for education, counseling, support groups, the 24-hour Helpline and research to find a cure.  Each event offers a unique environment of inspiration and comfort as loved ones and friends living with Alzheimer’s are honored and remembered. This year, more than 200,000 participants will Walk to End Alzheimer’s, by teaming up with the Alzheimer’s Association, you can walk with a purpose – and move us closer to a world without Alzheimer’s. 

Since 1989, Alzheimer’s Walks across the country have raised more than $300 million to help those battling Alzheimer’s disease.  Stevens Point raised almost $11,000 and had 100 walkers attend in 2010.  Every 70 seconds someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.  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.

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

I challenge this community to ‘Lead the Way’ and help us change the course of the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death.  Be a part of something big.  Start a team, join the movement and reclaim the future for millions of Americans.   We are determined to end this disease and provide support for those affected now and in the future, and we are committed to advocating for the 5.3 million people with Alzheimer’s until there is a cure.

Together, we are an unstoppable force against Alzheimer’s.

Join us:  www.alz.org/gwwi/ or call 715-393-3950

Lori Schuler is activity and marketing director for North Haven Homes

Alzheimer's Awareness

Many people’s lives have been touched by Alzheimer’s disease and most of us don’t know much about the disease or the impact it will have on our lives. It isn’t always easy to find the answers about Alzheimer’s disease, and at times you will feel frustrated and confused. Families and loved ones can come together and focus on what they did have instead of what they don’t have. ‘Celebrate’ today and its memories, and make each day the best, with no regrets.

Having a family member with Alzheimer’s disease is not a cause for shame or a reason to hide away. We still don’t know why someone gets Alzheimer’s disease or how to cure it. We do know that Alzheimer’s disease causes brain damage. Alzheimer’s changes how people think, talk and act and changes their inability to perform daily living skills, and their short and long term memory. People in middle and late stages of Alzheimer’s need full-time care.

Many times family and friends don’t notice the changes at first. We tend to make excuses for the small changes. Memory loss is not “just a part of getting old.” The first signs you may notice: misplaced items, starting something and forgetting to finish it, hard time keeping up with tasks typically done every day of adult life. Another clue may be if your loved one stops doing things they have always enjoyed because they may be worried that their friends will see they are not their normal self. This is a good time to see a doctor and find out what is going on. It takes a doctor with special training to find the cause of memory loss.

Let your loved one talk as much as possible try not to give answers during the talk with the doctor. The doctor may ask questions about:

• When the changes first started
• What changes you and your loved one have seen
• How both of you are coping with these changes

You will want to ask a lot of questions:

• What are some reasons for the changes noticed
• What medicine helps with memory loss
• Is there help to pay for the medicine
• Is it possible to still live at home
• Is driving still safe
• What services does the community have to help with care

Ask the doctor to talk plainly to you and write down notes to remember the information.

Alzheimer’s disease is a frightening diagnosis to face, and yet, many find relief in knowing exactly what they are dealing with.

Your local Alzheimer’s Association Chapter can help you through their 24-hour helpline:  call 800-272-3900, web site: www.alz.org.   

Lori Schuler is activity and marketing director for North Haven Homes

Accepting The Inevitable

Residents and their families at any of the Central Wisconsin Senior Living properties may not know the names of every staff member but without a doubt, they all know Lori Schuler. 

Masquerading as the Marketing & Activities Director who, in the blink of an eye (or is that a twitch of her nose?) morphs into one of several persona's. Most recently, Lori was no where to be found after she met Lady Luck at the airport fresh from a trans-Atlantic flight from Ireland, making sure Lady Luck arrived just in time for the St. Patrick's Day party at North Haven Assisted Living Home.

It would stand to reason that as deep as Lori's feelings are for the senior residents she has come to know and love, the sorrow and sadness she feels, facing the death of those she cares for, has affected her on a very personal level. Lori recently shared her thoughts in an essay she wrote and published in the Stevens Point Journal, appearing in the March 12, 2011, edition.

We are pleased to share Lori's story with our friends and family and hope you find comfort in her words.

Is there a particular story, favorite quote or thought that has helped you get through a time of grief that you would like to share?

After working with seniors at assisted living homes for the last nine years one thing that I have had to understand is that death is a natural part of the cycle of life and one day we must all come to terms with it. 

When I dealt with my first loss of a resident I was not sure if I could handle the pain I felt in my heart and continue to work in this field caring so deeply for the loved one that family and friends entrust in our hands.  I remember Barbara, a very intelligent woman; at 80 plus years she knew more about technology than I did.  With her heart condition, she understood that the quality of her life would not be the way she would want to live.  Barbara decided to have surgery understanding she had a 50% chance to survive this surgery.  Barbara did not survive. 

I turned to my good friend Jane to help comfort me with my loss.  She told me this story - There was a little boy that wanted a horse and couldn’t afford to spend much.  He purchased a horse that he loved, rode, groomed, fed and he spent a lot of time with the horse.  Three months later the horse passed away and the little boy was very sad.  His veterinarian spoke these words to the boy. “You loved and rode the horse, groomed it, fed, and spent a lot of time with the horse.  That horse may have died in a pasture all alone.”

This story stays near and dear to my heart and reminds me of the importance of why I work in this field.  Assisted Living allows seniors to live with dignity, pride and respect in a home like setting. 

I spoke with a few of the residents that live here about death and their responses were very similar.  The fear of death is not there, they have seen and done so much in life.  They felt life has been good to them and are thankful to have a roof over their head, a bed to sleep in, food, and good cares.  Although they don’t like to think about it is important that they come to terms with their own death.  It will help to ease their own fears and enable them to offer peace and comfort to those struggling with their death.  Maybe it’s a cliche that when faced with death, life seems to be all the more precious.  

Death is something we all must face.  It happens to all living things; from living plants, animals, to people.  As hard and unfair as it may seem, everything that is alive now will pass someday.  

‘I shall die of having lived.’

Congratulations Judy Stashek TV Giveaway Winner

The Central Wisconsin Senior Living booth at the Portage County Business Council's 2011 Expo was a very popular place. The fact we were sharing homemade cookies (thanks to our very own chef!) might have had something to do with it. Or it could have been Marketing & Activities Director Lori Schuler engaging everyone with her aerobics prowess or grabbing the microphone to showcase her singing ability. A combination of cookies, talent, as well as enthusiasm to showcase Central Wisconsin's premier senior and assisted living facilities all helped contribute to a successful Business Expo for Central Wisconsin Senior Living.


The Business Expo was the perfect venue to roll out our new booth and promotional literature and to introduce Pioneer Place.


We were kept busy answering your questions about our properties, passing out cookies all the while watching the 'fish bowl' fill up with the names of people hoping to win the 19" LCD TV!




Accompanied by a drum roll, the winning name was drawn ... Congratulations to Judy Stashek, Westland Insurance! At the After Hours Event, Judy's name was called again as being a winner of one of the Portage County Business Council's giveaway. Apparently it was her lucky day.


After the banners and other material was packed up and we looked back on a very busy day, we realized that the success came from the start of our building relationships, along with the deeply-felt belief that those relationships are the most important part of business. We all look forward to getting to know you better.


If you're in the neighborhood, stop by for a cookie.