At Parks’ Place Memory Care, we believe in the power of community. We recently had the distinct honor of hosting a group of esteemed community leaders for a special luncheon at our facility. This event was about sharing a meal, opening our doors and fostering connections with the community we proudly serve.
Among the distinguished guests were the Plymouth Chief of Police, Eric Fadden, and the former Mayor, now a dedicated Met Council member, Judy Johnson. They, along with ten other influential business leaders, graced our dining hall, making the event truly memorable.
Our very own Chef Garrett outdid himself, preparing a lunch that was both delicious and visually appealing. The meal was a great example of the high standards and quality food we serve every day at Parks’ Place. We take pride not just in our care but in every aspect of our residents’ experience.
The highlight of the luncheon was a heartfelt presentation by Karen Parks. She shared the mission and vision of Parks’ Place, providing our guests with a deeper understanding of our commitment to excellence in memory care. It was an opportunity for our guests to hear about our dedication to providing a nurturing environment for our residents and the passion that drives our team.
Our attendees didn’t just hear about our values; they witnessed them. They saw firsthand the love, care, and dedication our staff bring to Parks’ Place every single day. It was a vivid demonstration of our ethos in action, and we hope it left a lasting impression on our esteemed guests. It was a testament to our reputation as a leading memory care facility in Plymouth, Minnesota.
In conclusion, we are grateful for the opportunity to connect with community leaders and share the Parks’ Place story. We remain committed to being an integral part of the community, and we look forward to more such engagements in the future.
At Parks Place Memory Care, we’re always looking for innovative ways to enhance the lives of our residents. Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting a group of friendly llamas, providing a unique animal therapy experience that brought smiles to everyone’s faces.
Llamas Bring Joy to Parks Place
Our residents had a fantastic time interacting with these gentle creatures. They were able to pet, feed, and simply enjoy the company of the llamas, creating a day filled with joy and laughter. The event was a hit, with residents’ faces lighting up – a testament to the therapeutic power of animal interactions in senior living communities.
The Therapeutic Benefits of Animal Interactions in Memory Care
Animal therapy is more than just a fun activity. It’s a form of holistic therapy that can significantly improve mental and emotional well-being. Studies have shown that interacting with animals can reduce feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness, which are common in individuals living with memory-related conditions.
At Parks Place, we’re committed to providing our residents with a diverse range of therapeutic activities. The llama visit was a perfect example of how we incorporate unique, effective therapies into our memory care program.
Parks Place: Committed to Innovative Memory Care
The llama visit is just one of the many ways we strive to create a dynamic, supportive environment for our residents. We’re dedicated to exploring and implementing innovative therapies and activities that contribute to the overall well-being of our residents.
Join Our Vibrant Senior Living Community
If you’re interested in learning more about Parks Place and our commitment to providing a rich, engaging environment for our residents, we’d love to hear from you. We’re proud of our vibrant senior living community and the innovative memory care services we offer.
Remember, at Parks Place, we believe in the power of joy, connection, and well-being, and sometimes, they come in the form of a friendly llama visit!
At Parks Place Memory Care, we honor and celebrate the extraordinary men and fathers who have touched our lives. On June 16th, we hosted a special event, “Breakfast with the Guys,” to commemorate Father’s Day in a truly memorable way. Join us as we reflect on the heartwarming moments and explore how Parks Place consistently goes above and beyond to honor our residents and provide engaging activities.
Honoring Fathers and Men:
“Breakfast with the Guys” was a heartfelt tribute to our fathers and men, acknowledging their invaluable contributions and the love they bring to our lives. We believe in going the extra mile to make our residents feel cherished, and the event allowed us to express our deep appreciation for their presence in our community.
Providing Unique and Engaging Activities:
At Parks Place Memory Care, we strive to create a vibrant and engaging environment for our residents. “Breakfast with the Guys” was just one example of the many special activities we organize throughout the year. From themed parties and creative workshops to family carnivals and personalized experiences, we are dedicated to providing unique opportunities that bring joy and fulfillment to our residents’ lives.
The Power of Meaningful Connections:
“Breakfast with the Guys” showcased the power of connections and the strong sense of community at Parks Place. It was a moment for our residents, staff, and the Plymouth First Responders to come together and forge new bonds. Stories were shared, creating an atmosphere of warmth, gratitude, and togetherness.
Conclusion:
“Breakfast with the Guys” was a heartwarming event that celebrated the cherished fathers and men at Parks Place Memory Care. With a delicious spread of pancakes and bacon, we delighted in the simple joys of shared meals and meaningful conversations. This event exemplified our commitment to honoring our residents and providing engaging activities that enhance their overall well-being.
At Parks Place Memory Care, we continue to seek out opportunities to create unique experiences and foster connections among our residents and the wider community. Through our dedication and personalized approach to memory care, we strive to make each day special and meaningful.
Discover the exceptional care and engaging activities at Parks Place Memory Care. Visit our website today to learn more about our personalized memory care services and how we honor and celebrate the remarkable individuals in our community.
The summer solstice carnival at Parks Place Memory Care was truly a night to remember! I had the pleasure of attending this wonderful event, and I have to say I was blown away by the joy and laughter that filled the air.
Delicious Treats: Our culinary team served up tasty treats, including corn dogs and various snacks and beverages. The blue raspberry snow cone was a crowd favorite, providing a refreshing and sweet dessert option.
Balloons, Caricatures, and Fun: A talented balloon artist delighted guests with their creative balloon twisting, making a variety of shapes such as flowers, puppies, and more. Our caricature artist captured the unique characteristics of each person in their drawings, providing a personalized keepsake. Due to popular demand, we plan to invite the artist back for future events.
Games, Prizes, and Rubber Duckies: Guests and residents enjoyed the friendly competition at our carnival games, including Plinko, flick the Chicken, and a rubber duckie matching game. Winners received exciting prizes, adding to the fun and excitement.
Temporary Tattoos and Expressive Art: Our dedicated volunteer offered a selection of temporary tattoos, allowing residents and guests to express themselves with colorful designs. From unicorns and dinosaurs to Marvel characters and flowers, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Melodies and Music: The duo Amy and Adams provided live music, creating a pleasant atmosphere and enhancing the overall enjoyment of the event.
A Night to Remember: The summer solstice carnival was a resounding success, thanks to the efforts of our dedicated staff and the enthusiastic participation of our residents, families, and friends. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who made this event truly special.
At Parks Place Memory Care, we continuously strive to create engaging and memorable experiences for our residents. Our goal is to bring joy, connection, and lasting memories to their lives. We invite you to join us for future events as we prioritize the well-being and happiness of our residents.
Thank you to all who contributed to the success of the summer solstice carnival. We look forward to creating more treasured moments together!
Discover the vibrant events at Parks Place Memory Care. Visit our website to learn more about our commitment to providing exceptional care and creating joyful experiences for our residents and their families.
Taking away the car keys is no simple task. It is much more than operating a machine, there are many emotions tied to driving a vehicle. Think back to when you got your driver’s license, and the feelings of independence and freedom that came with it. Getting your driver’s license was one of the steps towards adulthood. Now, imagine what it would feel like to have your license or the car keys taken away. It could be utter devastation, even when necessary.
Driving a vehicle is a complex task, your hands and feet need to operate quickly to push the appropriate pedal, turn the correct direction, use the correct lever, push the correct button, etc. In addition, you need to know where to go and respond to what is happening around you. As cognition declines, these tasks (which have become automatic) become increasingly difficult and can become dangerous for the driver and others on the road. The driver may or may not recognize that he or she is not driving safely. Some people voluntarily will give up the keys, others will not. Family members and caregivers need to be diligent in their observation of their loved one’s driving ability. And when the time comes, approach their loved one with compassion, kindness, and creativity.
Parks’ Place Memory Care is a privately owned assisted living home, specialized and specifically designed for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Our home is for people of any stage of dementia so they are able to age-in-place in their home. For tours, general information, or admission inquiry, please contact Kaitlin Kelly at 763-710-8484.
Just as certain foods can be good for heart health, lowering cholesterol, or managing diabetes, certain foods have shown to be beneficial for brain health. You’ll see that many of the foods that are good for your brain are also good for your heart. While this information does not replace recommendations from your doctor, it may give you a few ideas of foods to incorporate into your daily diet to help improve or maintain your brain health.
Fruit – Berries contain pigments that give them their color, these pigments are called flavonoids. Research has shown that flavonoids help to improve memory.
Vegetables – Green, leafy vegetables are rich in vitamin K, lutein, folate, and beta carotene. Try incorporating kale, spinach, collards, and broccoli in your diet to get these nutrients. According to the research, these foods may help to slow cognitive decline.
Fish – Fatty fish are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids; these healthy, unsaturated fats have been linked to lower blood levels of beta-amyloid (the protein that accumulates in the brain with Alzheimer’s disease). Low mercury options include salmon, cod, canned light tuna, and pollack. Other good sources of omega-3 are flaxseeds, avocados, and walnuts.
Nuts – As mentioned above, walnuts are a great source of healthy fats, particularly a fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). ALA helps to lower blood pressure and protects arteries, beneficial for both the heart and brain.
These suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg for brain health. Other non-food factors to pay attention to are your exercise and sleep habits. Both play an important role in your brain health. If you’re interested in learning more about foods to eat for brain health, consult with your doctor or a registered dietician, as they can give specific recommendations for you. And, if you suffer from poor sleep habits or don’t have an exercise routine, be sure to ask your doctor about those, too!
The sources used for this blog post can be found here and here.
Parks’ Place Memory Care is a privately owned assisted living home, specialized and specifically designed for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Our home is for people of any stage of dementia so they are able to age-in-place in their home. For tours, general information, or admission inquiry, please contact Kaitlin Kelly at 763-710-8484.
Along the same track as our blog post earlier this month about financial decision making, when caring for a loved one with dementia it is vital to keep track of their important documents. Creating a safe location to keep these documents or lists readily available will be beneficial down the road if and when they are needed.
Here are suggestions of lists to create or documents to track down:
Create a list of the name and phone number of attorneys, executors of the estate, financial advisors and/or stockbrokers. Locate any wills, trusts, and a list of beneficiaries with current phone numbers.
Copy of the medical directive with the name and phone number of the agent.
Copy of the power of attorney document with the name and phone number of the agent.
Funeral requests and location of burial plot. If appropriate, name and phone number of clergy.
Locate important papers such as the birth certificate, social security card, marriage and divorce papers, and military records.
Create a list of bank accounts and bank addresses. Also, list any investments, stocks, bonds, and insurance policies with the name and phone number of the insurance agent.
Location of safe deposit box and keys, and a list of contents. Also, list credit cards, appraisal records, and receipts for valuables.
List financial information about personal loans still outstanding, and tax information and returns for the past five years.
We hope this helps as a starting point to help you prepare as you care for your loved one with dementia.
Parks’ Place Memory Care is a privately owned assisted living home, specialized and specifically designed for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Our home is for people of any stage of dementia so they are able to age-in-place in their home. For tours, general information, or admission inquiry, please contact Kaitlin Kelly at 763-710-8484.
The city of Plymouth is home not only to Parks’ Place but also to Jodi Melsness, registered nurse who works with people with dementia and live in memory care. On top of that, her own mother was diagnosed with dementia and Jodi became her caregiver. Jodi started a blog to share her journey as a caregiver of someone with dementia, and ultimately turned her blog into a memoir, The Lemon Bar Queen.
Her memoir describes the journey as a caregiver, capturing fun moments, happy moments, difficult moments, and low moments. Caregivers at any stage of their caregiving journey will be able to relate to Jodi and her journey.
It was because of Jodi’s relatability and local connection that we reached out to her to see if she would be willing to speak about her book with family caregivers. At Parks’ Place, we understand that the diagnosis of dementia affects the whole family in addition to the person with dementia. Caregivers now find themselves in a role they never expected with new challenges every day. Caregivers being able to connect and relate to each other helps to lessen the sense of isolation, which can happen as the dementia in their loved one progresses. We saw Jodi’s experience and expertise as a great opportunity to host an event geared towards caregivers connecting and relating to one another. Jodi was immediately interested and jumped at the chance to meet with us!
We had a group of about 12 family caregivers on zoom with Jodi as she described her journey and the perspective she brought as a registered nurse. The time flew by in what felt like just a few minutes, and before we knew it, 90 minutes had passed! The 90 minutes was full of sharing stories, perspective, questions, and a little behind the scenes of what it’s like to write a book.
We enjoyed our conversation with Jodi so much, we invited her to be the keynote speaker for the Inaugural Parks’ Place Family Symposium taking place later this month. The Family Symposium is an event for our current residents’ family members and will have various speakers from our leadership team and the Parks family. Jodi will be our keynote at the end of the event. We are so excited to be working with her again.
If you’d like to learn more about Jodi and The Lemon Bar Queen, you can find her here at her website.
Parks’ Place Memory Care is a privately owned assisted living home, specialized and specifically designed for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Our home is for people of any stage of dementia so they are able to age-in-place in their home. For tours, general information, or admission inquiry, please contact Kaitlin Kelly at 763-710-8484.
Disclaimer: The following information is neither legal advice nor making specific recommendations for your loved one’s financial situation. It is purely informative. Please consult an elder law attorney to aid you in managing your loved one’s finances.
Planning Ahead
Navigating the path of financial and legal decision making is hard. Not only is it difficult to learn the legal terms, documents, and what they do, but emotionally it is difficult to think about you or your loved one’s possible incapacity, declining health, and ultimate death. Planning ahead can lessen the burden and emotional strain on loved ones if you are able to take the time and energy needed to plan ahead. But where to start?
You can start informally with a discussion. If you are going to start to assist or take over finances, you will need to learn about their assets, income, property, bills, debts, liabilities, bank information, etc. You will also want to discuss the types of insurance they have, what is covered, and the benefits. You will want to make a list or spreadsheet of contacts and phone numbers of banks, insurance companies, physicians, and any financial manager/consultant.
Formally, you may want to hire an elder law attorney. Your elder law attorney can help you with executing a power of attorney, preparing a will, and creating a health care directive. If you are also planning ahead for an assistance program such as Medical Assistance and Elderly Waiver, your elder law attorney can help you with the application process.
Here are some factors you may want to consider while planning ahead for the future.
Financial Status
Overall, what is their financial status? You will want to inquire if they have a home, car, CDs, stocks, annuities, or an IRA. Are the accounts titled in their name alone or is it a joint tenancy or “authorized signature” account? Do they have a monthly income? Look into a pension, social security, veteran’s benefits, or annuity payments. Make sure all beneficiary designations are up to date.
Insurance
Does your loved one have insurance? If so, what type? Compile the names, phone numbers, and policy numbers of the insurance carriers. Find out the types of services that are covered under their insurance policies. Most health insurance does not cover long-term or skilled nursing care so finding out if they have long-term care insurance will be very important; also what the benefits are and for how long.
Health Care Directive
In the state of Minnesota, the Minnesota Health Care Directive allows for someone to appoint a “health care agent” to make their health care decisions if they are no longer able. Multiple people can be appointed as a health care agent in the Health Care Directive, not just one. In the Health Care Directive, the person can state their wishes for the types of medical treatment they do or do not want. This is their opportunity to voice their concerns with the health care agents. An attorney is not required to complete the Health Care Directive; most hospitals and physician offices can provide one to be filled in. It will require the signature of two witnesses or a notary public.
Estate Planning
Estate Planning is best to be discussed with an attorney as there are many topics involved. We will go over a few of them now.
Power of Attorney
The Power of Attorney allows someone to appoint another person to act on their financial behalf. There are two common documents in Minnesota, the Minnesota Statuary Short Form Power of Attorney and the Common Law Power of Attorney. The Minnesota Statutory Short Form Power of Attorney provides multiple options and someone can select to shift power to someone else. The Common Law Power of Attorney will cover specified powers or provisions that are not included in the short form. This is drafted by an attorney.
Last Will and Testament
A will is a legal document that assures the person’s assets are distributed to the wishes of the individual after their death. This is a legal document to help ease the transition of the ownership of an estate after death. This will not go into effect until after death and does not guarantee avoiding probate.
Trusts
This is a legal arrangement where an individual (the beneficiary) allows for a person or financial institution (the trustee) to hold legal title to and manage the assets for the benefit of the beneficiary. The person who creates and funds the trust is the grantor. A “living trust” or “inter vivos trust” is used as a tool to plan for incapacity as it is created by a trust agreement during the grantor’s lifetime. This individual transfers ownership and control of their assets to the trust while still living and the property transferred is used for the grantor’s benefit during his or her life. When the grantor can no longer serve as trustee due to incapacity, the successor trustee named in the trust agreement will take over as the trustee.
Guardianship and Conservatorship
These are forms of substitute decision making established through a legal action or proceeding. In the legal proceeding, the court will order the appointment of a person as guardian or conservator to act as the substitute decision maker for another person, the ward or protected person. Most often, the guardian is appointed to make decisions regarding the person’s personal care such as deciding on appropriate residence, medical provider, or medications. The conservator will make decisions involving the financial care, this included property management, investment of assets, and bill paying.
Parks’ Place Memory Care is a privately owned assisted living home, specialized and specifically designed for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Our home is for people of any stage of dementia so they are able to age-in-place in their home. For tours, general information, or admission inquiry, please contact Kaitlin Kelly at 763-710-8484.
Being a caregiver for a person with dementia is a more than a full time job, its 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and often 24 hours a day. Your duties as a caregiver are constant throughout the day from daily hygiene, meal and medication preparation, transportation, and managing the medical appointments of the person with dementia. Often, you have no time or energy left for yourself.
So who is taking care of you? To be able to pour from your cup, you must first fill your cup. Neglecting your own needs can affect your health and wellbeing, and therefore affect your ability to care for your loved one with dementia.
The Minnesota Senior Linkage Line offers the following Caregiver’s Bill of Rights
Take care of myself. This is not an act of selfishness. It will give me the capability of taking better care of another.
Seek help from others, even if the person I care for objects. I recognize the limits of my own endurance and strength.
Maintain facets of my own life that do not include the person I care for, just as I would if they were healthy. I try to do everything that I reasonably can for this person, and I have the right to do some things just for myself.
Get angry, be depressed, and express other difficult feelings occasionally.
Reject any attempts by the person I care for (either conscious or unconscious) to manipulate me through guilt and/or depression.
Receive consideration, affection, forgiveness, and acceptance for what I do from my family, for as long as I offer these qualities in return.
Take pride in what I am accomplishing and to applaud the courage it has sometimes taken to meet the needs of the person I care for.
Protect my individuality and my right to make a life for myself that will sustain me in the time when the person I care for no longer needs my full-time help.
Expect and demand that as new strides are made in finding resources to aid physically and mentally impaired persons in our country, similar strides will be made towards aiding and supporting family caregivers.
Source: Minnesota Senior Linkage Line
Your Network of Support
Caring for someone with dementia can often feel lonely and draining. You may have feelings of anger, fear, sadness, fatigue, and love all at the same time. Building a support network for yourself is a safe place to share your feelings, lean on others, and walk alongside others who are on the same journey as your. Most communities have a variety of support groups. You can check out the Alzheimer’s Association, the Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, local churches, or the social service department of a local hospital. Also, word-of-mouth is a great way to find a support group as well.
Asking for Help
Asking for help is difficult, but important. Being human means that we all have limits on what we can do. Asking for help when you are reaching your limits is the best way to continue caring for your loved one. The Family Caregiver Alliance has an excellent Self-Care guide for Family Caregivers. Additional resources are listed below:
Parks’ Place Memory Care is a privately owned assisted living home, specialized and specifically designed for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Our home is for people of any stage of dementia so they are able to age-in-place in their home. For tours, general information, or admission inquiry, please contact Kaitlin Kelly at 763-710-8484.
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