Celebrating the Holidays with Dementia: A Guide from Park’s Place Memory Care

Discover practical tips for celebrating the holidays with loved ones who have dementia. Learn from Park’s Place Memory Care how to make these moments joyful and comfortable.

Introduction

The holiday season is a time of joy, warmth, and family gatherings. However, for families caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, it can also bring unique challenges. At Park’s Place Memory Care, we understand these challenges and are here to offer guidance and support to make your holiday celebrations as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Understanding the Needs of Individuals with Dementia During Holidays

Dementia can significantly impact how a person experiences the holidays. The hustle and bustle, while festive, can be overwhelming. It’s crucial to adjust your expectations and create a dementia-friendly environment. This includes keeping routines as regular as possible and minimizing overly stimulating activities.

Practical Tips for Visits and Outings

When planning visits or outings, consider the best time of day for your loved one. Smaller, quieter gatherings are often more enjoyable than large, noisy parties. Keep activities simple and familiar, like looking through old photo albums or listening to favorite music. Our team at Park’s Place Memory Care can offer personalized advice for your specific situation.

Recognizing Signs of Stress and Overload

It’s important to watch for signs of stress in your loved one, such as agitation or confusion. If these occur, provide a quiet space for them to relax. Remember, it’s okay to take a break and step away from festivities to ensure their comfort.

Engaging Activities for the Holiday Season

Engaging in simple activities can make the holidays special. Consider crafts that evoke memories, like decorating a family photo frame. Music is also a wonderful way to connect, as it can trigger happy memories and emotions. These activities align with the care approach at Park’s Place, where we focus on creating meaningful experiences for our residents.

The Role of Park’s Place Memory Care

At Park’s Place Memory Care, we specialize in providing compassionate, personalized care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Our experienced staff are trained to understand the unique needs of our residents, making us an ideal partner in your caregiving journey. We invite you to contact us for more information or to schedule a visit to see how we can help make your holidays, and every day, better.

Conclusion

While the holidays can be challenging for those caring for loved ones with dementia, with understanding and patience, they can also be a time of joy and nostalgia. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Park’s Place Memory Care is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring that the holiday season is enjoyable for everyone.

Community Leaders Join Us for Lunch at Parks’ Place Memory Care

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.

Celebrating Father’s Day at Parks Place Memory Care: A Heartwarming Event



Introduction:

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.

Join us in celebrating fatherhood and the incredible men in our lives. To learn more about our personalized memory care services and the engaging activities we offer, please visit our website. Be a part of our community where love, respect, and cherished memories thrive.


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.

Celebrating the Summer Solstice with a Memorable Carnival at Parks Place Memory Care

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.

When is it time to intervene?

Early diagnosis of dementia is crucial to preventing a crisis and for planning treatment and care. It is difficult to tell if cognition changes are simply age related changes (normal aging) or dementia (not normal aging).

Therefore, knowing when to seek in-home care or place a loved one in a senior living home is very difficult to judge. This is especially true for individuals without a serious medical condition outside of their cognitive changes.

What is the difference between simple forgetfulness and a serious memory loss?

Here are some warning signs of memory loss that may signal the need for assistance care. They were gathered from a variety of sources:

Does he/she repeat questions more frequently?YesNo
Does he/she exhibit poor grooming and personal hygieneYesNo
Does he/she forget to take medications or take them incorrectly?YesNo
Has there been a change in eating habits or loss of appetite?YesNo
Is outdated food in the refrigerator or little nutritious food?YesNo
 Has driving been impaired? Frequent accidents?YesNo
Is he/she increasingly forgetful?YesNo
 Is he/she moody or depressed?YesNo
Has there been a loss of interest in socializing?YesNo
 Is he/she less interested in former activities?YesNo
 Is he/she unsteady on her feet or does she fall frequently?YesNo
Does he/she have difficulty concentrating?YesNo
Does he/she exhibit poor judgment?YesNo
 Is he/she incontinent?YesNo
Is there trouble handling finances? Are there unpaid bills?YesNo
Does he/she spend long periods of time doing nothing?YesNo
Have others noticed personality changes?YesNo
 Is there unopened mail lying around?YesNo
Is there poor housekeeping or unsafe conditions?YesNo
Does he/she have trouble making decisions?YesNo
 Does he/she get lost?YesNo
 Does he/she have trouble finding the right words?YesNo
Does he/she wear the same clothes over and over again?YesNo

This is also available here has a printable worksheet to fill out and bring to your next appointment with your physician.

See your physician for further evaluation if you have answered “yes” to a majority of these questions. Then call us to learn more about our home and how we can serve your loved one on his or her dementia journey.

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 612-358-3725.

Forgetfulness and Dementia

At times, we all forget details like where we placed our keys or we forget to buy an item on our grocery list. This is normal. Regardless of age, when we are feel stressed or fatigued it is not uncommon to forget details. As a result, many of us develop techniques to aid our memory including checklists, calendars, and “to do lists”.

As people age, the amount of time it takes to learn and retain new information may increase in duration. However, with time and patience normal functioning older adults will be able to retain and recall this new information.

Many older adults are fearful of memory loss. Research shows that there are steps one can take to promote a healthy brain. The Alzheimer’s Association offers the following tips.

Healthy Brain Tips:

Eat healthily: Lean towards foods rich in anti-oxidants and folic acid as well as water and fruit juice. Avoid fatty foods, caffeine, and alcoholic beverages.

  • Stay active: Find activities that exercise your body and your brain.
  • Support system: Maintain a good support system that allows for social interaction.
  • Rest, relax, and sleep: Stress and lack of sleep can have negative effects on your body. Maintain balance within your life.
  • Visit your doctor: Annual physicals allow you to talk with your doctor, ask questions, and monitor your health and medications.

When memory loss becomes more significant

For some, memory loss can be more significant. When memory loss begins to interfere with day-to-day functioning the problem may be a warning sign of something more. For example:

  • Difficulty managing medications
  • Significant weight loss due to missed meals
  • Frequent hospitalizations due to noncompliance with medication regime
  • Inability to organize finances, overdrawn accounts, and vulnerability to scams
  • Disorganized household, decreased cleanliness
  • Failure to meet deadlines at work


Family, friends, and acquaintances should take note when a significant change in skill, routine, or behavior occurs. For example:

  • An accountant who can no longer add 2+2
  • A computer programmer who cannot remember how to turn on the computer


It is important to note that any one of the issues mentioned above alone does not signify memory loss. Instead, it offers a “red flag” which warrants additional attention and investigation.

What to do if memory loss is suspected?

Whenever memory loss is suspected the first step is to see a physician. Your primary physician can refer you to a specialist who can work to identify the cause of the memory loss. Generally, your physician may refer you to a neurologist, internist, and/or a psychiatrist.

Why is a physician visit needed?

Memory loss can have numerous causes. Some medical conditions when left untreated can result in increased confusion and memory loss. As a result, an individual could be diagnosed inaccurately with a form of dementia when, in fact, they may have a medical condition such as a thyroid problem, lack of Vitamin B12, a medication/drug reaction, infection, or depression. A physician will complete a battery of tests to identify any treatable conditions and recommend treatment if appropriate.

If the memory loss and confusion are due to a medical condition, when treated the individual may notice a decrease or elimination of symptoms.

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 612-358-3725.