Twin Town Villa

Five Common Misconceptions about Assisted Living

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Many senior citizens want to remain living independently in their home as long as possible. But declining health or memory issues are often a key factor in changing an elderly loved one’s living situation. When the time comes that a person has to think about moving their parent into an assisted living facility or get more caregiving help, there are often a lot of questions and misconceptions. At Twin Town Villa, we want to make sure our families and residents understand the facts so they can make the best decision. Let’s take a closer look at some common misconceptions about assisted living.

Assisted Living Misconceptions

Misconception #1 – Seniors are Better off at Home

At Twin Town Villa, our focus is on improving every resident’s quality of life. This includes everything from making sure they healthy meals, medication help, engaging activities, social interaction, and other health-related services. Especially during the social isolation challenges of COVID, assisted living ensures that residents get interaction but also remain safe. Here are some considerations for selecting a senior living community.

Misconception #2 – Assisted Living is Too Expensive

Often times families don’t consider all the expenses incurred when their loved one is living on their own such as rent, utilities, property taxes, transportation, groceries, and more. In the long run, many people find that assisted living is not much more than their former cost of living, with many additional services included. Twin Town Villa offers a variety of payment options for families to make the transition easy.

Misconception #3 – Memory Issues May Worsen

Our trained staff works with the residents who have memory issues in a patient and caring manner. We love to hear stories from our residents! Our Memory Care unit is dedicated to helping our residents with Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of memory issues in a comfortable and fulfilling atmosphere. It is important for residents to hold that connection to their past by bringing in photos and other items from the past to help connect their past to their present and encourage memories.

Misconceptions about Assisted Living

Misconception #4 – Seniors Can Lose Independence

When seniors begin needing help with daily living such as bathing and grooming, assisted living can make a tremendous difference in maximizing their independence. Other seniors may love having their meals cooked, the benefits of regular housekeeping, and having friends nearby. Not having to worry about household chores and errands can give some seniors more time for their hobbies and interests.

Misconception #5 – It’s Not Safe During COVID

If you feel that your loved one can benefit from assisted living, don’t let the pandemic be a reason for waiting. Now more than ever, senior citizens can benefit from the companionship of our built-in community of staff and residents to reduce feelings of isolation. An assisted living community can also help protect your loved one from exposure to COVID-19 by eliminating their need to run errands or get groceries. With mental health issues being heightened by the pandemic, our staff can help identify concerns quickly.

When is the Right Time to Move into Assisted Living?

At Twin Town Villa in Breckenridge, MN, we offer Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Care Suites to match the needs of each resident. We serve the communities near Wahpeton, ND, and Fergus Falls, MN. If you have questions about Senior Living options for your loved one or would like a virtual tour of our community, please contact us online or call 218.643.9542.

Moving into Assisted Living during a Pandemic – Why Now is the Time

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The past six months have been full of challenges for all of us, as we have worked through the many curve balls that COVID-19 has thrown our way. At Twin Town Villa, we have worked diligently to keep our residents safe, while ensuring their mental and physical health needs are met.

If your family is considering moving a loved one into assisted living, please don’t wait because of the uncertainties of COVID-19.  Now is a great time to find a safe, comfortable, and welcoming home at Twin Town Villa in Breckenridge, MN.

“Is it safe to move my parent into Assisted Living during COVID-19?”

– YES, Here’s Why.

Assisted living during a pandemic

It’s easier and safer to move before the winter months.

Soon the weather will be snowy and cold.  Not only does this make for unpleasant moving conditions, but it also increases the risk of falling on the ice.  Moving your loved one into assisted living while the weather is nice and without the added risk of slippery roads and walkways just makes sense.

We can tap into mental health or memory issues going on now.

We have noticed that isolation from the pandemic can cause mental health and memory issues, like never before. For people living alone, not being able to see friends and family in-person as they could in the past, can create further mental health and memory issues if left untreated.  Our trained staff can help identify mental health issues that need attention, once they are living in our community.

Our built-in community & staff help reduce feelings of isolation.

Twin Town Villa - Assisted Living in Breckenridge MNMany senior citizens living by themselves already struggle with loneliness and the feeling of isolation.  At Twin Town Villa, we have safe activities and events planned that will help residents feel loved and part of a community. Our residents enjoy everything from outdoor music concerts to indoor crafting, and other safe gatherings that bring people together in a way that is safe but meaningful.

Your loved one may be at risk while living alone.

If your parent or loved one is leaving their home to get groceries, medications, or for other errands, they may be putting themselves at risk for COVID-19.  When they live in a senior living community, many of their needs are taken care of under one roof so they don’t have to feel like they need to leave and increase their risk.

Twin Town Villa protects and cares for its residents.

From enhanced cleaning procedures to limiting access to communal spaces, Twin Town Villa is constantly making adjustments to keep our residents safe while providing the best care and environment. We ensure that our staff only come to work if they are 100% healthy.  We know how important visitors are to our staff and right now with the nice weather we are thrilled to be able to offer outdoor patio visits, which our residents and families treasure.

If your loved one is in need of care, please don’t hesitate to consider an assisted living facility, even during the pandemic.  The staff at Twin Town Villa can help protect your family member from the risk of COVID while enhancing their mental health as they become part of our community. Moving now before the cold and cumbersome winter months hit will make the transition easier and safer.

Is Now the Right Time to Move into Assisted Living?

We welcome you to contact us with any questions or concerns you have about moving your parent into assisted living during the pandemic.  At Twin Town Villa in Breckenridge, MN, we offer Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Care Suites to match the needs of each resident.  We serve the communities near Wahpeton, ND, and Fergus Falls, MN. If you have questions about Senior Living options, how to choose a care facility, or would like a tour of our community, please contact us online or call 218.643.9542.

Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s or Dementia

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Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia takes flexibility and patience.  We have gathered some helpful tips for family members to reduce frustration and keep your loved one safe.

Reducing Frustrations when Caring for Person with Alzheimer’s or Dementia

  1. dementia care, alzheimer's, Twin Town Villa in BreckenridgeKeep instructions simple and clear. One-step directions are easiest for people with dementia to follow.
  2. Schedule and follow a daily routine. Build-in some flexibility and get to know when your loved one will be the most alert or refreshed for more challenging tasks.
  3. Reduce distractions. Sometimes TV, the News, or other distractions will make it hard for them to focus.  When eating meals or having a conversation remove the distractions if you can.
  4. Stay flexible.  Flexibility and adaptability are key when interacting with a person with dementia.  As they become more dependent over time, adapt your routines and expectations.
  5. Put effort into communication and listening.  Take the time to listen without interruptions.  Speak slowly and clearly, using familiar words.

Creating a Safe Environment for People with Dementia

Since dementia impairs problem-solving skills and judgment, safety becomes a major concern by family members. When a family feels that their loved one can no longer independently live on their own, Twin Town Villa’s Memory Care Community is a great place to call home.

Safety Issues Related to Dementia to Consider at Home

  1. Fire safety precautions.  Smoking and cooking can create concerns about fire safety.  Make sure a fire extinguisher and carbon monoxide detectors are working and accessible.
  2. Preventing Falls.  Clutter, extension cords, rugs, and stairways can cause painful falls.  Make sure to install handrails and grab bars throughout the area.
  3. Burns from hot water. To reduce the chance of hot water burns, lower the thermostat on the hot water heater.
  4. Locking up dangerous items.  Consider locking cabinets or removing items from home that could be dangerous such as guns, medicine, dangerous utensils, or toxic cleaning substances.

Providing Care to our Residents & Support to their Families

At Twin Town Villa, we understand that every person with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other memory issues is different, not only in their symptoms and progression but also their past experiences and memories. Our Memory Care staff connects with each resident to get to know them, who they truly are now, and in the past. We also offer special features in our Memory Care community to reduce frustrations and provide a safe and comforting environment for our residents with dementia.

When is the Right Time to Move into Memory Care?

At Twin Town Villa in Breckenridge, MN, we offer Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Care Suites to match the needs of each resident.  We serve the communities near Wahpeton, ND, and Fergus Falls, MN. If you have questions about Senior Living options, how to choose a care facility, or would like a tour of our community, please contact us online or call 218.643.9542.

Supporting our Residents’ Mental Health during COVID-19

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COVID-19 has affected all of our lives in many ways.  In Assisted Living communities, where many at-risk people call home, there are additional challenges as we work diligently to keep our residents safe and healthy. But in addition to the physical health challenges we face, we also must recognize the effects that COVID-19 has on the mental health of the elderly.

It’s good for our residents’ mental health!

Friends & Family Outdoor Patio Visits

Families and friends can reunite with an outdoor patio visit with their loved one! This is a wonderful way to connect with your loved one and enjoy some beautiful weather. Twin Town Villa’s outdoor 45-minute patio visits must be scheduled in advance online here. When you arrive, please come to the SW outdoor patio (by the pond) where you will be greeted by a staff member and given your instructions for your visit. Please note that all parties must wear face masks (if able to tolerate). Please bring your own face masks with you to the visit.

Facetime Calls with Family & Friendsseniors mental health - elderly woman FaceTime Call

Face-to-face video chat helps offer reassurance since they can see family and friends “in person”. Video calls can be done through TwinTown Villa’s computer center via Facetime, Skype, Zoom, Facebook or others. If residents or families need help facilitating the video chat,  the staff at Twin Town Villa can help.

Activities and Hobbies

Planned activities help the residents to keep their minds busy and cope with stress. Even simple activities like reading, playing cards, or doing an art project can help residents focus on the activity rather than things that may be bothering them.

Outdoor Concerts & Parades

The beautiful weather that we have been having in Breckenridge, MN has given us the perfect opportunity to hold outdoor concerts for our residents to safely enjoy from a distance.  Our concerts have included Tim Mosser as well as “On the Mend” with musicians, Ed Moore, Rick Miller and Rick Hendrickson.  Our residents also recently got to enjoy an old-fashioned tractor parade, with many local people in our farming community volunteering to bring their tractors in for our residents to enjoy!

Snail Mail & Special Packages

elderly mental health - letter writingRemember the lost art of the handwritten letter that was so prominent when our residents were younger?  Many of our residents love sending and receiving mail from their loved ones and this is the perfect time to bring that back.  Care packages also bring smiles to residents’ faces.

Talking to Our Staff and Professionals

The staff at Twin Town Villa does a wonderful job of getting to know our residents through conversation and finding out what activities help to make residents feel content and cope with stress.  Our staff is also trained to recognize signs of anxiety and depression and when to adjust the resident’s care plan or reach out to a social worker or mental health professional.

Questions? Reach out to us!

Despite the current COVID-19 stress put on families, staff, and residents, Twin Town Villa is working hard to provide a safe and healthy environment that also provides support and activities for our residents’ mental health as well. If you have questions about Twin Town Villa or would like to schedule a tour, please contact us online or call 218.643.9542.

 

How to Select a Care Facility for your Loved One

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When the time comes that your family member cannot take care of their needs adequately on their own in their home, we have some guidance to find the right senior living facility, whether that is assistive living or continuum of care community.  We recommend looking for a place that feels and acts more like a community of care, rather than a “facility”.

Considerations for Selecting Senior Living

Talk with your Loved One & Determine Needs

How to Select an assisted living center for your loved one - Twin Town Villa BreckenridgeAre there certain amenities or comforts that are especially important to your loved one? Listen to their needs and determine what you feel daily living care services are needed —whether it is homecooked meals, planned activities, memory and dementia care, medication reminders, or other health-related services. 

Proximity to Resident’s Family & Friends

We all know how important visits from loved ones are. Even if it is just a window visit or dropping off a gift, having your loved one is an assisted living community nearby so family and friends can easily visit is definitely a convenience that allows for more interaction. If you are looking for an assistive living near Wahpeton, ND, or Fergus Falls, MN, Twin Town Villa is a perfect choice. Learn more about the communities we serve.

Make a List & Start Calling

By now you should have a least a shortlist of assisted living communities that you think may be a good fit for your loved one.  Do some research online and check out their website, social media pages, and reviews they may have. Give each one a call and ask questions about cost, amenities, staffing, how many residents live there, and possible waiting lists. Write down the information you collect to review later.

Ask your Friends & Family

Ask your trusted friends and family who have loved ones in long-term care, what their experiences have been in the senior living communities you have been researching.  Healthcare providers, social workers, and church groups can also offer valuable insight, feedback, and referrals.

Schedule a Visit

Taking a tour of the assisted living communities you are considering will give you a better feel of the environment overall and allow you and the potential resident to ask questions in-person.  Be sure to have a list of questions and be observant of the cleanliness, handicap access, and staff-resident interactions.  During COVID-19, assisted living centers may have special considerations for in-person tours, or virtual tours available to protect the residents.

Making the Decision

Before making a final decision on an assisted living center, or Care Suite, drop by for another visit to ensure everything still meets your expectations.  The decision to move your loved one into assisted living placement can be an emotional one, so it can be helpful to have another party join you, such as a family member, doctor, or social worker. Look over the contract very carefully before signing.

When is the Right Time to Move into Assisted Living?

At Twin Town Villa in Breckenridge, MN, we offer Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Care Suites to match the needs of each resident.  We serve the communities near Wahpeton, ND, and Fergus Falls, MN. If you have questions about Senior Living options for your loved one or would like a tour of our community, please contact us online or call 218.643.9542.