Stress is a common part of life for people of all ages. But for seniors, stress can be even more overwhelming. Researchers have identified common health problems associated with chronic stress levels including heart diseases, diabetes, headaches, depression, gastrointestinal problems, and even Alzheimer’s Disease.  At Twin Town Villa, our staff works hard to ensure that each resident’s health needs are met – including physical, mental, and emotional health. Let’s take a closer look at stress relief for senior citizens.

Reducing Stress in Senior Citizens & Elderly

1. Get Exercise and Movement: Exercise increases lung capacity, bone density, and overall longevity. Exercise looks different for everyone. For some just actions of daily living can provide benefits.  Other older adults may enjoy walking, light aerobics, or gentle yoga. For elderly people who may be sedentary most of the day, even a period of standing helps decrease the loss of bone density.
2. Find a Sense of Community: When friendships and positive relationships are formed, it can lead to more happiness. Living in an assisted living community like Twin Town Villa provides a built-in community of peers and caretakers to talk to, do activities with, and enjoy life with. Senior citizens who are living alone with little interaction with others may experience higher stress levels.
3. Eat Healthy Foods: Stress levels can be affected when we eat food that lacks proper nutrition. It is important for seniors to avoid high levels of sugar. Foods with higher levels of vitamins and minerals, and low in carbs and saturated fats will increase cognitive function for seniors and may even have other health benefits such as lowering blood pressure.
4. Minimize News Consumption:  It is not uncommon for reading or watching the news on TV to create stress or anxiety for senior citizens or people of all ages for that matter.  If news causes stress, it may mean not watching the news, watching less, or switching to a different activity such as reading a book or talking to a friend.
5. Getting Help:  When the time comes that your loved one needs additional help for daily living tasks, it’s important to get them the help they need. This may mean checking in on them more often, hiring a caregiver, or finding a home in an assisted living community. There are various options depending on what the individual’s level of need and assistance is. Having help with health-related services such as medications, and knowing that they are safe, relieves stress for both them and their loved ones.

Signs of Stress in Elderly Adults

There are many psychological and emotional signs of stress including anxiety, irritability, restlessness, and general mood swings.  Others may experience trouble sleeping (or sleeping too much), changes in eating habits, or lack of motivation.  If seniors have new problems with memory or concentration, that may also indicate a sign of stress.

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. We encourage positive stress relievers such as patio visits, Facetime calls, activities and hobbies, and other ways we can safely bring our Twin Town Villa community together.  If you have questions about Twin Town Villa or would like to schedule a virtual tour, please contact us online or call 218.643.9542.

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. Keep 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.

At Twin Town Villa in Breckenridge, the safety and health of our residents and staff are always top-of-mind, and now more than ever.  With our ongoing efforts of stopping the spread of the Coronavirus, especially to our residents who are at-risk or elderly, Twin Town Villa is taking extra precautions. We are screening everyone who enters the building by taking their temperature and stats. Many of the same precautions are being taken by assisted living centers, nursing homes, and other long-term care communities across Minnesota and the United States.  But we are also taking extra steps to help our residents stay connected.

Protecting our Residents’ Physical and Mental Health

We know that not only is the physical health of our residents important, but also their mental health.  When loved ones visit our residents, it is often the highlight of their week. We are sad to have to enforce social distancing for our residents but know that it is crucial to their health. Other changes we have implemented include serving meals in their room instead of communal dining. However, rest assured, our residents are not isolated in their apartments during COVID-19.

Helping your Loved One Stay Connected

With COVID-19, how we socialize has changed. Here are some tips for helping your elderly loved ones adapt to the changes and still feel connected:

Trying New Technology

We encourage our residents and their families to use technology to connect.  Video chat can be done through Facetime, Skype, Zoom, Facebook or others. Twin Town Villa offers a Computer Center that can be used to connect with your family through video chat, social media, or email. The staff at Twin Town Villa can help coordinate alternative communications to bridge the communication gap. If you need help getting started, ask our staff for help. If you prefer to send an email to your loved one, simply send the message to Mary at twintown@midconetwork.com in care of your loved one’s name, and we’ll deliver the email message to them.

Window Visits

We love how our residents and their families are finding new ways to be close.  Visiting face-to-face is still possible despite COVID-19 with “Window Visits”. Our residents and their families have used “Window Visits” to see and talk to each other… with family outside, and our residents inside, both with big smiles!

Giving Care Packages

Everyone loves to get little surprises, especially now. Items from families such as gifts, word of encouragement, homemade food, etc. can be brought and left at our front doors. Our staff will deliver the item to your loved one.

“Together forever and never apart. Maybe in distance but never in heart.”

The staff at Twin Town Villa is doing everything they can to make this challenging time as comfortable as possible for residents and their families. Watch the Twin Town Villa Facebook page for photos and updates from your loved ones.

Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns.  If you are looking for an assisted living community for your loved one, please reach out to Twin Town Villa at (218) 643-9542 for more information.