As our family members age, it gets more important to work on heart-healthy habits. People who are ages 65 years of age and older are more likely to suffer from a heart attack, stroke, or suffer from coronary heart disease. According to the National Institute on Aging, heart disease is a major cause of disability for millions of older people, limiting their activity and eroding their quality of life.

How do we Manage Heart Health & Aging?

Reduce Stress: The COVID-19 pandemic was a stressful time for people of all ages, but especially our elderly loved ones. At Twin Town Villa, we worked hard to help our residents manage stress and see their loved ones, if even through Facetime or window visits. It is important to manage stress for your heart and overall health.

Manage Weight: A healthy diet that is low in calories with fruits and vegetables will help to maintain a healthy weight and minimize obesity. Simple things like limiting portion size make a difference. Seniors should get at least 5 servings a day of colorful fruits and veggies. At Twin Town Villa, our healthy menu plan ensures healthy portions and high-nutrition and delicious meals.

Prioritize Fitness & Activity: Fitness and movement such as walking, yoga, stretching, biking, or anything that gets you up and moving will help your heart stay healthy. The goal is to get moving rather than sitting.  At Twin Town Villa, we have several activities planned throughout the day and encourage physical activity for both the body and mind.

Know the Symptoms of Heart Disease (and Talk to Your Doctor): Ask your doctor questions about heart disease, blood pressure, and cholesterol numbers.  Know if you have a family history of diabetes, heart disease, or cancers. Here are some of the common symptoms of heart disease.

Keep a “Pulse” on Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, and Diabetes: These can be major risks for heart disease. High blood pressure or stiffness in the arteries can increase with age. Pay attention to increased sensitivity to salt, too. This can cause an increase in blood pressure and cause dangerous ankle or foot swelling.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep: Over time, not getting enough sleep can raise your risk of heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke.  Sleep is simply a pillar to good health and quality of life.

Tour the Twin Town Villa Community

Our skilled and caring staff is always looking out for the best interest of our residents, from heart health and beyond. If you are looking for a place to call home for your parent or loved one, please reach out to us at Twin Town Villa. You can contact us online or call 218.643.9542 to request a tour.

Since June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, Twin Town Villa wants to help raise awareness about Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and other dementias. Being an assisted living community that serves the elderly community and their families, we see first-hand how Alzheimer’s, dementia, and memory loss affects people and their loved ones.  We also have some tips and resources on caring for a loved one with memory issues.

Facts about Alzheimer’s Disease

• Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. “Dementia” is any brain disease related to memory loss and diminished cognitive skills.
• Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. About 1 in 3 seniors die of dementia.
• Nearly twice as many women have Alzheimer’s than men, according to the US Dept. of Health & Human Services.
• Heart disease can increase your risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease.
• Keeping your brain active in old age (and the more education you have) can lower your odds of getting AD, according to the National Institute on Aging.
• Watch the video below to learn more factor about AD. For more information about Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, visit Alzheimer’s Association.

Alzheimer’s and Memory Care at Twin Town Villa

At Twin Town Villa, our staff is experienced and passionate about helping people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Our memory care community is a special residence is designed to care exclusively for residents with Alzheimer’s Disease or other forms of memory impairments.  Learn more about our Memory Care community and amenities for your loved one.

Tour Twin Town Villa Alzheimer’s Care Community

If you are looking for Alzheimer’s Care for your parent or loved one, please reach out to us at Twin Town Villa. You can contact us online or call 218.643.9542 to request a tour.  We look forward to showing you our community that is home to so many wonderful people with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and memory loss.

 

 

Over the last 15 months, our residents and families have gone through a challenging time of separation.  Through the window visits, Facetime calls, and care package drop-offs, we have seen so many people make the best of the situation.

Now, we are beyond thrilled to open our doors to visitors. We welcome you with open arms!

 

Come Visit your Loved One

Window visits and care packages were fun, but everyone loves in-person visits above all. Family and friends are now welcomed to visit their loved one for some quality time together at Twin Town Villa. Enjoy an outdoor visit on our patio or join your loved one in their room. We just ask that two people visit per room at this time.  Surgical masks need to be worn in the hallways but can be removed in the room if visitors are fully vaccinated. When you arrive, there will just be a quick check-in and assessment.

Schedule an In-Person Tour

If you are looking for a place to call home for a family member, consider Twin Town Villa in Breckenridge. Now is a wonderful time to schedule an in-person tour with us. We have rooms available and can give you a full tour without restrictions. We offer Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Care Suites to match the needs of each resident. If you have questions about Senior Living options for your loved one or would like an in-person tour of our community, please contact us online or call 218.643.9542.

We look forward to seeing the joyful expressions on our residents’ faces as they see visitors again!  We hope to see you soon!

 

Arthritis can cause a lot of pain and lead to immobility and disability. Falls are also more common and more serious for people who have arthritis. Since May is National Arthritis Awareness Month, we want to offer some tips for managing arthritis pain for yourself or your loved ones.

10 Ways Manage Arthritis Pain

1. Keep Moving. It is important to keep your joints moving by doing gentle stretches, walking, or even just standing more often.
2. Maintain Good Posture. Whether you are sitting, standing, or lying in bed, pay attention to your posture. Good posture will put less pressure on joints, decreasing wear and pain.
3. Learn & Ask Questions. Talk to your doctor, nurse, or family about arthritis and helping you with the pain. Learn all you can about arthritis management.
4. Consider Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy. Talk to an OT or PT to see if there are specific exercises for strengthening your muscles around problematic joints.
5. Avoid Repetitive Motion. Activities that may be high impact and repetitive can make arthritis worse.
6. Try Heat or Cold. Sometimes a heating pad or a hot bath may ease achy joints.  Moist heat can help muscles to relax. For others, an ice pack on sore muscles will help reduce inflammation.
7. Find Healthy Ways to Relax. Keep your mood positive with activities such as gentle yoga, listening to music, mediation, doing a puzzle, or reading. Relaxing and keeping your mind off the pain is good for your body and mind. Learn more about reducing stress.
8. Get a Good Night’s Sleep. Pain can disrupt sleep and a lack of sleep can make the pain worse. Learn more about how to get a good night’s sleep with arthritis pain.
9. Eat Healthy Meals. Fresh, unprocessed foods and fermented foods like yogurt may help to reduce pain. Learn more about healthy eating for seniors.
10. Take a B-12 Vitamin. A deficiency in vitamin B-12 can play a role in nerve pain. A daily B12 supplement may help.

Questions about arthritis management at Twin Town Villa?

At Twin Town Villa in Breckenridge, MN, we offer Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Care Suites to match the needs of each resident, and their specific needs.  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.

 

Quality time is the best time spent with our elderly parents.  As we grow older, we realize how our roles shift, and now our parents need our attention more than ever (despite our busy schedules). The special people in our lives who once were our caretakers, now need us for help, companionship, and most of all, quality time.  Our presence is the best gift that we can give to our aging parents and grandparents.  Here are some ideas for making the most of the time you have with your parents and nurturing your relationship.

Activities to Do with your Elderly Parents

Reading Together

Find a book or article that they would have an interest in and read to them or take turns reading. This helps provide an activity whenever you visit. It will also give them something to look forward to that you can discuss together. Reading is especially helpful if your parent has memory loss or Alzheimer’s Disease.

Finding Shared Interests

When you have shared interests with your parent or grandparent, it opens the door to conversations, activity ideas, and bonding. Whether it is a love for the Minnesota Twins, knitting, or puzzles, finding some common ground to keep your bond strong. If you are still looking for things to do together, there are a ton of fun activity ideas to do with your grandparent or aging parent on the Legacy Project website.

Cherishing Memories

It is fun to tell stories, hear their memories, and look at old photos. Ask them questions and have them tell you about when they were young.  They will love reminiscing about the people and experiences of their past. A fun activity could even be working on a family scrapbook or family tree project together.

Listen to their Favorite Music Together

Music can also help spark special memories. With technology today, it is easy to find music and artists from every era.  Bring back different periods of their life and nostalgia by listening to their favorite tunes with them.

Helping them with Self-Care or Errands

When you visit with your parents, see if they need help with any self-care or errands. If they are living on their own, are they still able to independently cook, clean, and maintain their house? Make sure they are safe and eating healthy.  It is also a good time to address any issues that will help with fall prevention.

When it’s Time to Consider Assisted Living for your Parents, Twin Town Villa is here to Answer your Questions.

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.