Twin Town Villa

Make the Most of Visiting an Elderly Relative in Assisted Living

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Visiting an elderly relative in an assisted living community can be a fulfilling and heartwarming experience. Your presence can make a significant difference in their day, providing comfort and joy. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit, ensuring that your time together is meaningful and enjoyable.

Elderly Mother and daughter working on a puzzle

Planning Ahead

Before your visit, do some research online or by calling the facility they live in. You will want to find out what the visiting hours are, whether they have common areas for friends and family to spend time with residents, and what amenities or events they have scheduled. You should also find out if you will have to sign in upon arrival, if certain items or activities are prohibited at the facility, and if they have any restrictions on the number of visitors.

Find Meaningful Activities

While you don’t have to plan every minute of your visit, it may help to have some planned ideas. Find meaningful activities that your relative will enjoy. This could include looking through old photo albums, watching a favorite movie, playing a board game, sitting outside, or simply having a chat over a cup of tea or coffee. Also, check if the facility will be hosting activities that your relative is looking forward to. You may be able to join in on the activity with them or make sure you don’t take them away from an event they were looking forward to.

Be Patient and Present

Be patient and present during your visit. Your relative may move or speak more slowly than you’re used to. Give them your full attention, show empathy, and be understanding of their needs and limitations. Your patience and presence can provide immense comfort and reassurance.

Plan Future Visits and Stay in Touch

Before leaving, discuss and plan future visits. Knowing when they will see you next can give your relative something to look forward to and help maintain a sense of connection. Regular visits, even if they are short, can greatly enhance their emotional well-being. Between visits, stay in touch through phone calls, video chats, or letters to help your relative feel connected to you.

Stay Connected With Your Relatives at Twin Town Villa

At Twin Town Villa, we offer a wide range of activities that help our residents and loved ones say engaged and connected. Contact us online or call us at 218-643-9542 to schedule a tour of the community, learn more about our event and activities, or ask questions.

Easing the Transition to Assisted Living

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Making the transition into an assisted living facility can be difficult and emotional. You can help your loved one adjust and make the transition smoother by seeking advice and resources from trusted experts. With some guidance, you can help your loved one see and experience the many benefits of moving into assisted living. Continue reading for helpful tips on easing their transition to assisted living. 

Mother and daughter talking

Start Having Conversations About Assisted Living Early

It’s best to start talking about transitioning into an assisted living facility as early as possible. This will give your loved one time to ask questions, voice their concerns, and adjust to the idea of leaving their home. By talking with your loved one in advance, you will provide them the opportunity to be a part of the decision-making process.

Make an Appointment with an Expert to Discuss Concerns

You want your loved one to feel comfortable when transitioning into an assisted living facility. Scheduling an appointment with an expert can make the conversation easier to navigate. Take a look at local resources in your area, and consider making an appointment with an expert near you to help you discuss assisted living with your loved one. Here’s a list of experts that could help you with this conversation:

  • Social worker
  • Primary care physician or medical specialist
  • Therapist or counselor
  • Spiritual advisor
  • Psychiatrist
Create a Schedule or Timeline for Their Move

Creating a schedule or timeline for your loved one’s move into an assisted living facility will help them prepare. It may also give them a sense of control over the process. Create a checklist of important tasks to complete before the move and add key dates to a shared calendar. Work closely with your loved one to help them overcome moving-related challenges like packing and sorting through their belongings. 

Schedule a Tour at Twin Town Villa!

If your loved one is ready to make the transition into an assisted living facility in Minnesota, schedule a tour with us at Twin Town Villa. We offer assisted living apartments, memory care, care suites, and a rich, vibrant senior community lifestyle. Contact us online to schedule a tour of the community or call us at (218) 643-9542 with questions. 

Staying Fit at Any Age: What Are the Best Exercises for Seniors?

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As we age, our bodies undergo significant changes, such as reduced muscle mass, bone density, and sometimes a decline in balance and coordination. These changes can increase the risks of falls, which can impact our health and quality of life. Engaging in regular exercise can help strengthen muscles, improve heart health, and minimize the risk of falls and certain health conditions. Let’s take a look at the best exercises for seniors.

Exercise for Seniors - seniors with stretching bands

Arm Workouts for Improved Strength

Keeping our arms strong and flexible is crucial for daily activities and overall mobility. These seated arm exercises are designed for seniors, focusing on improving strength without having to stand.

  • Seated Bicep Curls: Sit upright in your chair with your arms at your sides. Curl your arms up towards your shoulders by bending your elbows, then slowly lower them back down. You can add light weights to each hand or do without weights.
  • Arm Overhead Raises: While in a chair, place your arms at your sides and then extend them straight up above your head. You can extend them as far as comfortable, then slowly lower them back down. You can add light weights to each hand or do without weights.
  • Wrist Twists: Without weights, hold your arms out in front of you, elbows bent so your forearms are vertical. Rotate your wrists to turn your palms up and then down.

Leg Workouts for Circulation

Improving leg circulation is key to maintaining overall health and well-being. These exercises target the legs to enhance blood flow and strengthen muscles, all while seated in your chair.

  • Seated Marching: Sit upright and march your legs up and down one at a time, lifting your knees as high as comfortable.
  • Ankle Flexes: While seated, extend one leg out as straight as comfortable. Flex your ankle, pointing your toes up and then away from you.
  • Knee Extensions: Sit with both feet flat on the ground. Extend one leg at a time, straightening it out in front of you, then slowly lower it back down. Repeat for each leg.

Core Workout for Balance and Posture

A strong core is essential for balance, posture, and overall body strength. These seated exercises are tailored for improving core stability and support, ideal for seniors looking to improve their core strength safely and effectively from a seated position.

  • Seated Abdominal Squeezes: Sit upright with your feet flat. Tighten your abdominal muscles as if bringing your belly button towards your spine. Hold for 3-5 seconds, then release.
  • Chair Twists: Sit upright with your feet flat on the ground. Place your right hand on the outside of your left thigh. Gently twist your torso to the left, using your arm for slight leverage. Hold for 3 seconds, return to center, and then repeat on the other side.
  • Side Bends: Sit upright with your arms hanging by your sides. Bend to one side, sliding your hand down towards the floor, then return to the center and bend to the other side. Repeat for each side.

Guided Senior Exercises at Home!

If you or an elderly loved one wants access to safe, guided senior exercises in a group setting, contact our team at Twin Town Villa. We offer assisted living apartments, memory care, care suites, and a rich, vibrant senior community lifestyle. Contact us online to schedule a tour of the community or call us at (218) 643-9542 with questions.

Fall Prevention: Safety Tips for Seniors

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As your loved one ages, they are at a higher risk of falling, especially if they live alone. Every year, 3 million seniors are treated for fall injuries in emergency departments across the country. A fall injury increases the risk of other health problems, injuries, and mental and physical health complications. Continue reading to learn more about the dangers of senior falls and expert fall prevention tips.

Elderly man with son and grandsonDangers of Senior Falls

A fall can cause serious injury to seniors. They are more likely to experience broken bones and fractures, and they have a harder time healing from broken bones. If your senior loved one needs to undergo surgery for a broken bone, they are at a higher risk of post-surgical complications. Fall injuries can also affect their physical, mental, and emotional health and may lead to depression, anxiety, and isolation.

Why Falls Are More Common in Seniors

A senior experiences a fall every second of every day, and falls are the most common cause of injury and death in people over the age of 65. There are many factors that increase a senior’s risk of a fall: loss of muscle mass, poor nutrition, cognitive decline, mobility problems, illness, side effects from medication, failing eyesight, obstacles in the home, and more. Seniors are also much more likely to develop certain health problems like low blood pressure, vision and hearing loss, and diabetes, all of which can increase their risk of a fall. 

Fall Prevention Tips

If your senior loved one lives alone, they are at an even higher risk of fall-related injuries. Luckily, you can take some preventive measures to reduce their risk at home. Here are our fall prevention tips for seniors:

  • Have an expert assess your loved one’s home for health and safety issues, including tripping hazards.
  • Install railings, grab bars, and other safety features in their home.
  • Improve the lighting inside and outside of the home.
  • Remove any obstacles that could cause your loved one to trip and fall.
  • Hire a home health aide to keep them safe when you aren’t there.
  • Talk to your loved one’s doctor about possible side effects from medication or health issues that could increase their risk of a fall.
  • Encourage your loved one to stay active to improve their balance and muscle mass.
  • Get them an assistive device like a cane or walker if they have mobility issues. 

Explore Our Senior Care Services!

If your senior loved one is at risk of a fall and you think it’s time for them to transition into an assisted living or memory care facility, contact our team at Twin Town Villa. To learn more, contact us to schedule a tour of the community or call us at (218) 643-9542 with questions.

Regain Your Independence With Assisted Living

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Assisted living for seniors is the person-centric, dynamic alternative to conventional nursing homes. Twin Town Villa is here to explore the advantages of assisted living communities for individuals in their retirement years. Discover how assisted living could help you regain your independence and preserve your autonomy.

regain independence, nurse helping elderly women in wheelchair

Taking a Holistic Approach

Assisted living communities, like Twin Town Villa, take a more holistic approach to care. Our services adhere to the varying needs of each resident, while recognizing the key components that allow residents to preserve their independence. By providing the care, support, and resources required to achieve a more fulfilling life, we help you maintain control over your routine and optimize your lifestyle.

Experience Personalized Care

When it comes to assisted living, Twin Town Villa does not take a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we prioritize personalized care. Our professionals go the extra mile to build trusting relationships with our residents to curate custom-tailored care plans that provide the level of assistance needed, without infringing on their autonomy. 

Socialization on Your Terms

At Twin Town Villa, you have the power to socialize on your terms. We offer an array of activities, events, and engagements to accommodate various interests and foster a vibrant atmosphere. We encourage residents to engage, connect, and build meaningful relationships, while also allowing them to socialize on their terms, to strengthen their sense of independence 

Home-Cooked Meals

At Twin Town Villa, dining and food service is an important area of care that is available to all of our residents. Our dining services offer home-cooked meals, prepared right on site each morning. If you have a personal favorite, we invite you and other residents to our Culinary Club to share it with others or even taste some new foods. Our qualified staff will work with you and your family to develop a plan that is best suited to meet your needs.

Regain Your Independence Today!

If you’re ready to experience the benefits of transitioning to independent living at an assisted living community, contact us at Twin Town Villa. Our friendly staff treat residents like family and are committed to providing nothing short of exceptional service to both residents and their visitors. To learn more, contact us to schedule a tour of the community or call us at (218) 643-9542 with questions.