At Twin Town Villa, we offer several different types of senior living communities including memory care. Twin Town Villa Memory Care is a special residence designed to care exclusively for residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of memory impairments. Sometimes families are unclear about what memory care means, or if their loved one is in need of memory care services.  We will try to address some FAQ’s about memory care assisted living below.

What to Know about Memory Care Services and Communities

What is memory care?

According to www.alzheimers.net,  memory care is a distinct form of long-term care designed to meet the specific needs of a person with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other memory problems.

What should I look for in a memory care community?

A sign of a great memory care community is smiles that make you feel at home.  When you are able to get a tour, watch for smiles on our staff, and how they interact with the residents.  Home-cooked meals and the independence that residents have to safely explore their environment also make Twin Town Villa feel like home.

What are some common memory care services?

Common memory care services include 24-hour supervised care, health-related services, assistance with daily living tasks, and more. Other features of living at TwinTown Villa include homecooked meals, beauty/barber salon, housekeeping, and so on.

How is memory care different than assisted living?

Memory care is part of the assisted living umbrella, however, it includes more special care dedicated to individuals wither memory loss and engaging in activities to keep the residents active physically, mentally, and socially.

What training does the staff have for memory care?

The staff at Twin Town Villa participates in continuous training from some of the most skilled and experienced professionals providing memory care today.  We combine ongoing skilled training with compassion and a positive attitude to provide the best care for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

How do I know if my loved one needs memory care?

Since the onset of Alzheimer’s is very gradual, it can be hard to know when it’s time to get help. Getting a diagnosis from a doctor is important, as well as watching for warning signs on a daily basis such as confusion, trouble managing finances or normal daily tasks, and losing track of time.

Why is memory care unique for every person?

Each resident may have similar needs but they each have their own likes, dislikes, routines, memories, and lifestyles. Our staff works with each person as an individual to help understand them and how to help them stay as independent as possible for as long as possible.

Is it better for a person with dementia to live at home?

Of course, every person, situation, and family dynamics are different.  But often it is best for a person with dementia to live in a safe environment where they can get assistance with medication, daily living, and be able to remain social. Knowing they are taken care of and safe can reduce stress for the resident and their families alike.

Still have questions about memory care 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.

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.