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

September 15, 2020 By Twin Town Villa

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.

Filed Under: News

Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s or Dementia

August 24, 2020 By Twin Town Villa

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.

Filed Under: News

Supporting our Residents’ Mental Health during COVID-19

July 30, 2020 By Twin Town Villa

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.

 

Filed Under: News

How to Select a Care Facility for your Loved One

June 24, 2020 By Twin Town Villa

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”.  Here are a few tips on finding the right home for your Mom, Dad, or loved one.

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.

Filed Under: News

Why Families Choose Assisted Living for their Loved Ones, Even during COVID-19

June 1, 2020 By Twin Town Villa

Twin Town Villa prioritizes the health and safety of our residents, staff, and their loved ones. With everything going on, the daily news can cause anxiety for many people. We want you to know what steps the staff at Twin Town Villa has proactively taken and continues to implement to reduce the risk of exposure in our facilities.  Our ongoing conversations with Minnesota state officials and other care facilities reinforce our belief that the Assisted Living field is one of the most cognizant, compassionate, progressive, and flexible of industries preparing for this pandemic. While we’ve never seen anything like the COVID-19 virus, our staff are well educated and prepared to prevent the spread of all kinds of viruses and diseases. Various precautions and alternatives were already in place, allowing us a solid starting point to offer additional safety measures and staff training to continue providing the best care possible.

Twin Town Villa’s Caring Approach

Twin Town Villa, Assisted Living during COVID-19Our work is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. This hasn’t changed, even in this season of rapid transformation and new protocols. Relationships between our staff, residents, and their families will always be the center of what we do. It is these relationships, paired with compassion, that is driving our caring approach to new health and safety requirements. Transparency is important to us, as we answer your questions and ease your concerns during this unprecedented time.

Considering Assisted Living during COVID-19

Assisted living communities like Twin Town Villa in Breckenridge are still the best option for many people. When considering all the factors, many families realize that transitioning to an assisted living community is a safer choice now, more than ever. Isolation at home has hit an all-time high. As family and neighbors pull back from visits and check-ins, vulnerable situations for the elderly can arise. Twin Town Villa continues to accept new residents and has been able to safely navigate the process to reassure them and their families throughout the transition. We will arrange virtual, live tours of our assisted living communities at a time that is convenient for you.  Materials for you that can be reviewed will be left for pickup in our entryway. When the time comes to move-in, we can streamline the process to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 exposure. Our team is incredibly creative and sensitive to needs during this transition, and we’re ready to make it a positive, safe experience for all.

We’re here if your loved one is living alone, or you’re concerned they are unable to receive adequate care or attention.

Communication & Guidance from State Agencies

We know our residents have family and friends who love them and want them to be healthy, safe, and comfortable. We are all sailing uncharted waters, but find it best to value expert guidance from the Minnesota and North Dakota Department of Health Services (DHS), the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Leading Age Minnesota, and North Dakota Assisted Living Association so that our entire team can devote time and attention to our residents. Our staff connects virtually as a group so we can ask questions, share information, and navigate quickly in order to fast-track changes and provide the best in resident care.

Preventative Safety Measures

Twin Town Villa recognized the need to implement additional safety measures before it was required by federal guidelines. We shifted communal practices like meals and gatherings right away but found a way to continue providing much-loved activities and services to residents through one-on-one attention. Meals, spa services, and arts & crafts activities have all been adjusted to fit a safer model of resident-distancing in their rooms. Our residents are still getting outside, but with safety measures such as wearing masks and staying six feet apart. Twin Town Villa even had an outdoor concert that residents could view safely from their patios. As we’ve adjusted away from communal activities, our one-on-one interactions are at an all-time high. The increased interactions and individual attention help our staff continually reassess needs and preventative care on a continual basis.

We Reduce Risk by not Permitting Outside Visitors

No outside visitors are permitted unless deemed medically necessary. This helps lessen the risk of exposure considerably. Anyone arriving at our facilities is screened, including staff. They are screened and sent home immediately if any health concerns are present. Once they pass the screening process, they follow a hand sanitizing process and use complete personal protective equipment.

Highest Standards of Cleanliness

Our normally high standards of sanitation throughout our facilities continues, and we’ve intensified cleaning protocols for staff. We’ve added an additional dedicated cleaning shift each day. Every shift begins with wiping down common touch areas and sanitizing multiple times each day. Packages that arrive are sanitized thoroughly before being passed along to recipients.

Connection through Technology

We love to help keep residents and families connected by video calls and other technology. Our staff facilitates these calls and removes any technology barriers which makes these calls easy, frequent, and popular activity.

Our staff helps to keep residents and families connected by removing technology barriers.

Window Visits Encouraged

Twin Town Villa Assisted Living during COVID-19While windows need to remain closed, window visits are encouraged. Families can spend time with loved ones safely through windows and talk over the phone. Community members can provide unscheduled walk-by visits past our windows, and creativity is welcome. Anything visual can work well such as kids, pets, costumes, balloons, parade-style car visits, etc. If you give a call ahead, we have some residents who would welcome the prior notice to be ready.

Little Things Matter

We’ve felt a tremendous outpour of support from our local communities from handmade cards and artwork delivered to residents and displays of hearts. Flowers are delivered frequently to residents, and meals and treats are graciously provided to staff.

Working Hard to Earn your Trust

We love hearing from families who have their loved ones staying with us and know that we are providing the most compassionate care possible under the circumstances. We appreciate the trust that is placed in us, and we work hard to earn it daily. 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.

Filed Under: News

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Latest News from The Villa

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