As the winter months settle in, the colder temperatures and darker days can sometimes amplify feelings of loneliness, especially for our elderly loved ones. It’s crucial to prioritize their emotional well-being and create opportunities for connection during this season. Here are some heartwarming ways you can focus on connecting with your elderly loved ones this winter:

Regular Video Calls

Technology can bridge the gap when physical visits may be challenging. Schedule regular video calls to catch up, share stories, and maintain a visual connection. Seeing familiar faces can bring immense joy and comfort.

Create a Virtual Book Club

Reading is a wonderful solitary activity, but discussing a book can enhance the experience. Start a virtual book club with family members and friends, providing a platform for shared experiences and lively conversations.

Send Letters and Cards

Take the time to write heartfelt letters or send cards via mail. The tangible nature of a letter or card can be a cherished reminder of your love and thoughtful sentiments.

Plan Scheduled Visits

If possible, plan safe and socially distanced in-person visits. Scheduled visits will allow your family member to know when you will be visiting next. Whether it’s a walk in the park, sitting on the porch, or sharing a cup of tea, these small moments can make a significant impact on reducing feelings of isolation.

Create Photo Albums

Compile photo albums or scrapbooks with them that celebrate their life’s journey. Reminiscing about cherished memories can be a heartwarming and emotionally fulfilling activity.

Connect With Your Loved Ones at Twin Town Villa

At Twin Town Villa, our residents enjoy a range of engaging activities, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all. By fostering connection with your elderly loved ones and finding creative ways to share moments, you contribute to a sense of belonging and joy during the winter season.

To learn more about how Twin Town Villa can assist you and your family with specialized care, including assisted care or memory care, connect with us today. Schedule a tour of our community or call us at 218.643.9542 with any questions. We look forward to helping you create meaningful connections with your elderly loved ones.

As the days get shorter, it can be harder for seniors to get as much daylight and physical activity as they are used to. The sun sets earlier, and the low light, cold, and wind can impact physical as well as emotional health. Following these winter wellness tips can help you stay active even during the shorter, darker days of winter.

Get as Much Sunlight as Possible

Even though the days are shorter in the winter, you can still try to get outside for 30 minutes to an hour each day so you can enjoy the sunlight and get some Vitamin D. On days when the weather is more temperate, you can take a short walk or just sit outside in the sun for a little while. If it is raining, snowing, windy, or icy, you should stay inside to avoid slipping and falling. You can still get some sunlight by sitting by an uncovered window.  

Participate in Indoor Physical Activity

Even on cold, wintry days, you can physically engage without going outdoors. Seated movement classes are perfect for seniors, as are water fitness classes (in a heated indoor pool). Stretching, low-impact yoga, and other senior fitness activities can also improve mood, energy levels, and physical and mental health.   

Attend Virtual Fitness Classes

If you can’t attend a fitness class in person, you can attend a virtual fitness class. There are thousands of free videos on YouTube to guide you through simple stretching and physical activities to help improve balance, strength, agility, and mobility. 

Take Vitamins and Supplements

With shorter days comes the risk of vitamin D deficiency, so talk to your physician about vitamins and supplements. A quick, simple blood test can identify any vitamin or nutritional deficiencies that may be affecting your physical and mental health.

Winter Wellness at Twin Town Villa

At Twin Town Villa, we offer our active senior residents community fitness and exercise classes and health services. Our Community Life program is designed with our residents in mind, and the activities we offer are customizable and adaptable. To learn more, contact us to schedule a tour of the community or call us at (218) 643-9542 with questions. 

Nutrient deficiencies, reduced mobility, and slower metabolic functions all contribute to a decline in health as we age. Maintaining a healthy diet and getting a reasonable amount of exercise daily can counteract some of these changes and improve our overall health and quality of life. It’s important to be aware of the changes necessary to enhance senior nutrition to promote better health and wellness as we age. Check out what dietary changes can be made to meet the nutritional needs of seniors to help them thrive.

Fewer Calories but More Nutrients

Seniors may need fewer calories to obtain the necessary energy to go about their normal day and maintain their weight. However, they will still need to maintain or increase their levels of some nutrients. Their diet should contain plenty of fresh, green vegetables, fruits, lean meats and proteins, fish, healthy fats and oils, and fiber.

Increased Protein Intake

As we age, we lose muscle tone and strength. This increases the risk of falls and bone fractures. Increasing protein intake can help maintain muscle mass and improve strength and balance.

More Natural Fiber

Increased consumption of natural fiber can reduce the risk of constipation and promote gut health and regular bowel movements. Taking fiber supplements can help, but it’s better to get fiber through food intake — that means consuming plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables along with whole grains.

Add Nutrients Like Calcium, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin C

Seniors should also increase their intake of certain nutrients that can improve their health and counteract some of the effects of aging. Calcium and vitamin D can improve bone health. Vitamin B12 maintains healthy brain function and is essential for making red blood cells. Potassium can improve blood pressure and reduce the risk of kidney stones, osteoporosis, and heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids can lower the risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure and triglyceride levels. Magnesium can improve sleep and promote relaxation. Iron can reduce the risk of anemia, exhaustion, and bruising. 

Supporting Balanced and Nutritious Living

At Twin Town Villa, we take senior nutrition seriously. We provide healthy, home-cooked meals to our residents, and these meals cater to individual residents’ nutritional needs, dietary preferences, personal preferences, and lifestyles. We believe it’s important to offer our residents choices, so that they can maintain control over their lives and enjoy some independence and autonomy. To learn more, contact us to schedule a tour of the community or call us at (218) 643-9542. 

As you age, your risk of depression and isolation increases. Elderly people with health issues or who can’t drive have a harder time making social visits and keeping up with friends and family. Their friend group may also dwindle as people become ill and pass away. Helping your elderly loved one maintain a sense of community and social engagement will give them a better chance of feeling happy, loved, and cared for. See how a sense of community for seniors is important:

Social Connection

Isolation and loneliness can increase an elderly person’s chances of physical and mental health issues. Participating in a social community, like a senior living community, can reduce their risk of isolation and give them opportunities to engage with their peers. Maintaining this type of social connection can improve cognitive function and decrease the chances of age-related decline, as well as improve their overall sense of well-being. 

Support Network

Your loved one’s community is a secondary support network for them as they age. Having access to emotional support is vital for maintaining mental health. A senior living community that offers organized events, activities, and support groups can support your loved one’s mental health and alleviate stress, anxiety, and isolation. 

Purpose & Engagement

High levels of social interaction with a community will allow your elderly loved one to maintain their sense of purpose in life. Engaging with others, making new friends, volunteering, and taking part in a daily routine will help your loved one feel motivated and fulfilled. They will also have greater self-confidence and self-worth. 

Active Lifestyle

When your loved one has the support of a community, they are more likely to stay active and healthy. If your loved one’s senior living community offers group exercise classes, these classes can help them maintain healthy habits while spending time with their peers.

Find Your Community at Twin Town Villa

At Twin Town Villa, we offer a rich, full senior living community. Our Community Life program caters to the residents’ needs, interests, and abilities. Our activity program, “A Part of You,” has a strong central philosophy: our residents’ experiences, hobbies, and interests are the focus. To learn more, contact us to schedule a tour of the community or call us at (218) 643-9542 with questions. 

In every exceptional memory care assisted living facility lies a group of extraordinary individuals who form the very heartbeat of the community. These are the dedicated and compassionate staff members who work tirelessly to create a haven of care, support, and companionship for the residents. Join us as we explore the crucial role of our staff and the importance of growing their numbers.

Our Beloved Staff

Behind every comforting smile, every reassuring touch, and every patient explanation, stand the beloved staff of Twin Town Villa. These dedicated individuals pour their hearts and souls into their work, day in and day out, to ensure that our residents experience the highest quality of life. Their commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and security in an environment that can be challenging for our residents is commendable.

The Bonds They Create

Every member of our staff is more than an employee; they are an integral part of our family at Twin Town Villa. Their unwavering dedication, sincere kindness, and boundless patience make this place feel like home for our residents. From the cheerful greetings in the morning to the tender assistance at night, it’s the small gestures that have a monumental impact on the lives of those under our care.

The Value They Bring

The staff at Twin Town Villa wear many hats: caregivers, companions, therapists, and advocates. They tailor their interactions to each resident’s unique needs, ensuring that dignity and respect are upheld at all times. From engaging in stimulating activities that promote cognitive function to providing assistance with daily tasks, our staff’s multifaceted roles contribute significantly to the well-being of our residents.

A Heartfelt Thank You

To our remarkable staff at Twin Town Villa, we want to say thank you. Thank you for your unwavering dedication. Thank you for your selflessness. Thank you for bringing joy and comfort to our residents’ lives. As the heartbeat of our community, you are the reason this community thrives, and your contributions do not go unnoticed.

Joining the Twin Town Villa Family

Are you searching for a meaningful career that allows you to make a profound impact on the lives of others? Look no further than Twin Town Villa. We are actively seeking compassionate individuals who are dedicated to enhancing the lives of our residents. By becoming a part of our close-knit family, you’ll not only provide essential care but also forge lasting relationships that enrich your life as well.