​Every year, three million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries, with around 55% of these falls occurring inside the house. According to a study by Gill et al, older people living in dwellings without stairs most often fall in five key areas: hallways (10%), bathrooms (13%), kitchens (19%), bedrooms (30%) and living rooms. If live alone, guard yourself against falls by ensuring your home is as fall-proof as possible.

​Many seniors slip and fall because of slippery surfaces. Marble can get very slippery when wet but is also very tough on bones and muscles if a fall should ensue. Carpet will give you a much better grip. If you have asthma or dust allergies and you prefer hard flooring, wood or laminate are preferable to natural stone, ceramic, or porcelain tiles. Talk to a builder about specific anti-slip material as well; some of the most efficient options include rubber, cork, and bamboo.

​It is important to take a long hard look at your home and to identify possible triggers for trips and falls. These can include low-lying furniture and decorative pieces. The layout of your home should suit your specific needs. For instance, if you have limited mobility, having tall furniture pieces that are within reach of each other will give you something to hold on to. Tidiness is also key. Sometimes even a small item such as a bottle cap or a grandchild’s toy can result in an unpleasant fall, so make sure your floor space is completely clear. For extra safety, ensure you have a telephone in more than one room, or better still, a wearable device, which informs the emergency department if you fall. Avoid hallway rugs and other small sized fabrics that can become a tripping risk.

​Arthritis.org estimates that around 31 million Americans are affected by osteoarthritis. If you have joint pain, it can be difficult to turn doorknobs, open the water faucet, or sit on/get up from low toilet seats. If you have the budget for it, it is important to make a few changes so as to make day-to-day life easier. These may include installing a raised toilet seat, or raising kitchen equipment so you don’t have to bend over. Other changes are cheap and easy; for instance, if it hurts your joints to use a doorknob, a simple doorknob grip will lessen your burden. To ease stability and comfort when getting in and out of a bath or when getting up from a favorite chair, grab bars are the way to go.

Changes in level between one room and another can be a major source of falls. It is easy to remedy this, by installing a ramp-type transition between the two rooms. You can either have a transition made or use a ready-made rubber ramp, provided the latter is stable and large enough to cover walkable areas.
​
We have mentioned just a few home ideas to reduce the chances of painful trips and falls, though there are many more you should consider. Good lighting, fixing kitchen and other equipment at suitable heights, and removing steps from the main entrance will enable you to feel more confident. If you find that your balance is off or that you feel weaker than normal, see your doctor to ensure pain, vision, or other problems will not increase the likelihood of falls.

At Martin Luther Campus, we take safety seriously. All our facilities are designed to be both comfortable and safe for seniors, to minimize fall risks. 

This blog comes from  Rachel Wirthlin, MPH, Nutrition & Dietetics Student U of MN 

​An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but how do you keep muscle pain at bay? Eating protein can not only help you build muscle, but also help relieve muscle soreness post workout.

​Eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, proteins, dairy products, and staying hydrated helps your body fight off infection, build and maintain muscle, and maintain a healthy body. Protein foods are especially important to maintain and keep your muscles strong. Your body also uses protein to make energy. As you age, your muscles start to deteriorate due to inactivity and as part of the aging process. To decrease the amount of muscle that deteriorates, physical activity and consuming protein foods can help keep muscles strong. 

​A lot of animal products are full of protein. These are foods such as meats, eggs, milk, yogurt, and other dairy products, and seafood. There are also plant based proteins. These include nuts, soy products, peas, and beans. When choosing foods that are high in protein, make sure your meats are lean meats. Plant based proteins tend to also be lower in calories, fats, and cholesterol. Try to incorporate a protein based food with every meal or snack.
 
Ideas can include eggs and toast for breakfast, or adding peanut butter to your oatmeal. For lunch, try to have a type of meat or fish with vegetables. The same can be said for dinner. Or add nuts and nut butters to snacks. Try some cheese with crackers, or peanut butter with an apple. There are many ways you can include protein and keep your body strong and healthy!
 
At Ebenezer, your nutrition matters. Both our assisted living programs and day programs ensure seniors receive proper nutritional food for every meal. 

Martin Luther Campus is part of the Ebenezer family of Lutheran Senior Care Communities. We provide transitional care and assisted living apartments for seniors in Bloomington. We also have adult day clubs and memory care programs for seniors living at home. We’re located at 1401 East 100th St. Bloomington, MN. Are you interested in transitioning to assisted living or do you have a loved one that needs assisted living? Call us at  952.888.7751.
​

​Eating healthy is important at any age, but it becomes even more important as you age. Many older adults suffer from malnutrition. When trying to eat healthy, follow these tips to improve your quality of life. 

Older adults need increased calcium and vitamin D to help maintain bone health and strength. It is recommended to have three servings of vitamin D-fortified low-fat or fat-free milk or yogurt each day. Other calcium-rich foods include fortified cereals and fruit juices, dark green leafy vegetables and canned fish with soft bones. If you take a calcium supplement or multivitamin, choose one that contains vitamin D. Other important nutrients for older adults include: Vitamin B12, Fiber, and Potassium.

Source:https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/healthy-aging/special-nutrient-needs-of-older-adult

Being physically active can help you stay strong and independent as you age, improving quality of life, and reduce the risk of disease and disability. It is important to find an activity that is appropriate for your fitness level. Strive for at least 10 minutes of exercise at a time and increase as tolerable. Include activities that improve balance, increase strength, and reduce your risk of falling such as lifting small weights. Being active will make it easier to enjoy regular activities such as shopping or gardening. If you are not sure about your level of fitness, check with your doctor before starting an intense exercise program or vigorous physical activity.
Source: https://www.choosemyplate.gov/older-adult

It is important to consume well-balanced meals from all of the five food groups (fruit, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy). Add color to your plate with a variety of fruits and vegetables. Eating all the colors of the rainbow make sure you are consuming all of the essential vitamins and minerals in a healthy diet. Fruits and vegetables can make a great snack in between meals!
Source: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/know-your-food-groups

Choosing whole grains provide individuals with more fiber, vitamins, and minerals than refined/ white grain products. Some whole grains include popcorn, brown rice, wild rice, buckwheat, bulgur, and quinoa. These will be listed as such on an ingredient list. To determine whether other grains are whole grains look at the first food on the ingredients list should contain the word "whole," prior to the name of the grain, such as whole wheat, whole oats, or whole grain corn. Ingredients are listed in order by weight from greatest to least. The first ingredient will be in the greatest amount by weight. It is recommended that 50% of the grains consumed are whole grains.
Source: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/know-your-food-groups

Foodborne illness, commonly known as food poisoning, is any illness that is caused by the food you eat. Safe food handling can help reduce your risk of getting sick from food. It is especially important for older adults that are vulnerable to illness and can take longer to recover. Tips:

• Never thaw food at room temperature. Always thaw food in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in a microwave. After thawing in cold water or in the microwave, you must cook the food immediately.
• Wash hands with warm soapy water before preparing food. Wash hands, utensils, cutting boards, and other work surfaces after contact with raw meat and poultry. This helps prevent cross contamination.
• Never leave perishable food out of refrigeration for more than two hours. This includes take-out foods, leftover meals, and meals-on wheels deliveries.
• Thoroughly cook raw meat, poultry (165F), and fish (145F).

Source: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/at-risk-populations/older-adults-and-food-safety/ct_index

Use these tips to stay healthy!

​Martin Luther Campus is part of the Ebenezer family of Lutheran Senior Care Communities. We provide transitional care and assisted living apartments for seniors in Bloomington. We also have adult day clubs and memory care programs for seniors living at home. We’re located at 1401 East 100th St. Bloomington, MN. Are you interested in transitioning to assisted living or do you have a loved one that needs assisted living? Call us at  952.888.7751.

Did you know? At least one in three of the millions of older adults admitted to the hospital every year is malnourished upon admission. Malnutrition is a growing problem among older Americans.
 
The economic impact of malnutrition is HUGE. It is estimated that disease-associated malnutrition costs the U.S. $157 billion every year. Other research points to a 300 percent increase in healthcare costs that can be attributed to poor nutrition status.
 
Eating healthy for older adults can be a challenge, but here are some tips to stay healthy.
 
The National Healthy Eating Guidelines for Older Adults Are…

• Eat calcium rich foods
  
• Use low fat or fat free dairy
• Increase intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grains
• Make sure there is adequate nutritional intake
• Eat more nutrient dense foods vs. calorie dense foods
• Avoid excess salt, sugar, fat & alcohol
  
• Ensure proper fluid intake
• Maintain a healthy body weight and physical activity as able

 
When shopping at the grocery store, look for foods that fit these requirements. It’s easier to eat healthy when you don’t have unhealthy options around. Healthy eating is part of all we do here at Marin Luther Campus. In addition to our transitional care and assisted living apartments, our adult day clubs and stay by the day programs include healthy meals. Contact us to learn more.
 
Martin Luther Campus is part of the Ebenezer family of Lutheran Senior Care Communities. We provide transitional care and assisted living apartments for seniors in Bloomington. We also have adult day clubs and memory care programs for seniors living at home. We’re located at 1401 East 100th St. Bloomington, MN. Are you interested in transitioning to assisted living or do you have a loved one that
needs assisted living? Call us at 952.888.7751.

When persons with dementia move into a memory care community, it can take from several weeks up to three months or more for the person to adjust and feel comfortable with the new environment and routine.  From my personal experience working with memory care residents at one assisted living for over a decade, I would say the average amount of time before the person settled in was no longer than a month.  Your loved one may be angry for a while, and may seem more confused than before.  This is a perfectly normal phase.  Rest assured, things will improve in time.  Here are ten tips to help ease the transition:

1.  If your loved one has limited short-term memory, it may be helpful to reassure them that staying in this new place is “temporary”, i.e., “just for the summer”, “just for a few months”.  Telling them, “The doctor wants you to stay for a little while” may work if the person has a very good relationship with their doctor, and if they tend to place their doctor on a pedestal.  “Stay for supper.  You have a reservation, and the meal’s already paid for” might also be an effective approach.        
2. Introduce your loved one to other residents and staff as though these people are already your friends.
3. Avoid explanations like “You’re here so they can take care of you.” A person with dementia may not think that he or she is sick.  Likewise, “This is your home now!” is probably the least comforting thing you can say to a person who feels out of place.  Instead of trying to argue with the person, focus on empathizing with their feelings, then distracting them.  “I know it’s   strange to be in a new place.  Hey, I hear they have a lovely patio – let’s find it!”  Or, “Of course you don’t like it yet.  You only just got here.  See how you feel in a few days! ” 
4. “I’ll help you get used to it” might be reassuring to your loved one, especially if you actually follow up on that.  Attend activities with your loved one, eat a meal with them and make conversation with their new “friends”.    
5. Decorate your loved one’s room with items that define who this person is. You want staff to be able to know something about them the minute they walk in the room.  An example might be a person whose hobby was making quilts. You could put a beautiful quilt on the bed or on the wall, and bring her sewing box with fabric pieces, yarn, thread (no pins) patterns, measuring tape, etc.)
6. Create familiarity in your loved one’s room by bringing their favorite chair or other significant familiar possessions.  Avoid photos from their recent past, (unless the photos are of grandchildren). Pictures of their mom and dad, or of you when you were a child, will be more relatable.  You could even write the names of the people under each photo to give staff members a good starting point for making conversation. 
7. Hang items on the wall at 5’ or below, wherever your loved one’s line of vision is. They need to be able to see and touch their belongings.
8. If allowable, distinguish the door to their room or apartment with their name or signature, hung about 4 feet up.  
9. If allowable, hang an 8 x 10 photo of when your loved one was much younger to the side of the door or place it in a Memory Box Cabinet.  This is a wonderful tool to help people with dementia identify where they live.  Many persons with dementia think of themselves as much younger than they actually are. Staff members will also benefit from seeing this photo, it reinforces that your loved one is a complete person who has lived a long and full life.  
10. Lastly, a tip for your benefit:  Please do not bring in items of great value that you would regret losing. Wedding rings often fall off fingers and get lost. Some residents with dementia are fond of giving things away. My own mother threw most of her valuable jewelry in the trash at one point.  Some families replace a wedding ring with a similar piece of costume jewelry in order to avoid losing that heirloom. Others simply promise their loved ones that they will keep it safe for them.

Many of these wonderful tips are taken from the wonderful guidebook, Moving a Relative with Memory Loss, by Laurie White and Beth Spencer, available through Whisp Publications, (http://dementiacarebooks.com/).

Generosity, service and compassion are values we’ve received in spades from our Martin Luther Campus Auxiliary. For more than 50 years, members have devoted themselves to the needs of our residents and our campus.
 
When our building opened in 1961, it was Auxiliary members who prepared the building by washing windows and assisting in serving the first meal. Over the years, their financial support has continued in countless ways with everything from therapy equipment and funds to start our adult day program to a campus bus with snow tires and our lovely grand piano in the Great Room.
 
The enhancements to our campus are significant and long-lasting for residents. On September 27, Martin Luther Auxiliary members: Ellen Thompson, Lloyd Ward, and Margit Hauge — gathered to present Michael Ziomko of the Ebenezer Foundation with another generous donation to support our Lifelong Learning art and music programs. One last investment in the residents of Martin Luther Campus.
 
What a legacy of service and care! Thank you Martin Luther Auxiliary for the many ways you’ve helped make Martin Luther Campus a special place.

​We’re forever grateful for you.

When a person with dementia asks you a question for what seems like the 29th time in a row, how do you respond? 
Have you found yourself saying (or almost saying) anything like this:   

• “Don’t you remember?”

• “Not again! I already told you!”
  
• “I’ve told you a hundred times already!”

You may have learned from experience that that those types of responses don’t get you very far. They simply serve to increase your own frustration and impatience as well as that of your loved one. Rather, try responding in a calm, reassuring voice, as though it is the very first time you have answered the question.  

Physical changes in the brain can result in a person with dementia no longer being able to remember that s/he is repeating themselves. These changes also make it difficult for a person to stop a repetitive motion such as rubbing hands together, or tapping on a table.  Anxiety and tension, (byproducts of the disorientation and memory loss of dementia) can translate themselves into repetitive motions or questions which others may experience as annoying.  

Whatever a person with dementia does that appears “wrong” or “inappropriate” or “unnecessary” to our brains and our way of relating to the world is actually an expression of a need. That’s why I like the phrase “behavioral expression” so much better than the term “behavior” when referring to the challenges that can arise when someone lives with dementia. “Behavior” often implies judgment, that the person is being “bad”, which encourages us to assume that if the person only tried a little harder, they could control that incessant tapping, stop asking those repeated questions, and avoid using those four letter words that they never used before!  The fact is that the person could only exert control over those things if they could STOP having dementia. This is, alas, too much to ask.
We must have patience and compassion for the seriousness of a broken brain.  It’s up to us whose brains are in better shape, who have better control over our actions and responses to others to take a deep breath…and focus on helping the person out with whatever need is making itself known, however it may be expressed.     

A hungry person might ask “What’s for lunch?” over and over. For this person, giving them a piece of paper with the upcoming “menu” written down may satisfy the question. In addition, getting the person involved in some aspect of meal or table preparation might be an effective distraction.  
If a person with dementia is in pain, they might rock, pace or otherwise move rhythmically to express their discomfort.  We must be sensitive to the comfort–related needs of the person, and do what we can to alleviate them. Sometimes, giving a repetitive task like winding yarn or folding towels can be a comforting distraction for the person.   

Sometimes people may be bored, craving a sense of purpose and meaning. Repetitive movement can be reflective of things the person used to enjoy doing on a regular basis. If your loved one asks you, “What do I do now?” they are in effect asking you to involve them in something that will give them a sense of pleasure, peace, or usefulness.  Put something of interest in their hands. Ask them for help with a task. We all need to be of use.  This does not stop when we get older or when we develop dementia. An inability to take initiative is usually part of the dementia progression. Do not assume that your loved one is beyond having interest in things that have been important to them. The person may be at a loss as to how to access or activate that interest. In that case, it falls to us to remind the person of their accomplishments and adapt past interests into activities they are able to enjoy now.  

It is a good idea not to discuss plans with a person (appointments, visitors, outings) who has very short-term memory loss.  Knowing an event too far ahead of time can cause extreme agitation (as well as, you guessed it, repeated questions) for a person with dementia.  This tendency will vary, of course, person to person, but it is necessary to monitor and adapt to the changes as dementia progresses.  

Sometimes the need expressed is an emotional one. The person may be fearful, sad, or feeling insecure. That emotion could come out as a repeated question or as a physical expression, i.e., pacing, as the person attempts to express what is inside.  Listen for the emotion behind a person’s question or behavioral expression, and respond to that, i.e., “You seem worried.  I’m right here if you need anything.  “We will be together all day.”   Putting on soothing music that the person likes and using gentle touch may provide further reassurance.  

If the person seems to need a hug, tell him or her that YOU need a hug, and they will very likely oblige you with one.  Then they get to feel that they are giving you something that YOU need.  We all feel better when that happens!

--Marysue Moses, Ebenezer Dimensions Program Coordinator

--Information in this post is partially based on material in Coping with Behavior Change in Dementia: A Family Caregiver’s Guide, by Beth Spencer and Laurie White 

By: Megan Radamaker MPH-RD student at the University of Minnesota

When you think of the term malnutrition what do you picture? More often than not the term is associated with a visual of someone that is thin, frail, and undernourished. This may be accurate, but it is not the only picture of malnutrition. Can someone that appears to be heavy or overweight be malnourished also? The answer is yes. According to the World Health Organization the term malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in a person’s intake of energy and/or nutrients. The status of malnutrition is not simply dependent on weight status or appearance. This is a common misconception, even within the medical field and among health professionals. Elderly populations are vulnerable to malnutrition and are often underdiagnosed. People that are malnourished have worse health outcomes than adequately-nourished patients. This often results in increased physician visits, longer hospital stays and readmissions, decreased function and quality of life, and increased healthcare costs. It is essential that nutrition screening and assessment is a routine aspect of clinic workflow both in the hospital setting and in outpatient care. Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) are trained to clinically assess patients and identify nutritional risks to address. The field of dietetics is moving towards including hands on physical assessments within the dietitian’s scope of practice in order to more accurately identify malnutrition.

The Malnutrition Universal Screening tool, along with other widely accepted tools, primarily focus on criteria around a patient’s current weight and body mass index (BMI) and unplanned weight loss. However, patients with subtle changes in fat and muscle mass can be difficult to identify. Additionally, by focusing solely on weight status, many cases of malnutrition are missed. In our society, where we have an overabundance of foods that are low in nutritional value, such as fast-food or processed foods, malnutrition can look many different ways. There are multiple variables at play that impact a person’s nutritional status and therefore it is important to consider more than weight status when evaluating for malnutrition. Better nutrition for seniors can lead to better health outcomes for all shapes and sizes!

Sources:
Compher, C., & Mehta, N. M. (2016). Diagnosing Malnutrition: Where Are We and Where Do We Need to Go? Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 116(5), 779-784. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2016.02.001
 
Leading Nutrition Experts Speak up about Malnutrition. (2016, April 17). Retrieved February 11, 2018, from http://www.eatrightpro.org/resource/media/press-releases/new-in-food-nutrition-and-health/nutrition-experts-speak-up-about-malnutrition
 
Rinehart, S. W., Folliard, J. N., & Raimondi, M. P. (2016). Building a Connection between Senior Hunger and Health Outcomes. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 116(5), 759-763. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2016.02.009
 
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/malnutrition/en/

​These tips come to you from Cindy Swanson, a personal advisor for clients of Fairview’s Caregiver Assurance program. Martin Luther and Ebenezer work with Fairview to provide Nationally-recognized care for seniors.
 
Caring for a senior is a difficult challenge for anyone to take on (but a rewarding one). Before you begin, this guide will help prepare you for what to expect when you start caring for a senior.

​Your aging relative or friend’s need for help has probably been coming on gradually, as they’ve become less capable of managing the demands of daily life–like keeping up the house.
 
“You’ve been to see your parents and they worked hard to get it ready for a visit,” Cindy says, “but you may not notice that newspaper stack is getting higher and higher, and the recycling isn’t going out. When we’re going to our parents’ home, that’s just the status quo. We’re sometimes not realizing it’s getting less clean and less organized."
 
It may be hard for them to admit to you they can’t mow the yard anymore or lift the ladder to clean out the gutters. So be prepared, once you’ve committed to start helping a senior, to discover that they may have let things go more than you knew. 

​“A common thing that happens is that someone’s in the hospital–maybe it’s mom’s first fall–and she’ll tell the social worker: ‘My daughter can stop by every night after work and bring me meals.’ It’s not uncommon for someone in the hospital to say they have family that can do all this without talking to the family,” Cindy says. “The daughter will say: ‘I live 30 miles away on the other side of the cities. It’ll take me an hour to get there after work. I can’t do that.’ What a parent sees as realistic may not be the same as reality.’ "
 
Especially if you’re juggling a career and your own family on top of helping a parent stay in their own home, you may find yourself spread a little thin.
 
“There’s a point where you become resentful of having to do that,” Cindy says. “You need to figure out how much you can do without creating negativity in your life." 

What’s happening with your parents in their later years is emotional enough, but coming to a consensus about what to do can be rough on even the tightest of siblings.
 
Cindy describes a typical scenario: “We all know how our family operates. There’s nothing really happening, but there may be underlying tensions that naturally exist. Maybe the oldest son sees the younger son as always getting away with things he can’t. What happens under stress or in crisis is those things blossom.”
 
Even if you agree to be the main caregiver at the start, you may end up feeling like your siblings aren’t pitching in enough. They may feel like they aren’t getting enough of a say. It’s easy in these situations to revert to old childhood patterns and bring up old hurts.
 
Marin Luther Campus can help you manage a family conference to work through some of those issues

​Cindy knows a thing or two about that. Not only has she helped coach people through this, but she has firsthand experience. She helped take care of her parents and her husband’s parents.
 
“What happens is, you spend your whole lunch hour calling people, then you go back to work and you’re waiting for those callbacks. If you’re trying to do a report and making calls for your parent, your 8 to 5 schedule might become 8 to 7. Or you say, ‘I’ll do it at home,’ and you’re sitting there doing that report at 11 at night. How much sleep do you get?”
 
“There I was, caregiving for my in-laws and my parents, all four of them, trying to keep track of doctor appointments, who was needing services, who needed home care,” Cindy says. “And I was holding a mid-management position in a hospital. It wasn’t realistic that I could juggle it all.” 

​At your age, you may not know how often an older person should get a colonoscopy. Adult day care may be a complete mystery to you. And you certainly haven’t spent a lot of time investigating how to buy a Medicare plan.
 
“You’re going to run into a whole lot of things you’ve never dealt with before,” Cindy says. “Things that even a college- educated person is going to have difficulty with: Looking at your parent’s financial situation and how to deal with that. Finding financial planners or attorneys, somebody who understands elder law. That’s why you’d connect with a program like us. I know some things myself, and I know several reputable firms in the Twin Cities.” 

​People who take on the role of caring for an elderly relative may naturally be the type of person who thinks of everyone else’s needs before their own. But that can last only so long.
 
Cindy paints a picture of life as four glasses of water and a pitcher: “Your glasses might be your husband, your son, your 14-year-old-daughter and your parents. You keep everybody’s glass full, but where’s the pitcher for you? People keep pouring, and pretty soon the pitcher’s empty.”
 
Keeping your own glass full is something the personal advisors at Caregiver Assurance can help with.
 
“There was a time when it wasn’t accepted that you would put yourself first,” Cindy says. “It’s not about putting yourself first, but doing your caregiving AND knowing how to take care of yourself.” 

That reward could be as simple as spending more time with your loved one and finally hearing the story behind that one photo in the dining room. It can be the peace of mind knowing that they’re safer when you check on them every day. It can be giving back to somebody who has given so much to you.
 
“My dad never wanted to go into a nursing home,” Cindy says. “Feeling that I was honoring his wishes, I look back at it and I feel lucky.”
No matter how frustrating or rewarding it is to help an aging loved one, you don’t have to do it alone.
 
“There isn’t a classroom you can go to and learn all of this,” Cindy says. “Whatever the journey is, there’s help. If you have to make a right turn, there are people who are able to help you along. That’s what we’re trying to do here at Caregiver Assurance.”
 
Martin Luther Campus also has resources available to assist caregivers, including Adult Day Programs and Stay By the Day services.
 
Martin Luther Campus is part of the Ebenezer family of Lutheran Senior Care Communities. We provide transitional care and assisted living apartments for seniors in Bloomington. We also have adult day clubs and memory care programs for seniors living at home. We’re located at 1401 East 100th St. Bloomington, MN. Are you interested in transitioning to assisted living or do you have a loved one that needs assisted living? Call us at  952.888.7751.

​Forty percent of adults are looking after an aging loved one. It could be any relative or even a neighbor, but it’s usually a parent.
 
“I see a lot of stressed out 40- to 60-year-olds who are trying to manage a career, kids and their parents,” said Kim DeRoche, MD of Fairview. “I hear about it when a woman comes in for her ‘annual’ physical and hasn’t been in for three or four years. They know they’re not taking care of themselves the way they did before they had to take care of someone else.”
 
It’s especially challenging with seniors living longer these days and expecting to stay in their own homes longer. Someone has to step up to help with the things they can’t do for themselves. 

• Your shopping list includes somebody else’s groceries, too. 

• You’ve had to take time off work to drive someone to their appointments. 

• You’re not eligible for Medicare, but you’ve been Googling to figure it out. 

• You talk to your parents’ doctors more than you talk to your own. 

• You’ve covertly checked your parents’ fridge to make sure they’re eating right. 

• You have a hunch your parents aren’t staying on top of their bills like they used to. 

• You run as many errands for someone else as you do for yourself. 

• You need to but just don’t have time to find a dog- walker, hire a snow-shoveler, make sure your parent takes their pills twice a day, etc. 

• You don’t even know where to begin understanding your parents’ finances, helping them pick an insurance plan, etc. 

• It feels like you drive over to your parents’ house more than you get to be at your own. 

• Your siblings are starting to fight over what to do about mom and dad. 

• You worry about your parents more than ever. 


 
This can be a scary time, but you’re not alone. If you need help caring for your loved one, it may be time to consider a memory care center. You can find simple tips for having that conversation with your loved ones on our blog, and contact us for a one-on-one meeting to help you lift the burden off your shoulders.
 
It’s only natural to want the best for your loved ones, but you need to take care of yourself as well. Let Martin Luther Campus help your loved ones so you can focus on you and your family.
 
Martin Luther Campus is part of the Ebenezer family of Lutheran Senior Care Communities. We provide transitional care and assisted living apartments for seniors in Bloomington. We also have adult day clubs and memory care programs for seniors living at home. We’re located at 1401 East 100th St. Bloomington, MN. Are you interested in transitioning to assisted living or do you have a loved one that needs assisted living? Call us at  952.888.7751.