​Barry ZeVan (aka "The Weatherman") shared some of his thoughts on how Ebenezer facilities like Martin Luther combat isolation in seniors. 

​The Martin Luther Campus, an Ebenezer Senior Community, offers many resources and programs to help seniors combat loneliness and isolation. Martin Luther offers Adult Day Programs that gives seniors who do not need full- time nursing care social activity and care during the day. For those who do need full-time care, Martin Luther provides art and music programs, weekly worship, intergenerational programs and other activities that provide seniors with socialization. 

Source: https://www.ebenezercares.org/blog/barrys-blog-isolation-in-seniors

​Daily exercise is important, but can be a challenge for many seniors dealing with chronic pain, arthritis or other conditions. These gentle exercises are a great way to stay in shape without causing pain.

Resistance bands are cheap, easy to transport, and can be used anywhere. Resistance bands can be used to do seated rows, band pull aparts (pull the band as if you are shooting a bow), bicep curls (where you stand in the middle of the resistance band, grab both ends of the band, and pull up on the bands) and more.

​Whether you go walking on the treadmill or enjoy an afternoon of walking outdoors, this exercise is beneficial and an easy impact workout for seniors. Walking can strengthen muscles, improve balance and circulation and increase energy levels. Walking is also a great group activity and way to socialize.

Swimming is a wonderful exercise that puts minimal stress on bones while working many muscles in the body and it can reduce back pain and improve posture. At Martin Luther, we provide aquatic therapy with access to one-on-one care from a licensed physical therapist and a state-of-the-art Hydroworx pool with an underwater treadmill and resistance jet technology. 

​As seniors age, it’s necessary to keep the arms strong so that day-to-day objects like milk cartons, cans, etc can be lifted without getting hurt. Bicep curls, overhead elbow extensions and side shoulder raises strengthen arm muscles without being too intensive.

Stretching is one of the best ways to improve posture and maintain flexibility for people of all ages. Stretching is especially important for seniors because flexibility usually decreases as people age, making activities like picking up objects and getting up off the couch more difficult. The triceps stretch, seated hip stretch and the cat-cow pose are three beneficial stretches to start with in your workout.

With these exercises, seniors can improve health, strengthen the core, improve circulation and more. 

​Therapy Animals Bring Lasting Comfort

It only takes a few minutes with Renee Beymer and her Puli dogs, Sari and Anika, to see the unique care animal visitors provide to residents. Like the interaction above with Renee, Sari and resident, Mike. Renee and her dogs are members of Tailwaggers—a large group of therapy animal visitors who have been faithfully coming to our campus for more than a decade!
 
Renee was first introduced to therapy animals when her own mother was sick in the hospital. Renee knew then that this was something she would do with her own dogs in retirement.

She is reminded often that being a therapy dog is a special calling. "The dogs have such a sense of what they are doing," Renee explains. “Anika is not a kisser at home. But as soon as she is in a care setting she lets residents hold her hand. Both Sari and Anika love to serve.”
 
A therapy animal is trained as a team--the animal and the person handler. “It’s more than just expecting your dog to be obedient. The person handler is an advocate for their dog and puts them in situations to be successful,” she notes.

Take an elevator ride. Renee might appear to be simply riding and chatting with another rider. But she is also assessing if the other person is comfortable around an animal and watching to protect her dog's feet as others get off and on.

And like Sari and Anika, Renee loves this work. “I see there is such a need. It allows folks to reminisce about special animal friends from the past. It’s been a real joy for me.”

​Music is such a powerful force that affects people of all ages: learning the ABCs as a kid, attending your first concert or choosing the song to dance to at your wedding. Classic songs can bring back specific memories for a person who is dealing with dementia. Listening to music or playing an instrument has many benefits for dementia patients in all stages of this disease.

​Music ignites powerful emotions, which can bring back memories for some dementia patients. When these patients hear songs from their era, each specific song can remind them of different experiences- their wedding dance, the day their first child was born, a family road trip, etc. 

​There have been so many stories of how dementia patients can start the day with a bad mood, but when music from the “good old days” starts to play, they are taken back to a joyful and fun time in life. Consequently, this music that shaped their young lives can give them a positive attitude in their later years.

​The part of our brains that is stimulated when we hear music that we love is called the “salience network” and this section of our brains is rarely affected by dementia and mental illness. There are numerous examples of people whose brain activity increased when listening to music- like the man who started to communicate again after listening to songs.

​Research has shown that both visual and language memory are the first to suffer in this disease, but using music to communicate with patients can activate their brain. Caretakers can pair music with day-to-day activities so that patients can more easily develop a pattern that assists them in remembering the activity that they were doing while listening to a certain song. 

Dementia patients can become easily frustrated and anxious when they can’t complete a chore or activity that they used to be able to accomplish. Putting on music, having patients dance to songs or play instruments relieves stress and can improve eye contact, engagement, etc.
 
As a part of our Lifelong Learning Program, we partner with MacPhail Music for Life, Northern Clay and the Bloomington Art Center to provide unique music and art therapy for our residents. Our Lifelong Learning Program promotes continued learning, encourages exploration of residents’ talents, and furthers creative expression.
 
References:
https://www.alzheimers.net/why-music-boosts-brain-activity-in-dementia-patients/
https://newatlas.com/music-may-help-cure-dementia/54420/
https://www.alzheimers.net/2013-06-04/music-therapy-for-dementia/
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2018-11-music-mood-adults-dementia.html

​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

​Spending time with a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s can be challenging. Activities that once brought them joy they no longer have interest in. They may be confused easily or unresponsive.
 
Don’t give up – there are still many family activities you can do with seniors dealing with Alzheimer’s. The key is to take it slow and focus on bonding.

​This activity is an excellent way for elders to improve self-understanding. Try to keep reminiscing activities safe and remember to stop if your loved one recalls painful memories or becomes agitated. Try watching family videos or looking through photo albums. You can also watch a favorite movie or TV show from your loved one’s past.

​Researchers have found that adults with advanced Alzheimer’s still respond to music. Listening to songs together is a fun way to connect with your loved one. Choose songs from their past to sing and dance to, or just sit and listen to together.

​Arts and crafts can help stimulate the brain. Remember to simplify crafts so your loved one doesn’t become frustrated. Playing with clay is a fun, textile craft. Painting, coloring, knitting and stringing are all crafts that can be easily simplified.

​Chores may not sound like a fun activity on paper, but for someone with Alzheimer’s the routine of doing once-familiar tasks is extremely beneficial. Simple tasks like wiping off the table, sweeping or holding a trash bag gives your loved one a way to be part of a team and feel accomplished.

​Reading is an important bonding activity. Pick a newspaper or book with large print. You can take turns or read to your loved one and ask them their thoughts on what you’re reading. 

​Not only is cooking fun, but you get the bonus of a tasty treat. Cooking can also easily be adapted for the ability level of your loved one. Choose a simple recipe and put them in charge or assign them an easy, repetitive task (like stirring). Cooking also goes hand-in-hand with reminiscing: start a discussion on their favorite foods growing up.

​Exercise is good for both you and your loved one. Pick low-impact, low-energy activities. Walking, swimming, yoga and tai chi are all great activities to do together.

​Getting outside for some fresh air is important for people with Alzheimer’s. The basic, repetitive nature of gardening is easy to follow. If your loved one isn’t up for gardening themselves, visit a botanical garden together.

​Organizational tasks stimulate the brain. Have your loved one help you sort items by function, color, shape or design. You can turn organization into a game by cutting up a favorite poem and having your loved one put it back in order.

Even as Alzheimer’s becomes severe, your loved one still retains their senses. Sensory stimulation helps ground them. Try textile activities like combing hair, moisturizing their skin, shaving their face, giving them a manicure or having them interact with a textile like a soft teddy or moldable clay.
 
Always remember: it’s more about the process and not the result. Completing an activity isn’t as important as the time spent together. Be patient with your loved one and if they seem resistant, take a break and try again later.
 
Our caregivers work with your loved one to provide daily stimulation and brain-boosting activities. Our Memory Care Program at Martin Luther empowers our staff to provide compassionate and exceptional care based on current best-practices in memory care. Call Amy at 952-948-5167 for more information.
 
 
Sources:
https://www.goldencarers.com/reminiscing-activities-for-seniors/3184/
https://assets.aarp.org/external_sites/caregiving/homeCare/engaging_activities.html
http://www.alzheimers.net/2014-03-06/stimulating-activities-for-alzheimers-patients/
http://dementiatoday.com/fun-things-to-do-with-alzheimers-patients/

According the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention, one out of four adults who is sixty-five years and older trips and falls. In fact, falls are responsible for the most injuries and fatalities among seniors. Don’t fear- the good news is that falls can easily be prevented with just a few easy-to-remember tips! 

​Be aware of your surroundings. Remove all clutter from your pathways—including throw rugs and electrical cords. Arrange furniture so that you always have a clear walking path.

​Install sturdy handrails on your stairs so that you or a loved one will have something to keep you steady as you walk up or down a staircase. To prevent falls in the bathroom, install grab bars in the shower or tub or use a shower seat with a hand-held shower head.

Rearrange the contents of your cupboards to be within easy reach so that you won’t have to strain to reach a kitchen item that you use on a daily basis. NEVER stand on a chair to reach something high.

Make sure that your lightbulbs are bright enough so that you won’t be stumbling around in dim light. At night time, use night lights in your bedroom and bathroom and be sure to turn on the lights if you get up at night.

​Take your time. Don’t rush to answer the phone or door, but instead, take time to carefully and safely get to your destination. If you feel dizzy, stand up slowly. It’s also a good idea to sit on the edge of the bed before standing up when you first wake up.

​Wear well-fitted, non-slip shoes with low heels and good support. Make sure laces are always tied and short enough to prevent tripping. Don’t walk in your socks because socks have no traction and they make it easy to fall when walking on tile. 

​Have your doctor or pharmacist review all of the medications that you are taking (even over the counter drugs, vitamins and supplements) and always keep a list of your current medications. Some medications have side effects (like dizziness) that can lead to a fall. 

Don’t lift or carry anything that’s too heavy. When unloading your car, stay safe and take many trips to unload your items. If you overload yourself, it becomes hard to see where you are going and therefore, it’s easy to lose balance.

Ask your doctor or therapist for safe exercises that build strength and improve balance. These exercises and stretches not only help improve your physical health, but they also help your mental health as well!

Take care of your feet! Trim toenails and check feet every day for sores, bunions, calluses, warts and numbness. If your feet hurt, you will be less active, which could increase your risk for falls.
​
With these tips for preventing indoor falls, you can live a safer, healthier, and more enjoyable life!  For more information about preventing falls, please check out these additional tips and a fall risk assessment or call 612-721-2491 for more information.

​Check out this delightful interview that Martin Luther’s Marysue Moses (Dimensions Program Coordinator) conducted with David Cobb, BCC, Director of Spiritual Health at Martin Luther Campus. David Cobb’s experiences at Martin Luther explain why Spiritual Health is very important for residents at Martin Luther.

​One day, I walked into the Martin Luther Care Center with a big purple cast on my arm and one of our residents (I’ll call her Peg) asked me what happened. “I have a ruptured biceps tendon,” I explained. Peg winced for a moment, then grinned mischievously. “Now you know what it’s like for those of us dealing with injuries and health problems!” she said. 

Since I had a cast put on my arm, it’s been a challenge to button my shirt, tie my shoes, slice a watermelon, etc. There’s a lot of activities that I took for granted when I could easily do them; like riding my bike, mowing the lawn, serving communion, and more.

As I’ve gone through this process, it is not hard to imagine how difficult it is for our residents to adjust to their health problems and injuries. It's especially hard when their challenges are more permanent and their mind, body, and spirit don’t heal like they used to.

Any unexpected shift in autonomy, sense of identity, and connection to others indicates a potential source of spiritual distress.
 
As a Chaplain at the Martin Luther Campus, I have the privilege of helping residents and their families identify distress and we develop ways to cope with the challenges that the residents face. Some residents have given up a home, a job and their role in providing for their family, responsibility for a pet, control of the kitchen, and more. These losses can trigger anger, shame, despair, anxiety, loneliness, or fear.
 
We are here to help with these losses and we provide Spiritual Care, Pastoral Care, Interdisciplinary Care, Weekly Worship, and more for all of our residents at Martin Luther. The Martin Luther Campus supports residents, families, and staff to integrate Spiritual Health with their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

​I’m not happy about my injury and it’s going to take a long time to heal. However, my injury is making me more aware of the spiritual distress our residents may feel in their new transitions and this better prepares me to help and encourage them through their new journeys.
 
Peg asks about my arm each time she sees me now and this reminds me that a lot of our residents have a spiritual need to care for others, just like we care for them. We are not just care-givers for our patients, but care partners with them as they head into the next stage of life and Spiritual Growth.
 
 
At the Martin Luther Campus in Bloomington, MN, we offer many spiritual health programs. We know firsthand how spiritual health can make an impact in your life or the life of a loved one. 

This blog comes from Emily Holland, Wall Street Journal and Dan Buetter, Blue Zones Power 9
 
Many older adults want to stay in their home as long as possible because there is an assumption that living at home is a sign of independence, but the reality is that living alone can often lead to loneliness and isolation. This loneliness and the health risks that are associated with it can be overcome with Senior Living Communities! Senior Living Communities provide great opportunities to interact with others, have purposeful engagement in daily life, and more!  

​When people move into our Senior Living Community here at Martin Luther Campus, the residents often tell us, “I wish I would have moved sooner” and their family members comment “We’ve seen our loved one blossom in the last few months!” These comments show that Senior Living improves lives, but how exactly does Senior Living fight loneliness and provide more meaningful lives?

• Senior Living Communities bring people together. We provide Coffee Socials, Happy Hours, and Lunch Meeting Times to help bring seniors together and to encourage them to grow their meaningful relationships with others.
• Senior Living Communities provide opportunities for purposeful engagement in daily life. The residents at Martin Luther Campus like to volunteer, help out their neighbors, and share experiences with friends.
• Senior Living Communities offer spiritual programming in the community and often offers transportation to local services. Research has shown that regular attendance at Faith-Based Services improves life expectancy.
• Intergenerational Programing brings older adults and young children together to work on projects, enjoy each other’s company, and learn from each other. The young and the young at heart both have so much wisdom and joy to share with one another.
• Senior Living Communities provide regularly scheduled fitness classes to help maintain physical mobility. These fitness classes are a warm and welcoming environment where seniors don’t have to feel judged or insecure about using adaptive devices (like walkers or wheelchairs).
• Martin Luther Campus provides accessible vans that allows older adults the opportunity to easily get out and about, go shopping, visit restaurants, and more. These seniors can stay connected with the community at large and continue to do the activities that they love.

Are you or a loved one feeling lonely and are yearning to join a fun and fulfilling Senior Living Community? Schedule a private tour of the Martin Luther Campus to check out our beautiful campus and all of the great programs that we offer.
 
For more information about loneliness and isolation, take the quick and beneficial isolation and loneliness self-assessment.

​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.  

​Tips Came from Marysue Moses, Ebenezer Dimensions Program Coordinator

​When you are taking care of a person who has dementia, it is important to be aware that paranoia is a very common symptom of dementia. Paranoia is accusation or suspiciousness that a person with dementia has about something or someone. We've compiled some tips for helping your loved one who is struggling with dementia and paranoia. 

​A common example of paranoia is when people who have dementia accuse others in the household of stealing something that they have actually misplaced. It is very tempting to try to convince the person (let’s call him Gary) that you didn’t take his belongings, but arguing with Gary only causes stress and frustration.
 
Instead of trying to convince Gary why you didn’t take his belongings, try to see the situation from his point-of-view. In this instance, remember that Compassion= Empathy + Action (Sandra Mcgurran, Social Worker with Fairview Home Care and Hospice Senior Services).

​Here are some tips to guide you in giving a compassionate response when dealing with situations of paranoia and dementia.
 
DO LISTEN to the person with dementia, and VALIDATE their feeling, i.e., say something to the person like: “That’s not a very nice feeling to think someone would just take something from you.”
 
DO RESIST THE URGE to get into an argument with the person.
 
DO ACKNOWLEDGE that they are upset. “I can see why you’re upset. I would be too, if that happened to me.”
 
DO OFFER A SIMPLE IDEA. “I wonder if your shirt is in the wash. Maybe your wallet was left in a pocket?”
 
DO BE HELPFUL and action-oriented. “I will go check the laundry room for your lost shirt” or “Let’s check your pockets for the wallet.”
 
DO ASK QUESTIONS. Ask the person with dementia (Gary): “What color was that shirt that you lost?”
 
DO BE REASSURING. Tell Gary: "Don't you worry, I’m sure we’ll find your shirt.”
 
DO SHIFT THE FOCUS TO SOMETHING ELSE. Say to Gary: “Let’s take a break and have a cup of coffee; coffee always helps me think more clearly!” Be sure to offer an activity or meal that you know the person will be interested in! 
 
DO DUPLICATE items that are repeatedly misplaced. For example, if a person often loses their wallet, obtain several of the same kind of wallet to keep on hand. Make copies of cards that are in the original, so you can stuff the replacement wallets with those.  
 
DO NOT TAKE OFFENSE on behalf of the accused person.
DO NOT offer a lengthy opinion or a list of reasons why they shouldn’t be upset; this may make them more confused and frustrated than before.    

DO LET THE ACCUSATION ROLL OFF YOUR BACK. Remember that your family member is functioning with a brain that is doing the absolute best it can under the circumstances of dementia. 
 
DO TRY IGNORING THE ACCUSATION.  Instead, simply validate the person’s feelings by saying something like: “Oh no! Your favorite shirt is missing?  Of course, you’re upset. That’s a beautiful shirt!” 
 
Validating Gary’s feeling could distract his focus from accusing you. Depending on the level of Gary's suspiciousness, you might need to step away and take a break (if someone else is there to assist Gary). In that case, tell Gary: “I can see that you’re upset with me. I’ll go see if Ann will help you look.”      
 
DO THINK AHEAD.  For things that are frequently misplaced, it could be helpful to clearly label a home base in the room where a purse can hang or a wallet can sit. Think ahead by initiating a routine of checking that spot every night together.
 
 MAINTAIN A SENSE OF HUMOR AND GOODWILL towards the person with dementia. You can turn an uncomfortable situation around with some humor. For instance, you can tell Gary: "You know, Gary, I remember you telling me that when I lost stuff, I would forget my head if it wasn’t attached. You also said that lost things usually turn up if we are teensy bit patient and that was always so helpful!” 
 
Taking care of a loved one who struggles with dementia and paranoia may become too hard for you mentally and emotionally and at Martin Luther campus, we are here to help! We offer a Dimensions Memory Care Program that includes care plans based on detailed assessments that consider the person’s abilities, needs, preferences, and personal history, we employ staff with dementia-specific training, we have 24-hour staffing and round-the-clock emergency response, and more.
 
For more information on helping a love one who has dementia, check out Coping with Behavior Change in Dementia: A Family Caregiver’s Guide, by Beth Spencer and Laurie White. For tips on the transition into a memory care facility, check out our Ten Tips to Ease Transition into a Memory Care Community.

​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  952-948-5167.

​As we age, we naturally start to experience memory loss. But when does normal memory loss cross over into Alzheimer’s or Dementia? The early signs of both disorders are often dismissed as “senior moments.” But if your loved one struggles with memory loss, mood swings or confusion, it may be signs of Alzheimer’s or Dementia. Look for these 10 warning signs.

​Occasionally forgetting doctor’s appointments or names is a normal part of aging, but people with Alzheimer’s or Dementia frequently experience memory loss. It may start as forgetting recently learned information, forgetting important dates or asking for the same information repeatedly. 

​Does it seem to take your loved one longer to do familiar tasks? Were they once able to balance their checkbook, but now struggle understanding the numbers? A person with Alzheimer’s or Dementia may have difficulty concentrating and following plans or understanding numbers.

​Alzheimer’s or Dementia can cause your loved one to struggle with routine tasks. It can be as simple as forgetting directions to a familiar place, trouble preparing meals or remembering rules to a favorite game.

​Occasional disorientation is common, as long as the person later remembers. People with Alzheimer’s or Dementia have difficulty keeping track of dates. They may think it’s a different day or year, or forget where they are and how they got there.

​For some people, vision problems can be another sign of Alzheimer’s or Dementia. Difficulty reading, judging distance or determining color or contrast are all symptoms. If the person doesn’t have any other vision-related health issues, Alzheimer’s or Dementia could be to blame.

​We all occasionally have trouble finding the right word, but a person with Alzheimer’s or Dementia will stumble with language frequently. They may forget common words and use odd words in their place. They may trail off in the middle of a conversation or repeat themselves.

​Losing keys every now and then is common, but Alzheimer’s and Dementia interfere with a person’s ability to remember where they placed items. If your loved one frequently loses things and can’t retrace their steps, that may be a sign. They may also leave things in seemingly random places, then forget that they put them there. 

​People with Alzheimer’s or Dementia may struggle with decision-making and judgment calls. They may fall prey to telemarketing schemes or other money scams.

​If your loved one seems to have no interest in favorite activities or hobbies, that could be a sign of Alzheimer’s or Dementia. They may start to remove themselves from favorite hobbies, social activities, work or sports. They may start keeping to themselves more and more.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia can cause extreme mood and personality changes. People with Alzheimer’s or Dementia may become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious, especially in unfamiliar situations. They may also experience rapid mood swings.
 
If you suspect your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or Dementia, it’s important to talk to their doctor as soon as possible. If Alzheimer’s or Dementia is detected early, your loved one can receive the best benefit from treatments. You can then take steps for make an action plan for deciding on treatments, finding a caregiver and taking preventative steps.
 
Sources:
http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_10_signs_of_alzheimers.asp
https://www.fightdementia.org.au/national/about-dementia/how-can-i-find-out-more/warning-signs-of-dementi