Recently, we wrote a blog explaining some of the benefits of Adult Day Programs. There are so many reasons why Adult Day Programs are beneficial that we wanted to provide more information regarding the advantages of attending an Adult Day Program.

An Adult Day Program is great for people with dementia because it provides stimulating activities, flexibility, assistance with personal care, socialization, and more. Stimulating activities are beneficial for someone with dementia because they can decrease anxiety, encourage engagement and self-expression, and help with maintaining motor skills.  

People who are looking into joining an Adult Day Program may not be able to drive anymore or their full-time caretaker may not have the time to take them on various outings. One of the benefits of our Adult Day Program is that we offer transportation in Bloomington for our members. The Adult Day Program members get to enjoy fun outings such as fishing at Lake Riley, MacPhail Music, St. Paul Cathedral, Padelford Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise, Minneapolis POPS Orchestra and Picnic, and more! The great news for both members and their caretakers is that they don’t have to pay extra for the outings provided by Martin Luther Campus.

Studies have shown that staying physically active can help prevent cognitive decline and that it's important for seniors to keep learning by challenging the brain with mental exercises. At the Martin Luther’s Adult Day Program Clubs, we offer activities that promote brain health and physical health. Some of the brain fitness activities that we provided this July was fishing for trivia, know your State capitals, creative writing-summer poetry, and more. Some of the large motor skill activities that our members to part in this July included target practice, bean bag toss, Wii golf, and more!

For a majority of their life, seniors had jobs to do and kids to raise. Now, many retired seniors are at a point in their life where their kids are grown, they have retired, and they are looking for a purpose. At the Martin Luther Campus Adult Day Program, many of our members say that they are “going to their job” when they attend our Adult Day Program. The friendships, activities, and events that we offer can give members a sense of purpose and enjoyment.

For caregivers, the biggest benefit of an Adult Day Program is that it gives them a break from the stress of being responsible for their own commitments while taking care of a loved one at the same time. An Adult Day Program can also provide resources to support the caregiver. At our Adult Day Program, caregivers can attend one of our support groups on campus. At the support group, caretakers are encouraged to tell their stories and experiences of being a caregiver.

If you or a loved one is interested in becoming a member of our Adult Day Program, call Amy at 952-948-5167 for more information and to schedule a tour today. 

References:  
https://blog.ioaging.org/senior-socialization/the-surprising-benefits-of-an-adult-day-program-for-senior/ 
https://www.alzheimers.net/2014-03-06/stimulating-activities-for-alzheimers-patients/ 
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/6-simple-steps-to-keep-your-mind-sharp-at-any-age 

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 and Richfield. 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 Amy at 952-948-5167 for more information and to schedule a tour today.

Residents of Meadow Woods Assisted Living and students from Bloomington Public Schools Galaxy Summer of Service program recently embarked on an 8-week poetry journey. They were guided by wonderful artists from the Alzheimer's Poetry Project of Minnesota. This project is designed to build relationships, activate the senses and spark imagination. Together, they created poems honoring each participant's unique voice and experience. Special thanks to the Minnesota Regional Arts Council for supporting this intergenerational collaboration.

Here is one of the lovely poems written by our group entitled, Let the Rain...

Let the Rain kiss racism so it will disappear
Let the Rain kiss my sister so she will listen better
Let the Rain kiss the ocean so it will be clean
Let the Rain kiss the turtles so the straws get out of noses
Let the Rain kiss all the little critters so they become normal
Let the Rain kiss the hate, turning it into kindness
Let the Rain kiss the living things going extinct
Let the Rain kiss small sailboats on the lake so it cleans the sailors and crew
Let the Rain kiss everyone with dementia so they remember again
Let the Rain kiss humanity so we have compassion for every person's life experiences

An Adult Day Program is a great resource to help your loved one with dementia because it can provide socialization, stimulating activities and assistance with personal care. Maintaining an engaging routine is one of the best ways to treat dementia.  

Daily socializing can lead to a happier and more satisfying and purpose-filled life; these activities challenge the mind and body, which may help ward off and slow the progress of memory loss. At Martin Luther Campus, Adult Day Program members get to bond with new friends through socializing, events, and stimulating activities. Some of the group activities that we provide are bingo, dances, trivia, exercises classes, fun and educational outings and more! Our Adult Day Program members especially love the included outings and the transportation we offer in Bloomington. Many of our Adult Day Club members lovingly call these programs school or work – it provides the same sense of stability and socialization as these familiar routines. 

Many people who have dementia can still remember stories, songs and pop culture from years past. Reflecting back on the music of the good old days can bring happiness to people who have dementia who are struggling with remembering what happened yesterday. An Adult Day Program that provides music (especially music from the big band music era) and the opportunity to attend musical events can help with improving the overall mood of a person with dementia.

Care assistance is not only helpful for the person who has dementia, but it can also give their caregiver at home a break. At our Adult Day Program, we provide each member with an individualized care plan, monthly health monitoring and assistance with personal care. If your loved one needs extra help with bathing, medication management and therapy (physical, speech, or occupational) we offer these services for a fee.

If your loved one enjoys the idea of going to fun events and meeting new people at an Adult Day Program, but he or she still wants to have down time as well, an Adult Day Program can be flexible to meet these needs. At Martin Luther Campus, our Adult Day Program offers members the opportunity to choose how many times a week they want to attend and if they want to come for a full day or a half day. This also allows caregivers to coordinate around their own schedules.  

Through an Adult Day Program, seniors with dementia can look forward to the fun activities and spending time with their new friends. If you or a loved one is interested in becoming a member of our Adult Day Program, call Amy at 952-948-5167 for more information and to schedule a tour today. 

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 and Richfield. 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 Amy at 952-948-5167 for more information and to schedule a tour today.  

Did you know that transitional care not only provides therapy and a team of health professionals, but it can also significantly lower hospital readmission rates? Check out how transitional care can speed up the recovery process.

Transitional care plays a vital part in helping patients with regaining lost motor function after an illness, surgery, fall or other medical complications by offering regular physical therapy. Those who don’t utilize physical therapy after an injury often find that over time they lose flexibility, range of motion and strength in the affected area of their body. By engaging in physical therapy during recovery, you’re less likely to have those issues moving forward. 

At the Martin Luther Campus transitional care unit, we offer physical, occupational, speech and aquatic therapy. We also have a therapy gym with up-to-date equipment and Centrex Rehab facilitates our daily group exercise program to help with maintaining the strength that residents gained in therapy.  

One of the benefits of transitional care is that patients can be guided by knowledgeable transitional care professionals, instead of having to figure out what works on their own. At the Martin Luther Campus transitional care unit, we have a committed team of social workers to process admission paperwork, answer questions during patient recovery and assist with services a patient may need to make a successful transition back to their home. We also have a great interdisciplinary team of therapists, doctors, nurses, social workers and a dietitian to address all areas of recovery. 

If your loved one goes straight home after being discharged from the hospital, he or she will probably not have a customized and unique therapy program. However, our transitional care unit provides patients with a customized program that may include extensive physical, occupational, speech or aquatic therapy. Therapy is also available as an outpatient to help with continuous improvement once they’re back home. 

Transitional care can speed up recovery through targeted programs aimed at healing. Get more information about the Martin Luther Campus transitional care unit program. 

Are you interested in the Martin Luther Transitional Care Unit or do you have a loved one that is looking for Transitional Care Unit? Call Megan at 952-948-5153 for more information.   

Taking on the responsibility of being a caretaker can be rewarding and fulfilling, but the time and dedication that it requires can become overwhelming. Follow these tips for staying away from caregiver burnout. 

Many caretakers are so focused and dedicated to taking care of their loved one that their personal health can start to go downhill. In order to have energy to take care of someone else, remember to get enough sleep, eat healthy and exercise every week. There are a number of exercises you can do with your loved one, so you both are taking care of yourselves. Many caregivers also let their own doctor visits fall behind – make sure to schedule appointments for yourself as well. 

Implementing simple and easy organizational strategies can make life easier on you and can help with keeping a consistent schedule for both you and your loved one. Take notes on your care receiver's evolving needs, create an efficient system for all aspects of medication management (a pill box is a great method!) and maintain a calendar to help with prioritizing your responsibilities.  

When you start to feel emotionally depleted and the person who you are caring for is not giving you positive reinforcement, take the time to talk to a friend or family member who is understanding and will acknowledge all that you are doing and going through. If possible, find a friend who will not only listen and care, but who has gone through a similar situation and can give helpful advice. 

You may have a lot of individual friends and family who text, call or email you asking how your loved one is doing after a surgery or doctor appointment. If you become overwhelmed by the task of informing people individually, find a way to mass communicate. For instance, you could set up a Facebook page where you post updates to followers or you could send an email to everyone. Another way to mass communicate is to set up a page on a website like Caring Bridge where you can send update messages to everyone at once.

Something that really helps with preventing caregiver burnout is to make time for doing fun activities with your loved one. While it is important to assist them in necessary daily living activities, it’s also important to bond together through enjoyable projects. Some fun activities to do with your loved one include: reminiscing, looking at old photos, listening to music, doing arts and crafts or reading together. 

An Adult Day Program is not only a helpful resource for a senior needing care, but it also allows you (as the caretaker) the opportunity to go to appointments, take care of other responsibilities, and take time to re-energize. At the Martin Luther Adult Day Program, we offer both full day or half day programs and caregivers are welcome to drop-in during the Adult Day Program activities. Some of the activities and services that we offer Adult Day Program members are exercise, snacks and meals, special outings, music, and spiritual services. If you are looking into an Adult Day Program for your loved one, call us at 952-948-5167 or schedule a tour.  

If you are already experiencing caregiver burnout and you don’t know what to do next, we are here for you. If you are looking into assisted living for your loved one, we have experience helping seniors and their families transition into assisted living. Call us at 952-948-5167 for more information or to schedule a tour – we can offer guidance and help you navigate the world of assisted living. 

References: 
https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/life-balance/info-2017/avoid-caregiver-fatigue-fd.html  
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/caregiver-stress-and-burnout.htm  
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/caregiving_n_5983252  
https://www.healthinaging.org/tools-and-tips/tips-avoiding-caregiver-burnout  
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/strategies-for-getting-and-staying-organized-while-caregiving-164830.htm  

Having dementia can make it difficult to learn new things, so implementing established routines can be calming and relaxing for a person who has dementia. We’ve put together ten helpful tips for keeping a consistent schedule for seniors with dementia.

Try to keep a consistent and reliable daily schedule for the dementia patient’s meal time, bed time, and the daily time for medication intake. Establishing these routines can help with maintaining function and reducing anxiety for the person with dementia. It’s also important to break down activities into short segments because lengthy activities can become overwhelming for someone who is dealing with dementia. At our Martin Luther Campus memory care community, we provide assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, eating and personal care. We also create care plans that are personalized for each memory care patient to develop a comfortable routine.  

A dementia patient may become stressed if he or she doesn't know what activities are coming next. Remind them about activities and events that are coming up and explain how much fun these activities will be! Depending on the person, something physical like a calendar or planner can be comforting. Beforehand, evaluate whether or not they will be able to do an activity, so frustration during the event can be avoided. At our Martin Luther Campus memory care community, we create all schedules with a senior’s abilities and comfort level in mind. 

Many persons who have dementia like to be in a familiar environment where they can feel in control of their surroundings. To avoid stress, ask family and friends to come visit your loved one instead of driving them to see other people. The more travelling that is done, the more likely that the person with dementia will feel nervous about being in an unfamiliar environment. At our Martin Luther Campus memory care community, we have communities that are designed to promote comfort and security so that residents will feel at home and in a familiar environment. We encourage family members to come visit their loved ones and we provide family support through education, handouts and community resources.

Once your loved one has gotten used to a consistent daily schedule and has practiced helping with some daily activities, they may be able to take on more tasks. These practiced activities can increase self-confidence and can help with maintaining as much independence as possible.  

Dementia most often impacts short-term memory, but long-term memories remain. When talking to a person experiencing a memory disorder, avoid discussion recent events or pop culture to minimize confusion. Instead, ask them stories about their life. You may be surprised at how much your loved one will have to say about a fond memory! It’s also important not to interrupt them, so they feel more confident. ​

Caring for someone with dementia often becomes frustrating. Your loved one may become more easily agitated and want to argue. Resist the urge to argue, instead cultivate compassionate responses. Acknowledge their feelings but offer a simple idea or shift the focus. “I can see why you’re upset. I would be too if that happened to me. Let’s take a break and have a cup of coffee: coffee always helps me think more clearly!” 

While it is important to create a consistent schedule, it’s also important to be flexible. There will be good days and bad days. Some days, your loved one may not be able to do everything on their schedule. They may also resist – consider alternatives. For example, if they want to wear the same outfit every day, try buying a few identical outfits.

Certain tasks like bathing or medical appointments are best done when a person is alert and refreshed. When planning your schedule, consider your loved one’s energy level throughout the day. Schedule more challenging tasks when they’re generally most active and follow up with simple activities.  ​

While engaging in activities, reduce distractions like TV, radio or cell phones. The less distractions for your loved one, the more they can focus. 

Caring for a loved one with dementia is overwhelming. At a certain point you may feel in over your head, and it’s important to know that it’s okay! You are not alone. If you need someone to talk to or feel like you need some help, our Memory Care experts at Martin Luther Campus are always here to talk and help you plan for the future. Call Amy at 952-948-5167 for more information and to schedule a tour today.  

References: ​

https://www.caregogi.com/content/the-5-best-ways-to-maintain-a-daily-routine-for-seniors-with-dementia/  
https://www.verywellhealth.com/using-routines-in-dementia-97625  
https://extendedfamilyinc.com/blog/the-importance-of-routine-for-dementia-and-alzheimers-care  
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/caregivers/in-depth/alzheimers-caregiver/art-20047577  

Do you know a Senior who still lives at home, but is suffering from isolation and boredom? An Adult Day Program is a great solution that provides these seniors with the opportunity to socialize on a daily or weekly basis and take part in stimulating group activities. There are many benefits to an adult day program. 

An Adult Day Program offers care and fun activities for seniors during the day, but allows them the opportunity to go back home at night. This is a helpful benefit for those who are still able to take care of themselves in the evening at home but may want a little care and extra socializing during the day. For seniors who are no longer able to drive, Martin Luther Campus offers door-to-door transportation. 

Many seniors who live on their own struggle from isolation and depression. One of the greatest benefits of an Adult Day Program is that these seniors get to develop new friendships and take part in social activities without having to schedule and plan these events themselves. At Martin Luther Campus, our Adult Day Program offers exercise, spiritual services, snacks and meals, music and special outings.  

Besides getting the opportunity to socialize, Martin Luther Adult Day Program members can obtain care as well. We offer services like medication management, bathing, and physical, speech or occupational therapy for a fee.  

Adult Day Programs give caregivers a healthy break from the responsibility of taking care of a loved one 24/7. This gives the caregiver time to balance other jobs and tasks and can reduce the possible stress and strain of the relationship between the caregiver and the patient. It’s also beneficial for caretakers who work full time, so they can still work while their loved one is safe at the Adult Day Program. 

Adult Day Programs usually provide members with the opportunity to take part in a variety of events and hobbies. If you have an elderly loved one who is tired of going to the same places and doing the same activities on their own, an Adult Day Program can provide a variety of different activities on a daily or weekly basis. At Martin Luther Campus, there is always a variety of fun events for our Adult Day Program members. During June 2019, the Campus Club Flew Kites, Toured the Cathedral of St. Paul, attended a Northern Clay Class and more. During the same month, our Creekside Club had a Summer Sing-a-long, a Watercolor Class and a Picnic and Yard Games at Minnehaha Falls. These varied activities keep the days from feeling stale and allow our Adult Day Club members to travel for free without having to arrange travel themselves. 

Are you interested in the Martin Luther Adult Day Program or do you have a loved one that is looking for an Adult Day Program? Call Heather at (952) 948-5154 for more information and to schedule a tour today.

We often hear from adult children right after a visit with their parents. They notice that it takes mom and dad longer to do daily tasks, that they’ve had more frequent health scares or that they aren’t leaving the house like they used to. These signs often build up slowly over time, and it can be hard to tell exactly when it’s time to consider assisted living.

If you’re in this same position as a child or spouse and are unsure whether it’s time to transition, look for these signs.

If your parents are struggling with completing day-to-day tasks and activities (like bathing, dressing, eating and other self-maintenance tasks), this is a sign that it’s time to transition to assisted living. Meadow Woods assisted living at Martin Luther Campus offers health services and personal care, an individualized care plan and an emergency call system that provides assistance 24-hours a day.

If your loved ones have had a serious inability to focus, they continually ask the same questions, or they only remember events from years ago but can't remember what they did five minutes ago, then they may be in need of memory care. At the Martin Luther Campus, we offer Ebenezer's Dimensions® Memory Care Program. The Dimensions Program prepares our staff to provide exceptional, compassionate care using evidence-based best practices.

If you have a loved one who feels lonely and can’t drive or attend fun social outings anymore, assisted living or adult day programs provides much-needed socialization. Martin Luther Campus offers social activities like art and music therapy, weekly worship, a beauty and barber shop and other social activities.  

Many elderly people have balance problems and begin to frequently fall and become injured. Once they are badly hurt the first time, they may become inactive to prevent a second injury. This inactivity leads to declining health and is not beneficial for anyone’s physical health or mental health. Assisted living provides safe and accessible spaces to minimize fall risks, as well as immediate care for a health crisis.

If your parents are becoming forgetful, unable to do their normal activities, or feel isolated and alone, it’s time to look into moving them into assisted living. We understand how difficult that conversation can be. We have experience helping seniors and their families transition into assisted living.  Call us at 952-948-5167 for more information or to schedule a tour – we can offer guidance and help you navigate the world of assisted living.

References:
https://www.carelike.com/care-seekers/resources/5-signs-its-time-to-move-your-senior-parent-to-assisted-living
https://www.senioradvisor.com/blog/2015/12/5-signs-its-time-for-assisted-living/

Please note, the power outage will no longer be occurring this evening. All components of our Care Center facility will be up and running as normal. Thank you. 

Facility Update Reminder:
Today, Wednesday, June 26, Martin Luther Care Center will experience a planned power outage for approx. 2-4 hours+ beginning at 7:00 PM. This is necessary maintenance to prepare for our new chiller system arriving next month. The outage will impact many of our electrical components including some lights, computers and phones, and notification and alarm systems.

Please know that management and additional staff will be present for the entire outage period. All necessary checks will be in place to monitor resident and facility needs. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.
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If you have an urgent need to contact us during the outage time (beginning at 7:00 PM), please call temporary phone line: 952-388-9755. Thank you.