From the Kitchen of Rebecca Kapsen RDN, LDN 
Ebenezer Corporate Registered Dietitian 

As we age, likely you will notice certain subtle changes in your body including aches, pains, decreased sense of smell and perhaps even vision changes. Eating a healthy, rounded diet full of nutritious fruits and veggies can help protect us from some of these ailments. Carrots, peas and leafy greens are great foods to incorporate into the diet to improve immune function, skin elasticity, protein intake and maintain healthy eyesight.  

Did you know that carrots are chock full of an antioxidant known as beta-carotene that not only helps protect the body from certain diseases, but can also contribute to maintaining healthy skin and digestion? Of note, carrots also contain phytonutrients that can help reduce the risk of colon cancer! 

Eating peas can provide not only protein, but fiber to aid in motility of the GI tract. As we age, motility decreases which leads to decreased absorption of nutrients. Try split peas for the most “bang for your buck”—bringing you 16.3g fiber per cup! 

Eyesight generally diminishes as we age and unfortunately, some seniors can develop complications with their eyes that include macular degeneration and cataracts. Try including leafy green lettuce and spinach that contain lutein, an antioxidant that can lower the risk of eye disease.  

A recipe to get you started!
Here’s a great side-dish recipe for savory carrots. This recipe combines cinnamon with turmeric for a savory and earthy twist on glazed carrots. As an added bonus, turmeric may provide anti-inflammatory benefits to help reduce the risk of chronic disease. Enjoy! 

Cinnamon and Turmeric Roasted Carrots 
Adapted by Leanne Ray, MS, RDN 
Serves 4 

Ingredients: 

• 1 lb bag of whole carrots, peeled 
• 1 heaping Tbsp coconut oil, melted (sub margarine or butter if preferred) 
• 1/2 tsp turmeric 

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon 
• pinch of cayenne pepper 
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar, packed 
• optional: flaky sea salt 
  
  

Directions: 

1.  Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. 

1. Slice carrots in 1/2″ pieces on a slight bias, then add to a medium bowl.  

1. Mix coconut oil, spices and brown sugar in a small dish, then pour over the bowl of carrots. Toss well to coat. Transfer to baking sheet.  

1. Cook 18-20 minutes, or until carrots are tender but still have a bite and are slightly browned.  

1. Top with a pinch of flaky sea salt to finish. ​

We believe in the COVID-19 vaccine.
​Here's a few reasons why members of our team are excited to get theirs!

We are proud to report that hope is in abundance here at Martin Luther Care Center as we started the COVID-19 vaccination process!

Thank you to our friends at KSTP-TV for being on hand to help us share this milestone moment. And special thanks to resident, Roger and staff nurse, Marissa for sharing their thoughts so beautifully.

Here's the link to the story from last night's KSTP Newscast that shares the excitement of the process to date.
https://kstp.com/.../covid-19-vaccinations-set.../5961937/

We are pleased that federal and state officials have prioritized long-term care residents and their caregivers for early COVID-19 vaccinations. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is one of the best ways to protect those living in and receiving care in our communities. The news of a vaccine gives us hope for the next chapter in our fight against this virus.

Ebenezer communities have been among the first to receive the recently approved COVID-19 vaccine.

In cooperation with the government’s distribution to pharmacies, we have begun administering the very first vaccines to staff and residents in our skilled care communities, and have now started to vaccinate staff and residents within Assisted Living and Memory Care communities. Right now, we are only planning to vaccinate Independent Living residents in our Assisted Living communities. Eventually we will offer the vaccinate to residents in our free-standing rental, cooperative and condominium communities.​

How we will administer the vaccine

Our Pharmacy will vaccinate residents – including Independent Living residents who reside in communities that provide Assisted Living services. Our site nurses will vaccinate staff members.

The vaccine will be administered in 2 doses. After receiving the first dose, the recipient must receive a second dose. It is important to get the SAME MANUFACTURED VACCINE as the first dose.

To ensure that we are getting the vaccine to those who need it most, we will not vaccinate staff or residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 90 days. We will vaccinate these individuals at a later date.

We strongly encourage staff and residents to get vaccinated

At this time, we are not requiring that all staff and residents get the vaccine, however, we are strongly encouraging it. Vaccinating a significant majority of staff and residents is the only way we will be able to stop the spread of the virus.

About the vaccine

​As part of our continuing effort to provide up-to-date information, we have included the latest information from the CDC along with links to their website.
​

• There are two COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized and recommended for use in the United States, and three other vaccines are currently in large-scale clinical trials. To learn more about the different vaccines for COVID-19 and how vaccines work, click here.
• This vaccine is safe and effective (95% effective). Both the PFIZER and MODERNA vaccine are mRNA vaccines. mRNA technology is new in vaccine production but is already being used in cancer treatment. It has been studied for more than ten years.
• COVID-19 mRNA vaccines teach our cells how to make a piece of a protein to trigger an immune response and build immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19. mRNA does not affect or interact with a person’s DNA, and the cell breaks down and gets rid of the mRNA as soon as it is finished using these instructions. Learn about mRNA vaccines and how they work, by clicking here.
• None of the COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized for use in the United States uses the live virus that causes COVID-19. You may have symptoms like a fever after you get a vaccine. This is normal and a sign that your immune system is learning how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Learn more about the facts behind COVID-19 vaccines, by clicking here.

 
Potential side effects

As with any vaccine, your body may react to the vaccine as those antibodies are being made.  Not everyone will experience this reaction. Below are the most common:

• You may experience have short-term discomfort:  fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever and pain at injection site after vaccination
• These reactions will last for 24-48 hours and are typically more pronounced after the second dose
• Side effects mean your body is doing its job and making antibodies (IT IS A GOOD THING)
• These are normal, common and expected
• If your Doctor has told you it is OK, you can take Tylenol or Ibuprofen prior to receiving the vaccine as well as for the first few days following receiving to minimize such reactions.

When will I be protected? How long will I be immune?

• Most of the vaccines are 2 doses
• Protection occurs 1-2 weeks after the second dose

We will most likely not know how long the vaccine will be protective once we receive it.  We will know more as more time passes in the current research. It is possible we may need to have vaccine shots for COVID-19 on a regular basis (like the flu shot).

How many people need to get a COVID- 19 vaccine for herd immunity?

​Herd immunity means that enough people in a community are protected from getting a disease because they’ve already had the disease or they’ve been vaccinated. Herd immunity makes it hard for the disease to spread from person to person, and it even protects those who cannot be vaccinated, like newborns.
While experts don’t yet know what percentage of people would need to get vaccinated to achieve herd immunity, vaccination is a safer way to build protection than getting sick with COVID-19. Have a question about COVID-19 vaccines? Click here.

Will we still need to wear face masks?

Similar to other types of vaccines, a large number of people in the community will need to get vaccinated before transmission drops enough to stop the use of masks.        
                                               
Is the vaccine safe?

• Safety is the most important priority in vaccine approval
• Everyone receiving the vaccine will be monitored following receiving it
• Monitoring for safety will continue as the vaccine is distributed to the public
• To assess safety FDA typically advises that a minimum of 3,000 participants are included in the trial.  The current COVID-19 vaccine trials include 30,000 to 50,000 participants
• The FDA is using the same strict standards that it has for decades
• No steps are “skipped”
• The FDA has approved the Pfizer vaccine for use

Can Ebenezer residents and staff give consent or decline the vaccine?

Our residents and staff will be asked about their interest in receiving the vaccination and will be asked to sign a consent at some point prior to the vaccination being administered. If they choose to decline, they will be asked to sign a declination. The declination is not binding. Those within our community can receive the vaccine later, if they change their minds.
 
Questions?

It is important to get information from reliable sources (CDC, AMDA, medical directors, medical providers, etc.). Here are some link to information: 

CDC: Vaccines & Immunizations 
CDC: About COVID-19 Vaccines
CDC: Provider Resources for COVID-19 Vaccine Conversations with Patients and Answering Patients’ Questions
Leading Age Minnesota 

Washington, D.C. – November 2020 – Martin Luther Campus is among the 21% of U.S. skilled nursing facilities that have been recognized as a Best Nursing Home for 2020-21 by U.S. News & World Report.
 
The home earned Best Nursing Homes status by achieving a rating of “High Performing,” the highest possible rating, for both Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care. U.S. News gives the designation of Best Nursing Home only to those homes that satisfy U.S. News’s assessment of the appropriate use of key services and consistent performance in quality measures.
 
“We are so proud to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report again this year,” said Kenzie Christopher, Martin Luther Campus Administrator. “This recognition is a testament to the exceptional care our staff provides to residents on a daily basis. A national honor like this is wonderful in any year, but particularly affirming amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
 
Now in its 11th year, the U.S. News Best Nursing Homes ratings and profiles offer comprehensive information about care, safety, health inspections, staffing and more for nearly all of the nation’s 15,000-plus nursing homes. The Best Nursing Homes ratings reflect U.S. News’ exclusive analysis of publicly available data using a methodology defined by U.S. News that evaluates factors that it has determined most greatly impact patient and resident care, safety, and outcomes. This year, to accompany the new ratings, nursing home profile pages were updated to include a patient safety summary that reflects COVID-19 data alongside other measurements of safety and related advice on choosing a home or facility amidst the pandemic.
 
“U.S. News strives to provide access to information that allows consumers to make educated decisions on all types of care,” said Ben Harder, managing editor and chief of health analysis at U.S. News. “Updating the profiles to include a patient safety summary that highlights COVID-19 data paired with other measures of care arms families, caregivers and patients with the information needed to make a decision that keeps safety at the highest priority.” 
 
The Best Nursing Home finder features ratings on both long-term and short-term care. The Long-Term Care Rating aims to provide prospective residents who need help with daily activities, and their families, with analysis and information regarding the quality of care provided by nursing homes. The rating includes data on staffing, success in preventing ER visits and pneumonia vaccination rates, among other metrics. The short-term rating incorporates measures of quality including consistency of registered nurse staffing, use of antipsychotic drugs and success in preventing falls. Click here to read the full report. 
​
Martin Luther Campus is a part of Ebenezer, the largest family of Senior Care communities in Minnesota. Ebenezer is the senior housing division of Fairview Health Services with 100 years of experience serving older adults, and helping their lives be more independent, healthful, meaningful, and secure. Through quality care options for assisted living, transitional care, long-term care, and memory care, Martin Luther Campus is able to meet the needs of residents today and into the future. Martin Luther Campus prides itself in focusing on the whole person with continued learning and innovation as a response to the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of residents.
 
About U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower people to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives. A digital news and information company focused on Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars and News USNews.com provides consumer advice, rankings and analysis to serve people making complex decisions throughout all stages of life. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

If your aging parent or a loved one has been living independently and enjoying an active lifestyle, they might not be willing to admit that their mental and/or physical abilities are not what they used to be.

Not wanting to be a burden, they may be hesitant to reach out for assistance — that’s why it is important to know when it’s time to offer help.

Signs that indicate your loved one may need help include:

• Losing weight, having no appetite and missing meals. Take note of what’s in their fridge and what they are eating.
• Exhibiting signs of poor hygiene. Take note if regular habits like bathing, brushing teeth, trimming nails or combing their hair have changed or stopped. 
• Failing to take essential medications or unwillingness to get medical treatment for illness.
• Wearing clothing that’s inappropriate for the weather.
• Feeling confused, forgetting to pay bills or renew prescriptions, missing scheduled appointments.
• Ignoring or unable to perform household duties.
• Avoiding activities they once enjoyed, such as meeting with friends or going to religious services.

Unless the situation is critical, experts recommend involving your parent or loved one as much as possible in the decision-making process when planning for care. This can help ease their fears of losing control, and it shows that you have their best interests at heart.

Taking on Caregiving Responsibilities
Becoming a family caregiver is one of the most rewarding and stressful jobs you’ll undertake. Because you’re likely juggling many responsibilities, taking care of your physical health and emotional well-being are key to avoid caregiver stress. According to the American Psychological Association, caregiving strain is often more significant when caregivers don’t have enough resources (information, skills, social support, respite and community services) and feel overwhelmed.

Being aware of caregiver stress can help you take action. Signs and symptoms include:

• Having problems sleeping and concentrating.
• Experiencing new or deteriorating health conditions.
• Eating, drinking or smoking more than you have in the past.
• Neglecting your own needs and responsibilities.
• Feeling exhausted, rundown or resentful of your loved one.

Navigating family caregiving tasks
There’s no reason to feel like you have to go it alone. Asking for help with caregiving responsibilities can help you avoid caregiver stress.
Family members and friends are often ready and willing to help, but they may be unaware of your feelings or how they can help. Starting the conversation and sharing information can help everyone understand the situation and feel involved.

Be specific about the type of help you need and make a list of important tasks. Look for ways to divide caregiving responsibilities, such as running errands or buying groceries; managing bills and other financial duties; taking care of your loved one’s medications and doctor appointments; or researching additional resources for support.

If you or a loved one needs support navigating senior living option or is seeking tools and resources available in the community, do not hesitate to call the Martin Luther Campus. We are glad to share community resources, support groups, adult day program options and conversation to support you.

Contact Amy today at 952-948-5167 or ajames6@fairview.org

​The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a wrench in most people’s plans for 2020. If you were thinking of a move to a senior living community like Martin Luther Campus prior to the pandemic, you might be trying to decide if it’s still a good idea. Since the beginning of the year, we’ve learned a lot about infection prevention and protocols to reduce the risk for older adults living in our communities. We’re seeing an infection rate that is lower than our state’s average. And, we’re hearing from our new residents the reasons why they’ve decided to make a move (and the reasons they feel good about their decision).

1. If you know where you want to be, now is your time! Chances are you can get into your desired community and your dream apartment layout might be available.
2. You can avoid the grocery store and the added burden of meal planning and household chores by taking advantage of the meal service and housekeeping included in your monthly rent.
3. Say “goodbye” to the hassles of home maintenance and shoveling during our Midwest winters. When visits from family members or service providers are difficult because of shelter in place orders or severe weather, you won’t be stuck with challenging home repairs or lawn care on your own.
4. We’re not the Geek Squad, but our reception desk and onsite team can help you with using technology to connect with family & friends.
5. When making health care appointments gets more difficult, you’ll enjoy the ease of access to health care and health care coordination from our onsite care team and partners.
6. Get peace of mind with daily wellness checks and 24/7 staffing in case of emergencies.
7. Enjoy our community amenities and beautiful residential location such as the beauty salon, spacious dining room with wrap-around fireplace, and lovely views of the nearby woods and wildlife. We also offer spiritual services in our on-site chapel and individualized care by our Chaplain team committed to supporting each resident's desired faith journey.  
8. You’re surrounded by a trained team following detailed safety precautions including: daily sanitizing protocols, visitor and staff screening, and immediate access to an ample supply of protective equipmenajames6@fairview.orgt.
9. You can beat the boredom of being at home alone by adding some structure to your day with scheduled virtual and in-person activities in a senior living community.
10. The reasons you were considering making a move prior to the pandemic are still just as important as they were before it started.
    
    

Want to learn more?
​
Contact Amy for details.
952-948-5167 or ajames6@fairview.org

Honorary Family: To my Meadow Woods residents...
by Ninah, Home Health Aide at Meadow Woods Assisted Living

~The reasons I awake before the cock crows or the sunrise, 
~Learning something new each day from the experienced and wise 
~Never a dull moment; each one keeps me on my toes 
~The smiles, thank you’s, treats, stories and more, I greatly appreciate all of those. 
~It’s the little things that matter and they play such a big part 
~Whether we are near or far, together or not, you all will always hold a special place in my heart! 
Thank you for allowing me to take care of you.


About Ninah:
Ninah is a Home Health Aide at Meadow Woods Assisted Living. When we learned she had a secret love for writing poetry, we asked her to consider sharing a sample of her work. She graciously agreed to share this poem with us, and you. We could not think of a better example of her talent and her kind heart. 

Thank you, Ninah, for being such a special member of the Meadow Woods Family. 

Every day, no matter your age, you should make drinking the recommended amount of water a priority. Staying hydrated is crucial for your overall health and is an important part of your daily routine. Your body is made up of approximately 60% water and even slight dehydration can have an impact on your quality of life and overall well-being.
 
There are several reasons why you should make drinking plenty of water throughout the day a priority. Regardless of whether you are young and in college or residing in an assisted living community in Bloomington, here are several reasons why you should make increasing your daily water intake a priority.
 
It Improves Your Skin
 
Your skin deserves a lot of love and attention. It receives a lot of wear and without proper care, you can easily damage it. When you are fully hydrated, the water will boost your skin health. Proper hydration diminishes wrinkles and potential skin disorders. It also is important to reduce swelling and puffiness, which can occur from a rough night of sleep or from high-stress levels.
 
Water Keeps Your Joints Healthy
 
Water is essential for your joints. It helps to lubricate the joints, making it easier to move and reduces the risk of injuries and joint pain. As you move your body, your joints can experience a lot of shock. This is evident in all types of exercises from walking and running to strength training. Water is one way to protect your body and to help you stay fit.
 
It Keeps Your Digestive System Working Hard
 
Your digestive system works hard each day. For it to function properly, water is needed. When you are dehydrated, your body can experience constipation and stomach pain. You may also increase your risk of heartburn. When you stay well hydrated, your digestive system has the fuel it needs to properly work and to ensure everything is moving throughout your body as it should. You will not only feel better but all major functions of your body will move well.
 
Water Improves Your Kidney Health
 
The job of your kidneys is to regulate fluid in your body and filter out the toxins from your insides. When you do not have sufficient water for your kidneys to function, it can cause a variety of serious health conditions including kidney stones and other diseases. Additionally, water is needed for essential vitamins and minerals to travel throughout your body and reach your kidneys. This will keep these vital organs healthy and working and its best.
 
How to Increase Your Daily Water Intake
 
Even if you are not receiving dementia care in Bloomington, remembering to drink the recommended amount of water each day can be a major challenge. There are many beverages that may be more tempting such as coffee, soda, and alcohol. If you struggle to drink the recommended amount of water each day, here are a few tips to assist.
 
Set a Timer: Many individuals do not drink enough water because they tend to forget throughout the day. To prevent this from happening, turn on a timer. Every hour, set the timer and once the timer goes off, drink 8 ounces of water. When you do this for at least eight hours a day, you will have drank 64 ounces of water, greatly increasing your water intake.
 
Drink One Glass of Water Before Each Meal: Before you sit down for each meal, drink at least one full cup of water. This will not only help you increase your water intake throughout the day, but it is a terrific way to prevent overeating. This cup of water will make you feel full faster, reducing the amount of food you consume during each meal.
 
Eat Water-Rich Foods: There are many fruits, vegetables, and other healthy food items that contain high levels of water. By eating these foods regularly, you will increase your daily water intake without even realizing it. Many of these water-rich foods you can incorporate into a variety of meals and when residing in a senior living community in Bloomington, these foods will be available on a regular basis.
 
Several water-rich foods you may consider including in each of your meals include:

• Watermelon
• Cucumbers
• Strawberries
• Lettuce
• Broths
• Zucchini
• Skim milk
• Bell Peppers
• Celery

 
Carry a Water Bottle Throughout the Day: As you walk to each of your activities throughout the day, bring a water bottle with you. You may find that you will sip on the water throughout the day, increasing your water intake. Consider a large water bottle, such as one that is 32 ounces or larger, as you will not need to fill up the water bottle often. Make it a goal to refill your water bottle at least twice each day.
 
Add Some Flavor: It can be hard to drink plenty of water if you do not like the boring and bland taste. If you want something with a little more flavor, there are many ways to spice it up. For example, add fruit or herbs such as mint to your cup of water. This will give your water a little more flavor and you may reap a few additional health benefits as well.
 
Water should be an important part of your life no matter if you are a young child or receiving memory care in Bloomington. For those receiving senior care in Bloomington, talk to your doctor for recommendations on how much water you should consume each day and a few additional tips to help you increase your daily intake.
 
 
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