March 2015

Spring Into Action This Month

Following our theme of action steps this year, we've got more strategies to help you along your caregiver journey. In addition to a list of festive events happening at our community, you'll find helpful advice about:
  1. How to protect yourself and your loved one at the Town Hall Forum on March 26
  2. Treatments for sleep changes
  3. Preparing for your next doctor's visit
  4. The date of our next Caregiver Support Group meeting
Read on to learn more. 

Feeling a little overwhelmed? Remember, we can help. Reach out to us or attend one of our support group meetings for resources and assistance.
Looking for Fun Activities? You're In Luck

March is chocked full of lively events at ActivCare communities. We'll be moving our clocks forward on March 8, but we won't miss a beat with St. Patrick's Day festivities, recognizing First Day of Spring and special guests throughout the month.

Here are a few highlights:

Mar. 5 - Piano with Fontain
Mar. 11 - Safari Express Visit
Mar. 17 - St. Patrick's Day Party
Mar. 19 - Cooking for the Senses: Irish Soda Bread
Mar. 26 - Garden Get Together
Mar. 31 - Birthday Celebration

Plus, the kids from the Boys & Girls Club visit each Monday and Tuesday at 4 pm. Pacific Ridge School students drop by at 9:45 am early each week. And, Happy Hour is every Friday.

You are invited to take part in our activities. Please stop by and enjoy the fun. For the full schedule, click on the link below. 

Join Us At The Town Hall Forum on March 26

 

The Caregiving Journey:
Taking Action to Protect Yourself and Your Loved One


At this free seminar for family caregivers, you'll hear from memory care experts who will provide essential advice for your dementia caregiving journey. 

Learn successful techniques for navigating family dynamics when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia. Discover how to cope with feelings of guilt. Learn how to create a safe and realistic plan of care and how to address symptoms such as wandering. Become proactive and protect yourself and your loved one from financial and physical abuse.

More information by calling 1-888-636-5677 or 
click here

Thursday, March 26, 2015 - 9 am to 11 am 
Complimentary continental breakfast at 8:30 am. 

Bonita Golf Course 
5540 Sweetwater Road
Bonita, CA 91902 

The event is free, but reservations are requested. 
Please RSVP online here
.
Sleep Changes?
Tips to Help Understand and Cope

A full-night's peaceful sleep may escape those with Alzheimer's and consequently their caregivers. Sleep patterns may be disrupted or daytime napping can interfere with evening slumber. 

On March 8, we will spring forward to Daylight Saving Time and lose an hour. So, every minute of sleep is valuable. The Alzheimer's Association has tips that can assist in obtaining a good night's sleep. Click below to learn about medicines and non-drug strategies for better sleep.


Make the Most Out of Doctor Visits

As a key member of your caregiving team, your doctor can provide valuable information about your loved one's care. But with limited time available, how do you gain the most from your visits with the doctor? The key is preparation.

Jot Down Questions
. Write a list of questions prior to your visit. The doctor will need to understand the full story in a short amount of time at your appointment, so provide details as best as you can. 

Bring a List Medications. Understanding medication types and dosage as well as interaction are important for determining future care. Bring a complete list of the medications and dosage that your loved one takes. The doctor will want to learn what is working and what side effects are noticed.

Take Notes. During your appointment, write down pertinent information, notes of action items from your doctor and what to observe. Then, clarify instructions. This will help make your visit productive after you leave the office.

Leave with a Plan. With your doctor, determine the next steps. Establish a time for the follow-up appointment and what may spark the need to return earlier than planned. Keep good records and add these action steps to further develop and modify your care plan.

ActivCare Advisory Board Member, John Daly, MD, also recommends to take a trusted friend or family member to the appointment with you. A second person can provide another perspective for understanding the information shared.

For more advice from Dr. Daly, review this presentation that he gave at a previous Town Hall Forum.

Aging, Health and Dementia

Caregiver Support Group

 

Connect with other caregivers, gain support and share your experiences. Co-sponsored with the Alzheimer's Association San Diego/Imperial Chapter, ActivCare at Bressi Ranch offers a support group for family caregivers of those with Alzheimer's and dementia. The meetings are held once a month and are free and open to the public. 

 

Plan to join our next Caregiver Support Group meeting on Tuesday, March 10 at 10 am. Call (800) 425-2091 to reserve your spot.

 


In This Issue
ActivCare 
Memory Care Tip

Make a New Friend

Consider Pet Therapy.  Spend quality time with a gentle animal or walk your dog together to promote physical activity. 

Each ActivCare community welcomes pet ambassadors to interact with residents and make new friends.



DID YOU KNOW?


It's About Time

The average person falls asleep in 7 minutes


Cats spend 66% of their life asleep


Einstein slept
10 hours a night


There are 31,536,000 seconds in a year


"Fortnight" is a contraction of "fourteen nights." In the US "two weeks" is more commonly used.


Any month that starts on a Sunday will have a Friday the 13th in it


Hiccups usually lasts for 5 minutes


You shed a complete layer of skin every 4 weeks


According to the old English time system, a moment is one and a half minutes


By age 60 most people would have lost half of their taste buds


An individual blood cell takes about 60 seconds to make a complete circuit of the body


There were only 58 years between the first manned, controlled aircraft and the first time humans went to space.


Oxford University is older than the Aztec Empire


Every 2 minutes, we take more photos than everyone in the entire 19th Century



ActivCare at Bressi Ranch's specially designed environment, engaging activity program and compassionate caregivers provide the perfect combination for residents with memory loss to thrive.

We invite you to take a tour and see for yourself. Please call me at (800) 425-2091
  
Regards,

 

Maria Salinas

ActivCare at Bressi Ranch 

 

P.S. Be sure to Like us on Facebook.  and follow us on Twitter.

 

 

 

6255 Nygaard Street
Carlsbad, CA  92009

 

activcareliving.com