7 Facts To Help You Understand Parkinson’s Disease

You’ve probably heard of the term “Parkinson’s disease (PD),” but did you know this movement disorder affects an estimated one million people in the U.S. alone? Continue reading to learn more about the causes, symptoms, and care and to help better understand people living with this disease.

What is Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra. Dopamine helps the brain to control movement, and the decrease and loss of it leads to issues with mobility, tremors, and other symptoms.

What are the Symptoms of Parkinson’s?

Symptoms typically develop slowly over years. The progression of the symptoms is usually different depending on the person due to the diversity of the disease. The most common symptoms are:

What causes Parkinson’s?

The cause of Parkinson’s is still largely unknown; however, scientists believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors plays the most significant role.

Is there a Treatment for Parkinson’s?

There is no standard treatment for Parkinson’s; rather, the treatment is based on the person’s symptoms. Treatment can include medication, surgical therapy, and lifestyle modifications like getting more rest and exercise.

Here are Some Facts to Help You Better Understand Parkinson’s Disease

Nearly one million people are living in the U.S. with Parkinson’s disease, and approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with PD each year. More than 10 million people worldwide are living with it, and 96 percent of diagnoses are over the age of 50.

Non-movement symptoms can be more troublesome than motor symptoms. In addition to the mobility symptoms like tremors and balance, most people with PD will also develop some non-movement symptoms, like:

Some early signs can develop, including:

There are four main risk factors for developing Parkinson’s: 

Exercise is vital in managing Parkinson’s symptoms when it comes to mobility issues. Studies have shown that people with symptoms who started exercising at least 2.5 hours a week had an increased quality of life.

People with PD can do many low-impact exercises, including tai chi, yoga, Pilates, dance, weight training, walking, and more. Parkinson’s should be treated with a team approach. Because the same person can experience many different symptoms, it’s important to get the best care in every area, from physical, occupational, and speech therapists to nutritionists. 

People with Parkinson’s Can Have a Great Quality of Life.

As mentioned, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing Parkinson’s. Still, through trial and error, people living with Parkinson’s can find the right combination of medication, surgery, and lifestyle to help them achieve the best quality of life.At Edgewood, we understand the unique and individual challenges of Parkinson’s disease and pride ourselves on helping our residents live at their best. With innovative programs from fall risk reduction, medication reduction, and life enrichment programs, we can ensure that our care will help manage symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. If you or a loved one are interested in our living communities, home health, or other services, please call us at 701.738.2000.

How Outpatient Therapy Helps Seniors Maintain Independence

No matter our age, we all have a purpose that guides the decisions we make every day. Whether it’s parenthood, a career, a passion, or a combination of these factors, this purpose evolves as we grow and comes to define us the longer we live.

However, fulfilling our purpose relies heavily on autonomy, especially as we age. That’s why losing independence is a prevalent fear for seniors.

Find Senior Living Near Me

 

Aging is inevitable, but at Edgewood Healthcare, we believe in educating the public on what to expect as we age, dispelling stigmas about aging, helping people prepare for their senior years, and providing quality services that allow people to thrive in every circumstance later in life.

COVID-19 has further exposed the importance of access to a consistent support network for seniors, especially health services. However, because seniors are the most at-risk age group for experiencing severe complications from the virus if they are not yet vaccinated, seniors and their families have understandably delayed their decision to move into senior living. Other logistics – like social distancing, mobility issues, or finances – have also made the decision more stressful.

Our team at Edgewood Healthcare understands these concerns and is here to answer any questions about moving to senior living during the pandemic. Each of our 64 communities continues to follow COVID-19 protocols, provide a mitigated move-in process for new residents, and offer additional support necessary to ensure a smooth transition. We also provide COVID-19 vaccines to new residents as soon as possible and are slowly reopening our visitation, activities, and communal dining.

Pandemic or not, seniors want to maintain their independence as much as possible. Please keep reading to learn why seniors fear losing their independence and how outpatient therapy services can help seniors maintain autonomy and quality of life.

Why Seniors Fear Losing Their Independence

We all value our independence. It’s what gives us the freedom to live our lives. However, as we age, our bodies and minds inevitably change. Most developments are simply due to time, but our genetics, habits, and health history determine others. Any of these factors can lead to physical or cognitive decline that impacts the ability of seniors to fulfill daily tasks and live independently.

If this happens, seniors worry they’ll become a burden on their loved ones if they can no longer take care of themselves. It’s natural to feel this way. However, how is this fear different for seniors versus other age groups? We consulted with our staff members Chris Lougheed, Vice President of Therapy Services for CaringEdge Health Network, and Christan Kostelecky, Senior Director of Therapy Services for CaringEdge, to learn more about this common fear.

“For seniors, the fear of losing independence is related to their definition of their sole purpose,” says Lougheed, whose professional background includes physical therapy. “When we’re younger, that purpose is being an athlete, a parent, or a working professional, but as we age, our purpose is more defined by our function and daily living. It hits seniors harder because those roles no longer define them.”

Kostelecky, an occupational therapist, adds that this fear is “more compounded” for seniors because it’s a stage in life where people experience more loss – whether it’s due to loved ones moving away, retirement, or the death of a family member or friend. Loss has been exacerbated during COVID-19, as many seniors have lost loved ones, social interaction, and precious time during the pandemic.

“When we’re seniors, we may have to let go of some of the earlier roles we’ve used to define ourselves. The new roles are now our activities of daily living and, hopefully, activities we enjoy,” she says. “I think the losses seniors experience later in life drives that fear of ‘What else will I lose? Can I still drive? Can I still take care of myself?’ for seniors. They become afraid of having people tell them what to do and how to do it, making them feel out of control (of their own lives).”Seniors are also at a heightened risk for physical injuries later in life, Lougheed says. “When you’re a senior, you don’t know if you’ll recover from a fractured hip (or other injury),” he says. “It feels more finite, which can be scary for seniors.”

Kostelecky adds that difficulty maintaining self-care, social isolation, and increased safety concerns when moving around the house due to cognitive or physical factors are also significant indicators that it’s time to consider other options.

Fortunately, seniors and their loved ones have many options to explore to preserve their independence, no matter what twists and turns their health may bring. Edgewood Healthcare is proud to offer independent living, assisted living, memory care, home health, and short-term stay services for seniors through our extensive in-home health network (also how residents receive COVID-19 vaccinations).

Of the variety of services offered through the Edgewood Health Network, outpatient therapy is one of the most relevant for addressing their fear of losing independence. Let’s explain why.

How Outpatient Therapy Enhances Senior Autonomy

Outpatient therapy is often associated with rehabilitating pain or weakness in a specific area of the body. This is still true, but the philosophy in all types of treatment has evolved to look at the roles people play in their lives and how they see themselves as valuable, Kostelecky explains.

Our therapists work with every resident to establish this value or purpose. From there, they create an individualized treatment plan that ensures this purpose is honored. Usually, this means modifying activities that focus on the person’s strengths while accommodating areas that need improvement, Kostelecky says.

“We need to figure out what’s meaningful,” she adds. “Many seniors fear we will have them do something out of their comfort zone, like going to the gym when they don’t work out. Instead, we ask them about what they want to do and marry that to their activity level, leading to optimum independence.”Living in a supportive environment where residents interact with therapists and other health practitioners daily, while wearing masks and following social distancing guidelines, provides further peace of mind for seniors and their families, Lougheed says.

“If you are part of a community that encourages you to thrive, you can channel a passion or skill you had when you were younger and find a way to do that task in the community in a modified way,” he says. “The goal is not just for seniors to get by, but to thrive in the later years of their lives.”

Contact our team today to learn more about outpatient therapy options through Edgewood Healthcare or our mitigated move-in process during COVID-19!

Brighter Days Ahead: Edgewood Residents, Employees Share Why They’re Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine

Since the coronavirus pandemic began in the United States nearly a year ago, our top priority at Edgewood Healthcare has always been the safety of our residents and staff.

For months, our communities have been socially distancing, testing, masking, and disinfecting surfaces to protect one another. This has made for a challenging time of stress, isolation, uncertainty, loss, and grief for both our residents and employees.

However, now that inoculations of the COVID-19 vaccine have begun throughout our 64 communities in seven states, we believe brighter days are ahead of us. As of March 25, 84% of our residents have received their first dose of the vaccine. This figure continues to grow each day.

Find Senior Living Near Me

 

Vaccine distribution varies by state – including logistics, supply, and timeline – but Edgewood Healthcare is committed to offering the vaccine to every resident and employee who wants it once doses are available in their community. We appreciate your patience throughout this process.

Edgewood Healthcare strongly encourages our residents to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect themselves and their neighbors, but as with access to any of our health services or providers, we respect their right to choose to be vaccinated.

Rest assured that all vaccines distributed in our communities are safe, effective, and authorized for emergency use by the US Food and Drug Administration. However, an important part of this reassurance is sharing first-hand experiences of Edgewood residents who have chosen to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, like Shirley Bodmer of Edgewood Plantation Place in Boise, ID, and Hermelle Wilson of Edgewood Fargo in Fargo, ND.

Keep reading to learn why Shirley and Hermelle are getting the coronavirus vaccine and what they are looking forward to in the future, as their experiences may help other residents and their family members feel more confident about getting the COVID-19 vaccine once it is available to them.

A Clear Choice

As for other senior living residents, the coronavirus pandemic has been challenging for 90-year-old Shirley Bodmer, who has lived at Edgewood Plantation Place in Boise for five years.

Since the beginning, Shirley has been vigilant about COVID-19 safety measures by rarely leaving her room and relying on Edgewood staff to deliver her meals and provide safe one-on-one opportunities (with appropriate PPE) to connect through essential daily activities. She has been eager to receive the COVID-19 vaccine once the US Food and Drug Administration approved it for emergency use among healthcare workers and long-term care residents.She says she “never thought about not taking it,” as she remembers the stress and heartbreak of the polio epidemic when she was young. Throughout her life, vaccines have always been the ticket back to normal life after an epidemic, she adds.

“It’s amazing that we’ve gotten (the coronavirus vaccine) so quickly,” shares Shirley, who was closely eyeing her upcoming appointment for her first vaccine dose on the calendar at the time of our phone interview. “I trust the experts and I think it’s the only answer.”

Mary Ann Murdoch, Community Outreach Coordinator at Edgewood Plantation Place who has known Shirley for many years, says Shirley was active in the community before the pandemic and has been “a positive light” throughout this difficult time of isolation.

While Mary Ann has been more than happy to help with Shirley’s shopping during the pandemic, she knows Shirley is ready to get her independence back once she and her neighbors are vaccinated.

“This is the stage in her life when time with her friends and family is precious,” says Mary Ann. “Her family does Zoom meetings every Sunday, and while that has helped, the physical human connection is not there. She wants to hug her children and grandchildren.”

“They may need my advice sometimes,” chimes in Shirley with a smile. “I will be glad when we can have normalcy again.”

A Sense of Relief

Like Shirley, 86-year-old Hermelle Wilson of Edgewood Fargo in Fargo, ND, did not hesitate about receiving the coronavirus vaccine. Fortunately, Hermelle has already received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and said she “didn’t even get a sore arm.”

“They came right to my room and gave me the shot,” shares Hermelle, who has lived at Edgewood since 2017. She “felt good” afterward and celebrated with a well-deserved shot of Bailey’s as part of Edgewood Fargo’s “Shot for a Shot” initiative along with other newly vaccinated residents.“I was happy to have something. Getting the vaccine really put me at ease,” shares Hermelle. “I felt like if I wanted to get back out in the world, I needed to do what I could to protect myself.”

Hermelle also recalls the polio and measles epidemics as part of her reason to get the COVID-19 vaccine. During the measles outbreak in her youth, she remembers quarantining with her large family, and the sign that health officials put in her yard to notify all the passers-by that everyone in her house was isolating.

“You couldn’t do anything (during the measles outbreak),” says Hermelle. “That’s another vaccine that has taken away a lot of fear.”Kelsey Schaunaman, Regional Sales and Public Relations Specialist at Edgewood Fargo, says there is an air of hope among residents and staff now that the vaccine rollout has begun. From an employee standpoint, Kelsey says she and her colleagues are grateful to receive the vaccine and are feeling less stressed about bringing COVID-19 into their community. She encourages everyone “to think about what seniors have been through” and to “consider getting the vaccine for them,” she says.

“For people who live outside of senior living, it’s hard to imagine the isolation these seniors have been through,” Kelsey adds. “Getting vaccinated is not only important for themselves, but also for seniors and other vulnerable populations to get their lives back.”

A Hopeful Future

Now that COVID-19 vaccinations have begun, both Shirley and Hermelle expressed optimism for the future. They are looking forward to safely seeing their friends and family again and getting back to fully enjoying the simple pleasures of their golden years when the risk of COVID-19 has subsided.

Once they are both vaccinated, Shirley says the first thing she is going to do is “take a long, leisurely drive in the country” with her son and “get an ice cream cone.” When asked what flavor, she responded without hesitation: “Chocolate.”“I also want to go to the store,” Shirley says, adding that she hasn’t bought new clothes for nearly a year. “People have been so kind to do (my shopping) for me, but I want to go to a store and try clothes on – and feel safe doing it.”

For Hermelle, she’s looking forward to “getting back in the chapel” in her community, enjoying live music events, eating in the dining room, and having more visitors in her home.

“We’ve been thinking of the large community events we used to do,” Kelsey chimes in. “It will be good to have those family members back in our building.”

Mary Ann shared similar sentiments. “I’m very positive about the future,” she says. “We’re ready to move forward.”

Edgewood Healthcare shares this optimism. Although it’s been a difficult year, we have also marveled at the strength, resilience, and creativity of our residents, employees, and their family members in staying connected during COVID-19.

But we know a Zoom call cannot replace the feeling of a hug and the feeling of being in a room with people you love. That’s why we’re committed to doing everything we can to ensure residents and employees receive their vaccinations as soon as possible.

During the vaccine rollout in our communities, we continue to follow all CDC guidelines to keep our residents and employees safe. To learn more about our COVID-19 protocols or the vaccine distribution status for a specific community, please email info@edgewoodhealthcare.com or contact an Edgewood community near you.

Visitation, Activities, & Communal Dining Set to Open

Our Edgewood Healthcare teams are extremely excited to share promising and long-awaited positive news in the fight against COVID-19. Each day, more and more Edgewood residents and staff across our company are choosing to receive their first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. We are so proud of and give our gratitude to the 74% of our 3,600+ residents and 38% of our 2,700+ staff who elected to receive their first dose of the vaccine, plus the 44% of residents and 20% of employees who have already received both doses. Our staff and residents’ dedication to health allows us to continue to provide quality care in safe community environments, for our current and future residents.

Between Edgewood’s early and ongoing safety protocols and these much-anticipated vaccination clinics, the total number of positive cases across Edgewood’s 64 communities is now less than 20 active cases.

 

Find Senior Living Near Me

 

New Reopening Guidance

These positive shifts across our communities mean that Edgewood is able to begin slowly reopening many of the day-to-day activities we’ve all missed so dearly, including family visitation, communal dining, and group life enrichment activities.

In order to best manage everyone’s expectations, we must share that each state, county, and Edgewood community may be at varying stages of reopening activities based on the current community spread, county positivity rate, and operating in compliance with all current state regulations.

As a baseline for guidance across the company, the following practices have been implemented:

Continual Safety Measures

As always, our Edgewood teams continue to work diligently in following all proper PPE usage, frequent cleaning and sanitizing, social distancing and other measures to mitigate the risk of possible COVID exposure. This includes weekly PCR or antigen testing of residents and staff.

Edgewood staff, families, and residents have all shared their optimism and excitement as vaccines were rolled out and to lowering restrictions.

“We’re extremely thankful that our residents and their families will have the opportunity to once again reunite and connect in-person. We can’t wait to see you all soon!” said Robert Ford, President, Edgewood Healthcare.

For more information on current, community-specific visitation, dining, and life enrichment practices, please contact your local Edgewood community or email us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com.

Edgewood Healthcare Announces New Regional Vice President of Region 7

 

Edgewood Healthcare recently named Michelle Bode as their new Regional Vice President of the newly aligned Region 7, including senior living communities in Grand Forks, ND; East Grand Forks, MN; Fargo, ND; Jamestown, ND; Sisseton, SD; Mitchell, SD, and Virginia, MN.

“I’m excited to announce this well-deserved promotion,” said Rob Ford, President of Edgewood. “Michelle has proven she has the dedication, integrity, and passion needed to ensure the success of Edgewood as a company, as well as the desire and commitment to providing our seniors the exceptional care and services they deserve,” continued Ford.

Find Senior Living Near Me

 

Michelle started with Edgewood in 2012, successfully operating Minnesota communities in Alexandria,
Brainerd, and Baxter, while also being an integral part of the recent memory care addition in Baxter and
launching our CaringEdge therapy platform in both Brainerd and Baxter. Michelle’s competitiveness and drive, operational acumen, and ability to think outside the box also earned her a position as Minnesota’s Senior Executive Director. Michelle’s communities are known for excellent customer service, quality care, and running at a high occupancy percentage.

Michelle is a graduate of Minnesota State Community & Technical College in Fergus Falls, MN, and St. Cloud University in St. Cloud, MN. She is married and has two children. Her family resides in Henning, MN, where they are committed to community involvement and remain busy with their kids’ sports events and activities.

Michelle will start with Edgewood Healthcare in this new role on February 8th, 2021.


About Edgewood Healthcare

Edgewood Healthcare is the leading operator of senior living communities in the upper Midwest. Since 1992, Edgewood has been committed to helping seniors stay as independent as possible, for as long as possible, with well-trained staff members in communities designed for residents to receive various living and care options.

Currently, Edgewood operates over 60 independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities with over 4,000 beds in seven states (North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Idaho) and employs over 2,700 people. Edgewood Healthcare’s corporate offices are located at 322 Demers Avenue, Suite 500, Grand Forks ND.

3 Reasons You Should Consider Senior Care at Home

Edgewood Healthcare believes the term “senior living” means more than providing a roof overhead or food on the table for our residents. During their golden years, seniors deserve peace of mind that their physical, emotional, and mental well-being will be cared for through high-quality, cost-effective healthcare, no matter what twists and turns their health journey may bring.

To put this belief into action, we offer all residents access to our Edgewood Health Network, a robust group of hand-selected physicians, nurse practitioners, home health, hospice, and therapy professionals that provide care to our residents right in the comfort and safety of their homes.

Edgewood Healthcare officially launched our in-home health network at the beginning of 2020, shortly before COVID-19 began to spread in the United States. While the coronavirus pandemic continues to challenge our residents and our staff every day, it has also exposed the importance of quality healthcare for seniors and how in-home health services can improve their quality of life. Our company is more determined than ever to ensure our residents receive the best healthcare possible, now and in the future.

We spoke to Dr. Aaron Moorhouse, Chief Medical Officer of Edgewood Healthcare, about why quality healthcare matters for seniors and how the Edgewood Health Network helps them live their golden years to the fullest. Let’s dive into three benefits of in-home healthcare for seniors during and after COVID-19.

Benefits of In-Home Health Services During and After COVID-19

Cost

When searching for senior living options, we understand that one of the first questions that seniors or their loved ones ask is “How much does this cost?” The cost of senior living varies widely across companies, but one of the top benefits of living at one of our 64 communities is that access to our in-home healthcare network is included in our service packages. This allows residents to receive the care they need, especially during the coronavirus pandemic, without worrying about hidden healthcare costs.

Access to safe, cost-effective healthcare is an important factor to consider when exploring senior living options for your loved one or yourself, says Dr. Moorhouse, who has practiced medicine for 18 years.

“When touring a senior living community, seniors and their loved ones should always ask a lot of questions and see what kind of health services are provided, how they are implemented, and how they are covered,” Moorhouse says, adding that healthcare costs can add up quickly over time if a company does not include them in their pricing structure.

“For example, if every time your loved one falls they are sent to the emergency room, that is not cost effective,” he says. “However, if a community offers an evaluation and collaboration with a healthcare provider that is covered through their community package, it gives families peace of mind that their loved ones are being looked over by qualified professionals without needing to visit the hospital for everything.”

Safety

Our goal at Edgewood Healthcare has always been to integrate a variety of health services to accommodate our residents, wherever they may be on their healthcare journey. Dr. Moorhouse says COVID-19 has only “sped up the process” and highlighted safety as another major benefit of in-home care.

Instead of visiting hospitals, urgent care clinics, or other public health facilities, our residents are able to receive care at home “in a safe, compliant way” and reduce their risk of exposure to the virus, Moorhouse explains. In-home services also help prevent falls or other accidents, especially during the winter, for seniors who struggle with mobility issues.

“We’ve also been able to integrate telehealth visits and use a team approach to home health and hospice that enables our residents to get the care they need in such an unprecedented time,” Moorhouse adds.

Accessibility – Skip the Waiting Room

Another benefit of in-home healthcare for our residents, especially during the coronavirus pandemic, is access to prompt care. Rather than enduring long wait times in emergency rooms, they receive timely treatment for COVID-19 and other health issues. They’re also able to continue preventative care that enhances their quality of life, Moorhouse says.

“Over the years I have practiced medicine, I’ve realized my main job is to help seniors maintain their independence,” he says. “Sometimes this means improving their physical function, sometimes their mental capacity, or even just relieving their pain.”

Accessibility to our health network will also come into play when distribution for COVID-19 vaccines begins for healthcare workers and long-term care residents, which could be as soon as early January, Moorhouse says. Edgewood Healthcare is currently working with officials to determine which vaccine will be available to our residents and the timeline of distribution, and we will provide this information as details are secured.

“We strongly encourage our residents to get vaccinated as soon as it’s available in our communities,” says Moorhouse. “Timely vaccination of as many Edgewood residents and staff as possible will help greatly reduce the risk of exposure for this vulnerable group of folks.”

However, as with access to any of Edgewood’s health services or providers, choice is important. When it comes to receiving the vaccine, residents will determine whether or not they want to participate.Now more than ever, Edgewood Healthcare is working to expand access to quality, cost-effective healthcare to our senior residents, and remain diligent about keeping them safe during COVID-19. We are also offering a mitigated move-in process for new residents at this time. If you have any questions about our protocols or are interested in learning more about our services, please email info@edgewoodhealthcare.com or contact an Edgewood community near you.

Edgewood Employee Shares How Community is Successfully Fighting COVID-19

Ken Kemboi’s workdays have looked very different this year, due to COVID-19.

Before he clocks in as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Edgewood in Brainerd, Minnesota, Kemboi shows up early to take his temperature and put on his mask, gloves, goggles, and other personal protective equipment.

During his shift, he and his colleagues rigorously disinfect common areas and follow social distancing protocols when interacting with senior residents and one another. Kemboi takes his temperature again after clocking out and goes straight home to wash his clothes. He hasn’t set foot in a grocery store or Wal-Mart for months, opting for curbside pick-up instead.

While it can be physically and emotionally exhausting to adhere to CDC guidelines at work and in his personal life, Kemboi says it’s worth it to know the senior residents in the Edgewood assisted living community are safe, as older adults continue to be the most at risk for serious complications from the virus.

The hard work of the Edgewood employees is paying off so far. To this day, the community has had only one positive case among residents.

Successfully preventing a virus from entering an assisted living community is not achieved “just by luck,” Kemboi says. “It’s from proactivity.”

“Edgewood has taken the virus seriously since day one,” says Kemboi, who has worked at the community for nearly a decade. “We always wear masks and follow the CDC guidelines. It makes all the difference.”

In addition to investing in proper personal protective equipment for employees, early in the pandemic Edgewood Healthcare began regular antibody testing of all staff members as part of its “Stomp the Spread” initiative. As testing options and availability have improved since April, Edgewood has evolved its testing practices as well to ensure workers are not unknowingly spreading the virus to residents. If an employee feels sick, they are required to isolate for 14 days.“It’s not about me. I know I can survive it. Everything I do is for our residents,” Kemboi adds. “Supervisors know how stressed (the staff) is at this moment, but I feel like we are appreciated for everything we do.”

Kemboi credited his supervisors with maintaining strict protocols, even when visitors come to see their loved ones.

Visitors are always limited to small groups and must undergo a brief health assessment before entering the building. They are also required to wear proper masks—not cloth masks—that the staff gives them.

“Sometimes families get upset when we enforce visitor restrictions, but the safety of our residents always comes first,” Kemboi says.

He has enjoyed seeing how creatively family members of Edgewood residents have stayed in touch with their loved ones but acknowledged that there are still challenges every day—especially for residents in memory care. He tries his best to separate his work and personal life “so the stress doesn’t consume me,” he says.

When he’s not working, Kemboi attends classes to become a Registered Nurse by the end of next year. He’s always wanted to work in the medical field, and his experience working as a CNA at Edgewood – especially during a pandemic – is only strengthening his resolve to help as many people as he can. When asked what motivates him to keep going, without missing a beat, Kemboi responds “the residents.”

“Being there every day and seeing their smiling faces helps me get up and go to work each day,” he says. “I can tell that (the employees) mean a lot to them. They are always thanking me, even for the smallest things. That goes right to my heart.”

Ultimately, Kemboi hopes Edgewood sets an example for individuals and businesses alike to follow the guidelines and get the virus under control. “People are still skeptical about the virus,” he says. “I wish people would take it seriously and not try to politicize it. The guidelines are credible, and clearly, they work.”

He also hopes his story encourages others interested in pursuing a career in nursing or other related field to apply at Edgewood Healthcare.

“Edgewood is a service-focused company if you need a place to work,” Kemboi says. “They’ll take care of you and give you everything you need to do your job safely.”

Edgewood Healthcare remains committed to keeping our residents and employees safe during COVID-19. If you have any questions or concerns about Edgewood Healthcare’s pandemic protocols, please email us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com or contact an Edgewood community near you. Employment opportunities with Edgewood Healthcare are available on our Careers page.

Dementia, Diabetes, or Depression? Why Signs of Senior Depression Are Often Missed

As emotional beings, it’s normal for humans to experience periods of sadness, loneliness, and grief in between stages of joy. Without challenging times, we wouldn’t grow or appreciate the beautiful moments of life.

However, feeling down for extended periods of time, losing interest in things that make us happy, or finding it difficult to concentrate can all be signs of depression – a serious but treatable medical condition in the brain that causes negative thoughts, mood, or behavior.

One in six people will experience depression sometime in their lives, and it can happen to people of any age, background, or ability. However, seniors have a higher risk of developing depression than other age groups, as they are more susceptible to social isolation, declining health, and loss of loved ones, which can lead to depression. COVID-19 has only exacerbated this risk for older adults, who remain highly vulnerable to serious complications from the virus.

While depression is not an inevitable part of getting older, there are common signs to watch for to ensure they get the support they need. We outline some of these signs below and provide insight from Jessica Anderson, a case manager in the long-term care industry, on why it can be challenging to identify depression in seniors and when it’s time to seek medical treatment that will allow them to live their golden years to the fullest.

Signs of Depression in Seniors

Like other mental illnesses, depression is a complex disease that can develop for many reasons, like biochemistry, genetics, or environmental factors. Unlike sadness or grief, depression is a chronic condition that can occur without a known cause. Many people cope with depression for most of their lives, while others develop it later in life.

The only way to know for sure if a person has depression is through a medical evaluation with a doctor, who may conduct physical exams, lab tests, psychiatric evaluations, or a combination of the three to diagnose depression and determine the best course of treatment for each individual.General symptoms of depression include:

– Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
– Neglected personal care
– Loss of interest in hobbies, pastimes, or social activities
– Changes in weight or appetite
– Trouble sleeping
– Digestive issues
– Anger or irritability
– Loss of energy
– Reckless behavior
– Difficulty concentrating
– Increased use of alcohol or drugs
– Unexplained aches and pains
– Fixation on death or suicidal thoughts

This list of symptoms applies to seniors, but they are “less likely to say they are sad about something,” says Jessica Anderson, a case manager for a Medicaid program in Wisconsin that provides physical and mental health services to people of all ages. “Instead, they might give nonverbal cues, show signs of physical pain, complain more often, or have a decreased interest in their favorite activities.”

Anderson works primarily with seniors to determine their level of need through health and wellness assessments, which include depression screenings. From there, she assists them in finding in-home caregivers, therapists, assisted living communities, or other support.

Through her work, Anderson has observed many different causes of depression in seniors, but the loss of autonomy due to physical or cognitive decline “highly contributes to feelings of helplessness or worthlessness” that can trigger depression in older adults, she says.

Fortunately, many treatment options like medications or talk therapy exist to help seniors cope with depression. The sooner depression is diagnosed, the sooner seniors can begin treatment that will improve their quality of life.

Challenges of Identifying Depression in Seniors

Depression is already a difficult disease to recognize in ourselves or our loved ones, but especially for older adults who live alone and have limited access to healthcare due to finances, disabilities, or lack of transportation.

Seniors are also more likely to have chronic health issues like anxiety, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and Parkinson’s disease that mask – or even emulate – symptoms of depression. Urinary tract infections, for example, display similar signs of depression, which is why medical evaluations are important “to avoid speculation and rule out other possible health issues,” Anderson says.

One of the primary challenges of identifying depression in seniors, however, is that older adults are more reluctant to ask for help. This is compounded if a person has dementia or another illness that makes it difficult for them to communicate with others, making support networks all the more crucial for the well-being of seniors, she adds.

“Having a really good support network of family, friends, or caregivers is useful for seniors because they know them well and can pay attention to (changes in behavior),” Anderson says.Other ways that seniors can reduce their risk for depression is to develop healthy coping skills, stay active, eat healthy, exercise, spend time outdoors when they can, get enough sleep, and learn their family history of depression.

“(Learning a person’s risk for developing depression) early on is crucial in helping them so interventions can be put in place,” Anderson says. “Being proactive is huge for any diagnosis, but especially depression.”

Complications of COVID-19

Anderson acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the risk of depression in seniors due to limited contact with loved ones, decreased access to health care, fear of uncertainty, and heightened health concerns, she says. This makes support networks even more crucial at this time, even if it means family members checking in with their loved ones virtually on a regular basis to provide support and watch for changes in behavior.

“Fortunately, people have been able to do distanced outdoor visits, but now with cold weather months, we’re going to have to get extra creative in how we ensure seniors are still getting the interaction and support that they need,” Anderson says.

At Edgewood Healthcare, we care about the health, safety, and well-being of seniors and their loved ones. Our team continues to follow strict COVID-19 guidelines in our communities while providing regular health visits through our robust internal health network to ensure seniors receive the support they need for their physical, emotional, and mental health.

We are also willing to do whatever we can to ensure seniors can safely connect with their families and offer a mitigated move-in process for new residents. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us and our staff will happily assist you.

If you are a senior experiencing symptoms of depression and are concerned about your safety, call the toll-free 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or dial 9-1-1.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia: What is the Difference?

We are all forgetful at times – even more so as we age. That’s part of being human. However, frequent memory loss that interferes with daily life and increases the risk of harm can be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.

As a company that offers a variety of memory care services for seniors, our residents, and their loved ones often wonder, “What’s the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?” The line can be blurry, so let’s clarify some of the key differences between these two terms below.

 

Find Senior Living Near Me

 

What is Dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term for the loss of cognitive functions like memory, language skills, and visual perception, caused by damaged nerve cells in the brain. Memory loss can occur as a side effect of medication, stress, substance abuse, or head injury, but to be considered dementia, symptoms are typically chronic and worsen over time.

Although seniors are more likely to develop dementia, it is not a normal part of getting older, and there is currently no cure. However, people with dementia can have a good quality of life through various medications and treatments available today – especially if it is detected early.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60-80 percent of cases, and affecting more than 5 million people and their loved ones in the United States. To fully understand the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s, it might help to think of it this way: everyone with Alzheimer’s disease has dementia, but not everyone with dementia has Alzheimer’s disease.

Other types of dementia include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, among many others. Each of these diseases has its own specific symptoms, despite a lot of overlap.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the key symptom that differentiates Alzheimer’s disease from other dementia is the inability to retain new information, because it directly affects the part of the brain that controls learning. Forgetting names or appointments but remembering them later is a typical age-related change, but Alzheimer’s disease causes progressive memory loss that disrupts daily life.Other symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include:
– Apathy
– Depression
– Impaired judgment
– Disorientation
– Confusion
– Behavioral changes
– Difficulty speaking or swallowing

How is Dementia Diagnosed?

Doctors use various methods like memory tests and biomarkers to determine if a person has Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, although they can only diagnose Alzheimer’s disease with certainty by performing an autopsy after a patient has passed away. However, due to ongoing research on the disease, most physicians can diagnose Alzheimer’s disease with over 90 percent accuracy.

Why Does the Distinction Between Dementia and Alzheimer’s Matter?

Learning the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and using the terms correctly, empowers individuals battling these diseases. It also equips their families with the necessary knowledge to support their loved ones and find solutions to ensure good quality of life.If you or a family member are noticing symptoms of dementia and want to learn more about risk factors, diagnosis, or our memory care services, contact our team at Edgewood Healthcare today.

“There’s something for everybody”: Resident Harold Weidler’s journey to Edgewood Healthcare

 

When Harold Weidler stepped into the Edgewood Healthcare community in Minot years ago to explore memory care options for his wife, Lois, he didn’t know he’d later become a resident.

Despite being in his 80s then, the farmer was still active on his homestead near Minot – even if his days consisted more of “ice cream meetings” with loved ones than farming duties. Harold was content with his life and didn’t think a move was necessary.

Find Senior Living Near Me

However, after Lois passed away three years ago, Harold’s health changed. He experienced several falls in his home due to knee pain, and his family began to think about options that would help him gain back physical strength and allow him to continue living independently.As the Regional Vice President of CaringEdge, Edgewood’s Health Services division, in North Dakota and Minnesota, Harold’s grandson Brendan Weidler became a go-to resource for his family. He thought Harold would be a good candidate for Edgewood’s Short-Term Stay service, as he could receive physical therapy with Edgewood’s in-home providers without moving in permanently.

Brendan and his family agreed to propose the option to Harold, but they wanted to ensure the conversation came from a place of love without putting pressure on him. It was, after all, his decision.

Brendan approached his grandfather with a proposal of eight weeks in Edgewood’s Short-Term Stay program. To this day, over a year later, Brendan remembers feeling “the most nervous I’ve ever felt talking to my grandpa,” he recalls.

“I didn’t want to push the idea to live at Edgewood, especially since I was an employee,” Brendan says. “But I had seen some of the success stories that we’ve had with other people with similar experiences. I saw an opportunity and approached it from more of an informational aspect to see if he wanted to give it a shot.”

That was on a Thursday back in October 2018. Harold moved in the following Monday.

“Brendan was the one that got me to come. He’s always picking on me quite a bit,” the 91-year-old quips with a twinkle in his eye.

Small Steps, Great Progress

Harold showed progress After working with Edgewood’s physical and occupational therapists for a couple of months. A lack of confidence, largely attributed to fear of his knee giving out, was now replaced by Harold walking on his own all the way across the building with less pain and more stability. As his endurance improved, it reinvigorated his confidence and sense of independence.“The staff had to buy new tennis shoes to keep up with him,” Brendan laughs.Once he finished outpatient therapy a few months later – equipped with a new knee brace – Harold was cleared to return to his farmstead. However, after getting to know the Edgewood staff and residents and participating in the many activities going on in the community, he felt like he was already home.“He came to my office one day and said, ‘Well, they’re transitioning me out of outpatient therapy. You don’t think they’re going to kick me out, do ya?’” Brendan recalls as Harold chuckles next to him. “I told him he could stay as long as he wanted.”From that day forward, Harold was a permanent resident at Edgewood in Minot, and it was “just like home as far as I was concerned,” he says.“It’s a great place to be. When you’ve got something hurting, they’ll help you. And you meet a lot of friends,” Harold adds. “Every time you walk out (into the common areas), you’ve got to say hi to everybody.”

“He’s always running into people he didn’t know lived here (in the Minot Edgewood community) that he knew earlier in life, too,” Brendan adds. “Every time I see him, he has a smile on his face and seems to get along with the residents and staff.”

“Something for Everybody”

Harold continues to advocate for Edgewood Healthcare and encourages fellow seniors who are experiencing a healthcare story like his to look into their options and get the help they need.

“It’s all about your attitude,” he says. “Don’t be afraid, and come on in. There’s something for everybody.”

To explore home and healthcare options at an Edgewood Healthcare location near you, visit our Find Community page or contact us today to learn more.

Please note: Photos and interviews in this story were taken and conducted before COVID-19. Edgewood Healthcare still has visitation restrictions in place to keep our residents safe. Visit our Find Community page to learn the specific precautions in the community near you.