Articles Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Meadowthorpe Assisted Living & Memory Care

Take a Break with Respite Care at Meadowthorpe Assisted Living

Are you a spouse or family member serving as the primary caregiver for a loved one with physical ailments or Dementia? Do you feel stressed or overwhelmed? Does the idea of taking a break result in feelings of guilt? — if so, you’re not alone; such feelings are natural when tasked with caregiving responsibilities. Sometimes it’s beneficial to temporarily hand those responsibilities over to qualified professionals so you can focus on your relationship with your loved one, tend to your own personal health, or simply rest and recoup. Respite Care at Meadowthorpe Assisted Living and Memory Care is designed with all of that in mind.

Meadowthorpe Assisted Living provides all-inclusive, 24-hour care during respite stays. That means your loved one has access to a fully-furnished private suite, three meals per day plus snacks, all community activities, and impeccable care — all under one roof — where it feels just like home!

We’re here for you if you just need a short break from caregiving, an emergency arises, or you would like to travel but are concerned about your loved one being in a safe, comfortable, and caring environment. We provide all of that and more!

If you would like to take a tour of the community, participate in an activity, or have a meal with us, please contact us today!

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3 Benefits of an Assisted Living Community

Many aging individuals turn to assisted living communities as a way to provide them with the care they need during their golden years. While everyone has a different reason for looking into these communities, the wealth of benefits is what makes them a prime choice for someone who needs help with daily activities. Here, Meadowthorpe Assisted living in Lexington, KY, discusses a few of these benefits.

3 Advantages of Assisted Living Communities

1. No Maintenance Work

When your loved one owns their own home, they are responsible for all the maintenance. If something breaks down, it’s up to them to call a repair professional and deal with the added cost of getting everything back in working order. Assisted living facilities will handle all of that for your beloved senior, which means no added out-of-pocket costs or stress for them.

The facilities have maintenance professionals on staff to handle anything that needs repairs. If a specialist is required, the team will call in the proper individual to handle the issue. Your loved one won’t have to worry about dealing with the problem at all after they report it.

2. Medication Assistance

assisted livingIf your loved one has to take a few different medications, you already know how confusing it can be to track everything. At the assisted living facility, one of the professionals will handle everything for them to ensure they get just what they need at the times they need it. There is no risk of overdosing or mixing medications. The resident assistants will provide medication reminders, assistance, and guidance to ensure medications are being taken at the proper times and according to the proper instructions given by the Physician.

3. Help With Daily Activities

If your beloved family member struggles to do regular daily activities, such as bathing, cooking, or dressing, a senior living community is ideal. There is always someone around to help them. From the dietitian to the resident assistant, there is someone available to handle whatever assistance your loved one requires. These individuals are trained on how to properly care for your beloved family member, so you can rest assured they are being taken care of adequately.

If you would like to take a tour of the community, participate in an activity, or have a meal with us, please contact us today!

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3 Reasons Socialization Is Crucial for Senior Care

Senior Care Professionals Share 3 Benefits of Socialization

1. Enhanced Physical Health

Senior CareWhen seniors spend time with others, they’re more likely to remain healthy throughout this part of their lives. This isn’t mere speculation – studies confirm it. When older adults participate in social activities, they’re also more inclined to monitor their own health, seeking medical assistance for conditions that they might otherwise dismiss.

2. Better Mental Health

Socialization also provides seniors with mental health benefits. For all people, an active social life has been shown to reduce the odds of developing conditions like depression. It can also slow the rate of cognitive decline that tends to occur later in life. Socializing with others allows your loved one to stay sharp for years.

3. Improved Quality of Life

Elderly care professionals want their residents to be as happy and positive as they can be. That’s why quality facilities make a point of offering opportunities for socialization. Quite simply, when you have friends with whom you can share your thoughts and feelings on a regular basis, life is more enjoyable. You have more chances to laugh, more chances to play, and more chances to get the support you need when negative thoughts start to intrude.

If you’re looking for a senior care facility that emphasizes the importance of socialization, get in touch with Meadowthorpe Assisted Living in Lexington, KY. They work hard to ensure all of their residents are given a chance to participate in social activities ideal for their abilities and tastes. Contact us online to learn more, or call (859) 878-1300.

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Elderly Care Professionals on Preventing Memory Loss

3 Elderly Care Tips for Preventing Memory Loss

1. Stay Engaged

The brain is similar to a muscle: The more you use the pathways it contains, the stronger they become. To keep your neurons firing at full capacity, exercise your brain on a daily basis. Consider joining a book club, playing cards with your spouse, or taking up an intellectually stimulating hobby, like chess or Sudoku.

2. Get Plenty of Sleep

elderly careThe brain uses sleep to recover from the day before and prepare for the one ahead. If you are consistently sleep deprived, it can affect your ability to concentrate. This will prevent you from wanting to engage in mentally stimulating tasks like those mentioned above, which will subsequently affect your cognitive function over time.

3. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Bad habits like smoking can actually speed up cognitive decline as you age. You can combat the possible side effects of any bad habits by eating well and getting plenty of exercise. For example, researchers have found the Mediterranean Diet, which is filled with fish, whole grains, and vegetables, can prevent age-related memory loss. Taking part in some gentle exercise on a daily basis will also preserve cognitive function and can even speed up the brain’s ability to process information.

If you would like to take a tour of the community, participate in an activity, or have a meal with us, please contact us today!

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5 Assisted Living Myths Debunked

When it comes to assisted living, many myths surround these facilities, which can serve to dissuade both seniors as well as their families from seeking out a residence. It’s important to weed out the misinformation so loved ones can get the help they need. While every center is different, there are some broad misconceptions that should be set straight.

Common Myths About Assisted Living

Independence Must Be Sacrificed

Moving into a senior care facility does not result in a total loss of independence. It does mean an older person’s needs will continue to be met, even in the face of declining health and other issues. Assisted living may prolong independence, as access to health services will be close at hand, so seniors don’t have to worry about making appointments.

It’s Less Expensive to Stay at Home

Depending on your health needs, living in a facility may turn out to be less expensive in the long run. This is particularly true when a senior requires health care in the home, which can incur exorbitant costs. In addition, owning a home is expensive, especially for seniors with a limited income.

Illness Is Rampant

Many people who reside in assisted living communities are in good health. The goal is to maintain their excellent condition for as long as possible. This is viable in an environment where they’re surrounded by friends as well as a kind and caring staff.

A Big Chain Facility Is Always Better

Don’t be swayed by the argument that big chain facilities offer the best quality of care. Each option must be judged based on its own merits, whether it’s part of a larger entity or simply serves a small local community.

If you’re in search of a senior living community with a staff that truly cares, Meadowthorpe Assisted Living of Lexington, KY, is the right place for you and your loved ones. They even have 24/7 care, so your needs are always met. Visit them online today to learn more about the full range of services offered. If you have specific questions regarding elderly care, call them at (859) 878-1300 today.

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Senior Care Experts on How Training & Exercise Help Alzheimer’s Patients

When loved ones suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, it often takes a huge toll on the entire family. After all, this disease robs patients of their memories and minds while their decreasing mobility and putting them at a higher risk of falls. That’s why Meadowthorpe Assisted Living has created a new senior care facility for Alzheimer’s patients in Lexington, KY, that offers training and exercise to improve their memories. Here, they explain how these activities help prevent cognitive decline.Senior Care:

3 Benefits of Training & Exercise for Alzheimer’s Patients

1. Improve Self-Care

Helping patients exercise and train their brain can significantly improve their self-care capabilities. For instance, many patients struggle to get dressed themselves or shower alone because the disease results in a loss of mobility and strength. Fortunately, they can perform exercises each day that target and strengthen the muscles necessary to complete these tasks. With regular practice and exercise, patients are often able to improve their range of motion, endurance, and cognition, all of which are necessary to complete daily activities.

2. Enhance Cognitive Function

senior careExercising and training can also enhance seniors’ ability to think and solve problems. In fact, these practices can even improve sustained attention and visual memory. Brain training can help the mind become stronger because it allows patients to create new neural pathways. They can then practice using those neural pathways by thinking logically, solving puzzles, and playing other games. This improves their overall cognitive function and helps them solve real-world problems later on.

3. Decrease the Risk of Falls

Patients with Alzheimer’s are often at increased risk of falls, largely as a result of the decreased mobility and strength that result from the disease. However, with regular exercise, they are much less likely to end up in the hospital due to a fall. This is because their muscles are strengthened, and, perhaps most importantly, their balance significantly improves with training.

In their new memory care facility, Meadowthorpe Assisted Living takes a person-first approach to care. They understand the need for patients to gain a sense of belonging, which is why they focus on personalized attention and community.

If a loved one in your family suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, reach out to the trusted and compassionate team at Meadowthorpe Assisted Living. With their new senior care facility, this assisted living community focuses on helping patients regain a sense of normalcy in their lives. If you have any questions, contact a trusted team member by calling (859) 878-1300.

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5 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Senior Living Facility

Choosing the right senior living facility for a loved one may be one of the most significant decisions you’ll make in life. With so many questions to ask and a variety of features to consider, it’s easy for the process to get confusing.

To make matters more manageable, let’s take a look at a few of the top factors to consider before making the final call:

Location: Where a facility is located is key. Keep ease of visitation in mind—is it close enough so that friends and family have access to it without too much trouble? Additionally, take note of the setting of a facility, whether it be urban, rural, or something in between.

Staff: To make the most out of a family member’s stay in a senior living facility, positive staff relationships are crucial. Referrals and testimonials will cover this aspect to some degree, but the best way to know how closely and effectively a team works with their residents will be through introductory visits and face-to-face discussions.

Capabilities: There’s also the question of what a staff can handle. Determine the level of care your family member needs and compare and contrast it with a facility’s skills. Access to emergency services and caregivers is paramount, as is verifying the safety and security of the grounds.

Amenities & Activities: What sort of features does your ideal senior living facility offer? Are you looking for a simple setting with the basic comforts of home, or would you prefer a facility that goes above and beyond with its amenities and entertainment options? Available activities could also sway your decision, so check event calendars and schedules for an idea of what to expect.

Mission Statement: Above all else, you want a senior living facility with a mission statement and overall purpose that aligns with the values you and your family hold dear. Research each option’s approach to senior care and compile a list of questions to help further determine their unique attitudes and beliefs.

As long as you don’t rush the decision, you and your family can look forward to quality time spent at a caring and versatile new home. For people in the Lexington, KY, area, Meadowthorpe Assisted Living is the leading source for senior support. Visit them for more on their lifestyle options and give them a call at (859) 878-1300.

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4 Ways Social Interaction Is Vital to Elderly Care

When you think of what an assisted living community provides, social interaction might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, this is just as important as the physical benefits of elderly care. The caregivers at Meadowthorpe Assisted Living in Lexington, KY, offer socialization for those under their care, which they’ve found to have considerable advantages.

Social interaction helps prevent isolation and the dangers that come with it, in turn providing a few key benefits:

Mental Health: It’s no mystery that isolation is one of the most significant causes of depression in the elderly. Loneliness can quickly make a person feel that their life has no purpose, leading to feelings of despair and sadness. When they socialize, seniors feel loved and needed, which leads to a healthier mental state.

Connectivity & Accountability: When they are connected to others, seniors are more inclined to keep up with their grooming, clean, and stay active. Having friends and loved ones also gives them a reason to stay well. For example, a senior getting together with friends is more likely to bathe and get dressed than someone who will be home alone all day.

Sense of Belonging: Senior living can be tough, as the elderly are more susceptible to loss than younger generations. Having access to caregivers and peers helps them foster new bonds and friendships, leaving them with a sense of belonging even if they’ve experienced a recent loss.

Physical Health: Spending time with others helps keep seniors active, as they feel motivated to get out of the house and try something new. They are also more likely to eat regularly if they spend their mealtimes with friends.

As seniors age, physical and mental limitations make it more difficult for them to socialize with others. Meadowthorpe Assisted Living can give your loved one the benefits of social interaction, among others. They offer a range of services to fit your elderly care needs, customized just for you. Call them at (859) 878-1300 to talk with a caregiver about the best plan for your loved one.

If you would like to take a tour of the community, participate in an activity, or have a meal with us, please contact us today!

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3 Benefits of Assisted Living Communities

If an elderly loved one can no longer care for themselves, it may be your responsibility to choose the best senior care option to meet their needs. While many people commonly mistake assisted living facilities and nursing homes as one and the same, the former aims to provide overall care while allowing a senior to maintain their independence. The staff at Meadowthorpe Assisted Living in Lexington, KY, is here to dispel the stigma of senior care by discussing a few of the benefits of assisted living facilities.

3 Benefits of Assisted Living Communities

1. Varying Levels of Care

One of the main benefits of an assisted living community is the ability to choose the level of care that is needed. For example, if your loved one has dementia or Alzheimer’s, the center can provide specialists who are skilled in meeting those needs. The facilities can also accommodate those who only need the basic level of help, such as transportation and assistance with daily tasks.

2. Safety

Assisted living centers provide a safe and comfortable environment for seniors without forcing them to sacrifice their independence. The facilities are also monitored to prevent burglary and provide security and peace of mind for both the residents and their families. Each home or room is equipped with some type of alert systems in case a resident falls or has an accident.

3. Companionship

Without the ability to socialize, seniors can fall into a deep depression. Assisted living facilities offer a community with other older people so they can socialize and make new friends. The staff may provide group games or other activities, and it will be up to your loved one to decide how often they want to participate.

Meadowthorpe Assisted Living is the leading assisted living community in Lexington, KY, providing round-the-clock care and a wide range of services for their residents, including transportation and housekeeping.

If you would like to take a tour of the community, participate in an activity, or have a meal with us, please contact us today!

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Why Choose Meadowthorpe Assisted Living & Memory Care?

The senior living market of Lexington, Kentucky is undoubtedly one of the most competitive around with new communities popping up left and right. Everyone claims to be the best and offer the most desirable amenities, so how is Meadowthorpe Assisted Living & Memory Care better than all the rest?

The answer boils down to a single umbrella factor – uniqueness. Sure, we (like most communities) offer a beautiful upscale living environment with lovely individual suites, a hair salon, and a fun bar plus game room for socializing; however, our mission is to ensure every resident lives life to their fullest potential based on the “whole person” approach. We strive to ensure our residents are cared for emotionally, physically, intellectually, and socially. Our community provides assistance with the vital components of everyday life, in addition to ensuring our residents experience their golden years in a manner that is meaningful and filled with purpose.

At Meadowthorpe Assisted Living, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Our passionate staff and caregivers provide specialized assistance and support 24 hours per day at a ratio of six residents per caregiver. The industry average is typically greater than 20 residents per caregiver. What’s even more incredible is the data surrounding our caregivers’ average response rate to resident notifications…two minutes or less! What does that mean? It means each and every resident is provided with impeccable care based on their identified needs, as well as those which may arise unexpectedly. Simply put, our residents never have to wait for assistance as a result of our superior staffing plan.

Our unique community layout opens the door for mobility and freedom of choice in an assisted living environment. Our community is comprised of five buildings, each of which houses eight private apartments equipped with a kitchenette & dining space, living area, and separate bedroom with a fully accessible bathroom. Additionally, each building contains a full kitchen for anyone who wishes to prepare a meal, shared dining area for congregating with others at meal time, and a living room for relaxing or socializing.

Residents’ days are filled with opportunities for continued education, improved health & physical well-being, and socialization. Our activities program is designed by a former educator to ensure residents experience enrichment and engagement at a variety of levels. For example, residents have the opportunity to read and analyze poems & short stories, attend socials of various natures, and spend time reaching out to our local youth through school partnerships. Our fitness program offers Tai Chi, yoga, aerobics, and meditation, all of which can improve one’s overall mental and physical health. We value nurturing the mind, body, and spirit of each and every resident.

So why choose Meadowthorpe Assisted Living & Memory Care? The answer is quite simple – because we undoubtedly provide the most personalized care and support throughout the senior living community. With us, you and your loved one(s) will be empowered, inspired, and encouraged to live life to the fullest. We are 21st Century assisted living!