Name: Mary T. Inc.
Address: 1555 118th Ln NW, Coon Rapids, MN, 55448, US
Telephone: 763-754-2505
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Health Tips for Seniors

Posted on August 4, 2021July 30, 2021 by admin

It’s never too late to adopt healthy habits, and for those of us heading into our golden years, it’s even more important. All of us want to enjoy good health on our back forty, and there are steps we can take to improve our health as we head into our 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and beyond. So how can we maintain good health in our old age? Today we’re sharing our favorite health tips for seniors.

1. Examine Your Diet

Staying healthy starts with what’s on your plate. Obviously, maintaining a healthy weight is important for many reasons. It reduces your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Less weight also means less stress on your bones and joints. As we age, our bodies need fewer calories to sustain them. Because of this, it’s important to eat healthy and make sure we’re getting the nutrition we need. But eating healthy helps you do more than maintain a healthy weight. It can help you stay healthy in other ways.

Stop Muscle Loss

After the age of 50, we start losing muscle mass, and eating protein in the form of lean meats and fish with every meal can mitigate some of that loss. One geriatric specialist from Massachusetts General Hospital recommends 1-2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. That means a 180lb man should be eating anywhere from 82 to 164 grams of protein per day. Consider foods such as chicken, pork, salmon, tuna, and legumes.

Keep Bones Strong

Believe it or not, our bones reach their peak in our late 20’s and then start a slow decline as we get older. Seniors are especially vulnerable to falling, and broken bones are among the most common reasons for hospital admissions among the elderly. Calcium and Vitamin D are the best way to keep your bones healthy and strong. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends at least 1,000mg of Calcium for men and 1,200mg for women. Foods such as low-fat cottage cheese, greek yogurt (bonus: extra protein!) and Vitamin D fortified milk are excellent ways to add calcium into your daily diet.

Reduce Inflammation

Inflammation leads to all sorts of issues, including heart disease, depression, arthritis, and even dementia. It might start with joints that are a little stiff, but it can wreak havoc on older adults if the inflammation goes unchecked. The best way to reduce inflammation is to reduce the number of sugary foods in your diet. Sugar creates extra insulin in your body, which can trigger an inflammatory response. So check those labels! If you crave something sweet, stick to fruits, which are a natural source of sugar and contain healthy nutrients for your body.

Healthy Colon and Vascular System

Eating the right kinds of carbs is another step to healthy eating. Choosing whole grains helps reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and even some forms of cancer. They’re also rich in fiber which promotes a healthy environment for the bacteria in your colon, helping maintain regular bowel movements. Eating whole grains can be tricky because it’s hard to tell which foods are full of them! Here’s a hint – choose grains such as steel-cut oats, popcorn, brown rice, and quinoa.

And…Eat the Rainbow

Speaking of fruit, studies show that the more colorful your diet, the more nutrition you’re getting. Fruits and vegetables and foods that have bright colors (think blue, red, and purple) have more heart-healthy antioxidants. Blueberries, raspberries, beets, tomatoes, purple cabbage, and yellow squash. The more color, the better! A healthy diet that includes these antioxidants tend to have improved vascular function and a healthy level of good cholesterol.

2. Get Physical

Nothing makes you more tired than being inactive. Our bodies were meant to move, and the best way to keep your body used to moving is to engage in regular physical activity. But what is the best way for older adults to remain physically active? Think of a mixture of cardio exercise and strength training. Don’t go thinking you need to start training for a marathon. We’re talking about the kind of exercise that helps you in everyday life. Ways to maintain your balance, increase energy and even promote healthy brain function. Here are some of the best ways older adults can add physical activity as they age.

Walking

Walking is a great form of cardio exercise and is accessible to just about everyone. Talk to your doctor before starting a walking regimen because goals will differ from person to person based on their physical condition. But walking regularly keeps our joints moving, reduces stiffness, and gets the blood flowing. It’s also a great social activity – grab a friend and take a walk in a park or even inside your local mall! Even if you can’t walk a long distance, getting up to move at regular intervals throughout the day is highly beneficial.

Resistance Band Workouts

This falls under the strength training category, and it’s a great low-impact way to strengthen your core, promoting balance, posture, and mobility. Resistance bands don’t cost a lot, and there are many online resources for exercises you can do. If you want to get more adventurous, join an in-person class!

Water Aerobics

Water workouts have become very popular for people of all ages over the past few years. Water supports the body, putting much less strain on your joints. It also adds a natural resistance, so you don’t have to use weights. Popular water exercises include water walking, leg lifts, standing water push-ups, and flutter kicking. Water aerobics naturally help improve flexibility, balance, and strength with almost no impact on your body.

Tai Chi

Tai Chi has been called “meditation in motion.” It’s a graceful exercise that has both mental and physical benefits for any senior. Tai Chi comprises a series of movements performed in slow motion as the participant pays attention to deep breathing. It’s calming and mentally stimulating at the same time and increases flexibility and agility. Some older adults say they notice an improvement in joint pain and even their quality of sleep.

Of course, before you start any regular exercise, it’s best to check with your health care provider.

3. Other Healthy Habits For Seniors

Healthy eating and regular physical activity go a long way toward helping us age gracefully. But there are other important factors to pay attention to as well. Here are some other ideas to help keep us young in mind, body, and soul!

Stop Smoking

This is good advice at any age. Smoking is correlated back to a host of health problems, including heart failure, stroke, and cancer. It takes the elasticity out of your skin, causing premature and excessive wrinkling, and can age you beyond your years. There are many programs that are successful in helping people quit – ask your doctor for information.

Get Some Sleep

It’s a myth that the older we get, the less sleep we need. Seniors need the same amount of sleep as adults of any age – between 7 to 9 hours. However, insomnia is a common problem among senior adults. The pain of old age often affects sleep, as can medications and other health ailments. Control what you can by sticking to a good bedtime routine. Dim the lights in the early evening, avoid watching television or using a phone or tablet 3o minutes before bedtime, and avoid taking late afternoon naps.

Visit Your Doctor and Dentist

Staying on top of your regular health care is vital to a senior’s health. Keeping your health care team apprised of all your health information will ensure good all-around health care. And don’t overlook your oral health! They say that your mouth is the gateway to good health. You only get one set of teeth, so it’s best to take good care of them. Plus, good dental health has been shown to reduce your chance of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Socialize

Spending time with family and friends keeps us connected to our community and is proven to help us live longer. Social seniors are less likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and stress. Healthy relationships are always important, but seniors especially benefit from having a strong community around them.

Levels of Senior Care

Posted on July 21, 2021July 14, 2021 by admin

As you start to look into senior care for yourself or a loved one, it’s easy to get confused. It’s not as simple as looking for an assisted living facility. There are many different levels of care and a variety of facilities that provide different services.

In broad strokes, you can break down senior living options into four different types. Independent living communities are usually townhouses or single-family homes that provide a community for seniors. There they can enjoy social activities and companionship. Residents of assisted living communities live in apartments with staff available to help with activities of daily living but not medical services. Nursing homes and long-term care facilities provide 24-hour assistance. They offer both daily living activities and medical care. Continuing Care retirement communities are in a class by themselves and provide a wide range of senior care services.

Independent Living

Independent living is also sometimes known as senior living and can be considered “aging in place.” These communities often have a strict age limit. This way residents are at similar stages in their life. People who live in senior living communities usually purchase traditional housing such as a townhouse or single-family home. In addition, these communities often have a social director that coordinates day trips, schedules social events and fitness classes. They may even have onsite church services. Seniors that move into an independent living community have the freedom to live their lives as they see fit. This is one of the lower levels of senior care.

Assisted Living

Assisted Living consists of residential facilities for those in need of higher levels of senior care. Namely when it comes to activities of daily living (also called ADLs). ADLs include such fundamental tasks as bathing, dressing, cooking meals, and moving around a residence. Services provided in an assisted living community include meal preparation, housekeeping and laundry services. They also help with personal care. Some assisted living facilities provide memory care for residents with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. For the most part, older adults who live in assisted living facilities need minimal care and do not have many medical needs.

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes provide around-the-clock skilled nursing care. Skilled nursing facilities provide one of the highest levels of senior care. Whether short-term, such as rehabilitation after surgery, or for long-term care of more serious medical issues. Nursing homes do all the same things as assisted living but include medical needs. For example, taking vital signs, administering medication, and coordinating with doctors. Patients reside in a single room, either private or shared with another resident. Seniors with severe dementia or Alzheimer’s disease typically reside in skilled nursing facilities for in-depth memory care. Nursing homes also provide hospice services for end-of-life care.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Also known as CCRC, this type of senior housing is typically for wealthy seniors who want to find a community where they can live out the rest of their lives. The key is in the words “continuing care.” These facilities offer a variety of levels of senior care so residents can take advantage of care services as their needs change. A couple may start out living independently and add on assisted living services such as personal care if their physical status deteriorates. It allows seniors to remain in the same residence, knowing that care will be provided to them if needed.

Levels within Levels of Senior Care

The four types of facilities explained above are often further broken down into more subtle levels of senior care depending on the needs of the adult in question. For example, assisted living communities are typically broken down into several levels of care:

Level 1 Care

We consider this low-level care and it applies to residents who need little help with their ADLs (activities of daily living) and live mostly independent lives. They are capable of bathing themselves, make their own meals, and move around well on their own. They do not suffer from incontinence and can use the bathroom safely on their own. While they may need help managing their medications or testing their blood sugar levels, for the most part, they do not require 24/7 nursing care.

Level 2 Care

For seniors who need more assistance with physical and health-related issues. They might be able to handle certain ADLs but need help with others. For example, your loved one may be able to feed themselves but need assistance bathing or dressing. They might be starting to show signs of memory loss, requiring caregivers to watch them on a more consistent basis. A Level 2 assisted living facility will not accept patients who are bedridden or completely incontinent. They must have separate wards for patients who receive a nursing home level of care versus those that do not. Another key difference is that Level 2 nursing care is covered by Medicaid, while Level 1 care is not.

Level 3 Care

Also known as memory care. Level 3 care has programs aimed primarily at those seniors living with advanced Alzheimer’s and dementia. If your loved one is recommended for Level 3 care, chances are they need a high level of assistance with ADLs and need around-the-clock health care. Similar to Level 2 care, Level 3 care will involve registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, and regular caregivers. A caseworker is usually assigned to assist the family and the facility in the management of the patient’s care.

Senior Living and Levels of Senior Care at Mary T

Mary T is proud to provide a wide array of community options where you or a loved one will feel right at home. If you’re interested in an independent living community, Margaret Place and the Villas of Casa Grande offer residential housing to those age 55 and older. Both have 24-hour on-site manager, twice daily “I’m OK” checks, and group activities and outings.

If you are looking for an assisted living community with a higher level of care, Eagle Street and Creekside Cottage have a fantastic staff that provides its residents with personal care services. Residents enjoy homemade meals, in-home physician visits, medication management, and registered nurses on-site and on-call 24/7.

If your level of care requires a full-time skilled nursing facility, the Camilia Rose Care Center has programs to manage and care for any complex medical issue. Our loving staff is there to provide whatever is needed to help you or your loved one live the best life possible. Contact us today to learn more.

5 Things Older Adults Can Do to Improve Their Self-Esteem as They Age

Posted on July 7, 2021June 30, 2021 by admin

Self-esteem is a challenging topic for many people regardless of age. Studies show that on average, our self-image rises throughout adulthood until it peaks around the age of 60. If you think about it, that makes sense. We spend our lives working to attain certain milestones, and as we reach middle age, most of those milestones have been achieved. You might enjoy stable work with regular income, a solid family life, and close relationships with your spouse, partner, and others.

As we grow older, these things can start to slip away. Children leave the nest, you may enter retirement or feel as if the workforce has outpaced you. Health challenges start to develop, affecting you or a loved one. These are all major life experiences, and any type of major change is accompanied by a certain amount of anxiety. It’s no wonder that aging is often served with a side of lower self-esteem. But there are ways to improve one’s positive outlook on life even in old age. So, what are 5 things older adults can do to improve their self-image as they age?

1. Make Strong Social Bonds

Meaningful personal connections ground us and boost our confidence. Research shows that seniors who enjoy the support of close family and friends have higher self-esteem than those who go it alone. However, it’s a bit of a catch 22, because seniors who suffer from poor self-esteem may find it hard to develop close friendships as they age. If this sounds like you, start small!

Think of something you enjoy doing and find a group that participates in those activities. Join a book club, a knitting circle, or take a cooking class. There are many community groups on social media that focus on certain interests. Subscribe to one or two of them and practice connecting with new people. You can also consider volunteering for an organization that interests you. Walk dogs at an animal shelter, be an usher at a local community theater, or volunteer to help out in local events such as the annual fishing tournament.

Anything that gets you out there connecting with other people is bound to make you feel good, keep you active, and boost your self-esteem. And who knows? You might find you enjoy making new friends!

2. Practice Good Personal Hygiene

It doesn’t matter how old you are, no one feels good about themselves if they sit around in their bathrobe all day long. Positive self-worth starts when you believe that you’re worth taking care of. It’s easy to get let personal hygiene slide, especially if you’re retired and spending more time alone. Give your self-confidence a boost and take the time to get out of bed, bathe, and get dressed as if you were expecting company.

If you need assistance with these tasks, look into home care to help on a daily basis. You’ll soon find that simply dressing as if you’re going out in the world will make you feel more confident and may even lead to other activities outside the home. If you think you look good, chances are you’ll feel good, too!

3. Avoid Negative Stereotypes That Can Impact Self-Esteem

The media is filled with negative stereotypes surrounding old age. Daytime television is filled with advertisements about new medical drugs, life alert bracelets, and other health afflictions. The internet is a black hole of age-related diseases and physical challenges. Even the news can drive up your anxiety. It’s enough to put anyone into a state of depression.

Instead of surrounding yourself with the negative, make it a point to seek out the positive. Reading about all the things that can happen to you puts you on the alert and can manifest anxiety and feed low self-esteem. Stop comparing yourself to a page on the internet or even other elderly adults. Realize that aging isn’t a bad thing, it’s just where you are at the moment.

Pay attention to how your own body feels and focus on things you can do that bring you happiness. As you leave those negative stereotypes behind, you’ll find yourself making real progress in your self-esteem development.

4. Eat Healthy and Stay Active

When you make an effort to do the things that are good for you, you almost always feel better because of it. Taking care of yourself by eating good foods and exercising gives you a feeling of control and independence. People who maintain good self-esteem make their health a priority.

Regular physical exercise will help keep you strong, boosting your confidence. Take a balance class, practice tai chi, or take daily walks. Exercise doesn’t only work on your physical health, but also on your mental health. Movement releases endorphins that are essential to feeling good.

The fuel you put into your body can also make a difference in your confidence and self-esteem. Do a search for articles or read our blog with advice about healthy eating for senior citizens. Aging bodies benefit from different foods than young ones. Don’t let aging become an excuse for not doing what you can to take care of yourself. The better off you feel, the more confidence you’ll have to go out and enjoy your community.

5. Practice Independence Whenever Possible

One of the hardest hits seniors take to their self-esteem is no longer being able to do things for themselves, or take part in activities they once enjoyed. It can be very hard for the elderly to come to terms with needing help with cooking, cleaning, and yard work. But needing help with certain day-to-day tasks doesn’t have to be tied to your self-worth. If anything, getting help with these tasks could free you up to explore other interests you may not have had time for.

If you’re a caregiver, know that it’s important for loved ones to help their senior find a way to accept help while not losing their sense of self. They need to feel respected and appreciated by those around them. If daily help is required, professional caregivers may be easier for your loved one to accept as they don’t want to feel as if they are a burden to those they love.

People of all ages struggle with lower self-esteem, but getting older is not for the faint of heart. There are good days and bad days scattered throughout adulthood, but when we enter old age stereotypes tell us that it’s time to slow down. But aging doesn’t mean you’re doomed to a steady state of decline. It is entirely possible to live a healthy, independent life as we age. Make the most of your retirement! Take care of yourself, find new hobbies and activities, and get out into the world. The more time you spend on self-care and doing things that boost your confidence, the better you’ll feel about yourself.

Fun Activities for Seniors to Keep Active

Posted on June 30, 2021June 23, 2021 by admin

People of all ages are always looking for things to do, and older adults have more time on their hands to explore new hobbies and generally have a good time. Activities for the elderly are no longer limited to the occasional bingo game (although that’s still fun). Seniors these days are interested in learning new skills and experiencing new things. So whether you are aging at home, a resident of an assisted living facility, or caring for a loved one, here are some great activity ideas for senior citizens of the 21st century.

Music and Dancing

Music feeds the soul, and dancing is a great physical activity that everyone can do. Even a senior with mobility issues or advanced dementia can enjoy an activity centered around music. In fact, music therapy recognizes the cognitive benefits of listening to music, and studies show that it can trigger feelings of happiness and contentment. So bring your senior to events such as a live concert, musical, or turn on the radio and chair dance. Typically, Senior living communities offer musical guests for entertainment as well.

Group Exercise Activities

As we get older, moving our bodies becomes more and more important. Taking daily walks with friends and family is a wonderful way to release stress and engage with the outside world. Group exercise classes like chair yoga, senior aerobics, or tai chi are a great way to let loose those endorphins and experience something new. If you want to step it up a notch, look for a senior sports league and join a soccer, basketball, or softball team. When you can combine exercise and socialization, you’re taking care of both your physical and mental health.

Reading and Writing

Take some time for yourself and have some fun with reading or creative writing. Book clubs let you share about what you’ve read, or you can just lose yourself in a book in solitude. Reading is a great elderly activity. If you love books but have trouble reading because of failing eyesight, audiobooks have exploded in popularity over the past 10 years, and the performances are fantastic. Maybe you’ve always wanted to try your hand at telling your own story. If so, grab a computer or a pen and paper and write it down! It doesn’t have to be a novel. You can write an essay, short story or even some letters! Whether you’re reading one or trying to write one, books help seniors escape real life for a little while and immerse themselves in another world.

Gardening

Whether it’s your own garden or a community garden at your assisted living community, gardening calms the soul and puts you back in touch with nature. Tending a garden takes time, and seniors can spend hours planting, weeding, and just enjoying the outdoors. It’s a great way to stay active. Plus, all that work is rewarded with a bounty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers!

Play Games

Sometimes you just want to have fun, and games are the perfect elderly activity. There are so many different games to choose from. Putting together puzzles is a good game for your brain and can help maintain fine motor skills. Board games are an enjoyable activity to share with others, as are card games like poker, bridge, and rummy. Assisted living communities also have a variety of activities for seniors that include events such as bingo and trivia nights. Besides being enjoyable, your game of choice exercises your brain, helps with memory, and breaks up feelings of isolation. If you don’t feel like hanging out with a group, play a solitary adult game. Doing crossword puzzles or playing a game on your computer or tablet are good ways to relax and engage your mind.

Art Classes

Art classes cover a broad range of activities for seniors and include everything from painting to jewelry making to even cooking. Anything that piques your interest and promotes creativity is bound to give your cognitive health a boost. People of any age can learn to draw, cook good food, make a scrapbook or make things out of modeling clay. In addition, residents of different communities could come together to interact and learn new skills.

Senior Living Doesn’t Mean Being Bored

It doesn’t matter if you live at home or in one of the many senior living communities, seniors are demanding more out of their retirement years. They want to be busy, active, and engaged. There are many, many elderly activities available, no matter what challenges they may be facing. So come up with a list of ideas and enjoy living life to the fullest!

How Much Does Independent Living Cost?

Posted on May 26, 2021May 19, 2021 by admin

Oftentimes, whenever independent living is brought up, cost becomes the focal point of attention. While this is certainly understandable, it should never prevent older adults from getting the care they need for quality of life.

In fact, many seniors who look into long-term independent living communities don’t think they’ll be able to afford it. Unfortunately, the costs and fees associated with senior living tend to overshadow the many benefits, services, and amenities that independent living communities offer.

To help you get a better understanding of retirement communities and all that they entail, join us as we discuss value versus price, the average cost, and more.

The Cost of Independent Living: Value vs. Price

Moving to an independent living community is a big step. After all, you or your loved one is likely leaving a residence of many years to go somewhere completely new. Not only are the surroundings different, but so are the neighbors and way of life.

As such, the costs of independent living aren’t necessarily cheap. As mentioned, this is often the deciding factor for many people. But you have to look at senior living communities in the same light as you would if you were buying a new home or vehicle.

You’re making an investment, and with that investment comes living costs that need to be accounted for. But more importantly, you’re paying for the peace of mind of safety and security.

Unlike assisted living communities, independent senior housing offers a greater sense of freedom. You won’t find ongoing skilled nursing care or memory care, for example. But you will find independence. And for many seniors, that’s the most valuable part of independent living communities.

What Does Independent Living Include?

You can look forward to having access to helpful services designed to make your life easier once you move into an independent living community.

Whereas assisted living programs and nursing homes are centered on continuing care, retirement community services provide assistance to active residents who are capable of handling most of their own personal care.

The residents in a senior living community can look forward to getting help with home maintenance, yard work, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, and more.

Dining Options and More

Although the care independent living provides doesn’t require residents to be given three meals a day like assisted living, many offer dining options. Seniors can pay for their meals in advance, as well, if they should choose to do so.

What’s more, the living options in independent living communities differ from those found in assisted living programs. Housing is typically in the form of apartments that come with convenient amenities found in other traditional apartment buildings.

These include on-site laundry, maintenance personnel, and the other aforementioned services, such as assistance with housekeeping or transportation.

Some communities even have game rooms, theatres, bars, and more. These kinds of amenities ensure that seniors have plenty to do on a monthly basis. In addition, many of the apartments are equipped with entrance ramps and other accessible conveniences.

Is Independent Living Covered By Medicare?

While Medicare can sometimes pay for certain short-term care expenses, it does not pay for the costs associated with independent living. Instead, there is a monthly fee that you will be responsible for in order to live in a retirement community.

What Is the Average Cost of Living in a Retirement Home?

Depending on where you live, living in a retirement home can cost between $1,500 and $4,000 per month. While this may seem like a lot, it is considerably less compared to the fees involved with living in an assisted living facility.

If your income isn’t enough to cover the required rent, you might consider looking into a CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Communities). CCRC is a fee-for-service program that helps aging seniors get into long-term living communities.

Whether paying rent or an entrance fee, CCRC may provide the solution you need to get the care you deserve.

Need Assistance?

If you need help finding the right living arrangement or have questions about the cost of independent living, we encourage you to contact us at Mary T., Inc. Our specialists are more than happy to aid you in your search. We’ll ensure that you get into the best place based on your age, health, and needs.

Apartments for Seniors

Posted on April 14, 2021April 5, 2021 by admin

If you or a loved one have your heart set on aging in place, a senior living community might be the perfect place to do it. Downsizing into an apartment allows you to cash in on the equity you’ve built up in your house. Which also gives you the freedom to enjoy retirement. And apartments geared specifically for seniors offer an ideal environment for those who are still able to live independently but want to let go of the responsibility and maintenance that comes with owning a house.

What Are Senior Apartments

Senior apartments are the same as any other apartment, except that you must be over the age of 55 to live there. These communities are filled with all kinds of active adults who are in the same stage of their lives. Everyone is winding down and getting ready to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Senior apartments are not necessarily a retirement community. But certain things specific to Making sure the apartments are wheelchair accessible, for example. You may also find extra perks like laundry and housekeeping services, onsite fitness centers, and more. Mary T. has several senior living communities that offer tons of amenities that are included in your monthly rent payment.

Independent Living at Mary T.

Margaret Place, the premier independent senior living community, is named after the daughter of Rosa Camille Williams, who dedicated her life to caring for those in need. Rosa was a nurse who provided care in hospitals and homes in the early 1900s. She was the inspiration for her daughter, Margaret, and her granddaughter, Mary T, to provide services to improve the lives of others in the community.

Margaret Place is located in Coon Rapids, Minnesota only a short walk from Lions Coon Creek Park. It features one-and-two-bedroom apartments for adults aged 55 and over starting at $1,350/month as of the writing of this article. Each unit offers individual temperature control and an emergency response system. In addition, heat, hot water, trash, and recycling are also included with your monthly rent. You’ll find complimentary laundry facilities on each floor, a resident-controlled entrance, and have a 24-hour on-site resident manager at your disposal.

What Makes Margaret Place Special

Margaret Place is an active community with numerous scheduled activities. There are garden clubs, on-site church services, a multitude of wellness and fitness programs, and other things all hosted by our caring staff. You can choose from a number of group activities and outings. Or even just take a walk along Sand Creek Trail, which is within easy reach from your unit. You can also take advantage of the exercise room, or book one of our indoor or outdoor common areas for private gatherings with family and friends.

There are also other services you can add on for an additional fee. These include a regular lunch, housekeeping services, or access to our parking garage. We even have an on-site beauty shop so you can pamper yourself steps away from home. Also, if you need any ongoing medical care, our awesome Home Health staff is available through Mary T. Home Health to assist you in any way we can.

If you’d like more information about senior housing at Margaret Place, we are located at:

1555 118th Ln NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55448

763-754-2505

Caring for an Elderly Parent

Posted on March 24, 2021March 15, 2021 by admin

Watching your parents age can bring up a whole host of different emotions. It’s difficult to go from being cared for to being the caregiver, and it’s a role reversal that most of us will face at one time or another. Being a caregiver means different things to different people. It doesn’t matter if your elderly parents are aging in place, living in your home, an assisted living facility, or a nursing home. There will be things you’ll have to deal with that are outside of what you have done in the past. But how do you go about caring for an elderly parent? How do you turn the vague feeling of “My parents need help” into an actionable plan? Try not to be overwhelmed. Take things a step at a time and use the resources available to help you along.

Who is responsible for taking care of aging parents?

For some of us, the answer to this question is simple. It’s the responsibility of the adult children, right? Not necessarily. Relationships are complicated, and sometimes making the decision to become a caregiver can be very difficult. From a legal standpoint, whether or not adult children are responsible for their parents’ caregiving varies from state to state. 27 states have what are called Filial Responsibility Laws that require family members to take at least minimal responsibility for aging parents. In other states, children are under no legal requirement to provide senior care. But in general, most of us want to make sure our loved ones are cared for in some fashion.

How do you take care of elderly parents?

Caregiving comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes. It doesn’t mean that you have to allow your parents to move in with you and your family, although you may absolutely choose to do so. Caregiving simply means making sure the long-term care needs of your loved one are met. Seniors need support in many different ways. Some have health issues that need to be addressed. Some need help finding programs and services that can keep them in their own homes as long as possible. Others may require in-home care or even 24-hour supervision. How you choose to care for your aging parents is a deeply personal decision. What is right for one person may not be feasible for another.

Consider Their Needs

The best way to start caring for aging parents is to take a step back and see what they need help with. Consider what they do on a daily basis. Can they prepare their meals safely? How is their mobility? Do they have a good social support network? Do they have any health care issues that require assistance? Can they take care of their personal hygiene? Make sure to engage them in the conversation about how they feel about living on their own. Pay attention to how their home looks when you visit. You may discover that for the time being, your parents can take care of themselves and stay at home with some added safety precautions and additional care from you or someone else in the family. You can also tap into programs and services that provide some type of home care such as cleaning services or Meals-on-Wheels.

When it’s Time for the Next Step

However, you may find that your parents aren’t able to safely live on their own. If you and your aging parents agree that it’s time to find some extra support, take stock of what you are able and willing to provide. Your first instinct might be to bring them into your home, but caring for elderly parents takes time and commitment. You may find that you can’t provide your seniors with the help and support they need to be safe and healthy. In that case, finding another solution, such as an assisted living facility or a nursing home, may be the only option that will work for all involved.

How do you care for elderly parents at home?

Caregiving for aging loved ones in your home is a big decision that should be discussed openly and honestly with all involved. Once you have everyone on board, you can get down to the business of actually caregiving. Make sure you know what needs you have to meet to keep your Mom or Dad healthy and safe. Keep a notebook handy to jot down notes of things that you notice during the first few weeks you’re caring for them at home. Create a list of caregiving tasks that need to be completed on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. Level of home care may change based on time of day, or on weekends. Decide how much you are able to handle on your own, and find help if you need it.

Taking care of a parent is often made easier by enlisting other family members for assistance, but there are also respite programs, cleaning services and more that can help out when time is a problem. If you work outside the home, try looking into adult daycare services that can watch your parent while at the office. Living with an aging parent has its own set of challenges, so it’s important not to get overwhelmed. Don’t be afraid to step back and reassess the situation if need be.

Is there government assistance for caring for elderly parents?

Caregivers may not be aware that there are many government programs available that can help if you are charged with taking care of an aging parent. You probably know that Medicare is available to cover the health care of seniors. Medicare Part A covers hospital care and is usually provided for free. Medicare Part B is additional health coverage and Part D covers prescriptions. Caregivers that discover they can’t meet the needs of their aging parents can get their seniors approved for Medicaid to help pay for a long-term care facility. Another option Medicaid provides is paying for in-home caregivers, and the person who provides that care can often be a family member, or even a spouse. Some states also offer financial assistance to caregivers of aging seniors.

The Administration of Aging has agencies located in each state to help families navigate health insurance questions, legal assistance and help with long-term care if that is something your senior needs. They are a great source of information and can point caregivers in the right direction to help resolve many of the challenges put forth when caregiving.

How do you deal with the stress of caring for an elderly parent?

Caring for aging parents can be a very rewarding experience, but it is also one of the most stressful things you may ever do. Oftentimes, a caregiver is so focused on the care they’re giving that they fail to provide care for themselves. This can lead to caregivers becoming overwhelmed and resentful. It can also have a negative effect on your own health, making you incapable of caring for anyone at all! So how do you deal with the stress?

For one thing, it’s extremely important for you to check in with yourself on a daily basis. Be sure you get enough sleep, exercise and downtime. Lean on family members to help with certain tasks. Make time for activities that you enjoyed prior to taking on your caregiving duties. There are caregiver support groups available in-person or online to help you navigate the new emotions and challenges that come with caregiving. Most important, try to remember that you can’t be everything to everyone. At the end of the day, you will know that you did the best you could to support your loved one as they take on their senior years.

If you’re looking for senior care and senior living options in Minnesota, our staff at Mary T will be happy to help. Contact us when you’re ready.

Home Safety Tips for Seniors

Posted on March 3, 2021February 24, 2021 by admin

Almost everyone loves to be home. Home is familiar and comfortable. It’s a special place filled with memories that make up who we are. Home is where we have loved, lost, laughed, fought, and perhaps even grieved. Living on our own gives us a sense of independence and privacy. So it’s no wonder that even as we age, our goal is to stay in our homes for as long as possible.

That being said, all of us will have to face that at some point, some tasks will not be as easy for us to accomplish as they once were. However, there are a number of home safety tips you can put into practice to make living at home safer for aging adults. Allowing them to remain in the home they have loved for so many years.

Why is geriatric home safety important?

Being proactive when it comes to home safety for seniors is essential to their wellbeing. Tens of millions of people each year are afflicted by preventable at-home injuries. And the risk of experiencing one only goes up as people grow older. Creating a safe environment for your senior loved one will give both of you peace of mind while enhancing their quality of life. There are certain areas that are most crucial when you address home safety. As well as a plethora of technological tools that can help the family monitor the situation and even call for help if needed.

How do I protect my senior loved one at home?

Aging in place is quite doable for many older adults. As long as precautions are taken to avoid the most common dangers. Small changes make a big difference.

Prevent Falls

According to the CDC, falls are the number one cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries in those 65 years of age or older. The older we get, the more fragile our skin and bones become, making us much more susceptible to nasty cuts and broken bones. It also takes us much longer to heal from a fall if we do get injured.

One of the easiest things to do is go through the house and remove any trip hazards such as area rugs and electric cords you find. Electrical cords can be tucked away under furniture, and if possible remove throw rugs from the floor altogether as they tend to bunch up and pose a risk. If there are pets in the house, ensure their toys are picked up and stored away.

Falls are especially likely in the bathroom. So install grab bars they can use to make getting in and out of the tub or shower easier. You can also add non-slip or non-skid strips on the shower or tub floor to reduce the chance of falling, and provide a shower stool to make it easier for seniors to bathe themselves. The bathroom isn’t the only place grab bars are useful. You can install them in entryways and near thresholds to help seniors move from room to room more safely. Putting these simple fall-prevention measures into place will make living independently much easier and safer.

Security and Maintenance Help

Keeping up with regular maintenance is another important part of home safety. Seniors may not be capable of remembering or completing the routine maintenance required to keep things safe and secure. It may help you to create a checklist of items to review on a weekly, monthly, and yearly basis.

For example, carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms should be inspected at least once a month to ensure sure they are working properly. Check that every room in the house has adequate lighting and that all bulbs are in good working order. Check grab bars, towel racks, and other mounted items to makes sure things are secure. Inspect the clothes dryer for signs of lint buildup, and give appliances a once-over to make sure cords are not frayed or damaged. Each time you visit, watch out for any buildup of trash and visit the bathroom to make sure the toilets are clean and functioning properly. Making sure these things are done properly and on a regular basis will keep your senior living in a safe and secure home.

Other Miscellaneous Home Safety Tips for Seniors

There are a few other home safety tips that can help seniors stay safe inside their homes. Turn the hot water heater down to 120 degrees to prevent burns. Place a bench near the front door so they have a safe place to put on and take off their shoes. You can install bed rails if your loved one is in danger of falling out of bed during the night. Replacing doorknobs with lever handles makes it easier for seniors with arthritis to open and close doors. In the kitchen, move frequently used items to a place where they are easily accessible.

Post emergency numbers near all phones, including 911, poison control, important doctors, and the names of nearby family members they can call who are available to come help whenever necessary. Anything you can do to help keep things easily accessible may make a difference.

Use Technology to your advantage.

There are technologies out there that can have a huge impact on the care of someone who is aging in place. Medical alert devices have been around a long time and will bring emergency help with the push of a button. Often you can even add fall detection to these services. Voice-activated smart devices can help seniors set reminders, timers, and even make emergency calls for you. They also provide entertainment such as music and audiobooks. Invest in a cell phone and teach your senior how to use it to call you in case of an emergency.

Change light switches to a smart sensor that will automatically turn lights on and off when you enter or leave a room. These are especially great for when you have to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. There’s no doubt that these devices allow aging adults to stay in their homes much longer than they could even 25 years ago.

Home safety for seniors with dementia.

Senior care for those with dementia can be a little more complicated. But it’s still doable. Once a senior starts showing signs of dementia, they should be supervised at all times. But there are tips that can help you take care of your loved one at home. In the kitchen, keep knives and cleaning supplies locked up and put finger guards on the garbage disposal if you have one. Choose appliances with automatic shutoff features so that stoves and ovens aren’t left on accidentally.

Install a home security system so that an alarm sounds if your senior tries to leave the home. You also may consider removing door locks inside the home to keep loved ones from locking themselves inside. If your senior tends to wander, there are even GPS tracking devices you can have them wear so you can find them if they lose their way. Senior care for a loved one with dementia is never easy, but you can definitely ease the situation by taking action to prevent dangerous situations.

Be Diligent

It’s important to know that as adults age, they often don’t realize it when things become unsafe. After all, they’ve been living alone their whole lives, they know how to take care of themselves! Communicate with your aging loved ones and reiterate that you are available to help. Enlist family members to give the home a once-over during visits and remove anything that poses a safety threat. Provide the information seniors need at their fingertips so they don’t have to go searching for things in an emergency. Use the technology that’s available, and chances are your seniors can enjoy their independence for many years to come.

When home safety for seniors is no longer enough, there are plenty of options for senior living that can accommodate your loved one’s needs. We provide disability services, senior housing, skilled nursing, therapy, home health, and hospice care. We also offer a wide range of market rate & income-restricted rental housing communities. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. We provide services throughout Minnesota and have additional properties in Maryland, Arizona, and Wisconsin.

Questions to Ask When Choosing an Independent Living Facility

Posted on February 3, 2021January 27, 2021 by admin

There comes a time in the lives of many seniors when they would rather break free from the burdens of life and take on fewer responsibilities. Oftentimes, older adults need help and care but don’t want to even entertain the thought of assisted living. They feel like they’re capable of looking after themselves and aren’t suited for such facilities.

Fortunately, senior care is available through many different living options. Thanks to the relaxed, long-term care of independent living communities, your loved one can enjoy a whole new life while still receiving love and support from family and friends.

But before any grand decisions are made, it is important to ensure that you choose the best senior living community for your needs. To assist you with this, our specialists here at Marty T have compiled this helpful resource.

Below, you will learn the right questions to ask when considering independent living facilities. By asking essential questions, you and your loved one will have peace of mind that you are making the best decision.

Is Independent Living Right for You?

To determine whether independent living is right for you, consider the following:

You would rather let someone else handle daily tasks and chores

Does the thought of leaving yard work, home maintenance, and other chores to someone more capable sound appealing to you? At independent living communities, you get to focus on friendships and living a quiet life that suits your own pace.

You’re ready to build new friendships

When you decide to live independently in a senior community, you can look forward to being surrounded by like-minded residents. As such, you can build new friendships and relationships with other seniors.

Imagine having your best friend within walking distance and the ability to visit any time you like. Living independent (for example, living in 55+ communities) affords you such niceties as you start a new chapter in your life.

You like the idea of having nearby activities

Senior living communities include plenty of care options to keep loved ones entertained and fulfilled. On-site activities ensure that residents of the local community can interact and participate without having to leave the premises.

Being responsible for less cooking sounds appealing

An independent community offers prepared meals every day, although the number provided varies between communities. Some may offer one meal, while others may offer more. When you inquire about care services, be sure to ask about meals, as well.

Seniors may be responsible for some meals, but not all. An independent retirement community will have a kitchen available for meal preparation and greater convenience.

Is Assisted Living the Same as Independent Living?

Assisted living and independent living are vastly different from one another, although the two senior living options share similar features. The differences begin with the capabilities of the residents. Seniors who are no longer able to care for themselves and require daily medical care should move to an assisted living facility.

Nursing Care

Assisted living also provides regular nursing care, ensuring that loved ones always have access to continuing care 24 hours a day for optimal health and well-being. In short, if your loved one doesn’t feel comfortable on their own anymore, they should seriously consider assisted living.

Moving to an assisted living community ensures that seniors who need personal care can get the attention they need. Assisted living provides continuing care that is centered on your loved one’s medical needs.

On-Site Staff

If necessary, seniors can call for help any time thanks to on-site nursing staff. Medical services are always available, providing a higher level of senior care. Residents who require daily medications will get theirs from the nurses throughout the day, ensuring that such things aren’t accidentally forgotten or overlooked.

Rather, a senior living in an independent facility is able to provide for the majority of their needs. These residents don’t need nursing care, memory care, or medical care around the clock. But that doesn’t mean that they will be on their own completely.

Thanks to on-site services, your loved one can enjoy home care that handles things like laundry and cleaning. This affords more time to focus on friendships and enjoying daily living without the burden of looking after the place.

How Does Independent Living Work?

This type of senior housing works much the same as that of a retirement community. Senior housing is offered in the form of senior apartments, ensuring everyone has their privacy while being in close proximity to other residents.

Activities are available on-site, as well, so that residents have plenty of options to keep them busy. Like a retirement facility, your loved one will be able to make friends with fellow seniors, ensuring that the need for companionship is met.

Choosing an Independent Living Facility or Retirement Home

To assist you in choosing the right place for your needs, we invite you to contact us at Mary T. Our housing experts specialize in senior home care and will be more than happy to help you find the best facility for your needs. If you’re looking for senior living in Coon Rapids MN, we’re the right people to call.

We will discuss pricing, on-site services and activities, local resources, and more. We want to make sure that you move to a place that is suitable for your needs.

At Mary T, we also assist with your medical insurance to ensure that pricing is within your budget. Our specialists are here to help you every step of the way to ensure a smooth transition.

Supporting a Loved One in a Move to Independent Living

Perhaps the most important thing you can do is to stay in touch with your friend or family member after they have moved to an independent living facility. Remember, they are likely leaving a home behind that is full of memories.

Seniors need continuing care and support from their families. You can help a great deal just by giving them a call from time to time. Sadly, too many seniors are left alone and without the contact they need. You may find that keeping in contact makes all the difference in the world.

If you have any more questions regarding independent living in Minnesota, give us a call!

How to Convince a Parent to Move to Assisted Living

Posted on January 27, 2021January 20, 2021 by admin

Ask nearly anyone about a move to assisted living and they’ll tell you that they would feel better staying in their own home. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the right decision when it comes to aging parents. They may need care around the clock that they can’t at home.

As tough as it is, this is a conversation that is necessary to ensure the safety of parents who are declining in health. To help you with this, we would like to share some options and perspectives for you to consider while you have that discussion.

These tips will help you get the conversation started and guide it in the right direction. And as tough as it may be at times, you have to keep your loved one’s best interest at heart.

Talking to Your Parents About Assisted Living

Before you jump right into a conversation about a move to assisted living, it’s best to drop light hints about the thought of moving to an assisted living community. You never want to approach your aging parents or loved ones in a manner that suggests you have already decided for them.

Ideally, senior living should be a mutual decision – one that you agree on together. What’s more, all seniors need to be reassured that senior living communities aren’t anything like they imagine.

For many elderly parents and loved ones, an assisted living community is a place that brings great joy and peace. As such, you want to make sure that you convey the benefits that these communities will provide. Many of them offer fun activities, fewer responsibilities, around-the-clock care, and enhanced safety.

It’s good to point out that moving to a senior living community will afford your mom or dad the perfect opportunity to make new friends. Once they get involved in their community and take part in the activities offered, many parents quickly change their mind about being there.

Addressing Concerns

Make sure that you listen to any concerns your parent may have about making such a move. Reassure them that this is just a new chapter in their life – one centered on their health and safety.

It’s also important to wait for the right time. If your parent is inclined to accidents, bring this up the next time something happens. Convey your concerns about what would have happened had you not been there. It’s important that they also see the need for such a move.

At that same time, if your parent or relative isn’t at any immediate risk and is more than capable of taking care of themselves, don’t rush into assisted living. There are plenty other types of communities for seniors. If they simply talk about being lonely or showing a desire to meet people, independent living communities might be a better fit.

Making the Move to Assisted Living

When the day comes that it’s time to make the move, try to consider how your parent must feel. You don’t completely understand what they are being asked to leave behind. Not only are they leaving their home, but also a lifetime of memories. There is bound to be a lot of emotion involved in this move.

While there’s a good chance that your loved one will meet new residents and form friendships, the need to talk to family never ends. Try to visit as often as you can and get the family involved, too. This will help in the coping process more than you can imagine.

Common Questions About Assisted Living

Q: Is there a time when family members should begin discussing assisted living facilities as a possible option for care?

One of the most opportune times to have this discussion is if, for example, mom has a close call at home. Let her know that you worry about her safety. You want her to be aware that there are options available that might help meet her needs.

Q: What is the best way to bring up a possible transition into assisted living?

It’s always better if your parents bring it up first. Not necessarily moving to assisted living, but the desire to have security and peace of mind. This is a much easier option compared to you making the first move.

Q: What can you do if your parent is resistant or completely opposed to an assisted living facility?

There are some instances that make having a reasonable conversation impossible. For example, dealing with memory loss or dementia. In those cases, you might be unable to do or say anything to change their thinking.

As hard as it is, you may have to seek a power of attorney to ensure the safety and best interest of your loved one. If you are finding this difficult and don’t know where to start, we encourage you to contact us at Mary T.

We specialize in senior living services and can help you in this challenging time. If you’re looking for assisted living or nursing homes in coon rapids MN, give us a call. We will be happy to assist you in finding the right place for your loved one.