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New Haven

Assisted Living & Memory Care

Courtney Schwartz

Coronavirus Response for Senior Living

The overall health and safety of staff and residents is our top priority.

Coronavirus Response for Senior Living

New Haven residents and staff continue to stay safe and healthy during the COVID-19 outbreak. New Haven staff have gone above and beyond the standards to ensure our resident safety. These are the safety guidelines that the New Haven Staff is adhering to:

Wearing Face Masks

New Haven is following the recommendations of Center for Disease Control – staff and residents wear face masks. Staff must wear masks at all times. When staff is in the apartment working with a resident or outside of the apartment, residents wear also wear a mask.

New Haven has also asked that all essential healthcare workers visiting New Haven wear masks.

Outside Health Provider Protocols

Upon arrival, all outside health providers must answer and pass a COVID-19 questionnaire and have their temperature taken. New Haven has asked that home health/hospice visits take place at the beginning of their day to help prevent the spread of disease from one facility to another.

COVID-19 Questionnaire

In an effort to track signs and symptoms of the illness, all staff and residents must also regularly complete a COVID-19 questionnaire. The questionnaire is performed twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening.

Staying PPE Supplied

New Haven developed guidelines early on in order to ensure adequate supply of PPE supplies. Additionally, PPE inventory is tracked daily in order for communities to have the equipment necessary to keep residents and staff safe.

Communication

New Haven has implemented a CareMerge broadcast messaging system. Immediate COVID-19 communication is sent via text, voicemail, and email to facility staff and families.

We want to ensure that our families and staff are the first to know about any immediate changes within each community, and the CareMerge Broadcast messaging system has made the process efficient.

Health and Mental Status

Residents complete a Health and Mental Status assessments each week to assess mental wellbeing of our residents. Not only is the health of our residents a top priority, but the overall well-being is of utmost importance as well.

Life Enrichment

New Haven has increased hours of Activity Directors due to the visitor restriction of their loved one to prevent isolation and depression. We want to continue to keep our residents active, as this helps with their overall health. In order to keep social distancing and keep our residents active, we have adjusted our daily schedule to offer small social activities, but still, allow our residents to stay socially distant and active.

Virtually Connected

Our aim is to keep families engaged on a daily basis. To stay virtually connected, iPads help residents stay connected with their loved ones. We have also increased posting of daily activities on Facebook.

Experience the New Haven resident-centered environment that our communities offer so that your loved one feels secure and enjoys all the comforts of home. Let us calm your fears about making the decision to move your loved one in this uncertain time. 

Please visit our website and Facebook page for continued updates on our response to COVID-19.

Paying for Senior Living

Paying for Senior Living

One of the most stressful parts of moving a loved one into an Assisted Living Community is figuring out how to pay for it. Children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, anyone that is helping a loved one with this journey just want to do what is best for their loved one, and part of that is making sure that they take care of their loved one’s money as well. Most people do not know how many different options there are for paying for Senior Living.

  • Long Term Care Insurance

    • Long Term Care insurance benefits vary widely depending on the policy, and benefits can range from $1,500 to more than $9,000 per month. If you get denied the first time, try again! Sometimes it can take a few tries to qualify for Long Term Care Insurance, just do not give up!

  • Veterans Benefits

    • If you or your loved one is a veteran or a spouse of a veteran, you may be eligible for benefits that can be used to pay for Senior Living.

  • Life Insurance

    • A life insurance policy can provide financial support now if that’s when the money would be most helpful. Life Insurance benefits are not only available after a person’s death. Ask your Life Insurance Agent for different options for you!

  • Consider Selling or Renting if you Own Your Home

    • If nobody will be remaining in the home, consider selling the home. If you just are not ready to let go of your home, consider renting the home out!

  • Bridge Loan

    • If you have trouble liquidating assets quickly, these short term loans are designed to fund the move to Assisted Living and are awesome when waiting for the sale of property or to be approved for a pension.

  • Private Pay

    • Personal income or savings is the simplest route. You can also cash in personal investment portfolios like 401k plans or IRAs.

  • Annuity

    • If you are worried about outliving your resources, considering an annuity could be a good option for you!

These are just a few options to help you during the process of trying to figure out the best way to pay for Senior Living. Get creative! Check out www.newhavenassistedliving.com to get more information about our community, and let us help assist you in finding your loved one the perfect place to call “home.”

Color Psychology: What’s in a Color

The Energy and Emotion of Color

Did you know that there’s actually psychology in color? According to Psychology Specialist, Dr. Mahnke, “The color produced by light is a kind of energy. This energy affects both the functions of our body as well as our mind and emotions. Thanks to studies conducted, we now know that color affects brain waves, the autonomic nervous system and hormonal activity and stimulates various emotions. In other words, we react both physiologically and psychologically to color. Depending on how the brain is stimulated, a person can be rendered happy, angry, sad or anxious.” Everyone interprets a different sensation to color. However, children and the elderly are more sensitive to color in the way that it affects them, so you must be aware of the colors you use when decorating a space that is for a child or an elderly adult.

Strong, bright, neon colors can have a powerful affect on emotions. These types of colors can feel energizing and can make you feel more alert.  However, for children and the elderly, bright colors can actually be overwhelming, distracting, and can cause anxiety.

The Colors Interpreted

Below is a list of colors and a short interpretation of how children and elderly may react to these certain colors according to Specialist Psychologist Ayben Ertem:

  • Red—“Red attracts all the attention and distorts the effect of other colors. The lens of the eye must adjust to be able to focus on red. Using intense red in a room, especially in a room where a child or senior sleeps or concentrates, could have a negative effect. Children and seniors could feel and become tense and aggressive in rooms painted in red.”
  • Orange—“Orange is softer and simpler in comparison to red, but with the energy of yellow. It represents happiness, sociability and joy. It is ideal in overcoming tiredness, and it radiates warmth, and helps you wake up early in the mornings. Orange physically represents self confidence and independence.”
  • Yellow—”Yellow is the most joyful color on the color scale! It represents wisdom and kindness, and it radiates warmth, joy, enthusiasm, fun and inspiration. Yellow represents mental and spiritual enlightenment. It also affects memory, motivation and attention.”
  • Green—“Green psychologically represents health, and it also has a calming effect on the nervous system. It is reminiscent of peace, calm and quiet. Green is found to be the most relaxing color and represents the power of nature and life.”
  • Blue—“Blue is known to reduce body temperature, blood pressure and pulse rate. Blue evokes feelings of contentment, spaciousness and comfort. Because blue is such a calming color, it is recommended to be used in rooms that are intended to be slept in.”
  • Violet/Purple—“Purple stimulates the part of the brain related to creativity, but purple can also have a calming effect. Purple also contributes to physical and spiritual serenity

The Design at New Haven

Cool, right? Who knew that the color you painted your wall or decorated your home with actually has a psychological effect on you? When touring New Haven Assisted Living and Memory Care, you will find that we have chosen to decorate our communities mainly with the colors that represent peace, calming and joy—yellow, green and blue. Everything we do at New Haven is with a purpose, and with your loved one in mind!

Want to see more? Schedule a Private Tour  

New Haven Assisted Living New Haven Assisted Living

 

 

New Haven of Spring and Tomball Receive a Special Visit

 

New Haven Assisted Living and Memory Care of Tomball and Spring enjoyed new visitors at their window this last week. Enjoy the interview from ABC 13, Houston to see the joy and smiles from our residents.

Click HERE to see the video of the residents enjoying new visitors from therapy horses! 

Diamond Oak Stables, owned by Gretta Schieffer, volunteered to bring her horses to the New Haven communities to bring smiles to the residents.

COVID-19 has brought many challenges and many new “norms” for our residents, getting to socialize with these beautiful horses brought some laughter and joy into our home.

New Haven is going into the 6th week of being COVID free within our 8 New Haven communities. New Haven’s immediate and rigorous plan of action responding to COVID-19 is the primary reason why there are zero infections. The health and wellbeing of our residents, families and staff are of utmost importance to us.

 

Stay updated on all news and daily activities by visiting our Facebook Page 

Getting Creative for Family Visits

“Rae Martin, a licensed vocational nurse at New Haven Assisted Living in Spring said the facility has also been leaning on technology to help residents and families keep in touch.

“I email the families, a few times a week, at least every other day to keep them updated on new updates for the coronavirus and activities going on in the building,” Martin said. “I send them pictures; we pretty well keep in touch. It’s like a huge family here.”

However, should families need more than virtual conversations over video, Martin said families can also visit and see loved ones through residents’ windows.

Visit Here to see more about how we are getting creative for family visits!

 

How Eating Healthy Can Help You Live Your Best Life in Your Golden Years

As you get older, you may become less concerned with having six-pack abs or toned legs. But eating healthy is still important nonetheless in this phase of life. This is because what you eat can impact the health of your body from the inside out. Not to mention, managing your weight and consuming enough nutrients like calcium can impact mobility.

If your bones or muscles are weak, then it may be harder for you to complete daily tasks. You may then have to depend on others for help and not be able to enjoy life as much as you would like. Therefore, read below for tips on how to improve the health of your diet so you can enjoy your best life during your golden years.

What is eating healthy?

Depending on who you talk to, eating healthy can mean something a bit different for everyone. In general, though, eating healthy is when you consume enough nutrients daily for your body to function at its best. This type of diet would be balanced with the three macronutrients: fat, carbohydrate, and protein. It would also include plenty of gut-healthy fiber and antioxidants from fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods.

What does a balanced diet look like?

A balanced diet contains plenty of fruits and vegetables as well as protein-rich foods like beef, chicken, seafood, or beans. It also has some healthy fats like avocado, nuts, seeds, fatty fish like salmon, or plant-based oils. Depending on your health status, you may need different amounts of each nutrient than your neighbor.

What nutrients are most important for seniors?

Seniors require special nutrient needs than other adults. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, such vital nutrients for seniors include (1,2,3,4):

  • Calcium: Older adults need more calcium to maintain healthy bones. Calcium is found in milk and milk products, fortified plant-based milks and cereals, as well as dark, green leafy vegetables. Such leafy greens include spinach, kale, and broccoli.
  • Vitamin D: Calcium needs vitamin D to fully aid bone health. This is because vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. You can get vitamin D from exposing your skin to the sunlight each day, taking a supplement of about 600 IU daily, or eating vitamin D rich foods. Such foods include egg yolks, saltwater fish like tuna, liver, and fortified milk. You may need to take more vitamin D if you have low levels in your blood. Be sure to have your doctor check your vitamin D levels each year.
  • Vitamin B12: Older adults are at higher risk than other adults of being low in vitamin B12 since their body has more trouble absorbing it. Low levels of vitamin B12 can lead to red blood cell health, which can lead to a condition known as megaloblastic anemia. This condition can make a person very tired and can also cause shortness of breath, muscle weakness, nausea, and loss of appetite. You can consume B12 in animal products like beef, poultry, seafood, pork, eggs, and dairy products as well as fortified cereals.
  • Fiber: Older adults need fiber, just like all adults do, to maintain gut health and heart health. You can find fiber in fruits, vegetables, whole grains like rice, breads, and pasta, as well as beans and lentils. Most adults need about 25 to 30 grams of fiber each day for their best health.
  • Potassium: Eating plenty of potassium in the diet, about 3500 milligrams daily, can help lower one’s risk of high blood pressure. You can find potassium in foods like fruits, vegetables, and beans.

Can I take a dietary supplement instead of eating food with these nutrients?

You can certainly take a dietary supplement instead of eating nutrient-rich foods. However, you would miss out on the diverse array of health benefits in whole foods. Therefore, it’s important to just take those nutrients in supplement form that you feel you cannot eat enough of in your daily diet. A multivitamin made just for seniors could be the right fit for you.

But make sure to eat plenty of the foods listed above to reap the benefits of whole food intake. Rich protein sources like milk, yogurt, and plant-based milks can provide not only calcium, but also protein. And eating a rainbow of brightly colored vegetables and fruits each day

How do I start eating healthier today?

If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to eating healthier, meeting with a registered dietitian can help. This type of healthcare professional is trained to help you look at your current eating plan and health needs and figure out where you can improve.

They can help you plan easy to prepare meals that contain all the nutrients you need to be your healthiest. You can call your insurance provider to see if dietitian services are covered under your medical plan.

 

 

 

References:

  1. Wolfram, MS, RDN, LDN (May 23, 2018) “Special Nutrient Needs of Older Adults.” Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/healthy-aging/special-nutrient-needs-of-older-adults
  2.  NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center (last reviewed October 2018) “Calcium and Vitamin D: Important at Every Age.” https://www.bones.nih.gov/health-info/bone/bone-health/nutrition/calcium-and-vitamin-d-important-every-age
  3. Stover, P.J. (January, 2010) “Vitamin B12 and older adults.” Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care, 13(1):24-7.
  4. Diane Fager, RD (October, 2018) “Menus for Assisted Living Facilities”
    https://www.grovemenus.com/menus-for-assisted-living-facilities
  5. UCSF Health (accessed March 9, 2020) “Increasing Fiber Intake.” https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/increasing-fiber-intake

MARCH 31st UPDATE

UPDATES FOR CORONAVIRUS-19

Our New Haven management team is taking every action to stay connected with our residents and families as we continue to navigate the personal implications of COVID-19 per CDC guidelines. The health and wellbeing of our resident’s, families and staff members are of utmost importance to us. Below is a plan we have put together to ensure that your loved ones are being protected from COVID-19.

Summary of Changes per Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

  • Restricted all visitation except for certain compassionate care, such as end of life situations.
  • Restricted all volunteers and non-essential healthcare personnel (HCP), including non-essential healthcare personnel.
  • Canceled all group activities outside of the community and communal dining.
  • Implemented active screening of residents and health care professionals for fever and respiratory symptoms.
  • Employees with a temperature of 100.0 or greater will be sent home.
  • Residents with a temp of 100.0 or greater will be quarantined to their room.

We are encouraging our physicians to use telemedicine to screen and treat our residents using technology networks to reduce the flow of non-core health care providers from entering into our facilities.

Healthcare providers such as Hospice and Home Health will have limited visits sufficient to allow the resident to stay on services. Hospice caregivers who provide baths for those residents will be allowed into the facility, but visits will be decreased. All outside healthcare providers will be required to complete the

COVID-19 symptom screening and will be required to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) upon entering the facility.

 

Watch for symptoms:

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.*

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

Relying on the expertise of the CDC and local health officials across the country, we are committed to sharing information as soon as we have it to protect the health and wellbeing of our residents, employees and families. At the heart of our core values is you, and the New Haven management team who serve you.  We are here to support your needs and care for your loved one in every way possible.

We know this is a very difficult time for you as visits are restricted due to the CDC protocols and we will continue to go above and beyond to make every effort to allow you to visit with your loved one via Facetime or other sources of telecommunication. Our goal is to reduce the anxiety level of our residents due to the many changes and maintain our compassionate level of care.

If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Administrator or myself.

 

Tessa Wilson

Director of Clinical Care and Operations

tessa@newhavenassistedliving.com

 

 

Visitation Hours

New Haven has stopped all outside visitors at this time until further notice. All outside providers have been canceled as well unless an emergency otherwise medical visits will be via FaceTime or telecommunications! We understand this is an inconvenience for some but our priorities continue to be the residents. We also encourage taking your loved one out as little as possible. Thank you all for your understanding and helping us put your loved ones first if you have any questions or concerns I am available.

**Please share for your extended family and friends as well**