Courtney Schwartz

New Haven: Senior living received vaccine first creates the safest environment for seniors.

AUSTIN, TEXAS (February 2, 2021) New Haven Assisted Living, with 10 assisted living and memory care communities throughout Texas, looks forward to the long-term protection COVID-19 vaccines will provide residents and staff, offering a peace of mind for families and everyone at New Haven.
Being one of the first senior living communities to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, New Haven residents can rest easily knowing they are living in the VERY safest place for seniors in the foreseeable future.
New Haven is confident the COVID-19 vaccine will transform the healthcare industry and continue to provide a safe place for all current and future residents to call home. Our teams will continue to maintain safety protocols currently in place to help protect our residents, staff, and families, including appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), on-going community testing, social distancing, and specialized daily cleaning.

“Unfortunately, many seniors still living at home wait for access to the vaccine, which could be weeks to months away. While waiting, they will continue to be at far greater risk than seniors living in one of our communities, not just regarding their emotional and mental health, but to their physical health as well. We are fortunate to have the ability to provide close to 600 COVID-19 vaccines to residents and staff across 10 of our New Haven communities,” says Holli Hasserodt, Regional Vice President.

Throughout this pandemic, New Haven has focused not just on safety but on maintaining community-style living that is vibrant for the residents by providing daily opportunities for social engagement, exercise, and an enhanced dining program. New Haven provides a wide range of benefits, from 24/7 care to give the residents the ability to interact with people daily, allowing for a social life.

New Haven Memory Care serves seniors with dementia, offering specialized memory care programs where they’ve seen significant benefits from the residents being able to engage and socialize versus the alternative — being at home alone, isolated, and at potential risk of depression and loneliness.

“At New Haven, we understand families have concerns around placing their loved one in a senior living during this pandemic. I see it as one of the safest options for our seniors. We continue to excel in all 10 of our communities by providing vaccines for our staff and residents, new and old. Metaphorically, we are an island of safety in a sea of COVID-19,” says Justin Yarmark, New Haven’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Stay updated with how New Haven stays ahead of COVID: https://newhavenassistedliving.com/coronavirus-preparedness/ or follow us on our Facebook page for more updates!

What is Memory Care Really Like?

What is memory care really like? One of the fears that many families face when thinking about memory care is the unknown. It’s hard to imagine day-to-day life in memory care if you’ve never seen it. And what you do imagine may be based on professional practices or ideas that are out-of-date and no longer used.

Different Levels of Memory Care

As you likely know, dementia is not caused by a single condition. Rather, it is a group of conditions that share certain traits, such as cognitive decline and memory loss. While there are many types of dementia, all of them are typically progressive. This means they get more severe over time. Dementia is grouped roughly into three stages of progress: early, intermediate, and advanced.

Because the causes, symptoms, and progress of dementia vary, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to memory care. Instead, modern memory care residences feature differentiated and personalized programs.

When they move in, we sit down with each new resident and their families and get to know them. This process includes different assessments and conversations that help pinpoint the exact level of care that is right for them, right now. Not only do we assess the level of memory care that a new resident needs, we take the opportunity to get a feel for their personality, interests, likes, and dislikes.

Because not every resident will get the same benefit from every therapy available, this assessment process is a key first step to successful memory care.

Daily Enrichment and Activities

Research has shown that regular mental, social, and physical activity can help slow the progression of cognitive decline related to dementia. These activities also improve mood, reduce the risk of falls, and in some cases even improve memory. Therapeutic memory care includes a daily menu of these research-based therapies, targeted and tailored to both the stage and interests of the individual.

One category of therapy shown to improve concentration, communication, and cognitive function involves sensory stimulation. This means activities that stimulate one or more of the five senses in targeted ways, such as light therapy, art therapy, aromatherapeutic massage, and pet therapy. One of the most effective sensory therapies is music therapy.

Another critical component of therapeutic dementia care is physical exercise. Based on their level of physical ability, each resident is encouraged to join in daily physical activity, from walking to chair yoga to range of motion exercises.

Socialization and Friendship

One particularly important element of memory care therapy is socialization. Loneliness and isolation put every senior at risk, and dementia only compounds that risk. Living in a memory care residence provides social opportunities that are otherwise beyond the reach of most seniors with dementia.

Especially for those in the early or intermediate stages of dementia, memory care offers therapy in group settings. This provides opportunities for peer socialization and interaction throughout the day. From mealtimes to music therapy, from exercise class to cooking club, memory care residents spend time with friends and peers in the same stage of life.

As dementia progresses, group activities may become more stressful or difficult. For these residents, social stimulation moves to their private apartment. Once again, the conversations that we have with families and residents when they first move in come into play. Socialization for these residents involves one-on-one conversations and reminiscences guided by a trained caregiver.

A Safe, Beautiful Environment

The final element of a research-based therapeutic memory care residence is its physical design. Dementia often leads to high-risk wandering. Memory care buildings are designed to be secure, free of trip hazards, and easy to navigate without getting lost. Everything, from the artwork on the walls to the color of the paint and upholstery is chosen based on its therapeutic value.

A well-designed memory care residence provides a feeling of independence and freedom without visible restriction, combined with the peace of mind that comes from thoughtful security and safety design. The end result is residents who are not only safe but who continue to enjoy the sense of respect and autonomy that they desire.

Are you interested in learning more about memory care at New Haven Assisted Living? Click here to schedule a virtual tour and see for yourself how these principles are put into action in our state-of-the-art therapeutic residences.

Does your mom or dad need memory care? Are you looking for caregiver support or respite services? We can help. Click here to contact us today and speak with an expert about where to go from here.

Coronavirus Response for Senior Living

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

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

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 of Spring and Tomball Receive a Special Visit

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:

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
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
Stover, P.J. (January, 2010) “Vitamin B12 and older adults.” Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care, 13(1):24-7.
Diane Fager, RD (October, 2018) “Menus for Assisted Living Facilities”
https://www.grovemenus.com/menus-for-assisted-living-facilities
UCSF Health (accessed March 9, 2020) “Increasing Fiber Intake.” https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/increasing-fiber-intake

Courtney Schwartz

Wearing Face Masks

Outside Health Provider Protocols

COVID-19 Questionnaire

Staying PPE Supplied

Communication

Health and Mental Status

Life Enrichment

Virtually Connected

Paying for Senior Living

Long Term Care Insurance

Veterans Benefits

Life Insurance

Consider Selling or Renting if you Own Your Home

Bridge Loan

Private Pay

Annuity

The Energy and Emotion of Color

The Colors Interpreted

The Design at New Haven

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