Helpful information about Senior Living in Atlanta, Georgia

Do Seniors Need A Living Will?

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What is a living will and who should have one?

Talking about end-of-life and critical-care issues are never an easy subject and can often get pushed aside because family members aren’t ready to confront this stage, but planning ahead can avert confusion and unnecessary distress during times of concern and grief.

Knowing a loved one’s wishes in advance before an illness or accident ensures that family members won’t have to make tough calls on their behalf during a crisis.

Livings Wills Are Legal Instructions

Also called advance directives or healthcare directives, living wills are written, legal instructions detailing a person’s preferences for medical care if they are unable to make decisions. Advance directives manage healthcare choices for medical professionals and caregivers if a person is terminally ill, critically injured, in a coma, in the late stages of dementia or near the end of life.

Living Wills and Power of Attorney

A living will typically work together with a medical power of attorney (POA). Some states combine the two into one document. The medical POA enables a person to select a person (a spouse, family member, or a friend) to make medical decisions on their behalf.

This isn’t just for older adults either, unexpected critical care and end-of-life situations can occur at any age, it’s crucial for all adults to prepare these documents. For more helpful information for seniors read more articles on our blog here. To contact Safehaven for assisted living click here to speak to a representative.

Senior Foot Health And Why It’s So Important

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senior foot health atlanta

Mobility is a vital ingredient to self-sufficiency, making the foot ailments that often trouble seniors particularly worrisome. While it may not come to mind as a major health concern, poor foot health can severely impact a person’s ability to live alone, work and engage in social activities.

Observing preventive foot health care has many benefits. At the top of the list is that it can increase comfort, limit the possibility of additional medical problems, and reduce the chances of hospitalization because of infection.

Here are some tips for keeping feet healthy:

Wear Shoes That Fit Properly
Many people don’t wear shoes that properly fit them or support their feet. Shop for shoes in the afternoon so you can avoid choosing shoes that are too small for your feet that swell during the day.

Regularly Take Walks
This is ultimately the best exercise for your feet.

Wear Seam-Free Socks
This will help with preventing any skin irritations from developing on your skin.

Have Corns & Calluses Professionally Treated
Never cut corns and calluses with a razor, pocket knife. Only use over-the-counter foot products with the advice of a podiatrist.

Bathe & Inspect Feet Daily
Apply lukewarm water and mild soap to keep your feet free of any dirt on a daily basis. If you notice any redness, swelling, cracks in your skin consult your podiatrist.

If you or your loved one needs assistance with foot care or any additional health care and support, contact Safehaven Senior Living here. We provide 24/7 assistance in Atlanta that will keep your loved one happy and healthy!

Senior Sun Safety in Atlanta

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Summer weather in Atlanta, Georgia is great for relaxing with family and friends. Too much outdoor time for seniors, however, can lead to problems like sunburn or dehydration. By taking a few precautions, these problems could be avoided so you can get the most out of long summer days.

Wear the proper summer clothing
The best summertime clothing for seniors is lightweight and made out of breathable fabric such as cotton. Shirts should be long-sleeved, and seniors should wear wide-brimmed hats.

Apply sunscreen early and often
Sunscreen takes time to work, so doing wait until you’re poolside to apply sunscreen. Try to use sunscreen about an hour before you head outside and reapply every two hours.

Drink plenty of fluids
Seniors are less likely to feel thirsty, and dehydration can come on unexpectedly. Try to drink between six and eight glasses of water a day, especially on days involving physical activity, or if the weather is particularly hot.

Stay indoors during the hottest hours
The sun is most intense during the middle of the day. Save activities like gardening or walking for the early morning or evening when the weather is cooler.

Weather can get extremely hot during the summer in Georgia. Do your best to follow these tips so you can get the most out of your time outdoors this year. Our assisted living community offers gardening programs, great outdoor recreational areas, and plenty of seats in the shade. Contact us today to schedule a tour of Safehaven Senior Living.

Five Activities for Seniors with Dementia

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Connecting with others is an essential part of being human – and that remains the same when a person has dementia. We’re frequently asked, “What are good activities for dementia patients?”. There are still many ways you can continue to form connections and strengthen bonds with your loved one during this time.

People with dementia turn to long-term memories of their childhood. Their minds seem only to recall their younger years, and often this is where connections can be made. The next time you visit with your loved one, try one or more of the following activities to create a relationship with them:

Look Through Photo Albums
Find up photo albums with pictures of your loved one’s childhood or young adulthood to connect with old memories. Past periodicals are another excellent option, particularly those that include many photos such as Life or Time magazines.

Make a Playlist
Download songs or set up a radio on Pandora that streams music from their teenage years. Many internet radio stations include everything from classic rock to big band sounds; their favorite music should be easy to find.

Look Through Old Cookbooks
In the past, women spent a lot of their teenage years learning to cook and young adult years cooking for their families. Ask about the origins and different variations used in old family recipes. For even better results, prepare a meal with those old family recipes and reap the rewards with your loved ones.

Enjoy Favorite Treats
Buy some candy or other treats that were common when your loved one was young. Many companies specialize in nostalgic candy where you can buy old favorites.

Visit and Connect with Animals
People who grew up on farms may enjoy an outing to a petting zoo or family farm where they can touch and talk to horses and other farm animals. Ask questions about animals, old pets, or what it was like to grow up on a farm. Recalling old memories on the farm is a meaningful activity to involve grandchildren in since many kids today are not familiar with farms.

Your loved one may seem different than the person you’ve always known, but they still deserve connection and companionship with you. You can strengthen that connection by applying these activities to enhance both of your lives.

Safe Haven is a luxury senior living home that specializes in Dementia Care, Alzheimer’s Care, and Lifelong Enrichment. We have a compassionate, patient, and caring senior living environment, with the goal of enabling senior residents to enjoy the perks of a no-worries lifestyle. Contact us here to learn more about our elder care services in Atlanta, Georgia.

Settling Into Senior Care

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When moving into senior living homes like Safehaven, there are four main steps to outline. These steps overview the major components of what is involved in moving into the care and compassion of a senior living facility. We intend to make the process easier and less complex for both you and your family. Moving for seniors can be a challenge which is why it’s important to have family or friends that support you in the process.

The first step is assessing care options:
This assessment is about knowing what level of care you or your loved one may need. Here at Safehaven we offer Assisted Living services and specialize in Alzheimer’s Care. This senior care is especially essential for those who may have caught the early signs of Alzheimer’s or Dementia and are preparing for the later stages. For more about our services click here.

Second is preparation for the move:
Living in a senior care facility has many long-run benefits that are hard for seniors to see during relocation. It’s important to emphasize the pros while they’re under stress and only thinking about the cons. Before you box things up, a massive help with downsizing is to print out the dimensions of your new home and plan what will fit and what won’t. Make an inventory of all of the items you’re keeping including big furniture pieces.

Next is the physical move:
Avoid the physical and emotional strain on yourself by contacting movers two weeks before you pack up. If you have a layout of your new room, share it with your movers so every item will already be in its place when you get there, only leaving you to hang photos and decorate. The sooner you start organizing and decorating your new space the sooner it will feel like home.

Finally, making a smooth transition into the community:
Important things to remember is that this is your home and everyone wants you to feel welcomed. Adjusting to a new social and cultural environment can be tough. To overcome this start by making yourself familiar with the community pragmatics. Next, walk around the grounds and say hello to everyone to start creating relationships with your neighbors. Attend social outings and participate in group activities, Safehaven has a full calendar of weekly events to make you feel welcomed.

If you are located in the Atlanta and Decatur area and want to learn more about our Assisted Living Care at Safehaven click here.

Alzheimer’s Care and Management

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Safehaven specializes in care techniques that reduce difficult behaviors for residents in various stages of Alzheimer’s Disease. We know that providing care to loved ones with dementia can be challenging which is why we offer Alzheimer’s Care for our residents.

We understand that you may be frustrated and unsure of how to handle the day-to-day challenges of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia. Here are a few tips to help you create more meaningful interactions with loved ones.

Maintain Structure and Routine
Research shows a daily routine allows people with Alzheimer’s to experience better moods and suffer less anxiety. Establish a sense of structure with consistent waking, sleep, and meal times. Here at Safehaven, we communicate their daily routine and what to expect next. We also print out schedules for an even greater sense of reassurance.

Keep Your Loved One Hydrated
Maintaining hydration is critical to good health no matter what your age is. Dehydration in seniors can cause medical destabilization, confusion, and agitation. Keeping plenty of water bottles on hand may help make it easier to stay hydrated. We keep water bottles stocked and readily available any time of day to keep our residents healthy.

Enter Your Loved One’s Reality
Don’t argue with people with dementia when something they say is obviously incorrect. Arguing may make them feel angry and that you do not respect them, this will also cause them to strain their brain more which can worsen dementia symptoms over time. Try to maintain a “go with the flow” attitude when you talk. This can help you to keep the connection and familial bond strong.

Focus on Feelings Not Facts
At Safehaven, we strive for our residents to maintain a healthy positive state of mind. This can be achieved by engaging them in activities that meet their personal preferences. Family tensions can deeply affect people with dementia and can cause difficult behavior – even refusal of care. Be sensitive to family dynamics and recognize that tension and negative feelings can impact acceptance of care.

Effectively Communicate
Remember the saying “actions speak louder than words.” With dementia, nonverbal skills become more important as their verbal skills start to fail. Make sure when you see your loved one you smile, don’t cross your arms, make eye contact, and use a positive tone of voice.

Other tips include: keep it simple, ask one question at a time, use yes/no questions, simplify but don’t eliminate choices, and avoid asking questions that require elaborate answers. Avoid using words and phrases such as “don’t,” “you can’t” and “I told you.”

If you have a loved one in the Atlanta area with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia, consider moving them to a safe and compassionate home-like environment. Here at Safehaven, you can still feel like you’re at home but with the help and support of a dedicated staff. To learn more about our Alzheimer’s Care services and schedule a tour contact us HERE.

What is “Sundowning” and How to Manage it

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Sleeping problems occur in almost all people with mental disorders, including those with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia. Sleep determines our ability to do daily functions and maintain our physical/mental health. Many people believe that a difficulty sleeping is the center of the problem.

What is Sundowning?
Sundowning can cause someone to experience a variety of behaviors some of which include confusion, anxiety, and aggression typically with people that also have Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia. Sundowners isn’t classified as a disease because it’s a group of symptoms that occur at a specific time of day. Sundowning is also called Sundowning Behavior or Sundowners Syndrome.

What are the symptoms of Sundowning?
People can show signs of anxiety, confusion, wandering aimlessly, general disorientation and in some cases hallucinations. These symptoms are likely to occur in the late afternoon or early evening.

What are common triggers for Sundowning?

Too Much Activity at the End of the Day: Researchers believe that a rush of activity at the end of the day can lead to anxiety or confusion.
Fatigue: Exhaustion at the end of a day can contribute to Sundowning.
Lower Visibility: As the sun goes down and there’s dimmer light available, it could challenge for a person to see as well.

How do you take care of a person that’s Sundowning?

  • Allow for light in the morning to help establish an internal clock.
  • Daytime napping should be minimized to help manage a regular sleeping cycle.
  • Encourage exercise to help regulate energy levels.
  • Limit caffeine intake specifically for the morning and avoid it in the afternoon.
  • Create a private place just for winding down and decompressing.
  • Consider purchasing a bedside commode frequently getting up and down can make it hard to get back to sleep.

Living in a supportive community like Safehaven can help manage these symptoms with the help of professionals in a compassionate way. If you have a loved one that has Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia find out HERE how Safehaven’s Senior Community in Atlanta, Georgia can help make a positive impact on their lives.

4 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

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How do you know if your loved one has Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia? Only a doctor can diagnose either condition but it’s still important to look out for warning signs that may help you find out if you should consider visiting a doctor.

1. Memory loss and forgetfulness
Anyone can sometimes forget details of a conversation, but early signs of Alzheimer’s cause a person to forget an entire conversation. They may forget important dates or even faces of family members.

2. Lack of concentration and confusion
People with Alzheimer’s may forget where they are or how they got there. They can also lose track of the seasons and passage of time.

3. Losing things
Alzheimer’s patients put things in unusual places and tend to lose them this way. They may swear an item was somewhere and become upset when it doesn’t turn up in it’s expected place.

4. Change in personality or mood swings
Patients tend to exhibit mood swings or a change in their personality. They may become fearful, anxious, or depressed when out of their comfort zone.

If you think someone you love has Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia, contact your doctor. If your loved one is already diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia contact us HERE if you need an ideal assisted living community near Atlanta.

Top Reasons to Move to a Senior Living Facility

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1. Gourmet Meals Every Day
Meals are prepared daily on-site with fresh and high-quality ingredients. We customize our menus for any dietary preferences residents have. Eating out is still an option during day trips so you can still visit your favorite restaurants!

2. Help From Compassionate Professionals
Our friendly, professional staff members love spoiling you with hospitality, warmth, and of course welcoming smiles. Our certified Assisted Living caregivers are carefully screened to make sure they are above the industry standard.

3. Higher Quality of Living
Enjoy upscale living in the heart of Buckhead outside of Atlanta, Georgia. Our residence has beautiful landscaping with a 25-acre park, 2 lakes, on-site gardening, and rooms with patio access available. Regular in-home activities include movie nights, pottery classes, computer classes, and visits from personal trainers!

Ready to schedule a tour? Contact us HERE to learn more about Senior Living in Atlanta, Georgia!

Atlanta assisted living

Why Safehaven is Perfect For You

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When looking for an assisted living facility in Atlanta for your loved one, you want to find the perfect one. Safehaven is a place you or your loved one can make themselves at home and flourish while they’re here. So what sets Safehaven apart? Why choose us?

Our state certified caregivers, managers, and nurses are carefully screened with thorough background checks to make sure they are above industry standards. We don’t only look for skills and experience in senior care but compassion and personality as well. All of our employees have excellent references and are committed to quality elder care. Our friendly, professional staff members love spoiling our residents with warmth, hospitality, and welcoming smiles.

Safehaven strives to provide our residents with a home-like environment. We have daily gourmet meals, family style dining options, and personalized menus/activities. Our grounds are nestled on a 25-acre park with 2 lakes, we have beautiful landscaping, and even space for residents to garden as well.

There’s always an activity to do at Safehaven, whether that’s movie night, board games, sewing/knitting, or sundae socials. We have a hairdresser, barber, and massage therapist on-site for added convenience. There are also engaging classes like pottery and art along with day trips around town to your favorite places like local restaurants, sporting events, musicals, museums, and more!

Ready to learn more about why you should choose Safehaven for assisted senior living? Schedule a tour HERE or call us at (404) 235-7733 with any questions or about what else we provide for our residents.