Memory Care Community Autumn Leaves of St. Charles Offers Respite Care This Summer
St. Charles, IL (PRWEB) August 06, 2014 -- Autumn Leaves of St. Charles, Ill., announces that it is offering overnight respite care this summer at its memory care community for those living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.
Many caregivers feel they must pass up a summer vacation because they have no options for the care of their loved ones while they’re away. And traveling with a person with dementia may be out of the question. A change in routine can lead to confusion and agitation, and some people with dementia tend to wander and get lost, especially in unfamiliar surroundings.
To help meet this need in the community, Autumn Leaves of St. Charles offers an overnight respite care program. Respite care visitors enjoy the same benefits as Autumn Leaves’ permanent residents: three freshly-prepared meals each day, a full schedule of activities, and assistance with daily living activities. In addition, a nurse is on-site seven days a week, 24 hours a day, to help manage healthcare issues if needed.
Also, Autumn Leaves is designed so that residents may stroll safely around the building as well in the secured outdoor courtyard area. That means freedom of movement while staying safe.
“Because they know their loved ones are cared for, actively involved and safe, our Respite Care gives families peace of mind,” said Anita Dierks, Executive Director of Autumn Leaves of St. Charles.
During their stay, residents also enjoy the community’s Inspired Connections program of life engagement activities, which includes exercise, games, entertainment, continuing education, arts and crafts, and a summer favorite, ice cream socials.
“Many of our new families are initially reluctant to leave a loved one with us,” said Mary Ann Miller, Life Engagement Manager for Autumn Leaves of St. Charles. “But often, when they return, they’re pleasantly surprised to see that their loved one is happy and more alert. Our activities are designed based on research, and those combined with the social interaction keep residents happily occupied."
In addition, active engagement can help reduce symptoms of Alzheimer’s such as agitation, confusion or withdrawal.
Some families may be reluctant to use respite care, feeling they should “do it all” to care for a loved one’s needs, according to the Alzheimer’s Association’s Respite Care Guide.
“Seeking help does not make you a failure,” the Guide says. “It’s important to remember that respite services benefit the person with dementia as well as the caregiver.”
Getting away is particularly important for caregivers, especially those who are seniors themselves. Caring for a person with dementia who needs assistance with daily living activities – eating and bathing, for example – can be physically demanding. In many cases, people with dementia have difficulty sleeping, and that can mean disturbed sleep for the caregiver, too.
“Studies show that those who care for a person with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia are more likely to experience health problems themselves,” said Brenda Abbott-Shultz, Vice President of Health Care for Autumn Leaves. “The constant stress can compromise the caregiver’s health.”
For those who are looking to eventually move a family member into a memory care community permanently, respite care offers a good way to “try out” a community.
“Some of our residents came to us by way of a respite care stay,” says Dierks. “Their families were so pleased when they saw how their loved ones thrived during their stay, and chose Autumn Leaves when they needed permanent residential memory care.”
Respite Care residents must complete admission paperwork and must reserve space in advance. For more information, call Al Arellano, Director of Sales & Marketing, at Autumn Leaves of St. Charles at 630-485-4510.
ABOUT AUTUMN LEAVES
Family owned and operated memory care assisted living communities, Autumn Leaves® is dedicated to serving those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Autumn Leaves communities are committed to providing exceptionally high-quality care and research-based programs that allow for safe, secure, and active environments for its residents. An acknowledged leader in memory care, Autumn Leaves combines clinical expertise, knowledge of dementia, and heartfelt compassion to create the best possible care environment. Autumn Leaves currently operates 36 communities in 4 states with the ability to serve more than 1,800 residents. For more information, visit AutumnLeaves.com or call 888-662-8886.
Kristin Dupont, Autumn Leaves, http://www.autumnleaves.com, +1 214-845-4428, [email protected]
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