Tag Archives: Holland Home

Local students are spreading a little kindness one letter at a time

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Holland Home CEO Mina Breuker received a pleasant surprise in her mailbox earlier this year. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

It was like any other winter evening when Mina Breuker headed out to get the mail. Except this time around there was a package among the letters.

“I know John VandenBerg,” said the CEO of Holland Home about the Allendale Christian School teacher who sent the package. “His in-laws are good friends of ours but I hadn’t seen him or his wife in a while and really didn’t know why he was sending me a package.

Breuker took the package in, opened it and a surprise – or rather surprises – fell out.

“There were all these handmade cards, so wonderfully written,” Breuker said, adding that there were all kinds of messages of “thank you” and “we are praying for you.”

The fifth grade students in John VandenBerg and Jessica Kirchoff had sent the notes as part of the “Choose Kind — Spread Kind” fifth grade initiative. The goal is that by sending out letters of encouragement, the students would help spread kindness within the community or as one letter writer put it “I have learned a lot about kindness. It is a lot like dominos. When you hit one, it spreads.”

According to VandenBerg, the purpose was to spread kindness amidst the pandemic and other continued national difficulties. The idea came from VandenBerg’s own fourth grade experience, when his class wrote to then President George Bush.

“He wrote back and I thought how cool that was,” VandenBerg said, adding he wanted to give his students that same experience.

The 29 students in Kirchoff’s and VandenBerg’s classes first spent time exploring the book “Wonder,” by R. J. Palacio, which explores the nature of friendship, tenacity, fear, and kindness. The teachers used the book as a launchpad to discuss kindness and how to inspire acts of kindness. From there, the students wrote letters to share kindness with others.

The first the letters were given to Allendale Christian School staff such as the librarians and food service providers. The campaign eventually expanded to include local, state, and national leaders.

“I like it because I like seeing the reaction from the letters that people send back,” said fifth grader Eden VanderWaal. Eden said seeing how one act of kindness has a ripple effect on others has encouraged Eden to do more for others.

 

Returning the thank you: the response board at Allendale Christian School for the “Choose Kind-Spread Kind” initiative. (Supplied)

Not everyone has responded back but VandenBerg said that was not the point of the initiative.

 

“The whole idea is that people will pay it forward,” he said. “They will share the kindness and it will create this whole snowball effect everywhere creating an avalanche of kindness.”

While many think to send letters to the seniors, few have come to the management team. For that reason reason, Breuker said she felt the need to share the “beautifully written letters” with the rest of the Holland Home team to let them know that what they have done was appreciated.

“It certainly lightened the load,” Breuker said., adding that there have not been many good feelings this year and it was nice to know that the students at Allendale Christian School were working to help spread the “love” even if it is one letter at a time.

Butterflies help Holland Home residents share their stories through art

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Artist Pamela Alderman with the piece “Patterns of Resiliency (Broken Wings No. 3)” at Holland Homes Breton Woods. (Photo credit: WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

It is not an easy task to find an activity that will include a variety of ages and abilities and encourage people to participate. For Holland Home, the answer to completing that task came in the shape of a butterfly.

Holland Home operates several facilities such as the independent living facility Breton Woods, located near 44th and Breton Road in Kentwood, and Raybrook, located off of Burton Avenue near Calvin College. At these facilities, Holland Home offers its Vibrant Living program which provides residents with spiritual, intellectual, emotional, social and physical activities. 

“We look for programs that will be inclusive to everyone along with offering new opportunities for residents,” said Director of Resident Life Marenta Klinger.

Klinger said the Vibrant Living committee came together and wanted to do a program that would encompass a variety of ages, talents, and abilities, but the committee was not certain as to what that program should be.

Enter local artist Pamela Alderman. Alderman is a familiar name as she has participated in ArtPrize for the past 10 years with several of her pieces placing in the top 20. Alderman’s work is interactive and collaborative with one of her more well-known pieces “Wing and a Prayer” had 2013 ArtPrize visitors write notes for children in need and hang them on a wall. She made 20,000 vellum cards for the 2013 event, adding that she quickly ran out. 

With her signature red glasses and infectious smile. Alderman accepted the challenge presented to her from Holland Home of creating a piece of art that would be inclusive of the community’s residents and would be gallery quality to hang in the various facilities.

“My thoughts came to the Monarch butterfly,” Alderman said during a recent interview.

It takes five generations of the Monarch butterfly to migrate from Canada to Mexico and back again. Scientist believe the butterflies have some sort of internal mechanism that guides them to the Sierra Madre Mountains in Mexico with some butterflies returning to the exact fir trees of their ancestors. 

Alderman said she began to see patterns between the butterflies and seniors, who have been part of a long journey, growing strong through the challenges and stresses of life. Alderman said she saw the project as a way to celebrate the life of the seniors and an opportunity for the participants to share their stories.

  • A resident paints tiles. (Supplied)
  • Residents help to create the Patterns of Resiliency (Broken Wings No. 3). (Supplied)

With that in mind, she created three specific projects centered around the journey of the Monarch butterfly. The first project was called Patterns of Resiliency (Broken Wings No. 3) where residents in Holland Home’s independent living painted the backs of 324 plexiglass tiles that would be assembled to create a large butterfly.

“It was interesting, because we would ask people to paint and some would say, ‘I have no talent. I can’t paint,’” Alderman said. “We were like everyone can put paint on a tile.”

Some people did designs and others share their stories such as a World War II surviver who told her story of when the Allied Forces liberated France.

“She used green and blue for the country side and then red, white, and blue for the Allied Forces that came in,” Alderman said. 

The stories continued in the second project, called Legacy Journey (Broken Wings No. 4). Residents in both the independent living and the assisted living wrote or dictated legacy words on marble paper that depicted who they were or words that were meaningful to them. The papers were cut and used to form a second large butterfly.

A resident gets help in sponge painting for the final piece, Kaleidoscope (Broken Wings No. 5). (Supplied)

The last project, Kaleidoscope (Broken Wings No. 5), focused on those living in Holland Home’s assisted living and skilled nursing. Residents painted with sponges on paper that was ripped up to form the final butterfly. At the same time, a group of carpenters from the independent living constructed frames for the butterflies, creating, as Alderman called it “a kaleidoscope of activity as the Holland Home community came together to create the final pieces.”

From there, Alderman created two sets of the butterflies, a set that is on display at Breton Woods and the other at Raybrook, so all the residents could enjoy the final pieces. Klinger said the pieces were all on display together for the unveiling earlier this year. The individual pieces are displayed in the lobby of the facilities, which are not open to the general public, Klinger said.

“It was the perfect project,” Klinger said, adding that about 400 residents and staff participated in the project. “Residents in every level care at both campuses were able to participate.”

Alderman said because of the project’s scope of bring people together of all abilities, she hopes to springboard off the Holland Home project and offer similar programs to other senior living facilities.

To learn more about Alderman’s art, visit pamelaalderman.com. To learn more about Holland Home, visit hollandhome.org. 

  • Kaleidoscope (Broken Wings No. 5) (Supplied)
  • Legacy Journey (Broken Wings No. 4) (Supplied)

Holland Home: Communicating God’s love to someone with memory loss

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By Peg Cochran

Marketing Communications Manager, Holland Home

 

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia is challenging.  Memory loss strips victims of short-term memory, making familiar events and tasks, such as faith-based activities or worship very difficult. However, a strong faith can transcend memory loss, with an adapted approach based on the individual’s abilities.

 

Discover Strengths

People with memory loss still have the need to be known as a person—to receive self-validation even though suffering from dementia.

 

“Universal human needs don’t go away with memory loss,” says Joshua Baron, chaplain at Holland Home’s Fulton Manor. “We can communicate God’s love in ways that meet those needs.  Discover the individual’s strengths and build on those.”

 

People who still have the ability to speak can be encouraged to lead prayers, sing hymns or play the piano, if they have retained those skills. Praying for others can engender positive feelings of self-worth.

 

Communicate Using Strengths

 

While someone with memory loss might not be able to remember what they ate for breakfast that morning because of the decline in short term memory, long term memories and things learned in the past are often still vivid and able to be recalled.

 

“You can tap into enduring memories with hymns and prayers learned in childhood, which are still familiar,” said Baron.

 

Providing a sensory experience, such as holding onto something special during a church service, can also be comforting and tap into old memories.

 

Attending Church Services

 

“It is important that those with memory loss have the assurance of God’s love, support for continued prayer and the opportunity to participate in religious services,” said Baron.   “Research shows that attending church services has positive benefits for a person’s well-being, even for those with significant dementia.”  Being a part of a religious community gives people a sense of belonging, and a feeling that “this is my family”.

 

If the person with memory loss is not able to attend church services, Baron recommends contacting the church to have a minister or church elder visit so that the person with memory loss can still partake in a service and celebrate communion.

 

Residential Placement 

 

Sometimes it is not possible to care for a person with memory loss at home, and a residential placement needs to be considered.  Baron recommends choosing a faith-based organization.

 

“Holland Home offers a worship service, Evening Star, which was created specifically for people with dementia and is a strength-based approach to worship,” said Baron.

 

Evening Star focuses on familiar hymns, prayers and Bible passages.

 

“At Fulton Manor, we offer two services on Sunday where memory care residents are welcome, and also hold services every Monday on our memory care floors using the Evening Star worship service.”

 

For more information about memory care at Holland Home, visit hollandhome.org/memory-care or call 616-235-5113.

Holland Home: Enjoying time with your grandchildren

Citizen Journalism, ,

By Peg Cochran

Marketing Communications Manager, Holland Home

 

Grandchildren are the dots that connect the lines from generation to generation.
Lois Wyse

 

One of the greatest joys of getting older is the arrival of grandchildren. And nothing is more fun than spending time with them when they visit. Here are a few tips to make your visits with your grandchildren as mutually enjoyable as possible.

 

Safety
Your first step before the grandchildren visit should be to childproof your house. The extent of the childproofing will depend on the age of your grandchildren, but at the very least be sure that all medications—prescription, over-the-counter and herbal—are safely secured in a place where they cannot be reached.  If your grandchildren are young and you will be transporting them in a vehicle without parents or guardians, you may need to acquire either a car seat or a booster seat for children who are a minimum of 4’9” tall. Older children should always wear their seat belt when riding in a car.

 

Supplies
Your grandchildren will probably bring some of their own toys, but it’s helpful to have a few things on hand like crayons, paints, coloring books, puzzles and DVDs. You might also want to stock the pantry with some “kid friendly” foods like string cheese, macaroni and cheese or their favorite cereal. Check with your children and ask them what about your grandchildren’s favorite meals and snacks.

 

Making the most of your visit
The most important thing you can do when your grandchildren visit is to make them feel wanted. This might mean putting aside some of your regular activities while they’re with you in order to spend time with them. It also helps if you can give them a small space of their own where they can keep their toys and other belongings.

 

Younger children benefit from being on a schedule and if you can stick to the routine they are used to at home, while still accommodating your own schedule, it will make for happier children and a more pleasant visit.

 

Activities
There are numerous activities you can enjoy with your grandchildren, especially during the holidays. Depending on their age, you might take them to the zoo, a museum or the theater. But there are plenty of things you can do at home that might be even more meaningful to them. Spend time teaching them about your hobbies, such as knitting, crochet or sports. If you enjoy crafts or hobbies such as scrapbooking or bird watching, engage your grandchildren in those activities. They’ll learn something new and will cherish having your attention.

 

And don’t forget exercise! Children need lots of it.  If there is a park or playground near you and the weather permits, have them spend some time outdoors burning off energy. Older children might enjoy playing in the snow or taking a walk.

 

Your Rights
The image of the indulgent grandparent allowing grandchildren to do anything they want is common.  But it certainly doesn’t have to be that way. A little indulgence is fine, but grandparents can still expect to retain certain rights.

  • The right to protect your property, which can mean putting fragile or valuable objects where children can’t reach them, or teaching your grandchildren that there are certain things they are not allowed to touch.
  • The right to enforce rules about safety. You can, and should, insist that children remain safe. For example, asking your grandchildren to sit in their car seat or booster seat, or use seat belts.
  • The right to require respect and to ban the use of offensive language.
  • The right to ask for help with age-appropriate chores, such as setting the table, raking leaves or other small tasks.

 

Making memories
Every visit with your grandchildren is a wonderful opportunity to make memories. A little planning will pay dividends when it comes to having time together that you will all cherish forever.

Holland Home: Supporting someone who is grieving

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By Peg Cochran

Marketing Communications Manager, Holland Home

 

Grieving the loss of friends or family is a difficult process for everyone.  It is also difficult to determine how to support someone else when they go through the grieving process.  What is the best way to walk through grief with someone you love?

 

“Many people find that being with someone who has experienced a loss makes them uncomfortable,” said Janet Jaymin, Director of Bereavement Services for Faith Hospice and a certified grief counselor. “It’s a reminder of our own mortality, and we don’t want to think about it.”

 

According to Jaymin, when you walk through grief with someone you care about, you should keep in mind how you would like to be treated in similar circumstances.  If for some reason dealing with a friend or relative’s grief is too difficult for you, it’s best to be honest.
“Just tell them you are having a hard time coping,” Jaymin said.  “Listening is the number one thing you can do for your loved one.  It’s so easy and so simple.”

 

What should you do or say when someone is grieving?

  1. Listen

Be willing to actively listen in silence.

“Put away your cell phone,” notes Jaymin, “and really be there.”

 

  1. Validate their experience.

Phrases like “it must have been really hard,” show you understand their grief is real.

 

  1. Offer your support.

Take the initiative and offer practical assistance such as walking the dog, going to the grocery store or preparing a meal.

“Your loved one may fear being a bother, and not want to ask for help even though they need it,” said Jaymin.  “Offering something specific makes it easier for them to accept the help.”

 

  1. Encourage your loved one to talk about the person they lost.

“Telling stories is healing,” said Jaymin.  “And don’t be afraid to share your own memories of the deceased.”

 

  1. Let the bereaved person talk about how their loved one died—it ‘s a way to process a traumatic experience.

 

 

What to avoid when someone is grieving.

 

  1. Don’t minimize their loss or compare it to yours. Don’t say “I know how you feel.”  Every person grieves differently and has different feelings.  Don’t say “they’re in a better place” or “it’s God’s plan.”

 

  1. Don’t say, “It’s time to get on with your life,” or “it’s been six months….” Phrases like this, while well-intentioned, shame the grieving person.

“Everyone grieves differently,” said Jaymin, and the amount of time the process takes varies from person to person.

 

  1. Generally, avoid using “you should” or “you will” statements. Respect that the grieving person is on a journey that is unique to them.

 

People often assume that grief does, or should, last a certain period of time.  According to Jaymin, that is not true.  She recommends continuing to check in with the bereaved and not assuming that they no longer need support.

 

“You always remember the people who recognized your loss,” Jaymin said.  But if you weren’t able to express your condolences at the time, “it’s never too late to send a card, flowers or to just call and say I’m thinking of you.”

 

Where to find help

Belief.net
Grief.net
Caregiver.org
griefrecoverymethod.com
webhealing.com
journeyofhearts.org

 

For more information, contact Faith Hospice at 616-235-5113.

Creating a home that is not only better, but smarter and safer

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By Peg Cochran

Marketing Communications Manager, Holland Home

 

Aging brings changes that may make your current home difficult to navigate or potentially unsafe. A smart home is one that uses traditional adaptive tools and smart home technology to create a safe environment. Smart homes make it possible for people to stay in their own homes and remain independent longer than ever before.

 

What is a smart home?

 

A smart home is equipped with technological tools and adaptive devices that make the home safer and more comfortable for older adults. These products offer an advantage to caregivers as well, by making their job easier and providing them with peace of mind.

 

There are options for every room in the house that can be customized to your unique needs, from simple grab bars in the bathroom to high-tech appliances that can be controlled with your mobile device.

 

Bathroom

 

The bathroom is one of the most common places for safety issues.  Accidents in or around the tub or shower account for more than two-thirds of emergency room visits. And, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older adults are particularly prone to injury while getting off the toilet.  The bathroom can be made a safer place with a few adjustments such as grab bars around the tub or shower and toilet, a no-lip shower, higher toilets and anti-scald faucets. Flooring should be non-slip. In addition, motion activated nightlights are available to make middle of the night trips to the bathroom safer.

 

Kitchen

 

Kitchens are the number one area for home fires caused by cooking. Electric stoves and ranges are now available with an automatic shut-off feature that makes cooking safer.  There are also devices that will allow you to control your appliances with your smart phone, making it possible to turn off an oven or stove burner remotely.

 

Living Area and Bedroom

 

According to the National Institute for Health, falls are the leading cause of injury to seniors. Fall prevention methods include dual handrails along stairs, stair gates, low pile carpeting or wood floors, and raised outlets. Motion activated nightlights are also recommended. Nightlights can also be positioned under the bed and can be programmed to go on as soon as an individual gets out of bed.

 

Health Safety

 

Technology has advanced to the point where it’s possible to monitor a person’s vital signs remotely, including blood pressure, weight, heart rate, pulse oximetry, and blood sugars, which allows for preventative and proactive care.

 

Numerous styles of medication dispensers are available, to keep medications safe, provide auditory and visual reminders, and dispense medication as needed.  Some styles can be programmed to communicate with a caregiver as well, ensuring compliance.

 

“Some of this new technology and many of these adaptive devices are standard in our residences,” said Michael Loughman, Director of Sales for Holland Home, a senior retirement community with three campuses in Grand Rapids. “Other items are available upon request. We care about the safety of our residents and clients and want to help them maintain their independence as long as possible.”

 

For more information, call Holland Home at 616-643-2730.

Holland Home: What is social media and how can seniors use it?

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By Peg Cochran

Marketing Communications Manager, Holland Home

 

In May 2017, a report from the Pew Internet and American Life Project revealed that approximately 67 percent of seniors over age 65 use the internet and that number continues to grow.

 

“We have residents that are very involved in emailing their family and friends or even using Skype to connect with family members who are unable to visit,” said Nancy Venema, Life Enrichment Coordinator at Holland Home’s Fulton Manor.  “We have a 97-year-old resident with severe vision and hearing impairments who has taken our computer classes, so she could learn how to email her family who live outside of Michigan.”

 

What are the tools available today and how should seniors use them?

 

Email

 

Email is a wonderful way to stay in close contact with family and friends. It’s easy to set up a free email account at gmail.com, yahoo.com or various other sites.  You can email messages, as well as photographs, documents and videos.  And it’s virtually instantaneous, so there’s no waiting for the mailman to come.

 

Facebook

 

While Facebook use is declining among young people, 45 percent of seniors in the 65 and older age group are using the social networking service.  Facebook is another great way to stay connected with family and friends. The newsfeed, which appears on every user’s homepage, highlights information including personal profiles, upcoming events, and birthdays of the user’s friends. It’s easy to share pictures, and to provide updates to several people at once. Facebook has a variety of privacy settings allowing you to choose how public you want your information to be. Registering is free and requires a valid email address. By accepting or not accepting friend requests, you can control who sees what you are sharing.

 

Twitter

 

Twitter is another online social networking site where you can send and receive “tweets” or updates limited to 140 characters. Users may subscribe to other users’ tweets – this is known as following and subscribers are known as followers. Unlike with Facebook, you cannot control who “follows” you on Twitter.

 

Messages can be categorized by using the # symbol, known as a hashtag or keyword. It is used to mark keywords or topics in a Tweet.  For instance, “Check my Facebook page for a great #recipe for #apple #pie.” Anyone interested in recipes, apples or pies can search for those hashtags and follow the conversation.

 

Registering for Twitter is also free.

 

Skype

 

Communicating with someone via telephone and being able to see each other used to be the stuff of futuristic cartoons, but it is now a reality with Skype. The service allows users to communicate by voice using a microphone and by video by using a webcam, the camera that feeds an image to a computer.  While Skype is not a form of social media, it is a wonderful way to stay in touch with family. Imagine being able to see, as well as talk, to your grandchildren or other distant family members who may be hundreds of miles away.

 

Pinterest

 

Pinterest is a virtual bulletin board where you can collect photos and links to things you want to save like recipes, DIY projects or travel destinations. By downloading the Pinterest “Pin It” button, you can click on a picture on the internet and save it to your bulletin board.  When you click on the picture again, it automatically links back to the original site. You can have multiple bulletin boards, and pins can be collected according to themes.

 

“Technology is now a way of life,” said Michael Loughman, Director of Sales for Holland Home. “We have made computer classes available on all our campuses, and have volunteers who are willing to work one-on-one with our residents.”

 

Even if you decide not to try any of these social media tools, you will be able to surprise your children and grandchildren when you understand what they are talking about when they say they’ve been tweeting or Skyping or pinning or friending on Facebook!

How you can protect yourself from scams that happen over the phone

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by Peg Cochran,

Marketing Communications Manager, Holland Home

 

More than ever before, it is important to protect yourself from identity theft. Individuals looking to steal or scam often like to target older adults. Why? In general, people who grew up between 1930 and 1950, were raised to be polite and trusting. They are less likely to hang up the phone than someone younger, and it is often presumed they have a hefty nest egg. And many times, older adults don’t report crimes, either because they don’t know who to call or out of embarrassment at being tricked.

 

How can you protect yourself? Being aware is key. The crimes outlined in this article happen over the telephone.  However, it’s important to be on alert for anything that feels out of the ordinary over email or online.

 

 

The Grandparent Scam

Imagine picking up your telephone to hear someone say, “Grandma, guess who this is?” Your natural inclination would be to answer with the name of one of your grandchildren.  But by doing so, you’ve just given the scammer on the other end of the line some very valuable and personal information. Generally, the scammer, now posing as the grandchild you just named, goes on to ask for money for some reason—they’ve borrowed from a friend and need to repay the loan, they’ve overdrawn their checking account or something else that will play on your sympathy. And they usually ask that you keep it confidential from their parents who might be angry or disappointed with them. You are then instructed, by your bogus grandchild, to send the money via a wire transfer service.

 

 

The Fake Accident Ploy

Again, in this scam you are contacted by phone, only this time the person calling claims to be contacting you on behalf of a relative who has been in an accident or is in the hospital and needs cash immediately. You are asked to send or wire money for that person, but there hasn’t been an accident and the money is going to wind up in the hands of the scam artist.

 

 

Charity Scams

Many phone scammers will call posing as a charitable organization. Some callers claim to be collecting money on behalf of the local police or fire department, or for veterans and military families. It’s natural to want to support these causes, but before you give a donation over the telephone, call the organization itself to verify that the call is legitimate.

 

 

Callers may trick you by thanking you for your pledge to donate—a pledge you don’t remember making. Don’t fall for it.  If you can’t remember making the pledge, you most likely never did.

 

 

Be wary of charities that spring up after a natural disaster such as a hurricane, an earthquake or some cause that is currently in the news.  Even if the organization is legitimately trying to raise money for those affected by the disaster, they often lack the infrastructure necessary to get the money to those in need. Instead, donate to organizations that have a solid track record like the American Red Cross.

 

Tips on how you can protect yourself from someone posing as a charity:

 

 

  • Ask the caller if they are a paid fundraiser and if so, how much of your dollar will actually go to help those in need.
  • Do your research and verify that the charity is legitimate before sending a check.
  • Don’t ever give your banking or credit card information to someone over the phone or email.
  • Make an annual donation plan and stick with it. Don’t allow a caller to pressure you into making a donation you hadn’t planned on.
  • You can check the legitimacy of organizations, as well as how their money is spent by going to an online site such as guidestar.org.

 

 

And, if anything feels unusual or suspect, hang up!

Holland Home’s Nov. 8 event focuses on providing person-centered care for those with dementia

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Teepa Snow

By Alison Clark

 

Holland Home will host world-renowned dementia expert and educator, Teepa Snow, for a free seminar on dementia on Wednesday, Nov. 8. ‘Dementia 360°:  Seeing it from all Directions’, will cover dementia from a variety of perspectives, and is ideal for caregivers, family members and healthcare professionals.

 

Snow will provide a comprehensive analysis and care perspective on dementia, including its impact on the person living with it. She will discuss the disease process, how a person experiences a change in brain ability and the effects on the family and support networks.  Snow is an advocate for those living with dementia and has made it her personal mission to help families and professionals better understand how it feels to live with various forms of dementia. The seminar aims to help participants gain a deeper knowledge of dementia and learn key strategies for how to best relate to and provide care for those suffering with the disease.

 

“Dementia has a profound impact on each person it touches,” said Mina Breuker, CEO & President of Holland Home. “Holland Home is a leader in memory care and we want to equip caregivers and family members with information and tools to provide compassionate care for individuals living with the disease. We’re excited to host Teepa Snow, and learn from her personal experience with and professional expertise on dementia.”

 

Snow’s philosophy and education reflect her lifelong journey with dementia. Her person-centered approach has evolved to meet the complex and unique needs of individuals with the disease. Snow strives to grow an appreciation of differences with seminar participants that will lead to better care and support of those living with changing abilities.

 

The seminar will be held at Covenant Fine Arts Center at Calvin College, 1795 Knollcrest Circle SE in Grand Rapids, from 7 to 9 pm. No RSVP is necessary. More information can be found at hollandhome.org/events or by calling 616.235.5000. 

Local palliative care expert has personal experience with own end of life choices

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Holland Home hopes to help the community better understand advanced care planning with its presentation of the documentary Being Mortal on Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Based on the best-selling book by Dr. Atul Gawande, the film explores the hopes of patients and families facing terminal illness and their relationships with those who care for them. The film explores the intersection of life, death, medicine and what matters most in the end.

 

Following the screening of the film, Holland Home will hold a panel discussion on the importance of advanced care planning with local palliative care expert, Dr. John Mulder, of Holland Home’s Trillium Institute.  What makes this panel discussion unique is that Dr. Mulder has had his own experience with end of life planning and values-based decision making, when he was diagnosed with terminal lung disease in 2015. Dr. Mulder brings not only his professional expertise, but his personal experience, to his understanding of the importance of end of life care and what is most important to the patient.  He will be joined by Carol Robinson of Making Choices Michigan.

 

“Our hope is that Being Mortal will be a catalyst for families to take a deeper look at end of life care and what they desire the end of life to look like,” said Dr. Mulder.  “The end of life can be more joyful and more meaningful when resources are in place to honor your wishes.”

 

The event is free and will be held at Holland Home’s Raybrook campus, located at 2121 Raybrook Drive SE. No registration is necessary. For more information, visit hollandhome.org or call 616-235-5000.

Safe Driving for Seniors

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File photo

By Peg Cochran, Holland Home

 

According to a University of Florida study, people over the age of 75 are more likely to be involved in fatal automobile accidents than any other age group, except for teenagers. In addition, 28 percent of crashes involving older drivers happen while making a left turn. Why? There are several factors that impact our ability to drive safely as we get older.

 

Factors Affecting Safe Driving
One of the most common changes we experience as we age occurs in our ability to react. We react more slowly, we move more slowly, and we are more likely to be distracted by road signs, lights, billboards and other things in our line of vision. We may also have changes in our eyesight—for example cataracts or macular degeneration—that influence our ability to drive safely. Finally, physical changes such as stiffness in the neck can make it difficult for us to turn our head sufficiently while backing up or making turns, and stiffness in our legs or leg pain can impact our ability to quickly move our foot from the gas to the brake.

 

Warning Signs of Unsafe Driving

What are the warning signs of a decreased ability to drive safely? An increased number of traffic citations or “close calls” can be a clue that you or your loved one is no longer safe on the road. Memory issues are another red flag that it might be time to give up driving. In addition, problems with hearing, issues with eyesight or taking medications that cause drowsiness or have other side effects that might interfere with concentration and reaction time, need to be taken into consideration.

 

Staying Safe on the Road
One of the best ways to remain safe on the road is to take a safe driving course and brush up on your skills. A vehicle with good visibility, power brakes and power steering is a must. Keep your car in good repair and be sure that your windshield and headlights are always clean.

 

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As we age, night vision diminishes, and you may want to consider limiting driving to the daytime if you or your loved one is experiencing changes in vision. Avoid driving in bad weather or on unfamiliar roads. If health changes persist, you may also want to consider limiting highway driving.

 

Alternatives to Driving
One of the many advantages to living in an independent retirement community is that it’s possible to give up driving without being housebound. Enjoyable communal activities, along with the proximity of friends and neighbors, makes it possible to have a fun, active social life even if you choose to no longer drive.

 

“Even bad weather can’t keep you isolated,” said Michael Loughman, director of sales for Holland Home. “Most independent living communities offer a full calendar of outings and events, along with weekly trips to the supermarket and many on-site amenities like beauty salons, banks and health centers.”

 

Giving up, or limiting, driving also encourages walking, which is a wonderful exercise option that leads to better health. Most towns have some form of public transportation or shuttle service. In Grand Rapids, Go!Bus provides low cost, door-to-door service for seniors over the age of 65. Taxis are another option, as is arranging rides with younger family members or friends.

 

Giving Up the Car Keys
At a certain point, it might be necessary to take the car keys away from a loved one because of safety concerns. This is a very delicate situation and requires a great deal of sensitivity. The key is to show respect for your loved one and be mindful of their dignity. Giving up driving is an enormous transition, and they may feel as if they are giving up more than just their car.

 

It is helpful to give them specific examples of times when you felt their driving was no longer safe — close calls, driving citations, unexplained dents or dings in their car. You may have to lean on other family members for help and support. It can also be reassuring to explore other means of transportation with your loved ones to avoid feelings of dependence and isolation.’

 

Giving up the privilege of driving isn’t easy, but it doesn’t have to mean the end of independence.

When Should I Call Hospice?

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By Peg Cochran, Holland Home

 

One of the statements hospice workers hear most often is “I wish I’d called hospice sooner”. What is hospice care and when should I seek it out?

 

What is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is a set of specialized services to help patients and their loved ones cope with advanced or terminal illness. The focus of hospice care is on improving the patient’s and families’ quality of life though a specialized team which can include doctors, nurses, home health aides, social workers, spiritual care providers and other professionals like nutritionists and therapists. Hospice care can provide support and comfort for both patients and families.

 

Benefits to the Patient
It’s easier to face changes in life when you are prepared. Bringing hospice on board early in the process of a long-term illness means you won’t be scrambling to get services when you reach a crisis and you’ll be able to take advantage of all the support hospice care offers.

 

“Starting hospice early offers the patient better quality of life, especially since their pain and problematic symptoms can be brought under control. Some hospice patients still drive and still go to work,” says Rene Wheaton, administrator of Faith Hospice. “When they reach a point where they need us, we’re already there to help.”

 

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Benefits to Caregivers
Hospice offers benefits to caregivers as well. Caregivers can become burned out, particularly If the patient has waited too long to sign on to hospice care. Hospice staff can provide help.

  • Hospice staff can educate the caregiver, as well as answer questions that may come up — for example, can the patient be safely left alone or can they still drive?
  • Hospice nurses and aides monitor and recognize changes in the patient’s condition that may not be obvious to the caregiver.
  • Hospice staff includes trained volunteers able to provide short-term respite for caregivers.

Hospice Support
Hospice brings an entire team of professionals and volunteers ready to provide help and support.

  • Medical professionals, including doctors who are board certified in hospice and palliative care, as well as nurses trained in hospice care. The medical team is experienced in pain control and symptom relief.
  • Chaplains are available to provide spiritual support to the patient and their family, if desired.
  • Social workers can help with the practical and emotional needs of the patient and their family.
  • Through hospice, aides can come to your home to help with personal care.

“There are so many benefits to bringing in hospice as soon as a patient has received a life-limiting diagnosis,” said Wheaton. “The services provided can greatly increase quality of life for both the patient and their family. We have even had people go off hospice because they have improved so much, often because they were able to leave the hospital and return home to familiar surroundings and loving family members.”

Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy: What are the Differences?

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By Peg Cochran, Holland Home

 

Has a doctor prescribed therapy for you or a loved one after surgery, an illness or accident?  There are three different types of therapy — physical, occupational and speech therapy — and it’s easy to be confused about the differences between them.

 

Physical Therapy

Most people are familiar with physical therapy. The goal of physical therapy is to reduce pain and inflammation, accelerate healing, strengthen muscles and increase range of motion—all the things that will help get you on your feet again. Physical therapy might also be used to help alleviate chronic pain from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia or neuropathic sources. Physical therapy is often prescribed after surgery such as joint replacement or following an injury or prolonged illness.

 

Physical therapy is provided in many settings and may be started while the patient is still in the hospital. Physical therapy is often continued at a rehabilitation center, nursing home, outpatient clinic or in the patient’s own home.

 

In the hospital, rehabilitation center or nursing home, the goal of therapy is to improve the patient’s function and strength so that they can return home and to a level of independence.

 

Physical therapy in an outpatient facility is generally for more active people who are not home bound. However, physical therapy can also be administered in the home for those unable to leave for medical or logistical reasons.

 

With older patients, physical therapists can provide exercises to strengthen muscles and improve or maintain their ability to get out of bed, a chair, to walk with or without assistance and to help prevent falls.

 

Physical therapy utilizes several treatment methods including exercise, massage, joint mobilization, electrical stimulation and the application of heat or ice.

 

Occupational Therapy

In general, the purpose of occupational therapy is to assist the patient in improving or maintaining the ability to perform the activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing, toileting and bathing.

 

Occupational therapy can provide support for older adults experiencing physical or cognitive changes and may also provide education for patients with chronic diseases, as well as guidance and education for family members and caregivers. Occupational therapists are also skilled in evaluating a patient’s home and making recommendations for appropriate adaptive equipment such as eating and drinking aids, dressing and grooming aids, as well as products and ways to improve home safety.

 

Occupational therapy can be beneficial for patients who have been injured, have orthopedic conditions such as a joint replacement, suffer from arthritis or Parkinson’s or who have limitations following a stroke or heart attack.

 

The therapy can be performed in the hospital, a rehabilitation facility or in the patient’s home. Occupational therapists use a variety of treatment methods including stretching and strengthening exercises, practice of daily activities and instruction in the use of adaptive equipment.

 

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Speech Therapy

Speech therapists deal with a person’s ability to communicate and swallow. Speech therapy can help someone who is having difficulty swallowing or eating, or who has language or cognitive-linguistic problems. Speech therapy is often prescribed after a stroke or for someone with progressive neurological conditions such as dementia. It can also be useful in treating breathing problems associated with lung diseases. In general, speech therapy is helpful in addressing the decline sometimes associated with the aging process.

 

Speech therapists work with patients in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and in the patient’s own home. Speech therapists may use specific exercises to strengthen the muscles of the mouth and throat, or cognitive exercises to help restore memory or improve sequencing and problem solving.

 

The use of one of the above therapies, or a combination of these various therapies, can be very useful in restoring and rehabilitating your life or that of a loved one after surgery, an illness or accident.

Helping Your Loved One Transition to Assisted Living

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By Peg Cochran, Holland Home

 

Change is never easy. Change becomes even more difficult to manage as we get older and more set in our ways. One of life’s more difficult transitions is the move from independent living to an assisted living facility. Many seniors view this transition as the last move of their life and perhaps, their final chapter. Coming to terms with that knowledge can bring sadness and depression. There are many ways to help your loved one ease into this transition and manage the emotions that accompany it.

 

When to Move to Assisted Living

There are many reasons to make the move to assisted living. Many seniors are more than capable of managing in their own home with some outside help from family, friends or a paid caregiver. However, this is not always possible or even feasible. Following are some things to consider as you work to determine the best care option for your loved one.

  • They can no longer shower or bathe without help, or you are concerned about their safety in the tub or shower.
  • They are at risk for falls.
  • They forget to take medications ortake medications improperly.
  • They no longer cook nutritious meals for themselves and may be losing weight.
  • They can no longer drive and are becoming isolated.
  • They have been recently hospitalized and you are concerned about whether they can recover at home.

Breaking the Ice

Moving a parent or loved one to assisted living is stressful for everyone involved. Adults are accustomed to being self-sufficient and to keeping their own unique schedule. Giving up their home can leave them feeling frustrated, helpless or angry. In addition, it’s hard for the caregiver to see their loved one growing older, and you may be having difficulty accepting the change yourself.

 

Visit the chosen facility several times and give your loved one a chance to become accustomed to the idea of moving. When you visit, encourage your loved one to talk with as many of the residents as possible. Most facilities will allow you to join them for meals. You should also take the time to meet with the administrator and any relevant staff members. Spend some time with your loved one going over any brochures or written material you may have been given. Be sure to get a copy of the activities schedule and point out anything you think might interest your loved one.

 

Ask the facility about respite care. Many offer it, and it’s the perfect way for your loved one to try out their new lifestyle without making a long-term commitment.

 

“Respite stays can last from a few days to more than a month,” said Amy Thayer, senior living consultant for Holland Home. “It’s not unusual for one of our respite residents to decide to make the move after experiencing everything we offer.

 

“It’s important to choose a facility that offers the full continuum of care, if possible,” said Thayer. “That way, should a move to a higher level of care such as nursing be required, your loved one will only have to change floors as opposed to moving to a whole new facility.”

 

Making the Move

When it’s time to make the physical move to the new facility, planning is key. Make sure you have the dimensions of the new space. If possible, plan the furniture arrangement in advance. You will want to bring enough personal items and furniture to make the space feel like “home,” but chances are you will not need everything in your loved one’s current home. Special pieces can be passed down to family and friends. Knowing others will be enjoy treasured belongings can make parting with it easier.

 

Have a plan for arranging the furniture so that the movers set things up in a way that suits your loved one’s lifestyle and makes them feel more “at home”.  Placing knickknacks and pictures in the same or similar places will go a long way toward giving the new space a feeling of familiarity.

 

After Moving In

 One of the best ways to ease the transition to your loved one’s new way of life is to get to know neighbors. They’ve already “been there, and done that,” and can help the individual adapt to the change. One of the best parts about assisted living is that your senior will no longer be isolated, dependent on visits from family and friends to ease any loneliness. They will be surrounded by peers and will have access to a full calendar of specially planned events and outings.

 

Check the activities calendar as soon as they move in and plan on participating in at least a few of the scheduled events. You may find there are clubs to join, musical evenings, movie showings and bus trips. Getting involved will help your loved one meet people and make new friends.

 

In addition, they should familiarize themselves with their new surroundings—check out the library, the exercise room, and the laundry facilities. Knowing their way around will make things feel familiar more quickly.

 

Adjusting

Finally, encourage your loved one to give themselves time to adjust to their new lifestyle.  No matter how much they like it, there will most likely still be days when they feel sad or nostalgic for their old way of life.

 

“If those emotions persist,” said Thayer, “be sure to talk to the staff. Arrangements can be made for the individual to speak to a counselor who can help them ease into their new way of life.”

 

Most importantly, try to keep a positive mindset. Help your senior focus on the things they like about their new living situation and take advantage of all that it has to offer.