Hawaii Senior Living Guide: 5 Tips For Relating To Memory Loss
Memory loss is common with aging—especially within senior living communities in Hawaii. A loved one struggles to remember names, events, and routines. Communication becomes tricky and tough. You’re not sure how to cope. But trust us, you’re not alone.
As senior living professionals, we assist residents with memory loss every day. And while caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or any other form of dementia is never easy, here are five tips that can help out.
Tip #1: Patience is everything
If you’re having to repeat things over and over, no one would fault you for feeling frustrated. The best way to overcome these difficult emotions is simply to anticipate them. Remind yourself before entering the conversation to be mindful of your patience. If it starts to wear thin, step out, breathe, relax, and re-enter the conversation when you’re ready.
Tip #2: Keep it simple
When engaging with any of our senior living residents in memory care, we try and keep communication simple: we use basic words, tell stories with less detail, and ask questions that require one or two-word responses. As your loved one’s memory loss progresses, keeping conversation simple can be very helpful.
Tip #3: Relive old memories
Those struggling with memory loss might still recall events from the distant past. Connect with your loved one by talking through a cherished memory from long ago. You might’ve gone through this story a dozen times, but reliving a meaningful moment will help you bond.
Tip #4: Agree to disagree
When speaking with someone suffering from memory loss, disputing names and details won’t get you anywhere. Avoid the need to prove yourself right. Along with being pointless, it’ll leave you and your loved one feeling upset. If an argument comes up, find a way to politely change the subject.
Tip #5: Give your undivided attention
Put away your smartphone, lower the TV volume, sit directly in front of your loved one, and calmly repeat their name until they’re engaged. If communication is already a challenge, any kind of distraction can be detrimental to holding a conversation. When you have their attention, it’s important they have yours.
Alzheimer’s, dementia, or any other form of memory loss requires care, compassion, and often the need for professional assistance. At The Plaza, we have many senior care options available, like our Hali‘a Memory Care program. We’re also home to one of the best retirement communities in Hawaii. Don’t hesitate to reach out should you have any questions or would like to speak with someone on our team.
Hawaii Senior Living Checklist
So, you’re starting to research senior care options. But where do you start? What makes sense for your specific needs? Your friend claims to know the best retirement communities in Hawaii, but you think otherwise. Here’s the good news: knowing what’s right starts with knowing what to ask. We have you covered with the ultimate Hawaii senior living checklist:
Search senior living by location:
- Is the senior living community in a town that you like?
- Is it convenient for family and friends to visit?
- How far away is the airport?
- Is the area safe, with a low crime rate?
- Is it close to shopping, restaurants, a medical center, and other services?
When you call ask:
- Are you currently accepting new residents?
- If not, is there a waitlist, and how long is the wait?
- Are there age restrictions on this senior living community?
- Is the community gated or open?
- What is the cost range, and is there a buy-in fee?
- What services and amenities are included in the price?
- What services are available for additional fees?
- What types of payment do you accept?
- What are the housing options, and do they suit your needs?
- Is this a continuum of care community (CCRC)? (Are there other levels of care available, such as assisted living, should you need it?)
- Do you have any programs to help with the transition process?
When you visit ask:
- About living arrangements:
- Do you have a wide range of housing options, including smaller apartments or studios should you wish to downsize?
- Did you show us all the different types of units available?
- Is there adequate in-unit storage space, and is additional storage provided?
- How are the views?
- Are pets allowed and, if so, are there limits on type or size?
- Will you be allowed to have visitors at any time and overnight, or are there other rules?
- Is there a homeowners’ association with membership fees?
- Are there homeowner rules about upkeep and decorating?
- Will you be required to have renter’s insurance?
- Are housekeeping services available, and at what price?
- Which maintenance issues are you responsible for and which are included with the unit?
- About cooking and food:
- Will visiting family members be invited to join in for meals?
- How often does the menu change?
- Do you accommodate special diets and allergies?
- Is there a meal plan, and how flexible is it?
- About activities and social life:
- How are the common spaces?
- How large are the outdoor areas for recreation and exercise?
- Is there an extensive, varied schedule of classes and activities?
- Are there evening events, such as movie nights and local performances?
- Is there a gym or fitness center?
- Are there media and computer rooms available?
- Is there a private dining or community room available for special events?
- Are there religious services in the community or nearby?
- Is there a barbershop and beauty salon in the community or nearby?
- About the staff:
- Is there an activity director or staff member charged with organizing and leading activities?
- What’s the staff turnover rate?
- Are background checks performed before hiring staff? If so, when and how?
- How much training do staff members have?
- Does the community work with an agency or registry that provides in-home care companions in case you need future assistance?
- About medical care:
- Is there an RN or CNA on staff?
- What specific services are available from doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and others?
- Is the community affiliated with a hospital or nursing home if more care is needed?
- Forms to ask for:
- A recent list of weekly activities and events
- A recent weekly menu of meals and snacks
Closing words of advice:
Write down all the answers to your questions as you go, and keep a checklist like this for each of the retirement communities in Hawaii you visit.
If your visit was scheduled ahead of time, it’s a good idea to return for an impromptu drop-in visit to see if your experience is just as pleasant. (If you’re told you can’t come in for an unscheduled visit, that’s a very bad sign.)
Once you’ve narrowed your choices down to a few favorites, schedule in-depth follow-up visits and dig a little deeper.
For more information on what to expect, contact our friendly staff at The Plaza Assisted Living.
4 Surprising Facts About Senior Living
Senior living isn’t what you think… and in the best way possible. Moving an elderly relative or parent into one of the many retirement communities in Hawaii comes with a certain set of expectations—many of which are either outdated or untrue. It’s time to rethink senior living with these four surprising facts:
Fact #1: Moving doesn’t mean leaving home behind
Senior living communities in Hawaii want their residents to feel at home. This means giving them the option to bring their own furniture, belongings, or anything else that makes their new living situation feel comfortable and personal. Most senior care options will even accommodate household pets that are coming along for the move. The goal of Hawaii senior living is to give your elderly family all the care they need, while disrupting their routines and daily lifestyles as little as possible.
Fact #2: Your loved one will find a thriving social environment
The best retirement communities in Hawaii offer residents all kinds of planned activities and shared amenities. From hula classes to arts and crafts, game nights to exercise programs—there’ll be plenty of opportunities to engage in community activities. For everyday socializing, residents can visit the library, stop by the salon, spend time outdoors, or relax with friends in the common room. Modern senior care options will make sure to meet the needs of those from underrepresented backgrounds, employing multi-lingual staff members so that every resident will feel properly cared for and understood.
Fact #3: Senior living is cozy & comfy, not cold & clinical
Hawaii senior living offers your loved one all the care they need, without sacrificing the feeling of home. Easy access to medical assistance does not equate to a living situation that lacks warmth or feels clinical. Many facilities will ensure that care and assistance are woven into everyday life in a way that feels natural. With a top-notch nursing staff and a cozy setting, residents get the best of both worlds.
Fact #4: Senior living does not have to break the budget
Today, senior care options are more affordable than ever. While many communities have unique expenses, these costs may still be much less than the cost of an in-home caregiver. And for working professionals, time spent tending to an elderly loved one can come with career sacrifices. For further financial assistance, it’s possible to consider government programs that have expanded to cover assisted living. If you’re considering senior living, our team at The Plaza can always help you find a plan that fits.
Signs Your Loved One May Need More Help – What to Look for this Holiday Season
by Cara Clemmons, Director of Sales for The Plaza Assisted Living
With the holidays around the corner, many families are reconnecting with loved ones they may not have seen in some time. While 2020 has allowed for an endless amount of virtual visits, such as Zoom calls with Mom, there are key signs to look out for when visiting in person. Below are a few things to take notice of and consider, when determining if your loved one may be in need of more care than their current living situation provides.
- Is your loved one wearing the same clothes since the last time you spoke? Does your loved one look a bit disheveled or are they managing their grooming as they did before? Many adult children notice this as a sign that perhaps their loved one is not taking care of themselves as they used to. Sometimes this is due to activities of hygiene becoming challenging, as they age. Other times, this could be due to lack of routine, onset of dementia, or even geriatric depression.
- Has your loved one lost some weight? Weight loss can be a sign that your loved one needs more help. Older adults stop eating for a variety of reasons, and it is always a good idea to check in, to see what is happening, if you start to notice, they have shed a few pounds since last you saw each other. This can be for a variety of reasons including a lack of interest in food due to wakened sense of taste, side effects of medications, forgetting to eat, loss or weakened sense of taste, depression or even challenges securing groceries.
- Is your loved one repeating themselves often, seem a bit foggy or even aggressive? Forgetfulness and confusion happen to the best of us, and it is a normal part of the aging process. However, if you are noticing this more and more frequently with your loved one, this could be a sign of cognitive decline. Some experiencing cognitive decline can experience aggression as well, and this may be a big change in their behavior. If you are seeing these signs, it is always a good idea to check in with your loved one’s Primary Care physician, to monitor and even diagnose, if applicable.
- Are there any physical injuries you notice on your loved one, such as bumps, bruises, skin tears or burns? Are there any new visible damages to their vehicle or home? Physical injuries and visible property damage can sometimes be symptoms of larger safety concerns in your loved ones life. Many seniors may not remember a fall, but the physical injuries are a red flag, for you to investigate further.
- Does your loved one have any opportunities for socialization, or are they isolated? In the era of COVID-19, so many of the normal socialization opportunities that our Kupuna had to engage with their peers have faded away. Weekly choir practice has been canceled, church service has become virtual. Reach out to your loved one and see if they have opportunities for socialization and human connection. Socialization is not only good for cognitive health, but also good for the heart, as we are social beings who need interaction. This also helps combat loneliness, isolation and depression.
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