At Ebenezer, we believe the time to start talking about, exploring and even making the move to a senior living community is before you need it. It's true for so many reasons, but one of the most profound is one of Ebenezer's core values: dignity.

All too often, seniors end up making the move after a catastrophic event — a fall at home lands them in the hospital, a health issue suddenly becomes too much to manage, or one of numerous other events that precipitate a move into senior living. Before they know it, they move from home or the hospital right into Assisted Living or Enhanced Care, and it can feel like their lives are turned upside down. That kind of abrupt life change isn't an ideal scenario for seniors or their loved ones. It's difficult to get acclimated to their new community because they may be dealing with health issues and may not be as active as they had been. Also, with that kind of rushed move, without any planning or discussion beforehand, it doesn't feel like their choice. It takes away their dignity.

Another factor that contributes to an abrupt move into a senior living community is fear. Sometimes, older adults stay living in their homes longer than they should because of outmoded assumptions of what senior living is like. They wonder if they'll be alone. Maybe they won't like their new surroundings. Or maybe they're resistant to leaving their home.
But, we find that along with all of the physical benefits of safety and care our residents receive in senior living, life in our communities takes away other stressors as well. Not having to manage their bills, home maintenance, yard work, snow removal and everything else that comes with owning a home is a huge weight off seniors' shoulders. Oftentimes, they don't realize or won't admit that those things have been putting stress on their lives. They don't want to complain or bother people with their troubles. So, they stay at home much longer than they should, experience an inevitable fall or other catastrophic event, and they end up in a senior community.

A much better option is moving to one of our beautiful Independent Living buildings while seniors are young and active enough to enjoy all that these communities have to offer. Our independent senior living communities are designed to create a lifestyle of convenience and support for seniors as well as providing social activities and opportunities for interaction with other residents. Depending on the community, on-site medical staff may be available, as are services such as a beautician/barber and a convenience store or gift shop.

Even if you're not interested in our full calendar of events, reading the daily paper in a fireside lounge community space, saying hi to the staff as they come and go or grabbing some coffee in the lobby is a great way to see a friendly face every day. Seniors living on their own don't get that kind of interaction.

Moving into independent living as a younger, more active older adult gives you more of an opportunity to adapt and help you age in place with dignity, keeping you as independent as you are able. Then, when you need care, you're already in the right place. You have 24/7 staff that keep watch of you, notice changes in your condition and give peace of mind to your family. This helps you age in place with grace.

Ebenezer has a wide variety of living options from active 55+ apartment homes, to patio townhomes, to cooperatives for seniors to age in place. Visit our website to find a community near you today. 

We are pleased that federal and state officials have prioritized long-term care residents and their caregivers for early COVID-19 vaccinations. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is one of the best ways to protect those living in and receiving care in our communities. The news of a vaccine gives us hope for the next chapter in our fight against this virus.

Ebenezer communities have been among the first to receive the recently approved COVID-19 vaccine.

In cooperation with the government’s distribution to pharmacies, we have begun administering the very first vaccines to staff and residents in our skilled care communities, and have now started to vaccinate staff and residents within Assisted Living and Memory Care communities. Right now, we are only planning to vaccinate Independent Living residents in our Assisted Living communities. Eventually we will offer the vaccinate to residents in our free-standing rental, cooperative and condominium communities.​

How we will administer the vaccine

Our Pharmacy will vaccinate residents – including Independent Living residents who reside in communities that provide Assisted Living services. Our site nurses will vaccinate staff members.

The vaccine will be administered in 2 doses. After receiving the first dose, the recipient must receive a second dose. It is important to get the SAME MANUFACTURED VACCINE as the first dose.

To ensure that we are getting the vaccine to those who need it most, we will not vaccinate staff or residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 90 days. We will vaccinate these individuals at a later date.

We strongly encourage staff and residents to get vaccinated

At this time, we are not requiring that all staff and residents get the vaccine, however, we are strongly encouraging it. Vaccinating a significant majority of staff and residents is the only way we will be able to stop the spread of the virus.

About the vaccine

​As part of our continuing effort to provide up-to-date information, we have included the latest information from the CDC along with links to their website.
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• There are two COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized and recommended for use in the United States, and three other vaccines are currently in large-scale clinical trials. To learn more about the different vaccines for COVID-19 and how vaccines work, click here.
• This vaccine is safe and effective (95% effective). Both the PFIZER and MODERNA vaccine are mRNA vaccines. mRNA technology is new in vaccine production but is already being used in cancer treatment. It has been studied for more than ten years.
• COVID-19 mRNA vaccines teach our cells how to make a piece of a protein to trigger an immune response and build immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19. mRNA does not affect or interact with a person’s DNA, and the cell breaks down and gets rid of the mRNA as soon as it is finished using these instructions. Learn about mRNA vaccines and how they work, by clicking here.
• None of the COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized for use in the United States uses the live virus that causes COVID-19. You may have symptoms like a fever after you get a vaccine. This is normal and a sign that your immune system is learning how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Learn more about the facts behind COVID-19 vaccines, by clicking here.

 
Potential side effects

As with any vaccine, your body may react to the vaccine as those antibodies are being made.  Not everyone will experience this reaction. Below are the most common:

• You may experience have short-term discomfort:  fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever and pain at injection site after vaccination
• These reactions will last for 24-48 hours and are typically more pronounced after the second dose
• Side effects mean your body is doing its job and making antibodies (IT IS A GOOD THING)
• These are normal, common and expected
• If your Doctor has told you it is OK, you can take Tylenol or Ibuprofen prior to receiving the vaccine as well as for the first few days following receiving to minimize such reactions.

When will I be protected? How long will I be immune?

• Most of the vaccines are 2 doses
• Protection occurs 1-2 weeks after the second dose

We will most likely not know how long the vaccine will be protective once we receive it.  We will know more as more time passes in the current research. It is possible we may need to have vaccine shots for COVID-19 on a regular basis (like the flu shot).

How many people need to get a COVID- 19 vaccine for herd immunity?

​Herd immunity means that enough people in a community are protected from getting a disease because they’ve already had the disease or they’ve been vaccinated. Herd immunity makes it hard for the disease to spread from person to person, and it even protects those who cannot be vaccinated, like newborns.
While experts don’t yet know what percentage of people would need to get vaccinated to achieve herd immunity, vaccination is a safer way to build protection than getting sick with COVID-19. Have a question about COVID-19 vaccines? Click here.

Will we still need to wear face masks?

Similar to other types of vaccines, a large number of people in the community will need to get vaccinated before transmission drops enough to stop the use of masks.        
                                               
Is the vaccine safe?

• Safety is the most important priority in vaccine approval
• Everyone receiving the vaccine will be monitored following receiving it
• Monitoring for safety will continue as the vaccine is distributed to the public
• To assess safety FDA typically advises that a minimum of 3,000 participants are included in the trial.  The current COVID-19 vaccine trials include 30,000 to 50,000 participants
• The FDA is using the same strict standards that it has for decades
• No steps are “skipped”
• The FDA has approved the Pfizer vaccine for use

Can Ebenezer residents and staff give consent or decline the vaccine?

Our residents and staff will be asked about their interest in receiving the vaccination and will be asked to sign a consent at some point prior to the vaccination being administered. If they choose to decline, they will be asked to sign a declination. The declination is not binding. Those within our community can receive the vaccine later, if they change their minds.
 
Questions?

It is important to get information from reliable sources (CDC, AMDA, medical directors, medical providers, etc.). Here are some link to information: 

CDC: Vaccines & Immunizations 
CDC: About COVID-19 Vaccines
CDC: Provider Resources for COVID-19 Vaccine Conversations with Patients and Answering Patients’ Questions
Leading Age Minnesota 

January, as it turns out, is National Slow Cooker Month! Who knew, right? It makes sense, though, since January is often accompanied by cold weather leaving us craving warm and hearty meals. Slow cookers, or crockpots, are an easy way for us to make delicious meals while saving time and effort.

That being said, there are some guidelines from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics we should all follow when preparing foods in a slow cooker:

• Wash your hands! Always begin with a fresh & clean workspace and clean hands.
• Keep refrigerated ingredients cold & refrigerated as long as possible to help prevent growth of harmful bacteria.
• Prepare meat & vegetables separately.
• Defrost meat & poultry before placing in slow cooker and ensure the crockpot reaches proper cooking temperatures to kill bacteria.
• Don’t overstuff the pot! Fill the slow cooker about 2/3 of the way full. Cut foods into smaller pieces to better fit and cook evenly.
• Do not remove the lid except to stir food or check for doneness—retaining heat is key!
• Check the internal temperature of the foods using a food thermometer to make sure the food is safe to eat. After the meal, store leftovers in shallow containers and refrigerate within two hours.

There are multitudes of crockpot recipes we can all try this year. Get adventurous and try something new! Have you ever thought of making tacos in the crockpot? Chicken tacos can be a great nutrient rich meal perfect for busy evenings. These tacos feature the delicious earthy flavor of cumin which is actually a member of the parsley family. It is often a component of chili powder and curry powder. Cumin may actually help you improve digestion and is a good source of iron!

Enjoy our recipe below!
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Rebecca Kapsen, RDN, LDN
Ebenezer Corporate Registered Dietitian
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Braving those cold icy storms is no easy feat for anybody, but hazardous winter outdoor conditions can be particularly dangerous for older adults. In fact, statistics indicate that up to 35% of older adults worldwide suffer a major fall each year, and the risk of suffering a fall is significantly higher for those who have to deal with cold, icy, and slippery winter climate zones.
 
Falls can be particularly treacherous for older adults who live alone, because should they suffer an injury, it can be especially difficult to summon help. This is one of the reasons even those older adults who are still able to live comfortably on their own can still benefit in living in an Ebenezer communal environment like an senior living community.
 
However, regardless of when and where the incident takes place, falls also pose the risk of causing head trauma, fractures, and other serious injuries, and once people are in their golden years, their bodies are not able to heal and bounce back in the same way than they were when they were younger. In addition, as many people age, they become more likely to suffer a fall since common conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and circulation issues can contribute to reduced sensation in the feet, thus making it more difficult to detect any unstable walking conditions underfoot.
 
Many seniors who are in need of memory care will often suffer from bouts of dizziness, dementia, or vertigo that can make it difficult to stand or walk. Meanwhile, multiple medications can often interact to cause similar side effects. As people age, their muscles tend to lose the strength and elasticity that helps keep their gate stable, and thus it can be difficult to maintain a sense of balance.

Healthy Habits to Practice to Help Older Adults Prevent Falls
There is no easy solution to preventing the risk of falls in the winter, but building year-round healthy lifestyle habits will not only help older adults to feel better on a day-to-day basis but also help to reduce suffering a fall when winter rolls around.
 
With that in mind, here are some helpful tips if you are worried for an older adult in your life while they are at an Ebenezer facility, potentially your parent, that can help minimize their slip and fall-related injury this winter.

Get Regular Eye Exams
Many older adults live with continually blurred or out-of-date vision perspectives that make it increasingly difficult to safely navigate outdoor and indoor environments alike.
 
This is why when the cold weather sets in, it becomes all the more important to ensure that those vision-aid prescriptions are fully up to date by scheduling eye-exams on a regular basis.
 
Keep in mind that common conditions like glaucoma and cataracts will only get worse if ignored, so anybody who is experiencing vision difficulties is sure to get their eyes checked out right away to make sure that more serious issues don’t develop later down the line.
Carefully Monitor Medication Side EffectsIt is important for older adults and their loved ones to stay on top of not only their regular medication schedule but also monitor and record any side effects that they might be experiencing from their medications.
 
If medications are causing dizzy spells, dementia, drowsiness, vertigo, or any other unusual side effects, be sure to schedule an appointment with a family doctor right away to see what can be done. Also, be aware that drowsiness is a common side-effect of the cold and flu medications that many older adults may need to use to manage a winter bug, so try to avoid any unnecessary movement if taking these types of drugs.

Exercise Regularly
Once the mercury starts dropping, the idea of getting up and moving around on a daily basis might seem increasingly counterintuitive, but a regular daily dose of gentle exercise is actually one of the most powerful steps that older adults can take to keep their muscles and bodies strong, healthy, and flexible, increase their balance, and reduce their risk of suffering a serious fall. As such, older adults should try to schedule at least 20 minutes out of each day to practice a safe and appropriate form of exercise.
 
Obviously, a walk outside around the block might not be a practical option during a snowstorm, but the good news is that any Ebenezer assisted or independent living community will typically offer plenty of fun activities that older adults can engage in to stay fit. Not to mention they will get a healthy dose of social activity while they are at it. In general, gentle low impact exercises like swimming, walking, or gentle yoga are all great ways for seniors to stay in shape.

Dress Appropriately
Getting dressed up for a social activity can be a lot of fun, but during those cold, slippery winter days, sometimes practicality needs to trump fashion.
 
When it comes to navigating slippery surfaces, it is best to avoid heals or hard-soled shoes in favor of rubber-soled flat shoes with good tread that will not only keep those feet warm and protected but also help prevent the risk of slips and skids.
 
When it comes to outerwear, make sure to bundle up with a warm hat that fully covers the ears, some form of neck protection, and gloves that allow for plenty of grip to help stop a slip. Wear plenty of layers underneath so that clothing can be peeled off if needed. When it comes to dealing with the cold, it is always better to be overdressed than underdressed.

The Takeaway
The risk of falls can pose a real threat to older adults, and this is especially true during the colder months of winter. As such, in addition to the above tips, it is important to use an extra degree of caution when getting around in the winter, especially when trying to navigate potentially hazardous outdoor environments.
 
However, keep in mind that it is likewise important to have an emergency plan in place to ensure that nobody is left stranded alone in the event that they should suffer a fall.

Choosing to reside in a location that offers specialized senior care will significantly reduce this risk as well as provide valuable social outlets and support to make those chilly days all the more enjoyable, so don’t be afraid to reach out to find out more. 

Check out an an Ebenezer community near you to learn about the programs, care and lifestyle they offer. 

As we are amid the holiday season, chances are we have been baking up family favorite treats and reflecting on the past days, weeks, months and year(s). Here in Minnesota, it has certainly gotten colder but we haven’t had that big snowstorm yet to bring us a guaranteed white Christmas.

New Traditions
Although this season is different, we can all consider how our new holiday plans can be enjoyable and adjusted to minimize the spread of COVID-19. For example, participate in a “porch cookie exchange” with close neighbors or family, live stream services and programs, drive through holiday light shows and organize video calls with all members of your family.

Take Time for Self-Care
Remember to make time for yourself this holiday season as well. Stress and anxiety can lead to burnout and fatigue. Take even 10 minutes out of your day to walk, meditate, stretch or move your body to help alleviate stress. We often feel guilty for practicing self-care when we really should be doing it more often! We best serve others when we have taken good care of ourselves.

Put Your Best Fork Forward
Of course, nutrition is integral in self-care and staying healthy and happy during the holiday season, and all year. This does not mean that we need to deprive ourselves of traditional holiday treats though! Instead of feeling guilty for indulging, focus on eating a well-rounded diet including mostly fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains—but allow yourself to also enjoy those cookies, pies, eggnog, and more in moderation because so many holiday traditions and memories are associated with good food.

From Our Kitchen to Yours
Below is a family favorite recipe that I have made almost every year (since I could reach the counter) during the Christmas season. These filled cookies start with a sugar-cookie-like dough and include melted chocolate and nuts—all wrapped up in a delicious roll!

From all of us at Ebenezer, we are hoping you stay healthy this holiday season and have many blessings to celebrate!

-Rebecca Kapsen, RDN, LDN
Ebenezer Corporate Registered Dietitian

You have made the decision to move your loved one into a senior living community. We know that was a choice that was not likely easy, especially during this time. We at Ebenezer know your parent is going to get more out of life, get the level of care he or she needs, make new friends, and enjoy the next chapter in their lives.

Now, there are several things to take care of to get things in order BEFORE the move that will make for a smooth transition for your Mom or Dad.

Make an appointment with Mom or Dad's primary doctor
Before moving in, no matter what level of care your parent needs, it's a good idea for them to see their primary physician. Ask the doctor to evaluate your parent's medication list to make sure all prescriptions are current, necessary and don't conflict with each other. Taking the proper doses of the medications they need — and only the medications they need — is vital to their quality of life.

Talk about and sign personal paperwork
Before your loved one moves, it's a good time to sit down and talk about a will, power of attorney, a health care directive, and other important issues that we all tend to put off. Get the paperwork done, signed and filed away now, and you won't have to worry about it when the time eventually comes that you'll need it.

Talk about what to do with the house
If Mom or Dad is currently living in their home, the question becomes what to do with the house when they move to their new community. If their house is paid off, there's no great rush to decide, and the topic can be difficult to broach. But now is the time to float a trial balloon to get their feelings on selling their home or keeping it. The money from the sale will go a long way toward securing their financial future.

Fill out a change of address form
Friends and relatives will want to send cards and letters to Mom or Dad in their new home. They'll want all of their personal mail delivered to them instead of piling up at the house.

Get the dimensions and floorplan of their new unit
With the exact dimensions and floorplan, you can map out which furniture to bring and how it will look in their new home. They'll also need their own linens, cookware, dishes, television and radio, personal items and anything else they'd like to make their new place feel like home.

Consider using a senior moving specialist
Deciding what items from home to bring and what to leave behind can be a difficult choice. Services like Gentle Transitions specialize in moving seniors. At Gentle Transitions, they'll give you a complimentary consultation, work with you to create a move plan based on the floorplan of Mom or Dad's new home, help you strategize what to bring and what to downsize, provide professional packing services, help you choose and supervise professional movers, and will be there to unpack when the move is complete. 

Attend some virtual events at the new community
Learn about the virtual events in their new community before they move. Also, ask the team at the new community if your mom or dad can connect virtually or via phone with some current residents to get to know and staff members. That way, they can really get a good feel for the place before they move in.

Here at Ebenezer, we want to help make the transition from home into one of our senior communities as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Get in touch today. 

There's an old saying: If your loved one forgets where they put their keys, they're probably just distracted, stressed, overworked or all of the above. In other words, it's likely nothing to worry about. If they forget what their keys are for, that may be one of the signs your loved one needs a little help, from assisted living to skilled nursing to memory care.
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While we offer many care options at Ebenezer, the signs your loved one is ready to make the move into one of our communities are rarely as cut and dried as the example of the keys. In reality, the decision to change your loved one's living arrangements is stressful, emotional and even guilt-inducing. It's difficult to know if "now" is the right time. Recognizing the fact that the time has come is vital to your loved one's care, safety and well-being.
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Of course, that process is about assessing your loved one's needs, behavioral changes and diminishing abilities. It might surprise you to know it's also about you.

What is your level of caregiver stress? According to AARP, some 16 million Americans are full- or part-time caregivers for loved ones. That role can run the gamut from caring for them in your home 24/7, to being on call to check on Mom and Dad or administer their pills as they continue to live on their own, to being the one who wrestles those proverbial keys away from them for the last time and having the talk about wills, wishes, finances and final arrangements. None of it is easy. Caregiving can get overwhelming quickly, and your mental and physical health can suffer as a result.

That's why we offer Caregiver Support Groups to people with family members living in our communities or who might be candidates for joining us in the future. Located throughout Minnesota, these support groups provide fellowship, understanding and a shoulder to lean on for caregivers.

One topic that gets brought up frequently is the "When is the right time to move Mom or Dad?" dilemma many caregivers face. We advise people who are caregivers to ask themselves several questions that serve to highlight their own state of mind, level of emotional stress and physical health, all of which can be impacted by caregiving.

• Is the caregiving process getting increasingly difficult for you?
• Are you emotionally drained, exhausted or depressed much of the time?
• Are you physically able to get your loved one into the shower or to the bathroom?
• Is your own health failing?
• Do you feel you have nothing in your life except caregiving?
• Have you set many "lines in the sand" in terms of things you just can't deal with on your own, like incontinence, that you deal with anyway?

If any of these feel all too familiar, it may be time to explore the alternatives we offer at Ebenezer.
Changes to watch out for in Mom and Dad. Another facet of deciding when the time is right to move Mom or Dad is the change in their behavior that you, as their caregiver, notice.
Here are some signs we advise people to watch out for.

Early changes and signs

• Are they eating? Yes, you may have them signed up for daily deliveries of Meals on Wheels. Are they eating those meals or are they accumulating in the refrigerator?
• Are they getting out to social events with friends, church or family get-togethers? Social isolation is another reason to look into senior living.
• Are they taking care of their home? Maintenance-free living is a great advantage of senior living communities.
• Have you taken away the car keys because of an incident or simply a lack of confidence in their safety to drive?
• Do you trust that they can get to the bathroom on their own at night?
• Have they fallen one or more times?
• Are they repeating favorite stories over and over, more than usual?
• Do they seem increasingly innocent and childlike?
• Are they responsible to pay bills and take their meds on their own?
• Are they keeping up with doctors' appointments?

More serious changes and signs

• Do you believe their health and safety is at risk? Falling, missing medications, not getting to the bathroom in time, having to navigate stairs at home with increasing difficulty, not eating and more all add up. If you feel they're not safe at home, it's time to consider your options seriously.
• Have they been "sundowning"? Sundowner syndrome is very common. It means becoming increasingly agitated, upset, confused or angry as the day winds down.
• Do they wander? This can be extremely stressful for caregivers. You finally take a moment to go into the bathroom or to start dinner, and they are out the door.

If your loved ones are exhibiting these signs, or if you are feeling overwhelmed by caregiving, it's time to seek help. Our senior care specialists are there to help when you're facing the decision to move Mom or Dad into one of our communities. Our skilled and caring social workers can also provide you with options for help care for them at home that you may have not known about, like transportation, assistance with daily activities, companion care services, mental health support and care planning.

Or maybe it's time to consider a move to senior living where your loved one can receive the care they need. It gives caregivers peace of mind to know their loved one has 24/7 services and care available.

Find a location nearest to you today to learn more about the lifestyle our communities offer.

​If you are helping to care for a loved one, we at Ebenezer fully understand how physically, emotionally, and mentally draining that role can become.

We’d also like to reassure you that you’re far from alone. The Pew Research Center reports that more than 40 million adults in North America provide unpaid care to elderly loved ones, and many of them also have significant daily responsibilities that transcend that care. More than one in 10 U.S. parents care for children as well as adults; in addition, those multigenerational caregivers spend an average 3 hours and 17 minutes a day on other work for which they’re paid.

At Ebenezer, we’re here to help. With over 100 years of experience providing quality care for older adults, we’re experts in navigating the many challenges that can be part of the caregiver experience. While the role of caregiver can offer substantial rewards, it can also be demanding enough to strain the resources of even the most resilient person. And we recognize and honor the truth in the situation: If caregivers don’t take care of themselves, they'll eventually become unable to care for anyone else.

In recognition of that, here are our suggestions for helping prevent caregiver fatigue even as you carry on with your labor of love.

Caring for the caregiver

1. Ask others for help. Admitting you need assistance isn’t a weakness. Communicate your needs to your siblings, spouse, children and friends and ask them to pitch in or provide care in shifts. They may be unaware of your stress. Consider support from our partners at Fairview Caregiver Assurance, which is a membership program that provides resources over the phone, in-person and online to aid caregivers in their journey.
2. Delegate other tasks. Do you need help with errands, housework, meal prep or other daily living tasks that are going undone? People in your life want to help out, but may not be suited to caregiving responsibilities. Making a meal or doing your laundry are perfect ways to let them take some of the load off of you.
3. Build in relaxation time. When spending time with your loved one, take frequent breaks. After hours, make sure to allot time for activities you find enjoyable and relaxing, such as massage appointments, naps, baths, walks in nature, yoga classes, salon visits and music sessions.
4. Monitor your own health. Keep doctor and dentist appointments, and address any concerns. Work exercise into your daily routine. Eat nourishing foods. Get enough sleep so that you wake up refreshed.
5. Acknowledge your own feelings. It’s OK to admit to yourself that you feel sad, angry, frustrated, resentful, overburdened or scared. Consider journaling about your thoughts and emotions, or perhaps incorporate them into prayer or meditation.
6. Check into family leave benefits. Your employer may offer paid or unpaid time off that can help give you more time to spend with, and care for, your loved one.
7. Find a support group. Talking openly to others who understand exactly what you’re going through can be an enormous relief. At Ebenezer, we offer a number of Care Partner support groups for caregivers. Some meetings are topic focused, dealing with issues that affect caregivers. Others offer safe spaces to share thoughts and emotions with other caregivers, or just listen and take it all in.
8. Consider respite care. Several organizations can offer temporary care for your loved one when you need a break or wish to take a vacation. At Ebenezer Assisted Living Communities, we provide fully furnished Stay By the Day Apartments in which individuals are invited to stay for three to 30 days. Health support and personal support are customized to the person's needs, meals are included and care attendants are on-duty 24-7.
9. Accept that you’re not superhuman. Admit to yourself you won’t be able to make life idyllic for your loved one. No matter how hard you try, you can’t control the decisions they make, halt the aging process or cure incurable diseases. Some days will go better than others, and on many days your best efforts will have to be enough.
10. Maintain your sense of humor. Remaining grave and serious all the time can be exhausting. Laughing with your loved one can break the tension when situations seem surreal or ridiculous.

​Taking care of your loved one may be one of the most important and rewarding tasks you’ll ever undertake, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy in any way. If you’re a caregiver, think of Ebenezer as a trusted resource when it comes to senior care. Reach us at 612-672-7262 for more information.

Ebenezer’s mission is to heal, discover and educate for longer, healthier, more meaningful lives for seniors. At Ebenezer, those aren't just words on a plaque in the lobby. We live our mission every day.

Part of that mission is the physical care we provide, from a beautiful place to live to delicious meals to skilled nursing care if needed, and so much more. Those kinds of medical and physical considerations are paramount, of course. But, at Ebenezer, our seniors don't live on bread alone. The vibrant, enriching, social, spiritual, fulfilling lifestyle we strive to provide for our residents is about so much more than the basics.
It's about our unique programming, including:

Life Long Learning, a collection of coordinated arts and education programs designed to foster growth and creativity for older adults, includes some of the preeminent arts organizations and programs in Minnesota like MacPhail “Music for Life©”, Northern Clay Center, Alzheimer’s Poetry Project MN, Artistry, Timeslips©, Art with Heart© and many more.

Adult Day Programs, in which older adults who live at home can come to our community, have care, social interactions, meals and take part in some of the activities at Ebenezer during the day but go back home at the end of the day.

Intergenerational Connections is a program in which Ebenezer is committed to creating opportunities for our senior population to connect with children and youth of all ages. This helps to bridge the generation gap, create learning opportunities for both the seniors and children as well as enrich the quality of their lives. Through intergenerational connections, people of all ages share their talents and resources, supporting each other in relationships that benefit both the individuals and the community.

Faith Foundations is an Ebenezer cornerstone that is deeply rooted in our mission and story. The essence of spiritual care is both a personal and communal reality. The great hymns of faith and traditional rituals may or may not meet the needs of future generations. But our mission remains the same: to help identify the specific spiritual needs of each new resident and each new generation. Our hope is that we might always be able to provide the religiously, spiritually and culturally sensitive care to enhance our residents’ lifelong journeys of faith.

This is the type of second-to-none programming we provide in service to our residents, as part of our mission to help them live more meaningful lives. It's above and beyond what many senior living communities provide. We do offer robust programming in many of our senior living communities but for specialty programs such as the ones we mentioned, it’s simply not in the budget. So, where does the money come from? The opportunity to offer our seniors these life-enhancing programs comes from generous donations.
That's where the Ebenezer Foundation comes in.

The Ebenezer Foundation serves as the liaison between Ebenezer and our generous family of donors. We raise funds to support Ebenezer programs and services. Our strong partnerships with donors allow us to improve and expand our services for residents, update and add new sites, provide vital community resources and invest in cutting-edge innovation and state-of-the-art technology.

Residents find meaning, socialization, learning and fun in the innovative, award-winning programming we provide. They can pick up a paintbrush and create a work of art, learn how to craft pottery, get their hands in the soil and make something grow, interact with children to provide them with opportunities for learning and care, and receive the calming and quiet services of a chaplain whenever they're in need.

We profoundly thank our generous donors for joining us in our mission: helping seniors live longer, healthier and more meaningful lives. If you'd like to give to Ebenezer, you can do so easily online by clicking here. Every dollar helps enhance the lives of our residents!

This Thanksgiving week may look a little different than usual for us. Usually, we are traveling or having large get-togethers over a giant, delicious meal. Even though the holiday will be different this year, there are still many things to be thankful for. Perhaps some of you have already been trying to practice gratitude in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. If not, we invite you to try to think of one to three things to be grateful for each day. If you choose, write them down in a journal or share with a friend or family member. We can all practice gratitude at any time of year!

Most likely, you have your holiday menu set for the “big day.” We usually over-prepare and have too many leftover ingredients that sit unused in the refrigerator. Here’s a recipe you can use at Thanksgiving or in the days to follow with leftover ingredients you may have, showcasing Brussels sprouts. Did you know that Brussels sprouts first appeared in Europe during the 5th century and were later cultivated during the 13th century near Brussels, Belgium?

Brussels sprouts belong to the Brassica oleracea species group of cabbages—and are often referred to as “mini cabbages.” Brussels sprouts grow best in temperatures between 45 and 75 degrees and are generally used as a winter-stock vegetable. Smaller Brussels sprouts are generally sweeter and more mild than larger varieties. Raw Brussels sprouts contain 86% water and are a great source of vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, vitamin B6 and fiber.

The most common way to prepare these green gems is to cut off the stems, peel surface leaves and boil, steam, grill, roast, fry or stir fry to your liking. Season your sprouts with some butter, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, pepper or Parmesan cheese if you like!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family however you celebrate this year!