I’m Looking for a Parent or Elderly Loved One

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.

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.

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 & 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 & 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 & 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 Care Management Services is 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.

Choosing a senior living community can feel like a daunting task. To help narrow down your options, ask yourself these questions first:

What Type of Senior Housing do I Need?

Not all senior housing is the same. There are many options to consider depending on the level of care you need:

• Independent Senior Living – For those who want to live on their own. Includes independent living apartments, townhomes, condominiums or cooperative buildings designed for active adults age 55 and older. If you need a little extra help, you can contract services such as housekeeping, personal care or wellness.  
• Assisted Living – Offers a rental apartment for those who don’t require complicated, full time medical assistance. You can continue living independently, but care is there when you need it through care attendants and nurses. Meals and light housekeeping are part of the package. 
• Memory Care – Includes special touches for those with memory loss, such as uniquely designed apartments, specialized programming and controlled exits to give you peace of mind knowing residents won’t wander off the property. Caregivers are also specially trained to work with people with dementia, providing a higher, more personalized level of care and attention.
• Enhanced Care - Enhanced Care Suites provide 24-hour health care, within a homelike setting, for those needing advanced care within our senior living community--for short term or long term. Enhanced care includes three meals, housekeeping, and a package of care services designed specifically for your higher care needs.
• Nursing Homes – Offer high-level nursing care around the clock. Long-term care is provided for those who have serious or persistent health issues. There are also short-term care options – or transitional care – for those who need rehabilitation services after an illness or injury. Nursing homes are licensed healthcare facilities that are inspected and regulated by the state department of health.

Ebenezer is the largest senior housing provider in Minnesota and offers a wide variety of senior living options including active 55+, independent, assisted living, and memory care communities as well as those with higher needs such as enhanced care and care centers. We also offer short-term care options such as transitional care, stay by the day and adult day programs. Each is designed to help you live more independent, meaningful and secure lives. For additional help in determining which Ebenezer community is right for you, contact a community nearest to you.

What Happens if I Need Advanced Care?

If your care changes, make sure your senior living community is equipped to handle your shifting needs. Can you easily move from assisted living to a nursing home? Is a hospital nearby if you need it? Can you keep your existing physician? Will your medical records easily be transferred?

Not only does Ebenezer offer all types of senior living communities, but we are also affiliated with Fairview Health Services. This means you have a wealth of resources at your disposal, from top-notch physicians to the latest in Alzheimer’s research.  Each day we are working to improve the quality and safety of patient care, which is how Ebenezer and Fairview became pioneers in the secure transmission of electronic health records between nursing homes and hospitals. 

Where do I Want to Live?

Moving into senior housing brings exciting changes, like choosing the exact area you want to live. Do you prefer the familiarity of your current location and want to find senior housing in your own community? Or, do you look forward to moving closer to loved ones who may live in a different area? Perhaps you are interested in experiencing a new neighborhood altogether? 

There are more than 100 Ebenezer independent living, assisted living, memory care and nursing homes in both urban and rural settings throughout Minnesota. Since 1917, we’ve been Minnesota’s leader in senior housing, memory care and assisted living. For more than 100 years, our mission-based organization has been members of your community. Now, we invite you to be a part of ours.

Schedule a tour today to learn more about the vibrant senior living options at Ebenezer. 

When you're deciding on senior living for your loved ones, you have many options to choose from. Finding the best fit is one important key to a smooth transition from Mom or Dad living independently in their own home and moving into one of our vibrant communities. Your best bet is to do a little homework about the options available before you choose. At Ebenezer, we're always here to help with that. Contact us anytime and we can walk you through everything we offer. In the meantime, here are some great tips to help you decide. The bottom line is, it all boils down to the amount of care and assistance your loved one needs.

Understand the Different Types of Senior Living Communities

What's the difference between independent living, cooperative living, and assisted living? Is there a difference between memory care and skilled nursing facilities? Here's a rundown:
Active 55+ or Independent Living. This is living in an apartment, townhome, condo, or cooperative building that has been designed with the needs of seniors in mind. It's about creating a lifestyle of convenience and maintenance-free lifestyle, along with a host of activities for social interaction among residents. One great advantage of this option is the ability to contract services within Ebenezer. If you are in a building that has the full continuum of living, this will allow you to "age in place" without the need to move if the need for care arises.

Assisted Living. If your loved ones need a bit of assistance managing daily activities like dressing, cooking, cleaning, meds, and bathing, but are otherwise safe to live on their own, assisted living apartments are a great solution. Assisted Living communities provide more services than independent living communities, and there are staff on duty 24 hours a day.

Enhanced Care. If Mom or Dad needs higher levels of assisted living, with nearby staff 24 hours a day, our Enhanced Care neighborhoods just might be what you need in order to live a better quality of life. 

Skilled Nursing Facilities or Care Centers. These provide more skilled care by licensed professionals than people in independent or assisted living need. It's health care support, with nurses present around the clock, for your loved ones. We strive to create a residence experience that is warm, caring and inviting, offering opportunities to participate in programs like Life Long Learning, Horticulture Therapy and more.

Memory Care. Ebenezer is Minnesota's expert in memory care. We're your trusted resource for personal services in your home or in one of our many beautiful memory care communities. We provide housing and resources for people living with memory loss, and our compassionate care is the industry leader.

To learn more about which senior living option is right for your loved ones, get more information in Housing & Services or contact us today. We'll be happy to talk with you about next steps for your revered elders.

Think About the Level of Care your Loved One Needs Now...

What is the reason you are considering a move to a senior living community for Mom or Dad? Some common reasons include:

Companionship and social activities. Many seniors living in their own homes find that their social lives are smaller than they were when they had children at home. Their social lives can open up in a senior living facility because of all of the opportunities for activities and social interaction.

Increasing difficulties living independently at home. It might be more taxing to start the day, dressing, toileting, or grooming. You or your loved one might need help with things like meals, laundry, and everyday household tasks. In Ebenezer's senior communities, we can take that burden out of the picture.

Mobility issues. Transportation can become an issue for seniors. Also, it may be more difficult to simply get around the house, whether it be using a walker or sitting and standing.

Knowing what your loved one needs now in terms of services can help guide you to the right place.

...and Also Look Toward the Future

Factor in your loved one's future health needs. Many of our residents in independent living apartments are making plans for their future health needs. In many of our communities, residents can transition to assisted living without having to move.

At Ebenezer, we understand you want the best for your mom or dad. It's about peace of mind for you, and safety and happiness for them. Don't push off this decision until a crisis like a fall happens. Knowing your options before you need them is a key factor in your loved one's quality of life.

Let the experts at Ebenezer guide you through the process so you and your loved ones can live your best life moving forward. Call us for more information.

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. 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 & 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 & Floor Plan 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 Events at the New Community

Take Mom or Dad to a couple of events in their new community before they move. That way, they can meet and mingle with residents and staff, and 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. 

Here's some advice from someone who's been there

You’re doing what any good person would do, trying to keep tabs on a loved one who’s growing older. You’re afraid to broach the idea of getting involved in their affairs, because you don’t want to hurt their feelings–or worse, start a fight. Maybe you’ve even tried to offer your help, only to get rebuffed. 

Heidi Sklenar Telschow, a personal advisor to clients of Fairview’s Caregiver Assurance service, knows it’s a predicament. She hears it on a daily basis. 

When a senior repeatedly resists help, “it creates a lot of frustration for the son or daughter or spouse,” Heidi says. “People will make unsafe and uninformed decisions, and you just want to throw your hands in the air and say, ‘I’m done.’ ”

Getting Past Your Frustration
The first step is understanding that your loved one isn’t necessarily just being stubborn. 

“It’s more about them being in denial of their actual abilities,” Heidi says, from their eyesight to whether they’re strong enough to handle the stairs. “It may take Dad slipping on those last two steps and getting a big bruise on his behind for him to realize.” 

Even if your loved one does grasp the situation, accepting your help can feel like surrender. “That final time they hand over those car keys and know they will never go to the store by themselves again, it’s handing over their independence,” Heidi says. “To lose that is like giving up who they’ve been their entire adult life.”

Having the Talk 
Heidi has some tips for that difficult conversation about taking on some things your loved one can’t or shouldn’t be doing anymore. 

“Never present it as an ultimatum: ‘If you do that one more time, I won’t keep bringing the grandkids to visit.’ Like any transition in life, it has to be processed,” Heidi says. It’s also easy to fall into the trap of shaming or guilting your parent. You might be thinking, “Doing this for you is already hard enough; don’t make it any harder” or “I never signed up for this.” But saying it to them could increase whatever anxiety or depression they’re having about aging, making it even harder to accept your help and pushing the problem down the road. Bringing a neutral party into the conversation can often break a stalemate. 

“Try to have the advice come from someone else–me, a doctor, a mental health assessor,” Heidi says. “It takes the weight off the caregiver as the bad guy. You don’t have to be the one to pull the plug, so to speak. If it’s you as the caregiver harping on it, they’ll drag their feet.” 

That’s one reason why Fairview launched Caregiver Assurance, which gives you unlimited access to a personal advisor like Heidi and the option of visiting your senior’s home and hosting a family conference with you. 

“People always take me up on that,” she says. “No one ever says, ‘Let me be the one to break Dad’s heart.’ ”

Accepting What you Can't Control 
In the end, the senior is still in control. Just because you choose to watch out for them or it’s fallen to you, it doesn’t mean they’ll let you make all the decisions while they’re still living in their own home. So expect to draw on your deepest reservoir of patience. 

“People aren’t going to hear a recommendation just once and accept it,” Heidi says. “People need time to weigh their options. Reassure them that you’re there for them and will do everything you can for their safety, and when they’re ready to make those brave steps for change, you’ll be there for them no matter how long it takes. Wrap them in support.”

For more information on how you can support your parent in their journey or get tools and resources to help them navigate, contact an Ebenezer community nearest to you or for more about Fairview Caregiver Assurance, contact 612-672-CARE(2273)

Caring for your aging parents sometimes involves bringing up delicate subjects. Driving is one of the first. If you're with a group of friends who are in the 50-something age range, it's likely everyone will have a story about how tricky it was to tell Mom or Dad it was time to surrender the car keys. After all, they probably taught you to drive. That hurdle accomplished, one of the next things that comes up is broaching the subject of moving to assisted living or another level of senior care. What is the best way to tell Mom or Dad that it's time to start looking into a move?

At Ebenezer, we have been helping loved ones through this conversation for 100 years. Here are some of our best tips for preparing for "the talk."

Do Some Thinking Beforehand

Before broaching the subject of moving with Mom or Dad, do some thinking about why you think it's time to have this talk in the first place. Do you believe your loved one is no longer safe at home? Have there been incidents like falls? Are they increasingly lonely? Is he or she forgetting to take their meds? Are you, as a caregiver, feeling like Mom or Dad needs more care than you can provide? Make a list, and have it ready when you sit down with them.

Explore Your Options

At Ebenezer, we are the trusted leader in senior living. Our communities run the gamut from independent living condos, townhomes and apartments to skilled nursing care centers, and everything in between. But how do you know which option is right for your parent? At Ebenezer, we can help you with that. To learn more about our senior living options and start the process of deciding which is best for your loved one, read about our Housing and Services. Then give us a call to talk about your loved one's specific needs. If you're aware of your options, it will make broaching that subject easier when the time comes.

Use a Teachable Moment as your Springboard

Many adult children of seniors aren't quite sure when to bring up the subject of moving into senior living ... until something happens to force the issue. Maybe it's a fall or other incident at home that indicates they may not be safe there much longer, or perhaps your loved one isn't eating those Meals on Wheels you have delivered to their door every day. Use these moments as your cue to bring up senior living.

Realize You May Need to Have the Talk More than Once

If Mom or Dad is very independent, it may take awhile for the idea of moving into senior living to sink in. Unless you feel your parent is unsafe living alone, or if caregiving is becoming more than you can manage, be content to wait a bit after your first talk to allow your parent to come to their own realization that moving won't be the signal of the end of life, but the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

Don't Wait for a Crisis to Take a Tour

A great time to take a tour and plan for senior living is before you need it. We're happy to give potential residents or their children a tour of our communities. Many older adults have an outdated vision of what senior living is, and seeing our vibrant communities can be an eye-opener. Many people don't realize that Independent Living and Active 55+ communities offer benefits aside from physical care, like living a maintenance-free lifestyle, socializing with like-minded adults, and spiritual, emotional and mental support. Isolation at home for older adults is a major health concern. Often the adult children don't notice their parent is isolated and the older adult won't say they're lonely.

These are all great tips. But, we've found, oftentimes it's the son or daughter of a senior who makes more of this talk than the senior themselves. We may assume everyone, including Mom and Dad, wants to live at home for as long as possible. But that may not always be the case. It depends on your loved one's lifestyle and needs. If one spouse has passed away and the other is living alone, that makes for a lot of lonely days and nights. Senior living means being in a community of friends, with activities to enjoy, people to socialize with, and a whole new way of life. Maybe it's Mom and Dad who are wondering how to broach the subject with you!

For more advice on talking to your parents about senior living, contact us. We're happy to help!

Many older adults want to stay in their home as long as possible. There is an assumption that staying in your home means you are independent, but the reality is it can often lead to loneliness and isolation. The health effects of long-term isolation are measurable and include chronic health conditions, depression, anxiety, dementia and even premature death. 

Loneliness is on the rise overall, but those most affected are those 80 and older according to a 2016 study. 

Older adults who are most at risk are often:

• living alone
• living with untreated hearing loss
• living with mobility impairments 
• no longer driving or have limited access to transportation
• recently experienced the loss of a spouse, friend or partner
• caregivers

The best remedy for loneliness is staying connected. Staying connected, interacting with others, and staying socially engaged with friends and your community can help fight loneliness and the health risks that are associated with it. 

How can a move to Senior Living help fight loneliness?

When people move into a senior living community we often hear the line “I wish I wouldn’t have waited so long” and their family members tell us that their loved ones health seems to have improved or they’re seeing them blossom. 

Here’s why:

• Senior living brings people together. Coffee socials, happy hours, and even chatting over lunch helps to grow those meaningful relationships that increase health and longevity.
• Senior living provides opportunities for purposeful engagement in daily life. Our residents like to volunteer, help out their neighbors, and share with friends.
• Senior living offers spiritual programming in the community, and often offers transportation to local services. Research shows that regular attendance at faith-based services (no matter the denomination) improves life expectancy.
• Intergenerational programming brings older adults and young children together to work on projects together, enjoy each other’s company, and learn from each other. The young and the young at heart both have so much wisdom to share.
• Senior living provides regularly scheduled fitness classes to help maintain physical mobility. It’s also an environment where you don’t have to feel judged or insecure about using adaptive devices (like walkers or wheelchairs) you may need to help you stay more independent.
• An accessible van means you can easily get out and about, to do shopping, visit restaurants, and more. You stay connected with the community at large, and continue to do the activities you love

We invite you to visit an Ebenezer senior living community nearest to you to learn more about the benefits of senior living, the lifestyle and how it can improve you or a loved one’s life. 

If your aging parent or a loved one has been living independently and enjoying an active lifestyle, they might not be willing to admit that their mental and/or physical abilities are not what they used to be. 

Not wanting to be a burden, they may be hesitant to reach out for assistance — that’s why it is important to know when it’s time to offer help. Signs that indicate your loved one may need help include:

• Losing weight, having no appetite and missing meals. Is there nutritious food in the home? Do they have access to easy to prepare food? Are they able to adhere to special dietary recommendations to address health concerns?  
• Exhibiting signs of poor hygiene. Has the person stopped bathing, brushing teeth, trimming nails or combing their hair? Are there sores on their skin?
• Failing to take essential medications or unwilling to get medical treatment for illness.
• Wearing clothing that’s inappropriate for the weather. 
• Feeling confused, forgetting to pay bills or renew prescriptions, missing scheduled appointments. 
• Ignoring or unable to perform household duties. Is the home dirty? Is trash piled up inside the home?
• Avoiding activities they once enjoyed, such as meeting with friends or going to religious services. 

Unless the situation is critical, experts recommend involving your parent or loved one as much as possible in the decision-making process when planning for care. This can help ease their fears of losing control, and it shows that you have their best interests at heart. 

Taking on Caregiving Responsibilities

Becoming a family caregiver is one of the most rewarding and stressful jobs you’ll undertake. Because you’re juggling many responsibilities, taking care of your physical health and emotional well-being are key to avoid caregiver stress.

According to the American Psychological Association, caregiving strain is often more significant when caregivers don’t have enough resources (information, skills, social support, respite and community services) and feel overwhelmed.

Being Aware of Caregiver Stress can help you take action. Signs and symptoms include:

• Having problems sleeping and concentrating.
• Experiencing new or deteriorating health conditions.
• Eating, drinking or smoking more than you have in the past.
• Neglecting your own needs and responsibilities.
• Feeling exhausted, rundown or resentful of your loved one.

Navigating Family Caregiving Tasks

There’s no reason to feel like you have to go it alone. Asking for help with caregiving responsibilities can help you avoid caregiver stress. 

Family members and friends are often ready and willing to help, but they may be unaware of your feelings or how they can help. Starting the conversation and sharing information can help everyone understand the situation and feel involved. 

Be specific about the type of help you need and make a list of important tasks. Look for ways to divide caregiving responsibilities, such as running errands or buying groceries; managing bills and other financial duties; taking care of your loved one’s medications and doctor appointments; or researching additional resources for support. 

If you or a loved one needs support navigating senior living options, tools and resources, an Ebenezer senior living specialist is happy to help you in your journey. Contact an Ebenezer community nearest to you to begin your conversation.

Did you know? 
The Department of Health and Human Services offers a wealth of information about programs and services for caregivers, including respite care, long-term care, veterans services, financial and legal services, and end of life care. Learn More.

We also have Caregiver resources available within Ebenezer and Fairview such as Care Partner Support Groups and Fairview Care Assurance.

What time is the right time to move your loved one from their home to a new home in one of our communities? Sometimes, it's hard to know. Let's look at the differences between care at home and senior living in one of our communities.

Care at Home

Many people whose loved ones need a bit of assistance to live independently in their own homes don't know about the resources that are available out there to help keep Mom or Dad at home. At Ebenezer, we work with Fairview Private Pay Home Care. The most trusted name in health care, Fairview offers a variety of in-home care options, including home health aides, nurses or live-in aides.

Here are some details of this invaluable service:

• Services that are customized to your loved one's needs, whether it's live-in care, help with daily activities like bathing a few hours a week, or nursing care.
• Professionally trained, bonded and insured nurses, home health aides and live-in aides.
• A personalized assessment that can give you a professional view of your loved one's needs.
• A care plan designed just for your loved one, working with your physician and family.

Differences in levels of care at home:

• Home health aides provide personal care like grooming, bathing, dressing, toileting, and skin care; meal prep and light housekeeping; errands; companionship.
• Nurses work with more complex medical care like set up and management of meds, blood draws for INRs and other needed tests, injections, wound and catheter care, and other nursing tasks your loved one needs.
• Live-in care covers 10 hours of awake time during the day. It's a great option for caregivers who need to be at work but need care for their loved ones during the workday, and for people who need assistance during the day but are safe on their own at night.

Ebenezer also offers a host of resources, including Adult Day programs, stay-by-the-day options, tips for caregivers, care management services and more. 

Senior Living

When it's time to make the move from your loved one's home to a new home at one of our communities at Ebenezer, we offer many exciting options for senior living. For those new to the process, it's useful to know the differences between the levels of care we offer.

• 55+ Active or Independent Living. This is living in an apartment, condo, townhome or cooperative building that has been designed with the needs of seniors in mind. It's about creating a lifestyle of convenience and support, along with a host of activities for social interaction among residents. One great advantage of this option is the ability to contract services that allow you or your loved one to "age in place" without the need to move if your needs for care increase.
• Assisted Living. If your loved ones need a bit of assistance managing daily activities like dressing, cooking, cleaning, meds, and bathing, but are otherwise safe to live on their own, assisted living apartments are a great solution. Assisted Living communities provide more services than independent living communities, and there are staff on duty 24 hours a day.
• Skilled Nursing Care Centers. These provide more care than people in independent or assisted living need. It's health care support, round the clock, for your loved ones. We strive to create a residence experience that is warm, caring and inviting, offering opportunities to participate in programs like Life Long Learning, Horticulture Therapy and more.
• Memory Care. Ebenezer is Minnesota's expert in memory care. We're your trusted resource for personal services in your home or in one of our 21 beautiful memory care communities. We provide housing and resources for people living with memory loss, and our compassionate care is the industry leader.

While home care is a wonderful option, there is less consistency in the home care staff. In a senior living building you or your loved ones will never have to worry if your caregiver will show up or call in sick. At Ebenezer, we have processes and procedures, backup plans and a large team.

Your loved one will also be part of a community. Most people cannot afford 24/7 live-in home care, so what often happens is, caregivers come to the home, provide the care and leave. This takes care of the seniors' physical needs, but their emotional, mental and social needs are left unmet. We believe living in a community is the better option. Move into independent living and keep independence with continuing care options as you age and your abilities change.
In all our communities, what sets us apart is our staff. We employ caring, experienced people who go out of their way to make residents feel like family.

To learn more about which senior living option is right for your loved ones, please read our Housing & Services information, or contact us today. We'll be happy to talk with you about next steps for your revered elders.

Millions of people in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. But no two of those people are exactly the same. Symptoms of dementia, which often   include memory loss, thinking difficulties and lack of impulse control impact people in different ways and can vary from day to day. There is no cookie-cutter, general plan of care that works for everyone. That's why Person-Centered Care is a cornerstone of Ebenezer's Dimensions® Program, which was initially funded by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Health.
One of the building blocks of Dimensions® is Wellness. How does one ensure well-being for persons with dementia? Ebenezer believes this is best accomplished through both relationship-based as well as person-centered care. Dr. Alvin Holm asserts that the quality of life for persons with dementia is based on the quality of the relationships they have with the people they see and interact with most often. At Ebenezer, we translate that into staff building meaningful relationships with each community member and carrying out care plans based on individual needs and preferences as well as their retained strengths and skills. Person-centered care is seeing people living with dementia as whole persons, individuals who have the same basic human needs as the rest of us. Recognizing these very real human needs gives people with dementia the dignity of exceptional, compassionate care designed specifically for them, incorporating best practices.

Here's how person-centered care looks at an Ebenezer memory community:

Detailed assessments. We look at each person’s abilities, preferences, needs and their personal history to create the big picture before we design their care plan.  

Flexible care. We meet people where they are in order to give them the care they need. Some days are better than others for people experiencing dementia. They may function at a high level today; tomorrow, they might need a little more TLC. The care people receive must be flexible enough to change a bit from day to day, depending on the side of the bed the person wakes up on, so to speak. We expect this as part of a normal journey for a person in memory care, and we train our staff to respond accordingly.

Compassion and creativity. Our caregivers know cookie-cutter solutions just don't cut it. They're trained to be creative and compassionate when responding to a need, based on what's happening at the moment and their knowledge of the individual. Staff care deeply about the people who call Ebenezer home, and it shows.

Personalized assessment. Upon move-in, persons with dementia receive a cognitive/functional assessment conducted by an RN or by a team of therapists. The assessment outlines goals and approaches for each person based on their level of cognition and physical abilities. The broad goal is to help people comfortably navigate their environment, and to continue to do things that they are able to do for as long as possible.  

Innovative Training. Staff members receive comprehensive, in-depth dementia care training. This starts during the onboarding process and continues throughout their employment. Our Dimensions Program Coordinator conducts in-person trainings at every Ebenezer site, and creates shorter HOT TOPIC trainings to be delivered regularly by Dimensions Managers, Nurses, or other site leaders. Training is interactive and participatory, often using role play and involving skill practice. We have Dimensions Champions at sites who volunteer to receive additional training to further enhance their dementia care skills. 

Well-being. In addition to opportunities for physical therapy, massage therapy and regular exercise, Ebenezer encourages activities to promote brain health, relaxation through the use of aromatherapy, and an emphasis on good nutrition and hydration.

Engagement. Our Life Long Learning program is well-known for its commitment to life enrichment and creative arts activities. Across Ebenezer, we work with creative artists who have been specially trained to work interactively with elders using music, drumming, poetry, art, dancing and more. We offer spiritual opportunities, intergenerational opportunities, service projects and pet therapy. And of course, we engage people in helping with normal tasks of daily living as much as possible.

Thoughtfully designed spaces. Our Memory Care communities are designed to give our community members living with dementia a sense of safety and security, with controlled-access entries, community spaces, special lighting, painting and decor in calming colors, and accessible spaces and furniture.

Family Education and Support. At Ebenezer, we understand that people living with dementia are not the only ones in need of support. Their families need it too, and we need to stay in touch with those family members to learn from them about their loved ones and to remain on the same page concerning the care we provide. To that end, we offer regular care conferences and a variety of educational programs, community events and care partner support groups at our sites.

Community Partnerships. It takes a village, as the saying goes. For many years Ebenezer has  maintained alliances with the Alzheimer's Association, the University of Minnesota School of Nursing and the Center on Aging, Centrex Therapy and Fairview Home Care and Hospice Senior Services.

At Ebenezer, it's our goal to make a dramatic difference in the lives of persons with dementia. With our innovative Dimensions® Program, we give each community member the dignity of personalized care designed especially for them.

Asking the difficult questions in any situation is uncomfortable for many of us. Oftentimes, those hard questions are about intention, ability, skill, caring, integrity, honesty. Money is another difficult topic. But all of those things need to be on the table when you or your loved one is considering making the move to a senior living community. This is the rest of your (or their) life you're talking about. You need answers to any question or concern you have, no matter how difficult or uncomfortable those questions might be to ask.

At Ebenezer, we've been holding ourselves to a very high standard for more than a century. With our ties to Fairview, you can be assured our care is stellar. We're the largest senior living operator in the state of Minnesota and our reputation is second to none. But that doesn't mean you're not going to have questions about our staff and its training, financial issues, how people get acclimated and transition into our communities, and more. Our staff is happy to sit down and talk with you about each and every concern that's on your mind. In fact, we encourage it.
Here are some difficult and not-so-common questions that you should ask:

Staffing and training:

• When you or your loved one is moving into a senior community, you'll naturally have questions about the staff, how they're trained, and how they interact with residents.
• What do you do if you don't have enough staff in the building and my loved one needs care?
• How does your leadership team get to know about my mom or about me before I move in or when I move in?
• What is your average call response time?
• How do I know your staff are qualified?
• Do your staff speak languages other than English?
• How do you handle staff retention? Do you have a lot of employee turnover?
• How are staff trained? What educational requirements are in place? CNA/PCA?

Finances:
Money is a major concern for everyone, but nobody likes to talk about it. Getting the facts upfront is vital.

• What happens if I run out of money?
• Why is senior living so expensive? How do I know if I’m getting my money’s worth?
• Give me an outline of all “additional” costs, like beauty salon visits and outings.
• Are you for-profit or non-profit?
• Does the pricing increase annually? If so, how much?
• What are all of the upfront fees for moving in?
• Is the rent pro-rated if my loved one moves out or passes away?
• If my spouse moves into the community and I don't, will I lose our house?
• How many people do you have on your Elderly Waiver list?

Getting acclimated/transitions:
You want to know your loved one is going to be happy and comfortable in their new home.

• Is my mom going to make friends here?
• Is my mom or dad going to be sad in the first month that they are here? If so, how do you help them acclimate or get them involved?
• What if my mom (dad) doesn’t like it there and wants to go home? Can we break the lease early?
• Is my mom going to be just another resident to you? (Meaning, will you treat her like a number or a person?)
• How do I know I’m making the right decision to move my mom to senior living?
• Are there resident cliques?
• How do I deal with the guilt of moving them in?

Quality care:
These difficult topics are especially hard for people who have been caring for loved ones. You want to have peace of mind that they'll be getting the best possible care.

• How do I know you can care for my loved one as well as me?
• How do families come together to do what’s best for Mom and Dad?
• What happens if a loved one needs more care and you do not offer the level of care or do not have any openings?
• What does the community do to prevent rehospitalization if my loved one gets sick?
• What is the proximity to good healthcare services provided under the Ebenezer umbrella where my loved one can go as needed?
• Can my loved one keep the same primary care physician or do they need to use the one associated with the community?
• What kind of training is offered to your care staff?
• How does your staff identify signs of senior depression?
• How do you handle volatile relationships within the community?

Facilities:
You need to know about the site itself, its maintenance, and whether you or your loved one will have a clean, safe place to live.

• Is the building soundproof?
• Do you have soft water?
• Do you have filtered drinking water?
• Can I install an ice maker?
• Is the community well maintained?
• Has the community had any survey deficiencies?
• What is the cleaning schedule for my loved one's room?
• How is theft handled? Any incidents of vandalism?
• How do you safeguard your residents?

Asking these questions can be difficult, but they are important. We are happy to help you answer these difficult questions and more. Give us a call today to get connected with an Ebenezer community of your choice where they can answer specific questions you have in your journey.