SOULcial Salute Jackie Byington, CTRS, Life Enrichment Director Cornerstone Assisted Living and Memory Care. Plymouth MN It’s All Just Fun and Games. Really! As we come up to this year’s National Activity Professionals Day on January 26th, we are enjoying shining our light on this most appreciated work. I was directed to Jackie Byington as
January 4, 2024
December 7, 2023
SOULcial Salute to Santa
SOULcial Salute Arlyn Grussing, “Santa Arlyn” Santa’s North Pole Experience, Eden Prairie MN Santa in Senior Living After raising a family and wrapping up careers in the Bloomington area followed by 15 years of being Father Christmas to thousands of kids “Santa and Mrs. Claus (Arlyn and Bonnie Grussing)”, at age 78, are enjoying the
December 7, 2023
THE HOLIDAY SEASON AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH
The Holidays are Upon Us It’s the Holiday Season – a time to celebrate. Television movies and commercials depict parties, gift giving, hugs, shopping and happy families gathered around a table full of food, drinks and laughter. Unfortunately for many, that’s not their reality. This time of year can trigger a myriad of emotions such
December 3, 2023
Celebrating The Holidays in Senior Living by Janelle Meyers, CSA, LALD
Celebrating The Holidays in Senior Living by Janelle Meyers, CSA, LALD Are you overwhelmed or stressed about the upcoming holidays? If you are, you are not alone. Maybe you or a loved one recently moved into an assisted living, nursing home or other senior care facility. It wiill be different from past years. However, you
November 11, 2023
Palliative Care and Hospice – what’s the difference?
Palliative Care and Hospice – what’s the difference? There are some misconceptions surrounding these terms and they are often used interchangeably. While there are similarities between palliative and hospice care, there are also significant differences. All Hospice care is considered palliative, meaning a “team” approach is used to provide comfort care and support to the
November 11, 2023
SOULcial Salute
SOULcial Salute Lisa Engdahl, LSW, Social Worker, Senior Outreach & Caregiver Services Senior Community Services, Minnetonka MN Caregiving Was In The Cards From The Start While Lisa has been in her current role since 2013 she has been supporting caregivers for decades. It started before high school babysitting their neighbors kids(aka respite care). Through high
November 9, 2023
Caring for the Caregiver
Caring for the Caregiver Each year in November, we honor and recognize family caregivers across the United States. An estimated $375 billion dollars in care is provided by family caregivers annually according to National Alliance for Caregiving and Evercare. Caring for a loved one is a personal choice. There are many reasons why a family
October 8, 2023
The Nonprofit vs. For-profit Difference in Senior Housing
The Nonprofit vs. For-profit Difference in Senior Housing by Janelle Meyers, CSA , LALD Having 28 years of experience working in senior living has given me the opportunity to be part of for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. Many people wonder, is there a difference between for-profit senior living and not-for-profit senior living? The short answer is
October 7, 2023
SOULcial Salute
SOULcial Salute Reverend Arlen Solem, Chaplain and Campus Pastor Emerald Crest Memory Care (Cassia): Burnsville, Minnetonka, Shakopee, Victoria Senior Living: A Layover Between Hospice and Hospital Chaplaincy After years of working in hospice in Milwaukee, Arlen found his way to the Twin Cities in the fall of 2016. He was planning on a career position
October 7, 2023
Depression in Older Adults
Depression in Older Adults Clinical depression is not a normal part of aging. Studies show most older adults are satisfied with their lives. This is despite the fact they experience more health issues than younger adults. (NIA/NIH). However, it is common to feel down at times – most of us will experience that throughout our