Aromatherapy uses pure essential oils to improve physical, mental, and emotional health. The sense of smell connects directly with emotions, memories, and instincts. Because of the neuro-associative conditioning process, aromas have the power to evoke states of well being. Peppermint is an essential oil used as an energizer. It’s best used in the morning, to […]
Here at the Orchard, we have an incredible Multi-Sensory Room that provides our residents with a gentle stimulation of sight, sound, taste, smell, and movement in a controlled way. We use it to enhance feelings of well-being, reduce stress, relieve pain, and to maximize their potential to focus, all of which help improve communication and […]
When you think of dementia you typically think of memory loss first. What many are not prepared for is how other behaviors can change too. In many cases, it is these difficult behaviors that families report as more troublesome than memory loss. What is difficult dementia behavior? Difficult behavior includes actions that are destructive, highly […]
Summer weather is great for relaxing with family and friends. Too much outdoor time for seniors, however, can lead to problems like sunburn or dehydration. By taking a few precautions, these problems can be avoided so you can get the most out of long summer days. Wear the right clothing The best summertime clothing for […]
It’s no secret that moving is both difficult and time-consuming. The trick is to feel comfortable in your new home quickly and get your routine back. These 3 big tips can give you the right guidance when moving into your new home into the Orchard community. Contact movers, or assistance, 3 – 4 weeks in […]
Depending on what stage of dementia your loved one is in, sometimes communication can be a challenge for family members. Dementia can cause mood swings or possibly change their personality and behavior. Here are a few tips to help you connect with a person with dementia. Realize your challenge There will always be good days […]
What is a living will? Talking about end-of-life and critical-care issues are never an easy subject and can often get pushed aside because family members aren’t ready to confront this stage, but planning ahead can avert confusion and unnecessary distress during times of concern and grief. Knowing a loved one’s wishes in advance before an […]
There are many misconceptions about hospice care, and those misunderstandings can prevent people from taking advantage of helpful services that could improve the quality of life for seniors and their families. To start off, hospice is not a “place”, it is a combination of specialized services to help patients and families cope with a terminal […]
Making a New Year’s resolution to eat better, exercise, watch your weight, and see your healthcare provider regularly, can help you get healthier and feel better for many more years to come. Here are our top New Year’s resolutions for seniors. Eat healthier When it comes to eating, make sure you have plenty of veggies […]
Taking part in an activity that is fun and thought provoking can improve a senior’s quality of life. Many studies support the connection between lifestyle and dementia risk- finding that following a brain-healthy lifestyle and performing regular brain exercises can also increase a brain’s cognitive resources. In the colder days of winter getting some good […]